Method of forming a heat pipe
A method for forming a heat pipe is provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel. Then, the pinched-off portion of the vessel is pressed so as to move it from a first position wherein the portion is convex to a second position wherein the portion is concave.
1. A method for forming a heat pipe comprising:
coating the interior surface of a vessel with a wicking material;
partially evacuating said vessel;
partially saturating said wick with a working fluid;
pinching-off a fill tube that protrudes from an end cap of said vessel so as to seal vessel; and
pressing said end cap of said vessel so as to move said end cap from a first position wherein said end cap is convex to a second position wherein said end cap is concave.
2. A method according to claim 1 including filing said concave portion of said vessel with a sealant so as to cover and seal said pinched-off fill tube.