Patent ID: 6021845
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: F25D,G01N

Abstract:
A heating/cooling interface for operating in a wide temperature range including cryogenic temperatures, comprising:a variable conductance element having a thermal conductivity that varies inversely with a change in temperature, and a first end and a second end, said ends being spaced apart along a longitudinal axis;a first thermal interface element contacting said conductance element at said first end for heat transfer between said conductance element and said first thermal interface element, and for connecting to a cold head of a cryocooler system for heat transfer;a second thermal interface element contacting said conductance element at said second end for heat transfer between said conductance element and said second thermal interface element, and for thermal connection to a sample delivery tube of a gas chromatograph;means for applying thermal energy to said second thermal interface element;said sample delivery tube being subject to controllable heating and cooling when said interface is connected to said cold head and said means for applying thermal energy operates,wherein said thermal interface elements apply pressure respectively on a surface of said conductance element to improve thermal conduction between said conductance element and said thermal interface elements, said pressure acting transversely to said longitudinal axis.