Abstract: A method, device and system for operating internal combustion engines with an increased pressure ratio and vehicle with this system. Internal combustion engines have a technically restricted pressure ratio, which limits the thermal efficiency. Gas turbines have so far had a maximum pressure ratio of 33:1, diesel engines have compression ratios of up to 23:1. An oxidizer is fed into the combustion chamber in (cold) liquefied condition under very high pressure. The fuel is also supplied in liquid form under high pressure. The pressure ratio of the oxidizer pump is 200, 500 or more. In the combustion chamber, the oxidizer and fuel react and expand to more than a thousand times the liquid volume. Depending on the fuel used, an expansion machine with a pressure ratio of around ?=500 or more or an equivalent expansion ratio of ?=85 or more can be implemented.

Abstract: A support system for a connection unit for connecting an inner tank and an outer tank of a cryogenic fluid storage tank includes: an inner support formed to surround a part of the connection unit; a head coupled to the inner circumferential surface of a first end portion of the inner support, and formed to comes in contact with an end portion of the connection unit when the connection unit is coupled to the inner support; and an outer support formed to surround the inner support and having a first end portion connected to a second end portion of the inner support, wherein a second end portion of the outer support comes in contact with the inner tank or the outer tank.

Abstract: In a membrane type heat insulation system for a cryogenic liquefied gas carrier cargo tank and a liquefied gas fuel container, a secondary heat insulation layer comprises a plurality of panels which are stacked in multiple layers while each pair of upper and lower panels is arranged to intersect each other, whereby heat loss which may occur in the gap between the panels can be minimized and deformation due to a temperature difference can be minimized.

Abstract: A computing system that includes at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor is disclosed. The computing system also includes at least one network interface communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and configured to communicate with at least one vault system, each of the at least one vault system storing a respective one of N private keys or key components associated with a customer. The at least one processor is configured to receive, from each of at least one vault system, a respective private key or key component. The at least one processor is also configured to perform at least one action based on at least M of the N private keys or key components.

Abstract: A supply system for supplying a rocket engine with at least one propellant, the supply system comprising at least one supply circuit able to circulate the propellant, and at least one reservoir in fluid communication with the supply circuit via at least one communication pipe, so that a fluid contained in the reservoir can flow from the latter up to the supply circuit, and vice versa, via said at least one communication pipe, the reservoir being able to contain a volume of gas, and heating means able to vary the volume of gas in the reservoir, the heating means being configured to vaporize the propellant in the reservoir.

Abstract: A containment cask is disclosed for safely transporting and storing radioactive hazardous waste in a dry air environment. The cask comprises a single drum containing the radioactive hazardous waste, a sealed and shielded containment vessel containing the drum, and an outer container. The outer container can be in the form of an outer shield vessel (OSV) made from iron to provide further shielding. This outer container is appropriate for a drum having higher activity waste. The outer container can also be in the form of an overpack assembly that adds protection for atmospheric hazards, but adds little in terms of shielding. This outer container is appropriate for a drum having lower activity waste.

Abstract: A container having two different closing mechanism designs including an upright strike-less latch design and a Buttress thread design.

Abstract: A fuel distribution station for land vehicles includes a first fuel tank assembly for releasably holding fuel and a second fuel tank assembly for releasably holding fuel. A control system selectively permits and monitors a discharge of fuel from both of the first and second fuel tank assemblies. An operation platform is elevated a predetermined distance above ground by support legs and is formed by rigidly connecting the first fuel tank assembly to the second fuel tank assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure including a tube having an outer wall, a jacket surrounding the tube to enclose an annular insulating space, the jacket having an end that terminates at the outer wall of the tube, a seal formed between the end of the jacket and the tube to preserve a vacuum within the insulating space, and a fitting affixed to one of the tube and the jacket for coupling the vacuum insulated structure to an external device. A method of making a vacuum insulated structure including forming a tube and a jacket, positioning the jacket over the tube to form an annular insulating space, with an end of the jacket being positioned adjacent to an outer wall of the tube to form a vent, causing air to escape through the vent, sealing the vent, and affixing a fitting to one of the tube and the jacket.

