Patent US4068495A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4068495A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Closed loop spray cooling apparatus
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1976-03-31
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Granted: 1978-01-17
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Expires: 1996-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A closed loop apparatus for spraying coolant against the back of a radiation target. The coolant is circulated through a closed loop with a bubble of inert gas being maintained around the spray. Mesh material is disposed between the bubble and the surface of the liquid coolant which is below the bubble at a predetermined level. In a second embodiment no inert gas is used, the bubble consisting of vapor produced when the coolant is sprayed against the target.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald L. Alger
- 👤 William B. Schwab
- 👤 Edward R. Furman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:12
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21K; G21K5/00; G21K5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A closed loop apparatus for spraying a radiation target with liquid coolant comprising: a loop for circulating the liquid coolant including a coolant reservoir, a chamber communicating with the target, and first and second tubular connections between the reservoir and the chamber for circulating the liquid coolant therethrough; means disposed within the chamber and connected to one of the tubular connections for spraying the liquid coolant against the back of the target; a source of high pressure gas communicating with the chamber; and means for regulating the supply of gas to the chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A closed loop apparatus for spraying a radiation target with liquid coolant comprising: a loop for circulating the liquid coolant including a coolant reservoir, a chamber communicating with the target, and first and second tubular connections between the reservoir and the chamber for circulating the liquid coolant therethrough; means disposed within the chamber and connected to one of the tubular connections for spraying the liquid coolant against the back of the target; a source of high pressure gas communicating with the chamber; and means for regulating the supply of gas to the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the chamber contains gas, and including means for separating trapped gas from the liquid coolant flowing off the target.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 2 wherein: the gas separating means is a high surface area mesh spaced within the chamber about the spraying means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein: the mesh is composed of stainless steel wool.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein: the mesh is composed of shredded plastic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
68 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein: the gas supply regulating means includes: a valve interposed between the source of high pressure gas and the chamber and through which the source of high pressure gas communicates with the chamber; and control means responsive to changes in the liquid coolant level within the chamber for opening and closing the valve to maintain the liquid coolant level constant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 6 wherein: the control means includes a float switch disposed in the liquid coolant within the chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 7 including: at least one baffle mounted to a wall of the chamber for shielding the float switch from the flow of liquid coolant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 8 including: means for holding the temperature of the liquid coolant in the coolant reservoir constant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The closed loop apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the chamber is gastight and contains vaporized coolant.
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) | 1981-01-16 | 1981-07-18 | 1982-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-16 | 1985-07-18 | 1986-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-16 | 1989-07-18 | 1990-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |