Abstract: In a lighting fixture including a lamp and a housing, an improvement is disclosed for maintaining a lamp envelope area at a cooler, reduced temperature relative to the enclosed housing ambient. The improvement comprises a thermal element in thermal communication with the housing extending to and springably urging thermal communication with a predetermined area of the lamp envelope surface.

Abstract: A device for hermetically protecting integrated circuits is disclosed. The device includes a plastic housing which has a cavity. The cavity forms an opening at the top of the housing and extends toward the bottom of the housing where a metallic slug is positioned. The cavity also includes one or more bond shelves descending from the top of the housing toward the bottom of the housing. The bond shelves support conducting bond pads which are coupled to connecting pins which extend from the housing. An integrated circuit with a number of integrated circuit bond pads is attached by an epoxy to the bottom of the cavity. Bond wires couple the integrated circuit bond pads and the bond shelf pads. A liquid is dispensed in the cavity such that the liquid extends from the bottom of the cavity to a position above the bond wires. A properly selected liquid provides protection for the integrated circuit and its electrical connections.

Abstract: A disposable patient heating or cooling blanket having three layers of flexible sheeting two of which form an air chamber, the third of which is a comfortable layer for contact with the patient and which, having a greater friction characteristic, aids in keeping the blanket in place on the patient. The patient is bathed in conditioned air through a multiplicity of orifices in the bottom layers of the blanket and the size and location of the orifices are such that sufficient pressure exists within the blanket to prevent crimping blockage and to insure a uniform flow of air through the orifices throughout the blanket area. Conditioned air is introduced horizontally through an external nozzle which is inserted into a low cost foldable fitting plate bonded to the blanket which permits the blanket to be concisely folded and packaged.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the temperature of an infusible liquid from a first temperature to a second predetermined temperature. The apparatus includes a receiver assembly for changing the temperature of the liquid. The apparatus also includes a cartridge to be received in the assembly and which defines an enclosed passageway for movement of the fluid. The cartridge has a first end, a second end, a liquid inlet disposed adjacent the first end, a liquid output disposed adjacent the second end, and a first wall extending between the ends and made of a material having good heat transfer properties. The assembly includes a thermoelectric heat pump, and a slot is provided for releasably receiving the cartridge so that the heat pump engages the wall of the cartridge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel counter flow tube-manifold heat exchanger which can be installed in a wood or concrete floor and used to heat the floor and the earth space associated with the floor. A heat exchanger for conveying a heat containing fluid material in counter flow pattern comprising a hollow conduit comprised of three hollow elongated resillient fluid conducting tubes which are disposed parallel to and are joined to one another; and a first hollow elongated manifold with ports therein; and a second hollow elongated manifold, with ports therein adapted for connection with the ends of the tubes, the first ends of two of the three tubes being connected to the ports of the first manifold and the opposite ends of the same two tubes being connected to ports of the second manifolds, and the first end of the third tube adjacent the first ends of the two tubes being connected to a port of the second manifold, while the opposite end of the third tube is connected to a port of the first manifold.

Abstract: The invention comprises new materials useful in a wide variety of terrestrial and space applications. In one aspect, the invention comprises a flexible cloth-like material comprising a layer of flexible woven ceramic fabric bonded with a layer of metallic foil. In another aspect, the invention includes a flexible fluid impermeable barrier comprising a flexible woven ceramic fabric layer having metal wire woven therein. A metallic foil layer is incontinuously welded to the woven metal wire. In yet another aspect, the invention includes a material comprising a layer of flexible woven ceramic fabric bonded with a layer of an organic polymer. In still another aspect, the invention includes a rigid fabric structure comprising a flexible woven ceramic fabric and a resinous support material which has been hardened as the direct result of exposure to ultraviolet light. Inventive methods for producing such material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger according to the present invention comprises a housing for containing an upper and a lower layer of fluid, means for preventing intermixing of the two fluids, and heat transfer means for enhancing the transfer of heat between the layers. Specifically, the heat exchanger means is in form of a plurality of elongated cylinders extending into both layers, each of said cylinders containing a convective fluid. Preferably, the convective fluid is a liquid; and the preferred liquid includes water. Where the fluid in each of said upper and lower layers is a gas, the preferred orientation of the cylinders is vertical. The hotter fluid should be beneath the cooler fluid so that heat from the hotter fluid is first transferred to the liquid in the lower ends of each cylinder. The buoyancy of the heated liquid sets up convection currents which carry the heated liquid upwardly in the vertical cylinders where the heat is given up to the cooler fluid.

Abstract: A heat transfer device in the form of a bandanna-like neckband has a main body flexible fabric material and a pocket lengthwise centrally located for receiving an elongated heat transfer element in the form of a multi-cellular reusable coolant pouch therein. The lengths of the main body and pocket are chosen to place the heat transfer element about the back and sides of the neck, while leaving the main body unobstructed at free ends to permit loose tying to join the ends in front of the neck. The widths of the main body and pocket are chosen to enable single or multiple layers of fabric material to be optionally interposed between the heat transfer element and the neck.

Abstract: A configured pad for use on a body part of a patient to provide cooling is dimensioned to conform to multi-shapes for enhanced versatility in use. The configured pad is a substantially flattened member having a main section with generally oblong-shaped branches extending forwardly on each side and a generally circular-shaped branch extending forwardly from the main section. A cooling zone portion of the pad has an internal flow channel which extends from a lower center half area of the main section along divided halves of the first generally oblong-shaped branch, generally circular-shaped center branch and the second generally oblong-shaped branch to a second lower center half area of the main section. The configured pad has an inlet port tube and an outlet port tube positioned in the lower center area of the cooling zone portion of substantially flattened member for the flow of cooling water through the internal flow channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a protective tarpaulin which protects military targets from detection and destruction by multiple weapon systems. The tarpaulin comprises a thermal protective sheet situated at its bottom surface in contact with the target it covers. A multi-cell honeycomb structure is disposed above and separated from the thermal protective sheet by a plurality of stiffeners. The tarpaulin also includes a temperature control means, in communication with an air gap defined by the space between the multi-cell honeycomb structure and the thermal protective sheet.

Abstract: A plate-shaped heating element, in particular for floor heating, consists of two plates of synthetic material defining a hollow space. Spacing elements are provided between the plates in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the plates, the spacing elements uniting the two plates. The spacing elements are arranged so as to form a first row along a first straight line, said first straight line being an extension of the axis of the joining element. All other spacing elements form further rows, said rows being provided along straight lines which again are provided parallel to the first straight line.

Abstract: A heat or material exchanger is provided which comprises a cylindrical housing having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, an assembly of heat or material-exchange tubes in the housing, partitions securing the opposed ends of the assembly to the housing in a fluid tight seal to partition the housing interior into a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet and a second fluid chamber defined in the assembly, a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber, an independent spaced defined by the inner wall of the housing and one partition and extending the entire circumference of the housing, but not in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers, and a vent in the housing for communicating the space to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A sorption container for solid sorption medium, for example, zeolite, consists at least partially of a flexible metal corrugated hose, whose waves are filled on the inside with sorption medium.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus especially useful for cooling electronic components has a frame with a channel for the flow of heat transfer liquid, a flexible sheet connected to the frame, and a thermal via coupled to the sheet. As fluid flows through the channel, the sheet and via move outwardly for contact with the component to be cooled. A cover structure extends across the frame adjacent the via and limits outward movement of the sheet. The cover structure also prevents damage to the sheet when the apparatus is handled.

Abstract: A heat exchange assembly for use in combination with motor driven fluid pumps and the like, such as a motor, is provided. The assembly comprises a suction manifold, a discharge/diverter manifold, and a heat exchange jacket. The heat exchange jacket is maintained in close contact with the exterior surface of the motor, so that waste heat is transferred to the jacket thereby heating the fluid therein.

Abstract: A latent heat storage tank is filled with antifreeze solution such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, calcium chloride and a plurality of bundles of cylindrical latent heat containers in the form of tubes or pipes which float perpendicularly to the antifreeze surface. The antifreeze solution is circulated by a refrigerator provided outside the latent heat storage tank. Each cylindrical latent heat container contains water or other liquid which is cooled to become ice by said antifreeze solution which has been cooled by said refrigerator driven by inexpensive night time electric power.

Abstract: A high efficiency deployable heat radiator system for radiating heat generated at a source of heat aboard an orbiting spacecraft or like vehicle is described which comprises a first subsystem for circulating liquid heat exchange medium into heat exchange relationship with the heat source and for conducting vaporous medium generated at the heat source to a manifold; one or more interconnected movable radiator panels each including a pair of spaced wall members defining heat radiating surfaces; a plurality of heat pipes each having an elongated condenser end disposed between wall members of the radiator panels and in heat exchange relationship with the heat radiating surfaces; a manifold for conducting vaporous medium from the source into heat exchange contact with the evaporator ends of the heat pipes; an interface structure interconnecting the evaporator end of each heat pipe with the manifold and including a tubular member enclosing each evaporator end for conducting vaporous heat exchange medium into contac

Abstract: There is disclosed an air conditioning unit for location in the wall of a room and which comprises a heat exchanger, an external supply fan operable to blow air into the room through the heat exchanger and an extract fan operable to draw air out of the room through the heat exchanger, in which the heat exchanger comprises a stack of thin flexible plates which are spaced apart from each other so as to define between opposed faces of adjacent plates extract air flow paths and supply air flow paths through the heat exchanger, with the spacing apart of the faces defining the extract air flow paths being greater than the spacing apart of the faces defining the supply air flow paths whereby the depth of the extract air flow paths initially is greater than the depth of the supply air flow paths, but during operation any tendency for the flexible plates to deform under differential pressure action results in the depths of the extract air flow paths and supply air flow paths being substantially equalized, which provid

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling/warming jacket pad for the containment of physiological organs such as hearts and kidneys during medical procedures. The pad when unused is a substantially flat, slim pad having an interior compartment in the form of a passage such that cooling fluid flows past substantially all interior surfaces and null patches of flow are at least mitigated. The pad has an inlet tube and an outlet tube preferably located to minimize interference with a surgeon or surgeons. Portions of the pad may be wrapped over each other to form a cone-shaped jacket within which the organ is contained. The pad may be shaped so that the narrow end of the jacket is open so that physiological tissues and tubes, e.g. blood vessels may project therethrough for connection to like tissues and tubes of a patient while the organ is still within the jacket. To provide this opening the flat pad may have a bay between the wrap-over portions.

Abstract: A heat transfer bag especially useful for cooling electronic components is made of a flexible sheet of material and is filled with a fluorochemical heat transfer liquid. A metallic thermal via extends through a hole in the bag for direct contact with an external surface of a heat-generating component. A portion of the via extends into the bag and functions as a heat radiating fin to enhance the transfer of heat from the component to the liquid within the bag.

Abstract: A thermal transfer means comprising a flexible bag or pouch filled with a chemically inert, electrically nonconductive, nonflammable, essentially gas-free, thermally stable, thermally conductive, body of liquid comprising fluorochemical liquid. Said bag is fabricated from a flexible, durable plastic film that has low permeability to air and the fluorochemical liquid. The configuration of the bag is conformable to adapt to the geometry of the space, formed between the surface of a heat generating component or components and the surface of a heat sink, into which the bag is inserted, thereby contacting said surfaces and providing a thermal conduction path for heat generated by the heat generating component during operation from said component to the heat sink. The liquid has a boiling point such that it down not boil at the highest operating temperature of the device. Also provided is a method for making and filling the bag such that after sealing the bag is substantially gas free.

Abstract: The heat exchanger has a zig-zagged liquid-flowing passage and an overflowed-liquid escaping conduit. When an excessive amount of cooling water is supplied to the heat exchanger, a part of cooling water flows into the overflowed-liquid escaping conduit through a dam formed between the liquid-flowing passage and the escaping conduit. The heat exchanger is formed by assembling a plurality of heat exchanging partition plates formed by molding. The heat exchanging partition plates have the same shape and the same dimensions, and they are easily engageable with and detachable from each other.

Abstract: A thermal insulating shade for interior use comprises at least one envelope with substantially parallel side panels which hold insulating air therebetween, at least one of the side panels having a highly reflective surface for reflecting away the sun's heat in summer, and, by reversing the shade, retaining interior heat in winter. The shade may be mounted in spaced relationship to any inadequately insulated interior surface such as a window, roof or door of a building or automobile. The shade envelope may have its air space filled with static air with or without porous insulating foam, or controlled air movement through the shade may be provided. Alternatively, the insulating shade may be formed of two envelopes, one inside the other, or of twin envelopes having a common center wall therebetween; in these embodiments, air may be pumped alternately into and removed from each envelope in turn to provide enhanced insulating effectiveness.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic coupling especially useful in an anatomical thermal system between the pad means and control unit thereof, the hermaphroditic coupling including a pair of parallel lumens with the coupling being divided into two units having identical hermaphroditic, engageable ends and with releasable latch means connecting the two elements of the hermaphroditic coupling.

Abstract: A flexible thermal jacket of a generally thin flat arcuate configuration, having a heat transfer face and an insulating face, for forming around and thermally contacting an organ and circulating a thermal fluid for controlling the temperature of the organ comprises, a first sheet of thin pliable flexible impervious material having an arcuate configuration defined by radially extending side edges and by inner and outer arcuate edges extending between the side edges, a second sheet substantially identical to the first sheet, the first sheet overlying and sealingly bonded to the second sheet along the arcuate edges thereof and along lines defining an elongated serpentine fluid passage extending throughout the area of the sheets between adjacent inlet and outlet ports opening outward from the outer arcuate edge adjacent one of the side edges of the sheet.

Abstract: A thermosyphon heat exchanger having evaporator and condenser sections is provided which includes an internal bladder capable of defining an internal volume which is substantially equivalent to the internal volume of the thermosyphon, the bladder containing working fluid which acts to transfer heat being delivered to the evaporator section of the thermosyphon to the condenser section of the thermosyphon. The thermosyphon provided, including the internal bladder, is more easily constructed than known thermosyphons due the ease of pressure relief and there being no requirement of extreme cleanliness within the thermosyphon. Also provided is a method of constructing a thermosyphon in accordance with present thermosyphon.

Abstract: A cooling device for a printer head includes an evaporation unit, a condenser and a refrigeration medium supply pump interconnected by conduits or tubes. The heat generated from the printer head is taken up in the form of the heat of vaporization of a refrigeration medium in the evaporation unit disposed around the printer head.

Abstract: An automatic body temperature adjuster is disclosed, in which a cold storage material and a coolant medium circulation path for cooling the material are built into the seat and/or the back support of a wheelchair, the coolant medium circulation path being capable of being coupled by coupler means to cold supply means of the heat exchange means. Prior to use of the automatic body temperature adjuster, the cold storage material in the seat and/or back support is cooled, i.e., cold is stored in the material, by operating the cold supply means. When the adjuster is in use, the coupler means may instead be connected to a cold supply section in a cover worn by the user.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling an array of electric circuit chips disposed on a common substrate is formed as a flexible sheet of thermally conducting material with understanding fins for transference of heat from the chips to a coolant flowing through the fins. Pin fins may be employed with air coolant. The sheet may be provided with corrugations set between sites of the chips for improved flexibility to accommodate individual orientations of the chips. The sheet is sufficiently large to cover an array of chips and is thermally joined, as by use of a thermally conductive grease, to the chips. The sheet hermetically seals the chips from contamination by the coolant. For liquid coolant, the heat exchanger may be fabricated of copper with a nickel coating, wherein the copper provides the heat conduction and the nickel protects the copper from a corrosive coolant such as water.

Abstract: A thermal bandage including a conforming member which is adapted to be placed against the skin to uniformly heat or cool the skin area and a thermal pack which is mounted to the conforming member to provide the necessary thermal change to heat or cool the adjacent skin area. In the preferred embodiment, the conforming member includes a thin pliable outer material enclosing a heat conductive substance such as a glycol gel or liquid. The conforming member is in complete contact with the skin to insure uniform heat transfer therebetween. Further, a fluid circulating temperature control device is attached to the thermal bandage for providing the proper heating or cooling as desired.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchange of heat between two liquid media, of which at least one medium is contaminated and/or readily gives rise to deposits or coatings, such as e.g. contaminated water, includes two flow chambers mutually separated by a common liquid-impervious partition wall (1). The partition wall is tubular with a substantially circular cross-sectional and open ends forming respectively an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) for a first media. The partition wall is surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve-like outer wall (4) extending coaxially with the partition wall in spaced relationship therewith, and having its axial ends sealingly connected to the partition wall (1), and provided with an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) for the second medium so as to define a flow chamber for the second medium. At least the major part of the sleeve-like outer wall (4) is elastically flexible.

Abstract: A bellows type heat pipe which conducts heat away from an electronic device to a heat sink. The heat pipe is a sealed bellows type container which has an evaporator section at one end and a condenser section at an opposite end. The evaporator section contains a saturated radial wick while the condenser section is lined with a radial wick and a circumferential wick. A corrugated slab wick is longitudinally disposed within the heat pipe interconnecting the evaporator and the condenser sections. The evaporator section is placed on the electronic device and the condenser section is enclosed in a housing which is connected to a heat sink. In operation, the electronic device generates heat energy which causes the fluid in the evaporator to vaporize building a vapor pressure in the heat pipe. The heat pipe expands in the direction of the condenser causing the condenser section to make intimate contact with the inside of the housing.

Abstract: An insulating, anti-kinking Y connector for arthroscopic surgery and method of making wherein two sections of resilient double lumen tubing each having a portion of an interconnecting bight removed therefrom, are interconnected in Y configuration.

Abstract: A ceiling consisting of metal panels (1) and a support structure (2) for them is described, which carries flexible tubes (4) through which flows a heating or cooling medium for obtaining a desired room temperature. The tubes are combined in the form of a mat and lie loosely and directly upon said metal panels.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable sealed environment is provided by a rigid frame member and a pair of deformable heat transfer elements fixed to the frame member. The frame member is located between two heat-producing electronic assemblies. A coolant agent is pumped into the sealed environment to flex the membranes and cause them to conformally contact the pair of electronic assemblies. Excess heat in the assemblies is then allowed to pass across the membranes and into the coolant agent for dissipation purposes. In order to remove the electronic assemblies, the pressure of the coolant agent is reduced, which permits the heat transfer element to return to its nondeformed state removed from the assembly. Thus, the electronic assemblies can be removed without the need to open fluid couplings.

Abstract: A water purifying system having a condenser made of two superposed sheets of hydrophobic plastic film bonded together to form a tortuous steam path through the condenser. As steam enters the condenser it is cooled by the ambient air, condensed into water and then removed from the condenser.

Abstract: A corrugated heat pipe sealed at both ends is disclosed, having a longitudinally corrugated peripheral wall and containing operating liquid therein. The corrugated heat pipe comprises inside a rope-like tension member extending therethrough in its longitudinal direction and secured at both ends. The rope-like tension member has the effect of preventing the corrugated heat pipe from elongation due to the weight thereof when the pipe is inserted in the ground, thus eliminating the possibility of local flattening of the corrugated outer periphery or of breakage of the pipe. Further, even when the coefficient of thermal expansion of the rope-like tension member differs from that of the corrugated heat pipe, since the corrugated heat pipe has its outer periphery corrugated in a wavy form in the longitudinal direction, it can sufficiently absorb the thermal expansion of the rope-like tension member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interdigitated plate-type heat exchanger interface. The interface includes a modular interconnect to thermally connect a pair or pairs of plate-type heat exchangers to a second single or multiple plate-type heat exchanger. The modular interconnect comprises a series of parallel, plate-type heat exchangers arranged in pairs to form a slot therebetween. The plate-type heat exchangers of the second heat exchanger insert into the slots of the modular interconnect. Bellows are provided between the pairs of fins of the modular interconnect so that when the bellows are pressurized, they drive the plate-type heat exchangers of the modular interconnect toward one another, thus closing upon the second heat exchanger plates. Each end of the bellows has as a part thereof a thin, membrane diaphragm which readily conforms to the contours of the heat exchanger plates of the modular interconnect when the bellows is pressurized.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for cooling and/or heating the patient support surface of an inflatable support appliance such as a low air loss bed is disclosed. Tubing and bladders carrying a circulating heat exchange medium is used to locally heat or cool the air within the inflatable cushion, transferring heat to or away from the patient supporting surface. Specially designed cushions with pouches for hold the bladders in close proximity to the supporting surface without compromising the uniform support characteristics of the low air loss bed.

Abstract: A device for positioning within the interior of a conduit for enhancing heat transfer between the conduit and an enclosed flowing coolant fluid comprised of a longitudinal member having a plurality of protuberances for generating turbulent flow within the conduit with the longitudinal member being resiliently secured within the conduit such that the force of the fluid flow will not displace the member.Design of the device is such that installation or removal from a tube may be easily accomplished by merely sliding the device in or out of the tube.

Abstract: A heating device incorporated in an article of clothing or a shoe, notably a ski boot, comprising a sealed enclosure (2) in contact with the area of the body to be heated, this enclosure containing a salt (5) which changes phase between solid and liquid and has a latent fusion heat close to the normal temperature of the area of the body, from 30.degree. to 40.degree. C., and in which the heating resistance (6) is in a heat exchange with the salt contained in the sealed enclosure (2) such that after heating of the salt, as it returns to its solid state, it progressively gives off heat for a long period of time, while maintaining a substantially constant comfortable temperature.

Abstract: A retaining sling for fruit tree shaker pads is provided with circularly channels within or between the exterior walls of the sling. The sling also has input and output ports which communicate with fluid circulating channels to course liquid throughout the sling for cooling purposes. The liquid movement can be accomplished through gravitational, convectional, or mechanical pump means. The liquid can be cooled by a radiator, by coils in an ice chest, or by refrigeration.

Abstract: An oil cooler and a radiator hose are combined in an all polymer structure. Generally concentric hoses provide two coolant paths with the wall of the inner hose providing heat transfer from one fluid to the other. The hoses are flexible or can be formed to conform to desired radiator hose routing. The hoses have deflectable vanes extending from their walls into the fluids to flex according to flow rate. The vanes induce turbulence to improve the thermal transfer especially at low flow rates but deflect at high flow rates to minimize pressure drop due to the vanes.

Abstract: The invention provides flat, thin and hollow heat exchanger units of synthetic resin make, each operating to have a cooling water fed thereto and air flowed horizontally in an air passage therebetween, thus realizing an indirect contact heat exchange between the air and the cooling water through both wall plates. The invention further relates to a crossflow cooling tower incorporating a wet heat exchanger or packing material and an indirect contact type heat exchanger operating on the afore-mentioned heat exchanger units.

Abstract: A bedding system has provision for heating or cooling a person and for applying the heating or cooling only in areas of the bed where the person is located. A sealed three-ply heat transfer and insulating device covers the mattress, below the contour sheet or other covering which comes in contact with the person's body. A wicking contour sheet or other cover may optionally be used, capable of absorbing any condensation on the surface of the three-ply device. Between the lower two plies of the three-ply material is channeled flow of coolant liquid, at a regulated temperature close to human skin temperature. Above these two plies. i.e. between the middle ply and the upper ply, is a sealed envelope containing slightly pressurized air. A light weight, well-insulated comforter is also recommended to isolate the sleeper from the thermal ambient environment.

Abstract: A piping apparatus for melting snow and ice, wherein a large number of heat radiation pipes are arranged below or above a surface from which snow or ice is to be melted and removed. One of the ends of each of the heat radiation pipes is communicated with an inlet side header arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the heat radiation pipes, and the other end of the pipes being communicated with an outlet side header arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the heat radiation pipes, thereby constituting a piping arrangement unit. The inlet side is communicated with a feed supply of a heating medium such as hot water so as to pass the supplied heating medium such as hot water through the heat radiation pipes. Heat retaining members having therein a heat accumulation material are disposed between the heat radiation pipes, whenever necessary.

Abstract: A heat exchange device including a number of panels formed from a flexible frame forming a window and having parallel air paths through the frame, a thin flexible plastic film secured to one side of each frame to form a heat transfer surface across the window, the panels being stacked with each alternate panel turned 90.degree. to form first and second air flow paths through the spaces between the plastic films, the frame being made of corrugated cardboard or fluted plastic.

Abstract: A convection blanket for warming persons lying thereon. The preferred embodiment has four layers, two outer insulating layers, and two inner layers of metallic foil. The inner metallic layers minimize heat loss across the length of the blanket. A unique pattern of pinholes in the top layers allows a larger volume of warm air to exit the blanket at the end opposite the air supply hose. All layers are stitched intermittently to avoid distension of the blanket, without defining clear channels, assuring uniform distribution of air within the blanket.

Abstract: A water-cooled lounging pad having circular top and bottom sheets of flexible plastic material to be lain upon by a person obtaining a suntan, a heat seal joining the top and bottom sheets at their peripheries to form a flattened circular waterproof closure capable of retaining a body of water therein, and valve means in one of the sheets formed for slectively admitting a desired quantity of water into the enclosure and for retaining the body of water in the enclosure and for discharging desired quantities of water from the enclosure, the diameter of the pad is 7 feet 6 inches and it is 10 to 15 inches high at the center. The material is white ultraviolet-stablized vinyl sheet of 20 mil thickness substantially opaque to sunlight. The method provides a circular peripheral seal from a fixed work station by supporting the vinyl sheets on a table rotatable about a central axis.

Abstract: A corrugated heat pipe sealed at both ends is disclosed, having a longitudinally corrugated peripheral wall and containing operating liquid therein. The corrugated heat pipe comprises inside a rope-like tension member extending therethrough in its longitudinal direction and secured at both ends. The rope-like tension member has the effect of preventing the corrugated heat pipe from elongation due to the weight thereof when the pipe is inserted in the ground, thus eliminating the possibility of local flattening of the corrugated outer periphery or of breakage of the pipe. Further, even when the coefficient of thermal expansion of the rope-like tension member differs from that of the corrugated heat pipe, since the corrugated heat pipe has its outer periphery corrugated in a wavy form in the longitudinal direction, it can sufficiently absorb the thermal expansion of the rope-like tension member.