US4046190A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flat-plate heat pipe
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1975-05-22
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Granted: 1977-09-06
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Expires: 1995-05-22
Abstract
Abstract Flat-plate (vapor chamber) heat pipes are made by enclosing metal wicking between two capillary grooved flat panels. These heat pipes provide a unique configuration and have good capacity and conductance capabilities in zero gravity. When these flat-plate vapor chamber heat pipes are heated or cooled, the surfaces are essentially isothermal, varying only 3° to 5° C over the panel surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce D. Marcus
- 👤 George L. Fleischman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 08:29
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/0233
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
45 words
A heat pipe device comprising: i. two flat-plates in parallel planes having edges sealed and aligned normal to the parallel plates with capillary grooves in the facing surfaces at right angles to the grooves of the opposing plate; and ii. metal wicking intersecting every groove.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
A heat pipe device comprising: i. two flat-plates in parallel planes having edges sealed and aligned normal to the parallel plates with capillary grooves in the facing surfaces at right angles to the grooves of the opposing plate; and ii. metal wicking intersecting every groove.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A heat pipe device according to claim 1 wherein: said metal wicking is metal wire felt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A heat pipe device according to claim 1 wherein: said metal wicking is porous sintered powdered metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A heat pipe device comprising: i. two equidistant flat plates having sealed aligned edges normal to the surfaces and capillary grooves in the opposing surfaces at right angles to the grooves of the opposing plate; ii. metal wicking intersecting every groove; and iii. a working fluid sealed between said plates.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
A heat pipe device comprising: i. two equidistant flat plates having sealed aligned edges normal to the surfaces and capillary grooves in the opposing surfaces at right angles to the grooves of the opposing plate; ii. metal wicking intersecting every groove; and iii. a working fluid sealed between said plates.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A heat pipe device according to claim 4 wherein: said metal wicking is metal wire felt.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A heat pipe device according to claim 4 wherein: said metal wicking is porous sintered powdered metal.
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) | 1980-09-05 | 1981-03-07 | 1981-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-05 | 1985-03-07 | 1985-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-05 | 1989-03-07 | 1989-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |