US3836779A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cooling apparatus for infrared detectors
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-22
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1991-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A variable temperature dewar in which a heat load is thermally connected to a heat sink by a short heat pipe, the temperature of the load being varied by varying the pressure in the heat pipe to vary the boiling temperature of a cryogenic fluid contained therein, of which the liquid phase is in conductive thermal contact with the load and the gas phase is in conductive thermal contact with the sink.
Inventors
- 👤 R Bruno
- 👤 A Naugler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:20
CPC Classifications
F; F17; F17C; F17C3/00; F17C3/02; F17C3/08; F17C3/085; F25; F25D; F25D3/00; F25D3/10; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/06; G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/02; G01J5/06; G01J5/061
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
Radiant energy detecting means to be cooled to a variable temperature below ambient; a heat sink; a heat pipe extending between said detecting means and said sink and containing a heat transfer medium adapted for condensation by loss of heat to said sink and for vaporization by gain of heat by said detecting means; an evacuated chamber enclosing said pipe and said detector means and having at least a portion which is transparent to radiant energy to which said detecting means is sensitive, and means for varying the pressure in said heat pipe, whereby to vary the boiling point of said medium and hence the temperature of said detecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
Radiant energy detecting means to be cooled to a variable temperature below ambient; a heat sink; a heat pipe extending between said detecting means and said sink and containing a heat transfer medium adapted for condensation by loss of heat to said sink and for vaporization by gain of heat by said detecting means; an evacuated chamber enclosing said pipe and said detector means and having at least a portion which is transparent to radiant energy to which said detecting means is sensitive, and means for varying the pressure in said heat pipe, whereby to vary the boiling point of said medium and hence the temperature of said detecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
149 words
In combination: a dewar including an evacuated chamber having a reentrant first portion configured to comprise a double-walled container for cryogenic liquid and a second portion transparent to radiant energy in a band of wave lengths and spaced from said first portion; a heat pipe having first end secured in good heat conducting relation to said container for cooling by said cryogenic liquid, and a second end positioned adjacent said transparent portion; radiant energy detecting means mounted on said second end of said heat pipe, in good heat conducting relation therewith, for receiving radiant energy entering said device through said transparent portion thereof; means for supplying to and maintaining in said heat pipe a quantity of cryogenic material at a pressure which is variable through a range of from about one to about ten atmospheres; and means extending through said container for maintaining electrical connection to said detecting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
149 words
In combination: a dewar including an evacuated chamber having a reentrant first portion configured to comprise a double-walled container for cryogenic liquid and a second portion transparent to radiant energy in a band of wave lengths and spaced from said first portion; a heat pipe having first end secured in good heat conducting relation to said container for cooling by said cryogenic liquid, and a second end positioned adjacent said transparent portion; radiant energy detecting means mounted on said second end of said heat pipe, in good heat conducting relation therewith, for receiving radiant energy entering said device through said transparent portion thereof; means for supplying to and maintaining in said heat pipe a quantity of cryogenic material at a pressure which is variable through a range of from about one to about ten atmospheres; and means extending through said container for maintaining electrical connection to said detecting means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |