X-Message-Number: 2114
From: whscad1!kqb (Kevin Q Brown +1 201 386 7344)
Subject: CRYONICS Ettinger Reply Re: CI Cryostats

Here is the latest reply to recent CryoNet messages from Robert Ettinger.
                              Kevin Q. Brown
                              INTERNET    
                                 or       

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April 12, 1993

From: R. Ettinger

To: Steven B. Harris & Correspondents, via good offices of Kevin Q. Brown

> Subject: Cryonics Institute Cryostats

Dr.  Harris is misinformed on some aspects of CI cryostats, as shown in
his posting of April 7. [ Msg #2072 - KQB ]

We are not interested in selling them, or in persuading others to use
them, but we do want potential members, as well as critics, to get the
right information.

First, they do not have to be pumped continuously.  There is substantial
outgassing, requiring initial pumping continuously, if you want optimum
vacuum, but the need gradually diminishes.  After a year or two the pump
needs to be run only occasionally, less and less frequently.  And if you
don't run it for a while, you just get a gradual creeping up of the
pressure.

Second, if a pump fails, or if power fails, there is no emergency or even
loss of vacuum.  We have solenoid valves in line which close if pumping
stops.  And the pumps themselves have anti- suckback features.

It is true that our construction costs have varied and are not known with
great precision; but it is not difficult for a prospective user to
estimate the cost of having one built by an estblished fiberglass
fabricating company.  You will find--at least in Michigan--that the cost
of having one (rectangular) built for you is less than $5,000 per
patient--same as our original estimate in 1976, or less!--if you make
them large enough for at least three patients.  This, as I understand it,
is roughly the same as for MVE type units.  (But if anyone is thinking of
contracting one out, be sure to have a small model made and tested first,
for your sake and that of the contractor.  Some aspects of it can be
tricky.)

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages; we prefer ours for their
greater ruggedness, lack of need for periodic baking and re-hardening,
ability to be repaired in-house if necessary, lack of need for a high
ceiling, and preservation of considerable insulation even if vacuum is
totally lost.

I think we are all impressed with Mr. Wowk's and Dr. Harris'
indefatigable research and sprouting of ideas.  The information from
Polycold sounds promising, although backup would still be needed.
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