Pneumatic drive cryocooler
US11732931B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2321/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A Gifford-McMahon cryogenic refrigerator comprises a reciprocating displacer within a refrigeration volume. The displacer is pneumatically driven by a drive piston within a pneumatic drive volume. Pressure in the pneumatic drive volume is controlled by valving that causes the drive piston to follow a programmed displacement profile through stroke of the drive piston. The drive valving may include a proportional valve that provides continuously variable supply and exhaust of drive fluid. In a proportionally controlled feedback system, the valve into the drive volume is controlled to minimize error between a displacement signal and a programmed displacement profile. Valving to the warm end of the refrigeration volume may also be proportional. A passive force generator such as a mechanical spring or magnets may apply force to the piston in opposition to the driving force applied by the drive fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.