Miniature mixed gas refrigeration system
US6151901A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2260/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A miniature mixed gas refrigeration system is disclosed, having a coaxial catheter with an inner high pressure supply lumen and an outer low pressure return lumen. The gas mixture is pressurized by a compressor to a pressure less than 420 psia, for safety reasons. The distal portion of the outer lumen contains a micro-miniature heat exchanger constructed of laminated plates or sheets. The plates or sheets establish high pressure and low pressure passageways, with high surface area, having a tortuous path for the gas flow to maximize heat exchange. The high pressure outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a Joule-Thomson expansion element where the high pressure gas is expanded isenthalpically to a lower temperature at least as low as 180K. This low temperature gas cools a heat transfer element mounted in the outer wall of the catheter, to cool an external object. Return gas flows back through the heat exchanger to pre-cool the incoming high pressure gas mixture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.