Patent ID: 7048008
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Components for constructing a fluid manifold having a plurality of separate fluid-flow pathways, where the manifold is designed to be carried on a support, and to hold a plurality of fluid components in fluid communication with said pathways, said components comprising: a plurality of pipe modules which form said fluid-flow pathways and which each includes an elongate pipe section and two or more connectors, each connector having a proximal end section joined in fluid communication with the elongate pipe section and a distal end section terminating at a flange; a plurality of block modules which can be joined together in various configurations with said pipe modules to form the fluid manifold, where each block module provides: (i) at least one groove formed in the block module, such that confronting grooves in two block modules, when the modules are joined together, form an opening for receiving at least a portion of the connector in the pipe module, wherein the pipe module is supported in the joined block modules by its flange, (ii) structure for holding joined block modules in alignment with each other, wherein block modules can be removed and replaced without removal of adjacent block or pipe modules; and (iii) structure for mounting said fluid components on said joined blocks, and for mounting said joined blocks on said support.