US3561525A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heat pipe condensate return
Assignee: Energy Conversion Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1969-07-02
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Granted: 1971-02-09
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Expires: 1989-07-02
Abstract
Abstract This invention is an improved device for returning the condensate in an evaporation-condensation heat exchanger to the evaporation end utilizing the principle of osmotic action to improve the rate, efficiency and distance of return of the condensed heat exchange fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen C Baer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:55
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/04; F28D15/046; F28D15/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
In an improved heat exchanger condensate return the combination comprising: a hermetically sealed container made of heat conducting material and having a heat receiving and a heat rejecting end; a solution return channel formed within the interior of said hollow sealed member which channel has one wall formed of the interior of the walls of said sealed member; working solution contained within said solution return channel; a vapor passage within said hollow sealed member and connecting said solution return channel to the heat rejecting end of said sealed member; a semipermeable membrane in said heat rejecting end of said sealed member in oppose between said vapor passage and said solution return channel so that vapor condensed in said vapor passage at said heat rejecting end of said sealed member passes into said solution return channel by osmosis; and whereby a pumping force is applied to said solution return channel to force the solution within said solution return channel to the heat receiving end of said sealed member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
In an improved heat exchanger condensate return the combination comprising: a hermetically sealed container made of heat conducting material and having a heat receiving and a heat rejecting end; a solution return channel formed within the interior of said hollow sealed member which channel has one wall formed of the interior of the walls of said sealed member; working solution contained within said solution return channel; a vapor passage within said hollow sealed member and connecting said solution return channel to the heat rejecting end of said sealed member; a semipermeable membrane in said heat rejecting end of said sealed member in oppose between said vapor passage and said solution return channel so that vapor condensed in said vapor passage at said heat rejecting end of said sealed member passes into said solution return channel by osmosis; and whereby a pumping force is applied to said solution return channel to force the solution within said solution return channel to the heat receiving end of said sealed member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the interior wall of said solution return channel is formed of the semipermeable membrane and the exterior wall is formed of said sealed container.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the top of said solution return channel adjacent to the heat receiving end of said sealed member is open.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the top of said solution return channel is sealed by said semipermeable membrane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said semipermeable membrane has openings spaced about its periphery to facilitate passage of solvent therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 including wick means within said solution return channel to complement the osmotic action of said semipermeable membrane in returning the solution from the heat rejecting end of said sealed container to the heat receiving end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said semipermeable membrane forms the interior wall of said solution return passage and the walls of said sealed member provide the exterior surface of said solution return channel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3229759A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-08 | 1974-08-10 | 1975-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-08 | 1978-08-10 | 1979-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-08 | 1982-08-10 | 1983-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |