Patent Description:
Existing CTS systems use a coupler to control the flow of fluid between a container and a sprayer tank. The container and the sprayer tank are fluidly coupled through the coupler to dispense liquid (e.g. chemicals) from the container and transfer the chemicals to the sprayer tank from the container. The chemicals are drawn through the coupler and into the sprayer tank by means of gravity or a pressure differential to extract the chemicals. Once the extraction is complete, the container and the coupler are rinsed before the container is removed. This is primarily done to prevent an operator of the coupler, container, or the sprayer tank from exposure to harmful chemicals.

However, while transferring the chemicals, viscous chemicals or sediments can build up inside the coupler in dead zones where the flow of rinse water does not adequately rinse away chemical residue. Such dead zones occur where there is not sufficient flow or pressure to rinse away very thick chemical concentrate formulations or formulations containing particles in suspension that can sink and gather as a layer of sediment. Residues of one batch for transferring the chemicals could potentially contaminate the next batch mixed. Thus, the need for an improved coupler rinsing technique exists.

The art recognizes the need for a solution to ensure that the chemicals from the dead zones of the coupler are efficiently and effectively cleaned, which reduces the chances of contamination.

Document <CIT> describes in accordance with the preamble of claim <NUM> a coupler for a closed transfer system. The coupler is selectively engageable with a container, and the coupler includes a probe moveable between a first position and a second position. A handle may be coupled to the probe, and axial movement of the handle along a slot may move the probe between the first position and the second position. A second end of the probe is at least partially receivable within a body of the coupler.

Document <CIT> describes a coupling device configured to be coupled to a cap of a container. The coupling device includes a probe and a plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes can guide air into the container, transport rinsing water into the container, or suck liquid out of the container.

Document <CIT> describes a non-inserted nozzle for washing a container. The non-inserted nozzle is disposed below the mouth of an inverted container, and washing fluid is sprayed without inserting the nozzle into the container.

Document <CIT> describes a washing rack with a plurality of fixed nozzles on a base material. Replacement nozzles are detachably provided on the fixed nozzles, and liquid is supplied from the base material to the fixed nozzles. For each fixed nozzle, various replacement nozzles with different lengths can be used.

Document <CIT> describes an easy-to-wash plastic beverage container that is usable with a washing apparatus. A ground-contact face circumferentially extends along the peripheral wall of the container, and a generally conical raised bottom part is provided at the center of the ground-contact face.

Document <CIT> describes a suction nozzle for drawing a viscous material from a container. The suction nozzle includes a housing defining a suction inlet and a suction outlet. The suction nozzle may also include an uninterrupted conduit passageway separated from the suction passageway.

Embodiments of a chemical transfer coupler are provided herein. The chemical transfer coupler includes an inlet, an outlet, a chemical flow chamber fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a probe. The chemical flow chamber has an inner surface. The probe extends through the chemical flow chamber and includes a rinse aperture, a probe end fitting, and a first recessed slot. The probe end fitting includes a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. The first recessed slot extends helically along the outer surface from the first end to the second end. The chemical flow chamber fluidly couples the rinse aperture and the outlet. The first recessed slot is positioned at least partially between a flow path from the rinse aperture to the outlet.

In some forms, the probe further includes a second recessed slot extending helically along the outer surface from the first end to the second end, and the first recessed slot and the second recessed slot extend in different directions around the outer surface of the probe end fitting. The first recessed slot and the second recessed slot can converge toward each other as the first recessed slot and the second recessed slot extend from the first end to the second end of the probe end fitting. The outlet can extend from a first portion of the chemical flow chamber and the first recessed slot, and the second recessed slot can extend toward a second portion of the chemical flow chamber opposite the first portion as the first recessed slot and the second recessed slot extend from the first end to the second end of the probe end fitting. The first recessed slot can have a first helix angle that is substantially the same as a second helix angle of the second recessed slot. The first recessed slot and the second recessed slot can be substantially identical in size and shape.

