Wick Patents (Class 122/366)
  • Patent number: 11680753
    Abstract: In some examples, a method for additively manufacturing a heat pipe, the method including depositing, via a filament delivery device, a filament to form a heat pipe preform, wherein the filament includes a binder and a metal or alloy powder; and sintering the heat pipe preform to form the heat pipe, the heat pipe including an outer shell, a wicking region, and a vapor transport region defined by the metal or alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quinlan Yee Shuck, Scott Nelson, Raymond Ruiwen Xu, Brandon David Ribic, Matthew R. Gold
  • Patent number: 11454454
    Abstract: A vapor chamber having a working fluid therein, includes a first and second casing, together forming an evaporator section having a plurality of first support structures therein, a condenser section having a plurality of second support structures therein, and a vapor flow chamber extending from the evaporator section to the condenser section is provided. The evaporator section further includes a plurality of extended heat transfer structures therein, contacting a first inner surface of the evaporator section of the first casing and being perpendicular thereto. The vapor flow chamber includes as least one evaporator vapor flow area. The first inner surface, second inner surface of the first and second casings, plurality of extended heat transfer structures, and at least one of a plurality of first support structures include evenly distributed and substantially the same thickness sintered powdered wick structures thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: COOLER MASTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Leilei Liu, Xuemei Wang
  • Patent number: 11408683
    Abstract: A heat transfer device includes a hollow spacer between opposed substrates, defining an enclosure, at least one of the substrates adapted to be secured to at least one heat source. A non-permeable barrier is in the enclosure between the substrates. A first chamber inside the enclosure is defined by the spacer, the substrates, and the barrier, the first chamber in fluid communication with at least one first inlet and first outlet. A second chamber inside the enclosure and outside the first chamber and is defined by the spacer, the substrates, and the barrier, the second chamber in fluid communication with at least one second outlet. A wick structure is secured to at least one substrate, a first portion of the wick structure in the first chamber, and a second portion of the wick structure in the second chamber and interconnecting in passive liquid communication with the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Reza Shaeri, Richard W. Bonner, III, Michael C. Ellis, Elizabeth K. Seber, Maksym V. Demydovych
  • Patent number: 11187468
    Abstract: A loop heat pipe wick includes porous rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotada Katoh, Tomoyasu Hirasawa, Norihiko Aze, Takeshi Endoh
  • Patent number: 10976112
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to providing a heat pipe that can exhibit excellent heat transport properties under tougher use conditions such as a situation in which an amount of heat generation by electronic components further increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenya Kawabata, Yoshikatsu Inagaki
  • Patent number: 10724804
    Abstract: A thermal ground plane with hybrid structures that include nanowires is disclosed. The thermal ground plane includes a first casing having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface includes plurality of microstructures with a plurality of nanowires; a second casing, wherein the first casing and the second casing are sealed to an interior space that includes a working fluid; and a wicking layer disposed within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kelvin Thermal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan John Lewis, Ronggui Yang, Yung-Cheng Lee
  • Patent number: 10694641
    Abstract: A system and method for providing and using wickless capillary driven constrained vapor bubble heat pipes for application in electronic devices with various system platforms are disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a substrate; and a plurality of wickless capillary driven constrained vapor bubble heat pipes embedded in the substrate, each wickless capillary driven constrained vapor bubble heat pipe including a body having a capillary therein with generally square corners and a high energy interior surface, and a highly wettable liquid partially filling the capillary to dissipate heat between an evaporator region and a condenser region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Sumita Basu, Shantanu D. Kulkarni, Prosenjit Ghosh, Konstantin I. Kouliachev
  • Patent number: 10502496
    Abstract: A micro vapor chamber includes: a first plate body having a first side and a second side, the second side having at least one condensation section; a second plate body having a third side and a fourth side, the third side being provided with at least one evaporation section and multiple flow collection sections, the third side being correspondingly mated with the second side of the first plate body, the fourth side contacting with at least one heat source; and a mesh structure body disposed between the first plate body and the second plate body. The mesh structure body is a capillary structure having multiple meshes and a first face and a second face. The first and second faces of the mesh structure body are mated with the condensation section and the evaporation section and the flow collection sections respectively to together define multiple flow ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS (CHINA) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Wei Yang
  • Patent number: 10457425
    Abstract: A satellite is disclosed comprising an anti-nadir panel having a first side and a second side. In one or more embodiments, the first side of the anti-nadir panel is mounted to an anti-nadir side of the main body of the satellite. The satellite further comprises at least one battery pack mounted to the second side of the anti-nadir panel, where at least one battery pack comprises at least one battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Aston, Michael J. Langmack, Anna M. Tomzynska
  • Patent number: 10436521
    Abstract: A system may include a pump, an evaporator, a condenser, an accumulator, a pump bypass line, a first valve, and a second valve. The system may operate in a powered-pump mode, in which the pump drives fluid circulation, the first valve prevents fluid circulation through the pump bypass line, the pump pumps liquid from the accumulator to the evaporator, gas exiting the evaporator flows to the condenser, liquid exiting the evaporator flows through the second valve to the accumulator, and liquid exiting the condenser flows to the accumulator. The system may operate in a passive-capillary mode, in which capillary pressure in the evaporator drives fluid circulation, the first valve prevents fluid circulation through the pump, liquid flows from the accumulator, through the pump bypass line, and to the evaporator, gas exiting the evaporator flows to the condenser, the second valve is closed, and liquid exiting the condenser flows the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Lin Cho, Gary A. Adamson
  • Patent number: 10352623
    Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a main circuit forming a fluid loop, the main circuit being devoid of mechanical or capillary pumping means, at least one evaporator unit arranged in bypass to the main circuit, and at least one cooling heat exchanger that includes a portion of the loop main circuit and a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink, for dissipating thermal energy. The evaporator unit includes an inlet pipe collecting liquid fluid from the main loop, an evaporator including a porous member with capillary pumping coupled to a heat source to be cooled, and an outlet pipe having an ejection nozzle with injects the fluid in primarily vapor phase into the main circuit at least in the loop direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: EURO HEAT PIPES
    Inventor: Vincent Dupont
  • Patent number: 10288356
    Abstract: A vapor chamber and heat pipe combined structure and method; the vapor chamber and heat pipe combined structure includes a heat pipe, a vapor chamber and a working fluid. The heat pipe includes a pipe body, a fixing section, and a first capillary tissue. The vapor chamber includes an upper metal casing, a lower metal casing, a containing chamber and a second capillary tissue installed in the containing chamber. The working fluid is filled into the containing chamber, and the fixing section of the heat pipe is coupled to the upper metal casing, so that the first capillary tissue is coupled to the second capillary tissue. The combined structure facilitates the connection and fixation of the heat pipe and improves the reflux speed of the liquid-state working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN MICROLOOPS CORP.
    Inventor: Chun-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 10215440
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and method which is able to perform in different seasons. The heat exchanger has an upper header and a lower header. Multiple heat pipes extend between the upper header and the lower header, with each of the multiple heat pipes having an evaporator section at one end and a condenser section at the opposite end. The direction of heat flow through the multiple heat pipes is variable depending on ambient air conditions applied to the heat exchanger. A pump is provided in fluid communication with the upper header and the lower header. The pump operates when the heat exchanger is operating in a second mode in which the evaporator section is located above the condenser section, and the pump is disabled when the heat exchanger is operating in a first mode in which the condenser section is located above the evaporator section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCED COOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Reist, Peter Dussinger, Michael C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 10139137
    Abstract: The present invention includes a heat exchanger reactive to external and internal temperatures for carrying a working fluid, including two pairs of nested pipes; each pair including one pipe with a channel portion and a stress relief portion and a second pipe with just a channel portion, one of said pipes enclosing the other with an interference fit and both pipes having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The first pair of pipes positioned co-axially with and encompassing the second pair. A fluid is positioned in the space defined by the inner surface of outer pair of pipes and the outer surface of inner pair of pipes. The two pipe pairs have positions responsive to the internal and external temperatures in which the space defined by pipe pairs is either minimized or maximized by expansion and contraction of the pipe pairs caused by differences in coefficients of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas J Gieseke
  • Patent number: 9995535
    Abstract: Provided are cooling subsystems for a vehicle energy-storage system comprising a heat pipe disposed between two battery modules, the heat pipe being thermally coupled to each of a plurality of cells of the two battery modules at an end of each cell. The heat pipe comprises an envelope and a working fluid, the heat pipe transferring heat from the plurality of cells. Optionally, the cooling subsystem further includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat pipe, the heat exchanger receiving heat from the heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: FARADAY&FUTURE INC.
