Eric Brandon Vigil

US Patent:

6679294, Jan 20, 2004

Filed:

May 22, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/152906

Inventors:

John C. Ringelberg - Pine CO
Bryan R. Helgesen - Parker CO
Steven P. Sakla - Littleton CO
Eric P. Vigil - Denver CO
Frank C. Zegler - Idledale CO

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

F16L 918

US Classification:

138114, 138126, 138125, 138149, 138137, 62 507

Abstract:

A cryogenic fluid system having a flexible conduit for conducting cryogenic materials and a method for fabricating such a flexible conduit is herein disclosed. The flexible conduit of the cryogenic fluid system generally includes a first tube and a second tube disposed about the first tube. The first and second tubes can be made from the same or different materials (including composites) as long as the material which makes up at least one of the first and second tubes is silicone rubber-impregnated glass cloth. The flexible conduit also generally includes a fluorocarbon polymer liner disposed against a first inner wall of the first tube, so that the first tube is positioned between the second tube and the fluorocarbon polymer liner. Some variations of the flexible conduit have an annulus between the first and second tubes which optionally is occupied, at least in part, by insulation.