Patent ID: 6112530
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: F17C,F25D

Abstract:
A non-linear thermal coupling to connect a heat load to a powered cooler, said coupling comprising:(a) first and second thermal transfer elements, said first thermal transfer element being thermally connected to said heat load and said second thermal transfer element being thermally connected to said powered cooler;(b) said first and second thermal transfer elements being physically separated by a first gap when said first and second thermal transfer elements are at a relatively high temperature, and said first and second thermal transfer elements being in mutual physical contact when said first and second thermal transfer elements are at a relatively low temperature so as to thermally connect said heat load and said powered cooler;(c) said first and second thermal transfer elements being placed in said mutual physical contact by thermal contraction of said second thermal transfer element; and(d) wherein: a portion of said second thermal transfer element encircles said first thermal transfer element and contraction of said portion of said second thermal transfer element, as said first and second thermal transfer elements are cooled, causes said first and second thermal transfer elements to be placed in said mutual physical contact.