Cryocooler interface sleeve for a superconducting magnet and method of use

摘要

A method for cooling a superconducting device (16) by using a sleeve assembly (12) which thermally interconnects a two stage cryocooler (14) with the device. In operation, the cryocooler (14) is moveable relative to the sleeve assembly (12) between a first configuration wherein the cryocooler (14) is engaged with the sleeve assembly (12), and a second configuration wherein the cryocooler (14) is disengaged from the sleeve assembly (12). The cryocooler (14) is disposed in the sleeve assembly (12) with the cooling element (24) of the cryocooler (14) positioned at a distance from the cylinder (32) of the sleeve assembly (12) to establish thermal communication therebetween. Also, the cooling probe (26) of the cryocooler (14) is in contact with the receptacle (30) of the sleeve assembly (12) and is urged against the receptacle (30) to establish thermal communication therebetween. A bellows (28) joins the cryocooler (14) with the sleeve assembly (12) to create an enclosed chamber (50) therebetween and helium is pumped into the sleeve assembly (12) to maintain an operational pressure in the sleeve assembly (12).