Abstract: For the transmission of electrical current, determined superconducting current carriers are accommodated in a cryostat, in which they are cooled with an undercooled cryogenic cooling medium, e.g. liquid nitrogen. The current carrier is electrically connected at the ends thereof to two normally conducting current supply means. The cooling medium is undercooled from a storage container to a temperature below its boiling temperature and supplied to the cryostat via a cooling medium inlet, brought into thermal contact with the superconducting current carrier, and subsequently discharged via a cooling medium outlet of the cryostat. According to the invention, the cooling medium from the cryostat is to be used for cooling at least one of the normally conducting current supply means.

Abstract: A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, said system optimized for use with pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. In the preferred embodiment, a probe and method of sampling is contemplated to provide linear sample of fluids from a predetermined of said fluid stream. Further taught is the method of preventing compositional disassociation of a gas sample having entrained liquid utilizing a probe having a passage formed to facilitate capillary action in fluid(s) passing therethrough. The present system further contemplates a system for providing power and/or heat to modular conditioning components as well provide sample flow therefrom utilizing a tube bundle via a tube bundle boot mounted on the bracket of a modular sample system.

Abstract: A cryostat arrangement includes a superconducting magnet to be cooled by an active cryocooler. The cryocooler includes a coolant circuit with a compressor, a cold head, and a cold finger in thermal contact with the magnet. A volumetric vessel containing cryogenic fluid is thermally coupled to the magnet. The volumetric vessel is connected to the coolant circuit by a pressure-resistant line. A fluidic component influences the flow rate through the line in a defined manner such that the cryogenic fluid flows between the volumetric vessel and the coolant circuit with a time constant of at least 15 minutes. The cryostat can be operated in a “cryogen-free” manner and permits a sufficiently long time to quench in the event of operational malfunctions.

Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue using a fluid-cooled antenna assembly includes the initial step of providing an energy applicator. The energy applicator includes an antenna assembly and a hub providing at least one coolant connection to the energy applicator. The method also includes the steps of providing a coolant supply system including a fluid-flow path fluidly-coupled to the hub for providing fluid flow to the energy applicator, positioning the energy applicator in tissue for the delivery of energy to tissue when the antenna assembly is energized, and providing a thermal-feedback-controlled rate of fluid flow to the antenna assembly when energized using a feedback control system operably-coupled to a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the control systems of the compression refrigerating machines, namely, to the methods of control of the natural gas liquefaction process to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG), and can be used for liquefaction and cooling of natural gas on the most major technological lines and LNG production plants, working on the mixed refrigerant (MR). The method of control of the natural gas liquefaction process on the mixed refrigerant-operating LNG production plant comprises a periodic measuring of the current parameters of the said process, and controlling composition of the mixed refrigerant entering the main cryogenic heat exchanger, in order to achieve the optimal process parameters. Carnot factor is used as an optimality criterion for parameters of the process.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a detector element disposed in a jacket cavity of a Dewar vessel uses a Joule-Thomson cooler with an expansion nozzle that opens into an expansion chamber. The cooling device includes a final control element that is adjustable depending on temperature for influencing the flow through the expansion nozzle. A first temperature sensor is disposed in the expansion chamber and a second temperature sensor is disposed within the Dewar vessel outside the expansion chamber. The cooling device includes a control device that is configured for detecting a temperature gradient from sensor values of the first temperature sensor and of the second temperature sensor and for adjusting the final control element depending on the detected temperature gradient.

Abstract: A convectively heated steam/methane reformer having a shell and tube reforming reactor for hydrogen production. A reactor core containing the reactants is convectively heated by hot air flowing through the shell or annulus of the reactor. Heated air is supplied to the reactor through several fluid inlets on the shell side of the reformer.

Abstract: The primary invention is to cool a water vapor cryopump using a Gas Balanced Brayton cycle refrigerator. The refrigerator is comprised of a compressor, a gas balanced reciprocating engine and a counterflow heat exchanger. It is connected to the cryopump through insulated transfer lines. Options include a gas storage volume with valves that can adjust system pressures, a variable speed engine, gas lines between the compressor and cryopanel that by-pass the engine, and a gas line that by-passes the heat exchanger. This system can cool down and warm up rapidly, rapidly warm and cool the cryopanel without warming the engine, and reduce power input when the cryopanel heat load is reduced.

Abstract: A fluid cooled thermal management technique for a high-density composite focal plane array (CPFA) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a high density CFPA assembly includes a plurality of imaging dies mounted on a front surface of a printed wiring board (PWB) and a base plate. The base plate has a substantially matched coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to that of the high density CFPA. Further, the high density CFPA is disposed on a front side of the base plate. Furthermore, the base plate has a plurality of integral serpentine fluid flow channels configured to receive and circulate fluid and further configured such that the heat generated by the CFPA is transferred via conduction into the base plate and to the integral serpentine fluid flow channels and to the circulating fluid to dissipate the generated heat.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for cryosurgery includes a cryofluid at cryogenic temperatures flowing through a closed-loop flow path. A pump, configured for operating at cryogenic temperatures, circulates the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path. The closed-loop flow path includes a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink configured for cooling the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path to cryogenic temperatures. The closed-loop system includes one or more cryoneedles configured for providing cryotherapy, and one or more flow control devices, wherein each flow control device is configured for operating at cryogenic temperature and for selectively flow connecting or flow disconnecting at least one of the cryoneedles to the closed-loop flow path.

Abstract: A heatsink apparatus performs cooling by circulating a working fluid and causing a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase. The heatsink apparatus is provided on an external wall with a heat-generating body. The heatsink apparatus includes a box-shaped heat-receiving unit transferring heat to a heat-receiving plate; an inlet pipe supplying the working fluid to the heat-receiving unit; an outlet pipe discharging vapors into which the working fluid supplied to the heat-receiving plate is evaporated by heat; and a heat dissipater provided at a location higher than the heat-receiving unit and dissipating heat of the vapor passing through the outlet pipe. Slits are provided to the heat-receiving plate on a surface surrounded by an external circumference of the inlet pipe toward outside of the heat-receiving plate.

Abstract: A Dewar apparatus includes a focal plane array (FPA) component coupled to an FPA carrier, and a cold bridge coupled to the FPA carrier. A cold shield is aligned with the optical axis and coupled to the cold bridge (e.g., via a direct-metal bond), and at least one cryostat enclosure is similarly coupled to the cold bridge such that it has an axis that is noncollinear with the optical axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods from removing heat generated by a heat sink of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. One system includes a coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement for a coldhead of the MRI system. The coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and a cooling system surrounding an outer surface of the coldhead sleeve. The cooling system uses helium gas to remove heat from the coldhead sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cryogenic cooler with an expander where the regenerator matrix is decoupled from the displacer or piston, thereby allowing the design of each to be optimized substantially independently. The regenerator matrix is preferably positioned spaced apart from the displacer and can be designed to enhance thermal exchanges and flow rates of the working gas. In one embodiment, the regenerator matrix has a serpentine shape or U-shape disposed around the displacer and the cold finger. Preferably, the regenerator matrix is static. The thermal lengths of the cold finger and/or the displacer can be extended by minimizing their geometrical lengths. Additionally, the structural integrity or stiffness of the cold finger and/or displacer can be strengthened.

Abstract: Variations of the devices and methods disclosed herein pertain to an extended travel spiral flexure bearing having spiral arms, each of the spiral arms including an attachment point at the inner end thereof and at the outer end thereof. Variations of the bearing may also include a bearing clamp to be attached to the spiral flexure bearing at the attachment points, the bearing including an outer bearing portion to be disposed on the outer periphery of the flexure bearing and an inner bearing portion to be disposed at the center of the flexure bearing. Variations also pertain to a micro check valve assembly that includes a valve base, a valve cover, and a flexure that are all bonded together. The valve being closed when the valve door rests on the valve seat and open when the valve door is lifted from the valve seat.

Abstract: A cryogenic turbine expander system which consists essentially of a cryogenic liquid pressure vessel, and the vessel further accommodating a turbine expander, an internal bypass configuration, which are operable in parallel, a three-way valve to direct incoming high pressure liquefied gas flow to the turbine expander, or the internal bypass configuration, which further consists a Joule-Thomson valve, when the turbine expander is not operational.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressurized gas supply are provided. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas supply includes a pressurized gas reservoir and a pressure reducer fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir. The pressure reducer is configured to reduce the pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas reservoir to a predetermined output pressure (PO). A gas mixture is held within the pressurized gas reservoir at a starting pressure (PS) and at a starting temperature (TS). The gas mixture includes: (i) a warming gas having a positive Joule-Thomson (JT) coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO, and (ii) a cooling gas having a negative JT coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO. The cooling of the cooling gas at least partially offsets the warming of the warming gas when the gas mixture is expelled by the isothermal gas supply to achieve a desired gas output temperature.