    Inventor: W. Porter Harris
  • Patent number: 9874406
    Abstract: A passive two-phase cooling circuit includes a vaporizer and a condenser for a coolant conducted in the cooling circuit. A vaporizer supply line and a vaporizer discharge line are connected to the vaporizer, and a condenser supply line and a condenser discharge line are connected to the condenser. The cooling circuit has a simple and cost-effective structure which reduces or even completely prevents pressure shocks during operation by connecting the vaporizer supply line, the vaporizer discharge line, the condenser supply line and the condenser discharge line to a common damping container. A liquid column forms in the condenser discharge line during the operation of the cooling circuit and the column assumes the function of a liquid-tight seal and of a fluid-dynamic vibration damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Areva GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fuchs, Leo Ornot, Markus Reck, Matthias Reuter
  • Patent number: 9729104
    Abstract: A solar power system (11) which comprises a plurality of solar energy collecting means (10,10a,10b,10c) respectively comprising a platform assembly (16,16a,16b,16c) floating on liquid in a liquid reservoir (14,14a,14b,14c), each platform assembly carrying solar energy concentrators or collectors and respective reservoirs (14,14a,14b,14c), being interconnected in series and arranged in a cascading relationship such that the flooding of a platform assembly (16,16a,16b,16c) in one reservoir (14,14a,14b,14c), for protection of the concentrators or collectors under liquid displaces liquid in that reservoir (14,14a,14b,14c), and causes the flooding of an adjacent lower platform assembly (16,16a,16b,16c) to protect the concentrators or collectors carried thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Allan James Yeomans
  • Patent number: 9700930
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device and a manufacturing method thereof. The heat dissipation device includes a main body and at least one fixing hole. The main body has a first board body and a second board body corresponding to the first board body. The first and second board bodies are mated with each other to define a chamber. A working fluid and multiple support pillars are disposed in the chamber. At least one capillary structure is disposed on a surface of the chamber. The fixing hole is formed on the main body in a position where any support pillar is positioned. The fixing hole passes through the first and second board bodies and the support pillar. According to the above arrangement, the airtightness of the chamber of the main body can be ensured. Also, the heat spreader can be tightly connected with other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Wei Yang
  • Patent number: 9481056
    Abstract: A method of making a lightweight heat pipe includes steps of: a) preparing a first hollow pipe and a second hollow pipe making of two different materials; b) disposing the first hollow pipe into the second hollow pipe along an axial direction of the second hollow pipe; c) making an inner wall surface of the second hollow pipe attached on an outer wall surface of the first hollow pipe to combine the first and the second hollow pipes as a pipe body of the heat pipe; and d) vacuuming an inner space of the first hollow pipe, and sealing the pipe body after working fluid is filled in the inner space of the first hollow pipe to finish the heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CHAUN-CHOUNG TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Cheng-Tu Wang, Pang-Hung Liao
  • Patent number: 9435989
    Abstract: A system is provided for photo-processing of a material using incident light with an optical element that includes a plurality of concentric bands of optical prisms concentric around a focal axis. The system includes a target receiver positioned on the focal axis and holds the material to be photo-processed. The optical prisms concentrate incident light on the target receiver. The system may include a tracking assembly for orienting the optical element toward the source of the incident light. The optical prisms may be selected in accordance with Snell's Law of Refraction. The system may include a delivery mechanism for delivery of semisolid and granular material for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Donald Alan Steinmeyer, Eric Robert Steinmeyer, John Richard Zagelow
  • Patent number: 9423185
    Abstract: A heat transfer device that allows high-accuracy temperature management of an entire piping system. The heat transfer device transferring heat to the piping system through which a fluid flows includes: a high heat conductive heat transfer block surrounding the piping system; a heat pipe embedded in the heat transfer block along an extension direction of the piping system; and a heater applying heat to the heat pipe. The heat transfer block includes a plurality of divided blocks dividable along the extension direction of the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisaaki Yamakage, Yoshihito Yamada, Masato Hanada
  • Patent number: 9339578
    Abstract: An emanation device for use with a replaceable refill of volatile liquid containing one or more active materials is described wherein the active material comprises at least one of: a fragrance; an insecticide; a fungicide; a pesticide; a sanitizing material; and/or a pharmaceutical; wherein the refill comprises a sealed reservoir containing said volatile liquid and a porous wick which extends from the interior of the reservoir to the exterior thereof, wherein the device comprises: an air pump; a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the air pump such that, in use, air pumped by the pump will flow through the fluid conduit; a nozzle located at the end of the fluid conduit remote from the air pump; a ejector constriction provided in the fluid conduit adjacent or substantially adjacent the nozzle; a liquid conduit provided adjacent the ejector constriction and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit at one end thereof, and open at the other end to receive liquid therein; refill securing means configure
