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AssigneeFLIR Systems, Inc.
InventorsUri Bin-Nun, Jose Pascual Sanchez, Xiaoyan Lei, Usha Virk
Estimating the term…
The invention is directed to an improved cryogenic cooler with an expander where the regenerator matrix is decoupled from the displacer or piston, thereby allowing the design of each to be optimized substantially independently. The regenerator matrix is preferably positioned spaced apart from the displacer and can be designed to enhance thermal exchanges and flow rates of the working gas. In one embodiment, the regenerator matrix has a serpentine shape or U-shape disposed around the displacer and the cold finger. Preferably, the regenerator matrix is static. The thermal lengths of the cold finger and/or the displacer can be extended by minimizing their geometrical lengths. Additionally, the structural integrity or stiffness of the cold finger and/or displacer can be strengthened.
An expander for a cooler comprising an outer cylinder with displacer disposed therein for reciprocal motion relative to the outer cylinder, wherein an expansion space to expand a working fluid is defined at a distal end of the expander between the outer cylinder and the displacer, said expander further comprising a regenerator matrix disposed spaced apart from the displacer and static relative to the outer cylinder.
The expander of claim further comprising an end cap located at the distal end of the outer cylinder to conduct working fluid to the expansion space.
The expander of claim 14, wherein the stiffener is positioned at the distal end of the expander.
An expander for a cooler comprising an outer cylinder with displacer disposed therein for reciprocal motion relative to the outer cylinder, wherein an expansion space to expand a working fluid is defined at a distal end of the expander between the outer cylinder and the displacer, wherein the outer cylinder or the displacer comprises a plurality of concentric tubes selectively connected to form a heat conduction flow path longer than the outer cylinder's length along a direction of the reciprocal motion of the displacer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.