Abstract: An LNG fuel tank system for at least one gas engine used for ship propulsion is comprising at least one LNG fuel tank (4) and a gas vessel (8), the LNG fuel tank to be-bunkered from an onshore LNG pressure tank filling facility by means of an LNG filling line (1). According to the present invention the LNG fuel tank (4) is a ship low pressure controlled atmospheric pressure LNG tank, and the gas vessel (8) is a single shell non-insulated pressure vessel arranged to accumulate flashed and boil-off gas during LNG bunkering and pressure relieving the LNG fuel tank, respectively, and the gas engines are fuelled from either the gas vessel (8) or the LNG fuel tank (4), dependent on a predefined gas vessel pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling an object with a cryogen having a critical point defined by a critical-point pressure and a critical-point temperature. A pressure of the cryogen is raised above a pressure value determined to provide the cryogen at a reduced molar volume that prevents vapor lock. Thereafter, the cryogen is placed in thermal communication with the object to increase a temperature of the cryogen along a thermodynamic path that maintains the pressure greater than the critical-point pressure for a duration that the cryogen and object are in thermal communication.

Abstract: An expansion device having a passageway formed orderly by a tubular inlet portion, a tubular throat portion and a tubular outlet portion, with a closing element arranged in the throat portion, the closing element adapted to cause a Joule-Thomson expansion and cooling of an at least partially gaseous fluid that is supplied at a predetermined pressure (P1), where in the inlet portion a direction means is provided for directing the fluid according to a flow direction that is generally at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inlet portion, in order to reduce the friction of the at least partially gaseous fluid when flowing through the throat portion at the closing element, in order to approximate the transformation to a reversible isentropic transformation more closely than what is possible with the known lamination valves.

Abstract: In recent years piezoelectric actuation has been identified as a promising means of driving miniature Stirling devices. It supports miniaturization, has a high power to volume ratio, can operate at almost any frequency, good electrical to mechanical efficiencies, and potentially has a very long operating life. This invention uses a valve-less hydraulic amplification, creating an oscillating pressure wave sufficiently large to drive a high frequency miniature pulse tube cryocooler. The actuator may be separated from the main body of the cryocooler. The system lack of rubbing parts in the power conversion processes.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressurized gas supply are provided. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas supply includes a pressurized gas reservoir and a pressure reducer fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir. The pressure reducer is configured to reduce the pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas reservoir to a predetermined output pressure (PO). A gas mixture is held within the pressurized gas reservoir at a starting pressure (PS) and at a starting temperature (TS). The gas mixture includes: (i) a warming gas having a positive Joule-Thomson (JT) coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO, and (ii) a cooling gas having a negative JT coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO. The cooling of the cooling gas at least partially offsets the warming of the warming gas when the gas mixture is expelled by the isothermal gas supply to achieve a desired gas output temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermal management of high pressure gas storage tanks wherein the compression heat of refueling the tank is evacuated from the interior of the tank in which a gas circulates within the tank powered by a pump powered and as the gas traverses from the high pressure refuel depot to the storage tank, the circulating gas absorbs the refueling heat and carries the heat to a cooling system having a supplemental heat exchange device before the gas is introduced into the tank. The apparatus may be operated in reverse to transfer heat from a source to the tank interior to provide more complete exhaustion of the tank during vehicle operation.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid flow control system. This cryogenic fluid flow control system utilizes a first element forming a fluid inlet channel and an outlet passage that can be selectively blocked off by a second element that can move relative to the first element by an effect due to the difference in expansion coefficients between the materials of the first and second elements. The outlet passage utilizes a part extending transversely relative to the inlet channel and emerging on the periphery of an end part of the first element, the second element being placed at least partly around said end part.

Abstract: An NMR apparatus comprising a superconducting magnet coil system, in particular, an NMR spectrometer, with a cryostat which comprises an outer shell and a helium tank which contains the magnet coil system, and with an NMR probe head which is disposed in a room temperature bore of the cryostat and which contains a cooled RF resonator for receiving NMR signals from a sample to be examined and is cooled, together with the NMR probe head, by a cold head of a common, multi-stage, compressor-operated refrigerator, is characterized in that the cold head of the refrigerator is disposed in a neck tube, the upper end of which is connected to the outer shell of the cryostat and the lower end of which is connected to the helium tank in such a manner that the neck tube and the helium tank delimit a helium space, with at least one cooling circuit with thermally insulated transfer lines being provided between the helium space and the NMR probe head, wherein the cryogenic helium in the helium space is used as coolant for the

Abstract: A detector, in particular an IR detector in the seeker head of a guided missile, is cooled with expanding gas generated by depressurizing a pressurized fluid. A mixture which forms a positive azeotrope, including argon or nitrogen as a main component and at least one alkane as a secondary component, is expanded as the fluid. The composition is preferably in the region of a eutectic mixture in order to avoid a component freezing adjacent to the expansion nozzle. This makes it possible to considerably extend the life of the cooler in comparison to that when using pure cooling gases such as nitrogen or argon, and to cool the detector down more quickly, subject to the same constraints.

Abstract: A synthesis plant (309A) includes a compression device (360A) that increases a pressure differential between the bottom product pressure of a cryogenic separator (340A) and the delivery pressure of the bottom product to a downstream plant component. Such increased pressure differential is employed to increase cooling in the separator (340A) to thereby significantly reduce the volume of excess air. In most preferred aspects, at least part of the energy required for the compression device is provided by expansion (320A) of the separator feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods utilizing cryogenic cooling in an angioplasty balloon catheter for treatment of arterial stenosis and prevention of restenosis. More particularly, the present invention relates to an angioplasty balloon catheter utilizing expansion of compressed gas to effect Joule-Thomson cooling of an angioplasty balloon, and optionally further incorporating external temperature sensors utilizable to identify a locus for treatment of arterial stenosis. The present invention further relates to angioplasty treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryogenic angioplasty methods for treating arterial stenosis and discouraging restenosis.

Abstract: A closed loop cryosurgical system utilizing a plurality of cryoprobes to perform a cryosurgical treatment. The cryoprobes individually connect to a manifold portion of the cryosurgical system with a quick-connect coupling. Each cryoprobe includes a flexible conduit portion that is vacuum insulated leaving a freeze length of a probe end portion exposed on which ice ball formation may occur. The insulation space may be evacuated through an insulation channel by one or more of a getter chamber located within the cryostat, a vacuum pump located within the console, or by activation of one of the console compressors to pull the gases out of the insulation space prior to introduction of refrigerant into the circuit. The fluid pathways through which refrigerant travels through the console, cryostat, couplers, and cryoprobes can also be evacuated prior to a cryosurgical procedure.

Abstract: A cryostat (1) with a first helium tank (4) which contains helium at an operating temperature T1<3K, and a second helium tank (2) which is connected to the first helium tank (4) and contains liquid helium at an operating temperature T2>3K, wherein a cooling means (6) is provided in the first helium tank (4) which generates an operating temperature T1<3K in the first helium tank (4), wherein the cooling means (6) is designed as a Joule-Thomson valve with downstream heat exchanger from which pumped helium is transported to a room temperature region outside of the cryostat (1) is characterized in that a refrigerator (11) is provided whose cold end (19) projects into the second helium tank (2) and the supplied helium is returned during normal operation in a closed loop along the refrigerator (11) and into the second helium tank (2), thereby being pre-cooled and liquefied at the cold end (19) of the refrigerator (11).

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a compressor for generating compressed air that is delivered to Joule-Thomson orifice with the compressed air flowing therethrough becoming refrigerant air sent through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is defined by triangular tubes arranged in a spaced-apart relationship to define flow paths therebetween so that ambient air moving through the flow paths of the heat exchanger is cooled.

Abstract: A gas-expansion cooler assembly has an expansion structure with an expansion orifice and an expansion reservoir in fluid-flow communication with an expansion-orifice outlet. A heat exchanger has a heat-exchanger inlet, and a heat-exchanger outlet in fluid-flow communication with the expansion-orifice inlet. The heat exchanger includes at least two heat-exchanger plates stacked in a facing relationship along an assembly axis. Each heat-exchanger plate includes an in-plane channel lying substantially in a plane perpendicular to the assembly axis. The in-plane channels of the adjacent heat-exchanger plates are in fluid-flow communication with each other and with the expansion-orifice inlet to form a continuous high-pressure fluid-flow path from the heat-exchanger inlet to the expansion-orifice inlet. The heat exchanger further includes an axial channel extending parallel to the assembly axis.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing ammonia from syngas with excess air for reforming and nitrogen removal with low pressure losses is disclosed. Auto-refrigeration for cooling the syngas for cryogenic hydrogen enrichment is provided by expansion of a hydrogen-lean waste fluid stream from a distillation column.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system includes an expansion nozzle having a high-pressure nozzle inlet and a low-pressure nozzle outlet, and a compressor having a compression device, such as a pair of opposing pistons, operable to compress gas within a compression volume. The compression volume has an inlet port and an outlet port. A flapper inlet valve has an inlet valve inlet, and an inlet valve outlet in gaseous communication with the inlet port of the compression volume. The inlet valve opens when a gaseous pressure at the inlet valve inlet is sufficiently greater than a gaseous pressure in the compression volume to overcome a spring force of the flapper inlet valve. A flapper outlet valve has an outlet valve inlet in gaseous communication with the outlet port of the compression volume, and an outlet valve outlet in gaseous communication with the nozzle inlet.

Abstract: Described is a process and a device for liquefying hydrogen, whereby the hydrogen to be liquefied is liquefied against one or more refrigerant (mixture) circuits and/or by means of expansion and is guided over at least one ortho-para conversion catalyst. According to the invention, the ortho-para conversion catalyst or at least one of the ortho-para conversion catalysts (K) can be bypassed. Furthermore, during the liquefaction process an exchange (7, 8) can take place between the hydrogen fraction (3), flowing (2, 4) through the ortho-para conversion catalyst(s) (K), and the hydrogen fraction (3), not flowing through the ortho-para conversion catalyst(s) (K).

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a pressure feeding device, a refrigeration device, a high pressure passage, a low pressure passage, and at least one heat exchanger at the high pressure passage for refrigerating the refrigerant introduced at the high pressure passage by heat exchange, the heat exchanger including an active pressure drop type heat exchanger for declining pressure of the refrigerant at the high pressure passage before being introduced into the refrigeration device. The active pressure drop type heat exchanger declines the pressure of the refrigerant with a ratio equal to or greater than 5 percent out of 100 percent and refrigerates the refrigerant when a pressure difference between a pressure of the refrigerant before being introduced into the active pressure drop type heat exchanger and a pressure of the refrigerant before being introduced into the refrigeration device is defined as 100 percent.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system includes an expansion nozzle having a high-pressure nozzle inlet and a low-pressure nozzle outlet, and a compressor having a compression device, such as a pair of opposing pistons, operable to compress gas within a compression volume. The compression volume has an inlet port and an outlet port. A flapper inlet valve has an inlet valve inlet, and an inlet valve outlet in gaseous communication with the inlet port of the compression volume. The inlet valve opens when a gaseous pressure at the inlet valve inlet is sufficiently greater than a gaseous pressure in the compression volume to overcome a spring force of the flapper inlet valve. A flapper outlet valve has an outlet valve inlet in gaseous communication with the outlet port of the compression volume, and an outlet valve outlet in gaseous communication with the nozzle inlet.

Abstract: The cryogenic refrigeration system of the present invention includes a JT refrigerator and a pre-cooling refrigerator. The JT refrigerator includes a JT valve, which is fully opened during a clog elimination operation, and a first switching valve, which is provided along a low pressure line of a JT circuit and is closed during the clog elimination operation. The cryogenic refrigeration system includes a PL pipe for collecting a helium gas from a helium tank into a buffer tank. The PL pipe includes a second switching valve and a third switching valve, which are opened during the clog elimination operation.

Abstract: The cryogenic refrigeration system of the present invention includes: a shield plate for preventing a radiant heat from entering a superconducting magnet; a helium refrigerator for generating a liquid helium, the helium refrigerator including a pre-cooling refrigerator for pre-cooling a helium gas; and a nitrogen refrigerator for cooling nitrogen in a nitrogen tank; and a controller, whereby when a vehicle is running, a low pressure side compressor and a high pressure side compressor are operated, and the helium refrigerator and the nitrogen refrigerator are operated, whereas when the vehicle is not running, the operation of the pre-cooling refrigerator of the helium refrigerator is stopped while the operation of the nitrogen refrigerator is continued.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a partially decentralized operating control system wherein five defined separate controllers control either one or more than one defined variables.

Abstract: An infrared radiation (IR) detector device that comprises a casing, having an optical window for admitting radiation; a cold shield having a detector mounted therein and having a filter mounted between the optical window and the detector; a cooler tube in coiled configuration, having an inlet in communication with a pressurized gas source and an expansion nozzle located in the vicinity of the detector and a pre-cooling jacket, enclosing the cooler tube and having a gas inlet in the vicinity of the detector and a gas discharge vent to the outside. The cooler tube comprises a first section, beginning at the gas inlet, a second section, terminating at the expansion nozzle, and a communication between the first and second sections. The pre-cooling jacket comprises a first section, housing the first section of the cooler tube, a second section, housing the second section of the cooler tube, and a communication between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus is described which includes a throttling valve and an adiabatic chamber having an input and an output, the output connected to an input of the cryostat. With such an arrangement, an improved cooling apparatus is provided with improved efficiency over known Joule-Thompson cooling apparatus.

Abstract: A cryostat arrangement for keeping liquid helium comprising an outer shell (2), a helium container (6) installed therein and a neck pipe (4) extending from the helium container to the outer shell whose upper warm end is connected to the outer shell and whose lower cold end is connected to the helium container, wherein the outer shell, the helium container and the neck pipe define an evacuated space (13) containing a radiation shield (15) surrounding the helium container and being connected at a coupling to the neck pipe in a heat-conducting fashion, wherein a refrigerator is installed in the neck pipe having a cold finger (5a) which consists of at least one pipe and projects into the neck pipe, is characterized in that at least one pipe of the cold finger is surrounded by at least one separating body (3a) which divides the neck pipe into two partial volumes (8a and 9a) which are connected to one another through a lower opening (10a) and an upper opening (7a).

Abstract: A Stirling cycle cryocooler is disclosed that includes a displacer unit having a cold end and a hot end. The displacer unit includes a cold cylinder housing and a displacer liner disposed on the inner surface of the housing. A displacer assembly lies within the displacer liner and is slidable with respect to the lengthwise axis of the housing. The displacer unit also includes a regenerator unit. A heat acceptor is affixed to the cold end of the displacer unit. The heat acceptor transfers heat from a device such as a High Temperature Superconducting Filter to a gas such as helium located within the displacer unit. The heat acceptor preferably includes a radial component and an annular component. The heat acceptor advantageously decreases the heat transfer resistance between the heat acceptor and the helium gas. The Stirling cycle cryocooler is thus able to operate with reduced input power to achieve a desired lift level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing polarized high-pressure vapor-phase helium-3, particularly for NMR imaging. The apparatus comprises a means for injecting helium-3 or a mixture of isotopes into an optical pumping cell (2), a means for liquefying the polarized gas from the optical pumping cell (2) and a tank (4) for storing the polarized liquid-phase helium-3, characterized in that the storage tank (4) is cooled to a temperature that may be set between a storage temperature Ta and an evaporation temperature Te, and communicates alternately with the optical pumping cell (2) and a high-pressure helium-3 gas discharge duct.

Abstract: Apparatus for liquefying natural gas supplied from a source comprising a compressor for compressing the natural gas. A chiller reduces the temperature of the compressed gas, a heat exchanger for further cooling the cooled compressed gas. A Joule-Thompson valve is provided having an inlet and an orifice in communication with the inlet and the dewar for changing the size of the orifice. A pipe is connected from the heat exchanger to the Joule-Thompson valve and supplies cooled compressed gas to the inlet of the Joule-Thompson valve. The inlet of the Joule-Thompson valve has an inlet pressure. The dewar has a pressure therein substantially less than the pressure in the inlet whereby when the cooled compressed gas from the inlet piping passes through the Joule-Thompson valve there is an expansion of the gas to provide further cooling and liquefaction of a substantial portion of the gas as it passes into the dewar.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying and storing a gas is provided. The apparatus is adapted to liquify relatively small quantities of gas, and to do so in a residence or place of business. The apparatus generally includes a cryocooler, a heat transfer assembly, and an insulated subsystem. Liquid condensate produced by the apparatus is stored in an insulated dewar. The method of the present invention includes the liquification of air or an enriched gas on a small scale in a residence or place of business. The method and apparatus of the invention are particularly well suited for providing liquified oxygen for use by a patient on oxygen therapy in the patient's residence.

Abstract: The Joule-Thomson cooler comprises a low-pressure circuit (2) in a spiral, flat, cylindrical or conical shape, formed in a block (1) of insulating material, and a high-pressure circuit comprising at least one, typically two, branches (4a, 4b) communicating with a central expansion orifice (6) , each branch itself being wound into a helical spiral, the two branches being produced in the form of cylindrical spirals of opposite hand so that they can nestle together in the duct (2) . The cooler is particularly applicable to photodetector devices with infrared-sensitive elements (9).