Patents by Inventor Curtis A. Trimble

Curtis A. Trimble has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Ultra-high temperature stability Joule-Thomson cooler with capability to accommodate pressure variations
    Patent number: 5119637
    Abstract: A Joule-Thomson cryogenic refrigeration system capable of achieving high temperature stabilities in the presence of varying temperature, atmospheric pressure, and heat load is provided. The Joule-Thomson cryogenic refrigeration system includes a demand-flow Joule-Thomson expansion valve disposed in a cryostat of the refrigeration system. The expansion valve has an adjustable orifice that controls the flow of compressed gas therethrough and induces cooling and partial liquefaction of the gas. A recuperative heat exchanger is disposed in the cryostat and coupled to the expansion valve. A thermostatically self-regulating mechanism is disposed in the cryostat and coupled to the J-T expansion valve. The thermostatically self-regulating mechanism automatically adjusts the cross-sectional area of the adjustable valve orifice in response to environmental temperature changes and changes in power dissipated at a cold head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Steven Bard, Jiunn-Jeng Wu, Curtis A. Trimble