Abstract: A superconducting article includes a substrate and a superconducting metal oxide film formed on the substrate. The metal oxide film including ions of an alkali metal, ions of a transition metal, and ions of an alkaline earth metal or a rare earth metal. For instance, the metal oxide film can include Rb ions, La ions, and Cu ions. The superconducting metal oxide film can have a critical temperature for onset of superconductivity of greater than 250 K, e.g., greater than room temperature.

Abstract: The internal operational state of wellhead equipment and downhole activity can be monitored with a sensor device mounted or mountable on the wellhead equipment. The sensor can include more than one vibration sensor, a sensor communications device, and a processor. The vibration sensor generates sensor signals in response to vibrations of the wellhead equipment caused by changes in the internal operating state of the wellhead equipment or downhole activity. The processor generates sensor data based on the generated electronic sensor signals. The sensor communication device transmits an electronic data signal for the sensor data via a communications network to a user device, which may be located remotely from the wellhead equipment. The user device can output a report including an audible or visible representation of the transmitted sensor data. In some embodiments, the sensor device can be retrofit to existing equipment and systems.

Abstract: A low vibration cryostat includes a cryocooler with a cold head having a flange and a cooling body extending from the flange. A housing is coupled to the cold head, with the housing having an opening receiving at least a portion of the cooling body. A first bellows extends between the housing and the flange to mitigate the transfer of vibrational forces between the housing and the flange. The first bellows, the flange, and the housing collectively define a first chamber. A force balancing assembly containing a second bellows is coupled to the housing and includes a second chamber spaced from the first chamber. The two chambers are arranged to create a net zero force on the cold head when the pressure in the bellows changes. A viscous damping assembly mitigates bouncing of the cold head on support springs.

Abstract: The internal operational state of wellhead equipment and downhole activity can be monitored with a sensor device mounted or mountable on the wellhead equipment. The sensor can include more than one vibration sensor, a sensor communications device, and a processor. The vibration sensor generates sensor signals in response to vibrations of the wellhead equipment caused by changes in the internal operating state of the wellhead equipment or downhole activity. The processor generates sensor data based on the generated electronic sensor signals. The sensor communication device transmits an electronic data signal for the sensor data via a communications network to a user device, which may be located remotely from the wellhead equipment. The user device can output a report including an audible or visible representation of the transmitted sensor data. In some embodiments, the sensor device can be retrofit to existing equipment and systems.

Abstract: A cryostat apparatus including a cooler configured to cool a cryogenic fluid. The cooler includes a cooler chamber disposed about a cooler axis. A magnet assembly is in thermodynamic communication with the cooler and is disposed about a magnet axis offset from the cooler axis. The magnet assembly includes a magnet housing and first and second annular magnet coils disposed about the magnet axis within the magnet housing. A viewing chamber is at least partially located between the first and second magnet coils, such that the magnet axis and a viewing axis perpendicular to the magnet axis both pass through the viewing chamber, with the viewing axis extending between the first and second magnet coils. The first annular magnet coil includes a first conical surface disposed about the magnetic axis and having minimum and maximum peripheries, the minimum periphery being disposed adjacent the viewing chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for purifying a process gas mixture, such as a cryogen gas, in which impurity components of the mixture are removed by de-sublimation via cryo-condensation. The gas mixture is cooled to a temperature well below the condensation temperature of the impurities, by direct exchange of the gas mixture with a cooling source disposed in a first region of the device. The de-sublimated or frozen impurities collect about the cooling region surfaces, and ultimately transferred to a portion of the device defining an impurities storage region. The output-purified gas is transferred from the impurities storage region, is optionally passed through a first micrometer sized filter, through a counter-flow heat exchanger, and ultimately up to an output port at room temperature. A method of purging the collected impurities and regenerating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cryocooler-based gas scrubber, or cryocooler-based gas purifier, utilizes the cooling power of a cryocooler to cool and condense cryogen gas forming coalesced impurities which are then filtered through a filter matrix, such as for example a fiberglass filter matrix. The scrubber may further comprise a counter-flow heat exchanger for warming the purified gas prior to dispensing at an outlet for storage or consumption.

Abstract: A liquefier includes a Dewar having a storage portion and a neck portion extending therefrom. A hermetically isolated liquefaction chamber is disposed within the neck of the Dewar. One or more control components including a temperature and pressure sensor are coupled to a CPU and disposed within the liquefaction chamber for dynamic control of liquefaction conditions. A gas flow control is coupled to the CPU for regulating an input gas flow into the liquefaction chamber. A volume surrounding the liquefaction chamber may be adapted to provide a counter-flow heat exchange. These and other features provide improved liquefaction efficiency among other benefits.

Abstract: A gas-flow cryostat adapted for dynamic temperature regulation using a fluid level sensor; the cryostat further including one or more heaters coupled to various components of the cryostat. As fluid evaporates from a liquid cryogen evaporation reservoir within the cryostat, the fluid level sensor and a feedback control unit are adapted to monitor and dynamically control the level of evaporating cryogen by regulating the heaters. Accordingly, the cryostat is adapted to dynamically control temperature about a specimen region within the cryostat. The cryostat can be used in various applications, including analytical laboratory equipment for measuring various physical properties of samples. Temperature sensors are further incorporated for added control and optimization of the cryostat.

Abstract: A modular architecture for helium compressors is described. In the modular architecture, oil is cooled independently from gas. In one aspect, the oil is cooled subsequent to the gas with a series of water-cooled heat exchangers. In another aspect, the oil is cooled using a water-cooled heat exchanger coupled to a radiator, and the gas is independently cooled using a refrigerant-cooled heat exchanger coupled to a condensing unit.

Abstract: A cryostat for providing temperature regulation, one purpose being measuring physical properties of materials, the cryostat employing a superconducting magnet assembly for generating variable magnetic field in the sample space and a cryogenic cooler for cooling the sample space. The cryogenic cooler chamber configuration provides for efficient heat exchange between different stages of the cryogenic cooler without the need for physical heat links. This construction enables selective delivery of cooling power from the cryogenic cooler to the desired areas within the cryostat without using flexible physical thermal links. A counter flow exchanger and ambient temperature valves facilitate efficient use of the cryogenic cooler stages. The removal of large heat load generated by the superconducting magnet while operating in the sweeping mode is achieved, in part, by employing a solid plate thermal coupling element between the cryogenic cooler chamber and the magnet assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasensitive ratiometric capacitance dilatometer and related methods are described. The dilatometer provides a capacitance measurement based on a ratiometric capacitance, or the capacitance ratio measured between two or more parallel plate capacitors of the dilatometer. In this regard, an absolute capacity bridge is not required, and even more advantageously, the effects of adsorbed gas are greatly reduced compared to conventional dilatometers. The ratiometric capacitance dilatometer provides a symmetrical configuration, which reduces the effects of temperature gradients. Moreover, certain embodiments provide a “v-groove design”, wherein a first parallel plate capacitor forms an angle with a second parallel plate capacitor of the dilatometer along a key centerline of the dilatometer cell, which improves manufacturability due to simpler grinding, metalizing and assembly.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.

Abstract: An ultrasensitive ratiometric capacitance dilatometer and related methods are described. The dilatometer provides a capacitance measurement based on a ratiometric capacitance, or the capacitance ratio measured between two or more parallel plate capacitors of the dilatometer. In this regard, an absolute capacity bridge is not required, and even more advantageously, the effects of adsorbed gas are greatly reduced compared to conventional dilatometers. The ratiometric capacitance dilatometer provides a symmetrical configuration, which reduces the effects of temperature gradients. Moreover, certain embodiments provide a “v-groove design”, wherein a first parallel plate capacitor forms an angle with a second parallel plate capacitor of the dilatometer along a key centerline of the dilatometer cell, which improves manufacturability due to simpler grinding, metalizing and assembly.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.

Abstract: A modular architecture for helium compressors is described.

Abstract: A magnet system for generating a magnetic field may include a superconducting magnet, a switch, and a heater element thermally coupled to the switch. The superconducting magnet is structured to generate magnetic fields, and the switch includes a non-inductive superconducting current carrying path connected in parallel to the superconducting magnet. In general, the switch is structured to only carry a level of current that is a portion of the current required to obtain a full field by the superconducting magnet.

Abstract: A liquefier includes a Dewar having a storage portion and a neck portion extending therefrom. A hermetically isolated liquefaction chamber is disposed within the neck of the Dewar. One or more control components including a temperature and pressure sensor are coupled to a CPU and disposed within the liquefaction chamber for dynamic control of liquefaction conditions. A gas flow control is coupled to the CPU for regulating an input gas flow into the liquefaction chamber. A volume surrounding the liquefaction chamber may be adapted to provide a counter-flow heat exchange. These and other features provide improved liquefaction efficiency among other benefits.

Abstract: A multi-well helium Dewar is provided for recirculating coolant about a cryostat probe; the Dewar includes a first well containing a first coolant reservoir, and a second well containing a second coolant reservoir. A fluid connection extends between the first and second coolant reservoirs. A low impedance conduit further connects a top end of the second well to the first well. In this regard, the Dewar at least partially contains a cryocooler within the first well and a cryostat probe within the second well. Vibrational noise is reduced by the incorporation of soft mounting components for connecting various features. A thermal shield of the Dewar can be thermally connected to isolated components for additional cooling power and increased efficiency during initialization. A second fluid connection may include a valve attached to a counter-flow heat exchanger for efficiently re-condensing excess gas within the Dewar.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for dynamically controlling the inlet and exhaust of refrigeration gas between a cryocooler coldhead and a remote compressor. The valve assembly is optimized to minimize friction, power consumption, and wear while providing complete flexibility as to the timing, duration, and amplitude of its inlet and exhaust actions. The valve assembly comprises two separate open-close sections for the inlet and exhaust functions. These are mounted along a single rod, the position of which is controlled by a linear motor. The two sections are configured so that only one is open at each the rod's travel and neither is open at the midpoint of travel. A microprocessor and appropriate drive circuits precisely control the position of the rod as a function of time, and of displacer position when used with a Gifford-McMahon (G-M) cooler.