The present invention relates generally to the field of heat transfer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a superconducting heat transfer medium which is disposed within a conduit to rapidly and efficiently transfer heat.

Background Art.

Efficiently transporting heat from one location to another has always been a problem. Some applications, such as keeping a semiconductor chip cool, require rapid transfer and removal of heat while other applications, such as disbursing heat from a furnace, require rapid transfer and retention of heat. Whether removing or retaining heat, the heat transfer conductivity of the material utilized limits the efficiency of the heat transfer. Further, when heat retention is desired, heat losses to the environment further reduce the efficiency of the heat transfer.

For example, it is well known to utilize a heat pipe for heat transfer. The heat pipe operates on the principle of transferring heat through mass transfer of a fluid carrier contained therein and phase change of the carrier from the liquid state to the vapor state within a closed circuit pipe. Heat is absorbed at one end of the pipe by vaporization of the carrier and released at the other end by condensation of the carrier vapor. Although the heat pipe improves thermal transfer efficiency as compared to solid metal rods, the heat pipe requires the circulatory flow of the liquid/vapor carrier and is limited by the associated temperatures of vaporization and condensation of the carrier. As a result, the heat pipe's axial heat conductive speed is further limited by the amount of latent heat of liquid vaporization and on the speed of circular transformation between liquid and vapor states. Further, the heat pipe is conventional in nature and suffers from thermal losses, thereby reducing the thermal efficiency.

An improvement over the heat pipe, which is particularly useful with nuclear reactors, is described by Kurzweg in U.S. Patent Number 4,590,993 for a Heat Transfer Device For The Transport Of Large Conduction Flux Without Net Mass Transfer. This device has a pair of fluid reservoirs for positioning at respective locations of differing temperatures between which it is desired to transfer heat. A plurality of ducts having walls of a material which conducts heat connects the fluid reservoirs. Heat transfer fluid, preferably a liquid metal such as mercury, liquid lithium or liquid sodium, fills the reservoirs and ducts. Oscillatory axial movement of the liquid metal is created by a piston or a diaphragm within one of the reservoirs so that the extent of fluid movement is less than the duct length. This movement functions to alternately displace fluid within the one reservoir such that the liquid metal is caused to move axially in one direction through the ducts, and then to in effect draw heat transfer fluid back into the one reservoir such that heat transfer fluid moves in the opposite direction within the ducts. Thus, within the ducts, fluid oscillates in alternate axial directions at a predetermined frequency and with a predetermined tidal displacement or amplitude. With this arrangement, large quantities of heat are transported axially along the ducts from the hotter reservoir and transferred into the walls of the ducts, provided the fluid is oscillated at sufficiently high frequency and with a sufficiently large tidal displacement. As the fluid oscillates in the return cycle to the hotter reservoir, cooler fluid from the opposite reservoir is pulled into the ducts and the heat is then transferred from the walls into the cooler fluid. Upon the subsequent oscillations, heat is transferred to the opposite reservoir from the hotter reservoir. However, as with the heat pipe, this device is limited in efficiency by the heat transfer conductivity of the materials comprising the reservoirs and ducts and by heat losses to the atmosphere.

It is known to utilize radiators and heat sinks to remove excess heat generated in mechanical or electrical operations. Typically, a heat transferring fluid being circulated through a heat generating source absorbs some of the heat produced by the source. The fluid is then passed through tubes having heat exchanging fins to absorb and radiate some of the heat carried by the fluid. Once cooled, the fluid is returned back to the heat generating source. Commonly, a fan is positioned to blow air over the fins so that energy from the heat sink radiates into

he large volume of air passing over the fins. With this type of device, the efficiency of the heat transfer is again limited by the heat transfer conductivity of the materials comprising the radiator or the heat sink.

Dickinson in U.S. Patent Number 5,542,471 describes a Heat Transfer Element Having The Thermally Conductive Fibers that eliminates the need for heat transferring fluids. This device has longitudinally thermally conductive fibers extended between two substances that heat is to be transferred between in order to maximize the heat transfer. The fibers are comprised of graphite fibers in an epoxy resin matrix, graphite fibers cured from an organic matrix composite having graphite fibers in an organic resin matrix graphite fibers in an aluminum matrix, graphite fibers in a copper matrix, or a ceramic matrix composite.

In my People's Republic of China Patent Number 89108521.1,1 disclosed an Inorganic Medium Thermal Conductive Device. This heat conducting device greatly improved the heat conductive abilities of materials over their conventional state.

Experimentation has shown this device capable of transferring heat along a sealed metal shell having a partial vacuum therein at a rate of 5 meters per second. On the internal wall of the shell is a coating applied in three steps having a total optimum thickness of 0.012 to 0.013 millimeters. Of the total weight of the coating, strontium comprises 1.25%, beryllium comprises 1.38% and sodium comprises 1.95%. This heat conducting device does not contain a heat generating powder and does not transfer heat nor prevent heat losses to the atmosphere in a superconductive manner as the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention.

It is generally accepted that when two substances having different temperatures are brought together, the temperature of the warmer substance decreases and the temperature of the cooler substance increases. As the heat travels along a heat conducting conduit from a warm end to a cool end, available heat is lost due to the heat conducting capacity of the conduit material, the process of warming the cooler portions of the conduit and thermal losses to the atmosphere.

In accordance with the present invention and these contemplated problems which

have and continue to exist in this field, one objective of this invention is to provide a superconducting heat transfer medium that is environmentally sound, rapidly conducts heat and preserves heat in a highly efficient manner.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a device that conducts heat with a heat preservation efficiency greater than 100 percent.

Also, another objective of this invention is to provide a method for denaturation of rhodium and radium carbonate.

Yet, another objective of this invention is to provide a process for making a device that transfers heat from a heat source from one point to another without any effective heat loss.

Still yet, another objective of this invention is to provide a heat sink utilizing the superconducting heat transfer medium that rapidly and efficiently disburses heat from a heat generating object.

Still further, another objective of this invention is to provide a device that rapidly conducts cold temperatures from one end of the device to the other end.

This invention accomplishes the above and other objectives and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a superconducting heat transfer medium that is relatively inexpensive to prepare, simple in design and application, and easy to use.

The medium is applied in three basic layers, the first two of which are prepared from solutions which are exposed to the inner wall of the conduit. Initially, the first layer, which primarily comprises in ionic form various combinations of sodium, beryllium, a metal such as manganese or aluminum, calcium, boron and dichromate radical, is absorbed into the inner wall of the conduit to a depth of 0.008 mm to 0.012 mm. Subsequently, the second layer, which primarily comprises in ionic form various combinations of cobalt, manganese, beryllium, strontium, rhodium, copper, titanium, potassium, boron, calcium, a metal such as manganese or aluminum and the dichromate radical, builds on top of the first layer and actually

forms a film having a thickness of 0.008 mm to 0.012 mm over the inner wall of the conduit. Finally, the third layer is a powder comprising various combinations of rhodium oxide, potassium dichromate, radium oxide, sodium dichromate, silver dichromate, monocrystalline silicon, beryllium oxide, strontium chromate, boron oxide, titanium and a metal dichromate, such as manganese dichromate or aluminum dichromate, that evenly distributes itself across the inner wall. The three layers can be applied to a conduit and then heat polarized to form a super conducting heat transfer device that transfers heat without any net heat loss, or can be applied to a pair of plates having a small cavity relative to a large surface area to form a heat sink that can immediately disburse heat from a heat source.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.

It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a superconducting heat transfer device made in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heat sink made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the heat sink of Figure 4; and, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heat sink of Figure 4.

Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of this invention reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to Figures 1 and 2. A superconducting heat transfer device 2 comprising a conduit 4 containing a superconducting heat transfer medium 6 is provided which can be placed within a cavity 8 of the conduit 4 without regard to the material comprising the conduit 4. The resulting heat transfer capabilities of the medium 6 bearing conduit 4 are greatly enhanced without any subsequent thermal loss. If properly applied within the conduit 4, the medium 6 actually is catalyzed by heat to become a heat generator itself. The medium 6 is activated at a temperature of 38 degrees C. and can operate to a maximum temperature of 1,730 degrees C.

Although not completely certain, it is believed the thermal generating capability of the medium 6 is directly related to mass loss of the medium 6 after activation. Because the medium 6 is capable of immediately transferring heat through the conduit 4 from a heat source [not shown) the conduit 4 can be exposed to and operate within an environment having a source temperature far in excess of the melting temperature of the untreated material comprising the conduit 4.

