초록 ▼

A coupling includes plug and socket assemblies which are interconnectable to connect conduits in fluid communication. A heat fusible actuator member is connected with a valve member disposed in the socket assembly. The actuator member extends axially outwardly from the valve member and has an outer

A coupling includes plug and socket assemblies which are interconnectable to connect conduits in fluid communication. A heat fusible actuator member is connected with a valve member disposed in the socket assembly. The actuator member extends axially outwardly from the valve member and has an outer end portion which is engageable with the plug assembly to move the valve member from a closed condition to an open condition as the plug and socket assemblies are interconnected. The actuator member is fusible upon exposure to excessive heat to release the valve member for movement from the open condition to the closed condition under the influence of a biasing spring. As the valve member moves from the open condition to the closed condition, the size of the actuator member is reduced as it is compressed into a unitary body under the influence of the force applied against the valve member by the biasing spring. In one embodiment of the invention, when the actuator member is exposed to excessive heat, it is axially compressed. In another embodiment of the invention, when the actuator member is exposed to excessive heat, it is radially compressed. The actuator member could be mounted in the plug assembly if desired.

대표청구항 ▼

A coupling for use in connecting a pair of conduits in fluid communication, said coupling comprising a plug assembly adapted to be connected with one of the conduits, a socket assembly adapted to be connected with another of the conduits, said plug and socket assemblies being interconnectable to con

A coupling for use in connecting a pair of conduits in fluid communication, said coupling comprising a plug assembly adapted to be connected with one of the conduits, a socket assembly adapted to be connected with another of the conduits, said plug and socket assemblies being interconnectable to connect the conduits in fluid communication, a first one of said assemblies including a valve member movable along its central axis between a closed condition blocking fluid flow through said first one of said assemblies and an open condition in which said valve member is ineffective to block fluid flow through said first one of said assemblies, spring means for urging said valve member toward the closed condition,a heat fusible actuator member connected to said valve member for movement therewith, said actuator member extending axially outwardly from one end of said valve member and having an axially outer end portion which is engageable with a second one of said assemblies to transmit force from the second one of said assemblies to said valve member to move said valve member from the closed condition to the open condition upon interconnection of said assemblies, said actuator member being fusible upon exposure to excessive heat to release said valve member for movement from the open condition to the closed condition under the influence of said spring means while said assemblies are interconnected.