摘要 |
A coupling includes a socket assembly having a locking or retaining assembly which holds a plug in the socket assembly. When the socket assembly is exposed to excessive heat, an element of the retaining assembly starts to fuse and loses its rigidity. The heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is then deformed to release the plug for movement from the socket assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is spherical locking or retaining balls which engage the plug to hold it in the socket assembly. In another embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is cylindrical locking or retaining pins which engage the plug to hold it in the socket assembly. In still another embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is a cylindrical locking sleeve which engages the retaining elements to hold them in engagement with the plug.
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