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A thermally activated joining apparatus is provided for reversibly joining piping components of a fluid management system. The joining apparatus includes a thermally activated sealant layers for securing the components together in a leakage free manner. A thermal conductor includes a ring shaped con

A thermally activated joining apparatus is provided for reversibly joining piping components of a fluid management system. The joining apparatus includes a thermally activated sealant layers for securing the components together in a leakage free manner. A thermal conductor includes a ring shaped contact portion disposed between the layers for transferring heat from one or more heating elements to the sealant layers. After the seal in place, the components can later be disconnected by supplying heat from the heating element or elements through the thermal conductor to the sealant layers to cause breaking of the seal and thereby enable separation of components.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A thermally activated apparatus for joining first and second fluid carrying piping components in a leakproof manner, said piping components including facing surfaces defining a joint interface and each of said piping components including a bore, said apparatus comprising:a thermally activated sea

1. A thermally activated apparatus for joining first and second fluid carrying piping components in a leakproof manner, said piping components including facing surfaces defining a joint interface and each of said piping components including a bore, said apparatus comprising:a thermally activated sealant material in contact with the facing surfaces of the piping components at the joint interface and arranged so as to provide a seal at the joint interface while permitting fluid flow between the bores of the piping components; a thermal conductor in thermal contact with said sealant material for conducting heat to the sealant material to cause thermal activation of the sealant material, said thermal conductor comprising a heat conductive member of a high thermal conductivity and including a contact portion having opposed flat surfaces, and said thermally activated sealant material including at least one sealant layer disposed between a respective facing surface of said joint interface and said contact portion of said heat conductive member in contact with one of said flat surfaces of said heat conductive member; and a heating element directly connected to the thermal conductor for supplying sufficient heat to said thermal conductor to thermally activate the sealant material so as to cause release of the seal at the joint interface and thereby permit separation of the piping components.