US4336837A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Entirely passive heat pipe apparatus capable of operating against gravity
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1981-02-11
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Granted: 1982-06-29
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Expires: 2001-02-11
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure is directed to an entirely passive heat pipe apparatus capable of operating against gravity for vertical distances in the order of 3 to 7 meters and more. A return conduit into which an inert gas is introduced is used to lower the specific density of the working fluid so that it may be returned a greater vertical distance from condenser to evaporator.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel R. Koenig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:25
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/04; F28D15/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A heat pipe apparatus capable of operating against gravity comprising: a heat pipe envelope comprising evaporator means and condenser means, said evaporator means being disposed gravitationally above said condenser means; a gas and a working fluid within said heat pipe envelope, said fluid comprising a liquid and its vapor, said fluid comprising its liquid phase while in the condenser means and its vapor phase while in the evaporator means; venturi means disposed between said evaporator means and said condenser means; reservoir means disposed in the vicinity of said venturi means for containing said fluid in its liquid phase and said gas; conduit means providing a path for said liquid and said gas between said condenser means and said reservoir means; capillary wick means providing a path for liquid within said reservoir means to said evaporator means; and means for introducing gas from said reservoir means into said venturi means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A heat pipe apparatus capable of operating against gravity comprising: a heat pipe envelope comprising evaporator means and condenser means, said evaporator means being disposed gravitationally above said condenser means; a gas and a working fluid within said heat pipe envelope, said fluid comprising a liquid and its vapor, said fluid comprising its liquid phase while in the condenser means and its vapor phase while in the evaporator means; venturi means disposed between said evaporator means and said condenser means; reservoir means disposed in the vicinity of said venturi means for containing said fluid in its liquid phase and said gas; conduit means providing a path for said liquid and said gas between said condenser means and said reservoir means; capillary wick means providing a path for liquid within said reservoir means to said evaporator means; and means for introducing gas from said reservoir means into said venturi means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises a tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said conduit means is disposed entirely within said heat pipe envelope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said conduit means is disposed substantially external of said heat pipe envelope.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said evaporator means is disposed between about three and about ten meters above said condenser means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the mixture of the liquid and gas within said conduit means comprises from about 1% to about 10% gas by weight.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said heat pipe envelope is between about 3 meters and 7 meters in length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein said working fluid comprises water and water vapor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein said gas comprises air.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said working fluid is selected from the group consisting of freon, ammonia, methanol.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 9 wherein said gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, and helium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said heat pipe envelope comprises about a 90° or greater bend.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said heat pipe envelope comprises at least two bends of 90° or more and a standpipe section above said reservoir.
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) | 1985-06-28 | 1985-12-28 | 1986-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-12-28 | 1990-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-06-28 | 1993-12-28 | 1994-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |