Ralph H Hamilton

US Patent:

41604440, Jul 10, 1979

Filed:

Jul 22, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/818106

Inventors:

Ralph A. Hamilton - Glendale CA

International Classification:

F24J 302

US Classification:

126271

Abstract:

A wickless heat pipe assembly comprising a pair of conduits each having a vaporization region at one end and a condensing region at the other. The vaporization regions are configured to prevent the heat-transferring fluid, while in liquid form, from flowing downwardly into their respective conduits. A pair of liquid return passages connect each condensing region with the vaporization region of the opposite conduit through a check valve. Cyclically alternating changes in pressure in the two conduits are produced by alternately applying heat to the two vaporization regions. The pressure differentials cause any liquid collected at the condensing region to be returned to the vaporization region. This positive pumping action of the heat transfer fluid permits the heat pipe assembly to operate in almost any attitude and is particularly suitable for the downward transfer of heat.

US Patent:

41161670, Sep 26, 1978

Filed:

Jan 24, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/761839

Inventors:

Ralph A. Hamilton - Glendale CA

International Classification:

F22B 102
F22D 700

US Classification:

122 33

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for heating and storing a fluid contain the fluid in a heat insulated space and prepare by heating of a heat transfer medium in a first region located at a distance from that space a vapor having a certain pressure and being condensable through transfer of heat to the contained fluid. A second region of a pressure lower than the mentioned vapor pressure is provided by heat transfer to the contained fluid in the mentioned space. The vapor is passed to the lower pressure second region into heat transfer relationship with, but physically separate from, the mentioned fluid and is converted by heat transfer to said fluid to a condensate in that lower pressure second region whereby the fluid is heated. The condensate is maintained physically separate from the fluid and is recycled from the second region to the first region. The recycled condensate is converted to vapor by reheating in the first region and the above mentioned cycle is continued until the fluid has been heated to a desired temperature.