Abstract:
A system and method for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The expandable distribution system comprises at least one device, an endcap, and an inlet piece. The electromagnetic switch is removably coupled to the endcap and the inlet piece such that the distribution system can be expanded by adding another device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to applications “AN INTEGRATED EXPANDABLE GAS OR FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” “A PRESSURE GAGE FOR AN EXPANDABLE GAS OR FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” and “A VALVE FOR AN EXPANDABLE GAS OR FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM” filed on the same day as this application and are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention is related to the field of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and in particular, to an expandable distribution system for hydraulics or pneumatics.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Large trucks and some cars may have a number of devices operated by air, for example an air horn. These vehicles may have an air switch in the cab that operates each of the devices. Having air switches in the cab creates a number of problems. One problem is that the air switches typically take up too much space in the cab. Another problem is that routing an air line to each switch is cumbersome and costly. The air system in vehicles is also typically hard to expand. Each air device must have its own connection to the air supply system, as well as a connection to the activation switch. To expand the system, for example to add an additional device, a new connection to the air supply must be made. Typically the new connection is chained off one of the current air lines using a T fitting. Finding space on a vehicle for the air distribution system is also a problem. Most vehicles also have a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may have many of the same problems that the air or pneumatic system has.  
         [0006]     Therefore there is a need for an expandable fluid or gas distribution system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     A system and method for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The expandable distribution system comprises at least one device, an endcap, and an inlet piece. The device is removably coupled to the endcap and the inlet piece such that the distribution system can be expanded by adding another device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of air distribution system  100  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of air distribution system  200  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is an isometric rear view of air distribution system  300  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of base/solenoid assembly  404  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of endcap  502  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of inlet piece  608  in one example embodiment of the invention  
         [0014]      FIG. 7   a  is a front view of inlet piece  702  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 7   b  is a side view of inlet piece  702  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 7   c  is a detailed view of inlet piece  702  in one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a drawing of a typical BNC connector.  
         [0018]      FIG. 9   a  is a front view of endcap  902  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 9   b  is a sectional view of endcap  902  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9   c  is a bottom view of endcap  902  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 10   a  is a top view of a body  1063  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10   b  is a first sectional view of a body  1063  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10   c  is a second sectional view of a body  1063  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11   a  is a sectional view of base/solenoid assembly  1104  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11   b  is a detailed view of base/solenoid assembly  1104  from an area in sectional view  11   a  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 12   a  is a first isometric view of an exhaust cap  1236  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12   b  is a second isometric view of an exhaust cap  1236  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of endcap  1302  in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of endcap  1402  with an inlet fixture installed in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a supply coupler in an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a pressure gage assembly in an example embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0032]      FIGS. 1-14  and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of air distribution system  100  in an example embodiment of the invention. Air distribution system  100  comprises endcap  102 , base/solenoid assemblies  104  and  106 , inlet piece  108 , inlet fitting  110 , output port fittings  112  and  114 , and solenoid electrical control lines  116  and  118 . Endcap  102  is removably connected to base/solenoid assembly  104 . Base/solenoid assembly  104  is removably connected to base/solenoid assembly  106 . Inlet piece  108  is removably connected to base/solenoid assembly  106 . Inlet fitting  110  is installed in inlet piece  108 . Output port fittings  112  and  114  are installed in base/solenoid assemblies  104  and  106 . Solenoid electrical control lines  116  and  118  are installed in base/solenoid assemblies  104  and  106 . Base/solenoid assemblies  104  and  106  are made from common parts and are essentially the same. In one example embodiment inlet fitting is a ⅜ inch push in fitting (half cartridge) and output port fittings  112  and  114  are ¼ inch push in fittings (full cartridge). Other sizes may be used for the inlet fitting or for the output fittings.  
