Flow Bypass Manifold Including Drain

Abstract

A flow bypass manifold including a drain comprising a fixed portion and an attachment portion for removable connection with the fixed portion. The fixed portion, fixedly installed into a fluidic system, defines a flow path and comprises inlet and outlet ports, a drain port, a bypass valve disposed in the flow path, a bypass outlet tube proximate the inlet port, and a bypass inlet tube proximate the outlet port. Two attachment tubes can be coupled to at least one flow-through series component and attached to the bypass outlet and inlet tubes to form an alternate flow path through the at least one flow-through, series component upon manipulation of the bypass valve to close the flow path through the fixed portion and divert the fluid to flow through the flow-through series component. This addition of a series component is accomplished without disassembling and/or reassembling the fluidic system or interrupting fluid flow.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a continuous flow bypass manifold, and more specifically, to a device that allows adding and removing flow-through components into a fluid circuit without interrupting the fluid circuit's fluid flow.

2. Background

It is sometimes necessary to add or remove a flow-through component or components in series with a fluidic system. However, it may be undesirable that the flow-through component or components remain as a fixed part of the fluidic system. Many such flow-through series components are unable to endure the normal operating environment of the fluidic system for an extended period of time, and therefore, it is necessary to remove such components from the fluidic system following their use. Examples of such flow-through series components include particle counters, temperature gages, pressure gages, fluid filters, and flow meters, among other components.

In the past, the installation or removal of a flow-through series component from a fluidic system would require a disruption of the flow of the fluidic system for a period of time so that the fluidic system could be disassembled, the component could be installed or removed, and the fluid system could be reassembled. Also, the fluidic system may be required to be drained, fluid from the system could be lost, and contaminants could gain ingress into the system.

Thus, it would be advantageous to be able to add or remove flow-through series components in a fluidic system.

It would further be advantageous to be able to add or remove flow-through series components in a fluidic system without disassembling and/or reassembling the fluidic system.

Additionally, it would be advantageous to be able to add or remove flow-through series components in a fluid circuit without disrupting or being forced to discontinue the fluid flow through the fluidic system for a period of time.

It would further be advantageous to be able to add or remove flow-through series components in a fluidic system without the loss of any fluid from the system.

It would also be advantageous to be able to add or remove flow-through series components in a fluidic system by a controlled method that would prevent the ingress of any contaminants into the fluid.

It would also be advantageous to be able to install flow-through series components in a fluidic system in such a way as to prevent removal of the flow-through series components without returning the flow path to normal state.

A device capable of achieving these advantages must also be of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which would also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of such a device, it should also be of relatively inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of such a device be achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a flow bypass manifold coupled, in series, with a fluidic system containing a fluid. The flow bypass manifold includes a valve housing defining a main flow path between an inlet port and outlet port. The valve housing also defines a first bypass port proximate the inlet port and a second bypass port proximate the outlet port. A bypass apparatus is selectively coupled to the valve housing and is in selective fluid communication with the inlet port and outlet port via the first and second bypass ports. A drain port is defined in the valve housing and is in selective fluid communication with each of the first and second bypass ports. A bypass valve is operatively coupled to the valve housing and disposed in the main flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The bypass valve is configured to one of two states, state one wherein the fluid passes directly through the main flow path, and state two wherein the fluid passes through the first bypass port and second bypass port. With the bypass valve in state one the main flow path passes fluid and fluid passes from the first and second bypass ports to the drain port. With the bypass valve in state two the main flow path does not pass fluid, the drain port is closed, and the fluid passes into the first and second bypass ports. An interlock mechanism is coupled to the bypass valve and the bypass apparatus with the interlock mechanism configured to prevent the bypass apparatus from being decoupled from the valve housing when the bypass valve is in state two. The flow bypass manifold is configured so that the coupling and decoupling of the bypass apparatus, such as a flow meter, does not interrupt flow of the fluid in the fluidic system.

There is also provided a method of placing a flow-through component in series with a fluidic system having a fluid flowing through the fluidic system. The flow-through component includes a fixed portion. The method includes the steps of installing the fixed portion in series with the fluidic system. The fixed portion includes a valve housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port that defines a main flow path therebetween. A bypass valve is located in the valve housing intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port. A bypass outlet tube is located in the valve housing proximate the inlet port with the bypass outlet tube in selective fluid communication with the inlet port. A bypass inlet tube is located in the valve housing proximate the outlet port with the bypass inlet in selective fluid communication with the outlet port. A drain port is defined in the valve housing and is in selective fluid communication with each of the bypass outlet tube and bypass inlet tube. The method further includes a step of providing an attachment portion. The attachment portion defines an alternate flow path and includes a first attachment tube, a second attachment tube, and at least one flow-through series component. The attachment portion is coupled to the fixed portion by coupling the first attachment tube to the bypass outlet tube and coupling the second attachment tube to the bypass inlet tube. The bypass valve is manipulated to configure the bypass valve in a state two, wherein the main flow path is closed and the fluid is directed to flow through the alternate flow path defined by the bypass inlet and outlet tubes. An interlock mechanism is provided and is integrally formed in the valve housing proximate the bypass valve. The interlock mechanism prevents the bypass valve from being configured in state two when the attachment portion is not attached to the fixed portion. The interlock mechanism is configured to allow the attachment portion to decouple from the valve housing when the bypass valve is in a state one wherein the fluid passes directly through the main flow path, and the bypass outlet and inlet tubes are in fluid communication with the drain port. With the bypass valve in state two, the fluid is directed to the alternate flow path through the first and second bypass tubes and the drain port is not in fluid communication with the bypass outlet and inlet tubes and the flow of the fluid is not interrupted by any of the steps of the above-described method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the continuous flow bypass manifold are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a continuous flow bypass manifold;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of a valve lever handle configured to engage a valve stem in the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 with the valve housing removed to show the apparatus in a configuration with the bypass valve in state one, normally open;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 with the valve housing removed to show the apparatus in a configuration with the bypass valve in state two, normally closed;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 with the valve housing shown in partial cross-section to illustrate the flow of fluid when the bypass valve is in state one, as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a detailed sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 with the valve housing shown in partial cross-section to illustrate the flow of fluid when the bypass valve is in state two, as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a detailed sectional view along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8 of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 8;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 with the valve housing shown in partial cross-section to illustrate removal of the attachment portion; and

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the continuous flow bypass manifold shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 with the valve housing shown in partial cross-section to illustrate the device after removal of the attachment portion.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a flow bypass manifold having a drain and including a pair of 2-position/4-way valves comprising a bypass valve.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a flow bypass manifold having a drain and including a 2-position/5-way bypass valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of a continuous flow bypass manifold 100 including a drain is illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment the continuous flow bypass manifold is formed from aluminum, however it is envisioned that the continuous flow bypass manifold could be formed from any metal suitable for the intended use, including but not limited to aluminum, steel, ductile iron, or combinations thereof, as well as plastics, composites, and other suitable materials. These materials are mentioned only as examples and are not meant to limit the invention, as various other materials are envisioned as well. The intended use of the flow bypass manifold 100 will govern the specific material used in its composition.

As will be further described below, an embodiment of a continuous flow bypass manifold 100 including a drain 109 is configured to facilitate insertion and removal of at least one flow-through component in series with a fluidic system without interrupting the fluid flow within the system. Providing a drain port 109 in the manifold 100 minimizes the connection force needed to insert and remove the flow-through component 154 by making the connection force independent of the fluid pressure in the fluidic system 50.

An embodiment of a continuous flow bypass manifold 100 contains a portion that is fixedly installed in a fluidic system, as well as a portion containing the at least one flow-through series component that can be removable attached to the fixed portion. Once the flow-through series component portion is attached, flow in the fluidic system is diverted from its normal operating flow path through the fixedly installed portion and is instead selectively directed through the at least one flow-through series component portion before being returned to the fluidic system. Once the at least one flow-through series component is no longer needed as part of the fluidic system, flow is once again directed back into the original flow path through the fixedly installed portion and the portion containing the at least one flow-through series component is removed. This entire process is performed without disassembling and reassembling the fluidic system. It is also accomplished without any fluid loss from the system, without interrupting the fluid flow, and without allowing any unwanted contaminants to be introduced into the fluidic system.

A fluid, for example, could be a liquid, gas, slurry, suspension, colloid, mixture, colloidal suspension, or any other material with fluidic flow properties. This list is not exhaustive and is given merely as an example. Other suitable fluids are contemplated.

Exemplary flow-through series components include particle counters, temperature gages, pressure gages, filter elements, and flow meters, among other components. Many other components are envisioned, including any components that for any reason it would be undesirable to permanently install in the fluid system.

In FIG. 1 an embodiment of the flow bypass manifold 100 comprises a fixed portion 102 and an attachment portion 104.

Fixed Portion

The fixed portion 102 is fixedly installed as a component of the fluidic system and comprises a valve housing 106. The valve housing 106 defines a flow path from an inlet port 108 to an outlet port 110. During normal operation of the fluidic system, fluid from the fluidic system enters the valve housing 106 through the inlet port 108, passes through the flow path defined by the valve housing 106 and exits the valve housing 106 through the outlet port 110, reentering the fluidic system.

In one embodiment, the fixed portion 102 further comprises a bypass outlet tube 112 also referred to as a bypass outlet port proximate the inlet port 108. The bypass outlet tube 112 is operably coupled to the valve housing 106, and is in selective fluid communication with the main flow path 60. In one embodiment, the bypass outlet tube 112 is coupled to a first mating connector 113 also referred to as a quick connect coupler. The first mating connector 113 comprises a self-closing valve, meaning that when the first mating connector 113 is coupled to the bypass outlet tube 112 but is not coupled to another component distal from the bypass outlet tube 112, the first mating connector 113 remains in a normally closed configuration, preventing fluid from flowing out of the end of the first mating connector 113 distal from the bypass outlet tube 112. In one embodiment the first mating connector 113 is a male quick disconnect coupling, such as an ISO 16028 generic industry standard type coupling produced, for example by Snap-tite, Inc., although other suitable types of quick disconnect couplings are envisioned.

In one embodiment, the fixed portion 102 further comprises a bypass inlet tube 114 also referred to as a bypass inlet port proximate the outlet port 110. The bypass inlet tube 114 is operably coupled to the valve housing 106, and is in selective fluid communication with the main flow path 60. In one embodiment, the bypass inlet tube 114 is coupled to a second mating connector 115 also referred to as a quick-connect coupler. The second mating connector 115 comprises a self-closing valve, meaning that when the second mating connector 115 is coupled to the bypass inlet tube 114 but is not coupled to another component distal from the bypass inlet tube 114, the second mating connector 115 remains in a normally closed configuration, preventing fluid from flowing out of the end of the second mating connector 115 distal from the bypass inlet tube 114. In one embodiment the second mating connector 115 is a male quick disconnect coupling, such as an ISO 16028 generic industry standard type coupling produced, for example by Snap-tite, Inc., although other suitable types of quick disconnect couplings are envisioned.

As disclosed herein, the mating connector 113, 115, 130, and 132 may be quick disconnect couplings that typically include an internal spring to bias the coupling closed. Fluid pressure in the manifold 100 exerts a force on the quick disconnect coupling that must be overcome to properly operate the coupling. The addition of a drain port 109 in the manifold 100 allows the draining of fluid from the back sides of the quick disconnect couplings to relieve the fluid pressure, so that the only force that needs to be overcome in operation of the coupling is the internal spring within the coupling. It is also noted that with the drain port 109 allowing the reduction of fluid pressure in the manifold 100, other types of couplings or connectors that do not self-seal can be used with the manifold 100.

As is best illustrated in FIG. 2, the valve housing 106 further comprises a bypass valve 116. The bypass valve 116 is disposed within the fluid main flow path 60 between the inlet port 108 and the outlet port 110. In one embodiment the bypass valve 116 is a ball valve. In another embodiment the bypass valve is a flapper valve. Other suitable types of valves are contemplated, for example, a pair of 2-position/4-way valves 160 (See FIG. 12) and a 2-position/5-way valve 162 (See FIG. 13). A valve stem 118, configured to manipulate the bypass valve 116, engages the top of the bypass valve 116.

An actuator 117, for example a handle 136, is coupled to the valve stem 118 and is configured to articulate the bypass valve 116. Other types of actuator 117 can be coupled to the valve stem 118 with suitable and conventional linkages, power source and controls an electric motor or a fluid cylinder, such as a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder. It is also contemplated that the actuator 117 can be controlled remotely with appropriate hard-wire connections or wirelessly with a radio, audio or light signal.

The valve housing 106 further comprises a recessed aperture 120 through which access to the valve stem 118 is gained. The recessed aperture 120 has a key slot 122, which will be described further below. The combination of the recessed aperture 120 and the key slot 122, along with portions of the attachment portion which will be described further below, serve to function as an interlock mechanism 119, to prevent the bypass valve 116 from being configured into a state two also referred to as a closed configuration when the attachment portion 104 is not attached, as well as to prevent the attachment portion 104 from being decoupled from the fixed portion 102 when the bypass valve 116 is in a state one also referred to as an open configuration.

The valve housing 106 further defines a drain port 109, with the drain port 109 in selective fluid communication with each of the first bypass port 112 and the second bypass port 114. In operation, when the bypass valve 116 is in state one the main flow path 60 in the valve housing 106 passes fluid and any fluid in the first bypass port 112 and second bypass port 114 passes to the drain port 109. When the bypass valve 116 is in state two, the drain port 109 is typically closed.

Attachment Portion

Returning to FIG. 1, in one embodiment the attachment portion 104 includes a first attachment tube 124 and a second attachment tube 126 coupled together by a body sleeve 128. The body sleeve 128 maintains the first and second attachment tubes 124, 126 in a substantially spaced apart, parallel arrangement such that the first and second attachment tubes 124, 126 can be respectively simultaneously aligned with the bypass outlet tube 112 and the bypass inlet tube 114. Coupled to the first attachment tube 124 is a third mating connector 130 also referred to as a quick-connect coupler configured for engagement with the first mating connector 113 of the fixed portion 102. Coupled to the second attachment tube 126 is a fourth mating connector 132 also referred to as a quick-connect coupler configured for engagement with the second mating connector 115 of the fixed portion 102. At least one flow-through series component can be coupled to the first and second attachment tubes 124, 126 distal from the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 creating an alternate flow path from the first attachment tube 124, through the at least one flow-through series component, and to the second attachment tube 126.

In one embodiment the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 are standard female quick disconnect valves, although other suitable types of mating connectors are envisioned. The third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 may also comprise self-closing valves. The third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 are configured such that when the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 are coupled to other suitable mating connectors or other suitable components, the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 can be released from their coupling with these other components by applying a force to the outside of the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 in an axial direction away from the attached other components causing the outer body of the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 to slidingly retract and thereby release the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 from their mating engagement with these other suitable components.

A band sleeve 134 surrounds both the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132, such that by applying a force on the band sleeve 134, one could force the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 to slidingly retract simultaneously, thereby releasing the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 from their coupling to other suitable components simultaneously.

It is also contemplated that the configuration of the male quick disconnect couplings of the fixed portion 102 and the female quick disconnect valves of the attachment portion 104 could be reversed.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the attachment portion further comprises a valve lever handle 136. The valve lever handle 136 has an upper retaining ring 138 and a lower retaining ring 140. The valve lever handle 136 is slidingly retained within the body sleeve 128 and the band sleeve 134, with the upper retaining ring 138 configured above the body sleeve 128 and the lower retaining ring 140 configured below the band sleeve 134. The valve lever handle 136 is slidingly displaceable relative to the body sleeve 128 and the band sleeve 134 between a lower surface of the upper retaining ring 138 contacting the body sleeve 128 and an upper surface of the lower retaining ring 140 contacting band sleeve 134 as the valve lever handle 136 is slidingly displaced.

Operation to Connect Attachment Portion to Fixed Portion

FIG. 3 illustrates the interaction between the bypass valve 116, the valve stem 118, and the valve lever handle 136. The valve stem 118 is in keyed interaction with the bypass valve 116. By turning the valve stem 118, either manually or by an actuator 117 the bypass valve 116 may be selectively moved to one of two states, state one wherein the fluid passes directly through the main flow path 60 and state two wherein the fluid passes through the first bypass port 112 and second bypass port 114 and vice versa. The valve stem 118 includes a square protrusion 142 coupled to a radially extending flange 144. The valve lever handle 136 includes an associated corresponding square aperture 146 which fits over and around the square protrusion 142 of the valve stem 118 thereby operatively coupling the valve stem 118, and therefore the bypass valve 116, with the valve lever handle 136. The valve lever handle 136 also includes diametrically positioned lug keys 148.

