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Method and apparatus for operation of a cryogenic device in a gaseous environmentRelated Patent Categories: Refrigeration, Storage Of Solidified Or Liquified Gas (e.g., Cryogen)Method and apparatus for operation of a cryogenic device in a gaseous environment description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070245748, Method and apparatus for operation of a cryogenic device in a gaseous environment. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No 2004903688 filed on 5 Jul. 2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the operation of a cryogenic device in a gaseous environment, and more particularly relates to a method and device for providing a gaseous environment at a temperature equal or close to liquid coolant temperature. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART [0003] In the past, cryogenic cooling of cryogenic devices has been provided by immersing the cryogenic device in a liquid coolant such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium, thus maintaining the temperature of the cryogenic device at or below the boiling temperature of the liquid coolant. The use of liquid nitrogen provides for cryogenic operation at or below 77.3 K, while the use of liquid helium provides for cryogenic operation at or below 4.2 K. [0004] Recently, cryogenic devices have been designed which rely on movement of the device for operation. Such a device is set out in International Patent Publication No. WO 2004/015435 by CSIRO and Tilbrook, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, which teaches rotation of one or more SQUIDs or superconducting field sensors in order to obtain information about a magnetic field. SQUIDs and superconducting field sensors must be maintained below the critical temperature T.sub.c of the superconducting material in order to achieve proper superconducting operation. However, should such a moving cryogenic device be immersed in liquid coolant, significant turbulence will be generated within the fluid, leading to acoustic, magnetic and electrical noise. Further, mechanical stress will be placed on the often delicate device by viscous drag and/or mechanical vibrations. [0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] According to a first aspect the present invention is an apparatus for providing a cryogenic gaseous environment, the apparatus comprising: [0008] a chamber for containing the cryogenic gaseous environment and for excluding external liquid coolant, [0009] a liquid inlet for selectively flooding the chamber with liquid coolant; and [0010] a chamber gas port for selectively permitting egress of gas from the chamber during liquid flooding of the chamber, and for selectively containing gas within the chamber. [0011] According to a second aspect, the present invention is a method of providing a cryogenic gaseous environment, the method comprising: [0012] flooding a chamber with liquid coolant; and [0013] causing cryogenic gas to occupy the chamber and displace liquid coolant from the chamber. [0014] The chamber gas port may comprise a gas injection port for purging the chamber with gas to evacuate liquid from the chamber. The gas injection port may itself permit egress of gas during liquid flooding of the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber may comprise a gas outflow port for permitting egress of gas from the chamber during liquid flooding of the chamber. [0015] The chamber gas port may comprise a gas vent having open and closed positions, such that the gas vent when open allows egress of gas from the chamber during liquid flooding of the chamber, and such that the gas vent when closed contains gas within the chamber. [0016] Accordingly, in a third aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for providing a gaseous environment for operation of a cryogenic device, the apparatus comprising: [0017] a chamber for housing the cryogenic device; [0018] a port in the chamber allowing the chamber to be flooded by liquid coolant; and [0019] a gas vent for allowing escape of gas from the chamber; [0020] wherein the chamber is configured such that, when the gas vent is closed, gas boiled off liquid coolant within the chamber will accumulate in the chamber and force liquid coolant out of the port. Continue reading about Method and apparatus for operation of a cryogenic device in a gaseous environment... 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