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: 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: A compact cryocooler includes a gas compression piston (304) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas displacing piston (362) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a second longitudinal axis (366). The first longitudinal axis (308) and second longitudinal axis (366) are substantially orthogonal. A rotary motor (302) rotates a rotor (324) and associated motor shaft (320) about a motor rotation axis (328) disposed substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). Motor shaft (320) first and second mounting features (336, 340) traverse first and second eccentric paths around the motor rotation axis. A first drive coupling couples the first mounting feature (336) with the gas compression piston (304) and delivers a reciprocal linear translation along the first longitudinal axis (308) thereto.

Abstract: An integrated sensor assembly (10) includes a gas compression unit (104) having a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas expansion unit (112) having a second longitudinal axis (366) and the gas expansion unit is disposed with its second longitudinal axis orthogonal to the gas compression unit first longitudinal axis (308). A rotary motor (302) includes a rotor (324) supported for rotation with respect to a motor rotation axis (328) and the sensor assembly configuration is folded to orient the motor rotation axis substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). A motor shaft (320) extending from the rotor includes a first and second mounting features (336, 340) disposed substantially parallel with and radially offset from the motor rotation axis (328). A first drive coupling couples between the first mounting feature (336) and a gas compression piston (304) and drives the piston (304) with a reciprocal linear translation directed along the first longitudinal axis (308).

Abstract: A compact cryocooler includes a gas compression piston (304) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas displacing piston (362) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a second longitudinal axis (366). The first longitudinal axis (308) and second longitudinal axis (366) are substantially orthogonal. A rotary motor (302) rotates a rotor (324) and associated motor shaft (320) about a motor rotation axis (328) disposed substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). Motor shaft (320) first and second mounting features (336, 340) traverse first and second eccentric paths around the motor rotation axis. A first drive coupling couples the first mounting feature (336) with the gas compression piston (304) and delivers a reciprocal linear translation along the first longitudinal axis (308) thereto.

Abstract: An integrated sensor assembly (10) includes a gas compression unit (104) having a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas expansion unit (112) having a second longitudinal axis (366) and the gas expansion unit is disposed with its second longitudinal axis orthogonal to the gas compression unit first longitudinal axis (308). A rotary motor (302) includes a rotor (324) supported for rotation with respect to a motor rotation axis (328) and the sensor assembly configuration is folded to orient the motor rotation axis substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). A motor shaft (320) extending from the rotor includes a first and second mounting features (336, 340) disposed substantially parallel with and radially offset from the motor rotation axis (328). A first drive coupling couples between the first mounting feature (336) and a gas compression piston (304) and drives the piston (304) with a reciprocal linear translation directed along the first longitudinal axis (308).