Patent Description:
Portable oxygen concentrators may be used as an alternative to portable oxygen tanks. In operation, portable oxygen concentrators compress and purify ambient air allowing for oxygen-rich air to be delivered to a user. An example of a known oxygen concentrator configured to generate and output oxygen at a high concentration from air in the atmosphere is disclosed in <CIT>.

In accordance with a first example, a product manifold for use with a portable oxygen concentrator includes a body, a first product port, a second product port, an accumulator port, an output port, and a flow path. The flow path fluidly couples the first product port, the second product port, the accumulator port, and the output port. The product manifold includes a first control port, a second control port, and a third control port. The first, second, and third control ports fluidly couple the flow path. The product manifold also includes a first solenoid valve assembly, a second solenoid valve assembly, and a third solenoid valve assembly that are secured to the body of the product manifold adjacent the first, second, and third control ports, respectively, by a corresponding snap fit connector.

The first solenoid valve assembly comprises a first housing having an opening facing the first control port, a control element being disposed within the first housing, the control element being shiftable between a first position and a second position relative to the first control port. A biasing element and a control element guide having a bore and being disposed in the first housing, the control element being at least partially disposed within the bore of the control element guide, and wherein the control element guide includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion disposed adjacent the opening, the biasing element disposed between the first portion of the control element guide and the body of the product manifold to bias the snap fit connector between the first solenoid valve assembly and the body of the product manifold.

In accordance with a second example, a portable oxygen concentrator includes a compressor and a waste/feed manifold. The waste/feed manifold includes an inlet port coupled to the compressor and a pair of three-way valves. Each three-way valve has a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is coupled to the compressor. The waste/feed manifold includes an exhaust port. The second port of each of the three-way valves is fluidly coupled to the exhaust port. The portable oxygen concentrator includes a first sieve bed and a second sieve bed. Each of the sieve beds is coupled to the third port of one of the three-way valves. The portable oxygen concentrator includes a product manifold according to the first example.

In further accordance with the foregoing first and/or second examples, an apparatus may further include any one or more of the following:.

In accordance with one example, the first solenoid valve assembly includes a first opening and a second opening and the body of the product manifold includes a first ramp and a second ramp. The first ramp being disposed on a first side of the first control port and the second ramp is disposed on a second side of the first control port. The first opening is adapted to receive the first ramp and the second opening is adapted to receive the second ramp to form the snap fit connector between the first solenoid valve assembly and the body of the product manifold.

In accordance with another example, the first ramp is a T-shaped ramp and the first opening is a T-shaped opening.

In accordance with another example, the first solenoid valve assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a first bracket. The first bracket includes the first opening and the second opening.

In accordance with another example, the first solenoid valve includes a housing that has a groove. A portion of the first bracket is disposed within the groove.

In accordance with another example, the first bracket is a U-shaped bracket. The first solenoid valve has a first side, a second side, and a third side. The portion of the U-shaped bracket is received within the groove and surrounds a portion of the first side, the second side, and the third side of the first solenoid valve.

In accordance with another example, the U-shaped bracket includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg defines the first opening and engages the first side of the first solenoid valve. The second leg defines the second opening and engages the second side of the first solenoid valve.

In accordance with another example, each of the first, second, and third solenoid valve assemblies is secured to the body of the product manifold adjacent to a corresponding one of the first, second, or third control ports by a corresponding snap fit connector.

In accordance with another example, the first solenoid valve assembly includes a first housing having an opening facing the first control port, a control element disposed within the first housing and shiftable between a first position and a second position relative to the first control port.

In accordance with another example, further including a control element guide having a bore and being disposed in the first housing. The control element is at least partially disposed within the bore of the control element guide.

In accordance with another example, the control element guide includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed adjacent the opening. Further including a biasing element that is disposed between the first portion of the control element guide and the body of the product manifold to bias the snap fit connector between the first solenoid valve assembly and the body of the product manifold.

In accordance with another example, the first portion of the control element guide forms a spring seat. The biasing element engages the spring seat.

