IDCA for fast cooldown and extended operating time
US9328943B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2339/02
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for integrated detector cooler assemblies (IDCAs) and multi-circuit cryostats are discussed herein. Solutions include using cryostats with multiple cooling circuits. Some cryostat variations may include a rapid cooldown circuit and a temperature maintenance circuit. In some cases, the temperature maintenance circuit may be a closed-loop circuit run by a compressor instead of an open-loop circuit run on a pressurized gas bottle/cartridge. Variations of a cryostat may also include a gas expander portion that replaces the coldfinger of typical IDCAs. Further variations of cooling circuits may include circuits that perform reverse-flow heat exchange to pre-cool incoming refrigerant and also cooling circuits that have heat bridges disposed thereon to assist in such heat exchange.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.