Abstract: A cloth employing graphite fibers may be subjected to different composite material formation processes so that three separate sections of heat capability may result across continuous fibers. Thus, one section may have optimum cold temperature strength while a removed section may have optimum high-temperature strength, with a transition section interceding. The existence of continuous fibers across these sections obviates the necessity for a mechanical joint thereby maximizing the reliability and performance characteristics of a resulting composite structure.

Abstract: A heat pipe radiator system is rendered more survivable against laser attack while providing higher thermal performance with significantly lower weight. In order to achieve these advantages, the radiator fin is fabricated from carbon-carbon material which is quite resistant to laser destruction as well as exhibiting twice the thermal conductivity of ordinary metals, such as aluminum. An integral clamp secures the fin to each heat pipe, thereby thermally decoupling the fin from the heat pipe when layer heating occurs. A mesh heat pipe wick creates a vapor barrier in the interior of the heat pipes so that continuous operation of the heat pipe is ensured, even when the pipes are subjected to localized laser heating. The heat pipes are wrapped in multi-layer metal foil insulation to greatly reduce direct laser heating of the heat pipes.

Abstract: A thermal management system using heat pipe principles and incorporating capillary-pumped equipment mounting panels such that a heat transport loop without moving parts is provided. The panels can function to either absorb heat or to reject heat and can interface with heat generating equipment or heat radiators. Each panel comprises a pair of coextensive flat plates bonded together with a thin, fine-pore sheet wick interposed therebetween. A network of liquid grooves in one plate is in fluid communication with the sheet wick which covers the grooves and most of the plate and a separate liquid line connecting the panels. A network of vapor channels in the other plate is in fluid communication with the wick and with a separate vapor line connecting the panels. The vapor channel networks of the panels and the liquid groove networks of the panels are connected such that the panels are arranged in parallel in the fluid circuit or loop.

Abstract: A cylindrically hollow segmented thermal gradient furnace enclosing metal or semiconductor material wherein each segment includes a heater for raising the temperature of the metal. The material is encircled by a heat pipe which is coupled to a heat exchanger for rapidly cooling a corresponding segment of the material after the heater has performed a thermal soak of the material. A reservoir is filled with inert gas which is selectively expanded to block cooling at the heat exchanger when the heater is turned on and compressed to allow cooling at the exchanger when the heater is turned off so that a sharp thermal gradient may be established along the length of the material.

Abstract: A thermal management system using heat pipe principles and incorporating capillary-pumped equipment mounting panels such that a heat transport loop without moving parts is provided. The panels can function to either absorb heat or to reject heat and can interface with heat generating equipment or heat radiators. Each panel comprises a pair of coextensive flat plates bonded together with a thin, fine-pore sheet wick interposed therebetween. A network of liquid grooves in one plate is in fluid communication with the sheet wick which covers the grooves and most of the plate and a separate liquid line connecting the panels. A network of vapor channels in the other plate is in fluid communication with the wick and with a separate vapor line connecting the panels. The vapor channel networks of the panels and the liquid groove networks of the panels are connected such that the panels are arranged in parallel in the fluid circuit or loop.

Abstract: A monogroove high capacity heat pipe has compact evaporator section 30 formed of a plurality of parallel legs 32 which are in fluid communication with a manifold 36 which is in fluid communication with the condensor section 40 encased in a heat radiating fin 42.

Abstract: A heat pipe comprising an elongated sealed metallic envelope having at least a pair of longitudinal channels extending along the length thereof. One of the channels is for the circulation of the vapor phase of the working medium in operation and the other for the liquid phase and capillary means are provided to furnish fluid communication therebetween. Dedicated vapor and liquid channels result in low viscous pressure drops, the capillary communication means and circumferential grooving in the vapor channel provide high capillary pressure differences, and circumferential grooving is provided to furnish the high evaporation and condensation film coefficients required. To support higher heat fluxes, wicking can be used to augment the capillary flow from the liquid channel. To support higher evaporator heat flux without the need for wicking means, the heat pipe can be provided with more than one liquid channel, each communicating with the vapor channel by capillary means.

Abstract: A method for making a heat pipe panel comprising the steps of forming parallel furrows in a sheet metal plate, covering the sheet metal plate with another plate, bonding the plate together around the edges and between the furrows, to form parallel cavities between the plates, charging the cavities with working fluid and sealing the cavities to form individual heat pipes in the panel. The furrows may be filled with wicking material, and capillary grooves may be cut in the furrows before bonding the plates together. The cover plate also may have furrows formed therein. A header furrow may be provided for the fluid charging operations.

Abstract: A heat pipe to remove heat from a light fixture in a room of a building that will transfer the fixture heat to a system in a building that will in turn reject or use the fixture heat in a heating, ventilating, air conditioning system for the building.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of reciprocating-piston type with injection of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, provided with catalytic means for initiating the combustion of the air/fuel charge in the combustion chamber of the or each cylinder. The major part of the combustion chamber of each cylinder is afforded by a recess formed in the piston crown, and a catalytic element of mesh, grid, perforated or sintered or other construction, is carried by the piston in a position at least partly overlying the said recess, the fuel being injected into the said recess to contact and pass through the catalytic element, being ignited by its contact with the catalytic element.