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Natalie Ingledew, Loic Marouse, Steve Walsh
  • Patent number: 8397798
    Abstract: A two-phase heat transfer system includes an evaporator, a condenser, a vapor line, and a liquid return line. The evaporator includes a liquid inlet, a vapor outlet, and a capillary wick having a first surface adjacent the liquid inlet and a second surface adjacent the vapor outlet. The condenser includes a vapor inlet and a liquid outlet. The vapor line provides fluid communication between the vapor outlet and the vapor inlet. The liquid return line provides fluid communication between the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet. The wick is substantially free of back-conduction of energy from the second surface to the first surface due to an increase in a conduction path from the second surface to the first surface and due to suppression of nucleation of a working fluid from the second surface to the first surface to promote liquid superheat tolerance in the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Kimberly R. Wrenn, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7920777
    Abstract: The present invention concerns capillary force vaporizers for use in vaporizing liquids and emitting pressurized vapors. In one embodiment, the inventive capillary force vaporizer includes a porous member, a heater component to convey heat to the porous member, and a vapor containment region. The porous member further includes a capillary network, a surface for receiving liquid and a vaporization area in which vapor is produced from the liquid. The vapor is collected and pressurized within the vapor containment region, which includes one or more openings for the release of vapor at a velocity greater than zero. Several different embodiments for capillary force vaporizers and systems comprising capillary force vaporizers are disclosed along with methods for their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vapore, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Hal Rabin, Charles Howard Sellers, Warren Saul Breslau, Erick Matthew Davidson
  • Publication number: 20110048341
    Abstract: A vapor chamber includes a container, a wick structure attached to an inner surface of the container, and a supporting structure received in the container and abutting against opposite sidewalls of the container. The supporting structure is generally in the form of a metallic sheet and comprises a plurality of supporting members extending upwardly from thereof. A through hole is defined in the supporting member from top to bottom. An opening is defined between the adjoining supporting members. Opposite ends of the supporting members abut against the wick structure located at the opposite sidewalls of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHENG-CHAO ZHANG, ZHI-YONG ZHOU
  • Patent number: 7759013
    Abstract: A fuel delivery apparatus for a direct liquid feed fuel cell is provided. The fuel delivery apparatus includes a plate stack formed by a one or more double-sided plates positioned between opposing end plates. Both sides of the one or more double-sided plates, and the interior side of each end plate, may include one or more microchannels that extend between, and link, an inlet port with an outlet port. The length of the microchannels is chosen to be less than the height of a predetermined meniscus so that liquid fuel propelled by capillary force forms a meniscus that stands proximate the interface between the ends of the microchannels and the outlet port. A heater may be located at the upper ends of the microchannels around the plate stack, to vaporize the liquid fuel at the meniscus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-yong Lee, Hye-jung Cho
  • Publication number: 20090308576
    Abstract: A heat pipe with a dual capillary structure includes a metal tube, a first capillary, a second capillary and a working fluid. The metal tube forms a chamber and a heat-absorption part. The first capillary is formed by sintering a metal powder, and its corresponding heat-absorption part is disposed in the chamber and the second capillary is contained in the chamber and connected to an end of the first capillary. The second capillary includes an internal tube, a capillary tissue installed between inner walls of the internal tube and the metal tube, and a working fluid filled into the chamber. The invention further provides a method of manufacturing the heat pipe with a dual capillary structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Cheng-Tu WANG, Pang-Hung Liao, Kuo-Feng Tseng, Chuan-Yu Lee
  • Publication number: 20090301112
    Abstract: A direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and a method of direct expansion ammonia refrigeration is described and which includes a source of liquid ammonia refrigerant which is delivered in fluid flowing relation to a plurality of evaporator tubes which incorporate wicking structures, and which through capillary action facilitated by the wicking structures are effective for drawing liquid ammonia refrigerant along the inside facing surface of the evaporator tubes so as to substantially reduce any stratified and/or wavy flow patterns of the liquid ammonia refrigerant within the evaporator tubes. The invention further includes a novel accumulator vessel and heat exchanger vessel which are coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and which facilitate the removal of water from the ammonia refrigerant in order to enhance the operation of the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce Ian Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090224064
