Fluid handling – Convertible – Units interchangeable between alternate locations
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-24
2001-01-09
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Convertible
Units interchangeable between alternate locations
C285S135100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170515
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to manifolding systems providing selective connection between selected ones of a plurality of conduits of a plumbing system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many situations in which a system of plumbing is provided with a manifold arrangement having a plurality of interconnected pipes and a plurality of valves which control the flow between selected ones of the pipes. In such a system, two selected pipes are typically connected by opening a valve between them, and they are disconnected by closing the valve. Due to the need to provide selective connection of a given pipe with more than one other pipe, such a manifold typically includes a plurality of valves and piping connections associated with each fluid conduit so as to provide selective connection of that conduit with other conduits by opening and closing the appropriate ones of the valves.
One problem with such a prior art system is that the flow paths which are open at any given point in time may not be visually apparent, and it may be necessary to determine which valves are open and which valves are closed, in order to ascertain that the piping system is in its proper orientation. It is also possible with such a prior art system to accidentally leave a valve in the wrong position which can lead to disastrous consequences.
Accordingly, there is a need for a manifold system which provides a visual indication of the operable connections between selected conduits, while at the same time providing speed and ease of making selected connections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a manifold system which includes an array of conduit outlets fixed in position relative to each other. A fluid connector has two quick connect devices mounted thereon so that a selected pair of the conduit outlets can be placed in fluid communication with each other by simultaneous engagement of the quick connect devices with the selected pair of conduit outlets.
Preferably the quick connect devices are self-sealing devices so that when the fluid connector is removed, all of the associated fluid outlets automatically close themselves. Thus, the presence of the fluid connector between two selected fluid outlets on a manifold panel will be a positive and immediate visual indication that the two outlets are in fluid communication with each other. Correspondingly, the absence of such a fluid connector provides a positive visual indication that there is no fluid communication between any two outlets in question.
The fluid connector may include a handle which has a fluid flow passage defined therethrough and has the two quick connect devices connected to the ends of the fluid passage. The handle may have associated therewith an actuator which actuates locking devices of the fluid connectors so that a human operator may grab the handle and simultaneously actuate the locking devices of the two fluid connectors so as to allow the connector apparatus to be easily pushed in place upon the manifold to connect two selected fluid outlets.
It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for selectively connecting chosen fluid outlets of a manifold system.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a manifold system which provides a visual indication of the fluid connection between outlets of the manifold system.
Still another object of the present invention is the provision of such apparatus for use in a healthcare environment wherein the positive and accurate identification of existing fluid connections is critical to safe operation of the system.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a manifolding system which is simple to construct, low in maintenance and economical.
Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3698432 (1972-10-01), Kutz
patent: 4103936 (1978-08-01), Sutcliffe et al.
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patent: 5092364 (1992-03-01), Mullins
patent: 5294154 (1994-03-01), Le Devehat
patent: 5316347 (1994-05-01), Arosio
patent: 5505496 (1996-04-01), Nishida et al.
patent: 5507529 (1996-04-01), Martins
Walther Pr{acute over (a)}zision catalog (1996).
Peterson Michael J.
Russell Richard M.
Fox John
Lucian Wayne Beavers Waddey & Patterson
Parmenlo, LLC
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