In FIG. 4, the bypass valve 116 is configured in state one, allowing fluid to pass through the bypass valve 116 and the fluid path. In FIG. 5, the valve lever handle 136 has been rotated ninety degrees, which, because of the valve lever handle's 136 interaction with the square protrusion 142 (shown in dotted lines) of the valve stem 118, results in the valve stem 118 and, therefore the bypass valve 116, being similarly rotated ninety degrees. This results in the bypass valve 116 being configured in the state two configuration.

FIGS. 6-12 show an embodiment of a continuous flow bypass manifold from attachment to removal. FIG. 6 shows fluid flowing in the main flow path from the fluidic system through the inlet port 108, through the valve housing 106, through the outlet port 110, and back into the fluidic system.

In FIG. 6 the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 of the attachment portion 104 are coupled to the first and second mating connectors 113, 115 of the fixed portion 102 respectively. By coupling the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 to the first and second mating connectors 113, 115, the first and second mating connectors 113, 115 are thereby configured in an open configuration by this connection. In this open configuration fluid may now pass through and out of the first and second mating connectors 113, 115. Therefore, the attachment portion 104 is placed in fluid communication with the flow path by this coupling.

An interlock mechanism 119 prevents the attachment portion, also referred to as a bypass apparatus 104, from being decoupled from the fixed portion 102. The valve lever handle 136 is inserted into the recessed aperture 120 in the top surface of the valve housing 106. As is best illustrated in FIG. 7, the recessed aperture 120 in the valve housing 106 has indentations 150 so that lug keys 148 of the valve lever handle 136 may pass into the recessed aperture 120, when properly aligned with indentations 150. The associated corresponding square aperture 146 is thereby allowed to engage the square protrusion 142 of the valve stem 118.

The recessed aperture 120 also defines a key slot 122. The key slot 122 is an undercut projecting radially outward from the recessed aperture 120, and defining a lip 152. When the valve lever handle 136 is turned, as in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the lug keys 148 on the valve lever handle 136 are turned, the lug keys 148 enter the key slot 122 underneath the lip 152, thereby preventing the lug keys 148 and consequently the valve lever handle 136 from being vertically displaced while the valve lever handle 136 is in the turned configuration as in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The second function of the interlock, as well as the manipulation of the bypass valve 116, are illustrated in FIG. 8. When the valve lever handle 136 is inserted and the associated corresponding square aperture 146 engages the square protrusion 146 of the valve stem 118, the valve lever handle 136 is then rotated ninety degrees resulting in the lug keys 148 entering the key slot 122 and the bypass valve 116 being turned ninety degrees to the state two configuration. As is illustrated in FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the continuous flow bypass manifold, the valve lever handle 136 cannot be removed from engagement with the valve stem 118 when the bypass valve 116 is in the state two configuration, as removal of the valve lever handle 136 is prevented by the lug keys 148 engagement with the key slot 122.

Once the valve lever handle 136 is rotated ninety degrees moving the bypass valve 116 from state one to state two, fluid in flow path is no longer able to follow the flow path between inlet port 108 and outlet port 110. Fluid is instead diverted to an alternate pathway through bypass outlet tube 112, through first attachment tube 124, through at least one flow-through component 154, through second attachment tube 126, through bypass inlet tube 114, and back into the fluidic system through outlet port 110. Therefore, the at least one flow-through component 154 has been placed in series with the fluidic system without disassembling and reassembling the system. As long as the at least one flow-through component 154 is in series with the fluidic system, the attachment portion 104 cannot be removed using the valve lever handle 136.

Components that must be placed in series with a fluidic system, but are preferably added to the system only temporarily, can be added without interrupting fluid flow in the fluidic system, without introducing contaminants to the fluidic system, and without disassembling and reassembling even a portion of the fluidic system in this manner.

