Patent Publication Number: US-9404598-B2

Title: Valve with temperature activated trigger having novel material configuration

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/875,147 filed May 1, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     A temperature activated trigger for opening a valve is provided to vent fluid from a tank. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current pressure relief valve technology utilize temperature activated triggers, including the use of shape memory alloys that extend remotely from the valve, and about the exterior surface of the equipment (such as a tank) being protected from a first or a heat source. Heating of a portion of the temperature activated trigger, with consequent change in its shape, does not necessarily result in transmission of resultant tensile forces to effect displacement of the trigger so as to effect actuation of the valve to an open condition. This may occur when the temperature activated trigger is made from relatively elastic material which, rather than transmitting the produced tensile forces to effect the displacement of the trigger for actuation of the valve, becomes stretched by the tensile forces. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, there is provided a valve comprising a body, a passageway, a sealing member, and a trigger. The passageway is defined within the body, and includes an inlet and an outlet. The sealing member is configured for displacement between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the sealing member prevents fluid communication between the inlet and outlet of the passageway, and in the open position, the inlet and the outlet of the passageway are disposed in fluid communication. The trigger includes a displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion configured for displacement from a first trigger position to a second trigger position. The displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion cooperates with the sealing member such that, while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the first trigger position, the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion effects interference with displacement of the sealing member from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position, and while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the interference effected by the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion, is removed. While the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member is displaceable from the closed position to the open position in response to a pressure differential, existing between the inlet and the outlet, which is greater than a minimum predetermined threshold pressure differential. The trigger further includes a temperature responsive trigger portion including a plurality of constituent trigger segments connected to one another in series, the constituent trigger segments including a plurality of temperature responsive trigger segments. Each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments, independently, includes a composite material, the composite material including: (a) a shape changing material-comprising component configured to assume a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment, and (b) a relatively inelastic material-comprising component having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing material-comprising component. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a valve comprising a body, a passageway, a sealing member, and a trigger. The passageway is defined within the body, and includes an inlet and an outlet. The sealing member is configured for displacement between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the sealing member prevents fluid communication between the inlet and outlet of the passageway, and in the open position, the inlet and the outlet of the passageway are disposed in fluid communication. The trigger includes a displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion configured for displacement from a first trigger position to a second trigger position. The displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion cooperates with the sealing member such that, while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the first trigger position, the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion effects interference with displacement of the sealing member from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position, and while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the interference effected by the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion, is removed. While the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member is displaceable from the closed position to the open position in response to a pressure differential, existing between the inlet and the outlet, which is greater than a minimum predetermined threshold pressure differential. The trigger further includes a temperature responsive trigger portion including a plurality of constituent trigger segments connected to one another in series, the constituent trigger segments including a plurality of temperature responsive trigger segments. Each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments, independently, includes a composite material, the composite material including: (a) a shape changing material-comprising component configured to assume a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment, and (b) a relatively inelastic material-comprising component having a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shape changing material-comprising component. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a valve comprising a body, a passageway, a sealing member, and a trigger. The passageway is defined within the body, and includes an inlet and an outlet. The sealing member is configured for displacement between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the sealing member prevents fluid communication between the inlet and outlet of the passageway, and in the open position, the inlet and the outlet of the passageway are disposed in fluid communication. The trigger includes a displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion configured for displacement from a first trigger position to a second trigger position. The displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion cooperates with the sealing member such that, while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the first trigger position, the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion effects interference with displacement of the sealing member from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position, and while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the interference effected by the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion, is removed. While the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member is displaceable from the closed position to the open position in response to a pressure differential, existing between the inlet and the outlet, which is greater than a minimum predetermined threshold pressure differential. The trigger further includes a temperature responsive trigger portion including a plurality of constituent trigger segments connected to one another, in series, the constituent trigger segments including: (a) a shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment configured for assuming a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy, and (b) one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments, each one of the one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a valve