In some forms, the probe can further include a second recessed slot extending helically along the outer surface from the first end to the second end, and the first recessed slot and the second recessed slot can extend in the same direction around the outer surface of the probe end fitting. The probe end fitting can be substantially cylindrical in shape and the first recessed slot can be formed at the first end of the probe end fitting substantially <NUM> degrees offset from the second recessed slot. The first recessed slot can have one of a width dimension or a depth dimension that is substantially uniform along an entire length of the first recessed slot. The first recessed slot can extend along only a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end of the probe end fitting. The chemical flow chamber can include an upper collar, a midsection, and a base portion, and when the probe is in a lowered position, an annular space can be formed between an inner surface of upper collar and the outer surface of the probe end fitting into which rinse water is selectively sprayed through the rinse aperture.

Some embodiments provide a chemical transfer coupler having an inlet, an outlet, a chemical flow chamber fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a probe. The chemical flow chamber has an inner surface with a plurality of internal vanes. The probe has an outer surface and a recessed slot extending along the outer surface. The probe extends through the chemical flow chamber. The recessed slot is positioned at least partially between a flow path from the inlet to the outlet.

In some forms, the chemical flow chamber includes an upper collar, a midsection, and a base portion, and the plurality of internal vanes are positioned on the inner surface of the midsection. As the plurality of internal vanes extend from adjacent the upper collar to adjacent the base portion, the plurality of internal vanes can gradually extend farther radially outward from the inner surface of the midsection. Each of the plurality of internal vanes can include a width dimension that is tapered as each of the plurality of internal vanes extends toward the base portion. Each of the plurality of internal vanes can be provided in the form of an irregular tetrahedron.

Some embodiments provide a chemical flow chamber fluidly connecting an inlet to an outlet, a probe, and a flow distributor. The chemical flow chamber has an inner surface. The probe has an outer surface and a recessed slot extending along the outer surface. The probe extends through the chemical flow chamber. The flow distributor is coupled to the probe and positioned inside of the chemical flow chamber. The flow distributor includes a collar and a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the collar. The recessed slot and the plurality of vanes are positioned at least partially between a flow path from the inlet to the outlet.

In some forms, the plurality of vanes are arranged in a helical fashion around a circumference of the collar as the plurality of vanes extend from a first end of the collar to a second end of the collar. Each of the plurality of vanes can include a radial extension dimension, a width dimension, and a length dimension, and the width dimension can be tapered as each of the plurality of vanes extends toward at least one of a first end of the collar and a second end of the collar. Each of the plurality of vanes can be angled at substantially the same pitch.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

Embodiments of an improved closed chemical transfer system are provided herein. The chemical transfer system includes a coupler body within which a probe device is contained, and the probe can be lifted and lowered via a handle to allow the flow of chemicals and rinse fluid from the inside of a container to flow out of an outlet of the coupler. Various structural features are provided on one or both of the probe and the inside of the coupler body to improve the flow of rinse fluid within the body of the coupler. In this way, areas along the flow path of chemicals from the container to the outlet, which typically might contain dead zones, can be thoroughly rinsed to prevent the build of chemicals within the coupler body over time from continued use of the closed transfer system.

<FIG> illustrates a closed transfer system having a coupler <NUM> for transferring fluid and a container <NUM> that is selectively evacuated via fluid connection with the coupler <NUM>. In particular, a cap <NUM> is provided for securement onto the container <NUM>, and the cap <NUM> is structurally designed to interface with a locking mechanism <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>. In particular, the cap <NUM> is coupled to an opening <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> includes an inlet opening <NUM>, an outlet <NUM>, and a handle <NUM>, which can be rotationally actuated to actuate various internal elements of the coupler <NUM>, as will be described further below. <FIG> illustrates the cap <NUM> securely coupled to the container <NUM>, and the container <NUM>/cap <NUM> are coupled to the inlet opening <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>. In this way, fluid can selectively flow from the container <NUM> through the cap <NUM>, into the coupler <NUM> through the inlet opening <NUM>, and out of the coupler <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate further internal aspects of the closed transfer system of <FIG>. As shown, the coupler <NUM> includes several internal components that facilitate the selective transfer of fluid from the container <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. In particular, the coupler <NUM> includes the locking mechanism <NUM>, a probe <NUM>, and a chemical flow chamber <NUM> having an inner chamber wall <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> is actuated via the handle <NUM> such that when the handle <NUM> is rotated, the locking mechanism <NUM> secures the container <NUM> and the cap <NUM> to the coupler <NUM>. The probe <NUM> includes a probe end fitting <NUM> and one or more air valves <NUM>. The probe end fitting <NUM> includes one or more rinse apertures <NUM> in fluid communication with a source of rinse water, and one or more recessed slots <NUM>. In some forms, the probe <NUM> and/or the probe end fitting <NUM> are substantially cylindrical in shape. The probe also includes a base end (not shown), which raises and lowers the probe <NUM> in response to the rotational actuation of the handle <NUM>. Accordingly, the probe <NUM> can be actuated between two positions: upward into the container <NUM> in a raised position, and downward into the body of the coupler <NUM> in a lowered position, at least partially inside of the chemical flow chamber <NUM>. The lowered position is shown in <FIG>, and the raised position is shown in <FIG>. The chemical flow chamber <NUM> provides a fluid connection between the container <NUM>/inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>, and between the rinse apertures <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>.

As the probe <NUM> is raised, the probe end fitting <NUM> engages a removable plug seal <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, and the removable plug seal <NUM> becomes coupled to the probe end fitting <NUM>. As the probe <NUM> is raised further, the removable plug seal <NUM> is lifted away from engagement with the cap <NUM>, and fluid communication is created between the fluid contents of the container <NUM> and the chemical flow chamber <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the probe <NUM> in the fully raised position, in which fluid flows out of the container <NUM>, around the outer wall of the probe <NUM>, into the chemical flow chamber <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM> via gravity feed or via vacuum suction applied at the outlet <NUM>, as shown by the fluid flow path arrows. To facilitate fluid flow out of the container <NUM>, the air valves <NUM>, provided in the form of one-way valves, allow air from the environment to flow into the container <NUM> to prevent a vacuum from forming inside the container <NUM> during fluid evacuation. When the probe <NUM> is lowered back down into the body of the coupler <NUM>, the removable plug seal <NUM> is re-seated into the cap <NUM> to fluidly seal the contents of the container <NUM>.

The closed transfer system also includes a rinsing function, wherein the probe <NUM> is designed to spray rinse water from a rinse water source out of the one or more rinse apertures <NUM>. After the contents of the container <NUM> have been emptied, and while the probe <NUM> is in the raised position (see <FIG>), rinse water can be applied to the probe <NUM> to spray rinse water out of the one or more rinse apertures <NUM> to rinse the inside of the container <NUM>. In some forms, the probe end fitting <NUM> is static at the end of the probe <NUM> and in some forms, the probe end fitting is rotatable to spray rinse water in multiple directions. The rinse water flows along the same fluid flow path depicted in <FIG> with respect to the fluid originally contained within the container <NUM>. Accordingly, the rinse water flows out of the container <NUM>, around the outer wall of the probe <NUM>, into the chemical flow chamber <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM> via gravity feed or via vacuum suction applied at the outlet <NUM>. Thus, the rinse water serves the purpose of rinsing the container <NUM> as well as the flow path of the fluid from inside the container <NUM>. In this way, chemical residue from the contents of the container <NUM> can be rinsed off of the internal components of the coupler <NUM>.

In some forms, the rinse water can also be sprayed out of the one or more rinse apertures <NUM> while the probe <NUM> is in the lowered position (see <FIG>). As such, the rinse apertures <NUM> can spray rinse water to rinse off the cap <NUM>/removable plug seal <NUM>. The one or more recessed slots <NUM> extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the probe end fitting <NUM> in a substantially straight line and can help facilitate the flow of fluid in an annular space between the probe end fitting <NUM> and the chemical flow chamber <NUM> while the probe <NUM> is in the lowered position.

In some embodiments, the fluid contained in the container <NUM> can be viscous, dense, or have a chemical formulation that can lead to residue or build up inside of the chemical flow chamber <NUM>. In particular, because the outlet <NUM> is positioned in a discrete location extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> and generally perpendicular to the inlet opening <NUM>, the portions of the inner chamber wall <NUM> that are farther away from the outlet <NUM>, especially the bottom/lower portions of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> that are positioned on the opposite side of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> as the outlet <NUM>, can be susceptible to residue or build up from the chemicals transferred by the closed transfer system. Accordingly, it would be useful to direct the flow of rinse water through the body of the coupler <NUM> such that rinse water is more evenly circulated throughout the chemical flow chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a probe <NUM> according to the invention. The probe <NUM> can include substantially similar structures that perform similar functions as many of the structures listed above for the probe <NUM>, such as the probe end fitting <NUM>, air valves <NUM>, rinse apertures <NUM>, and recessed slots <NUM>. For example, the probe <NUM> includes a probe end fitting <NUM>, one or more air valves <NUM>, one or more rinse apertures <NUM>, at least one first side slot <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and at least one second side slot <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). However, differently from the recessed slots <NUM> of the probe <NUM>, which extend longitudinally in a substantially straight line on the outer surface of the probe end fitting <NUM>, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> of the probe <NUM> extend helically around the outside of the probe end fitting <NUM> from a first end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> extend around the outside of the probe end fitting <NUM> in the same direction, e.g. both clockwise or both counterclockwise.

In some forms, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> extend along only a portion of the distance between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the probe end fitting, e.g. not all the way to either (or both) of the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> extend along portions of both the probe end fitting <NUM> and the outer surface of the shaft of the probe <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> extend along only the shaft of the probe <NUM> and not along the outer surface of the probe end fitting <NUM>. In some forms, the depths of the slots <NUM>, <NUM> into the probe end fitting <NUM> are substantially the same along the entire length of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>. In some other forms, the depths of the slots <NUM>, <NUM> into the probe end fitting are tapered along the length of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, near the first end <NUM>, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> may extend inwardly deeper into the probe end fitting <NUM> than at the second end <NUM> or vice versa.

The first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> can be designed to have a helix angle, e.g. the angle between the helix line and an axial line extending through a helix on the helix's right circular cylinder, that is substantially uniform along the entire length of the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> respectively. The helix angle of the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In some forms, the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> have substantially the same helix angle, and in some forms, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> have substantially different helix angles. In some forms, the helix angle of one or both of the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> changes along the length of each respective slot <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, if unwound onto a flattened plane, the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> can be provided in a parabolic, exponential, logarithmic, or other linear shape. In some forms, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> are formed at the first end <NUM> at approximately <NUM>° offset from each other, e.g. substantially directly across from each other on the probe end fitting <NUM>. For example, in embodiments where the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> are substantially identical in shape and size, the second side slot <NUM> will be offset by <NUM>° around the outer circumference of the probe end fitting <NUM> with respect to the first side slot <NUM> for the entire length of the second side slot <NUM>.

In some forms, one or more portions of the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> extend longitudinally in a substantially straight line. For example, a first portion of one or both of the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> can extend longitudinally for approximately <NUM> to <NUM> in a substantially straight line as the respective slot <NUM>, <NUM> extends away from the first end <NUM>. Then, from the end of the first portion up to the second end <NUM>, each respective slot <NUM>, <NUM> can extend along the outer surface of the probe end fitting <NUM> in a helix shape with a helix angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Accordingly, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> can include both linear, longitudinal portions, and helical portions. It should be noted that the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> can be provided in the form of multiple slots. Accordingly, the probe end fitting <NUM> can include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more recessed slots. It should be noted that the first side slot <NUM> and/or the second side slot <NUM> can be provided in the form of slots with a variety of width dimensions in proportion to the overall size of the probe end fitting <NUM>. For example, in some forms, the width dimension (W1) of one or both of the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM>/50th to <NUM>/3rd of the total circumference of the probe end fitting <NUM>. In some forms, the width dimension (W1) of one or both of the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> is substantially uniform along the length of the respective slot <NUM>, <NUM>, and in some forms, the width dimension (W1) of one or both of the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> varies along the length of the respective slot <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a probe <NUM>, according to the invention. Similar to the probe <NUM>, the probe <NUM> includes a probe end fitting <NUM>, one or more air valves <NUM>, one or more rinse apertures <NUM>, at least one first side slot <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and at least one second side slot <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). However, differently from the recessed slots <NUM> of the probe <NUM>, which extend around the outside of the probe end fitting <NUM> in the same direction, e.g. both clockwise or both counterclockwise, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> of the probe <NUM> of <FIG> extend around the outside of the probe end fitting <NUM> in different directions, e.g. one clockwise and the other counterclockwise. In some forms, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> are formed at a first end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM> at approximately <NUM>° offset from each other, e.g. substantially directly across from each other on the probe end fitting <NUM>. In some forms, the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> are formed at the first end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM> such that the width dimensions (W2) of the slots <NUM>, <NUM> are entirely overlapping. In some forms, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> are formed at the first end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM> such that the slots <NUM>, <NUM> are directly adjacent to one another. In some forms, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> are formed at the first end <NUM> such that the slots <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a distance dimension.

