Patent · US Expired

Cryogenic cooling system

US5417073A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
4References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 16, 1993
Grant dateMay 23, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 16, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S505/892
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A Cryogenic Cooling System generally comprises a portable Dewar and a charging station for the Dewar. In the preferred embodiment, a HTSC device, such as a MRI coil, is contained in the Dewar which uses liquid nitrogen as a cryogenic coolant. The Dewar includes a reservoir for holding cryogenic fluid, an optional wicking material, a transfer tube between the reservoir and the HTSC device (or wick), and a vacuum space. Preferably a vent channel is adjacent the reservoir and provides an escape path for evaporating gas from the wick and/or HTSC device. The vent channel preferably provides a feed-back system: as more cryogenic coolant is transferred via the transfer tube, more cool gas is vented through the channel which cools the reservoir and thereby reduces the transfer. A charging system may also be provided as a source of cryogenic coolant. In the preferred embodiment, the charging system comprises a relatively large reservoir for liquid nitrogen.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.