Patent ID: 6183019
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: F16L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A cryogenic fluid conduit coupling device formed of a material having low thermal conductivity and high resistivity to low temperature, comprising:a first coupling portion including a first contact face and a fluid path extending through said first coupling portion with a first opening at the first contact face;a second coupling portion including a second contact face and a fluid path extending through said second coupling portion with a second opening at the second contact face; said second opening having substantially the same shape and dimensions as said first opening, such that the fluid path in the first and second coupling portions form a continuous fluid path with a constant cross sectional area,the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion being configured to be complementary and self-guiding with respect to each other to align the respective openings thereof when the first contact face is brought into contact with the second contact face, whereby fluid communication is provided between the first and second coupling portions in the continuous fluid path without creating a temperature change in a cryogenic fluid flowing therethrough; anda connector member for holding the first contact face in contact with the second contact face, wherein the connector member includes a locking and unlocking mechanism for releasably holding the first coupling portion in locking engagement with the second coupling portion and a biasing member that biases the first contact face into contact with the second contact face.