In accordance with another example, further including a plug. The biasing element is disposed between the plug and the first portion of the control element guide.

In accordance with another example, the plug includes a collar and the first control port includes an inner surface. The collar includes a seal groove. Further including a seal that is disposed within the seal groove and is adapted to sealingly engage the inner surface of the first control port.

In accordance with another example, the body of the product manifold includes a first side, a second side, and a third side.

In accordance with another example, the first product port and the second product port extend from the first side of the body and the accumulator port and the output port extend from the second side of the body.

In accordance with another example, the first control port, the second control port, and the third control port are disposed along the third side of the body.

In accordance with another example, the snap fit connectors are formed between the solenoid valve assembly and the body of the product manifold.

In accordance with another example, the first solenoid valve assembly includes a first opening and a second opening and the product manifold includes a first ramp and a second ramp. The first ramp is disposed on a first side of the first control port and the second ramp is disposed on a second side of the first control port. The first opening is adapted to receive the first ramp and the second opening is adapted to receive the second ramp to form the snap fit connector between the first solenoid valve assembly and the body of the product manifold.

In accordance with another example, the first ramp is disposed on a first side of the control port and the second ramp is disposed on a second side of the control port. The first opening is defined by the solenoid valve assembly and the second opening is defined by the solenoid valve assembly.

Although the following text discloses a detailed description of example methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture, it should be understood that the legal scope of the property right is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. Accordingly, the following detailed description is to be construed as examples only and does not describe every possible example, as describing every possible example would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative examples could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. It is envisioned that such alternative examples would still fall within the scope of the claims.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a portable oxygen concentrator <NUM> assembled in accordance with a first disclosed example of the present invention. In accordance with the disclosed example, the portable oxygen concentrator <NUM> includes a compressor <NUM>, a waste/feed manifold <NUM>, first and second sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM>, a product manifold <NUM>, and an accumulator <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> is adapted to draw in ambient air, compress that air, and provide the compressed air to the waste/feed manifold <NUM>.

The waste/feed manifold <NUM> is adapted to receive the compressed air from the compressor <NUM> and provide the compressed ambient air to the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM>. The waste/feed manifold <NUM> is also adapted to receive nitrogen rich air from the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM> during a purge operation.

In the example shown, the waste/feed manifold <NUM> includes an inlet port <NUM>, a pair of three-way valves <NUM>, <NUM>, an exhaust port <NUM>, and a flow path <NUM>. The inlet port <NUM> of the waste/feed manifold <NUM> is coupled to the compressor <NUM>. Each of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> includes a first port <NUM>, a second port <NUM>, and a third port <NUM>. The first port <NUM> of each of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> of the waste/feed manifold <NUM> is coupled to the compressor <NUM> via the inlet port <NUM> and the flow path <NUM>. The second port <NUM> of each of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> of the waste/feed manifold <NUM> is coupled to the exhaust port <NUM> via the flow path <NUM>.

The first sieve bed <NUM> and the second sieve bed <NUM> are each coupled to the third port <NUM> of one the valves <NUM>, <NUM>. The sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to adsorb nitrogen from the pressurized ambient air received from the waste/feed manifold <NUM>, for example.

The product manifold <NUM> is adapted to receive oxygen-rich air from the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM> and to provide the oxygen-rich air to the accumulator <NUM> or to a patient. The product manifold <NUM> is also adapted to perform a purging operation where a portion of the oxygen-rich air is back flushed through the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM> to remove accumulated nitrogen within the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM>. The nitrogen removed from the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM> can thereafter be exhausted via the exhaust port <NUM> of the feed/waste manifold <NUM>.

In the example shown, the product manifold <NUM> includes a first product port <NUM>, a second product port <NUM>, an accumulator port <NUM>, an outlet port <NUM>, and a flow path <NUM>. The first product port <NUM> is coupled to the first sieve bed <NUM> and the second product port <NUM> is coupled to the second sieve bed <NUM>. The flow path <NUM> fluidly couples the first product port <NUM>, the second product port <NUM>, the accumulator port <NUM>, and the output port <NUM>.

The product manifold <NUM> also includes a body <NUM>, a first control port <NUM>, a second control port <NUM>, and a third control port <NUM>. The first, second, and third control ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> fluidly couple portions of the flow path <NUM>. In the example shown, the first control port <NUM> is an oxygen conserving device (OCD) port, the second control port <NUM> is a purge port, and the third control port <NUM> is an equalization port. However, the arrangement of the control ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be changed. Further, a different number of control ports (e.g., <NUM> control port, <NUM> control ports, <NUM> control ports) may be provided.

The product manifold <NUM> includes a first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, a second solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, and a third solenoid valve assembly <NUM>. Each of the first, second, and third solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is secured to the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> by a snap fit connector <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, each solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is secured to the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> adjacent to a corresponding one of the first, second, or third control ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by the corresponding snap fit connector <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to control fluid flow through the respective control ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The snap fit connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are formed between the solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>. The body <NUM> has a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, and a third side <NUM>. In the example shown, the first product port <NUM> and the second product port <NUM> extend from the first side <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the accumulator port <NUM> and the output port <NUM> extend from the second side <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Additionally, in the example shown, the first control port <NUM>, the second control port <NUM>, and the third control port <NUM> are disposed along the third side <NUM> of the body <NUM>. However, in other examples, the one or more of the ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged differently. For example, all of the ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned on one side of the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>. Alternatively, one or more of the ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned on any one of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or different sides of the body <NUM>.

The product manifold <NUM> also includes a first check valve <NUM> and a second check valve <NUM>. The first check valve <NUM> is associated with receiving air from the first sieve bed <NUM> and the second check valve <NUM> is associated with receiving air from the second sieve bed <NUM>. The check valves <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to allow the flow of oxygen-rich air from the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM> toward the accumulator <NUM> or the first control port <NUM>. Specifically, to allow the oxygen-rich air received from the sieve beds <NUM> and/or <NUM> to flow out of the outlet port <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>, the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> moves to the open position to allow the oxygen-rich air to flow through an OCD orifice <NUM>, the first control port <NUM>, and out of the outlet port <NUM> toward, for example, a patient.

The product manifold <NUM> also includes a third check valve <NUM> and a fourth check valve <NUM>. The third check valve <NUM> is associated with flowing air toward the first sieve bed <NUM> during a purge operation and the fourth check valve <NUM> is associated with flowing air toward the second sieve bed <NUM> during a purge operation. Specifically, during a purge operation, the second solenoid valve assembly <NUM> moves to an open position and allows the oxygen rich air to back flow through a purge orifice <NUM>, through the second control port <NUM>, through the third and fourth check valves <NUM>, <NUM> and toward the sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the example shown, to perform an equalization operation between the first and second sieve beds <NUM>, <NUM>, the third solenoid valve assembly <NUM> moves to the open position to allow air to flow between the first sieve bed <NUM> and the second sieve bed <NUM> and through an equalization orifice <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric partially expanded view of a specific example of the product manifold <NUM> of the portable oxygen concentrator <NUM> of <FIG>; <FIG> illustrates a detailed view of the first control port <NUM>, the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> and the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first, second, and third solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the snap fit connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> formed between the solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>; and <FIG> illustrates an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, the first control port <NUM>, and the snap fit connector <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> includes a first ramp <NUM> and a second ramp <NUM>. In the example shown, the first ramp <NUM> is disposed on a first side <NUM> of the first control port <NUM> and the second ramp <NUM> is disposed on a second side <NUM> of the first control port <NUM>. To form the snap fit connector <NUM> between the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>, the first opening <NUM> is adapted to receive the first ramp <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> is adapted to receive the second ramp <NUM>. The first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> are T-shaped and the first and second ramps <NUM>, <NUM> are T-shaped. However, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> and the ramps <NUM>, <NUM> may have any corresponding shape. For example, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> may have a rectangular shape and the ramps <NUM>, <NUM> may have a corresponding rectangular shape.

The second and third solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> also have openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> includes additional pairs of ramps <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The ramps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed adjacent the corresponding second control port <NUM> and the third control port <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the second solenoid valve assembly <NUM> are adapted to receive the ramps <NUM>, <NUM> adjacent the second control port <NUM> and the openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the third solenoid valve assembly <NUM> are adapted to receive the ramps <NUM>, <NUM> adjacent the third control port <NUM>.

In the example shown, the first solenoid assembly <NUM> includes a first solenoid valve <NUM> and a first bracket <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> includes the openings <NUM>, <NUM>. The first solenoid valve <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> defines a groove <NUM>. A portion <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM> is disposed within the groove <NUM>.

In the example shown, the first bracket <NUM> is a U-shaped bracket and the first solenoid valve <NUM> includes a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, and a third side <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM> is received within the groove <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and surrounds a portion <NUM> of the first, second, and third sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first bracket <NUM> includes a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> defines the first opening <NUM> and is shown engaging the first side <NUM> of the first solenoid valve <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> defines the second opening <NUM> and is shown engaging the second side <NUM> of the first solenoid valve <NUM>. While the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> is shown including the first bracket <NUM> to secure the first solenoid valve <NUM> to the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>, the first solenoid valve <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM> in different ways. For example, instead of including a U-shaped bracket, legs defining the openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to and extend from the housing <NUM> of the first solenoid valve <NUM>.

While the above description discloses details of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, the second and third solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may have similar or the same structure. For example, the second and third solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> include brackets <NUM>, <NUM> defining the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that surround corresponding solenoid valves <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a detailed view of the first opening <NUM> and the first ramp <NUM> are illustrated. In the example shown, the first opening <NUM> includes a first opening portion <NUM> and a second opening portion <NUM> and the first ramp <NUM> includes a first ramp portion <NUM> and a second ramp portion <NUM>. The first opening portion <NUM> is contiguous with the second opening portion <NUM> and forms a T-shaped opening. The first ramp portion <NUM> begins at or adjacent to an edge <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> and tapers outwardly toward the second ramp portion <NUM>. The first ramp portion <NUM> is contiguous with the second ramp portion <NUM>. The second ramp portion <NUM> includes a rounded surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. The rounded surface <NUM> and/or the first ramp portion <NUM> may be adapted to easily expand the first bracket <NUM> with less force being applied (e.g., reduces friction). The rear surface <NUM> and an adjacent surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> form a locking step.

When the first bracket <NUM> is urged onto the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM> and over the first and second ramps <NUM>, <NUM>, the first ramp <NUM> is received by the first opening <NUM> after an edge <NUM> forming the second opening portion <NUM> passes the rear surface <NUM> of the first ramp <NUM>. Thus, in an example, the first bracket <NUM> is elastically deformable to allow the legs <NUM>, <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM> to extend outwardly prior to the openings <NUM>, <NUM> receiving the ramps <NUM>, <NUM> and forming the snap fit connection <NUM>. In the example shown, an inward facing surface <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM> is rounded. The inward facing surface <NUM> is adapted to reduce an amount of friction encountered when the first bracket <NUM> is being urged onto the first and second ramps <NUM>, <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> may be made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material. As an example, the first bracket <NUM> may be formed of 430F stainless steel with a <NUM>-gage size. However, other materials and/or other thicknesses may be used instead.

Referring to <FIG> with reference to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> faces the first control port <NUM>. A control element <NUM> is disposed within the housing <NUM>. The control element <NUM> is shiftable between a first position and a second position relative to the first control port <NUM>. In an example, in the first position, the control element <NUM> seats against the first control port <NUM> and prevents fluid flow out of the outlet port <NUM> (See, <FIG>), and, in the second position, the control element <NUM> is spaced from the first control port <NUM> and allows fluid flow out of the outlet port <NUM> (See, <FIG>).

A control element guide <NUM> is disposed within the housing <NUM> of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>. The control element guide <NUM> has a bore <NUM>. The control element <NUM> is received within the bore <NUM>. An interaction between the control element guide <NUM> and the control element <NUM> at least partially guides the movement of the control element <NUM> relative to, for example, the first control port <NUM>.

