Vacuum insulated panel and method of making a vacuum insulated panel
US5500305A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/239
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum insulated panel having high thermal insulating value and long vacuum life, and a method of making such a panel are disclosed. The panel is formed of peripherally welded metal wall members which define a cavity within which, in one embodiment, a compressed block of particulate material is disposed. The particulate material, in this embodiment, serves as a barrier to radiant thermal transmission through the panel, acts as a getter to maintain the vacuum in the panel, and supports the walls of the panel against collapse when the cavity is evacuated. The vacuum insulated panel can be covered with a polyurethane foam insulating material. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the filler within the cavity is a sandwich comprising a compressed layer of particulate material suspended between two layers of fiberglass. In such further embodiment, the layer of particulate material, which can be compressed in situ, serves as a getter and a barrier to radiant thermal transmission, while the fiberglass, making up the overall majority of the filler of the cavity, provides support for the panel members defining the cavity upon evacuation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.