Vacuum canister clamp system and methods

Abstract

A vacuum housing includes a vacuum flange and vacuum jacket adapted to seal to the vacuum flange. An actuator clamp is sized and shaped to pass through a notch defined in the vacuum jacket such that, when the vacuum jacket is rotated with respect to the vacuum clamp, the vacuum jacket is supported by the actuator clamp.

Description

VACUUM CANISTER CLAMP SYSTEM AND METHODSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 629,079, titled “Bayonet, Cam-lock vacuum seal”, filed September 18, 2023, and which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cryostats require an internal vacuum to thermally isolate the cold stages against heat transferred from the warmer environment through gas. A leak-tight vacuum jacket or container is needed to prevent the infiltration of gas while being strong enough to withstand the pressure difference across its wall while under vacuum.

[0003] Consequently, vacuum jackets are often heavy and cumbersome, but they still must be regularly removed to access the inside of the cryostat. Typically, the vacuum jacket is separated from the cryostat at a sealed joint after a means of compressing the seal is removed.

[0004] To remove the vacuum jacket, often hardware, such as screws, nuts, toe clamps, or clamping rings, must first be removed, often requiring tools. The loose hardware and tools often risk being misplaced or damaged. To reinstall the vacuum jacket, the vacuum jacket must be temporarily held in place by some additional means while the hardware is reinstalled and the seal (O-ring, etc.) is compressed. Generally this necessitates additional people or infrastructure to accomplish.SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments herein acknowledge the above-discussed difficulties of typical vacuum jackets. The embodiments solve these difficulties by allowing for a vacuum system that initially retains the vacuum jacket in place, and then applies a compression force on a seal by a secondary action. Both the initial retaining step and the compression action are implemented without any hardware needing to be removed, or tools being used. The embodiments herein thereby provide advantage of allowing for cumbersome vacuum jackets (shroud) to be secured into place in a simple, repeatable, and reliable manner. In some instances, depending on the weight of the vacuum jacket, the vacuum housing may beinstalled without jacks to support the vacuum jacket in place while hardware to secure it (such as nuts and bolt configuration of prior cryocooler configuration) is manipulated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of a vacuum canister clamp system, in embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the vacuum canister clamp system of Figure 1.

[0008] Figures 3-4 show an actuator clamp of the clamp system of Figure 1 in isolation, in embodiments.

[0009] Figure 5 shows the actuator clamp of the clamp system of Figure 1 with extension portion and jaw portion removed therefrom, in embodiments.

[0010] Figure 6 shows the bottom perspective view of the vacuum canister clamp system of Figure 1 with one of the extension portion and jaw portion of an actuator clamp removed showing a clamp aperture within a vacuum flange.

[0011] Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective view of just the vacuum flange of the vacuum canister clamp system of Figure 1.

[0012] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an example method for assembling a vacuum housing, in embodiments.

[0013] Figure 9 shows extension portion and jaw portion are passing through a notch of the vacuum canister clamp system of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 10 shows where vacuum jacket is rotated with respect to actuator clamp and supported by lip portion of actuator clamp of the vacuum canister clamp system of Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 11 shows where actuator clamp is actuated causing jaw portion to bring lip portion of vacuum jacket towards vacuum flange thereby sealing the vacuum housing of the vacuum canister clamp system of Figure 1 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The illustrations included herewith are not meant to be actual views of any particular systems, memory device, architecture, or process, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe embodiments herein. Elements and features common between figures may retain the same numerical designation except that, for ease of following the description, for the most part, reference numerals begin with the number of thedrawing on which the elements are introduced or most fully described. In addition, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and many details regarding the physical layout and construction of vacuum canister(s) may not be described as they would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0017] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] As used herein, “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items in both, the conjunctive and disjunctive senses. Any intended descriptions of the “exclusive-or” relationship will be specifically called out.

[0019] As used herein, the term “configured” refers to a structural arrangement such as size, shape, material composition, physical construction, logical construction (e.g., programming, operational parameter setting) or other operative arrangement of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating the operation thereof in a defined way (e.g., to carry out a specific function or set of functions).

[0020] As used herein, the phrases “coupled to” or “coupled with” refer to structures operatively connected with each other, such as connected through a direct connection or through an indirect connection (e.g., via another structure or component).

[0021] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to vacuum canister and clamping system therefore that allow a vacuum jacket to easily be secured to a vacuum housing flange and sealed. Aspects of the present disclosure implement a bayonet-type clamping system using a clamp and corresponding notch on the vacuum housing jacket to eliminate the need for difficult alignment of nuts and bolts between the vacuum housing flange and vacuum housing jacket while holding the vacuum housing jacket in place against the vacuum housing flange. Moreover, embodiments using a cam-lock style of actuator of the clamp allows for sealing of the vacuum housing without need for additional tools other than the actuator(s) / clamp system(s) described herein.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of a vacuum canister clamp system 100, in embodiments. Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the vacuum canister clamp system 100. Figures 3-4 show an actuator clamp 102 of clamp system 100 in isolation, in embodiments. Figure 5 shows the actuator clamp 102 with extension portion 306 and jaw portion 310 removed therefrom, in embodiments. Figure 6 shows the bottom perspective view of the vacuum canister clamp system 100 with one of the extension portion 306 and jaw portion 310 of an actuator clamp 102 removed showing a clamp aperture 602 within a vacuum flange 104 of system 100. Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective view of just thevacuum flange 104 of system 100. Figures 1-7 are best viewed together with the following description.

[0023] Vacuum canister clamp system 100 may be a component of a cryostat. However, it should be appreciated that vacuum canister clamp system 100 may be utilized in other vacuum systems without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Vacuum canister clamp system 100 includes a vacuum flange 104 and vacuum jacket 106 removably sealable to the vacuum flange 104. Vacuum jacket 106 is removably sealed to vacuum flange 104 via at least one actuator clamp 102. In the embodiments herein, there are six actuator clamps 102(l)-l 02(6). It should be appreciated that more or fewer actuator clamps 102 may be used without departing from scope hereof.

[0024] Each actuator clamp 102 is sized and shaped to pass through a corresponding notch 202 within vacuum jacket 106. After the actuator clamps 102 pass through the respective notches 202 and the vacuum jacket 106 is rotated with respect to the actuator clamps 102, the vacuum jacket 106 is supported by the actuator clamps 102 with respect to the vacuum flange 104.

[0025] In embodiments, vacuum jacket 106 includes a cylinder portion 204 and a lip portion 206. Lip portion 206 forms a flange that mates with vacuum flange 104, or otherwise compresses against a seal (e.g., O-ring) located between lip portion 206 and vacuum flange 104 when the vacuum canister is in a sealed configuration. Lip portion 206 and cylinder portion 204 are monolithic in some embodiments, otherwise welded together in other embodiments. In embodiments, each notch 202 extends inwardly froma circumference of the lip portion 206. In the embodiments herein, each corresponding notch 202 is shown evenly spaced about the circumference of vacuum jacket 106 to correspond to a location of each actuator clamp 102. However, it should be appreciated that each actuator clamp 102 and corresponding notch 202 may have varying spacing between adjacent instances of each actuator clamp 102 and corresponding notch 202. As shown, each corresponding notch 202 does not extend from a full outer surface 208 of lip portion 206 to the outer surface of cylinder portion 204. Accordingly, lip portion 206 has a portion that each notch 202 does not extend into thereby providing room for a seal or gasket to aid in sealing of vacuum jacket 106 to vacuum flange 104. Vacuum jacket 106 may further have a channel or groove on a top surface of lip portion 206 that the seal or gasket rests in.

[0026] Referring to Figures 3-5, each actuator clamp 102 has an actuator 302, a contact portion 304 in contact with the actuator 302, an extension portion 306 extending in afirst direction 308 through the contact portion 304 from the actuator 302, and a jaw portion 310 extending in a second direction 312 from the extension portion 306.

[0027] Extension portion 306 and / or jaw portion 310 define a channel 314 therethrough. Extension portion 306 may include a rod 316 that extends through the channel 314 and is coupled to actuator 302. Actuation of actuator clamp 102 causes rod 316 to move up or down along first direction 308. Rod 316 is shown as a hex-bolt, and is threaded and connected to cross-dowel nut 318 of actuator 302. A head of the hex-bolt is located in a recess portion of 314, where channel 314 has a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than a diameter of the shaft of rod 316 but smaller than a diameter of head portion of the hex-bolt. The second diameter of the second portion is larger than the diameter of the head portion of the hex -bolt such that hexbolt can provide a force to extension portion 306 to enact clamping against lip portion 206 by jaw portion 310 in response to actuation of actuator 302.

[0028] The movement of rod 316 by actuator 302 is caused by the cross-dowel nut 318 being located in an off-centered position within a cam lobe 320 at one end of a handle of actuator 302. The thickness between the aperture in which cross-dowel nut 318 resides within cam lobe 320 and an outer surface 322 of cam lobe 320 is thicker on a first side 324 of cam lobe 320 (e.g., the top of Figure 3) than it is on a second side 326 of cam lobe 320. In some embodiments, this thickness gradually increases from first side 324 to second side 326 defining a cam-surface. Rotation (actuation) of actuator 302 applies a force along first direction 308 against contact portion contact portion 304 through a first surface 328 of contact portion 304 in contact with outer surface 322, and a second surface 330 in contact with vacuum flange 104 (or a washer therebetween). Because contact portion 304 is in contact with vacuum flange 104 or washer therebetween, actuation of actuator 302 causes the rod 316 to pull or release extension portion 306 and jaw portion 310.

[0029] Extension portion 306 and jaw portion 310 may be monolithic or otherwise welded together. As shown in Figure 4, the jaw portion 310 includes a first side surface 402(1) and a second side surface 402(2), and a clamp surface 404 spanning therebetween. In embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, jaw portion 310 further includes one or both of a first tapered surface 406(1) and a second tapered surface 406(2) spanning clamp surface 404 to each of the first side surface 402(1) and the second side surface 402(2), respectively. Tapered surfaces 406 aid in the ability of vacuum jacket 106 to rotate without interference by actuator clamp 102. Moreover, in embodiments including only a single tapered surface 406, the tapered surface may be in the side of jaw portion 310 correspondingto the direction of rotation of vacuum jacket 106 with respect to actuator clamp 102. A thickness of jaw portion 310 may be such that it can pass through the respective corresponding notch 202 while still providing adequate contact area of tapered surfaces 406 to the lower surface of lip portion 206 of vacuum jacket 106. Extension portion 306 may have a similar tapered profile as jaw portion 310, as shown in Figures 3-5.

[0030] The above description of actuator 302 describe a cam-lock based actuator. However, it should be appreciated that other types of actuators may be utilized without departing from the scope hereof. For example, the actuator may be one of an over-center clamp actuator, a ball screw, a linear drive, a quarter-turn clamp handle, a pneumatic or hydraulic piston, and a solenoid or the like.

[0031] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, each actuator clamp 102 is located at a respective aperture 602 within vacuum flange 104. Each aperture 602 spans between a top surface 604 and a bottom surface 606 of vacuum flange 104. Each aperture 602 may have two sections, as shown in Figure 7 (only three are labeled for clarity). First section 702 has a larger dimension that allows for extension portion 306 to extend therein. Second section 704 has a smaller dimension that allows for rod 316 to pass therethrough. In embodiments, each aperture 602 may have only a single dimension that allows for rod 16 to pass therethrough, where a height (along direction 308) of extension portion 306 is such that it does not need to recede within vacuum flange 104 for actuator clamp 102 to provide clamping force against lip portion 206.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an example method 800 for assembling a vacuum housing, in embodiments. Method 800 is implemented using vacuum canister clamp system 100, for example.

[0033] At step 810, at least one notch within a vacuum jacket is aligned with an actuator clamp passing through a vacuum flange. In one example of step 810, at least one notch 202 is aligned with actuator clamp 102 passing through vacuum flange 104.

[0034] At step 820, the actuator clamp 102 is passed through the at least one notch. In one example of 820, the actuator clamp 102 is passed through the at least one notch 202. Figure 9 shows an example of steps 810 and 820, where extension portion 306 and jaw portion 310 are passed through notch 202.

[0035] At step 830, the vacuum jacket is rotated with respect to the actuator clamp, wherein after rotating, the vacuum jacket is supported by the actuator clamp. Figure 10 shows an example of step 830 where vacuum jacket 106 is rotated in the direction of arrow1002 (or in the opposite direction) with respect to actuator clamp 102 and supported on lip portion 206 by jaw portion 310 of actuator clamp 102.

[0036] At step 840, the actuator clamp is actuated to create a seal between the vacuum jacket and the vacuum flange. Figure 11 shows an example of step 830 where actuator clamp 102 is actuated by rotating actuator 302 as shown by arrow 1102, causing jaw portion 310 to bring lip portion 206 of vacuum jacket 106 towards vacuum flange 104 thereby sealing the vacuum housing.

[0037] Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A vacuum housing, comprising: a vacuum flange; a vacuum jacket removably couplable to the vacuum flange to seal the vacuum housing; and an actuator clamp sized and shaped to pass through a notch defined in the vacuum jacket such that, after the actuator clamp passes through the notch and the vacuum jacket is rotated with respect to the actuator clamp, the vacuum jacket is supported by the actuator clamp.

2. The vacuum housing of claim 1, the vacuum jacket comprising a cylinder portion and a lip portion coupled to an end of the cylinder portion, the notch defined in the lip portion.

3. The vacuum housing of claim 1, the notch comprising a plurality of notches defined in the vacuum jacket.

4. The vacuum housing of claim 3, the plurality of notches being evenly spaced about a circumference of the vacuum jacket.

5. The vacuum housing of claim 1, the actuator clamp comprising an actuator located at a first side of the vacuum flange, a contact portion in contact with the actuator, an extension portion extending from the actuator through the contact portion in a first direction on a second side of the vacuum flange, and a jaw portion extending in a second direction from the extension portion.

6. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the extension portion and the jaw portion being monolithic.

7. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the extension portion defining a channel, a rod being secured within the channel and coupled to the actuator, the rod having a head with a diameter greater than a diameter of the channel.

8. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the jaw portion having two side surfaces and a clamp surface.

9. The vacuum housing of claim 8, the jaw portion having at least one tapered surface, each tapered surface spanning between the clamp surface and one of the side surfaces.

10. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the actuator being a cam- lock handle with a cam lobe at one end.1 1. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the actuator being one of an over-center clamp actuator, a ball screw, a linear drive, a quarter-turn clamp handle, a pneumatic or hydraulic piston, and a solenoid.

12. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the extension sized and shaped to recede into an aperture of the vacuum flange.

13. The vacuum housing of claim 5, the actuator capable of providing enough force to clamp the jaw portion to the seal the vacuum jacket to the vacuum flange.

14. A cryostat comprising the vacuum housing of claim 1.

15. A vacuum housing jacket, comprising: a cylinder portion and a lip portion, the lip portion having at least one notch extending inwardly from a circumference thereof.

16. The vacuum housing jacket of claim 15, the at least one notch comprising a plurality of notches.

17. The vacuum housing jacket of claim 16, the plurality of notches evenly spaced about the circumference.

18. A method for assembling a vacuum housing, comprising: aligning at least one notch within a vacuum jacket with an actuator clamp passing through a vacuum flange; passing the actuator clamp through the at least one notch; and rotating the vacuum jacket with respect to the actuator clamp, wherein after rotating, the vacuum jacket is supported by the actuator clamp.

19. The method for assembling a vacuum housing of claim 18, further comprising actuating the actuator clamp to create a seal between the vacuum jacket and the vacuum flange.

20. The method for assembling a vacuum housing of claim 19, the actuating the actuator clamp comprising actuating a cam-lock handle of the actuator clamp.

21. The method for assembling a vacuum housing of claim 18, the passing the actuator clamp through the at least one notch comprising lifting the vacuum housing towards the vacuum flange.

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