Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite lesion pattern in a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising providing a catheter having a plurality of energy delivery devices coupled to the catheter. The catheter is introduced at least partially into the sphincter. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery devices to produce the composite lesion pattern. The composite lesion pattern comprises a radial distribution of lesions about the tissue region and a longitudinal distribution of lesions along the tissue region.

Abstract: A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.

Abstract: A face lifting wig comprising a substantially thin hair net structured to be snugly seated over a person's scalp in covering relation thereto and at least one adhesive pad structured to removably adhere to a person's skin so as to retain the skin over a person's face in a lifted position. The hair net includes a first upper portion, a second adjacent lower portion attached to the first upper portion to form a reinforced seam therebetween and a generally resilient border structured to retain the hair net over the person's scalp. The adhesive pads are attached to the bottom surface of the border over the reinforced seam. In use, the hair net is positioned over the user's scalp, the border lifted slightly, the user's skin stretched upwards beneath the border and the border lowered so that the adhesive pads adhere to the user's skin, thereby retaining the skin over the user's face in the lifted position.

Abstract: A baffle controls the normal process flow of liquid in basins of liquid treatment equipment, but releases uncontrolled flow of the liquid caused by events such as seismic events. Methods provide an unbent blank for making such baffle with a hinge member to facilitate the release of the uncontrolled flow. Further methods provide for mounting of the baffle for movement, urging the baffle for the control of the normal process flow, and allowing the uncontrolled flow to overcome the urging and release the uncontrolled flow. Baffle embodiments may be made from exemplary materials such as stainless steel, glass fiber reinforced polyester, pultruded FRP, and redwood.

Abstract: An emergency utility backup system, for a building normally supplied with culinary water, electric power and natural gas by public utilities, includes at least one water storage reservoir having an upper input coupled to a public water utility main line; an electric generator powered by an internal combustion engine; and an electric air compressor having a compressed air storage tank which provides elevated air pressure to the water storage reservoir(s) in the event that water pressure from the public water utility main line fails. The electric air compressor is operable from power supplied by either a public electric utility or said electric generator. The emergency utility backup system may also include a tank for storing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel that may be utilized for both the electric generator and a heating system for the building.

Abstract: A dual inlet air gap fixture having an air gap body with first and second interior inlet conduits for receiving wastewater flow respectively from first and second identical or diverse sources of wastewater. The body has an interior outlet conduit opposite the inlet conduits for discharging wastewater emptying from either or both of the inlet conduits. A removable water reversal cap and partition module is received within the upper portion of the air gap body and provides venting communication between atmosphere and the outlet conduit, and redirects the wastewater from the inlet conduits into the outlet conduit. The inlet conduits are arrayed side-by-side on one side of the body interior space and the outlet conduit occupies the remaining interior space on the other side of space opposite from the two inlet conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cylindrical body that is formed from soft and resilient material and has a smooth outer surface provided with surface indicia coated thereon that has a fluorescent color for drawing attention thereto. The body further has a bore formed therein that extends through the length thereof and has an open and a closed end portion. An aperture is formed in the body that penetrates the body and terminates laterally of the bore. A sleeve formed from rigid material is nested within the bore, confronts an interior surface of the body and spans between the open and closed end portions of the body. A tether is included that has opposed end portions connected to the body and the valve assembly. The tether is attached proximate to one end portion of the body such that the apparatus can be detached while the tether remains engaged with the valve assembly.

Abstract: In order to achieve an object to provide a liquid control valve of normally close valve type which has both of an outflow side pressure automatic regulating function and a water stop function, the liquid control valve has a pressure regulating piston which moves within a housing for finding a balance point between an outflow side pressure and a spring force of a pressure regulating spring placed so as to resist the outflow side pressure; a movable valve seat which is provided in the pressure regulating piston and moves together with the pressure regulating piston; and a valve body which sits on the valve seat so as to close the valve in accordance with a valve closing force generated by an inflow side pressure and a spring force of a water stop spring, and moves apart from the valve seat so as to open the valve at the time when an external valve opening force larger than the valve closing force is applied, whereby the outflow side pressure automatic regulating function is achieved in accordance with movement

Abstract: A pressure regulator having a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port. A plug is located within the housing and dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, with the upper and lower chamber being connected by a vent. The plug includes a fluid path between the inlet port and the bore. A yoke is adapted selectively close the fluid path in the plug. A diaphragm is located in the upper chamber and is connected to the yoke. A biasing member biases the yoke to open the fluid path through the plug. The diaphragm is configured to move the yoke to open the fluid path when pressure in the lower chamber and vented to the upper chamber through the vent is above a predetermined amount. The pressure regulator can also include a second biasing member used to positively close the fluid path through the plug.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve (10) for selectively controlling fluid flow through a pneumatic system of a vehicle is disclosed. The valve (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (28). The cavity includes an inlet (16) and an outlet (18). A flow controller (40) is disposed within the housing (12) for selectively controlling fluid flow through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable to an open position, where the inlet (16) is in fluid communication with the cavity (28) and the outlet (18) is in fluid communication with a pneumatically operated device. The flow controller (40) is also actuatable to a closed position, where the flow controller (40) substantially impedes fluid from flowing through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable between the open and closed positions in response to a predetermined fluid pressure within the pneumatic system.

Abstract: A check valve for a fuel pump of a vehicle includes a valve housing adapted to be disposed in an outlet member of the fuel pump. The check valve also includes a valve guide disposed within the valve housing and a valve seat disposed within the valve housing and spaced from the valve guide. The check valve further includes a valve member having an aerodynamic shape disposed within the valve housing and having a closed position to engage the valve seat to prevent fuel from flowing through the outlet member and an open position to cooperate with the valve guide to allow fuel to flow through the outlet member.

Abstract: A backflow prevention valve includes a cylindrical case member having a plurality of holes formed in an upper end at a periphery thereof, a valve member disposed in the case member to be movable in an axial direction thereof, an urging device disposed in the case member for urging the valve member upwardly, and a liquid inflow pipe extending outwardly from the case member. The valve member includes a sealing portion at an upper surface thereof for contacting a peripheral edge of an inflow opening to close the same, and a plurality of guiding arms provided on a peripheral edge of an upper surface of the valve member. The guiding arms are slidably disposed in the holes so that the valve member is supported and guided by the guiding arms passing through the holes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic valve arrangement with a supply connection arrangement, which has a high-pressure connection (P) and a low-pressure connection (T), a working connection arrangement, which has two working connections (A, B), which can be connected with a consumer, a directional valve and a compensation valve arranged between the directional valve and the supply connection arrangement, the pressure outlet of the compensation valve being connected with a pressure inlet of the directional valve. It is endeavoured to avoid dangerous situations, which occur because of uncontrolled pressures. For this purpose, it is ensured that the compensation valve has a relief outlet, which can be connected with the pressure outlet.

Abstract: A power steering system for motor vehicles, fitted with a rotary disk valve and comprising a reaction piston (1) defining an active (2) and a passive reaction chamber (3). A servo pressure can be fed to the reaction chamber (2) in order to modify the actuating force on the steering wheel. A damping piston (4)is arranged on the active reaction chamber (2) in order to receive dynamic oscillations of the reaction pressure.

Abstract: A flow pipe and one or more permanent magnets placed in or on the flow pipe, each permanent magnet presenting at its axial ends an infinite divergence of the magnetic field it generates. Fluid is treated by flowing through a flow pipe equipped with at least one such permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can be made of a plastic coextrudate with a ferromagnetic material such as iron powder, iron dust or iron chips. The permanent magnets can be arranged in groups with flow turbulence initiators positioned within the flow pipe between the magnet groups.

Abstract: A portable drum dosing system includes an outer mast assembly extending generally horizontally from the main frame and includes a pair of legs disposed at an angle with respect to each other so that the legs may straddle and dispose the main frame near a drum. An upstanding post assembly extends upwardly from the main frame at the outer mast assembly. The post assembly includes a fixed guide post. An upper clamping mechanism is movably mounted to the fixed post for engaging the chime of a drum. A lifting mechanism controls the vertical movement of the upper clamping mechanism and of the stabilizing mechanism to permit a drum to be engaged by the transporter and then lifted and then conveyed from one location to another. An optional weight measuring device is movably mounted to the fixed post to permit the weight of the drum to be accurately determined.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator of the liquid-gas type, comprising a housing (11) defining a chamber (11C), a gas port (30) and a liquid port (19). A gas charging valve (31) is disposed in the gas port (30) to control admission of high pressure gas. A semi-permeable separator (35) is disposed within the housing (11) to separate the internal chamber (11C) into a gas chamber (33) in communication with the gas port (30), and a liquid chamber (21) in communication with the liquid port. A means (41) is within the liquid chamber for collecting gas which passes from the gas chamber (33), through the semi-permeable separator, and into the liquid chamber. Included is a conduit (45) having one end (45a) in communication with the gas collecting means (41), and another end (45b) operably associated with the housing (11,27) to communicate gas from the collecting means (41) out of the liquid chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing a relatively flexible element (3) in a tube (2) with tight fitting, by arranging around the flexible element a co-displacing member (5) which encloses this element, and forcing the co-displacing member into the tube while co-displacing therewith the flexible element. The co-displacing member can herein be releasably connected to the tube or the flexible element, and the connection can be broken when the co-displacing member is forced into the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly of a tube and a relatively flexible element for receiving therein with tight fitting, for use in such a method, which is provided with a co-displacing member for arranging around the flexible element and enclosing this element. The co-displacing member can be releasably connected to the tube or the flexible element, for instance be formed integrally with the tube, wherein a weakened portion (6) is then formed between the tube and the co-displacing member.

Abstract: A pipe clamp 10 for repairing an underwater pipe. The pipe clamp 10 comprises a plurality of part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 hinged together along a hinge axis or axes 27 along adjacent longitudinal edges 17,18. Two or the longitudinal edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions are free. The part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 are movable about the hinge axis or axes 27 towards and away from one another between an open position in which the free longitudinal edges 20,21 are spaced apart and the clamp 10 can be placed around a pipe and a closed position in which, in use, the free longitudinal edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 are brought together around the pipe. Fastening means are provided for holding the free edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 together, such that, in use, the clamp 10 is held to the pipe.

Abstract: A flexible conduit includes a metal hose provided with a helical groove having a plurality of turns; a plastic jacket surrounding the metal hose and conforming to the helical groove thereof; a plastic inner hose received in the metal hose and having a projecting length portion extending beyond an end of the metal hose. The conduit further includes a plastic coupling part which surrounds the metal hose. The coupling part includes a cylindrical collar surrounding the projecting length portion and having a material-to-material bond therewith; and an overlapping portion adjoining the cylindrical collar and extending away therefrom. The overlapping portion surrounds the jacket and extends into the helical groove. The overlapping portion and the plastic jacket have a material-to-material bond with one another.

Abstract: Bulges in a wire having helically coiled strands are formed by untwisting the strands in an anti-helical direction at a predetermined position, to form an electrical connector from a length of the stranded wire. The wire is gripped by moving two spaced apart clamp members to a closed position and thereafter rotating the clamp members relative to one another in at least one complete relative revolution in a direction which is anti-helical relative to the coiled strands to form the bulge. The wire is gripped and rotated in the anti-helical direction for a relative rotational interval of greater than one-half, and preferably three-fourths, of a complete relative revolution. Thereafter, during the remaining rotational interval of each relative revolution, the clamp members are opened to permit the wire to be advanced to the next position where a bulge is to be formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuation of a storage bag is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a case, a flange mounted on the case, a fan, and a motor operatively arranged to drive said fan.

Abstract: A container for storing food in an air-tight atmosphere includes a housing having a generally rectangular shape and an opening formed therein for providing access to the interior of the housing, secured by a pivoting door. An electrically powered vacuum system is connected to the housing for selectively removing air therefrom. The vacuum system includes an air pump and a control button connected thereto for toggling the system between operable and non-operable modes. A plurality of valves are connected to the air pump for directing air inwardly and outwardly from the housing.

Abstract: A piping system for adding fuel to underground storage tanks includes a fill piping system and a vapor return piping system designed to prevent fuel spills and leakage of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. Fuel and vapor leakage are avoided by eliminating most of the threaded joints in each such piping assemblies by welding them into joint-free unitary stainless steel assemblies. A brace bar extends between the fill and vapor return piping systems and is secured to octagonal side flats on both assemblies such that the octagonal members cannot rotate unless the brace bar is removed. Annular synthetic rubber spill buckets are selectively inserted into each piping system to catch spills and prevent fuel from leaking near the tank or vapor from leaking out of the vapor recovery system into the atmosphere. In another modification, the spill bucket is used only on the fill piping system.

Abstract: A paint mat, removably attachable to the base of a paint can, for collecting spills and drips from the paint can during use. The paint mat includes an attachment means, such as a magnet, in the central portion thereof, for attachment to the base of the paint can. When attached, the paint mat extends beyond the perimeter of the paint can. The paint mat may include an aperture distal to the central portion but not extending past the perimeter of the base. The semi-rigid board also includes an advertisement on at least one side thereof and an extension therefrom so as to allow a brush to rest.

Abstract: A developer supply container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, includes a container body for containing a developer; a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the developer from the container body; shutter means for unsealing and sealing the discharge opening; wherein the shutter means has a first shutter member and a second shutter member resealably provided at a position facing to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A locking device for a plane machine includes a handle, an actuating rod, two side bases, an urging block respectively provided at two sides of each side base. The actuating rod is urged by a spring to bias a bit to one side of a machine base of a plane machine when the locking device is in a normal not-locking positions with the handle being in a not-pushed position, and the machine base is not locked with four posts of the plane machine. When the handle is pressed inward to a locking position, the actuating rod is moved to force the two side bases move nearer the center of the machine base, forcing the four urging blocks to tightly pushing the four posts to lock the machine base at an adjusted position after the machine base is adjusted to a needed height by means of a rotating button and a threaded rod.

Abstract: A log handling and cutting system which cuts logs into lengths, and allows for maximum use of fiber. The system includes equipment for singulating the logs, optimally removing the bark from the logs, scanning the true log image, cutting the logs to length, and sorting the cut logs arranged in a sequence of coupled operations. The logs are singulated using a dual quadrant singulation system to provide maximum singulation reliability, thereby allowing a single operator to attend to this process. Once singulated, the logs are fed automatically into a debarker where the diameter and volume are scanned and debarker-operating parameters are set for optimum bark removal. The log is then scanned, tree length, using a unique scanning system, which determines the true image of the log. This enables the determination by computer of the optimum bucking solution of the log as well as a proper sorting of the optimum random lengths.

Abstract: A handbag has a frame and an insert. The frame comprises a substantially rigid bottom panel, connected to a front section, a back section and two side sections. Attached to either the front/back sections or the side sections is at least one handle for carrying the bag. There is at least one insert that is removably connected to the frame, to create a complete handbag. The insert is visible through the front and back sections. The insert is connected to the frame via any suitable means, such as velcro, magnetic snaps or any combination of fasteners. The insert has an openable top section to receive the contents of the handbag. Each frame preferably has several different inserts, so that the appearance of the handbag can be changed by simply changing the insert.

Abstract: A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, and a tread band. The tread band pattern includes a central zone and two axially-opposite shoulder zones. The central zone is delimited between axially-inner circumferential grooves and includes at least two intermediate circumferential grooves and a plurality of first transverse recesses inclined relative to a circumferential direction of the tire. The first transverse recesses are connected to at least one of the intermediate circumferential grooves. The shoulder zones are each delimited between axially-inner and axially-outer circumferential grooves. The shoulder zones include a plurality of second transverse recesses inclined relative to the circumferential direction. The at least one of the intermediate circumferential grooves includes a substantially V-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: An elastomeric tire with arch shaped shoulders for mounting onto a rim that is manufactured by spin casting or molding methods that includes an annular cavity that is centered under the tire tread having equal thicknesses of side walls and an area under the tread whose slope outwardly into shoulder that the side walls upper ends intersect that have greater thickness and which side walls lower ends include beads that are each spaced a selected distance from the surfaces of the side wall ends that slope upwardly from inner to outer surfaces and with the tire preferably including plies that extend across the tire having ends that wrap around the beads and belts fitted around the tire circumference, above the plies, and including porous spacers fitted between the layers of plies and belts to pass a flow of the elastomeric material therethrough during tire formation.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a body having a plurality of main body cords. The tire includes an upper section above the maximum section width and a lower section below the maximum section width. The modulus of the body cords is configured to be larger in the lower section than in the upper section. This modulus ratio decreases the rolling resistance of the tire. The increased modulus in the lower section is achieved by providing intermediate body cords disposed between the main body cords. In another embodiment, the increased modulus is achieved by changing the material and/or size of the cords in the lower section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for vacuum-pressing of disk-shaped substrates, in particular DVD substrates into a finished DVD, wherein the device has a vacuum chamber with two substrate holders and an intermediate element that can be displaced inside the vacuum chamber; and wherein the intermediate element divides the vacuum chamber into a first low-pressure chamber and a second chamber that can be alternatingly connected to vacuum or to an overpressure, which makes the device particularly suited for use with a hot-melt thermoplastic adhesive.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus that is continuously automatically operative in an in-line system is described for applying under vacuum, heat and mechanical pressure a dry film photoresist-forming layer to printed circuit boards (200) that already have been prelaminated by the loose application thereto of the dry film resist as discrete cut sheets within the confines of the surface of the boards whereby a laminate without entrapped air bubbles and closely conforming to the raised circuit traces and irregular surface contours of the printed circuit board is obtained. Featured is a conveyorized vacuum applicator (12) comprising two independent vacuum lamination chambers (18,20) in end-to-end relation. The first vacuum chamber operates at ambient temperature to draw off all of the air entrapped between the dry film resist and the surface of the printed circuit board at conditions that do not result in premature tacking of the dry film to the surface of the board.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting sails comprising a roll stand configured to supply a carrier film. The apparatus contains a support mechanism for the carrier film, and further comprises of a drawing mechanism, a first resin dispenser, a first wiper portion, two yarn applicators, a second resin dispenser, a second wiper portion, an element applicator, a calendar, and curing mechanism.

