Patent ID: 7350821
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: B01D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A connector apparatus adapted to be interchangeable with a separation module in a fluid dispensing system, the separation module comprising an outer surface comprising a configuration of at least one inlet and at least one outlet that allows the separation module to connect to a fluid connector member of a quick-connect manifold of said fluid dispensing system, the connector apparatus comprising: a body including a flange to be received in a receiving member of a module receptor of the fluid dispensing system, the module receptor being movably attached to the quick-connect manifold of the fluid dispensing system, an outer surface means of the body having a configuration of at least one inlet and at least one outlet that is substantially similar to the configuration of the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet of the outer surface of the separation module, the at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the connector apparatus being included in a first set of at least three connectors on one end of the outer surface means of the connector apparatus, the first set of at least three connectors being parallel and spaced apart from one another and being exclusive of one another, and the first set of at least three connectors being positioned and sized and shaped to engage in fluid tight engagement with a second set of connectors on the fluid connector member of the quick-connect manifold of the fluid dispensing system, wherein the fluid tight engagement is effected through a first motion which, during said engagement, is substantially linear and parallel to longitudinal axes of both the first and second sets of connectors, the outer surface means of the connector apparatus enabling the connector apparatus to substitute for the separation module by connection to the second set of connectors during a purging process; and the at least one inlet and at least one outlet of said connector apparatus being in fluid communication by an open fluid pathway therein which is free of a filtration means.