Patent ID: 6378313
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: F25B,F25D,F28F

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a Stirling cooler having a hot portion and a cold portion; a fluid heat exchanger disposed adjacent said cold portion of said Stirling cooler and in heat exchange relationship therewith; a fluid reservoir for containing a heat transfer fluid, said fluid reservoir being connected to said fluid heat exchanger for fluid communication therewith; a pump operative to circulate said heat transfer fluid from said fluid reservoir through said fluid heat exchanger and back; an inner flexible annular sleeve for containing said heat transfer fluid and for receiving a container therein in heat exchange relationship therewith, said sleeve being connected to said fluid reservoir for fluid communication therewith; a pump operative to circulate said heat transfer liquid in said fluid reservoir through said inner sleeve and back; an annular outer inflatable sleeve disposed about said inner sleeve, such that when said outer sleeve is inflated, said inner sleeve is pressed into contact with a container received therein and when said outer sleeve is not inflated, said container can be removed from said inner sleeve; and a pump operatively associated with said outer sleeve to selectively inflate said outer sleeve.