| 摘要 |
A fluid coupling (60) for connecting fluid conduits includes a thermally sensitive member (30) and a coupling nut (40) which fit together for conjoint operation. The thermally sensitive member (30) has a resiliently expanded end (36) which engages a cooperating structure (14) on a fluid-carrying member (10) to retain it in place while permitting relative rotation. The thermally sensitive member (30) has a flange portion (34) that, when assembled, is in axial shear between the coupling nut (40) and the fluid-carrying member (10). When exposed to excessive temperature, the flange portion (34) softens, allowing the fluid-carrying member (10) to move and an in-line valve to close, thus shutting off the flow of gas. In another embodiment, the thermally sensitive member (84) is a bushing that is received within the plug body (80) of a quick-disconnect type coupling. This thermally sensitive bushing is held in axial shear between a different type of fluid-carrying member (82) and an internal shoulder (100) of the plug body (80). When exposed to elevated temperature, the bushing softens to allow the fluid-carrying member (82) to move inside the plug body (80), thus permitting a valve member within an adjoining coupling to shut off fluid flow.
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