Because the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> extend in different directions, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> converge toward each other as they extend around the outside of the probe end fitting <NUM> from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. Accordingly, the width dimensions (W2) of each slot <NUM>, <NUM> may completely overlap as the slots <NUM>, <NUM> reach a second end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM>. In some forms, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> extend directly adjacent to one another at the second end <NUM>. In some forms, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a distance dimension at the second end <NUM>.

In use, the probe <NUM> is positioned within the chemical flow chamber <NUM> such that slots <NUM>, <NUM> converge away from the outlet <NUM> and toward the portions of the inner chamber wall <NUM> that are opposite the portion of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> out of which the outlet <NUM> radially extends. Accordingly, rinse water flowing out of the rinse apertures <NUM> is directed away from the outlet <NUM> to facilitate an increased flow velocity of rinse water to potential "dead zones" inside of the chemical flow chamber <NUM>. In addition, all other geometric and other properties of the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> described above are imputed herein to apply to the description with respect to the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> and apply interchangeably to the probe <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the flow of rinse fluid through the chemical flow chamber <NUM> having the probes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, extending therein, the probes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being in the lowered position. For example, in <FIG>, the probe <NUM> is implemented (not shown), and, thus, rinse water flows into the chemical flow chamber <NUM> from the rinse apertures <NUM> and generally vertically downward into the annular space between the probe end fitting <NUM> and the inner chamber wall <NUM>, following the direction of the recessed slots <NUM>, which extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the probe end fitting <NUM> in a substantially straight line. By nature of gravity or via vacuum suction, the rinse water then flows out of the outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, with the probe <NUM> deployed within the chemical flow chamber <NUM>, the rinse water has a tendency to flow at higher velocities along a relatively direct path from the inlet of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> towards the outlet <NUM>.

In contrast, <FIG> illustrates the flow of fluid in the chemical flow chamber <NUM> in use with the probe <NUM> (not shown). Because the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> are helically shaped and curve in the same direction around the probe end fitting <NUM>, the rinse water sprayed from the rinse apertures <NUM> is directed to flow into the annular space between the probe end fitting <NUM> and the inner chamber wall <NUM> in the direction corresponding to the curvature of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. counterclockwise (as depicted), or clockwise, depending on the orientation of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the probe <NUM> facilitates one or more fluid vortexes, and turbulence generally, within the chemical flow chamber <NUM> that can help to thoroughly rinse the inner chamber wall <NUM>. In particular, the probe <NUM> creates higher velocities of fluid flow to the portions of the inner chamber wall <NUM> that are opposite the outlet <NUM> where chemical residue can have a tendency to build up.

<FIG> illustrates the flow of fluid in the chemical flow chamber <NUM> in use with the probe <NUM> (not shown). In particular, the outlet <NUM> extends radially outward from a first portion of the chemical flow chamber <NUM>. Because the first side slot <NUM> and the second side slot <NUM> are helically shaped and curve in opposite directions around the probe end fitting <NUM>, converging in a direction away from the outlet <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the probe end fitting <NUM> and toward a second portion of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> opposite the first portion with the outlet <NUM>, the rinse water sprayed from the rinse apertures <NUM> is directed to flow through the annular space between the probe end fitting <NUM> and the inner chamber wall <NUM> in a direction corresponding to the curvature of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. toward the second portion of the chemical flow chamber <NUM> that is opposite the outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, the probe <NUM> facilitates one or more fluid vortexes, and turbulence generally, within the chemical flow chamber <NUM> that can help to thoroughly rinse the inner chamber wall <NUM>. In particular, the probe <NUM> creates higher velocities of fluid flow to the portions of the inner chamber wall <NUM> that are opposite the outlet <NUM> where chemical residue can have a tendency to build up.