comprising a body, a passageway, a sealing member, and a trigger. The passageway is defined within the body, and includes an inlet and an outlet. The sealing member is configured for displacement between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the sealing member prevents fluid communication between the inlet and outlet of the passageway, and in the open position, the inlet and the outlet of the passageway are disposed in fluid communication. The trigger includes a displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion configured for displacement from a first trigger position to a second trigger position. The displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion cooperates with the sealing member such that, while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the first trigger position, the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion effects interference with displacement of the sealing member from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position, and while the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the interference effected by the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion, is removed. While the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member is displaceable from the closed position to the open position in response to a pressure differential, existing between the inlet and the outlet, which is greater than a minimum predetermined threshold pressure differential. The trigger further includes a temperature responsive trigger portion including a plurality of constituent trigger segments connected to one another, in series, the constituent trigger segments including: (a) a shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment configured for assuming a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy, and (b) one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments, each one of the one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments having a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a valve showing the trigger partially in fragment; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the valve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation view from one end of the valve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is cross-sectional view of the valve of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines A-A in  FIG. 3 , with the trigger partially in fragment, and showing the sealing member in the closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is cross-sectional view of the valve of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines A-A in  FIG. 3 , with the trigger partially in fragment, and showing the sealing member in the open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the trigger of the valve in  FIG. 1 , partially in fragment; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a portion of another embodiment of the trigger of the valve in  FIG. 1 , partially in fragment; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the valve of  FIG. 1  attached to a tank; and 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric top view of the valve of  FIG. 1  attached to a tank; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a segment divider of the valve of  FIG. 1 , effecting division of two separate trigger segments; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a segment divider of the valve of  FIG. 1 , effecting division of two separate trigger segments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , there is provided an embodiment of a valve  10  for attachment, either directly or indirectly, to an opening (such as a port) of a container such as, for example, a vessel or tank containing liquids or gases held under pressure such as the tank  200  depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The valve  10  comprises a body  20 , a passageway  30 , a sealing member  160 , and a trigger  130 . 
     The valve  10  can be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, venting a pressure vessel when the vessel is exposed to extreme heat or fire in order to avoid an explosion, or venting a tank of fire suppressant onto a fire in the area protected by the trigger. 
     The body  20  includes a passageway  30  having an inlet  17  and an outlet  18 . In some embodiments, for example, the body  20  may includes more than one inlet, more than one outlet, or both of more than one inlet and more than one outlet. The inlet  17  can be configured for attachment to an opening (such as a port) of a container, either directly or indirectly. An embodiment of the invention attached indirectly to a tank  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . For example, the material of the body  20  is metallic. Suitable metallic materials include brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. 
     The sealing member  160  is configured for displacement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, (see  FIG. 5 ), the sealing member  160  prevents fluid communication between the inlet  17  and outlet  18  of the passageway  30  In the open position (see  FIG. 4 ), the inlet  17  and the outlet  18  of the passageway  30  are in fluid communication, allowing for gas or liquid to flow from the inlet  17  to the outlet  18 . For example, the sealing member  160  includes a sealing member body which carries an o-ring for effecting sealing engagement of the sealing member  160  to the passageway  30 , such that fluid is prevented from flowing from the inlet  17  to the outlet  18  while the sealing member  160  is disposed in the closed position. The sealing member body is made from one or more of a variety of materials including metal. For example, a suitable metal is steel. The o-ring may be made from elastomeric material. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the displacement of the sealing member  160  is effected by movement of the sealing member  160  within the passageway  30 . In this respect, by virtue of the geometry of the passageway  30 , the movement of the sealing member  160  is directed by the passageway  30 . 
     The trigger  130  includes a displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is configured for displacement between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. In the first trigger position, the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  effects interference with displacement of the sealing member  160  from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In some embodiments, for example, while the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is in the first trigger position, the portion  131  extends into the passageway  30 , thereby effecting interference to the movement of the sealing member  160  within the passageway  30 , and thereby effecting interference with the displacement of the sealing member  160 . Displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  from the first trigger position, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , to the second trigger position, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , removes the interference effected by the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  to the movement of the sealing member  160 . 
     It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the sealing member  160  may be disposed in the open position so long as the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is disposed in the first trigger position, and the sealing member  160  is disposed for displacement to the closed position when the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is disposed in the second trigger position. 
