Abstract: A connecting member is provided between an inside environment of a compartment and an environment outside the compartment. The compartment is isolated relative to the outside environment and the compartment comprising a communication orifice defined by a first connector connecting element. The connecting member comprises a main body arranged to cooperate with the communication orifice of the isolated compartment. The main body comprises a second connector or connecting element complementary to the first connecting element of the communication orifice so as to form a tight connection between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, the main body further being crossed through by a tubing comprising a first end on the side of the outside environment and a second end on the side of the inside environment.

Abstract: A joint includes a housing and a refrigerant tube connected to a refrigerant source and communicated with a target part in a rotating machine. A rotating member is loosely fitted inside with the refrigerant tube and fixed to a rotary part of the rotating machine. A relatively rotating member has a fixed-side member and rotating-side member. The fixed-side member is connected to the refrigerant tube via a refrigerant tube extension section. The rotating-side member is connected to the rotating member via a rotating member extension section. A refrigerant zone is formed by spaces defined between the refrigerant tube and the rotating member, and between the refrigerant tube and rotating member extension sections. A sealing member is installed between the fixed-side and rotating-side members. A vacuum chamber and pressure chamber are defined within the housing.

Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly, including a first portion having a first channel therethrough and a second channel substantially coaxial with and separated from the first channel, and a second portion rotatably connected to the first portion, wherein the second portion has a first channel substantially aligned with the first channel of the first portion and a second channel substantially aligned with the second channel of the first portion.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables quick disconnect termination or connection for cryogenic transfer lines is presented. The apparatus is a connector that will allow two lines to be connected and coupled for simultaneously allowing for fluid to occur and electrical communication to ensue. Connection and termination will occur successfully under a pressurized environment.

Abstract: A rotary joint of the present invention maintains cryogenic temperature of a supplying refrigerant flowing through a fluid passage, and makes available to lubricate a seal face by the supplying refrigerant as well as to minimize a running cost for the refrigerant.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling for cryogenic lines is described, having at least two pipes (3, 4, 9, 10) fitted one inside the other like a male/female connection while forming an annular gap (16), in which plug-in coupling the pipes (3, 4, 9, 10) are releasably connected to one another by a flange connection (5, 11) located at their “warm” end, the annular gap (16) between the two pipes (4, 9) is sealed at the “cold” end by an annular seal (7) and at the “warm” end by an annular seal (5d) located in the region of the flange connection (5, 11), and the annular gap (16) is connected to a safety valve (13) in the region of the flange connection (5, 11).

Abstract: Coupling structure includes: a first and a second pipe section each having a metal wall and a flexible pipe section interconnecting the first and second sections, a hinging support frame including a first set of arms connected to the first pipe section, a support ring around the flexible pipe section hingingly attached to the first set of arms, the first set of arms being pivotable around a first axis, and a second set of arms connected to the second pipe section and hingingly attached to the support ring, the second set of arms being pivotable around a second axis transverse to the first axis, the base ends of the first and second set of arms are connected to the first and second pipe sections via at least one connector member extending transversely to the respective pipe section, at a predetermined distance from the pipe section metal wall, the arms extending along the respective pipe sections over a predetermined length such that a gap between the pipe section metal wall and the arm is defined over the

Abstract: A flexible cryogenic transfer hose for connecting two cryogenic facilities, has a length of at least 20 m, and: an inner flexible hose with at least two segments, interconnected via at least two transverse inner connecting members, an outer hose surrounding the inner hose and including a watertight elastomeric or composite material, the outer hose having at least two segments mutually connected via two outer connecting members, the outer hose having a wall thickness of at least 2 cm, a bend radius of at least 2 m, and an internal diameter of at least 20 cm, the inner hose being kept at a distance from the outer hose via spacer elements bridging a distance between the outer wall of the inner hose and an inner wall of the outer hose, which distance is between 0.1 and 0.8 times the internal diameter dio of the inner hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits may include a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and a support member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. The support member has an aperture that permits fluid communication through the support member. One end of the conduit collar is sized for insertion into the housing, and a second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumen conduit. The housing also is adapted to receive a second multi-lumen conduit. The bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit and the second multi-lumen conduit such that the primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicates with the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit. The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degree rotation relative to each other about a common axis.

