Patent Publication Number: US-6712027-B2

Title: Hot water heating system and connector for use therewith

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,376, filed Oct. 16, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of connectors and, in particular, to connectors for hot water heating systems and heating systems utilizing these connectors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hot water heating systems are alternatives to other conventional heating systems such as forced hot air, steam, and electric elements. The typical hot water heating system includes a boiler for heating water, a flanged pump for moving the heated water, a flow control valve, and any number of isolation valves that allow the components to be isolated from a supply pipe that transfers the heated water to a flexible heating pipe, radiator or convector. In addition, other mechanical devices that control and direct hot water flow through the system include fittings such as, 90 degree elbows, tees, and adapters, as well as air scoops and vents, manifolds, nipples, purge fittings and valves, tempering valves, balance valves, expansion tanks, backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves, etc., may also be included 
     There are a number of current hot water heating systems utilizing the above mentioned components. One such heating system is a radiant floor heating system in which a flexible heating pipe is typically embedded throughout, or under, the floor of the room to be heated. Another is a hot water system utilizing radiators or convectors in which the hot water is fed to steel or copper fin tube baseboard, freestanding cast iron radiator units, or a fan convector coil. In each of these systems, once the hot water has flowed through the heating pipe, radiator or convector, the heated water continues through a return pipe back to the boiler for reheating, thus completing the loop. 
     One problem with current hot water systems is the time required to install them. Typically these piping systems use flanges, threaded fittings, black steel pipe, or sweat fit copper tubing, which is extremely labor intensive to install. Manufactured steel and copper piping or tubing come in straight runs and fittings for accommodating turns and curves. Each connector of a straight run with a fitting requires either a threaded or a sweat fitted solder connector and a substantial amount of installation labor is involved in making each joint. 
     In cases where threaded connectors are to be made, the pipe must be cut to the appropriate length, and then the threads must be cut on the end of the pipe using a pipe threading die. Next the threads must be dressed, cleaned and coated with a sealing compound, or a synthetic resinous fluorine tape, such as the product marketed by the duPont Corporation under the trademark TEFLON®, to prevent leaks. Finally, the connector must be screwed to the pipe end with sufficient thread contact to prevent leaks. 
     In the case of sweat fit solder joints, the labor is comparable in that the tubing must be cut to the proper length, the end of the tubing and the fitting must be dressed and fluxed and the joint must be heated to the proper temperature with a torch to effect a satisfactory solder joint. Once joined, the solder connection must then be cleaned of any residual flux that, if left un-cleaned, would corrode the joint once exposed to moisture. 
     In the case of flanged connections, such as those found on virtually all current circulators, the attachment is even more labor intensive. Circulator flanges are typically elliptical in shape and do not readily accommodate a standard pipe wrench or other tightening device. In addition, when the elliptical ends of the flange have turned within the 180 degrees tightening arc, the wrench must be readjusted, necessitating many fatiguing and time consuming iterations to complete the task. Moreover, as the size of a pipe wrench increases, the length of the handle increases proportionally. As pipe flanges must often be attached to a circulator that is extremely close to a wall, other pipes, or even worse, a corner, the use of a long handled pipe wrench or a pry-bar and long stove bolts to attach the flange to the pipe makes this job a tiring and time consuming one. Finally, once attached to the pipe, gaskets must be installed between the flanges and bolts secured to each flange to make the connections watertight. The inventor&#39;s pipe flange and sweat flange, described and claimed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/179,584, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,157, respectively, ease this installation job somewhat. However, each still requires many of the same steps required for installing threaded or sweat copper connections, and each still requires the use of gaskets and bolts to secure the flanges to one another. 
     Another reason for the increase in installation cost is the fact that most systems are customized for the particular location in which they are to be installed. This requires that a variety of parts, having a variety of different connectors, be used to piece the system together. Further, careful attention must be paid to insure that all components are installed in the correct position relative to the flow direction of the heating water. Because of this, current systems must be installed by trained professionals who have the tools and the know-how to properly assemble such customized systems. 
     Finally, the replacement of failed components in current systems requires that pipes be cut, rusted bolts be removed, worn gaskets be replaced, etc. This, again, increases the complexity of the work to be performed and mandates that trained professionals undertake any repair work on current systems. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a hot water heating system that is easily adapted for a variety of applications, that employs fewer joints requiring sealing compounds, solder, gasketing materials, or expensive tools to install than conventional systems, that insures that all components are in the proper position relative to water flow direction, and that allows failed components to be quickly and easily replaced without the need for professional assistance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a hot water heating system, coupler and integrated flow system that overcome the drawbacks of traditional systems. 
     The system of the present invention utilizes male and female connectors for all main heating system components and, allows the system to be completely installed using no more than two ordinary wrenches. In its most basic form, the system of the present invention includes a first isolator valve, a flow control valve, a circulator and a second isolator valve. Each of these components is equipped with one male portion of a connector on one side of the component and one female portion of a connector on the other side of the component, such that, for example, all inflow sides utilize male portions of connectors and all outflow sides utilize female of connectors portions, or vice-versa. These union connectors are sized to allow the components to be quickly and easily attached together in the proper orientation relative to one another. Further, the systematic nature of the components, i.e. male on one side and female on the other side, prevents the inadvertent installation of any component in the wrong flow direction. 
     In some embodiments, fittings, nipples, pipe, and adapters may be required to assemble the components so that hot water may flow throughout the heating system. In addition, an expansion tank, backflow preventer, and pressure reducing valve may be required to maintain the desired pressure in the system at all times. 
     In embodiments of the system utilized with radiant manifolds and radiant heat emitters, the present invention also includes an air vent, a flow control valve, a tempering valve, and a tee connector with a temperature gauge or temperature-sending unit. Each of these components is equipped with union connectors arranged in the same manner, i.e. the male on inflow side/female on outflow side configuration, as described above. 
     In embodiments of the system utilized with hot water radiator type heating systems, the present invention includes an air scoop in addition to the first isolator valve, flow control valve, circulator, and second isolator valve. As was the case above, each of these components is equipped with union connectors arranged in the same manner, i.e. the male on inflow side/female on outflow side configuration. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a system is sold as a kit of parts having all necessary components and branch connectors to install the system. In such a kit, all components will be fitted with male and female connectors and each may be readily installed together utilizing no more than two wrenches. 
     The present invention also encompasses a connector system for coupling a first component and a second component of a hot water heating system. The connector system includes a nipple having a locking notch and a sealing notch disposed thereon and a union coupler. The union coupler includes a sealing means dimensioned to mate with the sealing notch of the nipple and creating a watertight seal between the nipple and the union coupler. The coupler also includes a union body having a substantially hollow cylindrical cross section forming an outer wall and an inner wall, at least one notch for accepting the sealing means, and at least one slot disposed through the outer wall and the inner wall to form at least one opening across a circumference of the union body. The notch is disposed a distance from the at least one slot that is substantially identical to a distance between the sealing notch and the locking notch of the nipple. Finally, the union coupler includes a union clamp having a substantially hollow cylindrical cross section forming an outer wall and an inner wall having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the outer wall of union body. The union clamp includes a slit through its outer wall and inner wall of sufficient width to allow the inner diameter of the ring to be adjusted, a means for retaining the union clamp in place relative to the union body, and at least one locking detail dimensioned for disposal within the at least one slot through the union body such so as to engage the locking notch of the nipple and prevent the nipple from moving relative to the union coupler. 
     Finally, the present invention also encompasses an integrated flow system that includes a unitary body having an inflow end, an outflow end, a volute opening and a flow control valve opening disposed between the inflow end and the outflow end. A circulator is attached to the volute opening and a flow control valve attached to the flow control valve opening. In some such embodiments, a pair of isolator valves are attached to valve openings formed proximate to the inflow and outflow ends of the body. Still other such embodiments include a tempering valve and temperature gauge that are disposed within other central openings in the body. 
     Therefore, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a hot water heating system that is easily adapted for a variety of applications with minimal labor to install. 
     It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a hot water heating system that employs fewer joints requiring sealing compounds, solder, gasketing materials, or expensive tools to install than conventional systems. 
