Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for distributing a thermal interface material. The system includes: an integrated circuit chip; a heat sink; and a compliant thermal interface material (TIM) between the integrated circuit chip and the heat sink. During assembly of the system, a mating surface of the heat sink and a mating surface of the integrated circuit chip are shaped to distribute the TIM in the predetermined pattern as the TIM is pressed between the mating surface of heat sink and a corresponding mating surface of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: Embodiments provide various apparatus and techniques for deflecting or redirecting a flow of ionized air generated from an ionic wind generator. In general, a deflection field generator can be located proximate to the path of the flow of ionized air. The deflection field generator is configured to generate an electromagnetic field, which deflects a least a portion of the flow of ionized air to a different path and may possibly increase local heat transfer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal contact arrangement. The method including the operations of providing a thermal conductor and forming a first zone having a first roughness on a first portion of a first exterior surface of the thermal conductor. The method further including the operation of forming a second zone having a second roughness on a second portion of the first exterior surface of the thermal conductor. The second portion is unique from the first portion and formed from a part of the thermal contact arrangement other than the first portion and the second roughness is rougher than the first roughness.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for distributing a thermal interface material. The system includes: an integrated circuit chip; a heat sink; and a compliant thermal interface material (TIM) between the integrated circuit chip and the heat sink. During assembly of the system, a mating surface of the heat sink and a mating surface of the integrated circuit chip are shaped to distribute the TIM in the predetermined pattern as the TIM is pressed between the mating surface of heat sink and a corresponding mating surface of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for distributing a thermal interface material. The system includes: an integrated circuit chip; a heat sink; and a compliant thermal interface material (TIM) between the integrated circuit chip and the heat sink. During assembly of the system, a mating surface of the heat sink and a mating surface of the integrated circuit chip are shaped to distribute the TIM in the predetermined pattern as the TIM is pressed between the mating surface of heat sink and a corresponding mating surface of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for applying a thermal-interface material are described. During this method, a first surface of a heat-removal device and a second surface of a semiconductor die are prepared. Next, a region on a given surface, which is at least one of the first surface and the second surface, is defined. Then, the thermal-interface material is applied to at least the region, where the thermal-interface material includes a material that is a liquid metal over a range of operating temperatures of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for distributing a thermal interface material. The system includes: an integrated circuit chip; a heat sink; and a compliant thermal interface material (TIM) between the integrated circuit chip and the heat sink. During assembly of the system, a mating surface of the heat sink and a mating surface of the integrated circuit chip are shaped to distribute the TIM in the predetermined pattern as the TIM is pressed between the mating surface of heat sink and a corresponding mating surface of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heat-transfer mechanism are described. This heat-transfer mechanism includes a first heatpipe having a first end and a second end, and a second heatpipe having a third end and a fourth end. Moreover, a heatpipe coupler is thermally coupled to the second end of the first heatpipe and the third end of the second heatpipe. This heatpipe coupler includes a housing surrounding a cavity and a liquid metal contained within the cavity, thereby providing a thermal path from the first end of the first heatpipe, which is configured to couple to a condenser, to the fourth end of the second heatpipe, which is configured to couple to an evaporator.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heat-transfer mechanism are described. This heat-transfer mechanism includes a first heatpipe having a first end and a second end, and a second heatpipe having a third end and a fourth end. Moreover, a heatpipe coupler is thermally coupled to the second end of the first heatpipe and the third end of the second heatpipe. This heatpipe coupler includes a housing surrounding a cavity and a liquid metal contained within the cavity, thereby providing a thermal path from the first end of the first heatpipe, which is configured to couple to a condenser, to the fourth end of the second heatpipe, which is configured to couple to an evaporator.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus are described. This apparatus includes a semiconductor-die layer mechanically coupled to a semiconductor die, and a heat-removal-device layer mechanically coupled to a heat-removal device. Moreover, a thermal-interface material is included between the semiconductor die and the heat-removal device, where the thermal-interface material is mechanically coupled to a region of the semiconductor-die layer and to a region of the heat-removal-device layer. Additionally, a boundary material is mechanically coupled to the semiconductor-die layer and the heat-removal-device layer, where the thermal-interface material is contained in a cavity defined, at least in part, by the semiconductor-die layer, the boundary material, and the heat-removal-device layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for applying a thermal-interface material are described. During this method, a first surface of a heat-removal device and a second surface of a semiconductor die are prepared. Next, a region on a given surface, which is at least one of the first surface and the second surface, is defined. Then, the thermal-interface material is applied to at least the region, where the thermal-interface material includes a material that is a liquid metal over a range of operating temperatures of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus that functions as a storage system for components are described. This apparatus includes a containment vessel enclosing a desiccant and a device. This device includes a layer mechanically coupled to a component, where the component can be one of a semiconductor die and a heat-removal device. Moreover, a thermal-interface material is coupled to a region of the layer, and a boundary material is mechanically coupled to the layer, where a perimeter defined by the boundary-material surrounds the region.

Abstract: A thermal contact arrangement. The thermal contact arrangement may mitigate or reduce migration over time of a thermal interface material positioned between a chip and a heat sink. The thermal contact arrangement may include a first zone formed on a first area of the heat sink and a second zone formed on a second area of the heat sink. The processor may overlap or overlie the first zone, with the second zone generally outside the footprint of the processor and optionally surrounding the processor's footprint. The first zone may have a generally smooth surface, while the second zone may have a surface rougher than the first zone. The first zone may be finished to a specific smoothness while the second zone may be finished to second particular smoothness that is generally less than the first zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting heat from a computer component to a heat sink. The invention may include a thermal interface material (TIM). The invention may further include a seal or gasket that at least partially encloses the TIM. The gasket may facilitate retaining the TIM within its sidewall, and thus in place on or near a computer component. Generally, the gasket may be placed between the computer component (or a silicon board or other material upon which the computer component is located) and a heat sink. An insert may be placed within the gasket and define an aperture. The chip seats in the aperture and thus is spatially located with respect to the insert. The TIM abuts both the computer component and a heat sink. A desiccant may be located within the gasket and absorb any moisture diffusing or migrating through the gasket.

Abstract: A thermal contact arrangement. The thermal contact arrangement may mitigate or reduce migration over time of a thermal interface material positioned between a chip and a heat sink. The thermal contact arrangement may include a first zone formed on a first area of the heat sink and a second zone formed on a second area of the heat sink. The processor may overlap or overlie the first zone, with the second zone generally outside the footprint of the processor and optionally surrounding the processor's footprint. The first zone may have a generally smooth surface, while the second zone may have a surface rougher than the first zone. The first zone may be finished to a specific smoothness while the second zone may be finished to second particular smoothness that is generally less than the first zone.