Abstract: A material system may include: an aluminum layer; a glass composite layer adjacent to the first aluminum layer; and a carbon composite layer adjacent to the first glass composite layer, and opposite to the first aluminum layer. A method of manufacturing a material system may include: stacking an aluminum layer, glass composite layer that may include thermoplastic prepreg plies, and carbon composite layer so that the aluminum layer is adjacent to the glass composite layer, and the glass composite layer is adjacent to the carbon composite layer; and consolidating the thermoplastic prepreg plies to soften the aluminum layer. A method of manufacturing a material system may include: stacking an aluminum layer, glass composite layer that comprises thermoplastic resin, and carbon composite layer so that the glass composite layer is between the aluminum and carbon composite layers; and adjusting temperature and pressure to consolidate the stack.

Abstract: A transport container for helium, having an inner container for receiving helium, a thermal shield actively coolable with the aid of a cryogenic liquid and in which the inner container is accommodated, an outer container in which the thermal shield and inner container are accommodated, and a carrying ring provided on the thermal shield. The inner container is suspended from the carrying ring with the aid of first suspension rods, wherein the carrying ring is suspended from the outer container with the aid of second suspension rods, wherein at least one of the first suspension rods has a first spring device and at least one of the second suspension devices has a second spring device in order to ensure a spring pretension of the first suspension rods and the second suspension rods for different heat expansions of the inner container and the thermal shield.

Abstract: An apparatus for distillation at cryogenic temperatures can include a cold box module comprising framing and having an upper module section and a lower module section, wherein the upper module comprises a roof; an upper column section disposed within the upper module section; a lower column section disposed within the lower module section; a plurality of support saddles attached to the upper and lower module sections that are configured to provide structural support for the upper and lower column sections when the upper and lower column sections are in a horizontal position during transportation; and means for limiting longitudinal movement of the lower column section when the lower module section is in a horizontal position during transport, wherein the means for limiting longitudinal movement are connected to the lower column section and the lower module section.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid tank (1) includes a reservoir (5) that includes a bottom portion (5a, 5a1, or 5a2) and a side wall (5b), a support portion (4) that supports the reservoir (5), and an intermediate member (10) that is provided between the reservoir (5) and the support portion (4). The support portion (4) includes an outer support portion (4b) which supports the side wall (5b), and an inner support portion (4a) which is disposed to be adjacent to an inner side of the outer support portion (4b), includes a heat insulating layer formed of an elastic material, and supports the bottom portion (5a, 5a1, or 5a2) of the reservoir (5). A cover portion (9a, 9a1, or 15) covering a boundary between the outer support portion (4b) and the inner support portion (4a) is provided between the support portion (4) and the intermediate member (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure vessel, comprising a connecting element, an inner vessel and a support shell which surrounds the inner vessel, wherein the pressure vessel has the following features: the connecting element comprises a neck section in the form of a sleeve and a shoulder section; the connecting element is bonded via its outer face to an inner face of the inner vessel; the inner vessel is bonded to the support shell in such a way that the inner vessel is arranged in a sandwich-like manner at least in sections between the connecting element and the support shell; and the pressure vessel has at least one orifice delimited by the neck section of the connecting element, wherein the pressure vessel is characterized in that the outer face of the connecting element facing the inner vessel at least partly has a mean roughness of more than 50 ?m.

Abstract: A hydrogen rich water generator includes a container, a hydrogen input, a dividing tube, a vibrator, and a cover. The container is used for containing water and comprises an opening and an inner wall. The hydrogen input is one-piece formed on the inner wall of the container and interconnects the inside and the outside of the container. The dividing tube is configured in the container and connected to the hydrogen input. The vibrator is used for vibrating the water. The cover is configured on the opening of the container wherein when the cover is removed, the water can be added or hydrogen rich water can be taken out. The vibrator of the creation can assist the hydrogen micro bubbles mixed with the water well to generate hydrogen rich water and humidified hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a pump tower installation structure of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank and a manufacturing method thereof. The pump tower installation structure of the LNG storage tank includes an adaptor disposed at a predetermined area of an opening portion formed at an inner hull disposed on an upper side of the LNG storage tank, and a cover having through-holes corresponding to pipes of the pump tower installed at the storage tank, and disposed at a remaining area of the opening portion to be connected with the adaptor.

Abstract: A cryogenic hydrogen storage vessel includes an outer vacuum vessel, a reinforcement ring on the outer vacuum vessel, an inner pressure vessel inside of the outer vacuum vessel, and a vacuum space between the outer vacuum vessel and the inner pressure vessel. One embodiment of the cryogenic hydrogen storage vessel includes an outer vacuum vessel; a hump-shaped reinforcement ring on the outer vacuum vessel, the hump-shaped reinforcement ring including an external hump portion that protrudes from the hump-shaped reinforcement ring and an internal recess in the hump-shaped reinforcement ring; an inner pressure vessel inside of the outer vacuum vessel, a vacuum space between the outer vacuum vessel and the inner pressure vessel, and a composite support ring in the vacuum space extending from the hump-shaped reinforcement ring on the outer vacuum vessel to the inner pressure vessel, the composite support ring nested in the recess in the hump-shaped reinforcement ring.

Abstract: A graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The graphic transfer assembly includes an inflatable member that is capable of expanding to fill the interior of an article of footwear. The graphic transfer assembly can include a fluid pump for filling the inflatable member.

Abstract: A storage system, including an outer casing having an evacuated inner volume; a vessel for storage located within the outer casing and having a plurality of protrusions distributed on an outer surface thereof; and a plurality of filamentary strands spanning the inner volume, wherein at least some of the plurality of protrusions are essentially tangentially contacted by a plurality of the filamentary strands to secure the vessel in six degrees of freedom relative to the outer casing.

Abstract: An arrangement of insulation within a container to prevent heat leakage from the ambient to an apparatus located within the container that operates at a cryogenic temperature. The arrangement of insulation includes bulk insulation filling the container and an insulation layer that is located within the container, between the apparatus and the container. The insulation layer as opposed to the bulk insulation has a lower thermal conductivity. An exterior region of the apparatus is situated closer to an opposite container wall region of the container than remaining exterior regions of the apparatus. The insulation layer is sized to only insulate the exterior region of the apparatus from heat leakage from the opposite container wall region. The insulation layer can be formed of an aerogel.

Abstract: A storage system, including an outer casing having an evacuated inner volume; a vessel for storage located within the outer casing and having a plurality of protrusions distributed on an outer surface thereof; and a plurality of filamentary strands spanning the inner volume, wherein at least some of the plurality of protrusions are essentially tangentially contacted by a plurality of the filamentary strands to secure the vessel in six degrees of freedom relative to the outer casing.

Abstract: A storage system, including an outer casing having an evacuated inner volume; a vessel for storage located within the outer casing and having a plurality of protrusions distributed on an outer surface thereof; and a plurality of filamentary strands spanning the inner volume, wherein at least some of the plurality of protrusions are essentially tangentially contacted by a plurality of the filamentary strands to secure the vessel in six degrees of freedom relative to the outer casing.

Abstract: A tank for storing fluid, especially hydrocarbons including low temperature liquefied natural gas. The tank comprises tank walls defining an interior tank space, wherein at least one beam is provided in the interior tank space having at least one beam end connected to the tank wall. The at least one recess is provided in the tank wall for receiving the beam end for anchoring to the tank wall.

Abstract: A method of creating a watertightness barrier for a wall of a watertightened thermally insulating tank, involves steps of: arranging a repeating structure including alternately a strip of sheet metal and an elongate welding flange connected to the support surface, so that the turned-up lateral edges of the strip of sheet metal are positioned against the adjacent welding flanges, welding the turned-up lateral edge to the welding flange using a straight welded seam along a first longitudinal portion, continuing the straight welded seam with an end portion which is deviated in the direction of an upper edge corner, and producing a watertight edge corner welded seam along a second longitudinal portion of the strip of sheet metal such that the edge corner welded seam watertightly meets the end portion of the welded seam.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage apparatus includes a canister and at least one hydrogen storage unit. The canister has at least a hollow rod. The hydrogen storage unit is disposed in the canister. The hydrogen storage unit includes a housing, a heat-dissipating channel and a plurality of heat-dissipating partitions. The periphery of the housing is configured with a plurality of grooves, and each groove has a plurality of first holes. The heat-dissipating channel is located within the housing. Each heat-dissipating partition has a plurality of second holes and connects to the housing and heat-dissipating channel. The heat-dissipating partitions divide the space inside the housing. The first holes and the second holes connect to the inner space of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination tank having a double-walled inner container for temperature-insulated accommodation of a cryogenic fluid, which inner container has an approximately circular cylindrical cross-section and is closed off with end-side caps, wherein an outer container for accommodating at least one operating material is configured around the inner container, which outer container has a jacket having an approximately rectangular cross-section and end walls supported on the inner container, which end walls either sit in the gussets that remain between inner container and jacket, or are touched or penetrated by the caps of the inner container.

Abstract: A free-standing liner unit (1) is formed by integrating a planar outer tank liner plate (2), a planar secondary barrier plate (3), and a cold insulator layer (4) that is interposed between the outer tank liner plate (2) and the secondary barrier plate (3) into a single unit. According to this free-standing liner unit (1), when building a tank, it is possible to shorten the construction period by performing the formation of the outer tank shell plates and the formation of the tank internal structure concurrently with each other, and to achieve an improvement in the handleability of the free-standing liner unit (1).

Abstract: A blanket installation method includes: a transporting step of transporting a blanket unit (1), in which a blanket (2) and a transport jig (3) are integrally coupled, between an inner tank (60) and an outer tank (50) of a double shell structure tank in a suspended condition; and a mounting step of mounting the blanket unit (1) on a shell plate of the inner tank (60). The transport jig (3) is formed by attaching a blanket fixing pin (34) to a jig main body (3A) through pin coupling. The blanket (2) is held at the blanket fixing pin (34).

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having a first conduit adapted for filling and extracting a cryogenic liquid from the tank and a second conduit adapted for filling and extracting a gas from the tank is disclosed, wherein heat originating from inlet and outlet conduits transferred to the tank is minimized.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid cylinder includes an inner vessel for holding cryogenic fluid, a cylindrically shaped outer vessel having a vertical longitudinal axis surrounds the inner vessel and forms an insulating space there between, and operating controls located on a top of the outer vessel. Customer or end user operating controls include a liquid-use valve for selectively dispensing liquid cryogen, a pressure-building valve for selectively controlling a pressure building circuit, and a gas-use valve for selectively dispensing cryogen gas. Supplier or maintenance personnel operating controls include an economizer regulator for selectively setting at least one desired pressure of the inner vessel, a vent valve for selectively venting cryogen fluid, and a vacuum pressure port for indicating vacuum pressure between the vessels. The end user controls are located on a front side of the outer vessel while the supplier controls are located on a rear side of the outer vessel.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid storage tank includes a base plate and side wall extending upwardly. The base plate and side wall include an outer leaf enveloping an inner leaf. The outer leaf part of the base plate includes a lower, outer leaf concrete bottom plate on a substrate. The bottom plate is continuous with an outer leaf reinforced concrete layer of the outer side wall. An inward surface of the bottom plate and concrete layer of the outer leaf are lined with a continuous outer leaf metallic membrane. A bottom insulation layer is arranged above the outer leaf metallic membrane on the bottom plate. The inner leaf includes an inner leaf concrete bottom layer on the bottom insulation portion. The inner leaf metal membrane is lined with an inner leaf inner concrete layer. The outer leaf hoop stress reinforced outer concrete wall supporting an insulated dome structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal apparatus of a superconducting device that is capable of minimizing the use of dividing members for dividing a liquid refrigerant, a vapor refrigerant or a room temperature insulating material, thereby preventing sealing members like O-rings mounted on the respective dividing members from being damaged.

Abstract: A storage system, including an outer casing having an evacuated inner volume; a vessel for storage located within the outer casing and having a plurality of protrusions distributed on an outer surface thereof; and a plurality of filamentary strands spanning the inner volume, wherein at least some of the plurality of protrusions are essentially tangentially contacted by a plurality of the filamentary strands to secure the vessel in six degrees of freedom relative to the outer casing.

Abstract: A high vacuum container includes an inner container body, an outer container body, a first group of supporting devices and a second group of supporting devices. Each group of supporting devices includes four supporting assemblies, and two supporting assemblies are disposed at the upper portion of the high vacuum container, and the other two are disposed at the lower portion of the high vacuum container. Each supporting assembly includes a base plate welded at outer surface of the inner container body and a heat insulating pipe extending along a radial direction of the high vacuum container, one end of the heat insulating pipe abutting against the base plate. Each supporting assembly at the lower portion further includes a fixing element, and each fixing element partly is partly inserted into the outer container body through the opening on the outer container body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle outer tank for a cryogenic fuel which is situated in an inner tank which is positioned within the outer tank is, for space and weight-saving purposes, characterized in that it is of flat design, and is designed in particular as a parallelepiped, and in that planar side walls of the outer tank are at least partially of sandwich design or are reinforced with sandwich plates.

Abstract: Packaged formulation comprising a compound liable to exothermic decomposition and optionally one or more organic diluents, said formulation being packaged in a container with a volume of at least 250 liter provided with a vent to release gases and made from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat B softening temperature not higher than (a) the run-away temperature of the compound liable to exothermic decomposition if the formulation does not contain any diluent, or (b) the boiling temperature of at least 50 wt % of the total weight of diluent if the formulation does contain organic diluent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).

Abstract: There is provided a cryogenic tank having a dual construction for storing ultralow temperature liquid with improvement which allows simplicity in its construction and readiness of setup and allows reduction in the setup, yet achieves high reliability. For accomplishing the above-noted object, in a cryogenic tank having a dual construction with an inner tank for storing low-temperature liquefaction fluid therein and an outer tank enclosing the bottom and the shell of the inner tank. The inner tank includes a bottomed inner vessel formed of concrete and an inner cold resistant relief covering the inner face of the inner vessel. The outer tank includes a bottomed outer vessel formed of concrete and an outer cold resistant relief covering the inner face of the outer vessel.

Abstract: A double walled vacuum insulated cryogenic vessel including a support system for the inner vessel that comprises an inner vessel support, a support bushing, and an outer vessel support. The inner vessel support is affixed to the inner vessel and the outer vessel support is affixed to the outer vessel. Between the two supports is a support bushing which is not affixed to the inner vessel support, the outer vessel support, the inner vessel, nor the outer vessel. Anti-rotational support is provided either by mechanical means, shapes, or secondary support structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cryogenic fluids. In another aspect, the present invention relates to additional protection of an apparatus containing equipment capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures and containing cryogenic materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a primary enclosure defining an internal volume. The primary enclosure includes primary walls, a primary ceiling, a primary floor, and a vapor venting system. The primary enclosure is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. At least of a portion of the primary floor forms a slope to a hydrocarbon outlet. A perforated plate is located on top of the hydrocarbon outlet. The perforated plate is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. A fire retardant agent applied to the exterior surface of the primary enclosure.

Abstract: When manufacturing a low-temperature tank (1), a plurality of unit tanks (10) that are able to be connected together by mutually different objects, and that are each capable of storing low-temperature liquefied gas are manufactured in a factory that is distant from a construction site. The unit tanks (10) are then transported to the construction site, and an inner tank (2) is then assembled at the construction site by connecting together the plurality of unit tanks (10). An outer tank (3) is then formed around the inner tank (2).

Abstract: Provided are an LNG storage container with an inner shell, which is capable of efficiently storing LNG or pressurized LNG (PLNG) pressurized at a predetermined pressure and supplying the LNG or PLNG to a consumption place, and capable of reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing the use of a metal having excellent low temperature characteristic, and a method for manufacturing the same. The LNG storage container includes: an inner shell configured to store LNG inside; an outer shell configured to enclose the outside of the inner shell such that a space is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell; a support installed in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell to support the inner shell and the outer shell; and a heat insulation layer part installed in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell and configured to reduce a heat transfer.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide a cryogenic processor apparatus with an outer housing; an inner housing coupled to the external housing to define a vacuum region there between; and material disposed in the vacuum region to provide redundant insulation and structural support at a cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extruded beam element suitable for the construction of sandwich structures, wherein the transverse cross section of the beam comprises two parallel plates (2,3), each having a first part (2) and a second part (3), wherein the first parts of said plates (2) are connected by multiple webs, wherein at least two of said webs (1) are inclined with respect to the longitudinal plane (Y) perpendicular to the plates (2,3), and wherein the first parts (2) and the webs (1,5) form a relatively rigid portion of the beam element and the second parts (3) form a relatively flexible portion of the beam element, as well as sandwich panels and tanks comprising said beam elements.

Abstract: There is provided a cryogenic tank having a dual construction for storing ultralow temperature liquid with improvement which allows simplicity in its construction and readiness of setup and allows reduction in the setup, yet achieves high reliability. For accomplishing the above-noted object, in a cryogenic tank having a dual construction with an inner tank for storing low-temperature liquefaction fluid therein and an outer tank enclosing the bottom and the shell of the inner tank. The inner tank includes a bottomed inner vessel formed of concrete and an inner cold resistant relief covering the inner face of the inner vessel. The outer tank includes a bottomed outer vessel formed of concrete and an outer cold resistant relief covering the inner face of the outer vessel.

Abstract: An ullage tank in a vertical cryogenic storage vessel that can store a liquefied gas is described. The ullage tank includes a hollow member. The ullage tank has at least one opening that allows communication between the ullage tank and an inner vessel of the vertical cryogenic vessel. The hollow member has a first open end and a second open end. The hollow member forms a vertically disposed passage through the ullage tank. The first open end and the second open end are in communication with the inner vessel. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank device for storing hydrogen for an aircraft. The tank device comprises an outer tank and an inner tank. The inner tank is held in the outer tank. The outer tank is arranged such that the hydrogen with first physical characteristics can be stored. The inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with second physical characteristics can be stored. The outer tank is connected to the inner tank such that the hydrogen can be fed to the inner tank from the outer tank. The inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with the first physical characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen with second physical characteristics. The inner tank is arranged such that the hydrogen comprising the second physical characteristics can be fed to a consumer.

Abstract: A tank for cryogenic liquids, which is intended for installation in motor vehicles and which consists of an outer container and of an inner container suspended in the latter in tension or compression struts. In order to take the contrasting requirements in motor vehicles into account in an optimum way, between the outer container and inner container abutments and supporting faces are additionally provided, which can be spaced apart from one another when the vehicle is at a standstill and can be brought to bear when the vehicle is driving. The abutments inside the outer container Co.-operate with supporting faces on the inner container and can be displaced by means of an actuator.

Abstract: A cryostat, comprising an outer vacuum vessel containing cryogenic equipment suspended from the outer vacuum vessel by a number of suspension rods. At least one of the suspension rods is provided with a tensioning and retaining mechanism for holding that suspension rod in tension braced against a suspension bracket). This tensioning and retaining mechanism includes a tubular rod carrier arranged, in use, to pass through a hole or slot in the suspension bracket, the rod carrier having an axial bore through which, in use, the rod may pass; a thread on its outer surface along at least part of its length; and a rod bearing surface for, in use, transmitting force to the rod. This tensioning and retaining mechanism also comprises a tensioning nut threaded onto the thread so as to, in use, brace against the suspension bracket to urge the tubular rod carrier in the direction of the rod bearing surface so as to apply tension to the rod.