Patent ID: 6595681
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: B01F,B29B

Abstract:
A liquid transport apparatus comprising a manifold having an external surface and an internal surface, and at least one detachable liquid transport insert attached to a transport tube; wherein said mixing vessel comprises an opening therein to receive said at least one detachable liquid transport insert; wherein said apparatus also includes a locking mechanism to attach temporarily but securely said at least one detachable liquid transport insert directly to said mixing vessel, said mechanism comprising a locking pin within said manifold and an indentation within said at least one detachable liquid transport insert, wherein said locking pin is shaped in relation to said indentation such that upon locking, said pin prevents said at least one detachable liquid transport insert from being removed without first removing said pin therefrom; wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert and said mixing vessel are configured in such a manner wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert is in contact with both the external and internal surfaces of said manifold when said locking mechanism is engaged; wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert comprises integrally and internally a hollow portion, which is connected to but not integrally part of said transport tube, through which a liquid may be transported through said at least one detachable liquid transport insert into said manifold when said at least one detachable liquid transport insert is attached to said mixing vessel; wherein said hollow portion has a first opening and a second opening, wherein at least one of said first and second openings is located within said manifold and said second opening is located outside said manifold; wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert and said manifold opening are configured in such a manner as to permit receipt of said at least one detachable liquid transport insert within said manifold opening upon insertion of said at least one detachable liquid transport insert within said manifold opening and, upon activation of said locking means, to prevent escape of an appreciable amount of liquid outside of either of said manifold or said at least one detachable liquid transport insert; and wherein at least one detachable liquid transport insert and manifold are configured in such a manner when said locking means is in operation said at least one detachable liquid transport insert extends within said manifold such that any liquid transported from said at least one detachable liquid transport insert into said manifold is directed away from the internal walls of said manifold.