Abstract:
A regenerative heat pump includes a main compartment divided into three chambers by two reciprocable displacers. Gas in the main compartment is heated. A drive mechanism is driven by a start-up motor and is connected to the displacers to reciprocate those displacers. A flow path interconnects the chambers and exchanges heat with a heat exchanger. A secondary compartment contains a piston and communicates with the main compartment so that gas from the main compartment drives the piston. The piston is connected to the drive mechanism so that when the heat pump reaches a steady state, the start up motor can be shut-off, whereupon the piston reciprocates the displacers.
Abstract:
Apparatus to provide a flexible thermal link between a laser diode mounting structure and a cold finger of a helium refrigerator. The thermal link employs a heat transfer means which substantially reduces vibration experienced by a laser mount in the several directions of motion, reduces thermally caused stresses from large temperature variations, and provides good thermal conductivity between the helium refrigerator and the mounting structure.
Abstract:
A cryogenic refrigerator is disclosed having a displacer with a regenerator therein. The regenerator opens at one end to a warm volume and at the other end to a cold volume. The opening at the cold volume includes an end hole and a plurality of radial holes. The radial holes serve as secondary passageways should the end hole become blocked with contaminants. The life of the cryogenic refrigerator is thereby greatly enchanced.
Abstract:
It comprises a first cylinder (102), a displacement piston (104) sliding in the first cylinder (102), a conduit in which a thermal regenerator is included, a second cylinder (202), a second displacement piston (204) sliding in the second cylinder (202), means for displacing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in phase relation. A gas bearing (104a) is provided at the hot end of the first piston (104) and a gas bearing (104b) is provided at the intermediate temperature end of the first piston. A gas bearing (204b) is also provided at the intermediate temperature end of the second piston (204) and a gas bearing (204a) is provided at the cold end of the second piston (204).
Abstract:
Pressure swing adsorption separation of a gas mixture containing a more readily adsorbed component and a less readily adsorbed component is performed within an apparatus containing an adsorbent bed with cyclically varied geometry, such that the bed volume can be expanded or contracted. Variable volume displacement means at either end of a flow path through the adsorbent bed are operated cyclically to generate flow of a gas mixture along the flow path, in a first direction when the more readily adsorbed component is preferentially adsorbed during the high pressure portion of the cycle while the bed volume is relatively contracted, and in a second reverse direction during the low pressure portion of the cycle while the bed volume is relatively expanded. The apparatus separates the gas mixture and also converts thermal energy by a thermodynamic cycle, such that heat and the more readily adsorbed component are transported in the second direction, while the less readily adsorbed component is transported in the first direction. Adsorbent bed volume is contracted while pressure is rising, and expanded while pressure is reducing, thus minimizing flow along the flow path except when the more readily adsorbed component is maximally or minimally adsorbed, and consequently improving performance of the pressure swing adsorption cycle.
Abstract:
A random access memory array of binary elements each having an electrostatically attractable member moveable with respect to a stator member between positional states representative of first and second binary digits. Which positional state an element is in is ascertainable by further movement capability of only those elements which are in the state representative of the second binary digit.
Abstract:
A heat pump has a hot displacer and a cold displacer disposed opposite to each other in a state wherein the two displacers are guided by two guide projections so as to form two gas springs, respectively, and the two displacers continue to move reciprocally due to change of pressure of working gas without any outer mechanical driving force.
Abstract:
In a refrigeration system such as a split Stirling system, fluid seals associated with the reciprocating displacer are virtually dragless clearance seals. Movement of the displacer relative to the pressure variations in the working volume of gas is retarded by a discrete braking element. Because it is not necessary that the brake providing any sealing action, the brake can be designed for greater durability and less dependence on ambient and operating temperatures. Similarly, the clearance seal can be formed of elements having low thermal expansion such that the seal is not temperature dependent. In the primary embodiments the braking element is a split friction brake.
Abstract:
A split Stirling refrigerator includes a pneumatically driven displacer, the displacer is driven substantially through an entire stroke by the pressure differential across a piston element extending from the displacer. A small linear trimming motor is provided to assure proper phasing of the displacer movement with the refrigerator pressure wave, to prevent overstroke, and to assure complete stroke of the displacer.
Abstract:
A Malone-type final stage for utilization in a Stirling cycle cryogenic cooler apparatus includes a displacer slidable within a vessel. .sup.4 He, .sup.3 He, or a mixture thereof is made to flow in a pulsating unidirectional manner through a regenerator in the displacer by utilization of check valves in separate fluid channels. Stacked copper screen members extend through the channels and through a second static thermodynamic medium within the displacer to provide efficient lateral heat exchange and enable cooling to temperatures in the range of 3-4 K. Another embodiment utilizes sintered copper particles in the regenerator. Also described is a final stage that has a non-thermally conducting displacer having passages with check valves for directing fluid past a regenerator formed in the surrounding vessel.