VACUUM-INSULATED THERMAL INSULATOR COMPONENTS HAVING VARIABLE CROSS-SECTIONS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of United States patent application no. 63/156,625, “Vacuum-Insulated Thermal Insulator Components Having Variable Cross-Sections” (filed March 4, 2021), the entirety of which application is incorporated herein for any and all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vacuum-insulated components and related applications of such components.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Vacuum-insulated components, such as pipes, exhibit attractive thermal insulation characteristics. Such components, however, are often straight-wall pipes, and are thus limited in their applications, as some applications may require a vacuum-insulated component having a variable cross-section. According, there is a long-felt need in the art for vacuum -insulated components have variable cross-sections.

SUMMARY

[0004] In meeting the described long-felt needs, the present disclosure provides vacuum-insulated components, comprising: a first wall bounding an interior volume, the interior volume defining an axis; a second wall bounding the first wall and spaced at a distance from the first wall so as to define an insulating space therebetween, a vent communicating with the insulating space to provide an exit pathway for gas molecules from the space, the vent being sealable for maintaining a vacuum within the insulating space following evacuation of gas molecules through the vent, the distance between the first and second walls being variable in a portion of the insulating space adjacent the vent such that gas molecules within the insulating space are directed towards the vent by the variable-distance portion of the first and second walls during the evacuation of the insulating space, the directing of the gas molecules by the variable-distance portion of the first and second walls imparting to the gas molecules a greater probability of egress from the insulating space than ingress, and

[0005] (a) the first wall having a first cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a first location along the axis, and the first wall having a second cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a second location along the axis, the second cross-sectional profile differing from the first cross-sectional profile,

[0006] (b) the second wall having a first cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a first location along the axis, and the second wall having a second cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a second location along the axis, the second cross-sectional profile differing from the first cross-sectional profile, or

[0007] (c) both (a) and (b).

[0008] Also provided are articles, comprising a component according to the present disclosure.

[0009] The disclosed technology has a number of uses, including use as a funnel for thermal fluids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0011] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed in the present document. In the drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1 A provides a cutaway view of an example component according to the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. IB provides an alternative view of the component of FIG. 1 A; and

[0014] FIG. 1C provides an alternative view of the component of FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of desired embodiments and the examples included therein.

[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0017] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0018] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" may include the embodiments "consisting of' and "consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as "consisting of and "consisting essentially of' the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0020] Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

[0021] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently of the endpoints (e.g., "between 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values includes 2 grams, 10 grams, and all intermediate values"). The endpoints of the ranges and any values disclosed herein are not limited to the precise range or value; they are sufficiently imprecise to include values approximating these ranges and/or values. All ranges are combinable.

[0022] As used herein, approximating language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” may not be limited to the precise value specified, in some cases. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. The modifier “about” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints.

For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about 10%” may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” may mean from 0.9-1.1. Other meanings of “about” may be apparent from the context, such as rounding off, so, for example “about 1” may also mean from 0.5 to 1.4. Further, the term “comprising” should be understood as having its open-ended meaning of “including,” but the term also includes the closed meaning of the term “consisting.” For example, a composition that comprises components A and B may be a composition that includes A,

B, and other components, but may also be a composition made of A and B only. Any documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.

[0023] Figures

[0024] The appended figures are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims.

[0025] FIG. 1 provides an exemplary component 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown, first wall 110 can be bounded by second wall 106, with sealed insulating space 108 (which can be evacuated, i.e., at a vacuum, such as a vacuum of from 10 ² to 10 ⁷ Torr, and all intermediate values) defined therebetween. As shown, vent 104a can seal sealed insulating space 108. Example such vents can be found in, e.g., Exemplary walls, sealing processes, and insulating spaces can be found in, e.g., US2018/0106414; US2017/0253416; US2017/0225276; US2017/0120362; US2017/0062774; US2017/0043938; US2016/0084425; US2015/0260332; US2015/0110548;

US2014/0090737; US2012/0090817; US2011/0264084; US2008/0121642;

US2005/0211711; WO/2019/014463; WO/2019/010385; WO/2018/093781; WO/2018/093773; WO/2018/093776; PCT/US2018/047974; PCT/US2019/063574; WO/2017/152045; US 62/773,816; and US 6,139,571, the entireties of which documents are incorporated herein for any and all purposes.

