Patent · US Expired

Temperature changing device improved evaporation characteristics

US4901535A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
13References
9Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 22, 1988
Grant dateFeb 20, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 22, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02B30/62
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed is a self-contained, rapid cooling device that can be stored for indefinite periods without losing its cooling potential. A liquid in a first chamber undergoes a change of phase into vapor which cools the first chamber. A sorbent in a second chamber is in fluid communication with the vapor and removes the vapor from the first chamber. The cooling process is facilitated by providing the interior surface of the first chamber with a wicking material to retain the largest possible contact between the liquid and the first chamber as the level of the liquid lowers during the vaporization process. A phase separator and a porous space-filling wick prevent unvaporized liquid from passing into the second chamber.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.