Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system employing a product boiler coupled with a liquid air supply whereby liquid oxygen is effectively vaporized to produce gaseous oxygen product while providing for steady state operation of the cryogenic air separation plant without significant refrigeration loss.

Abstract: A method and device for fractionating pouches of cryoprecipitable material including a membrane which provides a barrier within an interior of the device with the membrane receiving the pouches of cryoprecipitable material therewithin. The interior of the device includes a sump having a heat transfer fluid stored therein and maintained at a temperature which is to be achieved by the cryoprecipitable material as it cycles between freezing and thawing. The pouch of material, after placement within the membrane, is exposed (through the membrane) to hydrostatic forces associated with the heat transfer fluid in the sump collapsing the membrane on the pouch while pulsating jets impinge indirectly upon the pouch through the membrane. In this way, as the contents within the pouch change temperature, circulation of the fluid within the pouch occurs for more rapid realization of the cycling target temperatures for the cryoprecipitable material within the pouch.

Abstract: A device for cooling a SQUID measuring instrument for measuring biomagnetic or other weak magnetic fields includes a cryostat containing a vacuum in an interior space. At least one superconducting gradiomeer and at least one associated SQUID are disposed in the vacuum. Heat-conducting connections thermally couple the superconducting gradiometer and the associated SQUID to a cryogen supplied from outside the cryostat. A carrier structure supports the SQUID and the gradiometer. The carrier structure has cooling channels through which the cryogen is forced. A cryogen supply unit is situated outside the cryostat and a cryogen transfer line couples the cryogen supply unit to the cooling channels.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for conditioning air utilizing a desiccant based air conditioning system requiring substantially less regeneration energy than typical systems. This regeneration energy reduction is accomplished through the use of two separate desiccant devices and an indirect evaporative cooler having both a wet and dry side for air flow-through. The first desiccant device regeneration air is first passed through the wet side of the indirect evaporative cooler wherein it is humidified and heated. This air is then dehumidified by passing through the second desiccant device which operates at a high moisture content. This results in a substantial amount of moisture being absorbed from the first regeneration air stream causing a substantial air temperature increase and thereby, reducing the auxiliary heat required. The second desiccant device may be regenerated with ambient air.