         [0034]     In operation, an air source (not shown) would be connected to inlet fitting  110  using a first air line (not shown). A first air device (not shown) would be connected to output fitting  112  with a second air line and a second air device (not shown) would be connected to output fitting  114  with a third air line. Solenoid electrical control lines  116  would be connected to a first electrical switch (not shown) and solenoid electrical control lines  118  would be connected to a second electrical switch (not shown). When the first electrical switch is activated, the solenoid in base/solenoid assembly  106  would activate and pneumatically connect output port fitting  112  with the air supply connected to inlet fitting  110 , thereby activating the first air device. When the second electrical switch is activated, the solenoid in base/solenoid assembly  104  would activate and pneumatically connect output port fitting  114  with the air supply connected to inlet fitting  110 , thereby activating the second air device. When the first electrical switch is de-activated, the solenoid in base/solenoid assembly  106  would de-activate and disconnect output port fitting  112  with the air supply connected to inlet fitting  110 , thereby de-activating the first air device. Other types of electrical connections may be used to connect the solenoid electrical control lines to the solenoids instead of the flying leads shown, for example Metri-pack electrical connectors.  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of air distribution system  200  in one example embodiment of the invention. Air distribution system  200  comprises endcap  202 , base/solenoid assemblies  204  and  206 , and inlet piece  208  with inlet fitting  210  installed. In this view the mounting holes  220  and  222  can be more clearly seen. Mounting holes  220  and  222  go through the base/solenoid assemblies  204  and  206 . In one example embodiment of the invention, crush sleeves (not shown) may be inserted into the mounting holes  220  and  222 . The outer surface of air passageways  224 ,  226  and  228  can be seen in inlet piece, base/solenoid assembly  206  and base/solenoid assembly  204  respectively. Air passageways  224 ,  226  and  228  form a common air manifold fed by an air supply (not shown) when the air supply is attached to inlet fitting  210 . Endcap  202  seals the end of the common air manifold. Drain holes  273  connect the cavities formed on the front side of the air distribution system with the cavities formed on the back side of the air distribution system and are configured to help prevent the buildup of moisture in the cavities when the air distribution system is mounted. Typically there will be at least one drain hole for each cavity  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is an isometric rear view of air distribution system  300  in one example embodiment of the invention. Air distribution system  300  comprises endcap  302 , base/solenoid assemblies  304  and  306 , and inlet piece  308  with inlet fitting  310  installed. Mounting holes  320  and  322  go through the base/solenoid assemblies  304  and  306 . Endcap  302 , base/solenoid assemblies  304  and  306 , and inlet piece  308  have surfaces that form a mounting face or surface  340  defined essentially by a common plane. In one example embodiment of the invention, mounting surface  340  includes the edges of each pair of support ribs  342  and  344  on base/solenoid assemblies  304  and  306  respectively. In another example embodiment of the invention, the mounting face or surface  340  on the solenoid may be formed from other features, for example one or more support posts, one or more horizontal ribs, only one Vertical rib, or the like. When bolts (not shown) are fastened through mounting holes  320  and  322 , the bolts force the mounting face  340  of air distribution system  300  against a mounting surface, thereby supporting air distribution system.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of base/solenoid assembly  404  in one example embodiment of the invention. Base/solenoid assembly  404  comprises solenoid assembly  430  attached to base assembly  460 . In one example embodiment, solenoid assembly  430  is removably attached to base assembly with two screws  432 . Other removable fastening devices may be used, for example clips, snap rings, bolts, or the like. In one example embodiment of the invention, the solenoid assembly may connect to the base assembly using a connector. For example the solenoid assembly may form the male part of a connector and the base assembly may form the female part of the connector. In another example embodiment, solenoid assembly  430  is permanently attached to base assembly (not shown). Any type of permanent attachment technique may be used, for example rivets, epoxy, sonic welding, or the like.  
         [0038]     Base assembly  460  in the base/solenoid assembly  404  has the male part  462  of a connector on face  461  of base assembly  460 . The equivalent female part  464  (not shown) of the connector is on a face opposite face  461  of base assembly  460 . The male part  462  of the connector in base/solenoid assembly  404  is used to connect the base/solenoid assembly to a corresponding female part of a connector in an endcap (not shown) when the base/solenoid assembly is at one end of an air distribution system. The male part  462  of the connector in the base/solenoid assembly is used to couple the base/solenoid assembly to a corresponding female part of another base/solenoid assembly when the base/solenoid assembly is in the middle of a chain of base/solenoid assemblies, or when the base/solenoid assembly is at the other end of the air distribution system.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of endcap  502  in one example embodiment of the invention. Endcap has side or face  580  that forms the female part  582  of the connector. The male part  462  of the connector on base/solenoid assembly  404  is configured to mate with, and removably couple to, the female part  582  of the connector on endcap  502 . The face opposite face  580  on endcap  502  forms a seal and seals one end of the air passageway in the base part  460  of base/solenoid assembly  404  when the endcap is coupled to the base/solenoid assembly. Additional base/solenoid assemblies may be removably coupled to the female part  464  of base/solenoid assembly  404  with the corresponding male part of the connector on the additional base/solenoid assemblies.  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of inlet piece  608  in one example embodiment of the invention. Inlet piece  608  has the male part  662  of the connector on face  692  of inlet piece  608 . The face opposite face  692  is adapted to accept inlet fixture  610  (not shown). The male part  662  of the connector on inlet piece  608  is used to removably couple the inlet piece  608  to the female part  464  of the connector on a base/solenoid assembly  404 .  
         [0041]     In the example embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , a female part of the connector was on the endcap and a male part of the connector was on the inlet piece, with the base/solenoid assemblies having both a male and a female part of the connector on opposite faces. In another example embodiment of the invention, the endcap would have a male part of the connector, the inlet piece would have a female part of the connector, and the base/solenoid assemblies would have the male and female parts of the connectors swapped.  
         [0042]     An air distribution system is created by removably coupling a first base/solenoid assembly with an endcap. Additional base/solenoid assemblies may be removably coupled to the first base/solenoid assembly. Once the selected number of base/solenoid assemblies have been attached, a input piece is removably coupled to the last base/solenoid assembly. The assembled air distribution system can be mounted by fastening bolts through the mounting holes in each base/solenoid assembly. Once mounted, the air supply can be connected to the air inlet fitting, the air devices can be connected to the output port fittings, and the solenoid electrical control lines can be connected to their respective electrical switches. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the order the parts are assembled to form the air distribution system is unimportant.  
         [0043]     As describe above there are three main pieces that are used to create one example embodiment of the invention, an endcap, an inlet piece, and one or more base/solenoid assemblies. In another example embodiment of the invention, there may be three different pieces, for example a base/solenoid assembly with one end sealed, a base/solenoid assembly with an inlet piece integrated into one side, and one or more base/solenoid assemblies with a male and female connector on opposite faces.  
         [0044]     The number of base/solenoid assemblies that can be chained together is limited only by the pressure and flow of the air supply system. In a first example embodiment of the invention, between 1 and N base/solenoid assemblies are chained together with a single connection to the air supply system. In this configuration the single air supply connection is typically made at the inlet fixture on the inlet piece. The number N can vary due to a number of factors including: the size of the common manifold formed by the air passageways in the chain of linked base/solenoid assemblies, the flow rate or amount of air used by the different air devices, the pressure of the supply system, the probability or likelihood of all of the air devices being activated at the same time, the size of the inlet opening, and the like. In one example embodiment of the invention, with a ⅜ inch inlet fitting the number N is approximately 5 for one connection to the air supply source. In another example embodiment, with a ½ inch inlet fitting N would be approximately 16.  
         [0045]     In a second example embodiment of the invention, the air distribution system uses multiple connections to the air supply system to allow a longer chain of base/solenoid assemblies to be linked together. One of the connections to the air supply system is typically at the inlet fixture on the inlet piece. Additional connections to the air supply system can use the output ports on some of the base/solenoid assemblies. In one example embodiment of the invention, a solenoid with an additional air supply connected to its&#39; output port can be locked open such that the output port is always coupled to the common manifold, or can be opened only when additional air supply flow is needed. In another example embodiment the solenoid assembly may be replace with a cap attached to a base assembly that seals the opening in the base assembly where a solenoid usually attaches. This would allow the output port to be permanently connected to the common air passageway. In another example embodiment of the invention, the base may be modified to seal the top of the base part, and the output port would be used to couple to an additional air supply line. In another example embodiment, the output port could be sealed and the additional air supply could attach to a inlet fixture in the top of the base part. Another way additional air supplies may be attached is replacing the endcap with an inlet piece that has a connector that matches the connector on the endcap. For example, if the normal inlet piece had a male connector, the replacement inlet piece would have a female connector. In this way there would be an inlet piece at each end of the distribution system.  
         [0046]     The additional connections to the air supply system may be made every M base/solenoid assemblies, for example every 6 th  base/solenoid assembly may be connected to the air supply. The number M can also vary due to some of the same factors discussed above including: the size of the common manifold formed in the chain of linked base/solenoid assemblies, the flow rate or amount of air used by the different air devices, the pressure of the supply system, the probability or likelihood of all of the air devices being activated at the same time, and the like.  
         [0047]      FIG. 7   a  is a front view of inlet piece  702  in one example embodiment of the invention. The male part  762  of a connector is formed on the front face of inlet piece  702 . In this example embodiment the connector type is a modified Bayonet Nut Coupling (BNC) connector, but other connector types may be used, for example a quick release coupler. An example quick release coupler is part number TA-5K from Macnaught USA, inc. (www.macnaught.com).  FIG. 8  is a drawing of a typical BNC connector. A BNC connector typically has pins or protrusions  801  that extend from a cylindrical barrel  803 . The pins mate with and are inserted into channels or slots  805  in the corresponding female part of the connector. The channels or slots  805  typically form a ramp  807  that the pins follow when the male part of the connector is inserted and then rotated with respect to the female part of the connector. As the pins  801  follow the channel or slot ramps  807  during the rotation, the two parts of the connectors are forced together. Some BNC connectors only have one pin or protrusion extending from the cylindrical barrel, but most BNC connectors have two or more pins space symmetrically around the cylindrical barrel. The basic BNC connector can be modified in a number of ways. One modification is to change the shape of the pins or protrusions and the shape of the channels such that the ramp is formed on the back side of the protrusions and the channel is a straight slot or groove. Another modification is to have a ramp formed on both the male protrusions and on the female channels. Another modification is to enclose the slots or channels on the female part of the connector. The modified BNC connector in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  have the ramps formed on both the male protrusions and on the female channels and have the channels on the female part enclosed.  
         [0048]     The male part  762  of the connector in  FIG. 7   a  has three protrusions A, B, and C extending from a cylindrical part or barrel. The three protrusions A, B, and C are spaced symmetrically around the cylindrical barrel.  FIG. 7   b  is a side view of inlet piece  702  in one example embodiment of the invention. Surface  766  forms the front face of the male part  762  of the connector. The back sides of the protrusions A, B, and C, form ramps  772  configured to act against the corresponding channels or slots in the female part of the connector to force the two parts of the connectors together when one connector part is rotated with respect to the other connector part. The male part of the connector also has cylindrical extension  768  that forms O-ring groove  770 . Optional drain holes  773  connect the cavities formed by the structure of the endcap and are configured to help prevent the buildup of moisture trapped in the cavities.  
         [0049]      FIG. 9   a  is a front view of endcap  902  and  FIG. 9   b  is a sectional view of endcap  902  in an example embodiment of the invention. The corresponding female part of the modified BNC connector from  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  is formed in the surface of endcap  902 . The female part of the connector has a first inner cylindrical surface  952 . Lips D, E, and F are symmetrically placed around the end of the cylindrical surface  952  and extend inward from cylindrical surface  952 . Lips D, E and F form openings A, B, and C that correspond to protrusions A, B, and C on the male part  762  of the connector shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b . Lips D, E, and F form three channels that are configured to retain the three protrusions A, B, and C of male part  762  of the connector. Channel  956 , formed by lip D, can be seen in  FIG. 9   b . The inner surface of lips A, B and C form ramps  958  configured to act against the corresponding protrusions in the male part of the connector to force the two parts of the connectors together when one connector part is rotated with respect to the other connector part. In one example embodiment of the invention openings A, B, and C in the female part of the connector and protrusions A, B, and C on the male part of the connector are all the same size. In another example embodiment one or more of the protrusions and one or more of the openings is a different size than the other protrusions and openings, for example opening A may be larger with corresponding protrusion A being larger. The other openings B and C may be the same size but smaller than opening A, with the corresponding protrusions C and D being the same size but smaller than protrusion A. The different sized protrusion and opening act as a key that allows the male part of the connector to be inserted into the female part of the connector in only one orientation. Other features may be used as a key, for example an unsymmetrical spacing of the protrusion around the cylinder may be used as a key to restrain insertion of the male part of the connector into the female part of the connector to only one orientation.  
         [0050]     Lip E has an optional orientation lock  951  that extends from the bottom end of the ramp down to the face of first inner cylindrical surface  952 . The orientation lock  951  is configured to prevent any rotation in a direction opposite the direction of rotation used to couple the male and female parts of the connectors together. In another embodiment of the invention, there may be multiple orientation locks.  
         [0051]     A second inner cylindrical surface  954  is formed in endcap  902  corresponding to cylindrical extension  768 . Cylindrical surface  954  has been sized to form a pneumatic seal with an O-ring captured in O-ring groove  770  of cylindrical extension  768 . The end of the second cylindrical surface is sealed by face  953 . A second O-ring groove  965  is formed in the front face of endcap  902 . An O-ring captured in O-ring groove  965  forms a seal with corresponding surface  792  when the male part  762  of the connector is engaged with, and coupled to, the female part  982  of the connector. The second O-ring may be used as a secondary pneumatic seal, as an environmental seal to keep dust and debris away from the interior surfaces, or as a combination of an environmental seal and a pneumatic seal.  
         [0052]     Most BNC connectors have a locking feature that helps prevent the connector from coming apart unintentionally. There are numerous ways the locking feature can be implemented. The locking feature  809  for the BNC connector shown in  FIG. 8  is a section at the end of the channel with a reverse slope to the ramp. Once the pins are rotated all the way into the reverse sloped section, the pins are typically held in place by the spring force of an O-ring that seals the connection. The locking feature for the modified BNC connector shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9  is a locking bump, pin or protrusion  794  on the male part of the connector that snaps into a corresponding locking hole  955  in the female part of the connector.  FIG. 9   c  is a bottom view of endcap  902  in an example embodiment of the invention. The locking bump or protrusion  794  is located on a cantilevered feature of the endcap such that the cantilevered feature forms a spring that allows the locking bump or protrusion  794  to snap into place in the corresponding locking hole  955  in the female part of the connector. The cantilevered feature is formed by a slot  796  cut into the face of the endcap. In one example embodiment of the invention, a locking ramp  957  may be adjacent to the locking hole  955 . When the male part of the connector is first coupled to the female part of the connector, the locking protrusion is aligned with the end of the ramp farthest from the locking hole  955 . As the male part of the connector is rotated with respect to the female part of the connector, the locking protrusion  794  follows the locking ramp  957  up until the locking protrusion  794  snaps into the locking hole  955 . The locking protrusion mated into the locking hole helps lock the two parts of the connectors together. The mating of the locking pin with the locking hole also creates a positive stop that helps prevent over rotation of the male part of the connector with respect to the female part of the connector.  
         [0053]     Base/solenoid assembly  404  has the male part  462  of the modified BNC connector on one face  461  and the corresponding female part of the modified BNC connector (not shown) on an opposite face and is configured to mate with and couple to the corresponding connectors on the endcap, the inlet piece, and other base/solenoid assemblies. Base/solenoid assembly  404  comprises solenoid assembly  430  and base assembly  460 .  
         [0054]     Base assembly  460  comprises body  463 , a first O-ring, a second O-ring (not shown), output port fitting  414 , and crush sleeve (not shown).  FIG. 10   a  is a top view of body  1063  in an example embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 10   b  is sectional view AA of body  1063  from top view  10   a .  FIG. 10   b  shows the male part  1062  of the connector with the first O-ring grove  1070  on the cylindrical extension. The locking protrusion  1094  and the mounting hole  1022  are also shown in this view. Air passageway  1028  is formed from a number of bores passing through the body  1063 . Air passageway  1028  is generally centered on and runs between the male part  1062  of the connector on one side of the body and the female part of the connector on an opposite side of the body. The shape of air passageway is generally not important and could be cylindrical, rectangular, cylindrical with a flat side, or the like. Air passageway is configured to form a common air manifold with other air passageways when additional bodies are removabley coupled to body  1063  with the male or female part of the connector.  
         [0055]     Hole  1067  intersects with and pneumatically couples to air passageway  1028 . Cylindrical bores H, I and J are concentric with hole  1067 , where each cylindrical bore is larger that the previous cylindrical bore. Cylindrical bores H, I and J form a series of concentric steps between the end of hole  1067  and the top of the body  1063 .  FIG. 10   c  is another sectional view BB of body  1063  from top view  10   a .  FIG. 10   c  shows output port  1069  that is generally perpendicular to air passageway  1028 . Output port  1069  does not intersect air passageway  1028 . Hole  1067  intersects with air passageway  1028 . Slot  1071  is formed in the bottom of cylindrical bore I. Slot  1071  can bee seen in detail C of  FIG. 10   a  and in  FIG. 10   c . Slot  1071  intersects with output port  1069  and forms a channel that couples air passageway  1028  with output port  1069  through hole  1067  and cylindrical bores H and I.  
         [0056]      FIG. 11   a  is a sectional view of base/solenoid assembly  1104  in an example embodiment of the invention. Solenoid assembly  1130  is attached to base assembly  1160 . Base assembly comprises body  1163  with output fitting  1112  installed in output port  1169 . Base assembly  1160  contains solenoid valve  1181  installed in hole  1167  with O-ring  1183  forming a pneumatic/hydraulic seal against cylindrical bore H. Solenoid valve  1181  is approximately the same diameter as hole  1167 . Hole  1167  intersects with air passageway  1128 . Solenoid valve  1181  mates with and is press fit into hole  1167 . Solenoid valve has a cylindrical passageway passing through solenoid valve that allows air or fluids to pass through.  
         [0057]      FIG. 11   b  is a detailed view from  FIG. 11   a  showing the area around the solenoid valve in one example embodiment of the invention. Barbs  1133  help retain solenoid valve in hole  1167 . Solenoid valve is configured to retain O-ring  1183 . O-ring  1183  is sized to form a radial seal against cylindrical bore H when the solenoid valve is installed. O-ring  1183  may also form a seal against the shoulder formed by the face of cylindrical bore H. The first part of solenoid valve that is inserted into hole  1167  contains barbs  1133 . The first part of solenoid valve that is inserted into hole  1167  also has a smaller diameter than O-ring  1183 . O-ring  1183  forms a seal with bore H and not with the inner diameter of hole  1167 . This allows O-ring  1183  to form the radial seal against a surface that has not been marred by barbs  1133  during insertion of solenoid valve  1181  into hole  1167 .  
         [0058]     Solenoid plunger  1188  is part of a solenoid. Solenoids are well known in the art as an electromagnetic device that can move a plunger from one position to another position when the solenoid is activated. Typically the plunger is held in a closed position with a spring, and is held in an open position by an electromagnetic force when the solenoid is activated. However, the solenoid may be configured to have the spring hold a plunger in the open position and the electromagnetic force hold the plunger in the closed position. Some solenoids use the electromagnetic force to hold the plunger in both positions. The solenoid shown in  FIG. 11  is a sleeveless design (Sleeveless because the plunger rides inside the plastic bobbin instead of a stainless steel sleeve inside the bobbin). A sleeveless design is typically cheaper than a design using a sleeve, however a design using a sleeve typically can last for more cycles. The current invention may use either a sleeveless design or a design that incorporates a sleeve.  
         [0059]     In the closed position (not shown), face  1123  of solenoid plunger  1188  contacts, and seals against, rim  1189  of solenoid valve  1181 , preventing air from air passageway  1128  from reaching output port  1169 . In the closed position face  1125 , on the opposite end of solenoid plunger  1188  from face  1123 , does not contact the ridge at the end of exhaust channel, allowing pressurized air from output port to vent through slots (not shown) formed from one end of solenoid plunger  188  to the other end of solenoid plunger, and out through exhaust channel  1138 .  
         [0060]     When Solenoid plunger  1188  is in the open position, solenoid plunger  1188  does not contact the rim  1189  of solenoid valve  1181 , and face  1123  does not form a seal against rim  1189 , thereby allowing air to flow from air passageway  1128 , through hole  1167 , through solenoid valve  1181  and into cylindrical bore I, through slot  1171  and into output port  1169 . In the open position, face  1125  mates with and seals against the ridge formed at one end of exhaust channel  1138  forming a seal between the solenoid plunger and the exhaust channel. This seal prevents flow from air passageway  1128  to exhaust channel  1138 .  
         [0061]     Solenoid assembly  1130  contains O-rings  1185  and  1187 . O-ring  1185  forms a pneumatic seal between solenoid assembly  1130  and base assembly  1160 . O-ring  1187  forms an environmental seal between solenoid assembly  1130  and base assembly  1160 .  
         [0062]     The solenoid shown in  FIG. 11  uses a linear motion to open and close an air channel between an air passageway and an output port thereby connecting an air device with an air supply. This invention is not limited to using linear motions to connect the air devices with an air supply. Other types of motion and other types of valves or switches are envisioned. For example, a solenoid may be configured to translate a linear motion into a rotary motion that opens and closes a ball valve. In another example of the invention, a motor may be used to cause a rotary motion that opens/closes a butterfly valve when activated. Generally, any type of electromagnetic switch or valve can be used with this invention.  
         [0063]      FIG. 11  shows exhaust cap  1136  installed on solenoid assembly  1130 .  FIG. 12  is an isometric view of exhaust cap  1236  in one example embodiment of the invention. Exhaust cap is configured to direct any liquid exhaust coming from base/solenoid assembly  1160 / 1130  through ridge gaps  1240  and  1241 , toward drain  1239 . Exhaust cap is also configured to direct gas exhaust to controlled gaps between exhaust cap  1136  and the solenoid assembly  1130  along the edges of the exhaust cap. Exhaust typically occurs at the end of the activation sequence for a device. When solenoid is activated and solenoid plunger  1188  is drawn away from solenoid valve  1181 , pressurized air from the air passageway  1128  is forced into output port  1169  and into an air line (not shown) installed in output port fixture and coupled to an air device (not shown), activating the air device. Once the solenoid is deactivated and plunger  1188  has re-sealed solenoid valve  1181 , any pressurized air in the air line or in the air device is released back through output port  1169  and slot  1171  and into exhaust channel  1138 , exiting through the bottom of solenoid assembly. Air systems may contain liquid containments, for example condensation, oil, or the like, that is passed through the system and exhausted from the bottom of solenoid assembly.  