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the low energy flash-like vaporization of liquids and the release of the resulting vaporized liquid into the atmosphere in the form of a visible plume, mist or cloud. Vaporization is occasioned in a geometrically small device capable of producing vaporized liquid that varies little in composition in comparison to the starting liquid feed to the device. The apparatus and method are primarily directed towards the treatment of small areas for residential air fragrancing, odor elimination, treatment of insects or pests, air sanitization, air and surface antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment, administration of personal pharmaceuticals or medicaments, as well as other ambient air or surface modification by way of gas, vapor or droplet distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Vapore, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly J. BRODBECK, Warren Saul Breslau, Erick Mathew Davidson, Gregory Van Buskirk
  • Patent number: 7281670
    Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid that has an opening therein. A porous wick is positioned in the container so that a lower region of the wick is in contact with the liquid in the container and an upper region of the wick is exposed to the ambient air. The porous wick has discrete inner and outer concentric cylindrical sections, the inner cylindrical section being made of a sand-based material and the outer cylindrical section being made of a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Lakatos, Adam Hagop Buchaklian, Robert J. Kopanic, Jr., Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Patent number: 7252805
    Abstract: A device which uses a heat source for heating and diffusing fragrant oils or insecticidal oils. The oil is contained in a reservoir remote from the heat source and the device comprises means for transferring the oil from a reservoir to a surface of a heat-absorbing means wherein heat from the heat source is transferred by conduction to said surface to volatilise the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Givaudan SA
    Inventors: Susan Hart, legal representative, Colin William Brown, Guy Edward Naish, Gerald Leslie Hart, deceased
  • Patent number: 7007863
    Abstract: A composite wick for delivering two liquids with different properties to a surface includes a first section provided for delivering a first liquid to the surface of the wick and a second section provided for delivering a second liquid to the surface of the wick. Preferably, the first section is made of hydrophobic materials and the second section is made of hydrophilic materials. Also, a composite wick includes a first section made of either a porous ceramic-based material or a porous sand-based material and a second section made of a porous plastic material, wherein the first and second section preferably are formed as concentric cylinders, with the first section being disposed within the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Kotary, Adam Hagop Buchaklian, Robert J. Kopanic, Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Patent number: 6827286
    Abstract: A diffuser device (100) for diffusing solutions comprises a refill (6) containing the solution to be diffused, a wick (7) disposed partially inside the refill (6) to absorb the solution, a heater (1) coupled to the refill (6) and to the wick (7) and comprising a resistance (8), able to increase in temperature when crossed by a current, for heating the wick (7) and supply means (5) able to electrically supply the resistance (8), the resistance (8) being supported by a support (20) mounted movably in the heater (1) to be able to pass, by manual operation, from a position distal to the wick (7) wherein minimum heating of the wick occurs to a position proximal to the wick wherein maximum heating of the wick occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Zobele Holding SpA
    Inventor: Franco Zobele
  • Patent number: 6766773
    Abstract: An adapter system for vaporizing devices is provided. In general, the adapter system couples to a refill bottle unit or container and includes an attachment mechanism and a shape-altering mechanism. Essentially, a refill bottle unit that otherwise would not properly fit into a housing unit of a vaporizing device is modified by the adapter system to now properly fit and function normally within the housing unit. Alternatively, the adapter system may modify the housing unit for receipt of a non-conforming bottle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wolpert, Scott Allen Richert, Phillip Scott Bradley, Donald R. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040035409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapid flash-like volatilization of high and low vapor pressure components from liquid or solid emanators which is in contact with a point or localized heat source. Vaporization is promoted by a geometrically small electrically resistive heating element with variable activation for pulsed or cyclic heating of an emanating surface containing the volatile components. The apparatus is primarily directed towards the treatment of residential air for fragrancing, odor elimination, treatment of insects or pests, air sanitization, air and surface antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment, or other ambient air or surface modification by way of gas or vapor distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Harwig, Brian E. Healy, James F. Kimball, Stephen B. Leonard, Maude Christian Meier, Ralph W. Oakeson
  • Publication number: 20030231877
    Abstract: An adapter system for vaporizing devices is provided. In general, the adapter system couples to a refill bottle unit or container and includes an attachment mechanism and a shape-altering mechanism. Essentially, a refill bottle unit that otherwise would not properly fit into a housing unit of a vaporizing device is modified by the adapter system to now properly fit and function normally within the housing unit. Alternatively, the adapter system may modify the housing unit for receipt of a non-conforming bottle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wolpert, Scott Allen Richert, Phillip Scott Bradley, Donald R. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6622662
    Abstract: An adapter system for vaporizing devices is provided. In general, the adapter system couples to a refill bottle unit or container and includes an attachment mechanism and a shape-altering mechanism. Essentially, a refill bottle unit that otherwise would not properly fit into a housing unit of a vaporizinrg device is modified by the adapter system to now properly fit and function normally within the housing unit. Alternatively, the adapter system may modify the housing unit for receipt of a non-conforming bottle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wolpert, Scott Allen Richert, Phillip Scott Bradley, Donald R. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20020136542
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fastening of a fluid transport mechanism to a fluid reservoir, and optionally, to various mechanisms which increase the effectiveness of the vaporizing units within which such devices may be employed. For example, the fluid transport mechanism is suitably fastened to the reservoir and removal of the transport mechanism is substantially inhibited by a retaining force provided by one or more fastening features. That is, the transport mechanism is fabricated or suitably augmented such that once it has been inserted into the reservoir, it is not easily removable without significant force or through the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Mengtao Pete He, Carl Triplett, Christopher J. Wolpert, Kristopher J. Stathakis, Debra Park
  • Patent number: 6450132
    Abstract: Inner peripheral grooves for transporting a liquid of a working fluid in the longitudinal direction of a first wick are provided along the first wick which transports the liquid contained in the evaporator to a heating portion in the evaporator by capillary force, and a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid of the working fluid is further provided to the inner peripheral grooves. Therefore, the liquid of the working fluid can be efficiently supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the first wick with a simple structure, so that a loop type heat pipe which can be constantly stably operated can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Yao, Hiroaki Ishikawa, Tetsurou Ogushi, Eiichi Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6446583
    Abstract: An evaporation device 2 is disclosed for the evaporation of volatile substances, in particular insecticides and aromatics, which includes a housing 13 which contains a heating element and a container 50 for a substance to be evaporated. This container 50 contains a wick which is associated with the heating element with a wick end 30 protruding from container 50. The heating element can be longitudinally displaced near the container 50 in the housing 13 relative to the wick end 30 to adjust the degree of evaporation. According to the invention, the heating element is carried on a movable heater assembly that can be displaced longitudinally in the housing relative to the wick end. The movable heater assembly can be fixed in different positions relative to the wick end 30 and the longitudinal direction of the wick axis for the adjustment of the degree of evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: C.T.R. Consultoria Técnica e Representacöes Lda
    Inventor: Pedro Queiroz Vieira
  • Patent number: 6426051
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil lamp adapted to disperse fragrance. More specifically, the present invention provides a lamp having a container with one or more vent holes, through which fragrance molecules volatilized from scented fuel within the container may escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Noville, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Herbert Allison
  • Patent number: 6397936
    Abstract: A freeze tolerant condenser (106) for a two-phase heat transfer system is disclosed. The condenser includes an enclosure (110) and a porous artery (112) located within and extending along the length of the enclosure. A vapor space (116) is defined between the enclosure and the artery, and a liquid space (114) is defined by a central passageway within the artery. The artery includes a plurality of laser-micromachined capillaries (130) extending from the outer surface of the artery to its inner surface such that the vapor space is in fluid communication with the liquid space. In one embodiment of the invention, the capillaries (130) are cylindrical holes having a diameter of no greater than 50 microns. In another embodiment, the capillaries (130′) are slots having widths of no greater than 50 microns. A method of making an artery in accordance with the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Creare Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Crowley, Nabil A. Elkouh
  • Publication number: 20020043220
    Abstract: Inner peripheral grooves for transporting a liquid of a working fluid in the longitudinal direction of a first wick are provided along the first wick which transports the liquid contained in the evaporator to a heating portion in the evaporator by capillary force, and a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid of the working fluid is further provided to the inner peripheral grooves. Therefore, the liquid of the working fluid can be efficiently supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the first wick with a simple structure, so that a loop type heat pipe which can be constantly stably operated can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Yao, Hiroaki Ishikawa, Tetsurou Ogushi, Eiichi Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20020039487
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base defining an evaporation cavity, a water supply is supported on the base and has a discharge opening communicating with the evaporation cavity and is adapted to maintain a given level of water therein. A humidification unit is removably mounted on the base and includes a heating element projecting into the cavity with a wicking sleeve surrounding the element and into the cavity to wick water therefrom. Energization of the heating element causes evaporation of the water that has been wicked from the cavity. The resulting vapor is discharged through an exhaust grill above the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 6333009
    Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided, adapted to transfer heat from the flame of the oil lamp to fuel contained within the oil lamp. The heat transfer system has a heat absorbing region disposed near the flame, and a heat dissipating region disposed within the container, connected to the heat absorbing region by a thermally conductive path. If the fuel contains a fragrance, heating the fuel enhances the amount of fragrance volatilized from the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Noville, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Herbert Allison
  • Publication number: 20010020450
    Abstract: An evaporation device 2 is disclosed for the evaporation of volatile substances, in particular insecticides and aromatics, which includes a housing 13 which contains a heating element and a container 50 for a substance to be evaporated. This container 50 contains a wick which is associated with the heating element with a wick end 30 protruding from container 50. The heating element can be longitudinally displaced near the container 50 in the housing 13 relative to the wick end 30 to adjust the degree of evaporation. According to the invention, the heating element is carried on a movable heater assembly that can be displaced longitudinally in the housing relative to the wick end. The movable heater assembly can be fixed in different positions relative to the wick end 30 and the longitudinal direction of the wick axis for the adjustment of the degree of evaporation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Pedro Queiroz Vieira
  • Patent number: 5771845
    Abstract: A liquid is vaporized by a device having at least one porous substrate exposed to a certain ambient pressure, means for supplying the substrate with liquid in order for it to be loaded with liquid starting from an upstream portion of the substrate, and at least one energy source for heating the substrate so that at least some of the liquid is vaporized. According to the invention, the means for supplying the substrate with liquid may include means for pressurizing the liquid to a pressure greater than ambient pressure, thereby creating a flow-rate greater than the flow-rate induced by capillarity and vaporization of the liquid alone when the substrate is held in a horizontal position. The invention may be applied to the production of water-vaporization equipment, particularly with electrical or gaseous energy supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignees: Gaz De France, Cogia, Superba
    Inventors: Jacques Pistien, Jean-Louis Giazzi, Robert Desage, Philippe Deblay
  • Patent number: 5725049
    Abstract: A capillary pumped loop for transferring heat from one body part to another body part, the capillary pumped loop comprising a capillary evaporator for vaporizing a liquid refrigerant by absorbing heat from a warm body part, a condenser for turning a vaporized refrigerant into a liquid by transferring heat from the vaporized liquid to a cool body part, a first tube section connecting an output port of the capillary evaporator to an input of the condenser, and a second tube section connecting an output of the condenser to an input port of the capillary evaporator. A wick may be provided within the condenser. A pump may be provided between the second tube section and the input port of the capillary evaporator. Additionally, an esternal heat source or heat sink may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Theodore D. Swanson, Paul Wren, deceased
  • Patent number: 5647911
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a gas diffuser plate having an integral heat pipe for accurately controlling the temperature of the diffuser plate during CVD processing to prevent unwanted tungsten (or other material) deposition on the diffuser plate. The apparatus is also useful as an RF plasma cleaning device in which the diffuser plate acts as an RF electrode, the heat pipe tube acts as an RF input lead, and the apparatus further includes a connector to an RF power source. Additionally, in combination, the heat pipe-cooled gas diffuser plate and RF electrode may be used advantageously in plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Materials Research Corp.
    Inventors: James Vanell, Al Garcia
  • Patent number: 5555914
    Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers and microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder. The ceramic composite is particularly useful for transporting cryogenic fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Anna L. Baker, Darryl F. Garrigus