Flexible Envelope Or Cover Type Patents (Class 165/46)
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Patent number: 4856294Abstract: A micro-climate cooling vest of lightweight material of double wall construction, the body-proximate portion of which is comfortable and compatible with the clothing or skin of the wearer contains an internal liner portion comprised of a sealable insulative pocket that contains a heat transfer material that changes phase from solid to liquid within a practical range (e.g. 60.degree.-90.degree. F.) of desired body temperature cooling action, and operates to draw body heat away from the wearer in the course of its phase change form solid to liquid state. To augment the cooling action of the vest, an additional layer of ice may be used in conjunction with the primary phase change material, with the primary phase change material acting as a thermal diode.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1988Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Mainstream Engineering CorporationInventors: Robert P. Scaringe, Jay A. Buckman, Lawrence R. Grzyll
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Patent number: 4854372Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1989Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Masuji Sakaya, Tsuneaki Motai, Masataka Mochizuki, Kouichi Mashiko
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Patent number: 4854373Abstract: A crescent shaped exchanger tank is fitted over the top portion of an electric motor which drives a centrifugal pump. The inlet to the pump is connected to a drain on a bath tub and the discharge of the pump is connected to jet nozzles along the sides of the tub. The heat exchanger has an inlet connected to the high pressure side of the pump and a discharge connected to low pressure or suction side of the pump. The heat of the motor heats the water circulated in the tank to warm the water delivered through the jet nozzles to the tub.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1989Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Inventor: Gordon G. Williams
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Patent number: 4851856Abstract: The invention is a cooling apparatus for electronically steered phased array antennas in radar systems. The apparatus includes a rigid tube, used in multiplicity with a series of identical apparatus, located adjacent to the transmitter/receiver modules in the antenna and having a plurality of longitudinal slots. Flexible hoses are inserted into the tubes so that when a liquid coolant is introduced under pressure into the hoses, the fluid pressure will be sufficient to cause expansion of the flexible hose material enough so the material expands outward through the slots in the tubes and becomes flush against the side of the transmitter/receiver modules, thereby maximizing heat transfer between the modules and the liquid coolant.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1988Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: Frank E. Altoz
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Patent number: 4848445Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus and method wherein an expansible heat transfer member is disposed between a heat source member removably disposed within a cavity defined by a heat receiver member. The heat receiver is configured as a heat exchanger transferring received heat to an external system for utilization. The heat transfer member both removably couples the heat source and heat receiver mechanically as well as providing a favorable heat conductive path therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1987Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventor: Allen D. Harper
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Patent number: 4846176Abstract: A thermal bandage including a conforming member which is adapted to be placed against the skin to uniformly heat or cool the skin area, a thermal pack which is mounted to the conforming member to provide the necessary thermal change to heat or cool the adjacent skin area and the thermal conducting surface interposed between the conforming member and a thermal pack to separate them and to facilitate heat transfer between them. In the preferred embodiment, the conforming member has a thin pliable outer material enclosing a heat conductive substance such as a glycol gel or liquid. The conductive substance readily conforms to the contours of the body portion so that the conforming members is in complete contact with the skin to insure uniform heat transfer therebetween. The thermal pack of the preferred embodiment is flexible and has a fluid flow chamber therein for the circulation of a thermal fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1987Date of Patent: July 11, 1989Inventor: Theodore A. Golden
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Patent number: 4842050Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus and method wherein an expansible heat transfer member is disposed between a heat source member removably disposed within a cavity defined by a heat receiver member. The heat receiver is configured as a heat exchanger transferring received heat to an external system for utilization. The heat transfer member both removably couples the heat source and heat receiver mechanically as well as providing a favorable heat conductive path therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1988Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventor: Allen D. Harper
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Patent number: 4842049Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1987Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Dodds-Oboler, Inc.Inventor: Diego E. F. Dodds