     It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a hot water heating system that insures that all components are in the proper position relative to flow direction. 
     It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a hot water heating system that allows failed components to be quickly and easily replaced without the need for professional assistance. 
     These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a radiant hot water heating system. 
     FIG. 2 is a view of the component and union connector arrangement for a radiant hot water heating system. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a radiator type hot water heating system. 
     FIG. 4 is a view of the component and union connector arrangement for a radiator type hot water heating system. 
     FIG. 5 is a view of the component and union connector arrangement for a radiator type hot water heating system with the use of an offset connector. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away view of a component and union connector assembly with the female union connector integral with component and the male union connector threaded into the component. 
     FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away view of a component and union connector assembly with nipple sections joining the male and female union connectors to the component. 
     FIG. 8A is a cut away side view of two halves of male portion of a hand tightenable self-locking union nut in position for assembly. 
     FIG. 8B is a cut away side view of the nut of FIG. 8A with the two halves brought together during assembly. 
     FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the self-locking feature of the union nut of FIGS. 8A and 8B with both halves in a locked position. 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded cross sectional view of a volute circulator and a flow control valve assembly using a union connector with an inserted seat component. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a volute circulator and flow control valve assembly using a quick connect-disconnect type coupling. 
     FIG. 11 is an isometric assembly view of the preferred quick coupling system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a union body, union clamp and a pair of nipples of the preferred quick coupling system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an isometric assembly view of the union body, union clamp and union clip of the preferred quick coupling system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a union coupler for use with a quick connect system. 
     FIG. 15 is a cut away side view of the union coupler of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of an improved tempering valve in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is side view of the components of FIG. 2 formed together into an integrated flow system for a radiant hot water heating system. 
     FIG. 18 is side view of the components of FIG. 2 formed together into an integrated flow system for a radiator type hot water heating system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a radiant hot water heating system  100 . Boiler  1  produces a hot liquid; typically water, which is transported through the system  100  by means of circulator  10 . After leaving the boiler  1  the liquid enters connection pipe  2  and flows into micro-bubble air vent  3  where the liquid is de-gassed. The liquid then flows via connection pipe  4  into a zone distribution manifold  5 . It is noted that a system  100  such as this will typically have two or more zones but, for clarity, only one zone is detailed in the FIG.  1 . 
     After leaving the zone distribution manifold  5 , the liquid flows in series through a first isolator valve  6 , flow control valve  7 , tempering unit  8 , tee connection mounted temperature gauge  9 , circulator pump  10 , and a second isolator valve  11 . After leaving the second isolator valve  11 , the liquid flows through connection pipe  12  into the radiant tube distribution manifold  13 . 
     The radiant tube distribution manifold  13  divides the liquid flow into a plurality of radiant tubes  14 ,  15  and  16  respectively. Three radiant tubes  14 ,  15  and  16  are shown purely as an example, and the number of tubes used in an actual system is dependent on the size and shape of the area to be heated as well as the desired emission region, e.g., from the floor. The liquid passes through the radiant tubes  14 ,  15  and  16  and then enters the radiant tube return manifold  17  where it is reunited as a single liquid flow. 
     The liquid leaves radiant tube return manifold  17  via return pipe  18  and flows into tee connection  19 . A portion of the liquid flow exits tee connection  19  via tempering feedback pipe  20  and flows into tempering unit  8 , where it is used to reduce the temperature of the heated water from the boiler  1  to a desired temperature. This tee connection  19  may also include all male and female portions of union connectors, or it may include a combination of union connectors and other conventional connectors, such as solder connector, barbed connectors, threaded connectors or the like. The remainder of the liquid flow exiting the tee connection  19  flows into the zone return manifold  22  via connection pipe  21 . The liquid flow then leaves zone return manifold  22  via connection pipe  23  and flows past purge valve  24  when purge valve is closed and through connection pipe  25  into boiler  1 , effectively completing the flow circuit. 
     FIG. 2 shows the first isolator valve  6 , flow control valve  7 , tempering unit  8 , tee connection mounted temperature gauge  9 , circulator pump  10 , and second isolator valve  11  of the radiant hot water heating system  100  of FIG. 1, and their arrangement with connectors  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 ,  56  and  57 . The connectors  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 ,  56  and  57  shown in this embodiment are union type connectors. However, as described below, certain other types of connectors may be utilized to achieve the desired result. 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 2, union connector  51  joins isolator valve  6  to upstream heating components, for example to a connection pipe  50  as shown. Union connector  52  joins isolator valve  6  to flow control valve  7 . Union connector  53  joins flow control valve  7  to tempering unit  8 . Union connector  54  joins tempering unit  8  to tee connection mounted temperature gauge  9 . Union connector  55  joins tee connection mounted temperature gauge  9  to circulator  10 . Union connector  56  joins circulator  10  to isolator valve  11 . Union connector  57  joins isolator valve II to downstream heating components, for example to a connection pipe  58  as shown. 
     In the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, each component  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10  &amp;  11  has a male portion of a union connector at one end and a mating female portion of a union connector a the opposite end, similar to the arrangement shown in detail in FIGS. 6 &amp; 7. This allows the male portion of one component to easily connect to the female portion of an adjacent component, effectively forming union connectors  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 ,  56  and  57  between each. It is noted that the male and female portions of the connectors  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 ,  56  and  57  need not be on any specific end, but that all upstream ends should have the same male or female portion and, likewise, all downstream ends should have an opposite portion. Thus, by identifying the flow direction on a single component; the circulator  10 , for example, all other components will necessarily be installed in their proper orientation. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternate embodiment of the invention as applied to a radiator type hot water heating system  110 . As with the radiant hot water system  100  of FIG. 1, boiler  1  produces a hot liquid, which is transported through the system by means of circulator  10 . After leaving the boiler the liquid enters connection pipe  2  and flows into air scoop  26  where the liquid is degassed. This air scoop  26  performs essentially the same function as the microbubble air vent  3  of the radiant system  100 , but is less expensive than the microbubble air vent  3  and provides sufficient degassing in a radiator type hot water system  110 . 
     After it has been degassed, the liquid then flows via connection pipe  27  into a zone distribution manifold  5 . As was the case with the radiant system  100  described above, a system  110  such as this will typically have two or more zones, but only one zone is detailed in the FIG.  2 . After leaving the zone distribution manifold  5  the liquid flows in series through a first isolator valve  6 , flow control valve  7 , circulator  10 , and a second isolator valve  11 . 
     After leaving the second isolator valve  11 , the liquid flows through connection pipe  28  and into baseboard radiator  29 . It is noted that a baseboard type radiator is used purely as an example but other varieties of liquid-to-air, liquid-to-liquid or liquid-to-solid heat exchangers could also be used with the present invention. The liquid flows from baseboard radiator  29  via connection pipe  30  and enters zone return manifold  22 . The liquid flows from zone return manifold  22  to purge valve  24  via connection pipe  23 . The liquid leaves purge valve  24  through the connection pipe  25  and returns to boiler  1  completing the flow circuit. 
     FIG. 4 shows the first isolator valve  6 , flow control valve  7 , circulator pump  10 , and second isolator valve  11  of a baseboard radiator heating system  110  and their arrangement with connectors  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64  and  65 . As was the case with FIG. 2, the connectors shown in FIG. 4 are union type connectors, but certain other types of connectors may be utilized to achieve the desired result. 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 4, union connector  61  joins isolator valve  6  to upstream heating components; for example to a connection pipe  60  as shown. Union connector  62  joins isolator valve  6  to flow control valve  7 . Union connector  63  joins flow control valve  7  to circulator  10 . Union connector  64  joins circulator  10  to isolator valve  11 . Union connector  65  joins isolator valve  11  to downstream heating components, for example to a connection pipe  66  as shown. 
     FIG. 5 shows one variation of the system  110  of FIG. 3 in which the components are not disposed in line with one another. In this system  120 , a plurality of offset connectors, here a pair of 90° elbows  70  and  71  and an extension pipes  72  and  73  each fitted with male  74  and female  75  portions of connectors, are used to offset the system sideways. The ability to offset the system is important due to space considerations and obstacles that are found in particular installations. Therefore, although this system  120  is shown as only including a pair of ninety degree elbows  70  and  71  and extension pipes  72  and  73 , it is envisioned that other systems and kits will include a plurality of offset connectors, including tees, forty-five degree elbows, union to copper or union to threaded adaptors, nipples, or the like. 
     It is envisioned that the components that make up the various systems may be sold in kit form, which would include all of the necessary components and offset connectors to accommodate any installation. As was the case with the system, at least the main system connectors, i.e. connectors between the isolator valves, the circulator and flow control, will each have male and female portions that quickly mate together in the proper flow direction. However, it is likewise recognized that there may be some parts, such as the connectors from the boiler, or the return to the tempering valve in the radiant hot water system, that utilize connectors other than connectors disposed upon the circulator and valves and, therefore, all embodiments of the present invention should not be so limited. 
     In the preferred embodiments of the system and kit, the female portions of union connectors are integral to the components themselves. An example of an isolator valve  80  having such integral connectors is shown in FIG.  6 . In such an arrangement, the female union connector  81  is formed integral to the second end  82  of the body of valve  80  during the manufacture of the valve  80 , while the first end  83  of the body of valve  80  includes female threads  84  to which the male connector  85  is attached. As shown in FIG. 6, the male portion of the connector  85  in this embodiment includes a threaded end  86  that threads into the female threads  84  in the first end  83  of the body of valve  80  and captures a nut  87  that mates with the threads of the female connector of an adjacent component (not shown). 
     Although the components of the preferred embodiments have been described as having integral female connectors, it is also recognized that utilizing standard components and fitting them with the desired portions of the male and female connectors may achieve similar results. This may be accomplished by adding nipples or other adaptors to the male and female portions of the connectors to allow them to mount to existing components, or it may involve the machining of specialized adaptors that include integral male or female portions of the connectors. An example of an embodiment using nipples is shown in FIG. 7, which shows an isolator valve  90  joined to a female portion of a union connector  91  via a threaded nipple  92 , which is threaded into the second end  93  of the body of valve  90 . The male portion of the union connector  94  is joined to isolator valve  90  via a threaded nipple  95 , which is threaded into the first end  96  of the body of valve  90  and thus capturing nut  97 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, an improved male portion  121  of a union connector that is both hand-tightenable and self-locking is shown. As was the case with the other male portions of connectors described above, the male portion  121  includes a first portion  122  having a male sealing surface  102  that is dimensioned to mate directly with a female sealing surface of an adjacent component (not shown) and a nut  87  that is dimensioned to mate with the threads of the female connector of an adjacent component (not shown). However, the male portion  121  includes a plurality of locking details  124 ,  125  disposed upon the mating surfaces between the first portion  122  and the nut  87  and dimensioned to interlock to prevent unintended rotation of the nut  87  after installation. 
     As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the locking details  124 ,  125  are a plurality of bumps or ridges that are separated by spaces  126 ,  127  that are dimensioned to accept the locking details  124 ,  125  when the nut  87  is tightened to the adjacent component. However, it is recognized that a single set of bumps on one portion in frictional relationship with a planar surface on another portion provide sufficient frictional engagement to prevent rotation. It is also recognized that locking details  124 ,  125  having different cross sections, such a serrations or the like, may be substituted to achieve similar results. Finally, it is noted that the preferred version of the male portion  121  of FIGS. 8A-8C is manufactured of cross linked polyethylene (PEX). However, other embodiments may be manufactured of brass, high temperature plastic or other art recognized materials to achieve similar results. 
     The sealing surfaces of the union connectors shown in the preceding figures are conventional, in that the sealing surface of the female portion of the connector, commonly referred to as the “seat”, mates directly with a corresponding sealing surface on the male portion of the connector of an adjacent component without an intermediate component, such as a gasket, to aid sealing. Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the male sealing surface  102  would mate directly with a female sealing surface (analogous to  104  of isolator valve  80 ) when assembled with an adjacent component (not shown). Another embodiment of the invention, utilizing a female portion of a union connector having a different type of seat, is shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 9 shows an exploded cross sectional view of assembly  130  comprising a circulator  132 , an insert  138  and a flow control valve  148 . Assembly is accomplished by placing insert  138  in cavity  134  of circulator  132 , threading union nut  142  onto external thread  136 , and tightening the union nut  142 , either by hand or using a tool such as a wrench of appropriate size. The tightening of union nut  142  onto external thread  136  causes insert  138  to be compressed between cavity  136  and male union connector  144  thereby providing a leak tight seal. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 the insert  138  is provided with a conical sealing surface  139 , which mates with a corresponding conical sealing surface  146  on male union connector  144 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other sealing surface geometries could be employed, such as, but not limited to; flat mating surfaces, one or more circular ridges of triangular cross section mating with one or more circular troughs of corresponding triangular cross section, one or more circular ridges of semi-circular cross section mating with one or more circular troughs of corresponding semi-circular cross section, etc. 
     In the preferred embodiment the insert is made of TEFLON®, or other synthetic resinous fluorine. However one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other materials could be substituted to provide the same sealing function, such as urethane, BUNA®, rubber, silicone rubber, polyethylene, polycarbonate, VITON®, etc. In the preferred embodiment the deformability of the TEFLON®, under compression between the union nut  142  and the male portion  144  of the union connector aids in both assembly and sealing. The TEFLON® deforms locally to accommodate minor imperfections in the male portion  144  of the union connector and the cavity  136  to provide a leak tight seal. Significant strain energy can be stored in the deformed TEFLON® insert with relatively low compression forces, and correspondingly low tightening torques, by replacing the nutlike exterior features of the union nut  142  with details to mate comfortably with the human hand. Such an arrangement may take many forms, such as the knurls commonly used on bicycle carriers and the like, which make it possible to tighten the union nut  142  without the use of tools and still accomplish a leak-tight seal. A knurled type union nut would preferably also be dimensioned externally to accept a wrench, as well allowing the installer to optionally tighten it with a wrench if the application requires the sealing of pressures beyond the capability of hand tightening, or if the installer wishes to create a tighter seal. 
     Although FIG. 9 shows components having the male portion  144  of the union connector located on the outflow side of the component and the female portion of the union connector located on the inflow side of the component, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that this relationship could be reversed. As explained earlier with reference to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiments of the system, the inflow ends of all components to be joined be equipped with the same gender connector portion, either male or female, and that the outflow ends of the components be equipped with the opposite type of connector portion. Such an arrangement precludes the assembly of components in the wrong orientation; i.e. outflow end mated to outflow end or inflow end mated to inflow end. However, as described with reference to the quick disconnect connectors of FIGS. 10-14, other embodiments may include components having the same gender connector portion at both ends, with each component being connected to an adjoining component via a dual connector having mating details at both ends. In these embodiments, the ease of assembly that is an advantage of the basic system is maintained, but it is recognized that the components must be clearly marked with proper flow direction in order to prevent installation in an improper orientation. 
     FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention. An exploded view of assembly  150  is shown. Assembly  150  includes a circulator  152 , and a flow control valve  158 . Circulator  152  and flow control valve  158  are joined using a quick connect-disconnect type coupling commonly used in pneumatic, hydraulic and water flow applications and marketed by Parker Hannifin, Quick Coupling Division, Minneapolis, Minn. The circulator  152  is equipped with male coupling barb  158  on its outflow end and a female coupling receptacle  154  on its inflow end. The flow control valve  159  is similarly equipped with male coupling barb on its outflow end and a female coupling receptacle  154  on its inflow end. Assembly is accomplished by retracting lock rings  156  and inserting barb into female coupling receptacle  154 . Upon insertion, seal land  162  mates with a seal (not shown) within the female coupling receptacle  154 , making a leak-tight seal between the barb  158  and female coupling receptacle  154 . The lock ring  156  is then released, causing locking balls (not shown) to seat in locking balls trough  160  thus preventing removal of barb  158  from female coupling receptacle  154 . 
     Although not shown in FIG. 9 or  10 , a secondary locking means could be employed to prevent accidental displacement of the sealed connectors after assembly. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many means by which secondary locking could be accomplished. Examples, of such means well known in the art are; the use of a clevis pin (not shown) which when installed engages a secondary locking trough (not shown) in the female coupling receptacle in a position adjacent to the lock ring or union nut such that the lock ring or union nut is prohibited from retracting; a jam nut (not shown) in threaded engagement with the female coupling receptacle which, when tightened, prohibits the union nut from retracting, the application of a self ratcheting wire tie behind the locking ring prohibiting the lock ring from retracting, a set screw, etc. 
     Although FIG. 10 shows components having the barb  158  located on the outflow side of the component and the female coupling receptacle  154  is located on the inflow side of the component, as explained earlier, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that this relationship could be reversed. 
     The preferred coupling system is shown in FIGS. 10-12. This preferred coupling system  200  includes a union coupler  201 , made up of a union body  202 , a union clamp  204 , a union back-up ring  206  and a union o-ring  208 , and a nipple  250  attached to a flow component and dimensioned to mate with the union body  202 . In addition, the preferred coupling system includes a means for retaining the union clamp  24  in place relative to the union body  202 . As shown in FIGS. 10-12, this means is a union clip  210 , which exerts a spring force upon the union clamp  24 , which tends to hold the clamp  204  in position. However, in other embodiments the means includes a bolt (not shown) that is dimensioned to mate with a threaded opining in the union clip  210  and tightened to draw the clamp  204  together and hold it in position. 
     The union body  202  is substantially cylindrical in cross section and includes a pair of notches  212  dimensioned to accept the back-up ring  206  and the o-ring  208 . In addition, the union body includes two pairs of slots  216 ,  218 , which are dimensioned to accept union clamp  204 . 
     The union clamp  204  is a substantially cylindrical ring having a slit  220  therethrough of sufficient width to allow the inner diameter of the ring to be adjusted. The inside surface  222  of the clamp  204  is dimensioned to mate with the outer surface  219  of the union body  202  and includes two locking details  230  that extend across the sides of the inside surface  222 . In the preferred embodiment, these locking details  230  are substantially cylindrical posts that are dimensioned for disposal within the pairs of slots  216 ,  218  on the outer surface  219  of the union body  202 . However, in other embodiments, the locking details  230  may have other cross-sections or be formed integral to the sides of the inner surface  222  of the clamp  204 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the union body  202  and union clamp  204  are manufactured of a high temperature plastic that is easily moldable, affordable, may be manufactured in a variety of colors. The ability to manufacture these components from these materials offers a significant cost advantage over existing systems and, therefore, these materials are preferred. However, it is recognized that the union body  202  and union clamp  204  may be manufactured from other art recognized materials, such as brass, steel, iron or the like, to produce similar results. 
     In this system  200 , the nipple is preferably attached to both ends of the flow components and these components are joined using a union coupler  201  between each component. This method is preferred as it is easier to manufacture a pair of nipples  250  at each end and manufacture union bodies  202  and clamps  204  separately. However, it is understood that the ends of the components may be female portions of the connector, with the coupler being made of a pair of nipples. Further, the same concepts described above with regard to having a male portion at one end and a female portion at the other are also applicable to system  200 , and the same advantages attendant to this arrangement would likewise apply to the system  200 . Finally, the nipples  250  will typically be formed integral to and, accordingly, be manufactured of the same material as the body of the component; i.e. brass, steel, iron, etc. However, in other embodiments, the nipples  250  are separate pieces that are attached to the component body via art recognized means and, therefore, may be of a different material from that of the body of the component. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, an alternative embodiment of the union coupler  269  is shown. This embodiment is similar to that coupler  201  in that the body  274  includes notches  212  to accommodate o-rings  208  and back up rings  286 . However, the coupler  269  includes a pair of spring loaded collars  272  which operate in substantially the same manner as conventional pneumatic and/or hydraulic couplings. Each collar  272  is retained upon the body  274  by a spring  276 , which exerts a force away from the body  274 , and a split ring  278 , which prevents the collar  272  from becoming disassembled from the body  274 . Each collar includes a plurality of ball bearings  278 , which are disposed along its circumference such that they will mate with openings  279  disposed through the body  274  along its circumference. 
     Referring now to FIG. 16, a unique tempering valve  300 , for use in connection with any of the above referenced embodiments of the system, is shown. Tempering valve  300  is unique because it includes an integral immersion well  301  that allows a temperature gauge (not shown) to be inserted therein for measuring the temperature of the fluid leaving the valve  300 . The inclusion of such a well is an improvement over conventional valves as it eliminates the need for a separate temperature gauge downstream of the tempering valve, along with the associated tee&#39;s quick disconnects and the like. As shown in FIG. 16, the tempering valve of the present invention includes three nipples  250  designed for attachment to a union coupler  201  or  269  described above. However, it is recognized that other connection arrangements, such as those described herein, may be utilized. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, two embodiments of an integrated flow system are shown in which flow components are formed together into a single unit having connectors at each end. These embodiments were developed in response the concern that the use of union connectors, or other quick release connectors, between components creates a large number of joints that could potentially leak at some time after installation. One benefit of present systems is that soldered and threaded joints are extremely rugged and, therefore, will rarely ever leak. In order to attempt to emulate this kind of “permanent” seal between components, the integrated flow systems of the present invention employ a molded or cast body into which several components are permanently attached together, with union or other quick release connectors attached only at the ends of the integrated system. This arrangement greatly reduces the risk of leakage, and reduces the overall complexity and time required to install a system. 
     The embodiment of FIG. 17 is an integrated flow system  200  that may be used to replace the multiple component arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 2, which is used in radiant heating systems. The integrated flow system  200  of FIG. 17 includes a pair of connectors  251 ,  257  joins the body  203  of the system  200  to upstream heating components, for example to a connection pipe  250 ,  258  as shown. These connectors  251 ,  257  may be any of the union or quick disconnect type connectors described herein, or they may be adapted to mate with prior art soldered or threaded connectors. A first isolator valve  206  and second isolator valve  211  are preferably disposed within the body  200  of the system in order to provide isolation of the system  200  in the event that service is required on any of the components  207   208 ,  209 ,  210  of the system  200  after installation. However, it is understood that one or both of these valves  206 ,  211  may be eliminated, or may be separately attached to one of the connectors  251 ,  257  to achieve similar results. A tempering unit  208 , temperature gauge  209 , and circulator  210  are preferably disposed between the flow isolator valves  206 ,  211 , with the body  203  forming the flow path between components. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the system, the body is molded, cast and/or machined to form a flow path having a plurality of openings disposed therein to accept the mechanical workings of each component. For example, the ends of the body  203  include threaded openings that accept the threaded innards  222 ,  220  of the isolator valves  206 ,  211 , while the central portion includes an integrally formed volute to accept a replaceable cartridge  226  to form the circulator  210 . Finally, as discussed above, an integrated tempering valve and temperature gauge may be utilized to replace the separate tempering valve  208  and temperature gauge  209 . 
     The integrated flow system of FIG. 18 is similar to that of FIG. 17, except that it includes only those components necessary to replace the system of FIG. 4, which is used in radiator type hot water heating systems. Accordingly, the system  201  does not include the tempering valve  208  or temperature gauge  209 , and could simply include the circulator  210  and flow control valve  207  formed integral to one another. 
     It is recognized that the concept of integrating multiple components into a single system may be applied to other of the components discloses herein. For example, the air scoop, or Microbubble vent, could incorporate a tee on the bottom where the expansion tank would otherwise connect, so that the automatic water feed, i.e. pressure reducing valve and backflow preventer could connect right there where present day wisdom dictates it should be located. Of course, it is recognized that the water feed and backflow would be one “module,” too. Accordingly, the integrated flow system should not be seen as limited to the flow components shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. 
     Finally, it is noted that all of the components in any of the embodiments of the systems discussed herein need only be made of one internal flow diameter; preferably one inch. One inch is preferred, as no modem residential system needs anything larger than this size and having a single size reduces tooling and inventory costs, etc. Further, if more heat is required, another zone could be added to the manifolds. 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.