US4970868A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for temperature control of electronic devices
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1989-06-23
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Granted: 1990-11-20
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Expires: 2009-06-23
Abstract
Abstract The superior thermal conductivity of immersion cooling combined with the service convenience of conduction cooling is provided through the use of unitary thermal transfer replaceable units positioned beneath a refrigeration source. Each unit contains electronic devices in a thermal transfer fluid. The unit construction permits replaceability in service without exposing a central fluid reservoir or opening a refrigerator.
Inventors
- 👤 Kurt R. Grebe
- 👤 Robert E. Schwall
- 👤 Ho-Ming Tong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:56
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10W; H10W40/00; H10W40/70; H10W40/73; H10W40/30; H10W40/305
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
Apparatus employing temperature controlled electronic devices comprising in combination: a source of refrigeration, a replaceable unit including a housing connected to and detachable from said source of refrigeration, at least one electronic device positioned in said housing at a location separated from the location of connection to said refrigeration source, means providing electrical connection from said at least one electronic device through said housing, and a coolant fluid within said housing at least immersing said at least one electronic device and operable to transfer heat from the separated location of said at least one electronic device to the location of the connection of said housing to said refrigeration source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
Apparatus employing temperature controlled electronic devices comprising in combination: a source of refrigeration, a replaceable unit including a housing connected to and detachable from said source of refrigeration, at least one electronic device positioned in said housing at a location separated from the location of connection to said refrigeration source, means providing electrical connection from said at least one electronic device through said housing, and a coolant fluid within said housing at least immersing said at least one electronic device and operable to transfer heat from the separated location of said at least one electronic device to the location of the connection of said housing to said refrigeration source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including thermal enclosure means surrounding the location of said replaceable unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said thermal enclosure is a can type structure surrounding a group of said replaceable units.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each said electrical connection means connects to a wiring board.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said thermal enclosure is a foam plastic body with an opening for each said replaceable unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said foam plastic is polyurethane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including port means for access to said coolant fluid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for improved accessibility of electronic devices operated in a closed cycle fluid thermal transfer system comprising: at least one thermal transfer replaceable unit with a housing, said housing being thermally and detachably attached beneath a refrigeration source, said housing containing at least one electronic device positioned in said housing at a location remote from the location of thermal attachment to said refrigeration source, said housing having means electrically connecting said at least one electronic device to wiring external to said housing, and fluid coupling within said housing for heat transfer between said at least one electronic device and said refrigeration source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for improved accessibility of electronic devices operated in a closed cycle fluid thermal transfer system comprising: at least one thermal transfer replaceable unit with a housing, said housing being thermally and detachably attached beneath a refrigeration source, said housing containing at least one electronic device positioned in said housing at a location remote from the location of thermal attachment to said refrigeration source, said housing having means electrically connecting said at least one electronic device to wiring external to said housing, and fluid coupling within said housing for heat transfer between said at least one electronic device and said refrigeration source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said fluid coupling includes a fluid portion immersing said at least one electronic device and a vapor portion adjacent said refrigeration source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 including a thermal enclosure for said replaceable unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said thermal enclosure is a quantity of a solid material surrounding each said replaceable unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 including port means for fluid access in each said replaceable unit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 including a thermal enclosure for said replaceable unit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said thermal enclosure is an evacuated container enclosing a plurality of said replaceable unit housings.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 14 including port means for fluid access in each said replaceable unit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 8 including port means for fluid access in each said replaceable unit.
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) | 1993-11-19 | 1994-05-21 | 1994-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-11-19 | 1998-05-21 | 1998-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-11-19 | 2002-05-21 | 2002-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |