US3847208A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structural heat pipe
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1973-09-14
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Granted: 1974-11-12
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Expires: 1993-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A combined structural reinforcing element and heat transfer member is disclosed for placement between a structural wall of a container or housing which is to be thermally protected and an outer insulation blanket disposed thereover and spaced apart therefrom. The element comprises a heat pipe, one side of which supports the outer insulation blanket, the opposite side of which is connected to the structural wall. Heat penetrating through the outer insulation blanket directly reaches the heat pipe and is drawn off, thereby reducing thermal gradients in the structural wall. The element, due to its attachment to the structural wall, further functions as a reinforcing member therefor.
Inventors
- 👤 S Ollendorf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:16
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/52; B64G1/58; B64G1/46; B64G1/50; B64G1/506; F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/0233; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49879
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A combined structural reinforcing element and heat transfer member being placed between a structural wall of a housing and an outer insulation blanket disposed thereover and spaced apart therefrom, said element comprising a heat pipe, one side of said heat pipe supporting said outer insulation blanket, the opposite side of said heat pipe being connected to said structural wall to thereby provide structural reinforcement therefor, said element being such that heat penetrating through said outer insulation blanket reaches said heat pipe and is drawn off, thereby reducing thermal gradients in said structural wall of the housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A combined structural reinforcing element and heat transfer member being placed between a structural wall of a housing and an outer insulation blanket disposed thereover and spaced apart therefrom, said element comprising a heat pipe, one side of said heat pipe supporting said outer insulation blanket, the opposite side of said heat pipe being connected to said structural wall to thereby provide structural reinforcement therefor, said element being such that heat penetrating through said outer insulation blanket reaches said heat pipe and is drawn off, thereby reducing thermal gradients in said structural wall of the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An element as defined in claim 1, wherein said heat pipe has a flange on both sides thereof, one flange supporting said insulation blanket, the other flange being connected to said structural wall of the housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
An element as defined in claim 2, wherein said one flange has attached thereto a fastening element for disposition through said insulation blanket to secure same about said structural wall of the housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An element as defined in claim 2, wherein both flanges and said heat pipe constitute a unitary metal structure.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of reducing thermal gradients in the wall of a housing caused by heat leakage through an outer insulation blanket surrounding the wall while simultaneously providing structural reinforcement of the wall, said method comprising the step of supporting the outer insulation blanket with a heat pipe attached to the wall and extending into cooler areas of said wall.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of reducing thermal gradients in the wall of a housing caused by heat leakage through an outer insulation blanket surrounding the wall while simultaneously providing structural reinforcement of the wall, said method comprising the step of supporting the outer insulation blanket with a heat pipe attached to the wall and extending into cooler areas of said wall.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |