Patent ID: 8282134
Filing Date: 2012-10-09
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A thermally responsive fluid coupling for connecting an associated fluid conduit to an associated inlet conduit of an associated fuel regulator, the associated inlet conduit defining a longitudinal axis and having an outer surface including an axially extending ridge, the fluid coupling comprising: a fluid-carrying member having an inlet end for receiving fluid from the associated fluid conduit and an outlet end for delivering fluid to the associated inlet conduit; a collar disposed around the fluid-carrying member, the collar having a first end adapted to be releasably connected to the associated fluid conduit, and a second end adapted to engage the outer surface of the inlet conduit; and a bushing disposed between the fluid-carrying member and the collar, the bushing including a first end, a second end and a central bore extending axially from the first end to the second end, the first end being engaged by the fluid-carrying member, the second end being configured to engage the ridge of the associated inlet conduit for preventing rotation of the bushing in relation thereto, the bushing including an outwardly extending resilient thermally responsive protrusion configured to engage the collar for retaining the collar in place with respect to the associated inlet conduit while permitting rotational movement of the collar relative to bushing, wherein the protrusion is yieldable in response to a predetermined temperature to permit at least limited axial movement between the collar and the fluid-carrying member to shut off the fluid connection between the fluid-carrying member and the associated fluid conduit.