Variable heat transfer device

Apparatus for the transfer of heat by conduction comprising:

• a first heat conducting member;
• a second heat conducting member in contact with and having a thermal interface with said first heat conducting member;
• means responsive to temperature for bearing against said heat conducting member to vary contact pressure at said thermal interface;
• and
• adjusting means for providing a selected contact pressure at said thermal interface;
• said second heat conducting member comprising at least one flaccid strip of heat conducting metal.

A thermal switch, comprising:

• a first heat station of heat conducting material;
• a second heat station of heat conducting material;
• a strip of heat conducting material extending between said first heat station and said second heat station, said strip having a thermal interface with said first heat station and a thermal interface with said second heat station;
• thermal actuator means for varying contact pressure at said thermal interface of said strip with a selected one of said first and second heat stations in response to temperature changes of said first heat station, wherein said thermal actuator means comprises:
• a housing of heat conducting material thermally connected to said first heat station, said housing having a chamber therein;
• a body of a heat expandable fluid filling a portion of said chamber and responsive to temperature changes of said first heat station;
• and
• a piston fitted to said chamber for relative motion with respect to said housing, said piston in operating contact with said heat expandable fluid within said chamber, said piston extending from said chamber into operating contact with said strip, wherein said piston is disposed to vary said contact pressure at said thermal interface at said selected heat station in response to temperature changes of said heat expandable fluid;
• and
• adjusting means for providing a selected contact pressure at said thermal interface at said selected heat station for a selected temperature of said first heat station.