It is additionally believed during the initial stages of medium 6 activation, the medium 6 reacts endothermically. As a result, the medium 6 can immediately absorb available heat from the heat source and thereafter immediately transfer the heat throughout the conduit 4. If the cubic area of the cavity 8 is small in relation to external surface 10 area of the conduit 4, as shown in Figures 4 through 6, the medium 6 absorbs heat to provide a heat sink 12 which immediately removes heat from the heat generating source. Heat radiation is directly related to the density of heat capacity and the rate of heat conduction and thermal conductivity. This, in other words, determines the speed at which the volume of heat can be transferred in each unit square area. If the conduit 4 or carrier has a small cavity in relation to a large external surface 10 area, the carrier is more capable of distributing heat across the external surface 10. In applications where the temperature of the heat generating source does not exceed 38 degrees C., the medium 6 activation temperature, the heat is immediately absorbed and disbursed by the medium 6. In cases where the heat generating source exceeds 38 degrees C., the heat sink 12 is still highly effective because of the ability of the medium 6 to rapidly transfer the heat to the heat sink's external surface 14 and be efficiently disbursed to the atmosphere by heat radiation.

The medium 6 is applied in three basic layers, the first two of which are prepared from solutions and the solutions are exposed to an inner conduit surface 16 or an inner heat sink surface 18. Initially, a first layer 20 is absorbed Into the inner conduit or heat sink surface 16 and 18. Subsequently, a second layer 22 builds on top of the first layer 20 and actually forms a film over the inner conduit or heat sink surface 16 and 18. Finally, a third layer 24 is a powder that evenly distributes itself across the inner conduit or heat sink surface 16 and 18. Although reference is made to the conduit 4 below in the discussion of the medium 6, the application of the medium 6 within the heat sink 12 is the same.

The first layer 20 is called an anticorrosion layer, and this layer prevents etching of the inner conduit surface 16 and, in theory, causes a realignment of the atomic structure of the conduit 4 material so that heat is more readily absorbed.

A further function of the first layer 20 is to prevent the inner conduit surface 16 from producing oxides. For example, ferrous metals can be easily oxidized when exposed to water molecules contained in the air. The oxidation of the inner conduit

surface 16 will cause corrosion and also create a heat resistance. As a result, there is an increased heat load while heat energy is transferred within the conduit 4, thus causing an accumulation of heat energy inside the conduit 4. Should this occur, the life span of the medium 6 is decreased.

Next, the second layer 22, called the active layer, prevents the production of elemental hydrogen and oxygen, thus restraining oxidation between oxygen atoms and the material of the carrier 4. Also in theory, the second layer 22 conducts heat across the inner conduit surface 16 comparably to that of electricity being conducted along a wire. Experimentation has found that heat can be conducted by the medium 6 at a rate of 15,000 meters per second. The second layer 22 also assists in accelerating molecular oscillation and friction associated with the third layer 24 to provide a heat transfer pathway for heat conduction.

The third layer 24 is referred to, due to its color and appearance, as the "black powder" layer, and it is believed this layer generates heat once the medium 6 is exposed to the minimum activation temperature of 38 degrees C. Upon activation of the medium 6, the atoms of the third layer 24, in concert with the first two layers, begin to oscillate and thereby generate heat due to friction. As the heat source temperature increases, the oscillation rate increases and results in the generation of additional heat. This additional heat readily transfers through the wall of the conduit 4 and is released along the external surface 10 of the conduit 4. Not only can this additional heat generated by the medium 6 make up for the thermal losses to the atmosphere, it also develops a heat gain. It is believed that when the activating temperature reaches 200 degrees C, the frequency of oscillation is 230 million times per second, and when the activating temperature is higher than 350 degrees C, the frequency can even reach 280 million times per second.

Theoretically, the higher the activating temperature, the higher the frequency of oscillation and resulting heat generated by friction of the medium's 6 molecules oscillating in contact with one another. During the heat transfer process, there is neither phase transition nor mass transfer of the medium 6. Experimentation has shown that a steel conduit 4 with the medium 6 properly disposed therein has a thermal conductivity that is generally 20,000 times higher than the thermal conductivity of silver, and can reach under laboratory conditions a thermal conductivity that is 30,000 times higher than the thermal conductivity of silver.

As previously mentioned, the medium 6 loses mass with use. As a result, the medium 6 has a long, but limited useful life. Tests have shown that after 110,000 hours of continuous use, both the amount of medium 6 and the molecule vibration frequency remain the same as from the initial activation. However, at 120,000 hours of continuous use, the amount of the medium 6 starts to decline at a rate of 0.5% every 32 hours with the molecule vibration frequency significantly decreased by 6%. After 123,200 hours of continuous use, the medium 6 became ineffective.

It is believed that the aging is caused mainly by the decay, or conversion of mass into energy, of the third layer 24. As is expected, lower working temperatures slow the decay of the third layer 24. The first and second layers 20 and 22 have been determined to be used up at a rate of approximately 0.001 mm per 10,000 hours of use.

To prepare the first layer 20, a first layer solution is manufactured and thereafter applied to the inner conduit surface 16. The first layer solution is manufactured by the following steps, preferably conducted in the order of listing: [a) placing 100 ml of distilled water into an inert container such as glass, preferably ceramic; [b] dissolving and mixing between 2.0 and 5.0 grams of sodium peroxide into the water; (c] dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.5 grams of sodium oxide into the solution of step [b); [d) dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.5 grams of beryllium oxide into the solution of step [c]: [e] dissolving and mixing between 0.3 and 2.0 grams of a metal dichromate selected from the group consisting of aluminum dichromate and, preferably, magnesium dichromate into the solution of step (d]; (f) dissolving and mixing 0 and 3.5 grams of calcium dichromate into the solution of step [e]; and, [g) dissolving and mixing between 1 and 3.0 grams of boron oxide into the solution of step [f] to form the first layer solution.

It is preferred for the steps (a] through [g] to be conducted in the order listed and under conditions having a temperature between 0 and 30 degrees C., preferably 5 to 8 degrees C., and a relative humidity of no greater than 40%. The steps for addition of beryllium oxide and the metal dichromate can be reversed in order so that the metal dichromate is added to the first layer solution prior to the addition of beryllium oxide without causing negative effects. When the medium 6 contains manganese sesquioxide, rhodium oxide or radium oxide, either sodium peroxide or sodium oxide may be eliminated, but the resulting heat transfer efficiency of the medium 6 will be lower and the life span of the medium 6 will be reduced by approximately one year. As to the remaining components of the first layer solution and subject to the above exceptions, each component should be added in the order presented. If the components of the first layer solution are combined in an order not consistent with the listed sequence, the solution can become unstable and result in a catastrophic reaction.

Prior to manufacturing a solution for the second layer and compiling the compounds for the third layer, rhodium and radium carbonate undergo a denaturation process. To denaturate 100 grams of rhodium powder, blend 2 grams of pure lead powder with the rhodium powder within a container (not shown) and subsequently place the container with the rhodium and lead powders into an oven (not shown) at a temperature of 850 to 900 degrees C. for at least 4 hours to form rhodium oxide. Then separate the rhodium oxide from the lead. To denaturate 100 grams of radium carbonate powder, blend 11 grams of pure lead powder with the radium carbonate powder within a container and subsequently place the container with the radium carbonate and lead powders into an oven at a temperature of 750 to 800 degrees C. for at least eight hours to form radium oxide. During experimentation, a platinum container was utilized in the denaturation process. The material comprising the container should be inert with respect to rhodium, rhodium oxide, radium carbonate, radium oxide and lead. Lead utilized in the denaturation process preferably should be 99.9% pure and can be recycled for subsequent use in further like denaturation processes. Subsequent testing of the medium at a resting state and an active state with a PDM personal dosimeter [not shown) resulted in no radioactive emissions of any kind detectable over background radiation.

An isotope of titanium is utilized in the medium 6. In some countries the isotope is known as B-type titanium, and in the United States of America, the isotope is known as P-titanium.

The second layer 22 is derived from a solution that is applied to the inner conduit surface 16 over the first layer 20. Similar to the first layer solution, a second layer solution is manufactured by the following steps, conducted preferably in the order of listing: (a) placing 100 mi of twice-distilled water into an inert container such as glass, preferably ceramic; (b) dissolving and mixing between 0.2 and 0.5 grams of cobaltous oxide into the twicedistilled water; (c) dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.5 grams of manganese sesquioxide into the solution of step (b); (d) dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.01 grams of beryllium oxide into the solution of step (c); (e) dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.5 grams of strontium chromate into the solution of step (d]; [f] dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.5 grams of strontium carbonate into the solution of step (e); (g] dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.2 grams of rhodium oxide into the solution of step (fuzz (h] dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.8 grams of cupric oxide into the solution of step (g); [I] dissolving and mixing between 0 and 0.6 grams of P-titanium into the solution of step [hl; [j] dissolving and mixing between 1.0 and 1.2 grams of potassium dichromate into the solution of step [i]; (k] dissolving and mixing between 0 and 1.0 grams of boron oxide into the solution of step [j]; zit dissolving and mixing between 0 and 1.0 grams of calcium dichromate into the solution of step [k) and, (h) dissolving and mixing between 0 and 2.0 grams of aluminum dichromate or, preferably, magnesium dichromate into the solution of step (g) to form the second layer solution.

