Abstract:
A conduit assembly of a gravity separation device having specialized joint structure for mating first and second conduits to permit easier removal of the first conduit. The first conduit may include a snout having a tube and a collar positioned at an end of the tube. The collar may include a flange extending outward from a center of the tube. The second conduit may have a main body and a saddle at an end of the main body. The saddle may include a track shaped to receive the flange of the collar of the first conduit. The saddle may also have a resiliently separable gateway comprising two opposing projections configured for receiving therebetween and partially enclosing the tube of the snout.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present inventive concept relates to systems and devices for treating flowable streams including one or more liquid component(s). The present inventive concept more particularly relates to an improved joint for conduits transporting streams to and from a separation compartment of a treatment system and/or device. 
       2. Discussion of Related Art 
       [0002]    Effluent separation devices for separating water from solids, greases and the like are often designed to perform much of the separation process as the stream flows through a separation compartment. Effluent flow is commonly delivered to the separation compartment by an input conduit, and transported from the separation compartment by an output conduit. Typically, separation compartments are located at or below the ground-level of an area proximate to an effluent source, such as a kitchen sink. Maintenance of separation devices may require temporary removal of one or more conduit(s). 
         [0003]    An advanced effluent treatment device is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,321, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Inlet and outlet conduits of the &#39;321 Patent are connected to a separation chamber adjacent an aperture in the sidewall of the chamber using a coupling that extends through the aperture, illustrated in the figures. The coupling is configured to couple a first conduit length to a second conduit length (i.e., the “diffuser”), wherein the coupling includes a threaded portion located within the separation chamber. The unit further comprises a locking collar coupled to the diffuser and rotatable relative to the diffuser to threadably engage with the threaded portion of the coupling within the separation chamber to removably couple the diffuser to the coupling. The locking collar is meant to be rotated with respect to the diffuser and coupling such that the diffuser may be removed for cleaning or pressure testing. There is a need for an improved apparatus for removably coupling conduit(s) to treatment devices to, for example, ease the burden of cleaning and other maintenance. 
         [0004]    This background discussion is intended to provide information related to the present inventive concept which is not necessarily prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Embodiments of the present inventive concept solve one or more of the above-described and other problems and limitations by providing an improved conduit assembly for a flowable stream treatment system or device. 
         [0006]    According to one aspect of the present inventive concept, a conduit assembly of a gravity separation device is provided. The device may include a separation compartment defined in part by a sidewall. The conduit assembly may include a first conduit configured to be removably coupled to a second conduit, the second conduit being coupled to the sidewall. The first conduit may include a stem having a bottom segment defining an opening configured to provide fluid communication with the separation compartment. The first conduit may also include a snout having a substantially cylindrical duct spaced from the bottom segment and extending from the stem. The conduit assembly may include a second conduit having a main body that defines a hollow passage configured for fluid communication through the sidewall with an exterior of the compartment. The main body may also have a first end fixed to the sidewall and a second end characterized by a saddle configured for coupling with the first conduit. The saddle may include a resiliently separable gateway having two opposing projections configured for receiving therebetween and partially enclosing the duct of the snout. 
         [0007]    A second aspect of the present inventive concept also concerns a conduit assembly of a gravity separation device, the device having a separation compartment defined at least partly by a sidewall. The conduit assembly may include a first conduit configured to be removably coupled to a second conduit, the second conduit being coupled to the sidewall. The first conduit may include a stem having a bottom segment defining an opening configured to provide fluid communication with the separation compartment. The first conduit may also include a snout having a duct spaced from the bottom segment and extending from the stem. The snout may also have a collar spaced from the stem. The conduit assembly may include a second conduit having a main body that defines a hollow passage configured for fluid communication through the sidewall with an exterior of the compartment. The main body may also have a first end fixed to the sidewall and a second end characterized by a saddle configured for coupling with the first conduit. The saddle may include a funnel and a track. The track may at least partly define a recessed cavity. The funnel may be configured to receive the collar of the snout and slidably transition the collar into the track and the recessed cavity. 
         [0008]    In regard to a third aspect of the present inventive concept, a method of servicing a gravity separation device is provided. The method may include inserting a lift rod through an access port of the device. The method may also include engaging a conduit seated in a separation compartment of the device with the lift rod. The method may also include lifting the conduit from a snap-fit attachment to an adjacent conduit. The method may also include removing the conduit from the compartment via the access port using the lift rod. 
         [0009]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. These concepts are further described below in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
         [0010]    This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0011]    Various other aspects and advantages of the present inventive concept will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0012]    Preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a partial, cross-sectional side view of a disassembled separation device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concept; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is an elevated side perspective view of disassembled first and second conduits illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1C  is an enlarged sectional perspective view of a saddle of the second conduit illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is an elevated side perspective view of the disassembled first and second conduits of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged sectional perspective view of a snout of the first conduit illustrated in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of assembled first and second conduits illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portions of the saddle and snout that are revealed along line A-A, particularly illustrating detail regarding a semi-circular lip of the saddle having a seating surface receiving a bottom of the snout; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of assembled first and second conduits illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portions of the saddle and snout that are revealed along line B-B (more distal from the stem than line A-A) and particularly illustrating detail regarding a flange of the snout&#39;s collar; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of assembled first and second conduits illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5B  is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of portions of the saddle and snout that are revealed along line C-C, particularly illustrating detail regarding the shape of the collar; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is an elevated side perspective view of disassembled first and second conduits constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concept; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged sectional perspective view of a snout of the first conduit illustrated in  FIG. 6A , particularly illustrating detail regarding a lift lug of the snout; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional side view of a separation device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concept, including a lifting device for use with the first conduit illustrated in  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    The drawing figures do not limit the present inventive concept to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    The present inventive concept is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. While the drawings illustrate, and the specification describes, certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the present inventive concept to the particular disclosed embodiments. 
         [0029]    In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive unless so stated. Specifically, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, particular implementations of the present inventive concept can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a gravity separation device  8  that may be used for treating an effluent stream. Effluent streams may generally comprise water, lighter-than-water materials and/or heavier-than-water materials. The gravity separation device  8  is generally characterized as a container having a base  2 , opposing ceiling portion  4 , and a sidewall  6  that extends upwardly from the base  2  to the ceiling portion  4 . The base  2 , sidewall  6 , and ceiling  4  cooperatively define a separation chamber  20  in the interior of the device  8 . Sidewall  6  comprises a sidewall portion  16  that includes an inlet aperture  7  that extends through the sidewall portion  16  of the container  8  to provide communication between the exterior of the container  8  and the separation chamber  20 . Sidewall  6  also includes an opposing outlet aperture  9  that extends through an opposing sidewall portion of the container  8  to provide communication between the exterior of the container  8  and the separation chamber  20 . 
         [0031]    Generally speaking, the effluent stream flows from an effluent source (not shown), through the inlet aperture  7 , across the separation chamber  20  and out through the outlet aperture  9  that ultimately communicates the flow to an effluent drain such as a sewer (not shown). A gravity separation process occurs during the effluent stream&#39;s progression across the separation chamber  20 . In the separation process one or more light components buoyantly migrate to a top layer near the water line. One or more heavy components sink to a bottom layer adjacent the base  2 . 
         [0032]    A preferred embodiment of the present inventive concept also includes flush and secure joints between conduits bearing effluent flowing into and/or out of the separation device  8 , while at the same time permitting quick and easy removal of at least one conduit of the device  8 . For instance, a conduit assembly  10  is configured to be affixed to sidewall portion  16  of the gravity separation device  8  to carry the incoming effluent stream into the separation chamber  20 . Conduit assembly  10  includes a first conduit  12  configured to be detachably connected (aka removably coupled) to a second conduit  14 . The first conduit  12  may be easily removed from the second conduit  14 , preferably from an elevated position above the separation device  8 , for cleaning, replacement and similar purposes. 
         [0033]    For example, first conduit  12  may be prone to clogging by materials deposited by an effluent stream flowing through separation device  8 . After a pre-determined period of time, maintenance on the device  8  may be conducted by simply lifting the first conduit  12  from its secured position in relation to the second conduit  14  and removing it from the separation device  8 , while the second conduit  14  remains affixed to sidewall portion  16 . In a preferred embodiment, first conduit  12  may be accessed through an access port  18 , which may be covered by a lid  19  when not in use. A maintenance provider may manually engage and lift first conduit  12  from a snap-fit connection with second conduit  14  and remove it from the separation device  8 . This represents a significant improvement on prior conduit designs for use with gravity separation devices, for example those designs that require prolonged removal and disassembly efforts on the part of maintenance providers. A preferred embodiment likewise improves the ease and efficiency of re-assembly of the first conduit  12  to the second conduit  14 . 
         [0034]    First conduit  12  is illustrated as a diffuser-style inlet conduit for carrying effluent from second conduit  14  to the separation compartment  20 . The majority of gravity separation achieved by separation device  8  occurs as effluent flow travels across the separation compartment  20  between conduit assembly  10  and an outlet conduit (not shown). The outlet conduit will typically be located on the same (opposite) portion of sidewall  6  as outlet aperture  9  described in more detail above. The outlet conduit will typically be of similar construction as the inlet conduit, and therefore the inlet conduit is described in more detail herein with the understanding that its teachings are also applicable to the outlet conduit. It is further foreseen that the outlet conduit described above but not shown in the Figures may be of complimentary or different design from the inlet conduit described herein without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. It is still further foreseen that the outlet conduit may be of the construction described herein and attributed to an inlet conduit, while the inlet conduit may comprise a different design, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIG. 1B , first conduit  12  includes an elongated, vertically-oriented stem  21 . The stem  21  body comprises a sidewall  22  defining a hollow passage  23  that vents to separation compartment  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the top of the stem  21  is characterized by the passage opening  23 . In one or more embodiments, the stem body comprises a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. First conduit  12  also includes a bottom segment  24  distal from the top opening  23 . Bottom segment  24  is attached to the stem  21  distal from the top opening  23  and directly adjacent the bottom terminus of the stem  21 . Bottom segment  24  extends from the bottom terminus of the stem  21  in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the stem  21 . The bottom segment  24  is illustrated in  FIG. 1B  in a modern wide-mouth diffuser style. First conduit  12  also includes a snout  25  spaced from bottom segment  24  along the main body of stem  21 , and adjacent the top opening  23 . Snout  25  extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the stem  21 , and is depicted extending substantially in parallel with bottom segment  24 . 
         [0036]    It is foreseen that the shape and composition of stem  21 , top opening  23 , and bottom segment  24  may be substantially altered and/or optimized for various applications without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. For example, stem  21  may comprise a sidewall of different shape and/or be oriented differently with respect to sidewall portion  16 ; top  23  may define an opening of different size/shape or may have no opening at all; and/or bottom segment  24  may be shaped and/or sized differently and/or define an exit opening of different orientation, size and/or shape, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0037]    Second conduit  14  includes an elongated main body  26  defining a hollow passage  40  and having a first end characterized by a coupling portion  28  for coupling with sidewall portion  16 , and a second end characterized by a saddle  42  for coupling with the first conduit  14 . Coupling portion  28  has two opposing recessed slots  30  (e.g., along its left and right sides) along its exterior surface to align with and receive corresponding protrusions or ribs  32  in a receiver  34 . Receiver  34  is, in turn, affixed to and extends from sidewall portion  16  in alignment with the inlet aperture  7 . In this manner, coupling portion  28  may be inserted and aligned in a telescoping movement within receiver  34  to prevent rotation of the second conduit  14  with respect to the receiver  34 . Coupling portion  28  also includes a catch  36 , comprising a rib radially extending from the outer surface of the main body  26 , proximate to coupling portion  28 . As coupling portion  28  is telescoped into position within receiver  34 , catch  36  will prevent coupling portion  28  from moving too deeply into receiver  34 . Once in position, coupling portion  28  is secured to receiver  34  using a nut  38 . Nut  38  preferably has an inner diameter slightly smaller than an outer diameter of catch  36 . Nut  38  may therefore abut catch  36 , permitting coupling portion  28  to be coupled to receiver  34  as nut  38  is threadably received along an outer, threaded, surface of the receiver  34 . In one or more embodiments, nut  38  is a threaded locking collar. The foregoing configuration permits the second conduit  14  to be removably coupled to the receiver  34  at the inlet. 
         [0038]    It is foreseen that a variety of known structures may be employed to achieve alignment, proper insertion depth, and removable attachment between coupling portion  28  and receiver  34  and/or sidewall portion  16 , without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept, including without limitation those structures disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,321, incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. In various embodiments, coupling portion  28  may simply be integral with sidewall portion  16 ; coupling portion  28  may alternatively utilize a snout/saddle arrangement according to the present inventive concept to attach to sidewall portion  16 , preferably with a direction/vector of removal that is inverse with respect to a similarly configured joint between first and second conduits  12 ,  14 ; and/or coupling portion  28  may employ a variety of known fasteners for attachment to sidewall portion  16 , without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. Likewise, receiver  34  itself may be integrally formed with sidewall portion  16 , or may be removably affixed or permanently affixed thereto. Similarly, second conduit  14  may include a cross-sectional shape other than cylindrical, as illustrated. 
         [0039]    Hollow passage  40  of the second conduit  14 , when coupled to the receiver  34  and first conduit  12 , provides fluid communication between first conduit  12  and an exterior of the separation compartment  20 . The exterior may include a pipe conducting flow outside the separation compartment  20 , may be an ambient environment, or may be anything else that is external to the compartment  20 , without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0040]    Turning now to  FIG. 1C , second conduit  14  includes a generally U-shaped saddle  42  on the end opposite from the coupling portion  28 . Saddle  42  includes a generally U-shaped, recessed channel or track  44  defined along the inner diameter, and an end wall  43  circumscribing the opening to the hollow passage  40 , which cooperates to receive and abut snout  25 . As best viewed in  FIG. 4B , the surface of track  44  is defined in part by an arcuate portion  53 . The arcuate portion  53  terminates at a pair of ridges  57 , from which extend a pair of generally upright arm portions  59 . The arm portions  59  of the track are substantially planar and vertically-oriented such that they are configured for receiving and maintaining alignment with first and second straight edges of a collar of snout  25  (described below) when received in the track  44 . However, it will be appreciated that the specific shape of the saddle and track  44  may be slightly modified, depending upon the shape of its corresponding snout. The terminal ends of each arm  59  comprise a slanted surface  45  like a funnel configured to receive snout  25  and guide it toward track  44 . The end wall  43  further includes a slanted surface  45 ′ that cooperates with each arm slanted surface  45  to form an inclined or slanted rim that is substantially continuous on three sides (corresponding to the track  44  and end wall  43 ), and defines an opening on a fourth side that is configured for receiving snout  25 . 
         [0041]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the saddle  42  comprises a gateway comprising a lip  50  having a generally arcuate portion that terminates in two opposing projections  47 ,  48  configured to provide a snap-fit for receiving and removably securing first conduit  12 . The lip  50  is spaced from the end wall  43 , such that the lip  50 , end wall  43 , and interior surface of the track  44  cooperatively form a recessed cavity for receiving the snout  25 . Lip  50  has a seating surface  52  configured to receive a bottom of snout  25 , as will be described in greater detail below. As illustrated, opposing projections  47 ,  48  are integrally formed with lip  50 . It is foreseen that projections  47 ,  48  may comprise retractable and/or spring-loaded structures, and/or may take alternative shapes and may project to a greater or lesser degree, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0042]    Turning to  FIG. 2A , disassembled first and second conduits  12 ,  14 , receiver  34  and nut  38  are illustrated. Bottom segment  24  is illustrated in  FIG. 2A  in a modern wide-mouth diffuser style defining an opening  53  configured to provide fluid communication with separation compartment  20 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates snout  25  in additional detail, which includes a substantially cylindrical conduit, pipe, or duct  54  extending substantially orthogonally from stem  21 . Snout  25  also includes a collar  56  comprising a radially extending flange having left and right straight edges  58 ,  60 , configured to be received by upright arm portions  59  of the saddle  42 . Snout  25  also includes a crown  62  fixed to or integral with the top of duct  54 . Crown  62  provides additional structural support for duct  54 , and is preferably shaped to include a cavity or curved surface that may be manually grasped with fingers such that a maintenance provider may remove and/or re-assemble the first conduit  12  therewith. 
         [0043]    Turning back to  FIG. 3B , cross-sectional detail of the joint between snout  25  and saddle  42  is illustrated, with emphasis on the surfaces and shape of the gateway. More particularly, lip  50  is shown along with additional detail regarding the gateway including projections  47 ,  48 . Projections  47 ,  48  together with the arcuate lip  50  provide a snap-fit around the arcuate outer perimeter of duct  54 . Saddle  42 , and more particularly lip  50 , are preferably elastically deformable such that pressing snout  25  downward during the assembly process causes projections  47 ,  48  to move away from one another temporarily to permit snout  25  to pass therebetween. As a bottom  64  of duct  54  is received by seating surface  52 , the projections  47 ,  48  rebound to their original positions and degree of separation from one another to at least partially enclose duct  54  and removably secure snout  25  to saddle  42 . It is foreseen that varying portions of duct  54  may contact lip  50 , that lip  50  may be removed entirely, and/or that the first conduit  12  may enter second conduit  14  from varying directional vectors, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0044]    It is foreseen that the present inventive concept may be implemented in numerous devices experiencing non-pressurized flow across the conduit joints taught herein. However, the present inventive concept may also be implemented in devices experiencing pressurized flow across such joints, which is generally considered to increase the need for a better seal between conduits. Gasket pocket  55  may optionally provide an area in which to insert a gasket, silicone filling, or the like to form a more complete seal against effluent leakage. It is foreseen that alternative means of enhancing the seal(s) formed at such joint(s) may be used without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIG. 4B , cross-sectional detail of the joint between snout  25  and saddle  42  is illustrated along line B-B, with emphasis on the surfaces and shape of the recessed track  44  cavity. Line B-B is more distal from stem  21  than line A-A of  FIG. 3B . Collar  56  and straight edges  58 ,  60  are shown in  FIG. 4B  aligned with and received within saddle  42  and, more specifically, track  44 . It should be noted that collar  56  mates first and second conduits  12 ,  14  by substantially restricting side-to-side movement, including along straight edges  58 ,  60 . It should further be noted with reference to  FIGS. 1C and 3B  that collar  56 , in an assembled configuration, also restricts first conduit  12  from substantially separating from second conduit  14  by virtue of collar  56  being friction fit (e.g., wedged) between end wall  43  and lip  50  and its projections  47 ,  48 . It is foreseen that the degree and location(s) of such wedging, and/or proximity of straight edges  58 ,  60  to track  44 , may be varied along the conduit joint to alter the snugness and character of the snap-fit, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIG. 5B , cross-sectional detail of snout  25  and saddle  42  is illustrated from downward-looking angle along line C-C. A valve  66  is illustrated attached to snout  25 . Valve  66  includes a simple main diaphragm or partition section  67 , preferably including a flow control orifice (not shown). Valve  66  includes two hooks  68  on opposite (left and right) sides of the main partition  67  for snapping over and forming a seal with ridges  70  of collar  56 . In this manner, flow control between first conduit  12  and second conduit  14  are provided. It is foreseen that alternative structures for controlling pressurized and/or un-pressurized flow, including restricted conduit sizing, etc. may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0047]    Turning now to  FIG. 6B , a first conduit  72  according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept is illustrated in detail. First conduit  72  includes stem  74  and snout  76 . Snout  76  includes a conduit  78  extending substantially orthogonally from stem  74 . Snout  76  also includes a collar  80  comprising a flange having left and right straight edges  82 ,  84 . Snout  76  also includes a crown  86 . Crown  86  comprises a lift lug having a threaded outer periphery for receiving a lifting device or lift rod  88 , an exemplary embodiment of which is illustrated in  FIG. 6C . Lift rod  88  is illustrated as an NPT pipe with FPT coupling, and may have a 1.5″ diameter sized to be threaded over the lift lug of crown  86 . It is foreseen that lift rod  88  may comprise different structures and means for engagement, as discussed below, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. It is also foreseen that another lifting device not comprising a rod may be used, for example a strap, in embodiments where different structures are used to engage first conduit  72 , without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6C , where it is desired to lift first conduit  72  from a vertical distance, a maintenance provider may insert lift rod  88  through access port  90  and rotate lift rod  88  about crown  86  until the two are at least partially threaded together at the lift lug. The maintenance provider may then lift first conduit  72  from the snap-fit provided with a second conduit  92  and remove the first conduit  72  from separation device  94  via access port  90 . It is foreseen that other structures for engaging the first conduit using a lift rod may be used, for example a simple hook formed at the end of the lift rod or other lifting device, without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0049]    Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Furthermore, these other preferred embodiments may in some instances be realized through a combination of features compatible for use together despite having been presented independently in the above description. 
         [0050]    Furthermore, directional references (e.g., top, bottom, front, back, up, down, etc.) are used herein solely for the sake of convenience and should be understood only in relation to each other. For instance, a component might in practice be oriented such that faces referred to as “top” and “bottom” are sideways, angled, inverted, etc. relative to the chosen frame of reference. 
         [0051]    It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms axial, axially, and variations thereof mean the defined element has at least some directional component along or parallel to the axis. These terms should not be limited to mean that the element extends only or purely along or parallel to the axis. For example, the element may be oriented at a forty-five degree (45°) angle relative to the axis but, because the element extends at least in part along the axis, it should still be considered axial. Similarly, the terms radial, radially, and variations thereof shall be interpreted to mean the element has at least some directional component in the radial direction relative to the axis. 
         [0052]    It is further noted that the term annular shall be interpreted to mean that the referenced object extends around a central opening so as to be generally toroidal or ring-shaped. It is not necessary for the object to be circular, nor does the object have to be continuous. Similarly, the term toroidal shall not be interpreted to mean that the object must be circular or continuous. 
         [0053]    It should still further be noted that, in one construction, the separation device is molded from high density polyethylene to inhibit corrosion and leaking. In other constructions, the container can be formed from other suitable materials using any suitable method. 
         [0054]    The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present inventive concept. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present inventive concept. 
         [0055]    The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present inventive concept as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.