<FIG> illustrate a flow distributor <NUM> that can be coupled to, or integrated with, the aforementioned probes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The flow distributor <NUM> includes a plurality of vanes <NUM> and a collar <NUM> having a center bore. The flow distributor <NUM> can be molded or machined as a separate component which can be mounted within the chemical flow chamber onto the shaft of the probe <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The vanes <NUM> extend along the outer surface of the collar <NUM> from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. In some forms, the vanes <NUM> extend along only a portion of the distance between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, e.g., not all the way to either or both of the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM>.

The vanes <NUM> are arranged in a helical fashion such that from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, the vanes <NUM> extend around the circumference of the collar <NUM> in a clockwise fashion (as shown). In some forms, the vanes <NUM> extend around the circumference of the collar <NUM> in a counterclockwise fashion. In some embodiments, the vanes <NUM> are all angled at the same pitch. In some forms, the pitch of one or more of the vanes <NUM> is different from the other vanes <NUM>. The vanes <NUM> can be positioned around the collar <NUM> at a pitch between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. In some forms, one or more of the vanes <NUM> can be arranged in a clockwise fashion and one or more of the other vanes <NUM> can be arranged in a counterclockwise fashion. Accordingly, the oppositely-oriented vanes <NUM> will converge toward each other as they extend around the collar <NUM> from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the flow distributor <NUM> is rotatably coupled with the probe <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the flow distributor can freely rotate about the longitudinal axis of the probe <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flow distributor <NUM> is fixed to the probe <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment where the vanes <NUM> are arranged to converge toward each other and the flow distributor <NUM> is fixed, the flow distributor can be fixed such that the vanes <NUM> direct rinse water toward the portions of the inner chamber wall <NUM> that are opposite the outlet <NUM>, e.g. the vanes <NUM> extend toward the portions of the inner chamber wall <NUM> that are opposite the outlet <NUM> as the vanes <NUM> extend from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>.

The vanes <NUM> can be configured such that the width dimension (W3) of the vanes <NUM> is substantially the same along the entire length dimension (L) of the vanes <NUM>. In some forms, the width dimension (W3) of the vanes <NUM> changes along the length (L) of the vanes <NUM>. For example, the vanes <NUM> can be tapered as the vanes extend toward one or both of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Similarly, the vanes <NUM> can have a radial extension dimension (R) that is substantially the same along the entire length dimension (L). In some forms, however, the radial extension dimension (R) can be tapered as the vanes extend toward one or both of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In use, the flow distributor <NUM> thus generates additional turbulence and produces a more evenly distributed velocity of fluid flow throughout the chemical flow chamber <NUM> to facilitate rinsing away any residue contained in the chemical flow chamber <NUM>.

Referring next to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of a chemical flow chamber <NUM> for use within the coupler <NUM> according to an embodiment is illustrated. The chemical flow chamber <NUM> includes an upper collar <NUM>, a midsection <NUM>, and a base portion <NUM>. The upper collar <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> can each be provided in the form of a cylinder. In some forms, the outer diameter of the upper collar <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the midsection <NUM> can be provided in a hollow, frustoconical shape that connects the upper collar <NUM> to the base portion <NUM>. On an inner surface <NUM> of the midsection <NUM>, one or more internal vanes <NUM> extend inward from the inner surface <NUM> into the chemical flow chamber <NUM>. The internal vanes <NUM> can be provided in a variety of three-dimensional shapes, including any suitable polyhedron such as an irregular tetrahedron.

Claim 1:
A chemical transfer coupler (<NUM>) comprising:
an inlet (<NUM>);
an outlet (<NUM>);
a chemical flow chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>) fluidly connecting the inlet (<NUM>) and the outlet (<NUM>), the chemical flow chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an inner surface (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a probe (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending through the chemical flow chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>), the probe (<NUM>, <NUM>) including:
a rinse aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a probe end fitting (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>), a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>), and an outer surface, and
wherein the chemical flow chamber fluidly (<NUM>, <NUM>) couples the rinse aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the outlet (<NUM>), characterised in that the probe (<NUM>, <NUM>) further includes a first recessed slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending helically along the outer surface from the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the first recessed slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) is positioned at least partially along a flow path extending between the rinse aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the outlet (<NUM>).