Abstract: A flexible joint for transfer of especially a cryogenic fluid includes a first element (3) and a second element (4). The first element (3) comprising an internal, partly curved surface (6), the second element (4) comprising a corresponding outer partly curved surface (8) with at least a sealing element (12,12?) between the curved surfaces (6,8). The first element (3) comprises a first connection part (9) and the second element comprises a second connection part (10) connectable to the first connection part (9) with a flexible part (11, 11?) between the connection of the two connectable parts (9,10) and the sealing element (12). Thereby it is formed a void (16) which may be pressurized with an inert gas at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure of the fluid to be transferred through the joint.

Abstract: A system and method to connect a cryocooler (refrigerator) to a superconducting magnet or cooled object allows for replacement without the need to break the cryostat vacuum or the need to warm up the superconducting magnet or other cooled object. A pneumatic or other type of actuator establishes a thermo-mechanical coupling. The mechanical closing forces are directed perpendicular (cross-axially) to the cryocooler axis and are not applied to the thin wall cryocooler body or to the thin cryostat walls or to the cooled object or to its shield. It is also possible that some of the compressive force be transferred to the cryocooler body. In that case, the extensions are designed so that the forces transferred to the cryocooler thermal stages do not exceed allowable stresses in the cryocooler stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining reservoirs includes a pump disposed in contact with a lower surface of the vessel to be drained, wherein the pump is connected to a discharge pipe inserted into the vessel through an insertion tube connected to a retrofit assembly of the vessel. The apparatus also includes seals within the insertion tube and within the discharge pipe to prevent gases from within the vessel from passing through the insertion tube and discharge pipe and into the atmosphere. An expansion joint unit attaches to the discharge pipe to prevent the rotation of the pump relative to the discharge pipe. The expansion joint unit also maintains the pump in substantial contact with the lower surface of the vessel even when thermal expansion causes the vessel to expand and the position of the discharge pipe to lift.

Abstract: A metallic seal or gasket for use in the joining of cryogenic fluid conduits, the seal or gasket having a generally planar and serpentine periphery defining a central aperture. According to a preferred embodiment, the periphery has at least two opposing elongated serpentine sides and two opposing arcuate ends joining the opposing elongated serpentine sides and is of a hexagonal cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention regards a system for transferal of at least one cryogenic fluid between to objects. At least one transfer pipe extending from the installation extends into a receiving room in the vessel, the transfer pipe being connectable with piping on the vessel through connection means in the receiving room. According to the invention the receiving room is closable, the connection means, and or at least a part of the construction forming the receiving room and or other elements in the receiving room comprises means to withstand eventual leakage of the cryogenic fluid and the system also comprises means for evacuating the receiving room for eventual spilled fluid. The invention also regards a flange for use in the system.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical quick disconnect female cryogenic coupler, interconnected with a cryogenic fluid transfer apparatus, includes a coupler body with a first cavity housing a laterally severed tubular bushing, an adaptor having one end attached to the coupler body and another end to the apparatus, a normally closed-biased valve between the coupler body and the adaptor, a coupling sleeve, attached to the coupler body having, a frusto-conical inlet portion, and a vent fitting having one end connected with a coupling sleeve radial aperture and another end in operative connection with a cryogenic fluid storage vessel, associated with the noted apparatus, to permit the inlet purging by using the vessel's own gaseous phase as a purging medium during liquid fluid transfer operation. The severed bushing inhibits ice formation, at an inlet/male nipple interface during the noted transfer. A method for purging moisture at the noted interface is also set forth.

Abstract: A cryogenic seal for vacuum-insulated pipe systems where the pipe system includes an inner pipe connected to an outer pipe by a bellows. The seal prevents cryogenic liquid from leaking from the inner pipe into the annular vacuum space between the inner and outer pipes in the event of bellows failure. One end of the bellows is connected to the inner pipe by a movable bellows ring and the other end of the bellows is attached to the outer pipe by a fixed bellows ring. A bellows guide is attached to the fixed bellows ring and receives the movable bellows ring in a sliding fashion. The seal may be positioned between the movable bellows ring and the bellows guide or between the fixed bellows ring and the outer surface of the inner pipe. The seal may also be positioned between the bellows shield and the movable bellows ring. The seal may be a leak control ring or the packed gland type.

Abstract: A swivel joint system for a cryogenic liquid transfer line, such as a liquefied natural gas line, and for return of cold gas associated with the cryogenic liquid transfer. The system includes a swivel joint for the passage of the cryogenic liquid and a swivel joint for the return of the cold gas. Each swivel joint includes a conduit with a fixed conduit portion and a rotating conduit portion, rotating relative to the fixed conduit portion, and a rotational guide interposed between the fixed and rotating conduit portions. The swivel joint device for the passage of the gas return is integrated in the swivel joint device for the passage of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: Arrangement for connecting a fiber-reinforced plastic pipe (18) to a stainless steel flange (12, 16), in which the end of the fiber-reinforced plastic pipe (18) is accommodated in a ring-shaped groove (12a, 16a) in the flange (12, 16), the groove conforming to the dimensions of the fiber-reinforced plastic pipe (18), where the gap remaining between the end of the fiber-reinforced plastic pipe (18) and the ring-shaped groove (12a, 16a) is filled with a sealant (19).

Abstract: A connector for piping destined to the transfer of fluid at very low temperature, in particular liquefied natural gas is described. The coupling comprises a first and a second length of piping (8, 9) that are provided with respective closing valves (20, 27) and destined to be fastened, respectively, to a piping (2) for the inflow of the fluid and to a piping (6) for the receiving of the fluid. Onto the second length of piping (9) a quick-coupling mechanism (34) is mounted that comprises a circumferential sequence of jaws (36) that are suitable to provide a firm front coupling between terminal flanges (12, 17) of the two lengths of piping (8, 9), and means (35 38) for the driving of the jaws. Each one of said lengths of piping (8, 9) is surrounded by an external coating band (23, 30) that defines with said length of piping a thermally insulating interspace (25, 32).

Abstract: A fluid piping system and pipe spools are provided. The fluid piping system has at least one pipe spool. The pipe spool has an inner wall and an outer wall with at insulating area defined at least in part by the inner and outer wall. The insulating area of the pipe spool acts to isolate any leak of cryogenic fluid in the pipe spool.

Abstract: A coupler for making a detachable bayonet connection between two sections of a flow path. The coupler includes male and female bayonet hub members that detachably connect the flow path sections. In one aspect of the invention, the coupler includes an internal vapor shielding flow path defined within the coupler by the interconnection of the hub members that operates to intercept and remove heat entering the coupler from the external environment. In this regard, the internal vapor shielding flow path may include at least one valve to vent at least a portion of the vapor shielding material external to the coupler from the vapor shielding flow path.

Abstract: A pre-formed insulation module is disclosed having a part cylinder body. The body includes an unstriated insulation layer formed of a rigid insulating material substantially uniform in composition and density over its cross section. The insulation layer has an inner surface adjacent to a surface of a component to be insulated, and an outer surface generally concentric to the inner surface. A substantially non-fibrous resilient cladding layer shaped to the body is directly adhered to the insulation layer at the outer surface. Connection means are disposed along the length of the body for connecting with a further insulation module, wherein the insulation and cladding layers of each module are brought into relative contact along the contacting surfaces of the modules to insulate a portion of the component.

Abstract: A first flange and a second flange are superposed and fastened with a bolt and a nut in a fastening operation, to implement a fastening structure used at temperature lower than atmospheric temperature for the fastening operation. Assuming that the first flange has a thickness L1 and a coefficient of linear expansion &agr;1, the second flange has a thickness L2 and a coefficient of linear expansion &agr;2, superposed first flange and second flange have a thickness L, and the bolt has a coefficient of linear expansion &agr;, a relation of L·&agr;≧L1·&agr;1+L2·&agr;2 is satisfied, i.e. heat shrinkage of the bolt is not smaller than the total heat shrinkage of the first and second flanges. Thus, impairment of sealing property due to heat shrinkage is avoided at a flange junction used at low temperature.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid piping system is provided with two or more coupled pipe spools, each spool having an inner and outer pipe, the inner for carrying cryogenic fluid. The pipe spools are also configured with a bayonet connection to allow expansion and contraction of the system without failure. A leak control device and pressure relief device are included to protect the system from catastrophic failure in the event of a cryogenic fluid leak from the inner pipe.

Abstract: A device for connecting cryogenic fluid containers includes a connection having screw-threaded connection portions and a flange having at least one pair of openings spaced by a predetermined distance. The device also includes a retaining strap of L shape with two wings cut out in U shape, the front wing also having a pair of openings spaced by the same distance as the openings of the flange. Rivets secure the strap and the flange to each other. The front wing also has a marking identifying the gas corresponding to the distance between openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage structure having a fluid transfer boom for transfer of cryogenic liquids such as liquified natural gas (LNG) from a first storage structure to a vessel. The boom has two arms which are rotatably connected at their first ends via a swivel joint. In one embodiment a liquified natural gas duct is supported within the first and second arms which form a gas tight housing around the liquified natural gas duct. The transfer boom according to the present invention provides a redundant containment system wherein the LNG duct is supported by the structurally strong and self-supporting transfer boom which confines the natural gas in case of a leak in the inner LNG duct. In a further embodiment the transfer boom comprises seven swivel joints in total such that rotation in all directions is possible when the vessel is moored to the storage structure and has to cope with relative motions of roll, pitch, yaw, heave, sway and surge.

Abstract: System for loading and unloading of cold media, for example LNG or LPG, to or from a vessel, through pipes (1) connected with ball joints, where the pipes are insulated, and when each ball joint's inside part (4) has an inside pipe (3) which is sealed against the inside part (4) substantially over the letter extent, and which thereby forms an inside annulus (6) which can be evacuated, and that each ball joint's outside part (10) is surrounded by an outside annulus (9) which also may be evacuated.

Abstract: A vacuum-jacketed bayonet pipe spool system for cryogenic fluid. The pipe spool comprises a male bayonet to fit within a female bayonet of an opposing pipe and an expansion-contraction second bellows about the outer end of the male bayonet for stress-free movement.

Abstract: A device for coupling pipelines for running cryogenic liquid has: a pair of flanges which are pierced by coupling units respectively and which support the coupling units with the coupling units freely approaching and separating from each other and which form compartments around the coupling units; a pair of inner cover units which open and shut the insides of the coupling units; a pair of outer cover units which open and shut the insides of the compartments of the flanges; and purge lines for purging the insides of the compartments. The process of coupling pipelines by this device has the steps of: opening the outer cover units with the insides of the coupling units shut by the inner cover units; coupling the flanges to each other; purging the inside of a compartment which is formed in the flanges; opening the inner cover units; and coupling the coupling units to each other with the coupling units isolated from the outside air.

Abstract: A coupling device can connect two cryogenic fluid conduits in fluid communication without creating a temperature change. The coupling device includes a fluid flow path extending therethrough having a substantially constant cross-sectional area. The coupling device is designed to be easy to connect and disconnect and to provide a secure connection, in particular at low temperature.

Abstract: A cryogenic coupler includes a socket and a plug that can be detachably inserted into the socket. The socket and the plug have passages for passing a cryogenic medium therethrough, and are provided with valves for blocking the respective passages when the plug is disconnected from the socket. A seal assembly is arranged between opposite end surfaces of the socket and the plug. The seal assembly has a resilience characteristic that is substantially uninfluenced by the cryogenic temperature, and thus prevents leakage of the cryogenic medium to outside, when passages in the socket and the plug are connected to each other. The coupler allows a facilitated connection and disconnection of the passages, even under a low temperature condition.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing cryogenic fluids, such as liquified natural gas (LNG), using a swivel bayonet joint interconnecting first and second sections of cryogenic pipe. The swivel bayonet joint includes a male bayonet joint and a corresponding female bayonet joint. An insertion stem of the male bayonet joint is dimensioned to have a very high tolerance fit within the receiving sleeve of the female joint that extends a sufficient length for formation of a vapor trap by the cryogenic fluid between the insertion end of the stem and the clamp end of the receiving sleeve. The vapor trap prohibits movement beyond the vapor trap of any cryogenic fluid passing through the joint, consequently, elastomeric seals in the bayonet joint remain insulated from extremely cold temperatures of the cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A modified expansion joint to provide a transition from one conduit to an adjacent conduit. The expansion joint includes a flexible coupling member and an angled transition leg having insulation on both sides thereof. The flexible coupling member takes up any variations in dimensional differences between the adjacent conduits. The transition leg provides a gradual thermal transition from a hot upstream conduit to a downstream conduit at a lower exterior surface temperature.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling device for selectively connecting and disconnecting an apparatus to a thermal source. The coupling device includes a thermal bridge element comprised of a flexible structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a thermal stress element disposed about the thermal bridge element with the thermal stress element having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The difference in coefficients of thermal expansion act to cause stressing of the thermal bridge element into thermal contact with the apparatus.

Abstract: An insulated dual-bayonet connector is provided. The connector provides simple alignment and connection for both fluid tubes of a fluid recirculation system. The connector is especially useful for closed-cycle systems, but is also useful for open-cycle gas systems where it is desired to vent a gas in a desired location remote from the item to be cooled or heated by the gas.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for conveyance of cryogenic fluid has a pair of connecting members formed of thermal insulating material. Each has a flange with an axial tubular protrusion and a rim extending over the protrusion so as to form an annular cavity therebetween. Each flange and its protrusion has a central bore. When the two members are fitted together, the combined bore conveys of cryogenic fluid therethrough. The protrusions have overlapping lips with a snug fit to substantially retain the cryogenic fluid in the combined bore. A detachable retainer holds the members in union with an o-ring seal between the rims. The respective cavities form an enclosed cavity that provides thermal insulation between the ring seal and the tubular protrusions for the cryogenic fluid in the common bore.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid conveying device has removable connection of a metal tube and a receptor for the tube. The receptor is formed of a housing member with an aperture therein for conveying the fluid. A tubular member of resilient PTFE has a bore size so as to be slidingly receptive of the rigid tube. A ferrule is disposed on the tubular member which is positioned in the housing member. An annular nut is threaded onto an end of the housing to constrict the ferrule and thereby constrict an annular section of the tubular member. This constriction provides a sealingly tight fit for the rigid tube such that the metal tube can be inserted into and removed from the tubular member.

Abstract: Contracting/expanding self-sealing cryogenic tube seals are disclosed which use the different properties of thermal contraction and expansion of selected dissimilar materials in accord with certain design criteria to yield self-tightening seals via sloped-surface sealing. The seals of the subject invention are reusable, simple to assemble, adaptable to a wide variety of cryogenic applications.

Abstract: A double walled manifold assembly for a cryogenic fluid, such as liquid oxygen, is assembled as alternating bellows portions and tee portions. The inner bellows portions have a greater axial length than the outer bellows portions to enable welding of an inner conduit assembly with the outer bellows portions surrounding the inner bellows portions. The outer tee portions are fabricated in two pieces which are welded together and to the outer bellows portions to complete the assembly.

Abstract: A fluid coupling (30) has a male half (32) and a female half (31). Each half has a poppet (35,42) arranged to move toward and way from a seat (34,43). The male half (32) has an outer sleeve (38) which is adapted to guide initial joinder of the female half distal end (46). After the two halves have been initially joined, the male half body (39) is extended relative to the sleeve (38) so as to move both poppets (35,42) off their respective seats and to permit flow through the coupling. The coupling has protrusions (76) provided with sharpened edges which are positioned to scrape ice adhering to facing surfaces when the coupling halves are joined and separated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coupling assembly for dispensing cryogenic fluids, The coupling assembly includes an upstream terminus coupled to a source of cryogenic fluid and a downstream terminus connected to a container for receiving the cryogenic fluid. A poppet valve assembly is disposed at the upstream dispensing terminus. This poppet valve assembly is mechanically operated to be opened and closed. A second poppet valve assembly has a downstream terminus which is coupled to a receiving tank for the cryogenic fluid and an upstream terminus for coupling with the first poppet valve assembly. The second poppet valve assembly is opened and closed through overcoming the pressure of a spring by the pressure of the cryogenic fluid being transferred and the release of the cryogenic fluid pressure, A threaded wheel mounted on the first poppet valve assembly mates with a threaded portion on the second poppet valve assembly to connect and disconnect the two parts of the coupling.