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Patent number: 4842045Abstract: An expandable heat rejection system for radiating heat from a source of heat on a spacecraft or like vehicle is described and comprises a fluid heat exchange medium in operative circulating heat exchange relationship with the source for absorbing heat by evaporation of a liquid phase or the medium, an elongate inflatable sleeve defining an expandable and collapsible volume closed at a first end and including an inlet and outlet at a second end and further defining a condensation surface on the inner surface of the sleeve and a heat radiating surface on the outer surface of the sleeve, a reel attachable to the vehicle and operatively attached to the first end of the sleeve for selectively winding and unwinding the sleeve in response to pressure generated within the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1988Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Donald L. Reinmuller
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Patent number: 4838347Abstract: A compressible thermally conductive member comprises a polymer field with thermally conducting magnetically aligned particles comprising a base portion and a multiplicity of protrusions extending from at least one surface of the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1987Date of Patent: June 13, 1989Assignee: American Telephone and Telegraph Company AT&T Bell LaboratoriesInventors: Mark S. Dentini, Joe A. Fulton, Sungho Jin, John J. Mottine, Jr., Lloyd Shepherd, Richard C. Sherwood
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Patent number: 4836275Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1988Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Masuji Sakaya, Tsuneaki Motai, Masataka Mochizuki, Kouichi Mashiko
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Patent number: 4823482Abstract: There is disclosed an inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot which includes a foot warmer mechanism having a heat engine which includes a compressor, evaporator and condenser coils and interconnecting conduits for circulating a working refrigeration fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the cycle of the heat engine can be reversed, thereby cooling the inner shoe. The mechanism also includes an entirely sealed, remote latch to lock the heat engine out of operation. The inner shoe can have an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air system also augments heat transfer within the boot.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1987Date of Patent: April 25, 1989Inventor: Nikola Lakic
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Patent number: 4817707Abstract: A heating soft floor mat is described comprising a base sheet composed of a thermoplastic resin foamed article as a heat insulating layer having meanderingly formed thereon grooves for conduits, conduits for heating medium disposed in the grooves, and cover material having flexibility covering the surface side thereof, wherein the thermoplastic resin foamed article is a crosslinked polyethylene foamed article containing closed cells having a degree of expansion of from 10 to 40 and the conduits are composed of low density crosslinked polyethylene having a density of less than 0.910 g/cm.sup.3.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1987Date of Patent: April 4, 1989Assignees: Ryowa Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Aoyama, Yukitaka Murata, Kiyoshi Hattori, Akio Okamoto, Kiyoshi Takahashi, Takashi Sasaki, Shigeko Hanari
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Patent number: 4814189Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for controlling the temperature of various phases in the winemaking process by means of a heat-exchanging fluid circulating in at least one flexible exchanger, the thermoregulating action of which is exerted in a horizontal plane to favor stratification of the temperatures.The apparatus comprises at least one removable heat exchanger consisting of a flexible or semirigid tubular structure made of a neutral material whose density is less than the density of the winemaking juice. The structure is placed in a horizontal plane in the winemaking vat.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: Societe Thermique Generale VinicoleInventor: Adrien Laude-Bousquet
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Patent number: 4813476Abstract: An expandable heat rejection system for radiating heat generated by a source of heat on a spacecraft or like vehicle is described and comprises a fluid heat exchange medium in operative heat exchange contact with the source for absorbing heat by evaporation of the liquid phase of the medium, a thin flexible wall structure having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume expandable and collapsible between preselected limits and defining an inner condensation surface and an outer heat radiating surface, a multiplicity of capillary grooves on the condensation surface for promoting condensation of vaporous medium and for facilitating flow of condensate along the condensation surface toward the outlet, and a pump for circulating the medium through the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Edward T. Mahefkey
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Patent number: 4807447Abstract: A human environmental conditioner is provided and consists of a plurality of closed recirculating conduits extending from a turbo pump compressor rotary generator worn on waist of an undergarment that is worn over body of a person. A heat exchanger is formed into the undergarment by interweaving the conduits carry refrigerant fluid to various areas of the body to keep the person cool in summer and warm in winter.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1987Date of Patent: February 28, 1989Inventors: James R. Macdonald, George Spector
