Abstract: A reciprocating compressor includes an electric motor having fixed and moveable components within a housing for reciprocating a moveable assembly, to compress a working fluid within a variable volume compression chamber within the housing. An integrated flexure spring and circuit connected between the housing and the moveable assembly axially and radially centers the moveable assembly within the housing, and additionally, supplies an electric current to a moveable current coil of the electric motor associated with the moveable assembly. The moveable assembly is axially reciprocated against a restoring force of the integrated flexure spring and circuit responsive to an axial force exerted on the moveable assembly by the electric motor when the electric current is supplied to the moveable current coil via the integrated flexure spring and circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides a low friction linear clearance seal for use in closed cycle cryogenic coolers. The clearance seal comprises a cylinder, a piston mounted within the cylinder for reciprocating movement and a self lubricating polymer liner bonded to the piston which forms an effective seal around the piston. The clearance seal improves the sealing capability between the piston and the cylinder and reduces heat generated by the motion of the piston along the cylinder wall. The clearance seal also improves the performance and reliability of the cryogenic cooler.

Abstract: An adjustable conical atomizer comprises a body part having an end or discharge face with a conical recess and a conical plug having a complementarily conically-formed surface which is adjustably positioned in the conical recess. The size of the cavity formed between the plug and the body is varied by changing the relative positions of the plug and the body, for example, by using an indexing bolt which connects the body part and the plug parts. The body or a connection to the body is provided with channels or passages for the passage of two or more fluid streams into the space between the plug and the body part for intimate mixing therein. The fluid stream includes a liquid which is accelerated in this zone between the body and the plug. The plug and the body form an annular discharge therebetween which diverges in an outward direction.