In the example shown, the control element guide <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is disposed adjacent the opening <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the control element guide <NUM> engages an end <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM>. Thus, in this example, the first bracket <NUM> forms a bottom surface of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, in another example, the housing <NUM> of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> may include a bottom surface against which the second portion <NUM> of the control element guide <NUM> engages.

A biasing element <NUM> is disposed between the first portion <NUM> of the control element guide <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> may be one or more wave springs. However, other springs such as a helical compression spring may be used instead. The biasing element <NUM> urges the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> in a direction generally indicated by arrow <NUM> and, thus, biases the snap fit connector <NUM> between the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the product manifold <NUM>. Specifically, the biasing element <NUM> urges the edges <NUM> defining the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> into engagement with the rear surface <NUM> of the first and second ramps <NUM>, <NUM>. In an example, the biasing element <NUM> is adapted to support the first bracket <NUM> and is adapted to accommodate for stack-up tolerances in the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, the body of the manifold <NUM>, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> of the control element guide <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> that forms a spring seat <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> is positioned within and engages the spring seat <NUM>. A plug <NUM> is positioned between the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> is positioned between the plug <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the control element guide <NUM>. The position of the biasing element <NUM> relative to the plug <NUM> allows for the biasing element <NUM> to urge the plug <NUM> against the edge <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The plug <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> and a collar <NUM> including a first collar portion <NUM> and a second collar portion <NUM>. The flange <NUM> slidably engages inner surfaces <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM>. The first collar portion <NUM> is adapted to be received within the spring seat <NUM> and/or to engage the biasing element <NUM>. The second collar portion <NUM> extends into a portion <NUM> of the first control port <NUM> including an inner surface <NUM>. In the example shown, the second collar portion <NUM> includes a seal groove <NUM>. A seal <NUM> is disposed within the seal groove <NUM> and is adapted to sealingly engage the inner surface <NUM> of the first control port <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may be an O-ring.

While the above description discloses structure of the first solenoid valve assembly <NUM>, the first control port <NUM>, and the first snap fit connector <NUM>, the structure of the second and third solenoid valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, the second and third control ports <NUM>, <NUM> and the second and third snap fit connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be the same or similar.

Claim 1:
A product manifold (<NUM>) for use with a portable oxygen concentrator (<NUM>),
the product manifold (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a first product port (<NUM>), a second product port (<NUM>), an accumulator port (<NUM>), and an output port (<NUM>);
a flow path (<NUM>) fluidly coupling the first product port (<NUM>), the second product port (<NUM>), the accumulator port (<NUM>), and the output port (<NUM>);
a first control port (<NUM>), a second control port (<NUM>), and a third control port (<NUM>) fluidly coupling the flow path (<NUM>); and
a first solenoid valve assembly (<NUM>), a second solenoid valve assembly (<NUM>), and a third solenoid valve assembly (<NUM>);
characterized in that:
the first, second, and third solenoid valve assemblies (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>) are secured to the body (<NUM>) of the product manifold (<NUM>) adjacent the first, second, and third control ports (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), respectively, by a corresponding snap fit connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein
the first solenoid valve assembly (<NUM>) comprises a first housing (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>) facing the first control port (<NUM>), a control element (<NUM>) being disposed within the first housing (<NUM>), the control element (<NUM>) being shiftable between a first position and a second position relative to the first control port (<NUM>), and
the product manifold (<NUM>) comprises a biasing element (<NUM>) and a control element guide (<NUM>) having a bore (<NUM>) and being disposed in the first housing (<NUM>), the control element (<NUM>) being at least partially disposed within the bore (<NUM>) of the control element guide (<NUM>),
wherein the control element guide (<NUM>) includes a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>), the first portion (<NUM>) disposed adjacent the opening (<NUM>), the biasing element (<NUM>) disposed between the first portion (<NUM>) of the control element guide (<NUM>) and the body (<NUM>) of the product manifold (<NUM>) to bias the snap fit connector between the first solenoid valve assembly (<NUM>) and the body (<NUM>) of the product manifold (<NUM>).