Defrosting tool for cryostat cold head interface
OwnerSteven D. Schnurerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Defrosting tool for maintaining the temporarily exposed cold head interface of a cryostat in frost-free condition. A plurality of electrically heated heat exchange surfaces of the tool simultaneously contacts a like plurality of cold head interface surfaces to vaporize frost formed on the latter. The tool further provides a passage for venting the vaporized frost to the surrounding environment.
Claims8
A tool for defrosting and maintaining the cold head interface of a cryostat in frost-free condition during temporary exposure of said interface to the external environment upon removal of said cryostat said tool comprising:
- at least one heat station including a first heat exchange surface oriented to make thermally conductive contact with an oppositely facing first surface of said cold head interface when said tool is in its operative position in said cryostat;
- means for electrically heating said heat exchange surface;
- temperature responsive means for controlling the operation of said heating means;
- whereby frost formed on said interface surface after removal of said cryostat is vaporized through contact with said heated heat exchange surface;
- and
- a passage to said external environment for the vaporized frost.
A tool for defrosting first and second interior interface surfaces of a cryostat cavity normally occupied by a removable cold head and for maintaining said interface surfaces in a frost-free condition, said cavity including at least a first chamber open at opposite ends, and a second chamber extending from an interior shoulder of said first chamber and being closed at its far end, said first and second interface surfaces being located at said shoulder of said first chamber and at said far end of said second chamber respectively;
- said tool comprising:
- first and second stages mutually aligned in fixed spatial relationship and shaped to permit entry thereof into said first and second chambers respectively, each of said stages terminating in a heat station, said heat stations including first and second heat exchange surfaces each capable of making thermally conductive contact with a corresponding, oppositely facing interface surface of said cavity when said tool is in its operative position therein after removal of said cold head;
- and
- means carried by said tool for heating said first and second heat exchange surfaces;
- whereby frost formed on said first and second interface surfaces upon removal of said cold head is vaporized by contact with said heated heat exchange surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.