It is preferred for the twice-distilled water to have an electrical conductivity that approaches 0. The higher the electrical conductivity, the greater the problem of static electricity interfering with the medium 6 and causing a reduction in the thermal conductive efficiency. The steps of [a) through [h] are preferably conducted under conditions having a temperature between 0 and 30 degrees C. and a relative humidity of no greater than 40%. When the medium 6 contains rhodium oxide or radium oxide, the amount of manganese sesquioxide may be reduced or eliminated; however, the life span of the medium 6 will be reduced and the thermal conductive efficiency will be reduced by approximately 0.2%. Generally, P-titanium may be added to the second layer solution at any step listed above, except that it should not be added to the twice-distilled water at step (b) or as the last component of the solution.

Adding titanium at step [b] or as the last component of the solution can cause instability of the second layer solution and result in a catastrophic reaction. The steps for adding manganese sesquioxide and beryllium oxide may be reversed in order so that beryllium oxide is added to the second layer solution prior to the addition of manganese sesquioxide. Likewise, the steps for adding potassium dichromate and calcium dichromate may be reversed in order so that calcium dichromate is added to the second layer solution prior to the addition of potassium dichromate. If the components of the second layer solution are combined in an order not consistent with the listed sequence and the exceptions noted above, the solution can become unstable and result in a catastrophic reaction.

Prior to preparing the third layer 24, silicon is treated by magnetic penetration. Monocrystalline silicon powder having a preferred purity of 99.999% is placed within a nonmagnetic container and disposed within a magnetic resonator [not shown) for at least 37 minutes, preferably 40 to 45 minutes. The magnetic resonator utilized during experimentation is a 0.5 kilowatt, 220 volt and 50 hertz magnetic resonator. If the silicon being used has a lower purity than 99.999%, the amount of silicon needed in the third layer increases. The magnetic resonator is used to increase the atomic electron layer of the silicon, which in turn, increases the speed that heat is conducted by the medium 6.

The powder of the third layer 24 is manufactured by the following steps, conducted preferably in the order of listing:

(a) placing between 0 and 1.75 grams of denaturated rhodium oxide into an inert container such as glass, preferably ceramic; (b) blending between 0.3 and 2.6 grams of sodium dichromate with the rhodium oxide; [c] blending between 0 and 0.8 grams of potassium dichromate with mixture of step (b); (d) blending between 0 and 3.1 grams of denaturated radium oxide with the mixture of step (c); (e) blending between 0.1 and 0.4 grams of silver dichromate with the mixture of step (d3; (f) blending between 0.2 and 0.9 grams of the monocrystalline silicon powder treated by magnetic penetration with the mixture of step [e); (g) blending between 0 and 0.01 grams of beryllium oxide with the mixture of step (f); (h) blending between 0 and 0.1 grams of strontium chromate with the mixture of step (g); (I) blending between 0 and 0.1 grams of boron oxide with the mixture of step [g); [j] blending between 0 and 0.1 grams of sodium peroxide with the mixture of step (i); (k] blending between 0 and 1.25 grams of titanium with the mixture of step [j); and, (I) blending between 0 and 0.2 grams of aluminum dichromate or, preferably, magnesium dichromate into the mixture of step (k) to form the third layer powder.

The third layer 24 should be blended at a temperature lower than 25 degrees C. By blending at lower temperatures, the heat conducting efficiency of the medium 6 improves. Further, the relative humidity should be below 40%. It is preferred for the relative humidity to be between 30 and 35%. Generally, radium oxide and titanium may be added to the powder of the third layer 24 at any step listed above, except that neither one should be added to the powder as the first or last component. Adding either radium oxide or titanium as the first or last component of the powder can cause instability of the medium 6 and result in a catastrophic reaction. The steps for adding potassium dichromate and silver

dichromate may be reversed in order so that silver dichromate is added to the powder prior to the addition of potassium dichromate. Likewise, the steps for adding strontium chromate and beryllium oxide may be reversed in order so that beryllium oxide is added to the powder of the third layer 24 prior to the addition of strontium chromate. If the components of the powder of the third layer 24 are combined in an order not consistent with the listed sequence and the exceptions noted above, the medium 6 can become unstable and result in a catastrophic reaction.

