Patent ID: 6398264
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: B29C,F16L

Abstract:
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.