Patent ID: 6209631
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: F28D,G05D,H05K

Abstract:
Apparatus controlling the temperature within a sealed enclosure in which are housed electronic components whose operation produces heat and whose operation should occur within a desired temperature range comprising:a first heat sink extending through a sidewall of the enclosure to conduct heat from within the enclosure to outside thereof;a second heat sink having a thermal interface with the components for heat generated by operation of the components to be transferred to said second heat sink thereby drawing heat away from said components;a heat conductor comprising a heat pipe conducting heat from said second heat sink to said first heat sink for the heat to be removed from within the enclosure;a heat generator comprising a heater within the enclosure generating heat to heat the components; and,a sensor responsive to the temperature within the enclosure falling below a predetermined temperature to energize the heat generator, the heat produced by said heater, when combined with the heat produced by said electronic components being sufficiently greater than the heat carrying capacity of said heat pipe so to dry out said heat pipe and prevent said heat pipe from removing heat from within said sealed enclosure whereby the temperature in the enclosure is maintained within the desired range by appropriately removing heat from or generating heat within the enclosure.