Patent ID: 6901955

Claim:
A cryogenic rotary coupling, comprising a first cryogenic line segment and a second cryogenic line segment capable of turning relative to each other about a pivot axis of the rotary coupling, first retention means for retaining one of the first and second cryogenic line segments in the radial direction, second retention means for retaining one of the first and second cryogenic line segments in the axial direction relative to the other one of said first and second segments, the radial retention means and the axial retention means defining said axis of rotation of the rotary coupling, said first segment comprising a vacuum-insulated double-walled female portion and said second segment comprising a vacuum-insulated double-walled male portion engaged at least in part in said female portion, a first sealing gasket being interposed between a free end of said male portion engaged in said female portion and one of the first and second retaining means, a second sealing gasket being interposed between a free end of said female portion surrounding said male portion and the other one of said first and second retaining means, and heater means being disposed in the vicinity of the second gasket.