Patent ID: 7686504

Claim:
A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe and a supporting frame for positioning the testing apparatus, comprising: an immovable portion having a first heating member located therein for heating an evaporating section of the heat pipe; a movable portion capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and having a second heating member located therein for heating the evaporating section of the heat pipe; a receiving structure being defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein; a positioning structure extending from at least one of the immovable portion and the movable portion for avoiding the movable portion from deviating from the immovable portion during movement of the movable portion relative the immovable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of precisely receiving the heat pipe; at least one temperature sensor being attached to at least one of the immovable portion and the movable portion for thermally contacting the evaporating section of the heat pipe in the receiving structure for detecting temperature of the evaporating section of the heat pipe; and a supporting frame comprising a seat for positioning the testing apparatus at a required position, the seat having a first plate supporting the immovable portion thereon, the supporting frame having a second plate located above the movable portion and supported by a plurality of rods extending from the first plate; wherein the receiving structure is a channel defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion; wherein the positioning structure is two flanges extending from two opposite sides of the immovable portion toward the movable portion, the two flanges being capable of slidably contacting two opposite faces of the movable portion; wherein the movable portion is always located between the two flanges of the immovable portion when it moves away and toward the immovable portion; and wherein the two flanges each extend from an outer face of a main body of the immovable portion, the main body being located between the two flanges.