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Patent number: 4793149Abstract: A cooling and insulating holder for a container such as a beverage can or the like has a plurality of hollow arcuate reservoir pieces which fit together to form a ring with a receiving opening therein to receive the container. A resilient sleeve surrounds the reservoir pieces and holds them in ring configuration. In this way, a container larger than the normal opening in the ring may be inserted into the opening and the reservoir pieces will separate against the force of the resilient sleeve. If the opening in the ring is equal to or slightly less in diameter than the smallest diameter container expected to be used with the device, the device will maintain that and larger containers snugly within the ring with good contact between the container and the inner reservoir walls. The reservoir pieces are each filled with a coolant material which, in use, is frozen prior to insertion of the container to be cooled.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1987Date of Patent: December 27, 1988Inventor: Martin K. Riche
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Patent number: 4791983Abstract: An assembly for cooling an array of IC packages which have respective non-coplanar heat dissipating surfaces, comprises: a frame that is attachable to the array and has multiple beams, each of which is positioned to overlie some of the IC packages; respective liquid-cooling jackets for the IC packages with each jacket having a heat absorbing face; each jacket being mounted via a post that is loosely fitted through a respective hole in one of the beams in proximity with a respective one of the IC packages; and each jacket mounting providing a flexible connection which allows the jacket's heat absorbing face to be placed at multiple angles and different heights, and thereby coincide with the non-coplanar heat dissipating surface of an IC package.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventors: Edward A. Nicol, George J. Adrian
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Patent number: 4784215Abstract: A thermal insulating shade is made up of a plurality of panels, spaced apart and defining a serpentine air flow path between them. A blower connected to the air flow path ventilates the shade to augment its insulating effect. As least one of the panels has a highly reflective surface to reflect heat. The shade is reversible and removable and useful for insulating building windows and vehicle windows and windshields.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1986Date of Patent: November 15, 1988Inventor: Peter Sing
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Patent number: 4772778Abstract: Device for heating transfusion fluids, such as blood and drugs in solution, prior to their intravenous drop-by-drop introduction to patients, which comprises a case having therein a heater and an electric circuit, a heating plate disposed in a front face of the case and having, on its surface, a groove following a winding course at its middle portion and adapted to receive therein a transfusion fluid conduit, and a lid for closing said case on the side of its front face. The heater is connected to the back side of the heating plate, so as to heat the heating plate. The electric circuit includes a fluid-temperature thermistor, a heater-temperature thermistor, and a heating-plate temperature thermistor. Electric input to the heater is controlled on the basis of the temperature determined by the fluid-temperature thermistor, so that the fluid through the conduit may have its predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1987Date of Patent: September 20, 1988Inventor: Genshiro Ogawa
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Patent number: 4756311Abstract: Microwavable instant and/or cold pack gel package including an envelope fabricated from a laminate, for example, of films of synthetic resins and an aqueous gel in said envelope.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1985Date of Patent: July 12, 1988Assignee: Jack Frost Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Sam E. Francis, Jr.
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Patent number: 4753286Abstract: A heat exchanger element is disclosed having a plurality of bendable plastic tubes comprising one grid folded to result in a multiple layer rectangular grate with crossed tubes which can convey a heat exchange medium.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1986Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Inventor: Donald Herbst
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Patent number: 4753242Abstract: This invention relates to a skull helmet, which in use, is worn on the head of a patient and receive circulatory cooling fluid to cool the patient's scalp. The helmet is particularly useful when a patient undergoes chemotherapy in that the cooling effect has been found to minimize hair loss in some applications and the term heat transfer fluid as used herein shall apply to both coolants and heating fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1986Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Inventor: Michael J. Saggers
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Patent number: 4736530Abstract: There is disclosed a shoe with an internal warming mechanism that includes a heat engine and, in particular, a heat engine operating on a substantially or quasi-Carnot cycle. The warming mechanism has a compressor for compressing a gas, a condenser for condensing the gas into a liquid, an expansion and evaporator zone for expanding the liquified gas into a gas and a return line to cycle the expanded gas to the compressor. The source of energy for compression of the gas is the movement of the wearer's foot in the shoe, and the heel of the shoe has a hollow cavity in which the gas compressor is located. The sole of the shoe has an internal heel plate which is coupled, on its undersurface, to a post which is mechanically linked to the gas compressor such that up and down movements of the post in response to the movement of the wearer's heel will drive the compressor and provide the necessary work to drive the heat engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1987Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Inventors: Nikola Lakic, Ristic Vladislav
