Patent ID: 6438966
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: F25B,F25D,H01F

Abstract:
A sleeve assembly for receiving a cryocooler having a cooling element and a tapered cooling probe which comprises:a heat transfer cylinder; a heat transfer receptacle formed with a recess; a midsection interconnecting said heat transfer cylinder with said heat transfer receptacle to define a passageway therebetween; a means for moving said cryocooler relative to said sleeve assembly between a first configuration wherein said sleeve assembly is engaged with said cryocooler, with said tapered cooling probe urged against said heat transfer receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween and with said cooling element of said cryocooler positioned in said heat transfer cylinder to establish thermal communication therebetween to set a temperature for said sleeve assembly, and a second configuration wherein said cryocooler is disengaged from said sleeve assembly; and a means for interconnecting said heat transfer cylinder with said cryocooler to create an enclosed space between said cryocooler and said sleeve assembly for effectuating thermal insulation therebetween to maintain said sleeve assembly at substantially said temperature when said sleeve assembly is in said second configuration.