Abstract: The present invention is a vapor chamber including a housing that forms a recess within; at least one wicking structure manufactured from a bundle of wires having capillary voids therebetween that is disposed within the recess; and an amount of working fluid disposed within the recess and in fluid contact with the wicking structure such that fluid may move within the capillary voids in the wicking structures through capillary action.

Abstract: A compact, low profile splicing system for joining optical fibers produces durable, low transmission loss fusion splices. The system employs active optical techniques such as profile alignment or local injection and detection to achieve optimized alignment of the fibers prior to fusion. Light injected into one fiber is propagated across the interface to a second fiber. A detector senses the intensity of the injected light in the second fiber. After the relative position of the fibers is manipulated to maximize the transmitted intensity, the fibers are fusion spliced using an electric arc discharge. The accurate alignment achievable using the local injection and detection system to drive adaptive fiber positioning affords a method for reliably producing low loss splices. The present system is compact and low in profile, making it operable in cramped quarters with limited clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available.

Abstract: A heat sink, method of making a heat sink, and a heat sink assembly. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of heat pipes that extend from the base. The base is dimensioned and shaped to promote good thermal contact with the heat source, and the heat pipes are attached thereto in such a manner as to promote good thermal contact to the working fluid. Each heat pipe includes an outer surface and an inner surface that form a condenser portion from which from heat is transferred during condensation of the working fluid.

Abstract: A heat sink and a heat sink assembly that includes the heat sink and a source of flowing air, such as a fan. The heat sink includes a base from which a first plurality of convective surfaces extends. At least one heat pipe is in thermal contact with the base and extends therefrom. The heat pipe includes an evaporator portion in thermal contact with the base and a condenser portion. A second plurality of convective surfaces is in thermal communication with the condenser portion of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A heat sink, method of making a heat sink, and a heat sink assembly. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of heat pipes that extend from the base. The base is dimensioned and shaped to promote good thermal contact with the heat source, and the heat pipes are attached thereto in such a manner as to promote good thermal contact to the working fluid. Each heat pipe includes an outer surface and an inner surface that form a condenser portion from which from heat is transferred during condensation of the working fluid.