Vee Manifold

Abstract

A manifold having a first side, a second side, a first channel extending from the first side to the second side, and a second channel extending from the first side to the second side is disclosed. The first channel and the second channel each define a linear longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the first channel longitudinal axis and the second channel longitudinal axis are oblique to the first side and the second side of the manifold. The manifold of the present disclosure provides channels that can be easily cleaned and allow for an increased flow performance.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A manifold for a first substance and a second substance to travel therethrough, the manifold comprising: a block having a first side and a second side, the block having a vee-shape; a first channel extending from the first side to the second side, the first channel defining a first channel longitudinal axis, the first channel longitudinal axis being linear; and a second channel extending from the first side to the second side, the second channel defining a second channel longitudinal axis, the second channel longitudinal axis being linear, wherein the first channel and the second channel together form a vee-shape, wherein the first side of the block includes a first threaded connection portion and the second side of the block includes a second threaded connection portion, and wherein a portion of the first channel is within the second threaded connection portion and a portion of the second channel is within the second threaded connection portion.

16. The manifold of claim 15, wherein the first channel and the second channel are inclined toward each other as the first channel and the second channel extend from the first side of the block to the second side of the block.

17. The manifold of claim 15, wherein the block has a stepped surface adjacent the second side.

18. The manifold of claim 15, wherein the first side of the block has a first width and the second side of the block has a second width, the first width greater than the second width.

19. The manifold of claim 15, wherein the first channel has a uniform diameter.

20. The manifold of claim 15, wherein the second channel has a uniform diameter.

21. The manifold of claim 15, wherein the first channel and the second channel intersect at a point outside of the block.

22. The manifold of claim 15, further comprising: wherein the first threaded connection portion is disposed at a first portion of the first side of the block; a third threaded connection portion disposed at a second portion of the first side of the block; and wherein the second threaded connection portion is disposed at a third portion of the second side of the block.

23. The manifold of claim 22, wherein the first threaded connection portion, the second threaded connection portion, and the third threaded connection portion comprise a inch thread diameter.

24. A manifold for a first substance and a second substance to travel therethrough, the manifold comprising: a block having a first side and a second side, the block having a vee-shape; a first channel extending from the first side to the second side, the first channel defining a first channel longitudinal axis, the first channel longitudinal axis being linear; and a second channel extending from the first side to the second side, the second channel defining a second channel longitudinal axis, the second channel longitudinal axis being linear, wherein the first channel and the second channel together form a vee-shape, wherein the block has a stepped surface adjacent the second side, wherein the first side of the block includes a first threaded connection portion and the second side of the block includes a second threaded connection portion, and wherein a portion of the first channel is within the second threaded connection portion and a portion of the second channel is within the second threaded connection portion.

25. The manifold of claim 24, wherein the first channel and the second channel are inclined toward each other as the first channel and the second channel extend from the first side of the block to the second side of the block.

26. The manifold of claim 24, wherein the first side of the block has a first width and the second side of the block has a second width, the first width greater than the second width.

27. The manifold of claim 24, wherein the first channel has a uniform diameter.

28. The manifold of claim 24, wherein the second channel has a uniform diameter.

29. The manifold of claim 24, wherein the first channel and the second channel intersect at a point outside of the block.

30. The manifold of claim 24, further comprising: wherein the first threaded connection portion is disposed at a first portion of the first side of the block; a third threaded connection portion disposed at a second portion of the first side of the block; and wherein the second threaded connection portion is disposed at a third portion of the second side of the block.

31. The manifold of claim 30, wherein the first threaded connection portion, the second threaded connection portion, and the third threaded connection portion comprise a inch thread diameter.

32. A manifold for a first substance and a second substance to travel therethrough, the manifold comprising: a block having a first side and a second side, the block having a vee-shape; a first channel extending from the first side to the second side, the first channel defining a first channel longitudinal axis, the first channel longitudinal axis being linear, the first channel having a uniform diameter; and a second channel extending from the first side to the second side, the second channel defining a second channel longitudinal axis, the second channel longitudinal axis being linear, the second channel having a uniform diameter, wherein the first channel and the second channel together form a vee-shape, wherein the block has a stepped surface adjacent the second side, wherein the first side of the block includes a first threaded connection portion and the second side of the block includes a second threaded connection portion, and wherein a portion of the first channel is within the second threaded connection portion and a portion of the second channel is within the second threaded connection portion.

33. The manifold of claim 32, wherein the first channel and the second channel are inclined toward each other as the first channel and the second channel extend from the first side of the block to the second side of the block.

34. The manifold of claim 33, wherein the first threaded connection portion and the second threaded connection portion comprise a inch thread diameter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the vee manifold of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a first end view of the embodiment of the vee manifold of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the vee manifold.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vee manifold of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the vee manifold.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the vee manifold.

[0032] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the vee manifold.

[0033] FIG. 8A is another cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the vee manifold with a static mixing tip.

[0034] FIG. 8B is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the vee manifold and the static mixing tip of FIG. 8A taken along section 8B.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a first end view of an embodiment of the vee manifold.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a second end view of an embodiment of the vee manifold.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art manifold.

[0038] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying examples and figures that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural or logical, changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term invention merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0040] In the following description of the apparatus and methods described herein, directional terms, such as top, bottom, upstream, downstream, etc., are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. Additionally, it is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., without departing from the principles of the present invention. Typical material flow is from upstream to downstream.

[0041] Representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is an apparatus of a vee manifold 10 which apparatus embodies principles of the present invention. The vee manifold 10 offers a uniquely designed apparatus that provides for increased flow performance, at a reduced pressure, and a flow path that is easily maintained as compared to prior art wye manifolds.

[0042] Vee manifold 10 has a plurality of inlets or apertures 12 on a top or first side 14 of a block 16. For example, first side 14 of block 16 includes a first side first aperture 40 and a first side second aperture 42. Referring to FIG. 9, first side second aperture 42 is spaced a first distance 44 from first side first aperture 40. Each of the inlets 12 may be independently configured as first connection means. The block 16 has a bottom or second side 20 opposite top side 14. Bottom side 20 has an outlet portion or apertures 22. For example, second side 20 of block 16 includes a second side first aperture 50 and a second side second aperture 52. Referring to FIG. 10, second side second aperture 52 is spaced a second distance 54 from second side first aperture 50. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, second side second aperture 52 and second side first aperture 50 merge but are still spaced a second distance 54 from one another as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, first distance 44 is greater than second distance 54 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The outlet portion 22 may be configured as second connection means. The block 16 between each of the plurality of inlets 12 and the outlet portion 22 defines straight, cylindrical channels 30. For example, a first channel 60 defining a first channel longitudinal axis 62 extends from first side first aperture 40 to second side first aperture 50. In one embodiment, the first channel longitudinal axis 62 is linear. Additionally, a second channel 70 defining a second channel longitudinal axis 72 extends from first side second aperture 42 to second side second aperture 52. In one embodiment, the second channel longitudinal axis 72 is linear.

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, first side 14 and second side 20 of block 16 are generally parallel to one another and the first channel longitudinal axis 62 and the second channel longitudinal axis 72 are not perpendicular to first side 14 or second side 20 of block 16. In one embodiment, the first channel longitudinal axis 62 and the second channel longitudinal axis 72 are oblique to first side 14 and second side 20, i.e., the first channel longitudinal axis 62 and the second channel longitudinal axis 72 are neither parallel nor perpendicular to first side 14 and second side 20.

[0044] The inlets 12 may be first connection means to attach hoses, tubing, piping, nipples, valves, or other apparatus, such as hoses 90 (FIG. 7), by any fluid connection means known in the industry. Connection means include, but are not limited to, tapered walls for a friction fit, threads, quick connects, compression fittings, flare fittings, flange fittings, mechanical fittings, Luer locks, welding, soldering, and/or brazing. Each of the inlets may utilize the same or different connection means. Preferably, the connection means for inlets 12 are threads 24. A preferred embodiment has two inlets 12. In other embodiments, the vee manifold 10 has three, four, five or more inlets 12. If one or more inlets 12 are not being utilized, they may be capped by any capping means, such as a plug.

[0045] Block 16 may be made of any suitable material for the fluids. Materials for construction of block 16 may comprise, but not limited to, carbon steel, low temperature service carbon steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metal alloys such as Inconel, Incoloy, and Cupro-nickel, non-metallic materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), ultra-high-molecular-weight polypropylene (UHMW), high density polyethylene (HDPE), tempered glass, perfluorinated polymers such as Teflon, chrome-molybdenum steel, aluminum, bronze, brass and copper. However, any other material may be used that is compatible with the materials to be used in the system. Preferably, block 16 is made of a polymer. More preferably, block 16 is made of UHMW. In some embodiments, means for heating vee manifold 10 are provided. Heating means include any means known in the industry for heating parts, including, but not limited to, electrical resistance or a fluid jacket.

[0046] The outlet portion 22 has second connection means to attach an outlet hose, spray nozzle, static mixing tip, such as static mixing tip 92 or spray nozzle 94 (FIGS. 7-8B), or other tubing, piping, nipples, valves, or other apparatus by any fluid connection means known in the industry. Connection means include, but are not limited to, tapered walls for a friction fit, threads, quick connects, compression fittings, flare fittings, flange fittings, mechanical fittings, Luer locks, welding, soldering, and/or brazing. Preferably, the connection means for the outlet portion 22 are threads 24 for connecting hoses and mixing tips (see FIG. 3).

[0047] The straight, cylindrical channels 30 in the block 16 are generally straight, have a generally circular cross-section, of a generally constant diameter. The cylindrical channels 30 have an inlet opening 36 and an outlet opening 38. Preferably, inlet openings 36 open into female inlets 32 as shown in FIG. 3. In other preferred embodiments, the inlet openings 36 open into male inlets 34. The cylindrical channels 30 in a block 16 may have the same diameter, or vary individually in diameter as needed by the application governed by the material characteristics of the fluids. Each of the outlet openings 38 open into the outlet portion 22. Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the outlet openings 38 of each of the cylindrical channels 30 are distinct, the orifices are separate and do not communicate with each other. In other embodiments, FIG. 6, the outlet openings 38 of two or more cylindrical channels 30 may merge as a single outlet opening 38.

[0048] In use, a plurality of fluid materials enter the vee manifold 10 through inlets 12, the materials pass through the vee manifold 10. For example, referring to FIG. 7, a first substance 80 is movable through first channel 60 and a second substance 82 is movable through second channel 70. In some embodiments, first substance 80 and second substance 82 are different substances. When fluid material flow is stopped, a chemical reaction or physical change of the fluid materials may cause hardening to form a solid mass as in the prior art wye manifolds. The solid mass may form in the cylindrical channels 30 to form a cylindrical shaped clog. The cylindrical shaped clog may typically be extruded by increasing pressure through the inlets 12 restoring normal flow. As an alternative to increasing pressure, a straight drill bit may be introduced into the cylindrical channels 30 for the length of the block 16 to remove the cylindrical shaped clog.

[0049] A feature of the vee manifold 10 is that each cylindrical channel 30 is generally straight, and preferably at an angle relative to other channels 30 from the inlet openings 36 to the outlet openings 38. This straight pathway is simple and effective. If the flowable liquids used in the vee manifold 10 harden through chemical or physical changes, the solids formed have the straight sides of the straight cylindrical channels 30 act as a mold to form a hardened clog with a shape that is cylindrical. The cylindrical shaped clog can often be extruded by increasing the pressure on the upstream liquid. Once the clog is extruded normal flow is restored. The hardened mass can often be extruded out through the outlet openings 38 without resorting to other mechanical means.

[0050] If increased pressure will not extrude the hardened material out the outlet openings 38 then the clogs can be removed by mechanical means. As the flow path through the cylindrical channels 30 is straight, mechanical means such as a standard straight drill bit can be inserted into the outlet opening 38 and run all the way up through the clogged material in the cylindrical channels 30 to restore the functionality of the vee manifold 10. Ordinarily, the supply hoses do not need to be disconnected and an expensive mess is avoided.

[0051] For example, referring to FIG. 7, a clog 96 formed within a vee manifold 10 of the present disclosure can be easily cleaned. To clean a clog 96, a user only needs to remove static mixing tip 92 from second side 20 of vee manifold 10. With static mixing tip 92 removed, a tool such as drill bit 98 can be inserted into first channel 60 and/or second channel 70 to quickly and easily clean the channels 60 and 70. Because first channel longitudinal axis 62 and second channel longitudinal axis 72 are linear as shown in FIG. 7, the drill bit 98 only needs to enter each channel 60 and 70 a single time to completely and efficiently clear out any clogs 96. Once the channels 60 and 70 are cleaned, static mixing tip 92 is secured to second side 20 of vee manifold 10.

[0052] Disadvantageously, referring to FIG. 11, a clog 150 formed within a prior art manifold 100 is difficult to clean. Prior art manifold 100 includes first side 102 defining first input 160 and second input 162, second side 104 defining third input 164 and fourth input 166, third side 106 defining fifth input 168, and fourth side 108 defining sixth input 170. A first angled channel 110 includes a first channel portion 112, a second channel portion 114 located perpendicular to first channel portion 112, and a third channel portion 116 located perpendicular to second channel portion 114. First and second channel portions 112 and 114 are connected by a first elbow or first ninety-degree turn 118 and second and third channel portions 114 and 116 are connected by a second elbow or second-ninety degree turn 120 as shown in FIG. 11. A second angled channel 130 includes a first channel portion 132, a second channel portion 134 located perpendicular to first channel portion 132, and a third channel portion 136 located perpendicular to second channel portion 134. First and second channel portions 132 and 134 are connected by a first elbow or first ninety-degree turn 138 and second and third channel portions 134 and 136 are connected by a second elbow or second-ninety degree turn 140 as shown in FIG. 11. As discussed previously, to clean a clog 150 from a prior art manifold 100, a user needs to remove a downstream plumbing component 180, liquid supply lines 182, and side set screws 184 as shown in FIG. 11. Next, a user must plug liquid supply lines 182 to prevent undesired drainage. Only after all these components are removed and plugged may a tool such as drill bit 190 be inserted. However, to clean first angled channel 110, a user must insert the drill bit 190 into first input 160 to clear out the clog 150 in first channel portion 112. Next, the user must insert the drill bit 190 into third input 164 to clear out the clog 150 in third channel portion 116. Next, the user must insert the drill bit 190 into fifth input 168 to clear out the clog 150 in second channel portion 114. To clean second angled channel 130, a user must insert the drill bit 190 into second input 162 to clear out the clog 150 in first channel portion 132. Next, the user must insert the drill bit 190 into fourth input 166 to clear out the clog 150 in third channel portion 136. Next, the user must insert the drill bit 190 into sixth input 170 to clear out the clog 150 in second channel portion 134. After all six of these inputs are cleaned, then a user must reinstall side set screws 184, remove the plugs in liquid supply lines 182, reconnect the liquid supply lines 182, and reconnect downstream plumbing component 180. The process to clean a prior art manifold 100 is very time consuming and complicated.

[0053] Where mixing occurs downstream of the vee manifold 10, an efficient method of preventing overnight hardening in the vee manifold 10 is to do nothing as material downstream acts as a seal of the vee manifold 10.

Comparative Example

[0054] A white lap adhesive is commonly used in the roofing industry to seal membranes. The white lap adhesive involves the mixing of a first material comprising of polyurethane polymer and an isocyanate, and a second material comprising a polyol and polypropylene glycol. Common industry practice utilizes wye manifolds, as shown in U.S. patent application publication 2012/0012054 A1 FIG. 5, for this application. Chemical reaction within wye manifolds can create a solid clog requiring one hour of down time to restore the wye manifolds to production. A preferred embodiment of the vee manifold 10 made of UHMW, having two inlets 12, two cylindrical channels 30, individual outlet openings 38 and a mixing tip, was used with the white lap adhesive (FIGS. 1-3) and similar clogs cleared in about 15 seconds upon applying upstream pressure from the fluids.

[0055] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Further, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0056] While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.