Abstract: A closed-loop heat pipe transport design for a deployment application having a flexible section which connects to a payload structure and a deployable structure. The flexible section is a coil which is offset from the axis of rotation of the deployable structure. Upon rotation of the deployable structure around a predetermined axis, the flexible coil decompresses and sweeps in an arcuate fashion with a portion of said flexible coil aligning with the axis. When the deployable structure has completed its rotation and is fully deployed, the flexible coil will rest in substantially the same plane as it did before sweeping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring heat in a spacecraft. The apparatus includes a flexible heat pipe having a first section, a second section, and a flexible section. A first member of a spacecraft is coupled to the first section of the flexible heat pipe, and a second member of the spacecraft is coupled to the second section of the flexible heat pipe. The first member of the spacecraft is in a rigidly fixed relationship to the second member of the spacecraft. A method of using a heat transport system for transferring heat in a spacecraft is also provided. The method includes providing a flexible heat pipe having a first section, a second section, and a flexible section, coupling the first section of the flexible heat pipe to a first member of a spacecraft, and coupling the second section of the flexible heat pipe to a second member of the spacecraft rigidly fixed with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Solution and solvent reservoirs (30, 14) are separated by a solvent permeable membrane (54). A path (26) interconnects the reservoirs. Solvent vapor from the solution reservoir is created upon heat applied thereto for condensation (20) back to the solvent reservoir. A vent (56) extends from the solvent reservoir into the solvent vapor path so that the amount of solvent pumped through the membrane, which is determined by the level of solvent wetting the membrane, will equal the amount of solvent evaporated from the solution.

Abstract: A bubble (32) of non-condensable gas between a solvent permeable membrane (18) and solvent within a solvent reservoir (16) limits the amount of surface area of the membrane wettable by the solvent and thereby limits the amount of solvent capable of passing through the membrane into the solution reservoir (12).

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.