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Patent number: 4730666Abstract: 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 upstanding fins for transference of heat from the chips to a coolant flowing through the fins. 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 secured adheringly, as by use of a thermally conductive grease, to the chips. The sheet hermetically seals the chips from contamination by the 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. The finned sheet may be efficiently fabricated by processes analogous to those used to make printed circuits.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1986Date of Patent: March 15, 1988Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ephraim B. Flint, Kurt R. Grebe, Peter A. Gruber, Arthur R. Zingher
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Patent number: 4727932Abstract: An expandable heat rejection system for radiating heat generated by a source of heat on a spacecraft or like vehicle is described and comprises a fluid heat exchange medium in operative heat exchange contact with the source for absorbing heat by evaporation of the liquid phase of the medium, a thin flexible wall structure having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume expandable and collapsible between preselected limits and defining an inner condensation surface and an outer heat radiating surface, a multiplicity of capillary grooves on the condensation surface for promoting condensation of vaporous medium and for facilitating flow of condensate along the condensation surface toward the outlet, and a pump for circulating the medium through the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1986Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Edward T. Mahefkey
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Patent number: 4718130Abstract: An interdome enclosure system takes advantage of the latent heat of condensation for energy efficiency. The system includes, in combination with a humid environment, such as a heated pool and an outer enclosure housing the pool, an inner enclosure disposed within the outer enclosure and over the pool and a differntial fan operated heat exchanger for creating an atmospheric pressure within the space between the inner and outer enclosures which is positive relative to the atmospheric pressure within the inner enclosure. The heat exchanger includes a pair of conduits disposed in heat exchange relationship to one another. Assisted by an inlet fan, one conduit communicates dry, fresh cool air from the exterior of the outer enclosure into the space between the enclosures, while the other conduit, assisted by an exhaust fan, communicates moisture-laden, warm air from the inner enclosure directly to the exterior of the outer enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1986Date of Patent: January 12, 1988Assignee: Interpools Systems, Inc.Inventor: Tim J. Steinback
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Patent number: 4708197Abstract: An air to air heat exchanger particularly for contaminated air from an animal barn or the like includes a core formed by a plurality of thin-walled flexible plastics tubes supported at respective ends in tube sheets. The tubes are held under tension and arranged vertically in parallel rows and columns so that cold fresh air enters parallel to the rows horizontally beneath the upper tube sheet and then moved downwardly along the outside of the tubes to escape horizontally parallel to the rows above the lower tube sheet. The contaminated warm air passes from a plenum beneath the lower tube sheet upwardly along the inside of the tubes to an outlet at the top of the tubes. This direction of movement of the air causes a self-cleaning effect by condensate at the top of the tubes running down and cleaning the interior of the tubes of any collected contaminants. The design also enables the use of convenient inexpensive flexible tubes without allowing air movement to cause unacceptable flexing.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1985Date of Patent: November 24, 1987Inventor: R. Ralph Robbins
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Patent number: 4706672Abstract: A therapeutic passive thermal transfer device for persons afflicted by disease, injury and the many forms of arthritis. The device is constructed of a plurality of metallic fibers woven into a porous screenlike mesh which allows for skin contact and air circulation thereover and through. Attachment means secure the device to a desired body part and allow the absorption of body heat from the afflicted body part and the transfer therefrom to the ambient air, with normal air circulation thereover. A thermally non-insulating cloth cover absorbs moisture and permits evaporation.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1985Date of Patent: November 17, 1987Inventor: Robert C. Jones
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Patent number: 4693302Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1985Date of Patent: September 15, 1987Assignee: Leonard ObolerInventor: Diego E. F. Dodds
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Patent number: 4691762Abstract: A personal temperature control system including a first heat exchanger adapted to be worn as a garment and a second heat exchanger adapted to interact with a temperature source, the first and second heat exchangers being interconnected through a pump and reservoir unit. The first heat exchanger together with the pump and reservoir are portable and in one embodiment the second heat exchanger is constructed to be fully portable. Specific devices including automatic quick release couplings interconnect the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger through the pump and reservoir. The fabrication of the first heat exchanger in helmet and vest portions is disclosed together with a control display unit housing the pump and reservoir and including an adjustable flow valve connected in parallel with the second heat exchanger. A preferred embodiment of the adjustable flow valve provides non-linear change in rate of flow upon adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1986Date of Patent: September 8, 1987Assignee: Life Support Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Elkins, Eugene W. Connell, Robert E. Short
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Patent number: 4691760Abstract: An improved thermal control system for flight apparel worn in an aircraft. An environmental control system (11) produces both a flow of cold air in a duct (12) and a flow of warm air in another duct (14). A mixing chamber (16) is connected to both ducts (12, 14) and mixes the flows of cold and warm air received therefrom to produce a flow of personal conditioning air. A valve (32), positioned in the warm air duct (14), controls the amount of warm air flowing into the chamber (16). The valve (32) is operated to adjust the mixing of warm air with cold air in the chamber (16), to thereby adjust the temperature of the personal conditioning air so that it is at a temperature which is comfortable. A comfortable temperature is selected by a control switch (28). The valve (32) is continuously adjusted in accordance with temperature signals received from a temperature sensor (30). A controller minimizes the error between the temperature served by the sensor (30) and the temperature selected by the control switch (28).Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1985Date of Patent: September 8, 1987Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Alankar Gupta, Adam J. P. Lloyd
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Patent number: 4685442Abstract: A portable heater for generating and circulating heat in wearing apparel and consisting of a closed container for containing a liquid heat transfer medium therein and a second container which is received in the closed container and is adapted to receive a heat evolving means therein such as a combustible fuel stick of the type utilized in conventional hand warmers, the heat evolving means being received through an opening to the exterior of the improved heater assembly. A portion of the exterior walls of the second container are exposed in heat exchange relationship to the interior of the closed container for efficient heat transfer through the walls of the second container to a liquid heat transfer medium contained within the closed container.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1987Date of Patent: August 11, 1987Inventor: Leonard Cieslak
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Patent number: 4682566Abstract: The use, for heat transfer in evacuable or other equipment, of a thermally conductive fluid, confined by a flexible diaphragm, for heat transfer across the diaphragm between the fluid and a component placed in thermal contact with the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1981Date of Patent: July 28, 1987Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Derek Aitken
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Patent number: 4680445Abstract: A device for heating an infusion liquid to be injected into a human body includes a casing having an open top and a closed bottom, with a liquid inlet section and a liquid outlet section, providing a compartment receiving a heating bag providing flow passage for the liquid to be heated. Two heating plates are mounted on the casing bottom and three thermosensors are provided; the first at the inlet section, the second between the heating plates and the third at the outlet section. A cover closing the open top is provided with a push plate holding the bag against the heating plates. A control circuit controls the first heating plate in response to the temperature in the vicinity of the bag inlet and the middle of the bag as detected by the first and second thermosensors and the second heating plate in accordance with the temperature in the vicinity of the bag outlet as detected by the third thermosensor. The control circuit is also responsive to a flow rate detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1985Date of Patent: July 14, 1987Inventor: Genshiro Ogawa
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Patent number: 4662433Abstract: The instant invention is a major energy saver in the form of a blanket which allows personal heat control, particularly cooling. More specifically, the blanket is provided with internal ducts through which a stable foam is circulated as a cooling fluid in such a way that the inside of the blanket facing the person being cooled is maintained at a temperature slightly below body temperature, while the outside of the blanket is insulated to minimize heat exchange with the environment. Compared to the use of a liquid as the circulating cooling fluid, foam is very light and thus minimizes the weight of the blanket, but it has better heat transfer properties and heat capacity than a gas. Cooling of the recirculating cooling fluid is done separate from the blanket in a refrigeration unit connected to the blanket by a feed and return duct. The refrigeration unit can operate by means of a heat pump, or use a stored refrigerant such as ice, or employ a continuous coolant, such as tap water.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1984Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Inventors: Robert P. Cahn, Norman N. Li
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Patent number: 4660388Abstract: A cooling cover (10) has an air inflatable pad (16) which may be positioned within a pocket (20) of a coverlet (18). The pad (16) formed of air impermeable material has plenum chambers (28) at opposite ends thereof, and a plurality of individual longitudinally extending passages (26) extend between the plenum chambers (28). Openings or air orifices (34) of a non-uniform pattern in the lower rounded surfaces of the inflatable pad (16) direct cooling air in a plurality of small air jets onto the body of a user of the cooling cover (10). A source of cool air (21) is connected to the inlet (30) for a plenum chamber (28) to deliver cool air to the pad (16).Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Inventor: George J. Greene, Jr.
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Patent number: 4653729Abstract: The present invention provides a foot warmer for use in a car which is located at the floor of the car, the foot-warmer comprises a concave groove formed in a meandering form on one surface of a heat insulating material; a heat radiating sheet connected to the surface on which the groove is formed; and a tube disposed in the groove so as to transfer the heat of water flowing therein to the heat radiating sheet, wherein cooling water is heated by an engine and then is circulated through the tube into the foot warmer. In the foot warmer, although the groove may be provided in a meandering form, a plurality of parallel spaced grooves may be also formed on the heat insulating material in place of the meandering groove. In this case, the tube has portions exposed from the sides of the heat insulating material and, at the portions, is bent in a U-shaped form.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1985Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Assignee: Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yutaka Ando
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Patent number: 4646818Abstract: A device for melting snow and ice from outdoor surfaces is disclosed in which a plurality of mats are provided. Each mat includes lengths of hose tubing in which flows a warmed mixture of water and antifreeze, which mixture is heated by a heating unit operatively connected with the mats through appropriate supply and return lines. The mats themselves are grouped into three classes: Driveway mats, walkway mats, and sidewalk mats, all of which may be arranged to adapt to many different outdoor surface configuration. Most of the mats are also provided with a set of three valves which are used to control the flow of mixture, so that mats down-line may either be supplied with the mixture or may be cut off from it, so that selected surface areas may be warmed to have the snow and ice thereon melted. Each mat is further comprised of an upper mat portion and a lower mat portion, where each portion is made up of three separate layers designed to conserve as much heat energy as practicable.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1984Date of Patent: March 3, 1987Inventor: Essie Ervin, Jr.
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Patent number: 4628989Abstract: Recovery of a heat recoverable article can be carried out without a flame by wrapping around the article a flexible bag and introducing into the bag a liquid of sufficient temperature and heat capacity. Uniform recovery is ensured by maintaining a pressure within the bag so it conforms to the changing size or shape of the recovering article.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1982Date of Patent: December 16, 1986Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Robert Parker, Thomas D. Ratzlaff, Dennis C. Siden
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Patent number: 4616696Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between incoming cold fresh air and outgoing warm exhaust air. The heat exchanger is constructed of a number of relatively long flexible plastic tubes supported within a flexible plastic outer housing. The inner tubes are supported in spaced-apart relationship within the outer housing. A manifold on each end of the tubes in sealing engagement with the inner tubes and with the housing so that air can be forced through the inner tubes in one direction and through the housing in the other direction. The diameters of the inner tubes and outer housing being large enough so that blockage by ice or frost is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1984Date of Patent: October 14, 1986Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development LimitedInventors: Ewart Brundrett, Laurence Brundrett
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Patent number: 4612978Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a high-density integrated circuit package includes a base in which the circuit package is mounted and a heat exchanger which mounts on the base to enclose the circuit package and carry away the operational heat thereof by means of a coolant which is passed through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a housing having a coolant chamber with an especially configured thermally conductive wall for engaging the integrated circuit package. The coolant chamber is filled with a plurality of thermally conductive spheroids which are biased into thermally conductive contact with each other and with the special wall to maximize the heat exchange surface in the coolant chamber. The apparatus is preferably employed in combination with a refrigeration system wherein the coolant chamber is the evaporation element of the system for maximum cooling of the integrated circuit package.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1985Date of Patent: September 23, 1986Inventor: John M. Cutchaw
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Patent number: 4607491Abstract: A vacuum cooling trap for use in a vacuum chamber comprising: a laminated structure comprised of a pair of plates bonded together in face-to-face contacting relation, the plates being composed of metal of high thermal conductivity, and the plates having aligned confronting conduit portions which jointly define a conduit within the laminated structure for circulating a cooling medium through the laminated structure during use of the vacuum cooling trap.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1985Date of Patent: August 26, 1986Inventors: Hajime Ishimaru, Masao Miyamoto, Shojiro Komaki
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Patent number: 4585523Abstract: A distillation apparatus utilizing a flexible heat exchange medium with a nonwettable condensation face and an opposing readily wettable wicked evaporation face arranged in envelope configurations which provide large heat transfer areas within relatively small volumes.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1984Date of Patent: April 29, 1986Inventor: Edward H. Giddings
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Patent number: 4583583Abstract: A cooling assembly for fuel cells having a simplified construction whereby coolant is efficiently circulated through a conduit arranged in serpentine fashion in a channel within a member of such assembly. The channel is adapted to cradle a flexible, chemically inert, conformable conduit capable of manipulation into a variety of cooling patterns without crimping or otherwise restricting of coolant flow. The conduit, when assembled with the member, conforms into intimate contact with the member for good thermal conductivity. The conduit is non-corrodible and can be constructed as a single, manifold-free, continuous coolant passage means having only one inlet and one outlet. The conduit has an internal coil means which enables it to be bent in small radii without crimping.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1983Date of Patent: April 22, 1986Assignee: Engelhard CorporationInventor: Charles F. Wittel, deceased
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Patent number: 4580619Abstract: Evacuable equipment wherein for effective thermal transfer use is made of a thermally conductive fluid confined by a flexible diaphragm for heat transfer across the diaphragm between the fluid and a component forming part of or being treated in the equipment and situated under vacuum in thermal contact with the diaphragm, said diaphragm comprising a flexible gas-impermeable metal layer preventing uptake of gases by the fluid when the equipment is not under vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1981Date of Patent: April 8, 1986Inventor: Derek Aitken
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Patent number: 4574876Abstract: Flexible container means for the warming or cooling of fluids. A preferred embodiment, useful for the warming of plasma following cryogellation techniques prior to its return to the patient, comprises container means formed by the heat sealing of polymeric materials thereby defining a winding passageway of tapered walls whereby the container becomes air self-evacuating.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1983Date of Patent: March 11, 1986Assignee: Extracorporeal Medical Specialties, Inc.Inventor: James D. Aid
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Patent number: 4572188Abstract: An airflow cover for controlling the body temperature of a patient covers a portion of the patient's body and provides a generalized thermal bathing of the covered portion through the delivery of a temperature controlled gas mixture to the covered portion. The cover is formed from a series of inflatable tubes which are joined together in a parallel array having an upper surface facing away from the patient's body and an oppositely directed lower surface which faces the covered portion of the patient's body. An entry port is provided through the upper surface and into one tube, transverse ports open between the tubes, and exit ports are formed in the lower surface. A thermally controlled gas mixture is introduced through the entry port, circulates in the tubes by means of the transverse ports and inflates the tubes, and exits through the exit ports in the direction of the covered body portion to provide the desired thermal bathing.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1984Date of Patent: February 25, 1986Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Douglas J. Augustine
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Patent number: 4565243Abstract: A heat pipe constructed to be bent to conform to a particular mechanical configuration after is is constructed. The wick in the evaporator region is constructed from sintered metal powder; while the wick in another region of the heat pipe is constructed with a screen wick to permit bending the pipe without destruction of the wick. Arteries wound from flexible screen material are continuous through both the sintered wick, into which they are inserted, and the screen wick, to which they are also attached.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1982Date of Patent: January 21, 1986Assignee: Thermacore, Inc.Inventors: Donald M. Ernst, James L. Sanzi
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Patent number: 4563375Abstract: A flat bag is disclosed which is filled with a thermally conducting paste or liquid. The bag is composed of foils and is sealed and closed on all sides. The foils are of metal such as aluminum and the flat bag is filled only to part of its maximum available volume with a paste or a liquid without the presence of a gas. The bag is subdivided into compartments or pockets by connecting opposing foils along strips.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1984Date of Patent: January 7, 1986Assignee: Hasler AGInventor: Bohdan Ulrich