Modular component connector substrate assembly system

A modular component connector substrate assembly for mounting thereon of at least one fluid control component, the assembly including at least two substrate blocks or one substrate block and an end block, all in fluid communication with each other via internal passages, with a separate fluid pressure connector fluidically interconnecting and fixedly spacing adjacent ones the substrate blocks and/or end blocks with adjacent substrate blocks, wherein the conduits connected by the pressure connector all being located in a common internal plane and thus being capable of extending in any of the compass directions (N,S,E,W) within this common plane. The bottom surfaces of the substrate and end plates abut mounting plates configured to the existing ANSI/ISA SP76 specification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a modular component connector substrate system assembly for readily surface mounting thereon of differing types of fluid control components that are generally utilized in fluid measurement and control systems, for example, in industries such as chemical processing, pharmaceutical, biological and petrochemical and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surface-mount technology is a design concept and layout that permits any type of fluid control component, such as a valve, filter, regulator, etc., to be surface-mounted or affixed to an underlying substrate in any desired combination. The substrate provides connections to other fluid control components, with the interface geometry for surface-mounting the fluid control components being in compliance with ISA specification SP-76 which will be described in more detail later.

Current state of the art technology substrate products generally utilize either welded or bolted connections to contiguous substrates. The welded systems, such as the one set forth in published European Patent Application EP 1 291 636 A2, have the disadvantage of being unable to disassemble the unitary substrate system in order to reconfigure the surface-mounted system or for maintenance of the substrate components. Bolted systems require a second layer or plane of substrates below the first layer, that provides the attachment for the fluid control components in order to change the direction of the flow of the fluid medium from the linear to another direction.

Some current designs of prior art technology are based upon maintaining fluid medium flow in but one direction N-S (North to South), for example, within the same plane and within the same substrate. In order to change directions, e.g., E-W (East to West), this requires a plane change, with this plane change not taking place within the same substrate. In terms of function, a fluid medium flows downward to a second plane, below the substrate plane; flows E-W, or N-S as the case may be, to a contiguous substrate; and then flows back up into the contiguous substrate located on the substrate plane.

Other prior art designs, including that of noted EP 1 291 636A2, have a fluid medium flow in all compass directions (N-S-E-W) within the same plane. However, this fluid medium flow takes place, not within the substrate, but rather in a further plane located below the substrate plane. Thus, in terms of function, a fluid medium first flows through the substrate, then downwardly to a second plane below the substrate plane, then flows directionally (N-S-E-W) to a further location within this second plane which is contiguous or adjacent, but below, the substrate plane, and finally flows back upwardly into a substrate.

Both types of directional change of flow require twice the typical number of components and related bolting (along with welding) as compared to that of the present invention.

Thus, the currently available prior art surface-mount systems have a plurality of shortcomings, including that most installations are one-of-a-kind and require only a few of the same type of sampling or analysis systems, so that most of these installations are of the custom or semi-custom type. Such systems typically involve a large number of components and/or expensive custom machining thereof as well as high assembly/installation costs. Generally, the design procedures are also complex.

There remains an unfulfilled need for improved fluid-flow systems that overcome the stated remaining problems. The present invention fills these needs in addition to providing the additional advantages set forth hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention introduces an improved substrate design and connection system that increases configuration flexibility, reduces the number of required components, minimizes both fluidic pressure losses and the internal volume requirements as well as improving maintenance capabilities.

The present invention utilizes a unique interlocking pressure connector for substrate block-substrate block and substrate block-end block pressure connections. This feature provides a flexible sealing device that is easily assembled and provides a rigid connecting member between contiguous blocks. It also allows for a “floating” effect between the blocks that aids in block alignment and overall assembly quality. The pressure connector is sealed on each end via toroidal seal using standard O-ring sizing in order to minimize compatibility issues.

In addition, the adaptability of the interlocking pressure connector also permits fluid medium flow to be directed in any compass direction. As an example, if the fluid medium flow is from the south, it can be directed outwardly in one or more of the northerly, easterly or westerly directions and still remain in the same plane. This greatly increases the flexibility of the overall system and reduces the overall component requirements thereof. Inasmuch as in the present invention all of the fluidic connections are in but a single plane, the bottom surfaces of the connected substrates are all in the same plane and thus present a flat planar surface that is ideal for the attachment of temperature maintenance systems for heating and/or cooling, if so desired.

Another feature of the system assemblies of this invention relates to the interchangeable field connections. As previously noted, current systems connect via the use of tube stubs or similar structures intended for welding connection. Such connection methods are not only expensive and limited by the availability of weld fittings, but also increase the envelope dimension of the overall system. Typically, space is at a premium in areas where such systems are used, thus the ability to provide a system with a smaller footprint is very advantageous. The field connections for use with the present invention can be offered in a variety of connection types (compression, pipe, etc.) and styles (in-line, elbow, etc.).

Finally, a major advantage of the present invention is the ability to readily reconfigure an already existing system. Since only a minimal number e.g., for example, about ten (although statistically there are up to about forty different possibilities) of basic substrate configurations are necessary to build any desired fluid flow configuration, an existing footprint (consisting of any number of substrates) can be disassembled and subsequently reconfigured and reassembled into a different footprint configuration. In addition, the substrates can also be used or reused in other systems.

It is a feature of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a modular component connector substrate system assembly for mounting thereon of at least two fluid control components of a fluid flow system, the assembly comprising in combination: at least two substrate blocks each substrate block including a body having a top face, a bottom face, spaced lateral side faces and spaced longitudinal end faces; the substrate block having first and second conduits, substantially parallel with the top and bottom faces, each conduit terminating at one end in a different one of the substrate block lateral side and longitudinal end faces; each substrate block further having third and fourth conduits, substantially perpendicular to the top face, with an outer end of each of the third and fourth conduits terminating in the top face and another end of each of the third and fourth conduits merging into another one of the first and second conduits, respectively; the at least two substrate block bottom surfaces residing in the same plane; a fluid control component affixed to the top face of each of the at least two substrate blocks, the fluid control component having first and second ports therein, the first and second ports being in fluid communication with the third and fourth conduits, respectively, of the substrate block; and a separate fluid pressure connector fluidically interconnecting adjacent ones of the at least two substrate blocks and fixedly spacing the at least two substrate blocks from, each other at adjacent ones of the side and/or end faces of the substrate blocks.

A further embodiment of this invention includes the addition of at least two spaced and fixed end blocks, each end block including a body having a top face, a bottom face, spaced lateral side faces and spaced longitudinal end faces, each end block having a first bore portion, substantially a parallel with the top and bottom faces, terminating at one end in a first one of the lateral side and longitudinal end faces; each end block also having a second bore portion fluidically interconnected at one end with the first bore portion and at a second end with another one of the remaining side and end faces or the top face; each of the at least two substrate blocks being interposed between the at least two end blocks and fluidically interconnected and fixedly spaced from the at least two end blocks, via additional ones of the fluid pressure connectors, at adjacent ones of the side and/or end faces of the substrate blocks and the end blocks.

In another embodiment of this invention the one end of each of end block first bore portions and the one end of at least one of the substrate block first and second conduits includes a recess portion of a predetermined size, depth and shape; and the pressure connector takes the form of a longitudinally apertured body of a predetermined size, and shape, the opposite ends of which are adapted to be sealingly received within adjoining ones of the recess portions.

In an additional embodiment both the recess portions and the pressure connector are substantially cylindrical in shape, with the longitudinal extent of the pressure connector being at least twice the longitudinal extent of one of the recess portions. Specifically, the pressure connector includes a central peripheral land portion and two spaced peripheral edge land portions, separated by recessed peripheral grooves; and a resilient annular seal member positioned within each of the grooves for sealingly interacting with a peripheral surface of the surrounding recess portions. The pressure connector edge land portions each preferably include a beveled edge surface terminating at an annular end surface of the pressure connector and the seal member comprises an O-ring.

In a further embodiment, each of the at least two substrate blocks further includes a plurality of spaced first vertical through bores extending from the top face to the bottom face. One assembly of this invention includes a mounting plate, abutting the bottom faces of the at least two substrate blocks, having a plurality of spaced first apertures, aligned with the plurality of spaced first vertical through bores; and a plurality of first attachment members within the first vertical through bores for joining the substrate blocks to the mounting plate.

In a still further embodiment of this invention, the mounting plate includes multiple interior channels for conducting fluid-temperature-controlling media therethrough or for the insertion of heating elements therein.

In an additional embodiment, each of the end blocks and the substrate blocks further includes a plurality of spaced second vertical through bores extending from the top faces to the bottom faces. Furthermore, the fluid component includes a plurality of spaced third vertical through bores, aligned with the plurality of spaced second vertical through bores of the substrate block; and a plurality of second attachment members, extending through the third plurality of vertical through bores, into the plurality of spaced second through bores of the substrate block for fixedly attaching the fluid control component to the substrate block.

In the several embodiments of this invention, the end block first and second bore portions and the substrate block first and second conduits serve in one of an inlet and outlet fluid flow capacity, depending upon the direction of movement of a fluid medium flowing through the assembly.

In still another embodiment, each of the at least two substrate blocks is provided with a plurality of first and second conduits, each conduit terminating at a different one of the substrate block lateral side and/or longitudinal end faces; with the pluralities of first and second conduits being located in a common plane, each of the pluralities of first and second conduits being in fluid communication with at least one port of a plurality of the first and second ports within the fluid control component affixed to each substrate block.

In the several embodiments, the pluralities of first and second conduits in the substrate blocks and/or of the end blocks are either equally or unequally spaced from, as well as parallel to, the top and bottom faces of the substrate blocks.

A different embodiment of this invention pertains to an improvement in a modular component connector substrate system assembly for mounting thereon of at least two fluid control components of a fluid flow system, wherein the assembly includes at least two substrate blocks, each substrate block having spaced parallel top and bottom faces, spaced parallel lateral side faces and spaced parallel longitudinal end faces; each substrate block having first and second conduits, substantially parallel with the top and bottom faces, each conduit terminating at one end in a different one of the substrate block lateral side and longitudinal end faces; each of the substrate blocks further having third and fourth conduits, substantially perpendicular to the top face, with an outer end of each of the third and fourth conduits terminating in the top face and another end of each of the third and fourth conduits merging into another one of the ends of the first and second conduits; the at least two substrate block bottom surfaces residing in the same plane; and having a fluid control component affixed to the top face of each of the substrate blocks, the fluidic control component having first and second ports therein, with the first and second ports being in fluid communication with the third and fourth conduits, respectively, of an associated substrate block, wherein the improvement comprises:

a separate fluid pressure connector fluidically interconnecting adjacent ones of the at least two substrate blocks and fixedly spacing the substrate blocks from each other at adjacent ones of the side and/or end faces of the substrate blocks, wherein each of the substrate blocks is provided with a plurality of first and second conduits, each of the conduits terminating at a different one of the substrate block side and longitudinal end faces; with the pluralities of first and second conduits being located in a common plane within the substrate block, each of the pluralities of first and second conduits being in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second ports within the fluid control component affixed to each of the associated substrate blocks.

A still further embodiment further includes the addition of at least two spaced and fixed end blocks, each end block including a top face, a spaced bottom face, spaced lateral side faces and spaced longitudinal end faces, each end block having a first bore portion, substantially parallel with the top and bottom faces, terminating at one end in a first one of the lateral side and end faces; each end block further having a second bore portion fluidically interconnected at one end with the first bore portion and at a second end with another one of the remaining side and end faces or the top face; the at least two substrate blocks being interposed between the end blocks, and fluidically interconnected and fixedly spaced from the end blocks, via additional ones of the fluid pressure connector, at adjacent ones of the side and/or end faces of the substrate blocks and the end blocks.

In another variation of the improved assembly of this embodiment, the one end of each of the end block first bore portions and the one end of each of the substrate block first and second conduits includes a recess portion of a predetermined size, depth and shape; and the pressure connector takes the form of a longitudinally apertured body of a predetermined size and shape, the opposite ends of which are adapted to be sealingly received within adjoining ones of the recess portions. Preferably, both the recess portions and the pressure connector are substantially cylindrical in shape, with the longitudinal extent of the pressure connector being at least twice the longitudinal extent of one of the recess portions. Specifically, the pressure connector includes a central peripheral land portion and two spaced peripheral edge land portions, separated by recessed peripheral grooves; and a resilient annular seal member positioned within each of the grooves for sealingly interacting with a peripheral surface of the surrounding recess portion. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, particularly toFIGS. 1,1A,1B, and2, there is depicted therein a first embodiment of a modular component connector substrate system assembly20of this invention that finds utility for fixedly surface mounting thereon of an interlocking fluid flow system.

Modular component connector substrate system assembly20(hereinafter designated “assembly”), is substantially comprised of a plurality of sealingly, fluidically interconnected and/or interlocked modular components including at least two end blocks22in the form of at least one inlet block and at least one outlet block, with each such block having a shape such as that of a hexahedron, for example, and being capable of serving as either an inlet block or an outlet block, depending upon the direction of flow of the fluid medium being transferred.

Intermediately disposed between end blocks22is at least one substrate block24.FIGS. 1,1A,1B and2disclose three end blocks22a,22band22c, again of a shape such as a hexahedron, that can function as either one or more inflow blocks or one or more outflow blocks, again depending upon the direction of fluid medium flow. As best seen inFIG. 2, in one embodiment of this invention, end block22afunctions as an inlet block while blocks22band22ccan function as outlets blocks, either singly or together, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

It should be clear from a review ofFIGS. 1 and 2that the flow through end blocks22can be longitudinal, or in-line, as in end block22aand22c, or that the flow can change direction as is the case with block22bwhere the fluid inlet and outlet directions are substantially perpendicular to each other as well as changing from flowing in a horizontal plane to flowing in a vertical plane. What is important is that the direction of the fluid medium flow occurs wholly within each end block, irrespective of whether the change of flow direction occurs in the same plane, such as turning right or left, for example, in a horizontal plane (not shown per se in block22b) or whether there is a change in planes, such as shown in end block22b.

As best seen inFIG. 2, sealingly and fluidically interconnected and/or interlocked with end blocks22a,22band22c, in this exemplary embodiment, are three substrate blocks24a,24band24c. Since the structural details and operational functions thereof will be discussed in more detail later, particularly with reference to the various embodiments shown inFIGS. 15A–15I, it is deemed sufficient, at this time, to note that, in theFIG. 2depiction, substrate blocks24aand24care each provided with longitudinally-aligned inlets or inlet apertures/conduits26and outlets or outlet apertures/conduits28whereas substrate block24bis provided with a longitudinally-directed inlet26, an angled outlet28, and a transversely-directed outlet30. Again, as to whether such apertures function as inlets or outlets depends upon the direction of the fluid medium flow.

Turning now toFIGS. 3–6andFIGS. 3A–6A, there are shown several views of two slightly differing embodiments of a substrate block, such as a hexahedral block24, (FIGS. 3–6) and a substrate block24′ (FIGS. 3A–6A). Since the top plan view for both embodiments is the same, it is shown but once for both and serves as bothFIG. 3andFIG. 3A. Each substrate block24has a top face36, a bottom face38, a first lateral end face40, a second lateral end face42, as well as a first longitudinal side face44and a second longitudinal side face46. InFIGS. 3,3A, lateral end faces40,42are parallel to vertical centerline48while longitudinal side faces44,46are parallel to horizontal centerline50. The main difference between substrate blocks24and24′ is that in block24the end or inlet/outlet ports26,28(FIGS.4,5and6) are centered both horizontally and vertically. Stated another way, ports26and28are equally spaced from block top face36and bottom face38. In ports24′, ports26′ and28′, as best seen inFIGS. 4A,5A and6A are not equally spaced between top and bottom faces36and38, respectively. Except for the noted difference in port spacings, blocks24and24′ are the same and like numerals apply to like parts. The unequal port spacing in blocks24′ results from specific fluid pressure requirements for particular applications. In addition to the noted longitudinally-directed inlets/outlets26,28, substrate blocks24are provided with vertical fluid passages56,58, that join and are thus in full fluid connection with inlets/outlets26,28, respectively, as best seen inFIGS. 1B and 4. Vertical fluid passage56is centered relative to substrate block centerlines48,50while the at least one additional outer fluid passage58is centered relative only one or the other of centerlines48,50, respectively.

Furthermore, as best seen inFIGS. 3 and 5, each substrate block24also includes four counterbored, relative to substrate block top face36, through bores60whose function it is to freely receive the heads and the adjoining lengths of threaded shanks of bolts or fasteners (not shown per se) for operatively securing substrate blocks24to an apertured and threaded alignment plate62, to be discussed hereinafter relative to FIGS.1A and16–19.

Finally, again as best seen inFIGS. 3 and 6, each substrate block24is further provided with four threaded through bores or apertures64whose function it is to receive threaded shank portions of bolts or fasteners66(FIG. 1) for operatively securing fluid components68to substrate blocks24. Typical examples of such fluid components68are valves of different types, filters, flowmeters, heaters, pressure transducers and regulators, flow controllers, temperature sensors, instrument, analyzers and the like. Both the structures and operational modes of these fluid components, such as filter70, metering valve72and pressure gauge74, are well known in the art and form no part of the present invention. The four attachments through bores64are arranged in a rectangular pattern as illustrated inFIG. 3. The mechanical connections between substrate blocks24and fluid components68at the fluid component attachment bores54,56,58are preferably made and spaced and dimensioned, etc. so as to conform to the provisions of SEMI 2787.1 and ANSI/ISA Specification SP76.00.02, 2002 (known as “SP76” in the industry) which sets forth, among other things, the arrangement of ports, physical envelope constraints, mounting hole location and sizes, and the like, for surface-mounted fluid-control systems. An advantage of the present invention is that, if such specifications are revised, etc., or other specifications are adopted in the future, substrate blocks24and inlet blocks22may readily be adapted to such new specifications.

Each one of fluid components70,72and74have one or more internal ports78through which the fluid medium flows into or out of these fluid components. The ports78of each fluid component are in fluid communication with one or more of the fluid flow passages54,56and58in substrate blocks24. The fluid connections between the ports78and substrate block fluid passages54,56and58are sealed via annular seals80(FIGS. 1A,1B) that preferably reside in recesses or counterbores in passages54,5658. Seals80preferably take the form of “O” rings of resilient, for example elastomeric or polymeric, composition but could also be of metallic construction depending upon the type of fluid medium being processed.

The architecture of substrate blocks24, while conforming within the previously-noted SP-76 specification guidelines, may take a plurality of configurations, including but not limited to those shown inFIGS. 15A to 15I. Specifically,FIG. 15Aagain shows substrate block24athat has already been previously described as having single, horizontally aligned inlet/outlet ports or conduits26,28that merge into internal vertical fluid passages56,58, respectively. This can be analogized to a compass coordinate wherein the inlet to outlet direction is aligned E-W (East-West). A rotation of 90 degrees of the conduits ofFIG. 15Awill result in an N-S (North-South) alignment such as that shown inFIG. 15Iwherein the conduits30,32are N-S aligned. Rotation of but one of the inlet/outlet conduits ofFIG. 15Acan result in the perpendicular arrangements shown inFIGS. 15B and 15C.

FIGS. 15D to 15Gshow examples or embodiments of either multiple inlet/single outlet structures or multiple single outlet/inlet structures with differing directional alignments utilizing three of the four N, S, E, W directions, while having their conduits coupled to two (FIGS. 15E,15F and15G) or three (FIG. 15D) vertical fluid passages54,56and58. Finally,FIGS. 15H and 15Iare representative embodiments of examples of substrate blocks having both multiple inlet/multiple outlet constructions or configurations, with differing directional alignments utilizing all four N, S, E, W directions while utilizing one center vertical fluid passage56and two outer fluid passages54,58. In each of the noted constructions there is always a center vertical fluid passage56and at least one adjacent outer vertical fluid passage54and/or58.

Turning again to preferably hexahedron-shaped end blocks22, such as similar end blocks22aand22c, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1,1A,1B and2, have a top face86, a bottom face88, a first lateral end face90, a second lateral end face92, as well as a first longitudinal side face94and a second longitudinal side face96. Each of end blocks22is also provided with a longitudinal through bore98, extending from end face90to end face92, with one embodiment22ahaving bore98equally spaced from and parallel with top and bottom end faces86,88, respectively. The outer end of bore98, terminating at end face90, is provided with a threaded recess or counterbore100, such as, e.g., an 0.125 inch FNPT female pipe thread, while the inner end of bore98, terminating at end face92, is provided with a smooth, enlarged cylindrical recess or bore102.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 9, each end block22is also provided with two, laterally-spaced, and counterbored relative to end block top surface86, through-bores106whose function it is to freely receive the heads and adjoining lengths of a threaded bolt or fastening member107(FIG. 1) for operatively securing end blocks22to an apertured and threaded alignment plate62, to be discussed hereinafter. Finally, as best illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 10, end blocks22are also provided with two laterally spaced through bores108whose function it is to allow the insertion of fasteners110(FIG. 1) for the attachment, to block bottom surface88thereof, of one or more leg or support members112.

FIGS. 8–10disclose an end block embodiment22a′, with the main difference between blocks22aand22a′being that through bore98of the latter has an angled portion98′ leading to inner cylindrical recess or counterbore102′, as a result of which recess102′ is not centered between top and bottom walls86,88, respectively.

FIGS. 11 and 12disclose further structural details of another end block embodiment, namely end block22bwhich is also shown inFIGS. 1,1A,1B and2. The previous description, relative to end block22aalso applies to end block22bexcept that bore98has a perpendicular portion98″ and that the outer end102′ thereof is located in block top face86, rather that in block end face90. This construction provides an upwardly-directed threaded (e.g., an 0.125 inch FNTP female pipe thread) vertical inlet/outlet port which may be required in certain installations. The sizing, dimensioning and aperture locations of the noted several end block embodiments also conform to the noted SP-76 specifications.

Returning now to the plurality of embodiments of substrate blocks24inFIGS. 15A to 15I, it should be understood that these substrate blocks have, parallel with top and bottom surfaces36,38, at least two vertical conduits that perform, depending upon the direction of flow of the fluid medium flow, either inlet or outlet functions. These conduits may be longitudinally aligned, such as conduits26and28(FIG. 15A); or laterally aligned, such as conduits30and32(FIG. 15I); perpendicular to each other (FIGS. 15B,15C); or angled, such as conduits26and34(FIG. 15E); or have various combinations thereof. As previously noted, the inner ends of these conduits26,28,30,32and34always merge into at least one of the vertical fluid passages54,56and58. The outer ends of conduits26,28,30,32and34each merge into a smooth, enlarged diameter, cylindrical recess or bore35having substantially the same diametral size and axial extent as that of corresponding bore or recess102in each of end blocks22,22a,22band22c.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, substrate blocks24aand24bare sealingly fluidically interconnected via an intermediate pressure connector120, best seen in full detail inFIG. 14. Connector120preferably takes the form of a circular cross-sectional rod or coupling having a longitudinal, smooth aperture122and equally axially-spaced recessed peripheral grooves124, separated by two similar but adjoining intermediate cylindrical peripheral land portions126a,126b. Grooves122are adapted to each receive a resilient “O” ring128, of a composition similar to that of previously-defined “O” rings80, whose lateral radial outermost curved surfaces extend radially outward from grooves124. Two opposed, cylindrical, edge land portions132, each having a beveled outer edge134, separate grooves124from opposed annular end wall surfaces138. Another way of defining pressure connector120is that it is comprised of two adjoining, substantially allochiral or mirror-image portions120aand120b, seamlessly joined at vertical centerline140. The outer diameter of each “O” ring128is so selected that, upon insertions thereof (as parts of pressure connector portions120a,120b) into adjacent and aligned substrate block alignment bores35, produces an interference fit, resulting in an elastic deformation of each of “O” rings128. The noted “O” ring deformations not only provide a fluid tight seal between pressure connector120and its adjoining substrate blocks24a,24b, for example, but also exert a physical retention force for coupling the adjoining blocks24.

A perusal of drawingFIGS. 1A,1B, will also make it clear to one skilled in the art that pressure connectors120are also utilized for fluidically, sealingly coupling or connecting substrate blocks24with recess bores102in adjoining inlet/outlet end blocks22. The depth of axial entry of pressure connector portions120a,120binto adjacent bores35and/or adjacent bores35and102, is limited by the physical abutments of connector end walls138against the inner end walls of these bores, as best seen inFIG. 13. The total axial length of connector120is preferably slightly greater than that that of the combined axial lengths of bores35and102so that the adjacent substrate and/or end block surfaces do not physically touch each other. There may be some instances, particularly when footprint space is at a premium that it may not be feasible to utilize either one or both of inlet/outlet blocks22. Under such circumstances one or more of substrate blocks24may be modified in the manner shown in substrate block24″ illustrated inFIG. 4B. Specifically, one of the normally smooth cylindrical recesses or bores35(FIG. 4) is modified by machining therein of an 0.125 inch FNPT female thread35′ (left end ofFIG. 4B) which thus permits the threading thereinto of a respective inlet/outlet fluid media line (not shown) in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

In order to assure the proper predetermined spacing relative to each other, blocks22and24, in addition to their fluid-tight interconnections via pressure connectors120are also joined, at their bottom faces38(substrate block24) and88(end blocks22) via one or more alignment plates62, best seen inFIGS. 16–19. Specifically,FIG. 16illustrates a bottom plan view of nine substrate blocks24wherein two such blocks are joined to a 1×2 alignment plate62a, having two threaded apertures114(FIG. 17A), via two bolts (not shown) extending through substrate block counterbored through bores60. Also illustrated are examples of 2×2 alignment plates62bwhich serve to join two and four substrate blocks24, respectively. End blocks22are similarly coupled to substrate plates62via bolts107(FIG. 1), extending through end block counterbored apertures106, that are threaded into alignment plate apertures114.

FIGS. 17B to 17Gare top plan views of six differing alignment/mounting plates62a–62dwhich respectively illustrate 1×2; 2×2; 2×4 and 2×6 rectangular plates, together with a T-shaped plate62eand a cruciform-shaped plate62f. These are but examples of typical plates that are utilized in this invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19illustrate an example of a temperature-controllable 8×8 alignment plate62gwhich, in addition to threaded apertures114is also provided with two full length through channels116and a blind half channel118for conducting fluid temperature controlled media therethrough and for receiving a temperature measurement device (not shown), respectively.

FIGS. 20 and 21disclose another 8×8 alignment/mounting plate62hthat is similar to plate62g(FIGS. 18,19), but utilizes blind bores116a,118a, which are adapted for the insertion of electric heating rods or the like and a temperature measurement device (neither shown) for temperature control purposes.

Finally,FIGS. 22 and 23disclose a “pegboard-type” embodiment of an 8×8 alignment/mounting plate62iwhich is also provided with threaded apertures114that are spaced in accordance with the requirements of the noted SP 76 specification. Such a “square” mounting plate provides an ideal foundation for mounting a modular component connector substrate assembly system of the type set forth in this invention. Mounting plate62icould also be provided with lateral bores, as previously described, for temperature control purposes.

In terms of the materials utilized in the structures of this invention, in addition to the noted resilient “O” rings, the metallic components of the various embodiments may be of any desired composition, but are preferably comprised of stainless steel, such as of a type304alloy thereof.

In terms of the operation of the modular component connector substrate system assembly20of this invention, this will now be explained with reference toFIGS. 1B and 2as follows: InFIG. 1Ba fluid medium enters inlet end block22afrom the left and flows, via intermediate pressure connector120, into initial substrate block24aand continues vertically upwardly therefrom, via conduits26and56, into and through a fluidic component, namely filter70. The now-filtered medium then exits from filter70via conduits58,28and flows, via a further pressure connector120, into adjacent substrate block24band continues vertically upwardly therefrom, via conduits26and56, into another fluidic component, namely metering valve72(FIG. 1B). When valve72is in the closed position, the flow of the fluid medium stops. Once valve72is opened, the fluid medium will flow simultaneously in two different directions as shown inFIG. 2, one direction being lateral, via adjacent outlet end block22cwhile utilizing a further connector120. The other direction extends in-line, via yet another connector120, into longitudinally-adjacent substrate block24c. The fluidic component, mounted on block24c, is a pressure gauge74(FIG. 1B) and the fluid medium flows into and out of gauge74without obstruction and continues its flow, via an additional connector120, into outlet end block22band exits therefrom via bore recess portion102.

While there are shown and described several presently preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following appended claims.