Cryocooler assembly with screened regenerator

Abstract

A cryocooler assembly having a regenerator employing a plurality of high heat capacity screens positioned perpendicular to the regenerator longitudinal axis and in a sufficient linear density to serve as heat transfer media and also to serve as buffer structures to keep worm holes within particulate heat transfer media from forming and to reduce agglomeration of particles within the regenerator.

1 . A cryocooler assembly comprising a pressure wave generator, a regenerator and a thermal buffer volume wherein the regenerator contains heat transfer media comprising a plurality of screens oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the regenerator, said screens being comprised of or coated with high heat capacity material or alloy.  
   
   
       2 . The cryocooler assembly of  claim 1  wherein the screens are electroplated with high heat capacity material or alloy.  
   
   
       3 . The cryocooler assembly of  claim 1  further comprising lead or rare earth particles within at least some of the screen matrices.  
   
   
       4 . The cryocooler assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of layers of heat transfer particles each such layer positioned between two screens to form a layering of screens and particulate material in alternating sequence.  
   
   
       5 . The cryocooler assembly of  claim 1  wherein the screens are positioned within the regenerator in a linear density of from 150 to 600 screens per inch.