     In some embodiments, while the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member  160  is displaceable from the closed position to the open position in response to a sufficient pressure differential provided between the inlet  17  and the outlet  18  (i.e. while the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member  160  is displaced from the closed position to the open position when the pressure differential between the inlet  17  and the outlet  18  exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure differential). In some of these embodiments, for example, the inlet  17  is disposed in fluid communication with a container (such as the tank  200 ), and is, thereby, exposed to fluid pressure within the container, and the outlet  18  is disposed in fluid communication with the atmosphere and is, thereby, exposed to atmospheric pressure, such that, so long as the fluid pressure within the container exceeds atmospheric pressure by a predetermined minimum threshold amount, and so long as the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is disposed in the second trigger position, the sealing member will become displaced from closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined minimum threshold amount is at least 50 psi. 
     The trigger  130  further includes a temperature responsive trigger portion  100 . The temperature responsive trigger portion  100  is configured to effect the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  (and, therefore, the trigger) in response to receiving of heat energy by at least a portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100 . In response to the receiving of heat energy, the at least a portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion effects exertion of a tensile force on the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 , thereby effecting the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 , and thereby effecting removal of the interference to the displacement of the sealing member  160 , such that the sealing member  160  becomes displaceable, from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position, in response to a pressure differential, existing between the inlet  17  and the outlet  18 , which exceeds a minimum predetermined threshold pressure differential. In some of these embodiments, for example, the receiving of heat energy by at least a portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  effects a change in shape of the trigger such that the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is effected. In some of these embodiments, for example, the trigger includes a longitudinal axis, and the change in shape includes a reduction in length of the trigger along its longitudinal axis. 
     A fire or other heat source which can effect displacement of the trigger  130 , as above-described, can also effect heating of the tank  200  to which the valve  10  is attached. In such cases, in an embodiment of the invention, the movement of the trigger  130  is effected by the heat before the heating of the tank  200  effects the failure of the tank  200 . “Failure” of the tank  200  occurs when the integrity of the tank  200  is compromised, such as by, for example, rupturing, breaking or melting. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position can directly effect displacement of the sealing member  160 , whereas in other embodiments, (as illustrated in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  from the first position to the second position indirectly effects displacement of the sealing member  160 . In  FIG. 4 , for example, the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is retaining an intermediate member, in this case, a single ball  15 , against the sealing member  160  and is thereby interfering with displacement of the sealing member  160  from one of the open position and the closed position (in this case, the closed position) to the other one of the open position and the closed position (in this case, the open position) by a sufficient fluid pressure differential, between the inlet  17  and the outlet  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the ball  15  is used to transmit most of the force applied to the sealing member  160 , by the pressure exerted from the fluid contents of the tank, onto the body  20 , while transmitting a smaller force onto the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 . The use of the ball  15  as an intermediate member results in less frictional resistance to the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  when it is displaced by tensile forces exerted by a temperature responsive trigger portion  100  (see below), compared to when there is no intermediate member and the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is directly engaged to the sealing member  160 . This allows for greater flexibility in the choice of materials for the temperature responsive portion  100 , which may, for example, be a wire (for example, comprising a shaped memory alloy). For example, the material of construction of the ball  15  is steel and the diameter of the ball is 0.250 inches. 
     In some embodiments, for example, such as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , while the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is disposed in the first trigger position, the ball  15  is restrained by the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  within a groove or cut-out  163  of the sealing member  160  to assume an interference relationship disposition with respect to the sealing member  160 , such that interference with the displacement of the sealing member  160  from one of the open position and the closed position to the other one of the open position and the closed position is thereby effected. Relative to the first embodiment, the configuration of the interference relationship between the ball  15  and the sealing member  160  of the second embodiment facilitates the provision of a shorter sealing member  160 , thereby reducing overall space requirements. As well, relative to the first embodiment, the configuration of the interference relationship between the ball  15  and the sealing member  160  of the second embodiment reduces the risk of inadvertent movement of the sealing member  160  (for example, inadvertent opening if the sealing member  160  is normally in a closed position, or, as another example, inadvertent closing if the sealing member  160  is normally in an open position) if the valve  10  is installed incorrectly such that a higher pressure is provided at the outlet  18  relative to the inlet  17 . 
     In some embodiments, the ball  15  is disposed in a passage  151  which is drilled through the body  20 . In some embodiments, and referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the passage  151  is drilled through the outlet  18 . Relative to the first embodiment, the manner of formation of the passage  151  in the second embodiment reduces the number of manufacturing operations and the number of components. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the body  20  also defines a passageway  136  which directs the movement of the trigger  130 . In this respect, the trigger is configured for slideable movement within the passageway, and the displacement of the trigger  130  between the closed position and the open position is effected by slideable movement of the trigger  130  within the passageway  136 . 
     In some embodiments, the valve  10  also includes a trigger retainer  50  connected to a retained trigger portion  104  of the trigger  130 . The retained trigger portion  104  is remote from the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 . The trigger retainer  50  functions to resist displacement of the retained trigger portion  104 . By effecting the connection of the retained trigger portion  104  to the trigger retainer  50 , displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 , effected in response to the receiving of heat energy by at least a portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion  104 , is more pronounced (such as, for example, a greater displacement) than the case where there is no trigger retainer  50  that is connected to a portion (i.e. the retained trigger portion  104 ) of the trigger  130 . In some embodiments, for example, the connection of the retained trigger portion  104  to the trigger retainer  50  is such that the retained trigger portion  104  is fixed or substantially fixed such that receiving of heat energy by at least a portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  effects displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  such that the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 , from the first trigger position to the second trigger position, is effected. In some embodiments, for example, the connection of the retained trigger portion  104  to the trigger retainer  50  is such that the spatial disposition of the retained trigger portion  104  is fixed, or substantially fixed, relative to the valve body  20 , or is configured to be fixed, or substantially fixed, relative to the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, for example, for effecting the fixing, or substantial fixing, of the spatial disposition of the retained trigger portion  104  relative to the body  20  by the trigger retainer  50 , the trigger retainer  50  is connected to the body  20  (such as by connector  56 ). In other embodiments, for example, the trigger retainer  50  is configured to effects indirect connection of the retained trigger portion  104  of the temperature responsive trigger actuator  100  to a component which is independently connected to the valve body  20 . For example, in some of these other embodiments, the trigger retainer  50  includes a strap, band or other fastener for securing the retained trigger portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  directly or indirectly to the tank  200  to which the valve  10  is connected. In this respect, such fastener functions to effect fixing, or substantial fixing, of the spatial disposition of the retained trigger portion  104  relative to the body  20  of the valve  10 . 
     In some of these embodiments, for example, to effect coupling of the retained trigger portion  104  of the trigger  130  to the body  20 , the trigger retainer  50  is in the form of an assembly of a washer  50   a , a crimp  50   b , and the connector  56 . The washer  50   a  rests in an interference relationship with the connector  56  with the effect that displacement of the washer  50   b  in a direction towards the displaceable interference-effecting portion is restricted by the connector  56 . The trigger  130  extends through a passageway (i.e. hole) provided in the washer  50   a , and the crimp  50   b  is clamped to a portion of the trigger  130  to provide a geometry with the effect that displacement of the clamped portion (i.e. the retained trigger portion  104 ) in a direction towards the displaceable interference-effecting portion  130   a  (and through the hole in the washer  50   a ) is restricted by the washer  50   a , which is disposed in the above-described interference relationship with the connector  56 . The connector  56  extends from the washer  50   a  to the body  20  and is in turn coupled to the spring retainer  122  (to be described in further detail below) which is fastened to the body  20 . For example, the connector  56  is made from metallic material, and suitable metallic materials includes copper, stainless steel, brass or aluminum, or a combination of said materials. The connector  56  is stiffer than the temperature responsive trigger portion  100 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  is disposed within a sleeve  561  disposed within the connector  56 . The sleeve  561  functions to reduce friction between the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  and the connector  56 , during travel of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  through the connector, in parallel with the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 . In some embodiments, for example, the sleeve  561  is disposed in interference fit relationship with the connector  56 . In some embodiments, for example, the sleeve  561  is made from a plastic, such as polytetrafluoroethylene. In some embodiments, for example, the sleeve  561  is made from TEFLON™. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the assembly of the connector  56 , the washer  50   a , and the crimp  50   b  may be closed or covered by a cap  51  which is connected to the connector  56 . Fastening of the connector  56  is effected with a nut  5622 , which is threaded to the cap  51 , and which forces a ferrule  5644  to pinch the connector  56 . In this respect, during assembly, the nut  5622  and the ferrule  5644  are slid over the end of the connector  56  which is desired to be fastened to the cap  51 . The connector  56  is then pushed into an aperture provided within the cap  51 . The nut  5622  is then tightened until the ferrule  5644  squeezes the connector  56 . For example, the cap  51  is made using metallic material, such as brass or stainless steel. In some embodiments, for example, the cap  51  functions to cover the assembly of the trigger retainer  50  to, amongst other things, prevent, or mitigate, material ingress or physical damage. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the temperature, at which the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  assumes a change in shape, is modified with a shape changing temperature modification assembly  1311 . The shape changing temperature modification assembly  1311  includes a pin  132 , a biasing member  120 , and a spring housing  134 . The spring housing  134  is for housing the biasing member  120 . The temperature responsive trigger portion  100  is pinched between the pin  132  and the spring housing  134 . In some embodiments, for example, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  is defined on an exterior surface of the spring housing  134 . For example, the material of the spring housing  134  is metallic. Suitable metallic materials include brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. For example, the material of the pin  132  is a metal, such as steel. The biasing member  120  effects application of a force to the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  to effect modification of its shape changing temperature characteristics. For example, the biasing member is a resilient member, such as a spring  120 , as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . For example, the spring  120  is a coil spring made from steel. For example, the spring  120  is disposed within space provided by the spring housing member  134 , and is retained within space by spring retainer  122 . Spring retainer  122  is fastened to the body  20 . For example, the spring retainer  122  is made from metallic material, such as brass or stainless steel. For example, the spring retainer  122  is in the form of a nut which threads into complementary threads provide on an external surface of the body  20 , and presses against the spring housing  124  against the body  20  to thereby effected disposition of the spring housing  134  between the spring retainer  122  and the body  20 . The spring retainer  122  includes a passage  124  which slidably receives the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  so as to facilitate the connection of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  to the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  (defined, in this embodiments, by the shape changing temperature modification assembly  1311 ) and also to facilitate displacement of the trigger  130  in response to heating, as described herein. 
     As alluded to above, in some embodiments, for example, the connector  56  is fastened to the spring retainer  122 , thereby effecting coupling of the connector  56  to the body  20 . For example, fastening of the connector  56  is effected with a nut  562 , which is threaded to the spring retainer  122 , and which forces a ferrule  564  to pinch the connector  56 . In this respect, during assembly, the nut  562  and the ferrule  564  are slid over the end of the connector  56  which is desired to be fastened to the spring retainer  122  (and, therefore, the body). The connector  56  is then pushed through the passage  124  provided on the spring retainer  122 . The nut  562  is then tightened until the ferrule  564  squeezes the connector  56 . 
     The shape changing temperature modification assembly  1311 , the temperature responsive trigger portion  100 , and the trigger retainer  104  co-operate with the effect that opposition is effected to the force applied by the biasing member  120  such that a resulting tensile force is applied to the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  sufficient to effect a modification to a shape-changing temperature of at least one portion of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  so as to provide at least one shape-changing temperature-modified trigger portion. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, one or more portions of the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  are configured, each, independently, to assume a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy by the one or more portions, even in the absence of the tensile force being applied by the biasing member  120 , such that the shape change contributes to the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131 . While the biasing member  120  is applying the tensile force to the temperature responsive trigger portion  100 , the respective shape-changing temperature, of each one of these one or more portions, is modified, so as to better suit the contemplated application of the valve  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , and as alluded to above, in some embodiments, for example, the valve  10  is connected to a port of a tank  200 . In this respect, the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  is positioned about the tank  200  such that the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  encircles the tank  200  for purposes of increasing the amount of space next to the tank for which the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  is operative for responding to a heat source that is present in such space. 
     First Aspect 
     In one aspect, the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  includes a plurality of constituent trigger segments  101  connected to one another in series. The constituent trigger segments include a plurality of temperature responsive trigger segments  103  (in the embodiment illustrated, each one of the constituent trigger segments  101  is a temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , but this does not necessarily have to be the case). Each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments, independently, includes a composite material. The composite material includes: (a) a shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  configured to assume a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment, and (b) a relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b.    
     In one sub-aspect, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a . In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing material-comprising component by a factor of at least two (2), such as, for example, at least five (5), or such as, for example, at least ten (10). 
     In another sub-aspect, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a . In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shape changing material-comprising component by a factor of at least two (2), such as, for example, at least five (5), or such as, for example, at least ten (10). 
     In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a minimum diameter of at least 0.010 inches. In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a minimum diameter of at least 0.015 inches. In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  has a minimum diameter of 0.020 inches. 
     In some embodiments, for example, each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , independently, is configured for exerting a tensile force, in response to receiving of heat energy, such that the tensile force exerted by one or more of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103  which have received heat energy, effects the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. 
     In some embodiments, for example, wherein the effected change in shape, of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , includes a contraction of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the effected change in shape, of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , includes a reduction in length of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , along its longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the exertion of a tensile force by one or more of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103  is effected in response to, for each one of the one or more tensile force-exerting temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , independently, a changing in shape of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103  effected by the respective shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 . In some embodiments, for example, the changing in shape (such as a contraction, or length reduction) results in “pulling” of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 , effecting the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the constituent trigger segments  101  are co-operatively configured such that tensile force, exerted by one or more of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , in response to, for each one of the one or more tensile force-exerting temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , is not absorbed, by the other ones of the constituent trigger segments  101  (i.e. the ones that are not exerting a tensile force), to a sufficient extent to prevent transmission of a sufficient fraction of the tensile force to the displaceable interference-effecting portion  131  for effecting the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. This displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 , from the first trigger position to the second trigger position, is effected in response to the receiving of heat energy by the one or more temperature responsive trigger segments  103 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , independently, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  is spatially disposed relative to the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  such that an application of heat to the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , sufficient to effect a changing in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a , also renders the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  sufficiently deformable. In some embodiments, for example, the application of heat to the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , sufficient to effect a changing in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a , and while effect a changing in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a , effects sagging or buckling of the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103  (see reference numeral  1033   b  in  FIG. 5 ). This has the effect that, a changing in shape of the effect a changing in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a , in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , is not resisted by the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  to a sufficient extent to prevent transmission of a tensile force, exerted by the corresponding temperature responsive trigger segment  103  in response to the changing in shape of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , to the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, while a tensile force is being exerted by one or more temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , in response to, for each one of the one or more tensile force-exerting temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , independently, a shape change of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103  effected by the receiving of applied heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment  103 , the relatively inelastic material-comprising components  103   b  of the other ones of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103  are, co-operatively, sufficiently inelastic such that the exerted tensile force is not absorbed, by the other ones of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , at least to a sufficient extent to prevent transmission of a sufficient fraction of the tensile force to the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  for effecting displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. Absorption of the exerted tensile force, by the other ones of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , could have the effect that the exerted tensile force is not transmitted to the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 , and does not effect displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  of one or more temperature responsive trigger segments  103  is configured such that, in response to receiving of heat energy by the one or more heat-received temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , simultaneously, the effected change in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  of all of the one or more heat-received temperature responsive trigger segments  103  effects the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. In some of these embodiments, for example, the effected change in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  130   a  of all of the one or more heat-received temperature responsive trigger segments  103  effects a contraction of the heat-received temperature responsive trigger segments  103  such that the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  is displaced from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. In other ones of these embodiments, for example, the effected change in shape of the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  of all of the one or more heat-received temperature responsive trigger segments  103  effects a reduction in length of the heat received temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , along every one of their respective longitudinal axes, such that the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  is displaced from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. 
     In some embodiments, for example, segment dividers  107  are provided, for effecting an interface between consecutive constituent trigger segments  103 , such that a plurality of segment dividers  107  is provided. 
     In some embodiments, for example, and such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a single member  1003   a  (such as a wire) defines the shape changing-material comprising components  103   a  of all of the constituent trigger segments  103 , and a single member  1003   b  (such as a wire) defines the relatively inelastic material-comprising components  103   b  of all of the constituent trigger segments  103 , and the segment dividers  107  are crimps, and each one of the crimps pinches, simultaneously a portion of the member  1003   a  and a corresponding portion of the member  1003   b , at different locations along the members  1003   a ,  1003   b , thereby dividing the members  1003   a ,  1003   b  into separate trigger segments  103 , each one of these trigger segments  103  including components  103   a ,  103   b , the component  103   a  corresponding to a portion or section of the member  1003   a , and the component  103   b  corresponding to a portion or section of the member  1003   b.    
     In some embodiments, for example, and such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , each one of the components  103   a ,  103   b  of any segment  103  are separate pieces relative to corresponding components  103   a ,  103   b  of every one of the other segments  103 , and the segment dividers  107  function as anchors. 
     In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments  103 , independently, each one of the components  103   a ,  103   b  is elongated. In some of these embodiments, for example, each one of the components  103   a ,  103   b  is in the form of a respective wire. 
     In some embodiments, for example, prior to responding to receiving of heat energy for effecting the exertion of a tensile force for effecting the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion, the temperature responsive trigger segment  103  is disposed in an unactuated condition, and, in the unactuated condition, the components  103   a ,  103   b  of the temperature responsive trigger segment  103  are disposed in a parallel, or substantially parallel, relationship relative to one another. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the shape changing material-comprising component  103   a  includes a shape memory alloy. In some of these embodiments, for example, the shape memory alloy is configured to contract at least 5% in response to heating the shape memory alloy from a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius to a temperature of 98 degrees Celsius. In some of these embodiments, for example, the shape memory alloy is a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy. In some embodiments, for example, the shape changing material-comprising component is a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy wire. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component  103   b  includes steel. In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic material-comprising component is a steel wire. 
     Second Aspect 
     In another aspect, the temperature responsive trigger portion  100  includes a plurality of constituent trigger segments  1011  connected to one another, in series. The constituent trigger segments  1011  include: (a) a shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a  configured for assuming a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy, and (b) one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b.    
     In one sub-aspect, each one of the one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b  has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b  has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a  by a factor of at least of at least two (2), such as, for example, at least five (5), or such as, for example, at least ten (10). 
     In another sub-aspect, each one of the relatively inelastic material-comprising segments  1031   b  has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a . In some embodiments, for example, each one of the relatively inelastic material-comprising segments  1031   b  has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a . by a factor of at least two (2), such as, for example, at least five (5), or such as, for example, at least ten (10). 
     In some embodiments, for example, each one of the relatively inelastic material-comprising segments  1031   b  has a minimum diameter of at least 0.010 inches. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the relatively inelastic material-comprising segments  1031   b  has a minimum diameter of at least 0.015 inches. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the relatively inelastic material-comprising segments  1031   b  has a minimum diameter of 0.020 inches. 
     In some embodiments, for example, each one of the one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b  is deformable only above the temperature at which the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment is predisposed for assuming a change in shape. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a  is configured for exerting a tensile force, in response to receiving of heat energy, to effect the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, each one of the relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b , independently, is sufficiently inelastic such that tensile force, being exerted by the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a  in response to receiving of heat energy by the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a , is not absorbed, by the one or more relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b , to a sufficient extent to prevent transmission of a sufficient fraction of the tensile force to the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  for effecting displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 . This has the effect that the displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  is effected in response to the receiving of applied heat energy by the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a . Absorption of the exerted tensile force, by the other ones of the relatively inelastic trigger segments  1031   b , could have the effect that the exerted tensile force is not transmitted to the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131 , and does not effect displacement of the displaceable interference-effecting trigger portion  131  from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the exertion of a tensile force by the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a  is effected in response to a changing in shape of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a  in response to receiving of heat energy by the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a . In some of these embodiments, for example, the effected change in shape, of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a , includes a contraction of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a . In other ones of these embodiments, for example, the effected change in shape, of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a , includes a reduction in length of the shape changing temperature responsive trigger segment  1031   a , along its longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, for example, each one of the constituent trigger segments  1011  is elongated. In some of these embodiments, for example, each one of the segments  1011  is in the form of a respective wire. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the shape changing temperature responsive segment  1031   a  includes a shape memory alloy. In some of these embodiments, for example, the shape memory alloy is configured to contract at least 5% in response to heating the shape memory alloy from a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius to a temperature of 98 degrees Celsius. In some of these embodiments, for example, the shape memory alloy is a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy. In some embodiments, for example, the shape changing temperature responsive segment is a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy wire. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the relatively inelastic trigger segment  1031   b  includes steel. In some embodiments, for example, the a relatively inelastic material-comprising segment is a steel wire. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the constituent trigger segments  1011  are connected to one another with segment dividers  107 . 
     In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present disclosure. Although certain dimensions and materials are described for implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions and/or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present disclosure. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.