Patent ID: 8507062

Claim:
A flexible-to-rigid tube for interconnecting an outlet port of a first component and an inlet port of a second component, comprising: a first end configured to be slid over and clamped to a tubular fitting that defines the outlet port of the first component; a second end configured to be slid over and clamped to a tubular fitting that defines the inlet port of the second component; a layer having a composition comprising at least one of a silicone and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), wherein the layer changes from a flexible state to a rigid state via formation of a cross-linked network upon exposure of the layer to actinic radiation or heat to increase the flexural modulus and burst strength of the flexible-to-rigid tube, wherein while the layer is in the flexible state the flexible-to-rigid tube is sufficiently flexible to be routed between the outlet port of the first component and the inlet port of the second component so that the first end of the flexible-to-rigid tube can be slid over and clamped to the tubular fitting of the first component and the second end of the flexible-to-rigid tube can be slid over and clamped to the tubular fitting of the second component, and wherein the cross-linked network is a polymerization reaction product of: a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) having a pendant or terminal functional group selected from a group of functional groups consisting of epoxy functional groups, vinyl functional groups, and acrylate functional groups; and an initiator.