U.S. patent application number 11/928271 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for modular surface mount fluid system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SWAGELOK COMPANY. Invention is credited to David J. Hasak, Gregory S. Kalata, Timothy Maruna, Douglas A. Nordstrom, Robert V. Perusek.
Application Number | 20080041478 11/928271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32397173 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080041478 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perusek; Robert V. ; et
al. |
February 21, 2008 |
MODULAR SURFACE MOUNT FLUID SYSTEM
Abstract
A bridge fitting for use with two or more surface mounted
components includes a housing having at least a first port disposed
on a first side of the housing, at least a second port non-coaxial
with the first port and disposed on a second side of the housing
opposite the first side of the housing, and an internal fluid
passageway connecting the first and second ports. The internal
fluid passageway is configured to limit fluid flow within the
bridge fitting to a single path between the first and second
ports.
Inventors: |
Perusek; Robert V.;
(Madison, OH) ; Hasak; David J.; (Concord, OH)
; Kalata; Gregory S.; (Avon, OH) ; Nordstrom;
Douglas A.; (Shaker Heights, OH) ; Maruna;
Timothy; (Chardon, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
SWAGELOK COMPANY
29500 Solon Road
Solon
OH
44139
|
Family ID: |
32397173 |
Appl. No.: |
11/928271 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11881595 |
Jul 27, 2007 |
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11928271 |
Oct 30, 2007 |
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10721312 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
7258139 |
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11928271 |
Oct 30, 2007 |
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60429088 |
Nov 26, 2002 |
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60433371 |
Dec 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/884 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F15B 13/0817 20130101;
F16K 11/22 20130101; F15B 13/0814 20130101; F16L 39/00 20130101;
F16K 27/003 20130101; F15B 13/0892 20130101; F15B 13/086 20130101;
Y10T 137/87885 20150401; F15B 13/0825 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/884 |
International
Class: |
F16K 11/00 20060101
F16K011/00 |
Claims
1. A modular fluid system for connecting with two or more surface
mount type fluid components, the modular system comprising: a
bridge fitting comprising a housing and a projection extending from
said housing; a channel block having a groove for receiving said
bridge fitting therein and an aligned complementary shaped hole for
receiving said projection, such that the channel block is
configured to receive the bridge fitting in a desired location
along the groove.
2. The modular fluid system of claim 1 wherein said projection
comprises a boss extending from a bottom surface of said housing,
and said aligned hole is located on a bottom wall of said
groove.
3. The modular fluid system of claim 1 wherein said bridge fitting
further comprises a second projection extending from said housing
and said channel block further comprises an aligned complementary
shaped second hole for receiving said second projection, wherein
said second projection is geometrically different than said first
projection.
4. The modular fluid system of claim 3, wherein said channel block
comprises a plurality of sets of first and second complementary
shaped holes, such that the channel block is configured to receive
the bridge fitting in a plurality of desired locations along the
groove.
5. The modular fluid system of claim 3, wherein at least one of
said first and second projections comprises a port and the
corresponding one of said first and second holes comprises a
through hole for communicating fluid within the port through the
channel block.
6. The modular fluid system of claim 1 wherein said system further
comprises two channel blocks and a connector block for joining said
channel blocks together; said connector block being sized to
maintain the surface mount valve spacing.
7. The modular fluid system of claim 1 wherein said first
projection of said bridge fitting comprises a first shape extending
from a side of the bridge fitting housing, and said channel block
having an aligned slot in a sidewall for receiving said first
shape.
8. The modular fluid system of claim 1 wherein said first
projection is sized to be retained in said hole of said channel
block when the channel block is in a vertical orientation.
9. The modular fluid system of claim 1 wherein the channel block
comprises a plurality of complementary shaped holes for receiving
said projection, such that the channel block is configured to
receive the bridge fitting in any one of a plurality of desired
locations along the groove.
10. The modular fluid system of claim 1, further comprising a
second bridge fitting comprising a housing and a projection
extending from said housing, wherein the channel block further
comprises a second hole complementary shaped with the projection of
the second bridge fitting, such that the channel block is
configured to receive the second bridge fitting in a desired
location along the groove.
11. The modular fluid system of claim 10, wherein the first
projection is geometrically different than the second projection to
prevent assembly of the second bridge fitting in the desired
location of the first bridge fitting.