The powder of the third layer 24 is storable for prolonged periods of time.

To prevent degradation by light and humidity, the powder of the third layer 24 should be stored in a dark, hermetic storage container (not shown) made from an inert material, preferably glass. A moister absorbing material may also be placed within the storage container as long as the moister absorbing material is inert to and is not intermingled with the powder of the third layer 24.

Once the solutions for the first and second layers 20 and 22 and the powder of the third layer 24 are prepared, the superconducting heat transfer device 2 can be fabricated. The conduit 4 should have very little oxidation, preferably no oxidation, on the inner conduit surface 16. It is recommended for the conduit 4, particularly if the conduit 4 is manufactured of a metal, to be clean, dry and free of any oxides or oxates. This can be accomplished by conventional treating, for example sand blasting, weak acid washing or weak base washing. Any materials used to clean and treat the conduit 4 should be completely removed and the inner conduit surface 16 should also be dry prior to adding the medium 6 to the conduit 4. Additionally, the wall thickness of conduit 4 should be selected to take a wear rate of at least 0.1 mm per year into account. This wearing is caused by the oscillation of the third layer's 24 molecules. For steel, the wall thickness should be at least 3 mm. Obviously, softer materials need to be thicker.

The superconducting heat transfer device 2 is manufactured utilizing the following steps: (a) placing the first layer solution into a first layer solution container; [b) submerging a conduit 4 having a cavity 8 within the first layer solution such that the first layer solution fills the cavity 8, the conduit 4 preferably has a non-horizontal placement within the first layer

solution, has a lower end 26 and the conduit 4 is not horizontal to the earth, at a temperature between 0 and 30 degrees C. for at least 8 hours so that the solution can penetrate the wail of the conduit 4 to a depth between 0.008 mm and 0.012 mm; (c) drying the conduit 4 naturally at ambient conditions to form the first layer 20 within the cavity 8; [d] placing the second layer solution into a second layer solution container; [e] submerging the conduit 4 with the first layer 20 within the second layer solution such that the second layer solution fills the cavity 8, the lower end 26 is oriented in a downward direction at a temperature between 55 and 65 degrees C., preferably 60 degrees C., for at least 4 hours; [f) drying the conduit 4 naturally at ambient conditions to form a film of the second layer 22 within the cavity 8 having a thickness between 0.008 mm and 0.012 mm; (g) welding an end cap 28 on the opposite end of the conduit 8 from the lower end 26 by a precision welding technique, preferably heli-arc welding done in the presence of helium or argon; [h] welding an injection cap 30 having a bore 32 between 2.4 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably 3.0 mm, on the lower end 26 preferably by the method utilized in step [g) [I) heating the lower end 26 to a temperature not to exceed 120 degrees C., preferably 40 degrees; [j) injecting the powder of the third layer 24 through the bore 32 in an amount of at least 1 cubic meter per 400,000 cubic meters of cavity volume; [k) inserting a plug 34, preferably conically-shaped and solid plug 34, as shown in Figure 3, into the bore 32; (I) heating the lower end 26 to a temperature between 80 and 125 degrees C.

(m) removing the plug 34 from the bore 32 for no more than 3 seconds, preferably 2 seconds, and reinserting the plug 34; and,

[n) sealing the plug 34 within the bore 32, preferably by the method utilized in step (g), to form the superconducting heat transfer device 2.

If the temperature of the lower end 26 of step (I) exceeds 60 degrees C., the lower end 26 should be aliowed to cool to at least 60 degrees C. prior to injecting the powder of the third layer 24 into the cavity 8. By following the steps above, the lower end 26 becomes heat polarized. In other words, the lower end 26 is polarized to receive heat from the heat source and transfer the heat away from the lower end 26.

The purpose of removing the plug 34 from the bore 32 in step (m) above is to release air and water molecules from the cavity 8 of the conduit 4 to the outside environment. A blue gas has been observed exiting the bore 32 once the plug 34 is removed. However if a blue light is observed emitting from the bore 32 prior to the plug 34 being reinserted into the bore 32, the powder of the third layer 24 has escaped to the atmosphere and steps (j) through (m) need to be repeated. If step (j) can be accomplished in a humidity free environment under a partial vacuum, steps (I) and (m) can be eliminated, but it is not recommended.

Manganese sesquioxide, rhodium oxide and radium oxide are not needed in all applications of the medium 6. These three components are used in the medium 6 when the superconducting heat transfer device 2 is exposed to an environment of high pressure steam and the conduit 4 is manufactured of high carbon steel. In this special case, high pressure is defined as being 0.92 million pascals or higher.

Manganese sesquioxide, rhodium oxide and radium oxide are not needed and may be eliminated from the medium 6 when the use of the superconducting heat transfer device 2 is not in a high pressure steam environment, even if the conduit 4 is made of high carbon steel. Additionally, when manganese sesquioxide, rhodium oxide and radium oxide are eliminated from the medium 6, the powder of the third layer 24 should be provided in an amount of 1 cubic meter of third layer powder per 200,000 cubic meters of cavity volume.

As disclosed above, the heat sink 12 utilizes the superconducting heat transfer medium 6. To manufacture the heat sink 12, the following steps are to be followed: (a) placing the first layer solution into first layer solution container; [b) submerging a first plate 36 and a second plate 38 within the first layer solution such that the first layer solution covers at least one side of each plate 36 and 38 at a temperature between 0 and 30 degrees C for at least 8 hours so that the solution can penetrate the first layer solution covered sides 40 to a depth between 0.008 mm and 0.012 mm, the plates 36 and 38 have mating edges 42 and form a relatively small volume cavity 8 with respect to the surface area of the plates 36 and 38 when the plates 36 and 38 are placed together, and at least one of the plates 36 and 38 has an opening 44 between 2.4 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably 3.0 mm; [c) drying the plates 36 and 38 naturally at ambient conditions to form the first layer 20 on the first layer covered sides 40 of the plates 36 and 38; (d) placing the second layer solution into a second layer solution container; (e) submerging the plates 36 and 38 within the second layer solution such that the second layer solution contacts the first layer 24 at a temperature between 55 and 65 degrees C., preferably 60 degrees C., for at least 4 hours; (f) drying the plates 36 and 38 naturally at ambient conditions to form the film of the second layer 22 having a thickness between 0.008 mm and 0.012 mm on the first layer 20; [g] welding the plates 36 and 38 together along the edges 42 so that the first layer covered sides 40 face one another by a precision welding technique, preferably heli-arc welding done in the presence of helium or argon; (h) injecting the powder of the third layer 24 into the cavity through the opening 44 in an amount of at least 1 cubic meter per 400,000 cubic meters of cavity volume; and (I] sealing the opening 44 preferably by the method utilized in step (gJ to form the heat sink 12.

The heat sink 12 can be manufactured in the exact manner as the superconducting heat transfer device 2; that is, the heat sink 12 may be heat polarized, but it is not necessary. Also, the steps calling for welding in the manufacture of the superconducting heat transfer device 2 and the heat sink 12 can be accomplished by using glues, adhesives and epoxies, preferably heat tolerant glues, adhesives and epoxies. Additionally, all welding should be conducted to a depth of two-thirds of the thickness of the conduit 4, end cap 28, injection cap 30 or plates 36 and 38. After welding, a leakage test, such as the Helium Vacuum Leakage Test, should be accomplished.

All materials comprising the conduit 4, end cap 28, injection cap 30 and plug 34 of the superconducting heat transfer device 2 or plates 36 and 38 of the heat sink 12 should be compatible with one another. This prevents problems, particularly material fractures, associated with the different expansion/contraction rates of different materials used in combination and corrosion associated with anodic reactions. The material selected should also be compatible with and able to withstand the external environment in which the superconducting heat transfer device 2 or heat sink 12 operates. For example, if the superconducting heat transfer device 2 is operating in an acidic environment, the material utilized should be resistant to the acid present.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following illustrated examples. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to Include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

The super conducting heat transfer medium 6 can also conduct cold temperature transfer when a cold source is exposed to either end of the conduit 4.

Cold temperatures have been successfully transferred across the conduit 4 when one end thereof came in contact with liquid nitrogen having a temperature of -195 degrees C.

The following examples describe various compositions of the first, second and third layers 20, 22 and 24 and are known to be useful in preparing the superconducting heat transfer device 2 or the heat sink 12. The components are preferably added to the respective layers 20, 22 and 24 in the amounts listed, in the order of listing and in accordance with the respective steps described above.

