Abstract: A nozzle and process are set forth for contacting a cryogenic liquid and a gas, and discharging the resulting fluid through the nozzle. In one embodiment, the ratio of the discharged fluid's liquid component to its gaseous component is controlled as a function of the gas pressure.

Abstract: A gas injector including in which a gas is passed through high-voltage/low-current electrical discharges before being discharged into the chamber of a thermal treatment furnace. The electrical activation of the gas accelerates desirable reactions between the gas, gases in the furnace chamber, and the chamber workload. Preferably, a hot electrode is electrically charged and the other parts of the gas injector and the furnace are grounded. Also provided is a method for activating an atmosphere within the reaction chamber of a controlled-atmosphere reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and/or controlling cryogenic cooling by measuring the opacity of the vapor cloud (113) generated from a cryogenic cooling device (112). The opacity is determined by measuring the reduction in intensity of a light beam (127) passed through the vapor cloud (113). The opacity measurements are used to control an operating parameter of the system, such as the cooling rate of the cryogenic cooling device (112). The opacity measurements may be normalized to compensate for variables, other than temperature of the workpiece (119) and cooling rate, which may affect the opacity of the vapor cloud (113).

Abstract: Apparatus that prevents the buildup of frost or ice on plumbing in a cryogenic delivery system (10) and on cryogenically cold surfaces (14a) exposed to ambient air. The plumbing is sealed within a casing that includes a microporous membrane (14). A purge gas stream is fed into the casing at an effective pressure, causing the purge gas to diffuse through the microporous membrane (14) and prevent frost or ice formation on an exterior surface (14a) of the apparatus or around a cryogenic discharge nozzle (420).

Abstract: A gas injector including in which a gas is passed through high-voltage/low-current electrical discharges before being discharged into the chamber of a thermal treatment furnace. The electrical activation of the gas accelerates desirable reactions between the gas, gases in the furnace chamber, and the chamber workload. Preferably, a hot electrode is electrically charged and the other parts of the gas injector and the furnace are grounded.

Abstract: A nozzle and process are set forth for contacting a cryogenic liquid and a gas, and discharging the resulting fluid through the nozzle. In one embodiment, the ratio of the discharged fluid's liquid component to its gaseous component is controlled as a function of the gas pressure.

Abstract: An automatically actuated line connection and delivery system is disclosed for the delivery of a cryogenic fluid coolant to tools mounted on manufacturing machines such as vertical and horizontal machining centers, punching presses, thermal spray systems, welding systems, laser cutters, etc. The system includes a linearly-actuated, cryogenic fluid socket/plunger connection “(20)” with a differential, thermal contraction-controlled sealing mechanism, “(22,24)” as well as provisions for installing this connection on automated manufacturing machines “(60,84)” and integrating operation of the connection “(20)” with the manufacturing cycle controlled from a remote control panel “(70)”.

Abstract: An automatically actuated line connection and delivery system is disclosed for the delivery of a cryogenic fluid coolant to tools mounted on manufacturing machines such as vertical and horizontal machining centers, punching presses, thermal spray systems, welding systems, laser cutters, etc. The system includes a linearly-actuated, cryogenic fluid socket/plunger connection “(20)” with a differential, thermal contraction-controlled sealing mechanism, “(22,24)” as well as provisions for installing this connection on automated manufacturing machines “(60,84)” and integrating operation of the connection “(20)” with the manufacturing cycle controlled from a remote control panel “(70)”.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid distributor for turret machine tools (e.g., lathes) directs a stream of cryogenic fluid from an external, pressurized cryogen source to a working position of a machine tool to prevent overheating of the tool. Designed for easy retrofitting and synchronizing with multi-tool turret machines, the distributor allows for a “dual-fluid” machining capability combining a cryogenic fluid and a conventional cutting fluid (flowing via a conventional coolant system built into a given machine tool). Made of low thermal-mass, insulating polymer and metallic parts, the distributor utilizes the different thermal contraction coefficients of the parts to establish cryogenic sealing connections, which eliminates undesired turret plate cooling and assures rapid cryogen flow start-up.