Apparatus for use in molecular transfer and delivery of substances such as vapors, gases, liquids, and sprays

A module or fitting for applying and controlling the application of a liquid, gas, vapor, or spray, in an embodiment for applying a lubricant to the neck guides of an air conveyance line configured to slidingly move containers supported on the neck guides, the modules comprising a housing section having a lubricant reservoir formed therein, and a container support section, and defining a slot for securing the fittings to a neck guide support rail in a position interspersed along the air conveyor rails with the neck guides, with the container support surface in alignment with the neck guide support surface, and channels formed in the modules for dispensing the on the container support surface in close proximity to the container support flanges which are slidingly supported.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and devices for recurrently applying or delivering molecules of a substance to a surface or environment for the purpose of immersing or otherwise treating the surface or environment with the delivered substance, and more particularly relates in certain embodiments to devices for delivery of lubricating substances to a surface or environment in a vapor, gas, liquid, or spray form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices and fittings are known which are utilized as part of an overall delivery system and have as a primary purpose to recurrently apply or deliver materials and substances in liquid, gas, vapor, or spray form to a site or environment in order to coat or otherwise treat the site surface or environment with the delivered material or substances. There remains, however, a need for a device or fitting which can be utilized in different environments to help transfer and separate molecules in various forms in order to more directly and efficiently apply liquids and vapors to a surface or environment. Within these environments, there are more particular needs for fluid delivery, which can encompass multiple reservoirs for delivering separate types of substances to a single area. Existing delivery systems often provide a poor delivery, causing failure and resulting in poor performance and/or delivery of efficiencies as well as overfeeding of lubricant.

In an embodiment, the present apparatus can be used to dispense liquids, and more particularly lubricants, strategically to a set of guide rails of an air conveyance system to enhance lubrication and object transfer. The air conveyor system directs a pressurized air originating from a blower or other pneumatic force against the containers to propel the containers along a path of the conveyor in a designated direction. A problem encountered with such air conveyor systems is unwanted friction buildup between the slide support surface of the neck guides and the annular support ring or flange on the upper area of the neck portion of the bottles as the bottles are conveyed at high speeds. Friction of course can slow down movement of the bottles, more quickly wear or damage the guides, and also can lead to bottle jams, particularly in inclined and curved sections of the conveyor, further slowing production while the system is shut down to clear the jam. The amount of pneumatic energy required to move the bottles is also raised, adding to the total cost of production.

Attempts have been made to minimize such friction, such as by forming the slide support surface of the neck guides with materials having low friction characteristics. In addition, a food grade lubricant may be applied to the neck guides, either manually during periods when the line is shut down for maintenance and cleaning, or in one arrangement a lubricant is injected into the neck guide area at staggered lubrication points along the length of the neck guides. However, there remains a need for improved systems for directing and applying a lubricant on to the neck guides as part of the lubrication process in appropriate quantities and at designated locations along the conveyor path.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a lubrication module for use in transferring and delivery of molecules into a variety of different environments and to more efficiently apply liquids and vapors to a surface or environment. In an embodiment, the lubrication module is a fitting apparatus which has been adapted for use with air or pneumatic conveyor systems, and more particularly, air conveyors configured for rapid transport of empty resin or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles or similar containers as part of the bottle manufacturing and/or filling process. Such bottles or containers typically have an annular support flange or ring integrally formed extending radially outwardly around the neck section of the container, generally near the mouth of the container just below a threaded section for receiving a closure. In an air conveyor, the containers are positioned with the lower surface of the support ring resting on a pair of opposing and spaced apart neck guides, which guides define a track or pathway along which the containers are slidably moved in single file, for example, upon exiting a blow moulder, or being moved to a filling apparatus. Additional guides may be provided to stabilize portions of the container below the neck guide against swinging or the like.

The present inventor provides in an embodiment of the invention a fitting apparatus which in use is positioned between lengths of the neck guides of an air conveyance line at designated locations along the conveyor pathway. The fitting apparatus includes a container support guide section having a similar wall profile to the existing neck guides. When the fitting apparatus is secured to the guide rail, the support surface of the fitting apparatus is horizontally aligned with the support surface of the neck guides, ensuring that a smooth and continuous support surface is provided. In addition, the fitting apparatus includes an internal lubricant reservoir having an inlet opening which is connected by a line to a lubricant source. A plurality of exit channels or ports connect between the reservoir and slide support surface in a position to apply a desired quantity of lubricant directly on to the slide support surface of the fittings at or near the location over which the support rings for the containers are passed.

An important feature of the present invention is the seamlessness of the lubrication module or fitting in conjunction with existing neck guides. This seamless integration is further enhanced by the adaptability of the positions of the fitting on the guide rails without requiring any modification to the rail structure as well as the location of the lubricant channel exit points on the fittings, and the possibility of the fittings including multiple reservoirs, thereby making the unit fully customizable to many, if not all current neck guide applications. Another key attribute is the fittings allow for ease of replacement and possibility of flow adjustment in challenging areas, for example long runs, around curves, inclines and declines.

Furthermore, as a complete singular unit the fitting modules or units can be adapted to maximize efficiency, reduce energy, and eliminate costly down time and increase revenue in the facility. Use of the fittings will also minimize material use and lower lubricant usage, creating a more environmentally friendly application as well as improving worker safety throughout the facility.

The varied design implications of the module create a system that is fully customizable and thereby helps system and plant engineering build a more specific and detailed application rather than a patchwork assembly of bolted-on applications to an existing system. The unit allows the operation to design and build a system with optimum functionality to their needs. With these factors, the module will ultimately reduce labor and downtime and create a safer more efficient processing environment.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be a non-limiting example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. Wherever possible, like reference numbers have been utilized to refer to like elements or features of the invention throughout the different embodiments illustrated herein.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

FIGS. 1-15illustrate embodiments of the lubrication module fitting apparatus of the present invention and its manner of use in connection with a bottle or container air conveyance line. Reference is made initially toFIGS. 1-5which show a representative section of the guide rails of such an air conveyance line10incorporating the lubrication modules or fittings40. Although the details are not shown, it will be understood that the air conveyance line10is of a conventional type which is configured for empty plastic container handling, and more particularly for rapidly conveying large numbers of containers such as bottles B in a desired direction along the line in a single file between or to a work or process station by directing pressurized air or other gas at the bottles. Line10generally includes a support assembly which supports a pair of elongated rails or flanges14and16, which flanges14and16are horizontally aligned and spaced apart from one another to form an elongated slot or channel18between the flanges14and16.

Flanges14and16each have upwardly and downwardly facing walls20and22, and an inwardly facing side edge23connecting between walls20and22. Each flange14and16supports or is fitted with a neck guide24, shown inFIG. 1. The exact dimensions and profile of the neck guides24will differ depending upon the requirements of the particular bottle and the size of the rail used in the conveying system. One typical neck guide24however such as those shown includes a laterally extending notch which enables the guide24to be fitted snugly over the inner edge23and adjacent portions of upwardly and downwardly facing walls20and22of the guide rails14and16, where the neck guides are held by, but not limited to, a friction fit. A portion of the top wall of neck guides24forms a support surface25on which the neck ring or support flange of various types of plastic bottles or other articles is supported and slidingly conveyed at high speeds, also forming an inner edge which defines the width of slot or channel18between the neck guides24. The wall of the neck guides24below the inner edge tapers or flares outwardly from the bottom in order to accommodate and provide sufficient clearance for the shoulder portion of the bottles B being transported. Opposing neck guides24are spaced apart from one another a distance such that the diameter of an annular neck ring32of a container or bottle Bis greater than the width of slot or channel18, such that the containers can be supported on the guides by the neck ring. In addition, the neck portion of the container directly below the neck ring will be spaced from but normally in close proximity to the inner edges of the neck guides24.

Neck guides24are preferably made of a material having characteristics intended to minimize friction buildup between the guide24and the bottle neck flange32, at least in the area of the surface25on which the bottle support flange32is slidably supported. As indicated above, it will be understood that the profile and dimensions of the neck guides may vary depending upon among other factors the size and shape of the neck and body of the bottles B being handled by the air conveyor system10. Sections of the guides24are conventionally secured end-to-end over the entire length of the support rails or flanges14and16to form a seamless track along which the containers are directed.

The bottles B to be conveyed along the air conveyance line10may be of a type formed from a light weight preform, wherein the preform is directed into and heated in a blow mold, and a high-pressure gas is blown into the preform to stretch it to the internal shape of the mold portion of the blow mold. The resulting container B, as illustrated inFIG. 3, will typically include a main body portion26, a threaded neck portion28, and a shoulder portion30extending between and tapering from the main body portion26to the neck portion28. Bottle B also has an open top or mouth over which a cap or other closure is detachably secured after the bottle has been filled.

The support flange or ring32of bottles B is conventionally located on the outer surface of the neck portion28below the threads. After being formed by injection molding and during transport from the injection molding process as well as subsequent conveying and handling on a conveyance line (such as movement to a filling station) using air as the motive force for transport, the bottles B or other lightweight containers are positioned with the lower surface33of the support flange32in sliding contact with the upwardly facing support surface25of the neck guides24. As illustrated inFIG. 1, lubrication modules or fittings40in accordance with the present invention are provided at prescribed intervals along the bottle transfer path formed by the rails14and16and neck guides24, which fittings40are positioned in-line with and interspersed between elongated sections of the neck guides24. It will be understood that for purposes of illustrating the positioning of the fittings40, the neck guides24are illustrated in a fragmentary view, and further that the neck guides24may be provided in any suitable length. Each fitting40includes a support wall64having a surface for slidably engaging the neck ring of the bottles B to be conveyed. The surface of wall64of the fittings40is aligned with the support surface25of adjacent guides24. In addition, fittings40provide for continual molecular transfer or dispensing of a lubricant material directly on to the support surface64of the fittings40in close proximity to the container neck rings32. Continual sliding movement of the lower surface33of neck ring32of bottles B on surface64of the fittings40will tend to cause the lubricant to spread over surface25of adjacent neck guides24positioned downstream from a fitting in the direction of movement of the bottles. In this manner, the lubricant is dispensed along the entire air conveyance line in a controlled manner calculated to minimize frictional forces between the contact surfaces25and64of the neck guides24and lower surface33of the support flange or ring32of the bottles B.

As illustrated diagrammatically inFIG. 4, each lubrication module or fitting M (also40) will be operably connected by a line39to a reservoir R containing a liquid to be dispensed. Reservoir R may be any type of suitable vessel such as a pressure vessel having a control system and pump P including one or more valves V able to control the flow and therefore the quantity of lubricant supplied from the reservoir R to each of the fittings40, such that metered quantities of liquid lubricant can be continually, variably or repeatedly dispensed to the fittings40. In the illustrated embodiment, the fittings40as indicated above are designed to be secured directly to the neck guide support rails14and16in a position interspaced between the neck guides24. The downwardly facing surface33of the support rings or flanges32on bottles B come into sliding contact with the support surface25of neck guides24and support surface64of the fittings40. The fittings40may be positioned on rails14and16as shown inFIGS. 1-3in aligned pairs with each fitting40on rail14aligned with a corresponding fitting40on rail16. Alternatively, the fittings40may be staggered or secured at non-aligned positions on rails14and16. Fittings40may also be of different lengths as may be required in accordance with the particular requirements of the conveyance line10.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-11, there is shown an embodiment of lubrication module or fitting40in greater detail. Fitting40can be made of any suitable material or a combination of materials such as a plastic, metal, or a composite material, in a uniform and consistent manner to establish a singular unit construction. Fitting40may be molded, printed, or otherwise formed into a unitary construction. Fitting40generally includes a main body or housing portion41, and a container support section63which includes a wall64having a support surface on which the annular neck ring32of the bottles or containers Bis slidingly supported, and a slot68in which inner edge23of one of flanges14and16is received to secure the fitting40to the rail. In the illustrated embodiment, main housing portion41is generally rectangular and is defined by top wall42, angled front wall44, rear wall46, opposing side walls48and50, and bottom wall52. A bore or aperture54is formed in bottom wall52, which bore54is in direct communication with and serves as an inlet into a reservoir or internal cavity56. As best shown inFIG. 11, front wall44tapers or flares outwardly from bottom wall52, and extends upwardly beyond the height of top wall42of housing section41, terminating at inner edge66. Inner edge66then extends upwardly and terminates at neck ring support wall64, which extends laterally in the direction of rear wall46. Short wall58joins between the end of top wall62and lower lateral wall60, which is spaced apart from the surface of top wall42to form rearwardly facing slot68. Finally, edge62joins between the innermost ends of lower lateral wall60and upper wall64.

The dimensions and angle of inner edge66and front wall44are relative to the particular application and is fixed per unit but may be varied depending on the clearance needed per application of fitting40which will depend primarily upon the characteristics of the bottles B being transported by the air conveyor line10, and therefore also of the neck guides24being used. A sufficient spacing should be maintained between front wall44and the outwardly flared neck portion of the bottles B being conveyed in order to reduce jamming or wedging of the bottles in channel18.

Top wall42, front wall44, and walls58-66generally form container neck guide support section63, with inwardly directed slot68being formed between walls42,58, and60. As shown inFIGS. 1-5, slot68is dimensioned to tightly receive either flange14or16, securing the fitting40to the flange. It will be understood, however, that fitting40may be secured to flange14or16by other suitable arrangements, such as using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or a combination of securing arrangements. See alsoFIGS. 12-13discussed below, which illustrate one such other securing arrangement. InFIGS. 1-3 and 5, the fittings40are illustrated secured to flange14and16in aligned pairs, but in other embodiments may be staggered, individually placed, or otherwise positioned as needed to provide an adequate lubricant supply to surface64according to the requirements of the particular conveyance line. As illustrated inFIG. 1, neck guides24are secured to flanges14and16with their ends in abutting contact with side surfaces48and50of the fittings40. Each fitting40will also be dimensioned such that upper wall64is substantially in horizontal alignment with the bottle support surface25of the neck guides24, thereby providing a substantially planar and continuous support surface between the neck guides24and fittings40on which the bottles B are slidingly conveyed.

Cavity or reservoir56, as best shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, is located in the interior of the housing section41of fitting40in communication with inlet opening54and defined by a wall or walls positioned between the front, rear, top, bottom and side walls42-52of the housing section41. In order to provide a volumetric flow of lubricant, a volume is needed to create pressure. By providing reservoir56in the housing section41of fitting40, the volume required to create such required pressure is provided. It will be understood that the dimensions of reservoir56may be varied in order to achieve an adequate or desired pressure and resulting volumetric flow according to a particular application. In addition, reservoir56may be formed as part of inlet54.

A plurality of hollow outlet channels70are formed in fitting40which connect between reservoir56and the exterior surface of upper wall64. In an embodiment, the exit points or locations of the outlet channels70on upper wall64, as illustrated in the FIGS., are spaced apart from each other equidistantly on upper wall64from wall66, while in other embodiments may be differently spaced to suit the requirements of the particular air conveyance line or system. In another embodiment, the channels70are tubular and the exit points of channels70on wall64are spaced from but also in close proximity to wall66so as to be positioned along or close to the portion of the surface of wall64on which the support rings32of bottles B are slidably supported and conveyed. In an embodiment, the channels70have a diameter at their exit points of between about 0.2 mm and 20 mm, while in another embodiment channels70have a diameter of between about 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and in still another embodiment channels70have a diameter of about 1 mm. In still other implementations, the diameter of the channels may be dimensioned or varied according to the requirements of the desired application.

Annular support flange or ring32of the bottles B will be supported on upper wall64of fitting40when slidably moved along the air conveyance line10by a pneumatic force. By locating the exit points to the channels70in the surface of upper wall64, a lubricant may be dispensed from reservoir56directly on to upper wall64on or in close proximity to the location on the surface of wall64where the bottle support flanges32directly contact wall64, without interfering with other necessary components of the air conveyance system. The exit ports to channels70are preferably spaced from the junction of upper wall64and wall66to minimize dripping of the dispensed lubricant. Inlet bore54in bottom surface52of the fitting may be threaded or otherwise made suitable for receiving a tubular line39which is connected to a supply of the lubricant to be directed to reservoir56. The lubricant is directed into and may be stored or contained in the reservoir56, and when necessary can be agitated or mixed in the reservoir prior to being dispensed through the channels70. It will be understood that channels70may be sized or modified so as to dispense a desired flow of lubricant through the channels to the exit points under a given pressure. The lubricant in an embodiment will be dispensed slowly from the channels70such that it in effect bubbles out of the exit ports. The rate of flow of lubricant should not be so high that it sprays out of the exit ports, which may cause drips and form puddles of lubricant on the floor surface, creating a potential safety hazard. As shown inFIG. 4, a control element will also be provided as part of the lubrication system, including one or more control valves to control the quantity of lubricant supplied from the lubricant reservoir for each fitting under a given pressure. As indicated above, fitting apparatus40is designed in such a way as to create a ledge or slot68below the exit point in order to facilitate attachment of the apparatus to a fixed or moveable structure. It will be understood that the exact dimensions of the fitting apparatus40may be modified to fit conveyance line assemblies having different structures, and well as different positions on the same line.

In an embodiment, the fitting40has a width of 50.8 mm from end surface48to end surface50, and contains four channels70each having a separate exit point spaced apart on upper wall64. In other embodiments, the fittings40may have a greater or lesser number of channels70through which the lubricant is dispensed, although the fittings40preferably have multiple exit points on upper wall64, which may either be aligned in a single row or offset into multiple rows. In still another embodiment, the fittings40may have a channel70connected to reservoir56, which channel divides into several branches in order to provide multiple exit points on upper wall64. By providing multiple exit points on upper wall64for the lubricant, which exit points are spaced apart and aligned longitudinally in the same direction the bottles B are being pneumatically moved on the conveyor line, as compared to a single nozzle the amount of lubricant dispensed by the lubricating system can be more precisely controlled, and further the lubricant can be dispensed more evenly without over-lubrication. In addition, by providing multiple channels and/or exit points in each fitting40, if a channel becomes blocked or clogged, the lubrication system can still be operated to dispense sufficient quantities of lubricant so that the line does not have to be shut down for maintenance and repair and/or replacement of the clogged fitting. The lubricant pressure generated by the design of the fitting further reduces the likelihood of any such clogs from occurring.

Provision of multiple exit points on upper wall64, either by having multiple channels each with an individual exit point, or a lesser number of channels which branches to multiple exit points, allows the lubricant to be dispensed at a more controlled rate while still being dispensed in adequate quantities. To further illustrate the manner of use of the present invention, when a bottle support ring32of a container supported on neck guides24slidably reaches one of the fittings40and passes over or in close proximity to an exit point of a channel70on upper wall64, the lubricant will preferably be dispensed through each channel70to its associated exit point at a relatively slow, controlled rate such that the lubricant forms a droplet which protrudes upwardly out of the channel as it is forced out of the exit point. This droplet will be contacted by the bottle support ring as it passes laterally at a high speed over the outlet or exit point. During normal use of the conveyance line, large numbers of bottles B are being continually moved at a high rate of speed along the neck guides24in single file, each also slidingly passing over upper wall64of the fittings40of the present invention. When a first bottle B is slidingly brought into contact with the upper wall64of fittings40, the bottle support ring32will initially contact a droplet of lubricant protruding upwardly out of the first exit point on upper wall64(for purposes of reference herein, the first exit point refers to the exit point of one of the channels70positioned the furthest upstream with respect to the direction the bottles B are being moved, while the other exit points considered to be situated downstream in relation to the first exit point). Shortly thereafter, a second bottle B adjacent the first bottle B will pass over the first exit point. Due to the high rate of speed at which the bottles B are moving along the conveyance line, this may occur before a new droplet of lubricant is formed in the first exit point, since as indicated above the lubricating system will be regulated such that the lubricant seeps out of the channels relatively slowly so as not to overlubricate. The system may also be regulated, however, so that a new droplet of lubricant is formed in one of the exit points located downstream from the first exit point before the second bottle B passes over such downstream exit point. Thus, in operation, provision of multiple exit points ensures that a much greater number of the support rings of bottles B will pass directly through a droplet of lubricant as the bottles are conveyed across upper wall64of the fittings40at a high rate of speed. This enables the lubricant to be more evenly and effectively spread over the neck guides24in a downstream position adjacent the fittings40. In contrast, in order to dispense lubricant with only a single channel and exit point, the lubricant would necessarily have to be dispensed at a higher flow rate, which is undesirable as this will tend to cause spraying and dripping of the lubricant, creating a safety hazard due to the buildup of lubricant on the surfaces of the machinery, floor, and is less efficient. In addition, the fittings40would likely have to be positioned along the conveyance line between much shorter lengths of the neck guides, increasing the number of components and cost of the lubricating system. Significantly less splatter of the lubricant is generated through use of the present invention as compared to conventional lubrication techniques.

FIG. 14illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which lubrication fitting40includes multiple inlets54aand54b, which would enable two or more different lubricating substances to be directed into and mixed in the common or shared reservoir56prior to be dispensed through channels70. In this manner the different substances could also be added at different speeds, or at different time intervals, as desired.FIG. 15illustrates another embodiment in which the fitting40includes multiple inlets54aand54bwhich lead to separate reservoirs56aand56bin the housing section41. In this embodiment, substances in the separated reservoirs are not mixed prior to being dispensed though the channels, although in some embodiments the lubricants or substances in the separate reservoirs could be mixed in one or more common channels connecting within the fitting before being directed to an exit point.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5, opposing pairs of fittings40are distanced apart such that slot18formed between the neck guides24and fittings40has a sufficient width such that unless the bottles B are swinging, the neck portion28of the bottles B below the annular neck support ring32will not be in contact with the outwardly flared front surfaces44of the fittings40. Similarly, upper wall66of the fittings40should be horizontally aligned with the upper surface25of the neck guides24, with the width of slot18between the neck guides and fittings being substantially equidistant, so the annular neck support32on the bottle Bis supported on the neck guides and fitting but also with some clearance between the guides and fitting and the surface of the bottles B below the neck support ring. As indicated above, the angle of inwardly facing front surfaces44may also be varied depending upon the dimensions of the bottles B to be conveyed. It will be understood that some bottles such as conventional two-liter soda bottles have a shorter neck section than some other bottles. If the shoulder portion30of the bottles B is angled more steeply outwardly, for example, the angle of front surfaces44may be adjusted to accommodate the wider shoulder section30. It will be understood therefore that wall44, in conjunction with wall66will be fabricated to accommodate bottles or containers having different body designs and as a result having different spacing requirements.

The fittings40are advantageous in that a lubricant can be applied directly to the undersurface33of the neck support ring32of the bottles B. In addition, the fittings40can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with a new fitting when they become worn or otherwise require replacing without disturbing the neck guides or other major components of the air conveyor system. In some embodiments, after being formed into a unitary body by a printing process or other manufacturing method, the fittings40may be dipped in a sealant or coating material in order to reduce the possibility of leaks forming in the fitting material either in reservoir56or the body of the fittings40. In addition, the upper wall64of the fittings may be further treated with a low friction coating to further reduce the amount of heat buildup and friction between upper wall64and the bottle support rings32as they are passed at high speeds over the neck guides and fittings40.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which lubrication module or fitting80is similar in structure to fitting40, with the exception that fitting80in addition includes a pair of brackets82and84which extend outwardly from the side surfaces48and50of the fitting80. Brackets82and84may be formed by any suitable means such as by molding with fitting40, and provide an additional structure for attaching the fittings40to legs16and17of the air conveyance line support apparatus by passing mechanical fasteners through the brackets.

In the course of manufacturing and molecular application, many types of systems are developed to enhance and facilitate the efficient utilization of energy. In that spirt and within many types of environments, the present inventor has developed a functional part which was developed in order to help facilitate efficiency and function. The fitting apparatus was developed to be a singularity constructed unit devised to help increase efficiency in various types of molecular transfer including but not limited to liquid transfer, vapor, fuel, air, and liquids of various viscosity.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.