EXAMPLE 1 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 5.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.5 gram of sodium oxide, 2.0 grams of magnesium dichromate or aluminum dichromate, 2.5 grams of calcium dichromate and 3.0 grams of boron oxide.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twice-distilled water, add 0.5 gram of cobaltous oxide, 0.5 gram of manganese sesquioxide, 0.5 gram of strontium carbonate, 0.2 gram of rhodium oxide, 0.8 gram of cupric oxide, 0.6 gram of p- titanium and 1.2 grams of potassium dichromate.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 1.75 grams of rhodium oxide, 1.25 grams of p-titanium, 3.1 grams of radium oxide, 2.6 grams of sodium dichromate, 0.4 gram of silver dichromate and 0.9 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder.

EXAMPLE 2 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 5.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.5 gram of beryllium oxide, 2.0 grams of magnesium dichromate, 2.0 grams of calcium dichromate and 3.0 grams of boron oxide.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twicedistilled water, add 0.5 gram of cobaltous oxide, 0.5 gram of strontium chromate, 0.8 gram of cupric oxide, 0.6 gram of titanium and 1.2 gram of potassium dichromate.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 1.6 grams of sodium dichromate, 0.8 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.4 gram of silver dichromate and 0.9 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder.

EXAMPLE 3 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 5.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.5 gram of beryllium oxide, 2.0 gram of magnesium dichromate, 3.5 gram of calcium dichromate and 3.0 gram of boron oxide.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twice<iistilled water, add 0.5 gram of cobaltous oxide, 0.5 gram of strontium chromate, 0.8 gram of cupric oxide, 0.6 gram of titanium and 1.2 grams of potassium dichromate.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 1.6 grams of sodium dichromate, 0.8 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.6 gram of silver dichromate and 0.9 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder.

EXAMPLE 4 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 2.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.3 gram of beryllium oxide, 2.0 grams of magnesium dichromate, and 1.0 gram of boron oxide.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twicedistilled water, add 0.5 gram of cobaltous oxide, 0.5 gram of strontium chromate, 0.4 gram of titanium and 1.0 gram of potassium dichromate.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 0.5 gram of sodium dichromate, 0.8 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.1 gram of silver dichromate, 0.3 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder, 0.01 gram of beryllium oxide, 0.1 gram of strontium chromate, 0.1 gram of boron oxide and 0.1 gram of sodium peroxide.

EXAMPLE 5 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 2.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.3 gram of beryllium oxide, 2.0 grams of magnesium dichromate, and 1.0 gram of boron oxide.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twicedistilled water, add 0.3 gram of cobaltous oxide, 0.3 gram of strontium chromate, 1.0 gram of potassium dichromate and 1.0 gram of calcium dichromate.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 0.3 gram of sodium dichromate, 0.1 gram of silver dichromate, 0.8 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.2 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder, 0.01 gram of beryllium oxide, 0.1 gram of strontium chromate, 0.1 gram of boron oxide, 0.2 gram of titanium and 0.1 gram of sodium peroxide.

EXAMPLE 6 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 2.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.3 gram of magnesium dichromate, 1.0 gram of boron oxide and 1.0 gram of calcium dichromate.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twicedistilled water, add 0.3 gram of cobaltous oxide, 0.01 gram of beryllium oxide, 1.0 gram of potassium dichromate, 1.0 gram of boron oxide and 2.0 grams of magnesium dichromate.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 0.3 gram of sodium dichromate, 0.1 gram of silver dichromate, 0.8 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.2 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder, 0.1 gram of strontium chromate, 0.01 gram of beryllium oxide, 0.1 gram of boron oxide, 0.1 gram of sodium peroxide, 0.2 gram of titanium and 0.2 gram of magnesium dichromate.

EXAMPLE 7 For forming the first layer 20, into 100 ml of distilled water add 2.0 grams of sodium peroxide, 0.3 gram of magnesium dichromate, and 1.0 gram of boron oxide.

For forming the second layer 22, into 100 ml of twice-distilled water, add 0.2 gram of cobaltous oxide, 1.0 GRAM OF calcium dichromate, 1.0 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.5 gram of boron oxide, 1.0 gram of magnesium dichromate and 0.01 gram of beryllium oxide.

For forming the powder of the third layer 24, combine 0.3 gram of sodium dichromate, 0.05 gram of silver dichromate, 0.8 gram of potassium dichromate, 0.2 gram of monocrystalline silicon powder, 0.1 gram of strontium chromate, 0.01 gram of beryllium oxide, 0.1 gram of boron oxide, 0.1 g of sodium peroxide, 0.2 gram of p- titanium and 0.2 gram of magnesium dichromate.

Therefore, the foregoing, including the examples, is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.