Abstract: A modular based heat sink which can be easily optimized for a given heat source relies upon both phase change based heat transfer and condenser modules that combine the efficiency of folded fin cooling and the efficiency of the two phase heat transfer.

Abstract: An evaporator includes an enclosure having a fluid inlet manifold and a vapor outlet manifold. At least one blind passageway is arranged within the enclosure so as to open into a portion of the vapor outlet manifold. The interior surface of the enclosure that defines each passageway is covered with a capillary wick. A porous valve is arranged in fluid communication between the fluid inlet manifold and a blind end of the at least one blind passageway.

Abstract: A capillary structure for a heat transfer device, such as a heat pipe is provided having a plurality of particles joined together by a brazing compound such that fillets of the brazing compound are formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of particles and one or more vapor vents are defined in the capillary structer. In this way, a network of capillary passageways are formed between the particles and vapor-vents through the capillary structure so as to aid in the transfer of working fluid by capillary action, while the plurality of fillets provide enhanced thermal transfer properties between the plurality of particles so as to greatly improve over all heat transfer efficiency of the device. A method of making the capillary structure according to the invention is also presented.

Abstract: A heat sink device (10,60) is provided for cooling an electronic component (12) having a surface (14) that rejects heat. A fan (22) overlies the surface (14) to direct an airflow (24) towards the surface (14), the fan having a rotational axis (29). The heat sink device includes a fin (26,64,66) wound about a central axis (40) that extends parallel to the rotational axis (29). The fin (26,64,66) includes louvered surfaces that extend parallel to the central axis (40).

Abstract: A wick for use in a heat pipe is provided incorporating particles of micro-encapsulated phase change material bonded together to form the wick. Use of a wick structure comprising micro-encapsulated PCM particles has the advantage of providing an additional heat absorber. This greatly enhances the ability of the heat pipe to absorb excess heat and may help to prevent damage to the heat pipe or heat generating component, such as an electronic device, especially at times of peak thermal loads.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor package having a substrate, a top surface and at least one semiconductor device attached to the top surface of the substrate. A cover is secured to the substrate creating a space between the cover and the substrate, with the semiconductor device residing within the space. The cover includes an inner chamber that is defined by an upper wall and a lower wall of the cover. The cavity contains a two-phase vaporizable liquid and a wick. Advantageously, the wick on the lower wall includes at least one recess that forms a thinned wall adjacent to a high heat generation portion of the semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the wick on the lower wall includes at least one channel that communicates with at least one of the recesses.

Abstract: A burn-in testing cooling system includes a heat pipe having a tubular body. A capillary wick is disposed on an evaporator portion of the tubular body, and a base seals off the evaporator portion. The base is sized and shaped so as to be releasably thermally engaged with a semiconductor device during burn-in testing. A working fluid is disposed within the heat pipe in sufficient quantity to at least saturate the wick. A hollow tube is coiled around the exterior surface of the heat pipe such that a first set of interior coils are formed adjacent to the exterior surface. These interior coils are brazed to the exterior surface so as to enhance their thermal interface with the heat pipe. A second set of coils are wrapped around the first set of coils, in overlying relation to them.

Abstract: A burn-in testing cooling system including an evaporator comprising an upright tubular body having an interior surface and a central passageway with a wick disposed on the interior surface of the body that defines the central passageway. A base seals off the central passageway, with an inlet port arranged in flow communication with an upper portion of the central passageway and an outlet port arranged in flow communication with a lower portion of the central passageway. A coolant is disposed within the central passageway. A condenser is arranged in flow communication with the evaporator.

Abstract: A cooling system for a semiconductor device burn-in test station includes one or more evaporators arranged in close thermal proximity to a semiconductor device. Each evaporator includes a chambered enclosure having a capillary wick disposed on the walls of the enclosure that define the chamber. A condenser is arranged in fluid communication with each chamber, and a pump is arranged in flow communication between each evaporator and the condenser so as to circulate a coolant liquid between a pool of the coolant liquid that is maintained within the chambered enclosure and the condenser.

Abstract: An evaporator includes an enclosure having a fluid inlet manifold and a vapor outlet manifold. At least one blind passageway is arranged within the enclosure so as to open into a portion of the vapor outlet manifold. The interior surface of the enclosure that defines each passageway is covered with a capillary wick. A porous valve is arranged in fluid communication between the fluid inlet manifold and a blind end of the at least one blind passageway.

Abstract: A capillary structure for a heat transfer device, such as a heat pipe is provided having a plurality of particles joined together by a brazing compound such that fillets of the brazing compound are formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of particles and one or more vapor vents are defined in the capillary structer. In this way, a network of capillary passageways are formed between the particles and vapor-vents through the capillary structure so as to aid in the transfer of working fluid by capillary action, while the plurality of fillets provide enhanced thermal transfer properties between the plurality of particles so as to greatly improve over all heat transfer efficiency of the device. A method of making the capillary structure according to the invention is also presented.

Abstract: A capillary structure for a heat transfer device, such as a heat pipe is provided having a plurality of particles including a first species having a first diameter and a second species having a second diameter that are joined together to form a capillary structure having homogenous layers of particles.