Abstract: A system for and a method of controlling the temperature of an object (22). Temperature sensors (30) are placed on the object (22) in abutting zones (24) substantially covering a surface of the object (22), so as to detect a temperature in each of the respective zones (24). Temperature adjusting elements (28) are spaced from and thermally coupled to the object (22), to adjust the temperatures of corresponding ones of the respective zones (24). Temperature control circuits (32, 34, 36), responsive to temperatures detected by respective ones of the temperature sensors (30), control the corresponding ones of the temperature adjusting elements (28) to maintain the temperatures of the respective zones (24) within a preset temperature range. When the object (22) is in a cold environment and is to be maintained at a warmer temperature, the temperature adjusting elements (28) are heating elements.

Abstract: Heat pipes containing graded pore non-arterial wicks have substantially improved reliability when compared with those which utilize arteries. Heat pipes having wicks which are optimally graded in pore size in an axial direction, with the pore size decreasing from the condenser to the evaporator end. These graded pore size wicks yield more than twice the capacity of axially uniform pore size wicks having similar geometries.

Abstract: Flat-plate (vapor chamber) heat pipes are made by enclosing metal wicking between two capillary grooved flat panels. These heat pipes provide a unique configuration and have good capacity and conductance capabilities in zero gravity. When these flat-plate vapor chamber heat pipes are heated or cooled, the surfaces are essentially isothermal, varying only 3.degree. to 5.degree. C over the panel surface.