Abstract: A system is provided for controllably venting cryogen of extremely low temperature from a cryostat, wherein a conduit formed of selected metal provides a path of flow for the cryogen from the cryostat to an exhaust system. A gauge is coupled to the conduit, along the path of flow, by means of a bushing which thermally isolates the gauge from the metallic conduit, which is at an extremely low temperature. Thus, the gauge, which is used to continually monitor cryogen pressure, does not become unreadable due to icing or frosting as a result of heat loss from the gauge to the conduit. The bushing is formed from a material such as GC-10, and includes an intermediate portion for spacing the bushing away from the metallic conduit, and also for enclosing a dead space which substantially reduces heat transfer directly between the gauge and cryogen in the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seal for demountable joints operating over a wide temperature range down to liquid helium temperatures. The seal has anti-extrusion guards which prevent extrusion of the soft ductile sealant material, which may be indium or an alloy thereof.

Abstract: A cryostat for subjecting samples to extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures while simultaneously exposing them to a gas. The cryostat includes a temperature control assembly with a cryogen jacket-encased sample tube that defines a sample chamber. A heat exchanger is located at the base of the sample tube. The temperature control assembly further includes an exchange gas system for introducing gas into the base of the sample chamber. The cryostat includes a vacuum tail the temperature control assembly is inserted into. The vacuum tail comprises a vacuum jacket that surrounds the cryogen jacket and the sample base end that is integral with a manifold that is in communication with the sample chamber. Gas introduced into the sample chamber may be exhausted therefrom through the manifold.

Abstract: An improved open-cycle cooling apparatus in which a cooling chamber holding a device to be cooled is coupled with a cold fluid delivery system and, in which the cold fluid delivery system includes a delivery tube which directs a stream of cold fluid to strike the device and a return which vents the expended cold fluid from the cooling chamber. The improvement comprises a rigid enclosure formed within the chamber and configured to adaptively engage one end of the cold fluid delivery tube. The device to be cooled is disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a return to remove expended cold fluid from the cooling chamber to the return of the cold fluid delivery stystem. The improvement further comprises an alignment guide disposed within the enclosure between the device to be cooled and the one end of the cold fluid delivery tube engaged to the enclosure.

Abstract: A device forming a swivel joint for a cryogenic liquid with at least one central duct for the flow of said cryogenic liquid through the joint and comprising at least one annular duct co-axially surrounding said central duct for the return of the cold gas originating from the vaporization of the moving liquid, said annular duct comprising gas inlet and outlet pipes; a stationary portion and a portion mounted in rotating relation to said stationary portion by means of a ball or roller bearing operating at a temperature close to ambient temperature, a double set of sealing gaskets also operating at a temperature close to ambient temperature; and heat insulation of at least the parts of said stationary and movable portions forming said annular duct and contacted by said cold gas, so arranged as to prevent any cooling-down of said sealing gaskets through convection or radiation; the device being applicable in particular to the off-shore transfer of liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: A zero-leak cryogenic coupling includes a polymeric seal clamped to a male bayonet member with two pairs of tightening rings. The tightening rings threadably engage each other in respective pairs around tapered ends of the inflatable seal member so that a wedging action tightens the seal member about the male bayonet. Once in place, the seal may be inflated via an inflation port so that its expansion provides a pressure contact with the inside surface of a coaxial female member.

Abstract: An axial disconnect is provided for use with refrigerator systems in which the valve motor and displacer drive are not on the same axis as the displacer (cold end) or for situations where the stresses transmitted to the plug shields are to be minimized. The axial refrigeration connection allows field interruption of the refrigerator-cryostat conduction path to prevent excessive heat leak to the cryostat in the event of a refrigerator failure or scheduled service.

Abstract: A rotating refrigerator connection is provided which allows field interruption of the heat conduction path between a one, two or three stage cryogenic refrigerator and a cryostat in the event of a refrigerator failure or scheduled service.

Abstract: A union for joining pipes, tubing, or other fluid conduits in a fluidtight manner includes male and female parts having respective inner fluid passages. The male part has a contoured lead end that slidably engages the female lead end which has a complementary contour with respect to the male lead end. The male lead end has a circumferential recess which retains a resilient sealing member which is radially compressed between the mated, contoured lead ends when the male and female parts are joined together. Clamping means is provided to hold the male and female parts together, but the fluidtight seal is independent of the clamping means. The mated contoured lead ends substantially eliminate transverse movement at the sealing interface and permit a camming action when the male and female parts are joined so as to self-align the respective inner passages.