Resonant linear motor driven cryocooler system
View Patent ↗A resonant linear motor driven cryocooler system, particularly suited for providing refrigeration to a magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein vibrations from the resonant linear motor and noise from pulsed gas are isolated from the cryocooler by work transfer piping comprising connecting tubing and preferably a dashpot, and wherein the connecting tubing has a volume which exceeds the internal stroke volume of the resonant linear motor.
1. A resonant linear motor driven cryocooler system comprising:
(A) a resonant linear motor having an internal stroke volume;
(B) a cryocooler spaced from the resonant linear motor; and
(C) connecting tubing extending from the resonant linear motor to the cryocooler, said connecting tubing having a volume which exceeds the internal stroke volume of the resonant linear motor;
(D) a dashpot positioned on the connecting tubing between the resonant linear motor and the cryocooler; and
(E) a heat exchanger positioned between the resonant linear motor and the dashpot or between the cryocooler and the dashpot.
2. The cryocooler system of claim 1 wherein the connecting tubing volume is at least twice the internal stroke volume of the resonant linear motor.
3. The cryocooler system of claim 1 wherein the dashpot comprises a mass.
4. The cryocooler system of claim 1 wherein the dashpot comprises a spring.
5. The cryocooler system of claim 1 wherein the dashpot comprises a piston.
6. The cryocooler system of claim 1 wherein the cryocooler is a pulse tube cryocooler.
7. The cryocooler system of claim 1 wherein the cryocooler is positioned to provide refrigeration to a superconducting magnet of a magnetic resonance imaging system.