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Title: Multilayer insulation blanket, fabricating apparatus and method

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7116964

An improved multilayer insulation blanket for insulating cryogenic structures operating at very low temperatures is disclosed. An apparatus and method for fabricating the improved blanket are also disclosed. In the improved blanket, each successive layer of insulating material is greater in length and width than the preceding layer so as to accommodate thermal contraction of the layers closest to the cryogenic structure. The fabricating apparatus has a rotatable cylindrical mandrel having an outer surface of fixed radius that is substantially arcuate, preferably convex, in cross-section. The method of fabricating the improved blanket comprises (a) winding a continuous sheet of thermally reflective material around the circumference of the mandrel to form multiple layers, (b) binding the layers along two lines substantially parallel to the edges of the circumference of the mandrel, (c) cutting the layers along a line parallel to the axle of the mandrel, and (d) removing the bound layers from the mandrel. 7 figs.

DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH03000
Assignee:
Universities Research Association, Inc., Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5143770; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-239559
OSTI ID:
7116964
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 1 Sep 1988
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English