         [0064]     In one example embodiment of the invention, exhaust cap  1136  is constructed from a somewhat flexible material and is snapped onto solenoid assembly  1130  using clips that fit through openings  1237 . Any other mechanical fastening technique may be used to attach exhaust cap to solenoid assembly. Spacing ribs  1233  placed along opposite inside edges of exhaust cap  1136  maintain a controlled gap between exhaust cap  1136  and the solenoid. Exhaust gas flows through the controlled gap between exhaust cap and the solenoid along both edges of exhaust cap as well as through channels formed by ridges  1234  and  1235 . Ridges  1234  and  1235  form two partial concentric circles, where each ridge forms at least one gap ( 1240  and  1241 ) in the circle. Exhaust channel  1138  exits into the central area formed by ridges  1234  and  1235  when exhaust cap is mounted onto solenoid assembly  1130 . Liquid exiting exhaust channel  1138  is directed by ridges  1234  and  1235 , through the gaps  1240  and  1241  and towards drain  1239 . Ridges  1234  and  1235  help prevent any other liquids or debris that may fall through the controlled opening, from reaching exhaust channel  1138 , by directing the flow around exhaust channel towards drain  1239 . The ridges shown in  FIG. 12  are generally circular, but other shapes may be used.  FIG. 11   c  shows that ridges  1134  and  1135  vary in height causing the surface of the exhaust cap to tilt towards drain  1139  when exhaust cap is installed on solenoid assembly  1130 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of endcap  1302  in an example embodiment of the invention. Mounting feature  1346  is formed into the side of endcap  1302 . Mounting feature  1346  is configured to allow inlet fixture (not shown) to be press fit into mounting feature  1346 .  FIG. 14  is a sectional view of endcap  1402  with inlet fixture  1410  installed into the mounting feature. Inlet fixture  1410  contains O-ring  1448 . O-ring  1448  forms a seal against cylindrical bore  1447 , the face  1445  of cylindrical bore  1447 , and an air supply tube (not shown) when the air supply tube is inserted into inlet fixture  1410 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a supply coupler in an example embodiment of the invention. Supply coupler has the male part  1562  of the connector on one face and the female part of the connector (not shown) on the opposite face of the supply coupler. Passageway  1526  runs between the male connector and the female connector. Inlet port  1569  is coupled to or intersects with passageway  1526  allowing an additional supply line to be coupled to the passageway  1526  through inlet port  1569 . In operation, an air distribution system may have a supply coupler removably coupled into the air distribution system as every Nth device. In another example embodiment (not shown) inlet port may be moved from the front face of supply coupler (as shown in  FIG. 15 ) to surface  1501 .  
         [0067]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a pressure gage assembly in an example embodiment of the invention. Pressure gage assembly has the male part  1662  of the connector on one face and the female part of the connector (not shown) on the opposite face of the pressure gage assembly. Passageway  1626  runs between the male connector and the female connector. Pressure gage  1603  is coupled to passageway  1526  allowing the pressure inside passageway  1626  to be monitored. In operation, pressure gage assembly may be removably coupled into the air distribution system.  
         [0068]     In the embodiments describe above, examples of the invention use an electromechanical switch as one of the parts being chained together. Other devices may also take advantage of the invention and may be removably chained together. One type of device is a pressure relief, also called a safety valve. A pressure relief may be created with male and female connectors on opposite faces and inserted into a chain of other devices. Some examples of other types of devices that may be included in the chain of devices removably coupled together are: pressure switches, a pressure gage, a bleed valve, additional inlet sources, or any other pneumatic or hydraulic device.  
         [0069]     The invention is described above using example embodiments for a pneumatic or air distribution system. However the invention is not limited to pneumatic systems, and includes hydraulic systems as well.