12. The modular fluid system of claim 10, wherein said channel
block comprises a plurality of sets of first and second
complementary shaped holes, such that the channel block is
configured to receive the first stated bridge fitting and the
second bridge fitting in a plurality of desired locations along the
groove.
13. The modular fluid system of claim 10, wherein at least one of
said first and second projections comprises a port and the
corresponding one of said first and second holes comprises a
through hole for communicating fluid within the port through the
channel block.
14. The modular fluid system of claim 1, wherein said bridge
fitting and channel block are configured to prevent assembly of the
bridge fitting with the channel block in an incorrect orientation
within the groove.
15. A modular fluid system for connecting with two or more surface
mount type fluid components, the modular system comprising: a
bridge fitting, comprising a housing, a port disposed on the
housing, an internal passageway extending from the port, and a
bridge fitting locating feature disposed on the housing, wherein
said bridge fitting locating feature is spaced apart from said
passageway; and a block having a groove for receiving the bridge
fitting therein and an aligned complementary shaped block locating
feature for engaging the bridge fitting locating feature, such that
the block is configured to receive the bridge fitting in a desired
location along the groove; wherein one of the bridge fitting
locating feature and the block locating feature comprises a
projection, and the other of the bridge fitting locating feature
and the block locating feature comprises a hole.
16. The modular fluid system of claim 15 wherein said bridge
fitting locating feature comprises a projection.
17. The modular fluid system of claim 16, wherein the projection
extends from less than an entirety of a substantially planar
surface of the housing of the bridge fitting.
18. The modular fluid system of claim 15 wherein the bridge fitting
further comprises a second bridge fitting locating feature disposed
on the housing, and the block further comprises an aligned
complementary shaped second block locating feature for engaging the
second bridge fitting locating feature.
19. The modular fluid system of claim 18 wherein the second bridge
fitting locating feature is geometrically different than the first
bridge fitting locating feature.
20. A modular fluid system for connecting with two or more surface
mount type fluid components, the modular system comprising: a
bridge fitting comprising a housing including an upper surface and
a substantially planar channel block engaging surface defined by
outer edges, the housing further comprising a first port disposed
on the upper surface of the housing; a second port coplanar with
the first port; a U-shaped internal fluid passageway within the
housing originating at the first port and terminating at the second
port; and a first locating feature disposed between the outer edges
on the channel block engaging surface, the first locating feature
being spaced apart from the internal passageway; and a channel
block having a groove for receiving said bridge fitting therein,
said groove comprising a second complementary shaped locating
feature for engaging said first locating feature.
21. The modular fluid system of claim 20, wherein the first
locating feature comprises a projection and the second locating
feature comprises a complementary shaped hole.
22. A modular fluid system for connecting with two or more surface
mount type fluid components, the modular system comprising: a
bridge fitting, comprising a housing, a first bridge fitting
locating feature disposed on a first side of the housing, and a
second bridge fitting locating feature disposed on a second side of
the housing opposite the first side; a first block having a
complementary shaped first block locating feature for engaging the
first bridge fitting locating feature, such that the first block is
configured to receive the bridge fitting in a desired location on
the first block; and a second block having a complementary shaped
second block locating feature for engaging the second bridge
fitting locating feature, such that the second block is configured
to receive the bridge fitting in a desired location on the second
block.
23. The modular fluid system of claim 22, wherein the first bridge
fitting locating feature comprises a port, and the first block
locating feature comprises a through hole for communicating fluid
within the port through the block.
24. The modular fluid system of claim 22, wherein the second block
comprises a groove sized to receive the bridge fitting therein,
wherein the second block locating feature is disposed within the
groove.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
11/881,595, filed Jul. 27, 2007 entitled Modular Surface Mount
Fluid System, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/721,312, filed on Nov. 25, 2003 entitled Modular Surface Mount
Fluid System which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/429,088, filed on Nov. 26, 2002 entitled
Modular Surface Mount Manifold System and U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/433,371, filed on Dec. 13, 2002 entitled
Modular Surface Mount Fluid System. The entire disclosures of the
aforementioned patent applications are all fully incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The inventions disclosed herein relates in general to
manifolds and valves for fluid systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various industrial manufacturing processes often require the
use of gasses and fluids which are controlled by systems made up of
valves, regulators, pressure transducers, mass flow controllers and
the like. These components are typically connected together by the
use of welded tubing and compression fittings and mounted on a
vertical panel. These type of connections may be undesirable in
some applications because they add additional time and cost for
welding operations, unnecessary space between components and make
it difficult to replace a component located between other
components. Further, these systems are typically custom designed
and manufactured which make the manufacturing costs and procurement
of replacement parts quite expensive.
[0004] New modular fluid systems have been recently introduced into
the semiconductor industry in order to overcome these type of
problems. Typical components of these systems such as valves,
pressure regulators and other typical fluid components have been
reconfigured so that their inlet and outlet ports are co-located in
a coplanar configuration. Further, the attachment flow component
flange has a standard size and shape in order to permit
interchangeability of surface mount components. However, these
fluid systems have the disadvantage of being very expensive because
they are machined from high purity metal stock. These systems
further require the use of metal seals, which are very expensive.
Thus it is desired to provide an inexpensive modular manifold
system for use for example, in the analytical process industry.
[0005] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to
the accompanying drawing and claims, which form a part of the
specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In an inventive aspect of the present application, a bridge
fitting may be configured to communicate fluid in a modular fluid
system from a flow component in a first layer or substrate layer to
a flow component in a second layer or manifold layer. In one
embodiment, a bridge fitting for use with two or more surface
mounted components includes a housing having at least a first port
disposed on a first side of the housing, at least a second port
non-coaxial with the first port and disposed on a second side of
the housing opposite the first side of the housing, and an internal
fluid passageway connecting the first and second ports. The
internal fluid passageway is configured to limit fluid flow within
the bridge fitting to a single path between the first and second
ports.
[0007] In another inventive aspect of the present application, a
bridge fitting configured to communicate fluid in a modular fluid
system from a first layer to a second layer may include recessed
cavities for receiving seal components, such as, for example,
gaskets or O-rings. In one embodiment, a bridge fitting for use
with two or more surface mounted components includes a housing
having a first port disposed on a first planar surface of the
housing, a second port disposed on a second planar surface of the
housing opposite the first planar surface of the housing, and an
internal fluid passageway connecting said first and second ports.
Each of the first and second ports includes a sealing surface
recessed from the corresponding one of the first and second planar
surfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the modular fluid
system of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in the direction 2-2 of the
fluid system of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 2a is a partial, perspective view of an end connector
and manifold block;
[0011] FIG. 2b is a partial, exploded view of an alternate
embodiment of an end connector and manifold block;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of an offset-center bridge fitting;
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of an alternate
embodiment of a center-center bridge fitting;
[0014] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of alternate embodiments
of a manifold bridge fitting;
[0015] FIGS. 5B, 6 are top and partial views of additional
embodiments of a bridge fitting;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bridge fitting
of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top, partial view of an alternate embodiment of
a bridge fitting;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bridge fitting
of FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top, partial view of an alternate embodiment of
a bridge fitting;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bridge
fitting of FIG. 10;
[0021] FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of a top ported
normally closed valve of the present invention shown in the closed
and open positions, respectively;
[0022] FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of a top ported
normally open valve of the present invention shown in the closed
and open positions, respectively;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve of the
present invention shown in the closed position;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective exploded view of the poppet of the
valve of FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 16A is a perspective exploded view of a connector
mounting block shown together with two channel blocks; and
[0026] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of an assembled connector
mounting block and channel block system of FIG. 16A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention is directed to a modular surface mount
fluid system and surface mount modular flow valves for use
therewith. The modular surface mount fluid system is described in
detail in Section I, while the surface mount modular flow valves
are described in more detail in sections II and III.
Modular Surface Mount Fluid System
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1 an exploded view of an exemplary
modular fluid system 10 is shown for use with surface mount fluid
components such as valve 12 and filter 14. Other fluid components
such as pressure transducers (not shown), mass flow controllers
(not shown) and the like may also be utilized in conjunction with
the modular manifold system of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the surface mount components 12, 14, 16 each have a square
mounting flange 15 of a standard size with at least one inlet port
and at least one outlet port located adjacent the inlet port. The
inlet/outlet ports are located on the bottom planar mounting
surface 17 of the mounting flange 15. For two port components such
as filter 14 and generic two-port valve 16, an inlet port 20 is
located at the center of the bottom planar mating surface 17 of the
mounting flange, and an offset outlet port 22 is located adjacent
the inlet port 20. For the generic three-port valve 12, the inlet
port 24 is offset from the center, and further comprises a center
oriented inlet (or outlet) port 26 and an offset outlet port 28.
Note that all of the inlet/outlet ports are coplanar.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the substrate or first layer of
the fluid system 10 comprises one or more substrate channel blocks
30. The substrate channel blocks 30 may be sized to receive one or
more surface mount flow components. Preferably, the substrate
channel block 30 receives a plurality of surface mount flow
components. The substrate channel block 30 comprises an upper
planar mounting surface 32 for receiving and securing the surface
mount components thereon, and a channel or groove 34 oriented along
the longitudinal axis of the channel block for receiving two or
more bridge fittings. A series of threaded fasteners (not shown)
may be inserted through holes 35 in the base mounting flanges of
the fluid components in order to secure the components to aligned
threaded holes 36 of the substrate channel block 30. The groove or
channel 34 preferably has parallel side walls 38 and a bottom wall
40 perpendicularly oriented to each of the side walls.
[0030] The modular fluid system 10 of the present invention further
includes one or more bridge fittings which are received in the
channel 34 of the substrate channel block 30. The bridge fittings
50, 80, 110, 130, 140, 150, 160 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5,
function to "bridge the flow", i.e., provide fluid communication
from one flow component to other adjacent flow component(s). The
bridge fittings may also provide fluid communication from a flow
component in a first substrate layer to a flow component in a
second substrate layer. The external shape of the bridge fittings
further provide for a locating feature to prevent mis-assembly as
well as a clip or retaining feature in order to retain the bridge
fittings within the channel blocks when mounted in a vertical
orientation. All of these features will be described in more
detail, below.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, a first type of bridge fitting 50
referred to as an "offset-center" bridge fitting communicates fluid
flow between an "offset" oriented port 28 of a first flow component
12 and a "center" located port 20 of a second, adjacent flow
component 16. For the vast majority of two port fluid components,
the offset oriented port 22 is typically the outlet, and the center
oriented port 20 is typically the inlet. The offset-center bridge
fitting 50 includes a housing 52 having a first or "offset" port 54
and a second or "center" port 56 located on the upper surface of
the housing. The offset port 54 of the bridge fitting is positioned
for fluid communication with the offset port 28 of a first fluid
flow component 12, while the center port 56 of the bridge fitting
is positioned for fluid communication with the center port 20 of a
second, adjacent fluid flow component 16. As shown in FIG. 2, when
the bridge fitting 50 is received within the channel of the
substrate block 30, the first and second ports 54, 56 are flush
with respect to the substrate channel mounting surface 32. The
first and second ports preferably comprise a circular recessed
cavity or counterbore about the port hole opening for receiving a
gasket or O-ring seal 57. The seals may be made of any suitable
material such as elastomer, plastic, rubber or polymer material.
Other seal technologies which may used in conjunction with the
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinarily skill in
the art.
[0032] The first and second ports 54, 56 of the bridge fitting are
each connected to elbow shaped internal fluid passageways 58a, 58b.
Extending from the elbow shaped internal fluid passageways 58a, 58b
are optional straight flow passageways 60a, 60b which are joined
together. Thus the elbow shaped internal fluid passageways 58a, 58b
and the straight flow passageways 60a, 60b cooperate to form a
U-shaped internal fluid passageway.
[0033] In order to ensure the proper location of the center port of
the bridge fitting 50 with the center oriented orifice 20 of the
flow component 16 as well as a manifold bridge fitting in a second
layer, an enlarged boss 64 extends from the bottom surface 62
opposite the center port 56 of the offset-center bridge fitting 50.
The enlarged boss 64 is aligned for reception ill a drop down hole
66 located in the bottom wall 40 of the channel block 30, thereby
providing alignment of the center port 56 of the bridge fitting 50
with the center port 20 of the surface mount component 16 and
potentially a port of a bridge fitting located in a second or
manifold layer (not shown). The depth and diameter of the boss 64
is sized to retain the bridge fitting within the channel when the
channel block 30 is rotated into a vertical orientation. When the
channel block 30 is in a vertical orientation, the sidewall of the
boss interferes with the sidewall of the hole 66 in such a manner
so as to retain the bridge fitting within the channel. Further, the
diameter of the boss 64 is sized to be only slightly smaller than
the hole 66, in order to further aid in the retention of the boss
within the hole 66. Boss 64 may further comprise a blind recessed
area 67 for insertion of a gasket so that the boss end can function
as a cap to seal off flow of a mating port 112 of a manifold bridge
fitting located in a manifold layer, as described below.
[0034] The offset center bridge fitting 50 may further comprise a
second boss 70 extending from the bottom surface opposite the
offset port 54. The second boss 70 is preferably a different size
than the first boss 64, and is received in a complementary shaped
blind hole 72 in alignment with the offset port location 28 of the
surface mount component 12. When the second boss 70 has a different
size or shape than the first boss 64, the bosses 64, 70 will only
fit in their respective holes 66, 72. As shown in the cutaway
portion of the channel block 30, the channel block has a series of
holes in a repeating pattern: counter bore 72, through hole 66,
counter bore 72. The counter bore holes 72 align with the offset
valve ports 22, while the through holes 66 align with the center
valve ports 20. Thus the placement and size of the channel block
holes together with the different sized (or shape) bosses align the
respective offset, center ports of the bridge fitting and valves,
thereby preventing the mis-assembly or improper location of the
bridge fittings within the channel block.
[0035] Thus the first and second bosses 64, 70 function to provide
alignment of the offset port 54, and the center port 56 of the
bridge fitting 50 with the corresponding offset port 28, and center
port 20 of the surface mount components 12, 16, respectively. The
first and second bosses 64, 70 further function to retain the
bridge fitting 50 within the channel when the channel block is held
vertically, eliminating the need for separate retaining clips.
[0036] A second embodiment of the bridge fitting 80 is also shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is referred to as an "offset-offset" bridge
fitting. The offset-offset bridge fitting communicates fluid flow
between an "offset" oriented port 22 of a first flow component 14
and an "offset" located port 24 of a second, adjacent flow
component 12. Unless if indicated below, the offset-offset bridge
fitting 80 has the same features as the offset-center bridge
fitting 50 described above. The offset-offset bridge fitting 80
includes a housing 52 having a first offset port 82 and a second
offset port 84 located on the upper surface of the housing. The
first offset port 82 of the bridge fitting 80 is positioned for
fluid communication with the offset port 22 of a first fluid flow
component 14, while the second offset port 84 of the bridge fitting
is positioned for fluid communication with the offset port 24 of a
second, adjacent fluid flow component 12.
[0037] In order to ensure the proper location of the offset-offset
bridge fitting 80 within the channel 34 of the substrate channel
block to prevent mis-assembly, a first and second boss 70 extend
from the bottom surface 62 opposite each offset port 82, 84 of the
offset-offset bridge fitting 80. The bosses 70 are aligned for
reception in complementary-shaped blind holes 72, which are in
alignment with the offset port locations 22, 24 of the surface
mount components 12, 14. Thus as described above, the bosses 70
function to retain the bridge fitting 80 within the channel when
the channel block is held vertically, as well as align the bridge
fitting ports with the offset ports of the surface mount
components.
[0038] The modular manifold system 10 may further optionally
comprise a second layer comprised of one or more manifold channel
blocks 90 of varying lengths and one or more bridge fittings. The
manifold channel blocks 90 have an upper mounting surface 92 for
securing to the lower surface of the substrate channel blocks 30
via fasteners (not shown) which are positioned within holes of the
upper channel blocks (not shown) and into aligned holes 94 of the
lower channel blocks 90. This allows the channel blocks 90 to be
disconnected from the upper substrate layer and slid out from
below, allowing for easier accessibility. As shown in FIG. 1, the
manifold channel blocks 90 are generally oriented in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the substrate layer.
[0039] The manifold channel block 90 further comprises a channel or
groove 96 for the reception of one or more manifold bridge fittings
110. The groove or channel 96 preferably has parallel side walls 98
and a bottom wall 100 perpendicularly oriented to each of the side
walls. The manifold bridge fittings 110 are essentially identical
to the bridge fitting 50 except for the following features. The
manifold bridge fitting 110 has a first port 112 and a second port
114 and a boss extending about each of said ports 112, 114, which
are aligned for reception into drop down holes 66 located in the
upper channel block 30 of the first substrate layer. The manifold
bridge fitting 110 further optionally comprises one or more
mounting pins 118 extending from the lower surface 62 which are
aligned for reception into blind holes 120 located in the bottom
wall 100 of the channel block 90. The blind holes together with the
mounting pins function to properly align the manifold bridge
fitting ports 112, 114 with a port 132 of a drop down bridge
fitting 130, and to retain the bridge fitting within the manifold
channel block.
[0040] The drop down bridge fitting 130 has a first port 132 and a
second port 134 opposite the first port, with each of the ports
connected together with a straight through flow path 136. Each of
the first and second ports 132, 134 further comprise a recessed
area or counterbore for receiving a gasket 57 therein. The drop
down bridge fitting functions to communicate fluid between a center
port 26 of a surface mount flow component 12 in the upper substrate
layer to a port 112 of a manifold bridge fitting in the lower
manifold layer. For example, purge gas may be routed up from the
manifold bridge fitting to the three port valve. Alternatively,
flow may be directed from the first layer to the second layer
depending upon the valve setting.
[0041] A second embodiment of a center-offset bridge fitting 140 is
shown in FIG. 3, and which may be used in place of the
center-offset bridge fitting 50. The center-offset bridge fitting
140 is the same as bridge fitting 50, except that the left-hand
side of the fitting (the elbow fitting) has been modified into a T
fitting 141 having a first port 142 and a second port 144 directly
opposite the first port. Thus, if the center-offset bridge fitting
140 were substituted for the center-offset bridge fitting 50 in
FIG. 2, fluid may communicate between adjacent fluid components 12,
16 and between the upper substrate layer and the lower substrate
layer.
[0042] FIG. 4A illustrates yet another embodiment of a bridge
fitting denoted as a "center-center" bridge fitting 150 because
each port 152, 154 is aligned for mating with a center port of a
surface mount component. Opposite each port 152, 154 are center
port alignment bosses 64. The left hand side of the fitting has a T
fitting 156 having a first port 152 and a second port 158 directly
opposite the first port. Thus the center-center bridge fitting 150
communicates fluid between the center port of a surface mount
component, the center port of a second, adjacent fluid component
and the port of a manifold bridge fitting located in the manifold
layer. FIG. 4B also illustrates a center-center bridge fitting 153,
however the left hand side of the fitting has an elbow 155 instead
of a T fitting. Thus bridge fitting 153 communicates fluid from the
substrate layer to the manifold layer.
[0043] FIG. 5A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a manifold
bridge fitting 160. The manifold bridge fitting 160 comprises an
elbow fitting 162 connected to a Tee fitting 164 which is connected
to an elbow fitting 166. The manifold bridge fitting comprises
three ports aligned for fluid communication with a port of a bridge
fitting located in the upper substrate layer such as a port 134 of
a drop down fitting 130, or a blind port 67 of a center offset
fitting.
[0044] FIG. 5B illustrates one end of an alternate embodiment of a
bridge fitting 167. The bridge fitting 167 comprises a first
projection 168 which extends from the sidewall of the housing. The
first projection is shaped as a half-circle. The bridge fitting 167
may also comprise a second projection 169 which extends from the
sidewall of the housing, which may also be shaped as a half-circle.
The first and second projections 168, 169 may also comprise any
desired shape. The channel block sidewall 38 further comprises
slots sized to receive either the first projection, the second
projection, or both (not shown). The slots are located in the
appropriate location to align the ports of the bridge fittings with
the appropriate port of the surface mount component. The
projections together with the slots function to prevent
mis-assembly of the system as well as retain the bridge fitting
within the channel when mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up top view of a port of a bridge
fitting. In order to retain a standard O-ring within the
counterbore when the bridge fitting is inverted, the diameter of
the counterbore may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the
O-ring. For example, if a diameter of the O-ring is 0.260, the
diameter of the counterbore would be about 0.244. Another option is
shown in FIG. 9, where the counterbore has an angle .theta. in the
range of about 60 to about 70 degrees. For example, if a diameter
of the O-ring is 0.260, the diameter of the counterbore would be
about 0.244. Thus the counterbore diameter may be smaller than the
standard O-ring yet allow room for the gasket to flow during
compression. As shown in FIG. 10, the counterbore has flat
sidewalls spaced apart a distance 1 which is less than the diameter
of the gasket. For example, for a standard 006 gasket having an
approximate 0.260 diameter, the counterbore diameter could be 0.280
while distance 1 is 0.244. Thus the flat sidewalls squeeze the
gasket and retain it when the bridge fitting is inverted, while the
non-flat portion of the counterbore allows the gasket to flow
therein when the gasket is under compression.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the above described bridge and
manifold fittings may be machined from two or more separate
components and then welded or otherwise joined together.
Alternatively, the bridge fitting may be integrally formed using
metal injection molding or other techniques known to those skilled
in the art. It is preferred that the above described bridge and
manifold fittings be comprised of stainless steel such as 316 and
the channel blocks 30, 90 be comprised of aluminum, although any
suitable material such as aluminum, plastic or metal would work for
the invention components.
[0047] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a connector block 171 which may
be used for joining two channel blocks 30 together while
maintaining the spacing of the surface mount components. The
connector block has a plurality of threaded holes 173 for receiving
fasteners for connecting the respective end of a channel block 30
to the connector block 171. The connector block 171 further
comprises counterbores 175 which receive fasteners for mounting the
connector block upon a base plate (not shown).
[0048] As shown in the FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, the modular system 10
may also comprise end fittings 170, which comprise an elbow fitting
172 having a 90 degree internal passageway connected to a standard
tube fitting 174 or other suitable fitting for connecting with a
fluid line. The end fitting may be utilized as an inlet fitting or
an outlet fitting which mates with the fluid line (not shown).
Thus, the outlet or inlet end of the elbow fitting is connected to
the respective inlet or outlet end of a fluid component. FIGS. 2A
and 2b further illustrate details of the end fittings and manifold
blocks designed to prevent torque from being transmitted to the end
fittings 170 when the manifold system is assembled. As shown in
FIG. 2A, two rectangular plates 176 are welded onto the channel
block forming a slot for receiving the aligned flats 178 of a
hexagonal nit, thereby preventing the nut from rotation.
Alternatively, the slot may be integrally formed in the channel
block. As shown in FIG. 2B, the end fitting preferably has a boss
180 located behind the hex nut. The boss 180 has flats 182 located
on the top and bottom or a square cross section so that rotation of
the boss is prevented when the end fitting is inserted in the
channel. The boss may further be secured in the channel via lock
down bar 183.
Modular Flow Control Valve
[0049] A normally closed modular flow control valve 200 of the
present invention is best shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The valve 200
comprises a body 220 having a flanged lower end 222 with one or
more holes 224 for mounting the valve 200 to a manifold block or
substrate via mounting bolts (not shown), and an upper end for
receiving a cap 250. Preferably, the flanged lower end 220 is
generally square in shape and has dimensions on the order of about
2 inches by 2 inches. The body 220 further comprises an inlet fluid
passageway 260, an outlet fluid passageway 280, and a vent fluid
passageway 300. The body 220 further comprises an internal cavity
320 having a first narrow portion 320a which is in fluid
communication with the inlet passageway 260, the outlet passageway
280 and the vent passageway 300.
[0050] A T-shaped stem 340 is axially disposed within the cavity
320. The stem 340 further comprises a lower stem portion 360 which
is received in the first narrow portion of the cavity 320a. The
stem 340 further comprises an actuator piston 400 formed by the
enlargement of the width of the stem which is received in a second
larger diameter portion 320b of the cavity. The stem is biased into
the closed position by the downward force of a spring 420. The
spring 420 is housed in a groove 370 of the upper surface 380 of
the piston 400 and an inner surface of the cap 250, and around a
sleeve 425 of the cap 250. The upper T section 350 of the stem is
mounted within the sleeve 425 of the cap.
[0051] The valve 200 is in the closed position when the stem 340 is
at its extreme lower position as shown in FIG. 12A. The valve is in
the open position when the stem is at its extreme upper position as
shown in FIG. 12B. When the valve is in the closed position, fluid
communication from the fluid inlet passageway 260 is blocked by
O-rings 500 seating against the cavity wall 330. When the valve is
in the open position, the inlet passageway 260, the outlet
passageway 280 and a first fluid compartment 540 are all in fluid
communication. The first fluid compartment 540 is formed by the
annulus between the stem lower portion 360 and the inner cavity
wall 320 from the lower surface of the cavity 330 to the second
O-ring 430.
[0052] The internal actuator of the valve 200 comprises the piston
400 and an actuator fluid compartment 440. The actuator fluid
compartment 440 is formed by the annulus between the stem 340 and
the inner cavity wall 320 from the third O-ring 460 to the fourth
O-ring 480. The stem 340 further comprises an internal longitudinal
bore 600 connected to a radial passageway 620, so that fluid may
communicate through the stem 340 and into the actuator fluid
compartment 440. When an external source of pneumatic pressure is
supplied through an internal bore 230 of the cap 250 to the
internal passageway 600, fluid is communicated to the radial
passageway 620 and to the actuator fluid compartment 440, resulting
in pneumatic pressure being applied to the lower surface 640 of the
actuator piston 400 so that the downward force of the spring 420 is
overcome, lifting the stem to the open position. When the valve is
in the open position, fluid may communicate from the inlet
passageway 260 to the outlet passageway 280.
[0053] The valve body 200 further comprises a vent compartment 302
formed by the annulus between the stem and the inner surface 320a
of the cavity from the second O-ring 430 to the third O-ring 460. A
vent passageway 300 provides fluid communication from the vent
compartment and an environment external of the passageway.
[0054] A second embodiment of a modular surface mount valve having
a normally open configuration is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. The
valve 205 is the same as valve 200 except for the following
differences. The shape of the stem 340 has been changed slightly to
resemble an upper case "T" as opposed to a lower case "t", and
further comprising a cavity along the upper surface of the T. The
sleeve 425 of cap 250 has been eliminated arid the spring 420 has
been relocated to between the lower wall 320c of the cavity 320 and
the lower surface 640 of the stem 340. Spring 420 biases stem 340
into the normally open position. In order to actuate the valve 205,
an external source of pneumatic pressure is supplied through the
internal bore 230 of the cap 250 to cavity 207 located upon the
upper surface of the stem, resulting in pneumatic pressure being
applied to the upper surface of the actuator piston so that the
force of the spring 420 is overcome, pushing the stern to the
closed position as shown in FIG. 13A. When the pneumatic pressure
supply is turned off, the valve returns to its normally open
position as shown in FIG. 13B, and fluid may communicate from the
inlet passageway 260 to the outlet passageway 280.
Modular Surface Mount Check Valve
[0055] A second embodiment of a modular surface mount valve is
shown in FIG. 14. The check valve 700 includes a body 702 having a
flanged lower end 704 with mounting holes 706 for receiving
fasteners (not shown) for securing the valve body to a modular
surface mount manifold (not shown). The valve body 702 includes an
axially oriented inlet passageway 710, and an offset outlet
passageway 712. The valve body 702 further includes an inner
axially oriented bore 720 which is in fluid communication with the
inlet passageway 710 and the outlet passageway 712 when the valve
is in the open position, as described in more detail, below.
[0056] The valve body 702 further includes an upper mounting flange
708 disposed about the opening of the inner bore 720 for receiving
a male end 730 of a cap 732. The male end of the cap and the inner
bore wall are joined in a sealed relationship such as by suitable
threads. An O-ring or gasket 740 is preferably mounted in a groove
742 of the male end of the cap for sealing engagement with the
inner bore wall 720.
[0057] The valve body inner bore 720 has a transverse planar wall
forming a valve seat 744. A valve chamber 750 is defined by the
valve seat 744 and the lower end portion of the male end of the cap
732. Mounted within the valve chamber 750 for cooperation with the
valve seat 744 is a poppet 760. Poppet 760 is preferably a planar
disk element. The poppet 760 is biased into engagement with the
valve seat 744 via spring 780 acting through a poppet stop 782. The
poppet stop 782 includes an outer annular rim portion which has an
outer diameter slightly less than the diameter of the bore. One end
784 of the coil spring 780 is mounted to the outer annular rim
portion of the poppet stop 782 while the second end 786 is mounted
within the bore of the cap. The poppet and poppet stop may comprise
the poppet and poppet stop embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,637,430, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0058] The valve is moved from the closed position as shown in FIG.
14 to the open position when the higher fluid pressure overcomes
the force of the spring 780. The vertical travel of the poppet 760
is limited by the engagement of the poppet stop 782 with the male
end 735 of the cap 732, thereby forming a stop.
[0059] The preferred form of the valves and manifold system of the
invention has been shown and described above. However, with the
present disclosure in mind it is believed that obvious alterations
to the preferred embodiments, to achieve comparable features and
advantages in other assemblies, will become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *