RADIATOR APPARATUS
A radiator apparatus for concentrating or dispersing energy. In one embodiment, the radiator includes a thermal conductive layer, a radiation layer, and a thermal insulation layer. The radiation layer is powered by an energy source and includes at least one radiation element embedded in at least a portion of the thermal conductive layer. The thermal insulation layer faces the thermal conductive layer. In another embodiment, the radiator includes a generally helical dome-shaped radiation member powered by an energy source and a generally dome-shaped reflection member including a reflective surface facing the radiation member. In yet another embodiment, the radiator includes a radiation member powered by an energy source and a reflection member having an at least partially ring-shaped concave reflective surface facing the radiation member for distributing energy to an at least partially hat-shaped or ring-shaped area or zone.
This application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/634,642 filed on Dec. 9, 2009, which is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/568,780 filed on Feb. 7, 2007, which is a National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2004/000098 filed on Feb. 5, 2004, which designated the United States, and on which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis present invention relates to a radiator apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a radiator apparatus for concentrating or dispersing energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe Stefan-Boltzman Law states the total radiation emission for any body at a given temperature as: R=ECT4. E is the emissivity of the body, which is the ratio of the total emission of radiation of such body at a given temperature to that of a perfect blackbody at the same temperature. For a blackbody, which is a theoretical thermal radiating object that is a perfect absorber of incident radiation and perfect emitter of maximum radiation at a given temperature, E=1; for a theoretical perfect reflector, E=0; and for all other bodies 0<E<1. C is the Stefan-Boltzman constant with a value of approximately 5.67∴10−8 W/m2-K4. T is the absolute temperature of the body in degrees Kelvin.
Every object that has a temperature above absolute zero (that is, −273° Celsius) emits electromagnetic radiation. According to Planck's Equation, the radiation emitted by an object is a function of the temperature and emissivity of the object, and the wavelength of the radiation. Irradiation from an object increases with increasing temperature above absolute zero, and quantum energy of an individual photon is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the photon. The Total Power Law states that when radiation is incident on a body, the sum of the radiation absorbed, reflected and transmitted is equal to unity.
Infrared heating is more efficient than conventional heating by conduction and convection in that infrared irradiation can be used in localized heating by directing heat and irradiation towards only the selected space. Infrared irradiation does not heat the air in the selected space, and only heats the objects within that space. In fact, radiation can be transmitted in or through a vacuum without the need of a medium for heat transfer, unlike conventional heating by conduction and/or convection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a radiator. In one embodiment, the radiator includes a thermal conductive layer, a radiation layer, and a thermal insulation layer. The radiation layer is powered by an energy source and includes at least one radiation element embedded in at least a portion of the thermal conductive layer. The thermal insulation layer faces the thermal conductive layer. The thermal conductive layer may include a metal oxide material. The radiation layer is generally positioned between the thermal insulation layer and the thermal conductive layer. The thermal conductive layer may include a partially spherical or semispherical shape defining a center point or focal zone, while the radiation layer may also include a partially spherical or semispherical shape defining a center point or focal zone. The focal zone of the thermal conductive layer generally coincides with the focal zone of the radiation layer.
A light bulb base may be coupled to the thermal insulation layer of the radiator. The base includes positive and negative contactors electrically connected to the radiation layer of the radiator. The base is adapted to be received in an electrical lamp socket.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the thermal insulation layer may include a concave side facing a convex side of the thermal conductive layer, so that the radiation element of the radiation layer increases temperature of the thermal conductive layer and concentrates energy to the focal zone of the radiation layer. A plurality of optical fibers having a first end may be positioned at the focal zone of the radiation layer for receiving the energy, so that the optical fibers transmit the energy received at the first end to a second end of the optical fibers.
In another aspect of this embodiment, the thermal insulation layer may include a convex side facing a concave side of the thermal conductive layer, so that the radiation element of the radiation layer increases temperature of the thermal conductive layer and disperses energy away from the focal zone of the radiation layer.
In another embodiment, the radiator includes a generally helical dome-shaped radiation member and a generally dome-shaped reflection member including a reflective surface facing the radiation member. The helical dome-shaped radiation member is powered by an energy source. The helical dome-shaped radiation member may include an electrical coil resistance covered by a thermal conductive material. The generally helical dome-shaped radiation member defines a center point or focal zone, while the generally dome-shaped reflection member also defines a center point or focal zone. The focal zone of the radiation member generally coincides with the focal zone of the reflection member.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the reflective surface of the reflection member may include a generally concave shape. The concave reflective surface of the reflection member may face a convex side of the radiation member, so that the radiation member concentrates energy to the focal zone of the radiation member.
In another aspect of this embodiment, the reflective surface of the reflection member may include a generally convex shape. The convex reflective surface of the reflection member may face a concave side of the radiation member, so that the radiation member disperses energy away from the focal zone of the radiation member.
In another embodiment, the radiator used with an astronomic apparatus in Outer Space includes a partially spherical or semispherical structure member defining a center point or focal zone and a radiation layer power by an energy source. The radiation layer is connected to the partially spherical or semispherical structure member. The radiation layer concentrates energy to the focal zone to achieve a temperature differential of the focal zone and an environment of the focal zone and provides a force to the astronomic apparatus and/or an object.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the partially spherical or semispherical structure includes thermal conductive layer and a thermal insulation layer. The thermal insulation layer includes a concave side facing a convex side of the thermal conductive layer. The radiation layer includes at least one radiation element embedded in at least a portion of the thermal conductive layer.
In another aspect of this embodiment, the radiation layer includes a plurality of infrared radiation emitting devices positioned on the concave side of the partially spherical or semispherical structure member.
In another embodiment, the radiator includes a radiation member powered by an energy source and a reflection member including an at least partially hat-shaped or ring-shaped concave reflective surface facing the radiation member for distributing energy to an at least partially ring-shaped area or zone. The radiation member may include an at least partial ring shape and is generally positioned at a center point or focal zone of the reflective surface. The radiation member includes an electrical coil resistance covered by a thermal conductive material.
This invention has an enormously wide scope of objects, applications and users (thus its commercial and industrial value being great) including, but without limitation, focusing, concentrating and directing radiation to or at:
(a) selected area or zone of radiation absorbent surface, object, substance and/or matter on satellite or other astronomic equipment and/or apparatuses in space to achieve an increase in the temperature of such selected area or zone of absorbent surface, object, substance and/or matter relative to its environment or to achieve a temperature differential of said selected area or zone and its environment and providing thrust, torque and propulsion forces in relation to (amongst other things) matters of attitude of satellite or other astronomic equipment and/or apparatuses in space relative to the Sun or other extra-terrestrial body or bodies; and
(b) selected radiation absorbent surface, object, substances and/or matter (including, but without limitation, food and other materials) to be manufactured, assembled, installed, erected, constructed, located, repaired, maintained, enjoyed, occupied, consumed, used, or handled (whether indoors or outdoors) by any person, object or thing (including, but without limitation, computerized robotics and cybernetics) in cold weather on Earth, in space or on any other extra-terrestrial or heavenly bodies; and
(c) bodies or body tissues (living or dead) or other objects or subjects of scientific research or medical operations and treatments; and food stuffs in cooking and culinary preparations; and
(d) objects, substances and/or matters (including, but without limitation, food and other materials) that require an increase in its temperature relative to its environment through focused, concentrated or directed or re-directed radiation.
(A) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(B) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(C) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(D) In another embodiment, mobile, portable or handheld infrared torches, optic fibers, guides, leaders or apparatuses of similar nature, or hybrids, permutations or combinations whereof, can be utilized, exploited or implemented by which infrared radiation is focused or concentrated at or towards, or directed to, the selected areas, zones, bodies or body tissues (living or dead), objects, substances or matters (including, but without limitation, food and other materials) desired to be heated or irradiated, or to or by which energy by or from an external radiation source 10 is intended to be irradiated, transferred or absorbed.
(E) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(F) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(G) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(H) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(I) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(J) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
(K) One embodiment of such a device is shown in
Those of skill in the art are fully aware that, numerous hybrids, permutations, modifications, variations and/or equivalents (for example, but without limitation, certain aspects of spherical bodies, shapes and/or forms are applicable to or can be implemented on paraboloidal, ellipsoidal and/or hyperboloidal bodies, shapes and/or forms) of the present invention and in the particular embodiments exemplified, are possible and can be made in light of the above invention and disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof or the scope of the claims in this disclosure. It is important that the claims in this disclosure be regarded as inclusive of such hybrids, permutations, modifications, variations and/or equivalents. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the idea and concept on which this disclosure is founded may be utilized and exploited as a basis or premise for devising and designing other structures, configurations, constructions, applications, systems and methods for implementing or carrying out the gist, essence, objects and/or purposes of the present invention.
In regards to the above embodiments, diagrams and descriptions, those of skill in the art will further appreciate that the optimum dimensional or other relationships for the parts of the present invention and disclosure, which include, but without limitation, variations in sizes, materials, substances, matters, shapes, scopes, forms, functions and manners of operations and inter-actions, assemblies and users, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships and/or projections to or of those illustrated in the drawing figures and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by, included in, and form part and parcel of the present invention and disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing is considered as illustrative and demonstrative only of the ideas or principles of the invention and disclosure. Further, since numerous hybrids, permutations, modifications, variations and/or equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention and disclosure to the exact functionality, assembly, construction, configuration and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable hybrids, permutations, modifications, variations and/or equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the present invention and disclosure.
It is to be understood that the present invention has been described in detail as it applies to infrared radiation in the foregoing for illustrative purposes, without limitation of application of the present invention to radio-waves, microwaves, ultra-violet waves, x-rays, gamma rays and all other forms of radiation within or outside the electromagnetic spectrum except as it may be limited by the claims.
Claims
1. A radiator comprising:
- a thermal conductive layer comprising at least a partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal shape, defining a focal zone;
- a radiation layer comprising at least a partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal shape, defining a focal zone and powered by an energy source;
- a thermal insulation layer comprising at least a partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal shape, defining a focal zone;
- the thermal insulation layer facing the thermal conductive layer;
- the focal zone of the thermal conductive layer generally coincides with the focal zone of the radiation layer; and
- the focal zone of the thermal insulation layer generally coincides with the focal zone of the radiation layer and the focal zone of the thermal conductive layer.
2. The radiator of claim 1, wherein thermal insulation layer comprises a concave side facing a convex side of the thermal conductive layer, so that a radiation element of the radiation layer increases temperature of the thermal conductive layer and concentrates energy to the focal zone of the radiation layer.
3. The radiator of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of optical fibers having a first end positioned at the focal zone of the radiation layer for receiving the energy, so that the optical fibers transmit the energy received at the first end to a second end of the optical fibers.
4. The radiator of claim 1, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises a convex side facing a concave side of the thermal conductive layer, so that the radiation element of the radiation layer increases temperature of the thermal conductive layer and disperses energy away from the focal zone of the radiation layer.
5. The radiator of claim 1, further comprising a light bulb base coupled to the thermal insulation layer, wherein the base comprises positive and negative contactors electrically connected to the radiation layer, and wherein the base is adapted to be received in an electrical lamp socket.
6. The radiator of claim 1, wherein the thermal conductive layer comprises a metal oxide material.
7. The radiator of claim 1, wherein the radiation layer is positioned between the thermal insulation layer and the thermal conductive layer.
8. A radiator used with an astronomic apparatus comprising:
- a partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal structure member defining a focal zone; and
- a radiation layer power by an energy source, the radiation layer connected to the partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal structure member, wherein the radiation layer concentrates energy to the focal zone to achieve a temperature differential of the focal zone and an environment of the focal zone and the related radiation pressure provides thrust, torque, propulsion or other forces to the astronomic apparatus and/or an object.
9. The radiator used with an astronomic apparatus of claim 8, wherein:
- the partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal structure comprises thermal conductive layer and a thermal insulation layer;
- the thermal insulation layer comprises a concave side facing a convex side of the thermal conductive layer; and
- the radiation layer comprises at least one radiation element at least partially embedded in at least a portion of the thermal conductive layer.
10. The radiator used with an astronomic apparatus of claim 8, wherein the radiation layer comprises a plurality of infrared radiation emitting devices positioned on the concave side of the partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal structure member.
11. A radiator comprising:
- a partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal-shaped thermal conductive layer;
- a radiation element being in contact with the thermal conductive layer;
- a partially paraboloidal, ellipsoidal or hyperboloidal-shaped thermal insulation layer facing the thermal conductive layer;
- the thermal conductive layer defines a first focal zone;
- the thermal insulation layer defines a second focal zone;
- the first focal zone generally coincides with the second focal zone; and
- the thermal insulation layer comprises a concave side facing a convex side of the thermal conductive layer, so that the radiation element increases temperature of the thermal conductive layer and concentrates energy to the focal zone of the radiation layer.
12. The radiator of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of optical fibers having a first end positioned at the focal zone of the radiation layer for receiving the energy, so that the optical fibers transmit the energy received at the first end to a second end of the optical fibers.
13. The radiator of claim 12, wherein the optical fibers comprise a thermal conductive material.
14. The radiator of claim 12, wherein the optical fibers comprise a radiation material.
15. The radiator of claim 11, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises a convex side facing a concave side of the thermal conductive layer, so that the radiation element increases temperature of the thermal conductive layer and disperses energy away from the focal zone of the radiation layer.
16. The radiator of claim 11, further comprising a light bulb base coupled to the thermal insulation layer, wherein the base comprises positive and negative contactors electrically connected to the radiation element, and wherein the base is adapted to be received in an electrical lamp socket.
17. The radiator claim 11, wherein the thermal conductive layer comprises a metal oxide material.
18. The radiator of claim 11, wherein the radiation element is positioned between the thermal insulation layer and the thermal conductive layer.
19. The radiator of claim 11, wherein the radiation element is at least partially embedded in the thermal conductive layer.
20. The radiator of claim 11, wherein the radiation element is completely embedded in the thermal conductive layer.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 9, 2012
Publication Date: May 31, 2012
Inventor: Paul Kam Ching CHAN (Hong Kong)
Application Number: 13/369,820
International Classification: H05B 3/02 (20060101); F28F 7/00 (20060101);