Enhanced heat transfer for housings

Abstract

An apparatus that has housing for containing objects. The housing has two heat-conducting partial-boundaries having an interface between them. The apparatus also has a medium for enhancing heat transfer across the interface.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a housing adapted to contain objects, the housing comprising two heat-conducting partial-boundaries having an interface therebetween; and a medium adapted to enhance heat transfer across the interface.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the objects is thermally coupled to one of the two partial-boundaries.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the objects are heat-generating electronic-components.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the partial-boundaries are selectively secured to each other.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the partial-boundaries are pivotally attached to each other.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally conductive material disposed between the partial-boundaries.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally conducting material disposed between the partial-boundaries, the thermally conducting material having a conformability enabling substantially void-free contact.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is weatherproof.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the housing against the weather.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally and an electrically conductive material disposed between the partial-boundaries that is adapted to seal the housing against electromagnetic interference.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally and an electrically conductive weather sealing and weatherproof material disposed between the partial-boundaries that is adapted to seal the housing against electromagnetic interference and the weather.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a flange about the perimeter of each of the partial-boundaries, wherein the interface extends between the respective flanges exteriorly of partial-boundaries.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally conductive material disposed between the partial-boundaries and between the flanges.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally conducting material disposed between the partial-boundaries and between the flanges, the thermally conducting material having a conformability enabling substantially void-free contact.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is weatherproof.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the housing against the weather.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally and an electrically conductive material disposed between the partial-boundaries and the flanges that is adapted to seal the housing against electromagnetic interference and further comprising a weather seal adapted to seal the housing and the heat-transfer enhancing medium against the weather.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the heat-transfer enhancing medium is a thermally and an electrically conductive weather sealing and weatherproof material disposed between the partial-boundaries and the flanges that is adapted to seal the housing against electromagnetic interference and the weather.  
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for containing objects, comprising: 
 a pair of first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively, the first and second faces abutting each other;    at least one object thermally coupled to either the first or second partial-shell;    a seal adapted to seal the apparatus contents against electromagnetic interference; and    a thermally conducting material adapted to increase heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells.    
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the partial-shells are selectively secured to each other.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the partial-shells are pivotally attached to each other.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces exteriorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the thermally conducting material is weatherproof.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the thermally conducting material is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the apparatus contents and the electromagnetic-interference-seal against the weather.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces interiorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the first and second faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the abutment.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the apparatus contents against the weather.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising first and second flanges about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, respectively, wherein the first and second flanges have first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the partial shells, wherein the first and second flange-faces abut each other.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the thermally conducting material is adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the thermally conducting material is weatherproof.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the thermally conducting material is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the apparatus contents and the electromagnetic-interference-seal against the weather.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the first and second partial-shell-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the partial-shell abutment.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 34 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the apparatus contents against the weather.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 34 , wherein the first and second flange-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the flange-face abutment.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is weatherproof and weather sealing and is adapted to seal the apparatus contents against the weather.  
     
     
         40 . An apparatus for containing objects, the apparatus comprising: 
 first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively, the first and second faces abutting each other;    at least one object thermally coupled to either the first or second partial-shell;    a seal adapted to seal the apparatus contents against electromagnetic interference;    a thermally conducting material adapted to increase heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells; and    a scal adapted to seal the apparatus contents, the electromagnetic-interference seal, and the thermally conducting material against the weather.    
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the partial-shells are selectively secured to each other.  
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the partial-shells are pivotally attached to each other.  
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces exteriorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal and interiorly of the weather-seal.  
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces interiorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal.  
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the first and second faces each have continuous first and second grooves about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the second grooves of the respective faces located exteriorly of the first grooves, the first grooves and second grooves defining first and second closed channels in the abutment, respectively, the second closed channel located exteriorly of the first closed channel.  
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is disposed in the first closed channel.  
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 46 , wherein the weather seal is disposed in the second closed channel.  
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , further comprising first and second flanges about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, respectively, wherein the first and second flanges have first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the partial-shells, wherein the first and second flange-faces abut each other.  
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein the thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal and interiorly of the weather-seal.  
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second-flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the electromagnetic-interference seal.  
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein the first and second partial-shell-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the partial-shell abutment.  
     
     
         52 . The apparatus of  claim 51 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is disposed in the partial-shell closed channel.  
     
     
         53 . The apparatus of  claim 52 , wherein the first and second flange-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the flange-face abutment, the flange-face closed channel exterior to the partial-shell closed channel.  
     
     
         54 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the weather-seal is disposed in the flange-face closed channel.  
     
     
         55 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein the flange-faces each have continuous first and second grooves about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the second grooves of the respective flange-faces located exteriorly of the first grooves, the first grooves and second grooves defining first and second closed channels in the flange-face abutment, respectively, the second closed channel located exteriorly of the first closed channel.  
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 55 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seal is disposed in the first closed channel.  
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 56 , wherein the weather-seal is disposed in the second closed channel.  
     
     
         58 . An apparatus for containing objects, the apparatus comprising: 
 a pair of first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively, the first and second faces abutting each other;    at least one object thermally coupled to either the first or second partial-shell;    a pair of abutting seals each adapted to seal the apparatus contents against electromagnetic interference; and    a weatherproof, weather-sealing thermally conducting material adapted to increase heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells and adapted to protect the apparatus contents and the pair of abutting electromagnetic-interference seals from the weather.    
     
     
         59 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the partial-shells are selectively secured to each other.  
     
     
         60 . The apparatus of  claim 59 , wherein the partial-shells are pivotally attached to each other.  
     
     
         61 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the weatherproof, weather-sealing, thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces exteriorly of the electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         62 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces interiorly of the electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         63 . The apparatus of  claim 62 , wherein the first and second faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the abutment.  
     
     
         64 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the electromagnetic-interference seals are disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         65 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , further comprising first and second flanges about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, respectively, wherein the first and second flanges have first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the partial-shells, wherein the first and second flange-faces abut each other.  
     
     
         66 . The apparatus of  claim 65 , wherein the weatherproof, weather sealing thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         67 . The apparatus of  claim 65 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         68 . The apparatus of  claim 65 , wherein the first and second partial-shell-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the partial-shell abutment.  
     
     
         69 . The apparatus of  claim 68 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seals are disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         70 . The apparatus of  claim 65 , wherein the first and second flange-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the flange-face abutment.  
     
     
         71 . The apparatus of  claim 70 , wherein the electromagnetic interference seals are disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         72 . An apparatus for containing objects, the apparatus comprising: 
 a pair of first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively, the first and second faces abutting each other;    at least one heated object thermally coupled to either the first or second partial-shell;    a pair of weatherproof, weather-sealing abutting seals adapted to seal the apparatus contents against electromagnetic interference and the weather; and    a weatherproof thermally conducting material adapted to increase heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells.    
     
     
         73 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , wherein the partial-shells are selectively secured to each other.  
     
     
         74 . The apparatus of  claim 73 , wherein the partial-shells are pivotally attached to each other.  
     
     
         75 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , wherein the weatherproof thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces exteriorly of the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         76 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second faces interiorly of the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         77 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , wherein the first and second faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the abutment.  
     
     
         78 . The apparatus of  claim 77 , wherein the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic interference seals are disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         79 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , further comprising first and second flanges about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, respectively, wherein the first and second flanges have first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the partial-shells, wherein the first and second flange-faces abut each other.  
     
     
         80 . The apparatus of  claim 79 , wherein the weatherproof thermally conducting material is adapted to increase the heat transfer between the partial-shells by increasing thermal contact between the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         81 . The apparatus of  claim 79 , further comprising a thermally conducting material adapted to increase thermal contact between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces, the thermally conducting material sandwiched between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic-interference seals.  
     
     
         82 . The apparatus of  claim 79 , wherein the first and second partial-shell-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the partial-shell abutment.  
     
     
         83 . The apparatus of  claim 82 , wherein the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic interference seals are disposed in the closed channel.  
     
     
         84 . The apparatus of  claim 79 , wherein the first and second flange-faces each have a continuous groove about the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, the respective grooves defining a closed channel in the flange-face abutment.  
     
     
         85 . The apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the weatherproof, weather-sealing electromagnetic interference seals are disposed in the flange-face closed channel.  
     
     
         86 . A method for manufacturing an apparatus for containing objects, the method comprising: 
 forming first and second heat-conducting partial-shells, having first and second faces, respectively;    attaching at least one object to either the first or second partial-shell for thermal contact therebetween;    forming a housing by butting the first and second faces together; and enhancing heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells.    
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86 , further comprising providing for selectively securing the first and second heat conducting partial-shells together.  
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87 , further comprising connecting the first and second partial-shells so that the first and second partial-shells pivot about a common axis.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is accomplished by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is accomplished by disposing a weatherproof conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer further comprises sealing the housing against the weather and is carried out by disposing a weatherproof, weather-sealing conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference by disposing an electromagnetic-interference seal between the first and second faces.  
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference and the weather by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing electromagnetic-interference seal between the first and second faces.  
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein forming the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells includes forming first and second flanges about the perimeters of the first and second heat-conducting partial-shells, respectively, the first and second flanges having first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the partial-shells.  
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is accomplished by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between both the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is accomplished by disposing a weatherproof conformable thermally conducting material between both the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer further comprises sealing the housing against the weather and is carried out by disposing a weatherproof, weather-sealing conformable thermally conducting material between both the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 94  further comprising sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference by disposing an electromagnetic-interference seal between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces.  
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 94  further comprising sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference and the weather by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing electromagnetic-interference seal between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces.  
     
     
         100 . A method for manufacturing an apparatus for containing objects, the method comprising: 
 forming first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively;    forming at least one continuous groove in the first and second faces around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells;    attaching at least one object to either the first or second partial-shell for thermal contact therebetween;    forming a housing by butting the first and second faces together, whereby aligning the respective grooves to form at least one continuous channel in the abutment;    sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference;    enhancing the heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting shells; and    sealing the housing against the weather.    
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 100 , further comprising providing for selectively securing the first and second heat conducting partial-shells together.  
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 101 , further comprising connecting the first and second partial-shells so that the first and second partial-shells pivot about a common axis.  
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein forming each of the grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing an electromagnetic-interference-seal in the channel.  
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing a pair of abutting electromagnetic-interference-seals in the channel.  
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference and sealing against the weather is accomplished by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing electromagnetic-interference-seal in the channel.  
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference and sealing against the weather is accomplished by disposing a pair of weatherproof, weather sealing abutting electromagnetic-interference-seals in the channel.  
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a weatherproof conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces exteriorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer and sealing against the weather is carried out by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces exteriorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces interiorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein forming the first and second heat-conducting shells includes forming first and second flanges about the perimeters of the first and second heat-conducting shells, respectively, the first and second flanges having first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the first and second partial-shells.  
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a weatherproof conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.  
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 112 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer and sealing against the weather is carried out by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.  
     
     
         114 . A method for manufacturing an apparatus for containing objects, the method comprising: 
 forming first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively;    forming first and second flanges about the perimeters of the first and second heat-conducting shells, respectively, the first and second flanges having first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the first and second partial-shells;    forming at least one continuous groove in the first and second flange-faces around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells;    attaching at least one object to either the first or second partial-shell for thermal contact therebetween;    forming a housing by butting the first and second faces and first and second flange-faces together, whereby aligning the respective grooves to form at least one continuous channel in the flange-face abutment;    sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference;    enhancing the heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting shells; and    sealing the housing against the weather.    
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 114 , further comprising providing for selectively securing the first and second heat conducting partial-shells together.  
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 115 , further comprising connecting the first and second partial-shells so that the first and second partial-shells pivot about a common axis.  
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein forming each of the grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing an electromagnetic-interference-seal in the channel.  
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing a pair of abutting electromagnetic-interference-seals in the channel.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference and sealing against the weather is accomplished by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing electromagnetic-interference-seal in the channel.  
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference and sealing against the weather is accomplished by disposing a pair of weatherproof, weather sealing abutting electromagnetic-interference-seals in the channel.  
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a weatherproof conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second flange-faces exteriorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer and sealing against the weather is carried out by disposing a weatherproof, weather sealing conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second faces exteriorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.  
     
     
         125 . A method for manufacturing an apparatus for containing objects, the method comprising: 
 forming first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively;    forming at least one continuous first groove in the first and second faces around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells;    forming at least one continuous second groove in the first and second faces exterior to the respective first grooves around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells;    attaching at least one object to either the first or second partial-shell for thermal contact therebetween;    forming a housing by butting the first and second faces together, whereby aligning the respective first grooves to form at least one continuous first channel in the abutment and aligning the respective second grooves to form at least one continuous second channel in the abutment exteriorly of the first;    sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference;    enhancing the heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting shells; and    sealing the housing against the weather.    
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 125 , further comprising providing for selectively securing the first and second heat conducting partial-shells together.  
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 126 , further comprising connecting the first and second partial-shells so that the first and second partial-shells pivot about a common axis.  
     
     
         128 . The method of  claim 126 , wherein forming each of the first grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         129 . The method of  claim 126 , wherein forming each of the second grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 126 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing an electromagnetic-interference-seal in the first channel.  
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 126 , wherein sealing against the weather is accomplished by disposing a weather-seal in the second channel.  
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 126 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material exteriorly of the first channel and interiorly of the second channel to increase the thermal contact between the respective faces.  
     
     
         133 . A method for manufacturing an apparatus for containing objects, the method comprising: 
 forming first and second heat-conducting partial-shells having first and second faces, respectively;    forming first and second flanges about the perimeters of the first and second heat-conducting shells, respectively, the first and second flanges having first and second faces, respectively, wherein the first and second flange-faces are co-planer with and extend the first and second partial-shell-faces, respectively, exteriorly of the first and second partial-shells;    forming at least one continuous first groove in the first and second flange-faces around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells;    attaching at least one object to either the first or second partial-shell for thermal contact therebetween;    forming a housing by butting the first and second partial-shells together, whereby aligning the respective grooves to form at least one continuous first channel in the flange-face abutment;    sealing the housing against electromagnetic interference;    enhancing the heat transfer between the first and second heat-conducting shells; and    sealing the housing against the weather.    
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 133 , further comprising providing for selectively securing the first and second heat conducting partial-shells together.  
     
     
         135 . The method of  claim 134 , further comprising connecting the first and second partial-shells so that the first and second partial-shells pivot about a common axis.  
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 133 , wherein forming each of the grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 133 , wherein sealing against the weather is accomplished by disposing a weather-seal in the first channel.  
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 133  further comprising forming at least one continuous second groove in the first and second partial-shell-faces around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, wherein when the first and second partial shells are butted together, the respective second grooves are aligned and form at least one continuous second channel in the partial-shell-face abutment.  
     
     
         139 . The method of  claim 138 , wherein forming each of the second grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         140 . The method of  claim 138 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing an electromagnetic-interference-seal in the second channel.  
     
     
         141 . The method of  claim 138 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the first channel and exteriorly of the second channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.  
     
     
         142 . The method of  claim 138 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second partial-shell-faces interiorly of the second channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.  
     
     
         143 . The method of  claim 133  further comprising forming at least one continuous second groove in the first and second flange-faces around the perimeter of the first and second partial-shells, wherein when the first and second partial shells are butted together, the respective second grooves are aligned and form at least one continuous second channel in the flange-face abutment.  
     
     
         144 . The method of  claim 143 , wherein forming each of the second grooves is carried out using a single tool setup.  
     
     
         145 . The method of  claim 143 , wherein sealing against electromagnetic interference is accomplished by disposing an electromagnetic-interference-seal in the second channel.  
     
     
         146 . The method of  claim 143 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the first channel and exteriorly of the second channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.  
     
     
         147 . The method of  claim 143 , wherein enhancing the heat transfer is carried out by disposing a conformable thermally conducting material between the first and second partial-shell-faces and the first and second flange-faces or between the first and second partial-shell-faces or the first and second flange-faces interiorly of the second channel to increase the thermal contact between the faces.