Abstract: A tape dispenser for applying adhesive tape to a substrate surface. The dispenser includes an exterior application surface with an opening therein. A plurality of rotatable cylindrical rollers are mounted within the housing, wherein the surfaces of the rollers coact with each other and the tape surfaces to retain, guide and feed the tape through the tape dispensing opening to the exterior application surface. At least two of the plurality of rollers are opposed rollers that engage the tape surfaces therebetween. The outer surface of at least one of the plurality of rollers protrudes through the opening enabling frictional contact of the roller surface with the substrate surface. When the dispenser is drawn over the surface, the outer surface of the this roller engages and rolls over the substrate surface. It also coacts with the outer surfaces of the other rollers, causing them to grip the tape and feed it through the opening, enabling the adhesive tape to be applied to the substrate surface.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a processing system suitable for manufacturing an SOI substrate. A processing system includes a scalar robot for conveying a bonded substrate stack held by a robot hand, and a centering apparatus, separating apparatus, inverting apparatus, and cleaning/drying apparatus disposed at substantially equidistant positions from a driving shaft of the scalar robot. When the robot hand is pivoted about the driving shaft in the horizontal plane and moved close to or away from the driving shaft, a bonded substrate stack or separated substrate is conveyed among the processing apparatuses.

Abstract: An automatically extendible and retractable awning includes an awning sheet mounted along one edge to a support structure and at an opposite edge to a roll bar about which it can be selectively wrapped. Each end of the roll bar is supported by a scissors type support structure allowing the awning to be extended and retracted in a simple but effective manner while allowing considerable space for movement of individuals around the awning.

Abstract: A non-pull cord operated Venetian blind includes a blind embodiment having left/right retaining cords led through both lateral sides thereof and fixed to a windowsill at the bottom ends thereof, and a pair of clamps securely sealed at both ends of a lower beam to clamp tight the retaining cords thereby. The clamp is made up of a movable plate and a fixed plate with a spring element attached there-between. A serrated retaining section and a serrated fixing section are disposed at the corresponding inner side of the movable plate and the fixed plate thereof respectively, tightly engaged via the spring element for holding the left/right retaining cords therein in clamping location, and a step-wise coupling section is disposed at the outer side of the fixed plate thereon to securely fix the clamps thereof onto both ends of the lower beam thereby.

Abstract: The operation of a roller blind occurs via a ball cord and a pulley. The ball cord may be wound several turns around the pulley, in that oblong axial tracks have been provided in the pulley. Thereby the winding may be preserved without jamming between the windings. Greater forces may be transmitted to the pulley than in case of known constructions.

Abstract: A connecting method for the wax patterns of the golf club head includes the steps of: prefabricating a first wax pattern and a second wax pattern, the first wax pattern providing with an engaging portion for engaging with the second wax pattern; employing a temperature difference to generate a manufacturing volume tolerance between the first wax pattern and the second wax pattern; combining the engaging portion of the first wax pattern with the second wax pattern; and cooling the first wax pattern to shrink the engaging portion so as to fittingly combine the first wax pattern with the second wax pattern.

Abstract: Pattern for the lost foam casting process including a pouring-basin-foming portion, a sprue-forming portion, a runner-forming portion, a gate-forming portion, and a riser-forming portion. The sprue-forming portion forms an inverted conical sprue having a blade-lightener therein for quickly filling, and substantially simultaneously firing, the gates. A glue joint may be used between the pouring- basin-forming portion and the sprue-forming portion to increase the residence time of the melt in the pouring basin. The runners formed by the pattern each have an inline riser through which melt flows during pouring and in which melt is stored to feed the casting with melt during shrinkage of the casting A sand dam surrounds the mouth of each gate and traps particulates from a liquid styrene layer that precedes the melt front in the riser.

