Modular block assembly using angled fasteners for interconnecting fluid components

Patent 5860676 Issued on January 19, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 13, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

2834368

3219053

3521910

3570534

Procedure and apparatus for manipulating batches of liquids
Patent #: 4269212
Issued on: 05/26/1981
Inventor: Kaartinen

Insert means for fluid flow system
Patent #: 4934411
Issued on: 06/19/1990
Inventor: Albrecht

Fluid control apparatus Patent #: 5769110
Issued on: 06/23/1998
Inventor: Ohmi, et al.

Inventors

Assignee

Swagelok Marketing Co.

Application

No. 874601 filed on 06/13/1997

US Classes:

285/24, Guide and support137/884, Sectional block structure285/26, With latch or lock285/125.1FOR BRANCHED PATH

Examiners

Primary: Arola, Dave W.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Foreign Patent References

79 23 630 DE. 12/13/1979
30 01 108 DE. 01/13/1980
578 688 CH. 02/13/1974

International Class

F16L 039/00

Abstract

A modular block assembly is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system includes a base block having angularly disposed passages that receive fasteners in opposite, parallel end faces of the block. The fasteners allow adjacent base blocks to be connected in end-to-end fashion. The first passage extends through one of the end faces and communicates with an upper face of the block. Fluid components are selectively secured to the upper face of the base block to control or regulate fluid flow through the system as desired. Additional angle openings and fasteners, as well as additional fluid passages, may be provided in side wall faces of the base blocks. These additional passages permit transfer of fluid from one adjacent flow line to another. Each fluid passage end includes face seals allowing abutting engagement between the modular components to provide a sealed, continuous flow passage.