Heat exchanger having uniform surface temperature and improved structural strength

Claim 1

A heat exchanger comprising a top plate and a bottom plate disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation, said plates being of substantially equal length and width dimensions; one of said plates having an outer surface the temperature of which is controlled for substantial uniformity thereover by a fluid flowing through said heat exchanger, said one plate being adapted for disposition adjacent an object to be temperature controlled for transferring heat between the object and said fluid flowing through the heat exchanger, a frame disposed between said plates near the peripheries thereof, said frame including frame members affixed to said bottom plate and extending upwardly therefrom to define a chamber; a fin pad disposed within said chamber, said fin pad being a generally corrugated structure closed to fluid flow and having ridges disposed along the major longitudinal fin direction of said fin pad adapted for transferring heat primarily in a first direction in the heat exchanger, said fin pad being in contact with said bottom plate and with a plate disposed above said chamber and supported by said members, said fin pad being supportive of said plates defining said chamber; fluid flow means disposed between said top plate and said fin pad for providing a confined path for fluid to flow through said heat exchanger, said path having a major circuit flow direction transferring heat primarily in a second direction in said heat exchanger, said first and second directions of primary heat transfer being in mutual perpendicular relation; and inlet and outlet openings in said fluid flow means.