Abstract: A vehicle radiator device having a radiator with a first tank and a second tank coupled through a heat radiation core. The radiator is mounted onto an engine in a power unit supported by a vehicle body frame. The first and second tanks of the radiator are made of synthetic resin. The radiator is mounted onto the engine through a shroud for conducting cooling wind passing through the radiator. The shroud is made of elastic material for conducting cooling so that vibrations of the engine are absorbed by the elasticity of the shroud, thus preventing vibration of the radiator.

Abstract: An agricultural machine is described with a screen for protecting a part of a cooling system of a motor mounted on the agricultural machine, the screen being mounted in its operational position adjacent the cooling system, wherein the screen is movable from the operational position next to the cooling system of the motor to a position in which the screen lies outside the envelope defining the outer form of the agricultural machine, the screen being hingedly connected to the agricultural machine so that the initial trajectory of the screen is horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine, and that a further second trajectory of the screen is horizontal and substantially circular, having its centre of curvature on or adjacent a first hinge position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating or air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, by which individual zones of the vehicle interior can be supplied with separately temperature-controlled air. An improved heating or air-conditioning system, which requires just a small amount of installation space, feeds differently temperature-controlled air to a plurality of air-conditioning zones. Despite the small amount of installation space, optimum mixing of cold air and warm air takes place in the heating or air-conditioning system, with the result that the air emerging from air-outlet openings in a respective air-conditioning zone have a constant temperature over the outlet cross section.

Abstract: A device and method for removing heat from an object by spraying a cooling agent is disclosed. A cooling casing or a heat sink is mounted to the object. A spray nozzle is arranged to spray the cooling agent onto the cooling casing or the heat sink from a reservoir. The temperature of the object is detected. A controller receives the temperature and issues a signal to drive the spray nozzle when the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined upper temperature limit. The cooling agent is sprayed onto the cooling casing or the heat sink and evaporates by absorbing heat from the cooling casing or the heat sink thereby removing heat from the object. A fan is selectively provided for generating air flows to expel the evaporated cooling agent and thus enhancing heat removal from the object.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention dissipate heat from an electronic device to provide an efficient and universally applied thermal solution for high heat generating electronic devices. The apparatus comprises an evaporator, a condenser, a heater and conduits. The evaporator, condenser, and conduits define a closed system that has an interior volume which is partially filled with a liquid coolant. The evaporator is thermally connected to an electronic device, such as a processor, and removes thermal energy from the processor by evaporating the liquid coolant. When the apparatus is oriented such that no liquid coolant is in contact with the evaporator, the heater applies thermal energy to the coolant until the coolant begins to boil. Boiling the liquid coolant causes bubbles to form within the liquid coolant. The volume of the bubbles generated by boiling raises the level of the liquid coolant within the closed system until the liquid coolant comes into contact with the evaporator.

Abstract: A thermal module with temporary heat storage. The thermal module includes a heat storage, a heat absorber, a heat dissipater, and a heat pipe for rapidly transferring heat from the heat absorber to the heat dissipater. The heat storage includes a phase change material and is in contact with the heat pipe. When heat quantities generated by the system are greater than a predefined reasonable thermal target, heat in excess of the thermal target is temporarily absorbed into the heat storage through the melting of the PCM. When the heat quantities generated by the system are again less than the thermal target, the PCM re-freezes, releasing the stored heat to be dissipated normally.

Abstract: A heat exchanger construction (10) including a plurality of flat heat exchanger tubes (12) and a tube plate (18). The tube plate (18) has an exterior side (20), an interior side (22), and a plurality of tube openings (24) spaced along a longitudinal axis (26). Each of the tubes (12) includes a pair of opposed long sides (29) and a pair of opposed short sides (30). Each of the tubes (12) has an end (34) received in one of the tube openings (24) and extending past the interior side (22). Each of the ends (34) includes a pair of long edges (36) defined by the long sides (28). Each of the tubes (12) has a cut (38) in each of its short sides (30) extending from the end (34) to adjacent the interior side (22) of the tube plate (18). Each of the tubes further includes a bend (40) formed in each of the long sides (28) of the tube (12) adjacent the cut (38) so that the long edges (36) of the tube (12) are adjacent the long edges (36) of the tube (12) on either side of the tube (12).