Abstract: A bipolar collector-heat exchanger is shown which combines, at the same time, a main structure made of an electronically and thermally conducting material, discrete collection of the charges and the heat, carried out by metal contacts which are distributed uniformly at the surface of the electrodes and penetrate into the main structure, but which do not pass fully through it, and the use of non-conductive open structures which homogenise the flow of the gaseous reactants.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat transfer changeover switch capable of effecting or cutting off positively heat transfer. The switch requires no contact or separation of a solid contact of a switch piece, is easily incorporated in a fine electronic device and generates no heat or vibration during a switch operation. The switch includes a heat pipe having a pipe for storing a heating medium therein disposed between a hot heat source and a cold heat source. A heating medium supplying/discharging device is provided for supplying/discharging the heating medium to and from the pipe. Heat transfer between the hot heat source and the cold heat source via the heat pipe is effected or cut off by using the heating medium supplying/discharging device that changes over between supply and discharge of the heating medium to and from the pipe.

Abstract: An electronic device has at least one component that is capable of generating a quantity of heat. The electronic device further has an air-moving device and an air duct. The air moving device is capable of creating a flow of air that removes a portion of the quantity of heat. The flow of air enters the air duct. The air duct has a restriction chamber that includes a venturi vent in which the flow of air into the duct and through the restriction chamber creates a new flow of air into the venturi vent. The new flow of air into the venturi vent does not pass over the at least one component in the electronic device.

Abstract: A meal trolley has an insulated casing and food dishes or plates supported therein for cooling and heating by thermochemical reactions. The reagents of the chemical reactions are stored in containers and reservoirs carried by the trolley and selectively connected to provide the self-contained cooling or heating.

Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic induction pumping thermal energy transfer system includes an outer conduit and a plurality of inner conduits disposed within the outer conduit. The system also includes a plurality of conductors disposed about a first surface of at least one of the inner conduits. The plurality of conductors is disposed in a spaced apart relationship to each other and extends longitudinally along the inner conduit. The system further includes a power supply coupled to the plurality of conductors. The power supply is operable to induce an electric traveling wave along the first surface of the inner conduit to enhance thermal energy transfer between a fluid disposed within the outer conduit and the inner conduit by inducing longitudinal pumping of a liquid phase of the fluid in contact with the first surface of the inner conduit along the first surface of the inner conduit.

Abstract: A passively operated thermal diode for controlling heat transfer from heat-generating electronic components to an external environment through an airframe is provided. The thermal diode comprises: (a) an electronics package within the airframe; (b) a heat-transferring mechanism thermally connected to the electronics package and controllably disengagable from thermal contact with the airframe at a predetermined temperature; (c) a shape-memory alloy component having a phase change at the predetermined temperature for thermally disconnecting the electronics package from the airframe once the predetermined temperature is exceeded; and (d) a spring for maintaining the heat-transferring mechanism in thermal contact the airframe below the predetermined temperature. The present invention solves the problem of heat transfer by introducing a shape-memory-alloy sensor-actuator component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a supply air terminal device (10) including a supply chamber (11) for the supply air and in the supply chamber (11) nozzles (12a1, 12a2. . . ; 12b1, 12b2 . . . ), through which the supply airflow (L1) is conducted into a side chamber (B1) of the supply air terminal device, which side chamber is a structure open at the top part and at the bottom part. The supply air terminal device (10) includes a heat exchanger (14), which can be used either to cool or to heat the circulated airflow (L2). In the device solution, fresh supply air, which is conducted through the nozzles to the side chamber (B1), induces the circulated airflow (L2) to flow through the heat exchanger (14). The combined airflow (L1+L2) of supply airflow (L1) and circulated airflow (L2) is conducted out of the supply air terminal device (10). The supply air terminal device includes an induction ratio control device (15), which is used to control how much circulated airflow (L2) joins the supply airflow (L1).

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for accommodating a circulating refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer plates and at least one electrode plate. The plurality of heat transfer plates are mounted in parallel relationship to each other defining alternating flow spaces for a refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid. The electrode plate is located in each refrigerant flow space and is spaced from the adjacent heat transfer plates. The electrode plate includes outer electrode surfaces on each side thereof to produce an electric field. The effect of the electric field is an increase in the heat transfer rate between the refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The invention also includes a method of exchanging heat between a heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant in a plate heat exchanger.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for electrohydrodynamic (EHD) enhancement of heat and mass transfer is disclosed. Electrodes of alternating polarity are embedded within a nonconductive heat transfer wall material and are connected to a high voltage source at either end of the heat transfer wall material where the heat transfer wall material passes through a tube sheet, fitting or other confinement. When voltage from the high voltage source is applied to the alternating electrodes, electric field gradients are created on both the interior and exterior heat transfer surfaces of the heat transfer wall material. Regions of intense electric field gradient reside in close proximity to both heat transfer surfaces, thus when nonconductive fluids pass over the heat transfer surfaces, bubbles are repelled from the regions of strong electric field gradients above the electrodes and additional fluid is attracted into these regions.

Abstract: A self-actuating thermal disconnect disengages two coaxially aligned shafts if equipment driven by one of the shafts overheats. The disconnect uses the centrifugal force of a molten material as the principal actuation. The disconnect end of a drive shaft has a means for transmitting torque. A disconnect piston having first and second ends is axially movable in a splined cylinder within the driven shaft. In normal operation, a solid mass of fusible material is disposed in the disconnect piston within a cavity defined by the second end of the disconnect piston and an adjacent end of a cavity piston. A means for transmitting torque at the-first end of the disconnect piston couples with the means for transmitting torque at the first end of the drive shaft. If the driven equipment overheats, the molten fusible material bursts out under centrifugal force through the channels.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for accommodating a circulating refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer plates and at least one electrode plate. The plurality of heat transfer plates are mounted in parallel relationship to each other defining alternating flow spaces for a refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid. The electrode plate is located in each refrigerant flow space and is spaced from the adjacent heat transfer plates. The electrode plate includes outer electrode surfaces on each side thereof to produce an electric field. The effect of the electric field is an increase in the heat transfer rate between the refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The invention also includes a method of exchanging heat between a heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant in a plate heat exchanger.

Abstract: An interruptible thermal bridge system including: a first thermally conductive surface positioned proximate an object which absorbs energy; a second thermally conductive surface thermally connected to the first conductive surface positioned proximate to an object which dissipates energy, a thermal switch positioned between the first and second conductive surfaces for regulating a thermal connection between the first and second surfaces by alternatively switching between a first position, blocking the conductive path and thermally insulating the first conductive surface from the second conductive surface, and a second position, opening the conductive surface with the second conductive surface.

Abstract: In an air conditioner equipped with an air cleaner, a front panel is provided with three air inlets: a first air inlet located on the front face of the front panel, a second air inlet located on the top face thereof, and a third air inlet located therebetween. Each of the first and second air inlets has an opening/closing unit including louvers, and an air cleaner is arranged on the inside of the third air inlet. At the time of cooling/heating operation and at the time of dehumidifying operation, the first and second air inlets are opened and closed by the opening/closing unit, by which the amount of air passing through the air cleaner is changed, thereby utilizing the air cleaner effectively.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling heat transfer in a fluidized bed reactor having a heat transfer chamber (312) with a bed (314) of solid particles therein, means (320,322) for introducing fluidizing gas into the heat transfer chamber for fluidizing the bed of solid particles therein and heat transfer surfaces (316) in contact with the bed of solid particles in the heat transfer chamber. Heat is transferred to said heat transfer surfaces from the solid particles. The fluidization of the bed of solid particles is varied according to a periodical function, e.g. by control means (34) periodically varying the flow velocity of fluidizing gas being introduced into the heat transfer chamber. Thereby the instantaneous heat transfer, as well as, the effective heat transfer from solid particles to the heat transfer surfaces may be controlled.

Abstract: A compact high efficient air heater providing improved comfort regulation. The air heater includes a cross-flow type heat exchanger formed from a plurality of stacked corrugated plates which define a plurality of alternating flue gas passages and air passages, and which include a plurality of modified air passages which provide increased air flow through the heat exchanger along the flue gas inlet side whereby increased heat transfer along the flue gas inlet side is accomplished. The air heater also includes a plurality of bypass channels which direct air flow across at least one surface of the combustion chamber to remove heat from the combustion chamber housing, to lower the temperature of the flue gases entering the heat exchanger, and to reduce the temperature gradient at the air outlet side of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A small size, light weight heat control device feasible for an artificial satellite or a spacecraft is disclosed. The heat control device uses an optical property particular to a substance itself in place of a mechanical principle applied to a conventional thermal louver. In addition, the device of the present invention is highly reliable and long life because it needs no movable portions which would bring about wear, fatigue and other problems.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling heat transfer in a fluidized bed reactor having a heat transfer chamber (312) with a bed (314) of solid particles therein, means (320,322) for introducing fluidizing gas into the heat transfer chamber for fluidizing the bed of solid particles therein and heat transfer surfaces (316) in contact with the bed of solid particles in the heat transfer chamber. Heat is transferred to said heat transfer surfaces from the solid particles. The fluidization of the bed of solid particles is varied according to a periodical function, e.g. by control means (34) periodically varying the flow velocity of fluidizing gas being introduced into the heat transfer chamber. Thereby the instantaneous heat transfer, as well as, the effective heat transfer from solid particles to the heat transfer surfaces may be controlled.

Abstract: A water cooling device for a controlled cooling of wire, small sections, and ribbed concrete wire guided along a wire rod guiding line out of the rolling heat has a support frame that is parallel-slidable or rotatable. Parallel, adjacently arranged cooling water pipelines are provided each having a different inner diameter and mounted on the support frame. Each cooling water pipeline has arranged thereat water boxes. The cooling water pipelines have cooling water pipes having an inner pipe diameter matching the inner diameter of the correlated cooling water pipeline. The cooling water pipes are arranged in the water boxes. Each cooling water pipeline has guide grooves positioned between the water boxes for connecting the cooling water pipes of each cooling water pipeline with one another.

Abstract: An air outlet has a plurality of vertical vortex generating structures 21 in a triangular shape arranged so as to be oriented at an angle &thgr; with respect to diffused air.

Abstract: A method for controlling heat exchange in a nuclear reactor. The reactor contains at least one thermal valve, at least one heat exchanger having a coolant flowing therein, with the heat exchanger being immersed in a pool containing a fluid. The heat exchanger is confined by a container having an upper part with an opening therein and a lower part having means for introducing the fluid through such lower part as well as means for partially or totally opening or closing said opening in the upper part and means for partially or totally opening or closing opening in the lower part. The method comprises the steps of closing the opening in the upper part of the container to thereby vaporize said fluid, in order to cause a cessation of heat exchange between the coolant and the fluid; and opening the opening in the upper part of the container to thereby cause the fluid to be heated and to rise by convection, thereby permitting heat exchange to occur between the coolant and the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal switch, including a frame made of electrically insulating material, defining the perimeter of a cell fillable with liquid crystal (LC); first and second plate-shaped electrodes, each having an inside surface and an outside surface and being attached along the periphery of the inside surface on opposite sides of the frame, defining surfaces of the cell; first and second covers made of electrically insulating material, each attached to the outside surface of one electrode, the inside surface of at least a portion of each of the electrodes being treated to obtain anchoring of the orientation of LC molecules in a direction parallel to the plane of the electrode, resulting in improved performance of the switch.

Abstract: Arrangement in a heat exchanger, for example a retarder oil cooler, constructed from plates with alternating cooling water and oil ducts between them. The plates surrounding the cooling water ducts are provided with converging inward bends in the form of nipples, which are intended to keep the said plates at a distance from one another. Between the plates surrounding the oil ducts there is a so-called turbulator, which on the one hand serves to increase the surface and on the other is designed to make the flow turbulent. The arrangement is characterized in that the oil ducts situated outermost in the cooler each comprise elements designed to reduce the flow through these compared to the flow in other oil ducts. An improved thermal equilibrium is thereby achieved in the outermost ducts, which gives a reduced risk of thermal fatigue, especially in the inward bends converging in the cooling water ducts in the form of nipples. The service life of the heat exchanger is thereby prolonged.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus comprising an air-cooled heat exchanger, a plurality of louvres to control a cooling air flow passing the heat exchanger, a mechanism for operating the louvres and means for actuating the operating mechanism according to temperature of the heat exchanger. The actuating means comprises a bar having a first end and a second end and being of a material having a considerably lower thermal expansion coefficient than that of the heat exchanger, said bar being attached by its first end substantially at a first end of the heat exchanger, and means for controlling the position of the operating mechanism in dependence on a difference in displacements of the second end.

Abstract: A method and a container for storing or transporting goods, in particular food products in a frozen and/or chilled state, include a conditioned room where the goods are placed. The room is conditioned by means of a refrigerating medium, for instance solid carbon dioxide, arranged above the room, the refrigerating medium and the room being divided by an insulated panel. A variety of insulated panels can be provided between the refrigerating medium and the room so as to maintain a required amount of cold transfer between the refrigerant and the room. The amount of refrigerating medium can be varied in accordance with specifications such as the assumed duration of the transport/storage, the required storage temperature and a predicted average of the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A heat exchanger which uses a drag reduction fluid as one of its two heat transfer media has a heat transfer plate formed with irregularities.

Abstract: An adjustable louver system for controlling the direct thermal radiation reaching fluid tubes in a direct-fired heater. An angular position of louver blades of the louver system is adjusted by rotating first and second axles attached to the louver blades. The louver blades may be positioned manually or by an electric or pneumatic motor. A hand crank or knob located outside the heater manually turns the louver blades. The motor, which is also located outside the heater, is controllable by a temperature actuator. In some embodiments, the louver blades have pivot pins which fit into slots of a connecting plate. Rotation of one of the louver blade causes the connecting plate to rotate all of the louver blades simultaneously. In some embodiments, the louver blades are vertically positioned and the louver axles fit into holes in upper and lower guide plates. In other embodiments, the louvers are horizontally disposed and the louver axles fit into openings in the heater walls.

Abstract: An air outlet has a plurality of vertical vortex generating structures 21 in a triangular shape arranged so as to be oriented at an angle .theta. with respect to diffused air.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a heat exchanger disposed between the air inlet and air outlet, and an air direction control mechanism at the air outlet for regulating a direction of air discharge. The regulating mechanism includes a support member having slots, and a plurality of vanes each having a projection configured correspondingly to the slots so that once the projections have been inserted through the respective slots and then rotated, the vanes are secured to the support member. Each projection includes a hinge axle about which the vane rotates, and a pair of compression protruders projecting from opposite sides of the hinge axle. The protruders bear elastically against one surface of the support member to pull a flange portion of the vane into engagement with another surface of the support member. One of the protruders of each vane carries a fixation axle which snaps into a respective open-sided hole of a connecting member.

Abstract: A sapphire interface with a closed cycle cryogenic cooler replace liquid nitrogen in cryotraps for gas chromatographs, cryofocusers for gas chromatographs, DMA's and DSC's. Inverse thermal properties of sapphire allow the closed cycle cooler to function at cryogenic temperatures at one end of a sapphire element while temperature of a test element is raised at the other end. Quartz and silicon are alternatives to sapphire. Substantial mass of the sapphire interface is eliminated by making the test element an integral part of the assembly and enables use of a smaller capacity cooling system. Low mass provides rapid temperature changes when switching between heating and cooling. The cooling requirement remains substantially constant, whether a test sample is heated or cooled.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for implementing the method, utilize cryogenic fluids to cool a fluid. The method includes receiving and allowing expansion of a first compressed cryogenic fluid within a chamber; flowing a second fluid past said chamber; and allowing the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The method may further include maintaining the second fluid at a predetermined temperature by controlling the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving therein and allowing expansion of a compressed cryogenic fluid. The chamber includes at least one wall formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and high resistivity to low temperature. The chamber may include an insert for receiving cryogenic fluid therein and dispersing the cryogenic fluid through a plurality of holes into the chamber. The apparatus may also include a fluid path component for circulating therethrough the second fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooling apparatus for at least one electronic component. The cooling apparatus includes a first member which has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the first member is adapted for mounting the electronic component thereon at a preselected location. The cooling apparatus also includes a venturi member which is fixedly secured to the inner surface of the first member. The venturi member is positioned to direct a cooling fluid to flow in thermal communication with the inner surface of the first member. The venturi member is also positioned to control a flow velocity of the cooling fluid flowing in thermal communication with a preselected portion of the inner surface of the first member. The preselected portion of the inner surface of the first member is opposite to the preselected location of the outer surface of the first member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel thermal filtering system and method for making such a thermal filtering system to filter out external temperature fluctuations within an enclosure. In accordance with one aspect of the invention the system includes an external insulation layer, an internal insulation layer, and a layer of phase change material located in between and thermally in series with the layers of insulation.

Abstract: A compact vacuum insulation panel comprising a chamber enclosed by two sheets of metal, glass-like spaces disposed in the chamber between the sidewalls, and a high-grade vacuum in the chamber includes apparatus and methods for enabling and disabling, or turning "on" and "off" the thermal insulating capability of the panel. One type of enabling and disabling apparatus and method includes a metal hydride for releasing hydrogen gas into the chamber in response to heat, and a hydrogen grate between the metal hydride and the chamber for selectively preventing and allowing return of the hydrogen gas to the metal hydride. Another type of enabling and disabling apparatus and method includes a variable emissivity coating on the sheets of metal in which the emissivity is controllably variable by heat or electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrohydrodynamic augmentation of heat transfer with a working fluid comprising a heat transfer surface, said surface being formed with fins extending from a side of said surface in contact with the working fluid, said fins defining at least one channel having confronting sidewalls; an elongated, electrically conductive electrode disposed in the channel in relatively closely spaced relation between the sidewalls for carrying a current and producing an electric field for interacting with the working fluid to enhance heat exchange with the surface. At least one insulator disposed for engaging the channel in longitudinal spaced apart locations therealong.

Abstract: A reactor arrangement and process for indirectly contacting a reactant stream with a heat exchange stream uses an arrangement of heat exchange plates to control temperature conditions by varying the heat transfer factor in different portions of a continuous channel defined by the heat exchange plates. The reactor arrangement and process of this invention may be used to operate a reactor under isothermal or other controlled temperature conditions. The variation in the heat transfer factor within a single heat exchange section is highly useful in maintaining a desired temperature profile in an arrangement having a cross-flow of heat exchange medium relative to reactants. The corrugations arrangement eliminates or minimizes the typical step-wise approach to isothermal conditions.

Abstract: A rotatable louver assembly (20) for a fan discharge duct (14). The louver assembly has at least two louver slats (21, 22) that are fixed in spatial relationship with respect to each other. A first or upper louver slat (21) has a shape that conforms generally to the shape of a first or upper wall (41) of the discharge duct. The second or lower louver slat (22) has a shape that conforms generally to the shape of a second or lower wall (42) of the discharge duct. The louver assembly has at least two positions. In one position the first louver slat is generally aligned with and spaced from the upper wall to define a generally constant cross-section low loss passageway therebetween for directing air horizontally. In another position the second louver slat is generally aligned with the lower wall to define a generally constant cross-section low loss passageway therebetween for directing the air generally vertically.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat exchanger having a divided header tank. The heat exchanger has a pair of header tanks and a plurality of pipe members, by which the header tanks are placed in fluid communication. A partitioning plate is fixedly disposed within a hollow space of one of the header tanks, so that the hollow space is divided into two chamber sections. A gap is defined between the pair of header tanks corresponding to the partitioning plate. A blocking element is disposed within the gap, so that air which otherwise would pass through the gap is blocked, and the overall heat exchange operation of the heat exchanger is improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooling apparatus for at least one electronic component. The cooling apparatus includes a first member which has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the first member is adapted for mounting the electronic component thereon at a preselected location. The cooling apparatus also includes a venturi member which is fixedly secured to the inner surface of the first member. The venturi member is positioned to direct a cooling fluid to flow in thermal communication with the inner surface of the first member. The venturi member is also positioned to control a flow velocity of the cooling fluid flowing in thermal communication with a preselected portion of the inner surface of the first member. The preselected portion of the inner surface of the first member is opposite to the preselected location of the outer surface of the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of an object, in particular a semiconductor wafer support structure in a wafer processing chamber. A gas gap is created between the two adjacent objects of different temperatures. The pressure in the gap is adjusted to control the thermal conductivity of the gas between the two structures. To have a large heat flow between the two objects so that their temperatures can be closely matched, the pressure is increased. To maintain the temperature of the object sought to be controlled regardless of the temperature of the adjacent item (heat source/sink) the pressure is reduced to a strong vacuum (acting as insulation) so that very little heat flow occurs through the gas gap.

Abstract: A thermally insulating jacket under reversible vacuum, having an inner wall, an outer wall and an hollow space between these walls. The hollow space is in fluid communication with an outer housing containing a reversible non-evaporable hydrogen getter loaded with hydrogen. The reversible hydrogen getter has a certain hydrogen equilibrium pressure. The hollow space contains a non-evaporable promoter getter having a certain hydrogen equilibrium pressure. These jackets can be employed with heat accumulators, batteries, cryogenic vessels, cryogenic pipes, catalytic silencers and solar panels.

Abstract: A parallel plate heat sink used in conjunction with an air moving device which provides an annular flow of air against the heat sink is further provided with enhanced flow deflector means which selectively block potential exhaust paths so as to redirect the flow of air to the region under a central hub of the fan. This transforms otherwise stagnant air volume in the center of the heat sink into a primary cooling region thus lowering conduction losses and electronic component junction temperatures.

Abstract: A parallel plate heat sink used in conjunction with an air moving device which provides an annular flow of air against the heat sink is further provided with enhanced flow deflector means which selectively block potential exhaust paths so as to redirect the flow of air to the region under a central hub of the fan. This transforms otherwise stagnant air volume in the center of the heat sink into a primary cooling region thus lowering conduction losses and electronic component junction temperatures.

Abstract: A compact vacuum insulation panel comprising a chamber enclosed by two sheets of metal, glass-like spaces disposed in the chamber between the sidewalls, and a high-grade vacuum in the chamber includes apparatus and methods for enabling and disabling, or turning "on" and "off" the thermal insulating capability of the panel. One type of enabling and disabling apparatus and method includes a metal hydride for releasing hydrogen gas into the chamber in response to heat, and a hydrogen grate between the metal hydride and the chamber for selectively preventing and allowing return of the hydrogen gas to the metal hydride. Another type of enabling and disabling apparatus and method includes a variable emissivity coating on the sheets of metal in which the emissivity is controllably variable by heat or electricity.

Abstract: A liquid cooled cooling device wherein occurrence of vibrations is controlled, the power for feeding water is lowered, and further, temperature variations around a heat generating section are prevented.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a housing to be mounted on a wall surface in the interior of a room, an air inlet provided at an upper part of the housing, an air outlet provided at a lower part of the housing, an air passage provided in said housing so as to connect the air inlet and said air outlet to each other, a heat exchanging means and an air blowing device disposed in said air passage, and a wind direction plate provided inside an opening of the air outlet in order to change the direction of blowing of thermoregulated air out of the air outlet. An air quantity adjusting plate is provided at an end of the opening of said air outlet in order to change the area of the opening of the air outlet, whereby a sufficient air quantity is obtained regardless of the direction of ventilation of thermoregulated air to thereby perform room air-conditioning efficiently.

Abstract: In the case of a heat exchanger, in particular a cooling apparatus, having a housing and at least one ventilator for blowing the air which flows through the heat exchanger out through an outlet opening in the housing, there is arranged on the outside of the outlet opening (4) of the housing (1), in order to avoid energy losses upon defrosting and to save energy costs, a flexible flat piece (6, 15) which permits air to emerge unimpeded into the surrounding space when the ventilator is operating but which collapses when the ventilator is shut off and thereby covers the outlet opening of the housing so that, upon the defrosting, no moist and warm defrosting air can emerge through the outlet opening of the housing into the surrounding space.

Abstract: The package-interface thermal switch (PITS) is an active temperature cont device for modulating the flow of thermal energy from satellite equipment, such as electronic modules or batteries, to the satellite mounting deck which serves as a heat sink. PITS comprises a mounting bolt made of a shaped memory alloy (SMA) actuating bolt and a non-metallic rod with a helical spring surrounding it forming a mounting bolt for a satellite equipment package. At least four mounting bolts are used for installing the equipment package and are preloaded to a predetermined stress representing the desired thermal conductance between the heat sink and the package. The SMA actuating bolt is in thermal contact with the component or package and expands or contracts as the result of changing package temperature and the helical "return" spring forces against the SMA actuating bolt portion of the PITS, increasing ("hot-on" condition) or decreasing ("cold-off" condition) the pressure of the package against the mounting deck.

Abstract: A reactor arrangement and process for indirectly contacting a reactant stream with a heat exchange stream uses an arrangement of corrugated heat exchange plates to control temperature conditions by varying the number and/or the arrangement of the corrugations along the plates. The reactor arrangement and process of this invention may be used to operate a reactor under isothermal or other controlled temperature conditions. The variation in corrugation arrangements within a single heat exchange section is highly useful in maintaining a desired temperature profile in an arrangement having a cross-flow of heat exchange medium relative to reactants. The corrugations arrangement eliminates or minimizes the typical step-wise approach to isothermal conditions.

Abstract: A substrate cooling apparatus is provided with a cooling plate disposed in a treating chamber and Peltier elements for supporting and cooling a substrate. A target temperature setter is operable to set a target temperature to which the substrate is to be cooled and a drive device drives the Peltier elements to cool the cooling plate below the target temperature. When the substrate is found to have reached the target temperature, the substrate is raised to a position free from the thermal influence of the cooling plate, to complete a cooling treatment. Consequently, the substrate is cooled at high speed to achieve a reduced cooling time. Where predetermined process modules are used, processing efficiency is improved with a reduced number of substrate cooling elements.

Abstract: A steam generator for a nuclear power station in which the flow of secondary fluid is deflected and distributed by a block articulated on a fixed horizontal pivoting spindle, such as to retain maintenance access to the tube place by tooling introduced through orifices in the outer casing, and to eliminate dead zones difficult to access for cleaning and servicing the tubes.