[0026] Jacket 102 can be disposed about second wall 108. As shown, jacket 102 can define space 104 between jacket 102 and second wall 106. Jacket 102 can be metal, but can also be an insulating material, such as ceramic. Jacket 102 can be solid, but can also define a space within. Space 104 can be filled with air or other gases; space 104 can also be at or even below ambient pressure. As an example space 104 can be at a vacuum, e.g., at from about 750 to about 10 ⁷ Torr, from about 10 ¹ to about 10 ⁹ Torr, from about 10 ² to about 10 ⁵ Torr, or even from about 10 ³ to about 10 ⁴ Torr. Jacket 102 can be a plastic or a rubber, e.g., neoprene or other resilient material.

[0027] As shown, first wall 110 can, as viewed along the axis of component 100, define step 116, at which step the first wall’s cross-sectional profile (as defined radially from the axis of the component) can vary. The variation can be a change in cross- sectional shape (e.g., from oval in shape to circular in shape, from oval in shape to a differently-shaped oval) and/or a change in cross-sectional area. The variation can be a variation in cross-sectional area, e.g., a change in from about 1% to about 70% in cross- sectional area, from about 2% to about 65% in cross-sectional area, from about 3% to about 60% in cross-sectional area, from about 4% to about 55%, from about 5% to about 50%, from about 6% to about 45%, from about 7% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 12% to about 35%, or from about 15% to about 25%. Such a change can be, as mentioned, an expansion in cross-sectional area; the change can also be a reduction in cross-sectional area.

[0028] First wall 110 can also define another step 120, at which step the first wall’s cross-sectional profile (as defined radially from the axis of the component) can further vary. Such a variation can be, e.g., in profile and/or in area.

[0029] The ratio of the cross-sectional area at the first step 116 and at the second step 120 in first wall can be, e.g. from about 1 : 10 to about 10:1, from about 2:9 to about 9:2, from about 3:7 to about 7:3, from about 4:6 to about 6:4, or even about 1.01:1 to about 1:1.01.

[0030] The cross-sectional dimension of first wall 110 can vary by more than 5% over less than 5% of the length of the first wall, as measured along the axis line in FIG.

1 A. The cross-sectional dimension of first wall 110 can vary by more than 5% over less than 3% of the length of the first wall. The cross-sectional dimension of first wall 110 can vary by more than 5% over less than 1% of the length of the first wall.

[0031] Second wall 106 can define step 114, at which step the second wall’s cross-sectional profile (as defined radially from the axis of the component) can vary. Second wall 106 can also define another step 118, at which step the second wall’s cross- sectional profile (as defined radially from the axis of the component) can further vary.

First wall 110 and second wall 118 can be sealed to one another at seal 122.

[0032] The cross-sectional dimension of second wall 118 can vary by more than 5% over less than 5% of the length of the second wall as measured along the axis of FIG.

1 A. The cross-sectional dimension of second wall 118 can vary by more than 5% over less than 3% of the length of the second wall. The cross-sectional dimension of second wall 118 can vary by more than 5% over less than 1% of the length of the second wall.

[0033] The variability of the cross-sections can also be shown by reference to sections A, B, and C in FIG. 1 A. For example, first wall 110 and second wall 106 can both define, e.g., circular cross-sectional profiles in section A (of FIG. 1A), measured along the axis of the component. First wall 110 and second wall 106 can define, e.g., oval cross-sectional profiles in section B, measured along the axis of the component. First wall 110 and second wall 106 can define, e.g., larger oval cross-sectional profiles in section C, measured along the axis of the component. It should be understood that a wall (e.g., first wall, second wall) can define a profile that is, in some locations, polygonal in cross section, or even a conic section (e.g., oval, circle, or otherwise oblong) in cross-section. The foregoing examples are illustrative only, as first wall 110 and second wall 106 can have differently-shaped cross-sectional profiles at a given axial location along the axis of a component. For example, first wall 106 can have a circular cross-section at a given position along the axis and second wall 110 can have an oval cross-section at the same given position along the axis.

[0034] FIG. IB provides an end-on view of the component of FIG. 1A. As shown, jacket 102 encloses first wall 110 and second wall 106. Jacket 102 defines space 104 between jacket 102 and second wall 106, and first wall 110 and second wall 106 define insulating space 108 therebetween.

[0035] As shown in FIG. IB, second wall 106 defines first step 114, where the second wall changes its cross-sectional profile from circular to oval. Second wall can also define second step 118, wherein the second wall can change its cross-sectional profile from a relatively small oval to a relatively larger oval. The profile of the second wall can, as described elsewhere herein, change in cross-sectional shape and/or area at a step.

[0036] The ratio of the cross-sectional area at the first step 114 and at the second step 118 in first wall can be, e.g. from about 1 : 10 to about 10:1, from about 2:9 to about 9:2, from about 3 :7 to about 7:3, from about 4:6 to about 6:4, or even about 1:1. In one embodiment, the change in cross-sectional area in the first wall 110 at the first step 116 of the first wall can be the same (percentage-wise) as the change in cross-section area at the first step 114 of the second wall 106. This is not a requirement, however, as the change in cross-sectional area in the first wall 110 at the first step 116 of the first wall can be different (percentage-wise) from the change in cross-sectional area at the first step 114 of the second wall 106.

[0037] For example, the change in cross-sectional area in the first wall 110 at the first step 116 of the first wall can be greater (percentage-wise) than the change in cross- sectional area at the first step 114 of the second wall 106. As another example, the change in cross-sectional area in the first wall 110 at the first step 116 of the first wall can be less (percentage-wise) than the change in cross-sectional area at the first step 114 of the second wall 106.

[0038] Similarly, the change in cross-sectional area in the first wall 110 at the second step 122 of the first wall can be the same (percentage-wise) as the change in cross- section area at the second step 118 of the second wall 106.

[0039] FIG. 1C provides a view of a component according to the present disclosure. As shown, D1 is a cross-sectional dimension of first wall 110 at a first location along the axis, and D2 is a cross-sectional dimension of first wall 110 at a second location along the axis. D3 is a cross-sectional dimension of second wall 116 at a first location along the axis, and D4 is a cross-sectional dimension of second wall 116 at a second location along the axis.

[0040] As an example, the ratio of D1 to D2 can be from about 10: 1 to about 1:10, from about 2:9 to about 9:2, from about 3:7 to about 7:3, from about 4:6 to 6:4, or even about 1.01:1 to 1:1.01.

[0041] Aspects

[0042] The following Aspects are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims.

[0043] Aspect 1. A vacuum-insulated component, comprising: a first wall bounding an interior volume, the interior volume defining an axis; a second wall bounding the first wall and spaced at a distance from the first wall so as to define an insulating space therebetween, a vent communicating with the insulating space to provide an exit pathway for gas molecules from the space, the vent being sealable for maintaining a vacuum within the insulating space following evacuation of gas molecules through the vent, the distance between the first and second walls being variable in a portion of the insulating space adjacent the vent such that gas molecules within the insulating space are directed towards the vent by the variable-distance portion of the first and second walls during the evacuation of the insulating space, the directing of the gas molecules by the variable- distance portion of the first and second walls imparting to the gas molecules a greater probability of egress from the insulating space than ingress, and

[0044] (a) the first wall having a first cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a first location along the axis, and the first wall having a second cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a second location along the axis, the second cross-sectional profile differing from the first cross-sectional profile,

[0045] (b) the second wall having a first cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a first location along the axis, and the second wall having a second cross-sectional profile defined radially from the axis of the interior volume at a second location along the axis, the second cross-sectional profile differing from the first cross-sectional profile, or

[0046] (c) both (a) and (b).

