Cooling apparatus and couplings therefor

The present invention relates generally to the field of thermal transfer and, more specifically, to a direct-interface, fusible heat sink for non-venting, regenerable, and self-contained thermal regulation. A quick connect coupling includes a male and a female portion. The female portion is frozen in a container of solid-phase coolant fluid, i.e., water, so that passages in the housing are blocked by ice initially. The ice is melted by direct interface with liquid coolant fluid delivered from the male portion. The present invention has advantages in that the phase change material remains sealed at all times, including during regeneration. Also, it uses quick-disconnect couplings that allow the phase change material to completely fill the container and is easily handled in microgravity without spills, leakage, or handling of phase change material.