The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 19, 2008
Filed:
Jun. 27, 2005
Apparatus and method for controlling a cryocooler by adjusting cooler gas flow oscillating frequency
Edwin L. Legall, Menomonee Falls, WI (US);
Longzhi Jiang, Florence, SC (US);
Roy A. Mangano, Florence, SC (US);
Mark Derakhshan, Brookfield, WI (US);
Edwin L. Legall, Menomonee Falls, WI (US);
Longzhi Jiang, Florence, SC (US);
Roy A. Mangano, Florence, SC (US);
Mark Derakhshan, Brookfield, WI (US);
Other;
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a variable cooling capacity cryocooler for a superconducting magnetic resonance imaging device having a liquid cryogen pressure vessel to provide cryogenic temperatures to a magnet assembly, a vacuum vessel surrounding the pressure vessel and a radiation shield spaced from the cryogen pressure vessel, and a pressure sensor positioned inside the cryogen pressure vessel pressure boundary for sensing pressure variations. A controller for varying the heat removal rate of the cryocooler based on the pressure variations in the cryogen pressure vessel and where the cooling capacity of the cryocooler is adjusted by modifying the speed of the electric power drive (DC or AC motors) or by changing the mechanical transmission ratio between the constant speed electric power drive and the cryocooler displacer/piston to adjust the cooler oscillating frequency of the gas flow. The invention can be adapted to magnets or non magnets systems using Stirling, Gifford-McMahon ('GM') and Pulse Tube ('PT') cooler systems. The system will extend component end of life and provide a controllable constant pressure improving image quality for superconducting MRI magnets.