In-line multistage cryogenic apparatus

Claim 2

In a cryogenic apparatus in which a working fluid is introduced into and discharged from a warm end and in which at least two movable bodies, having heat storage means located internally thereof, define in their motion at least two refrigeration chambers of variable volume, characterized in that each of said movable bodies moves within a separate concentric cylindrical housing which defines a fluid volume, that all of said movable bodies except that body movable within the innermost housing are affixed to the housing defining the next inner volume adjacent to that in which said body moves, that said housings extend to said warm end of said apparatus, that all sealing means isolating said fluid volumes are located near said warm end of said apparatu , and that said movable bodies are mechanically linked whereby movement of said body in said innermost housing moves the other of said movable bodies in a predetermined sequence.

Claim 3

A temperature-staged cryogenic apparatus, comprising in combination a. outer enclosure-defining means having a warm end in which a working fluid is introduced into and discharged from and having a cold refrigeration end; b. at least one inner enclosure-defining means, having a warm end and a cold end, movable within said outer enclosure-defining means, concentric therewith and extendiNg up to said warm end of said outer enclosure-defining means; c. a body movable within each of said enclosure-defining means defining in its motion at least one chamber of variable volume, each of said movable bodies except that one movable within the innermost enclosure-defining means being affixed to the said cold end of the enclosure-defining means defining the next inner volume adjacent to that in which said body moves; d. sealing means located within said warm ends of said enclosure-defining means adapted to make the volumes within each of said enclosure-defining means essentially fluid-tight; e. driving means adapted to move the body within said innermost enclosure-defining means; f. connecting means mechanically linking said movable bodies; and g. a fluid flow path within said apparatus, including heat storage means located within said movable body, providing fluid communication among said chambers.

Claim 4

A temperature-staged cryogenic apparatus, comprising in combination a. outer enclosure-defining means having a warm end in which a working fluid is introduced into and discharged from and having a cold refrigeration end; b. at least one inner enclosure-defining means, having a warm end and a cold end, movable within said outer enclosure-defining means, concentric therewith and extendiNg up to said warm end of said outer enclosure-defining means; c. a body movable within each of said enclosure-defining means defining in its motion at least one chamber of variable volume, each of said movable bodies except that one movable within the innermost enclosure-defining means being affixed to the said cold end of the enclosure-defining means defining the next inner volume adjacent to that in which said body moves; d. sealing means located within said warm ends of said enclosure-defining means adapted to make the volumes within each of said enclosure-defining means essentially fluid-tight; e. driving means adapted to move the body within said innermost enclosure-defining means; f. connecting means mechanically linking said movable bodies; and g. a fluid flow path within said apparatus, including heat storage means located within said movable body, providing fluid communication among said chambers.

Claim 5

A cryogenic apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said movable body within the innermost enclosure-defining means defines two chambers of variable volume, one of which is located in said warm end of said innermost enclosure-defining means.

Claim 6

A cryogenic apparatus in accordance with claim 3 including means to deliver high-pressure fluid to said one of said chambers located in said warm end of said innermost enclosure-defining means.

Claim 7

A cryogenic apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means to deliver high-pressure fluid is mechanically linked to said driving means.

Claim 8

A cryogenic apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said connecting means comprises a flanged rod member affixed to each of the driven movable bodies and means associated with each of the driving movable bodies adapted to engage said flanged rod member at a predetermined point in its motion.

Claim 9

An apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said connecting means comprises spring means.