[0047] A cross-sectional profile can be defined in terms of cross-sectional dimension, cross-sectional shape, (e.g., circular, oval, etc.), or both. As an example, one or both of the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall can be circular. As an example, one or both of the first cross- sectional profile of the first wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall can be oval. As an example, one or both of the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall can be circular. As an example, one or both of the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall and the second cross- sectional profile of the second wall can be oval. The cross-sectional profile (in terms of shape) of the first wall can differ from the cross-sectional profile (in terms of shape) of the second wall. As an example, the first wall can define a circular cross-sectional profile, and the second wall can define an oval cross-sectional profile. As another example, the first wall can define an oval cross-sectional profile, and the second wall can define a circular cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, at least one portion of the first wall differs in cross-sectional profile (e.g., in terms of shape) from the cross-sectional profile of the second wall.

[0048] Aspect 2. The component of Aspect 1, wherein at least one of the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall is circular.

[0049] Aspect 3. The component of Aspect 1, wherein at least one of the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall is oval. [0050] Aspect 4. The component of Aspect 1, wherein at least one of the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall is circular.

[0051] Aspect 5. The component of Aspect 1, wherein at least one of the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall and the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall is oval.

[0052] Aspect 6. The component of any one of Aspects 1-5, further comprising a jacket bounding the first wall.

[0053] Aspect 7. The component of Aspect 6, wherein the jacket defines a space between the jacket at least one of the first wall and the second wall.

[0054] Aspect 8. The component of any one of Aspects 6-7, wherein the jacket encloses an end of the first wall.

[0055] Aspect 9. The component of any one of Aspects 6-8, wherein the jacket encloses an end of the second wall.

[0056] Aspect 10. The component of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall defines a step change in cross-sectional profile.

[0057] Aspect 11. The component of any one of Aspects 1-10, wherein the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than about 90% of a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall. The first cross-sectional profile of the first wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than about 90%, less than about 85%, less than about 80%, less than about 75%, less than about 70%, less than about 65%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10% or even less than about 5% of a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall. This can be illustrated by reference to FIG. 1C, in which D1 is a cross- sectional dimension of the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall and D2 is a cross- sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall. As shown, D1 can be smaller than D2.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall encloses an area that is less than about 90%, less than about 85%, less than about 80%, less than about 75%, less than about 70%, less than about 65%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10% or even less than about 5% of an area enclosed by the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall.

[0059] Aspect 12. The component of Aspect 11, wherein the first cross-sectional profile of the first wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than 25% of a cross- sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the first wall.

[0060] Aspect 13. The component of any one of Aspects 1-12, wherein the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than 50% of a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall.

[0061] Aspect 14. The component of Aspect 13, wherein the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than 25% of a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than about 90% of a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall. The first cross- sectional profile of the second wall defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than about 90%, less than about 85%, less than about 80%, less than about 75%, less than about 70%, less than about 65%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10% or even less than about 5% of a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall. This can be illustrated by reference to FIG. 1C, in which D3 is a cross-sectional dimension of the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall and D4 is a cross-sectional dimension of the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall. As shown, D3 can be smaller than D4.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional profile of the second wall encloses an area that is less than about 90%, less than about 85%, less than about 80%, less than about 75%, less than about 70%, less than about 65%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10% or even less than about 5% of an area enclosed by the second cross-sectional profile of the second wall.

[0064] Aspect 15. An article, comprising a component according to any one of Aspects 1-14.

[0065] Aspect 16. Also provided are methods, the methods comprising communicating a fluid through a component according to any one of Aspects 1-14. Such a fluid can be, e.g., a fluid above 0 °C, but can also be a fluid that is below 0 °C.

[0066] The disclosed components can be incorporated into a variety of systems. For example, a component according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into an exhaust system. A component according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into a fuel handing system. A component according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into a cryogenic system. A component according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into an inductive heating system, e.g., a system that inductively heats a material disposed within the component.