Operation to Remove Attachment Portion from Fixed Portion

FIG. 10 illustrates removal of the attachment portion 104. The valve lever handle 136 is rotated ninety degrees to position the bypass valve 116 in state one and align the lug keys 148 with the indentations 150 (not shown) of the recessed aperture 120. Fluid flow is no longer diverted by the bypass valve 116 and therefore returns to the flow path defined by the valve housing 106. A force is applied to the valve lever handle 136 in a direction away from the valve housing 106.

As the valve lever handle 136 pulls away from the valve housing 106, the lower retaining ring 140 engages the band sleeve 134, urging the band sleeve 134 in a direction away from the valve housing 106. The band sleeve 134 is in operative engagement with the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132. Therefore, the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 are urged slidingly upward allowing the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 to disengage from the first and second mating connectors 113, 115. The third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132 are thereby allowed to detach from first and second mating connectors 113, 115 with the continued application of force away from the valve housing 106, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The first and second mating connectors 113, 115 are again configured in a closed configuration by the uncoupling of the third and fourth mating connectors 130, 132.

The flow bypass manifold allows addition or removal of a flow-through series component.

The drain port makes the connection force entirely independent of the fluid pressure in the system.

The flow bypass manifold with a pressure relief drain port provides flexibility in selection of mating couplers that can be integrated into the series device.

The flow bypass manifold allows addition or removal of flow-through series components to or from a fluidic system without disassembling and/or reassembling the fluidic system.

Further, the flow bypass manifold allows addition or removal of flow-through series components to or from a fluidic system without disrupting or being forced to discontinue the fluid flow through the fluidic system for a period of time.

The flow bypass manifold also allows addition or removal of flow-through series components to or from a fluidic system without the loss of any fluid from the system.

The flow bypass manifold also allows addition or removal of flow-through series components to or from a fluidic system by a controlled method that would prevent the ingress of any contaminants into the fluid.

The flow bypass manifold also allows addition or removal of flow-through, series components to or from a fluidic system in such a way as to prevent removal of the flow-through, series components without returning the flow path to state one, the normally open state.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or the two components and any additional member being attached to one another. Such adjoining may be permanent in nature or alternatively be removable or releasable in nature.

The continuous flow bypass manifold is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The continuous flow bypass manifold is also of relatively inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, the continuous flow bypass manifold achieves all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage. While at least one flow-through series component has been described as attached to the attachment tubes, it is also contemplated that multiple flow-through series components could be added in series or in parallel with each other in place of the at least one flow-through series component in the system described.

Although the foregoing description of the continuous flow bypass manifold and method has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof; it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the continuous flow bypass manifold and method. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the continuous flow bypass manifold and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the continuous flow bypass manifold in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the continuous flow bypass manifold and method as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A flow bypass manifold coupled, in series, with a fluidic system containing a fluid, the flow bypass manifold comprising: a valve housing defining a main flow path between an inlet port and an outlet port, and defining a first bypass port proximate the inlet port and a second bypass port proximate the outlet port;a bypass apparatus selectively coupled to the valve housing and in selective fluid communication with the inlet port and outlet port via the first and second bypass ports;a drain port defined in the valve housing and in selective fluid communication with each of the first and second bypass ports;a bypass valve operatively coupled to the valve housing and disposed in the main flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the bypass valve configured to one of two states, state one wherein the fluid passes directly through the main flow path, and state two wherein the fluid passes through the first bypass port and second bypass port,wherein with the bypass valve in state one the main flow path passes fluid and fluid passes from the first and second bypass ports to the drain port,wherein with the bypass valve in state two the main flow path does not pass fluid, the drain port is closed, and fluid passes into the first and second bypass ports; andan interlock mechanism coupled to the bypass valve and the bypass apparatus with the interlock mechanism configured to prevent the bypass apparatus from being decoupled from the valve housing when the bypass valve is in state two,wherein the coupling and decoupling of the bypass apparatus does not interrupt flow of the fluid in the fluidic system.

2. The flow bypass manifold of claim 1, further comprising a flow-through series component coupled to said bypass apparatus.

3. The flow bypass manifold of claim 2, wherein the component is a flow meter.

4. The flow bypass manifold of claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled to the bypass valve and configured to selectively position the bypass valve in one of state one and state two.

5. The flow bypass manifold of claim 4, wherein the actuator is one of an electric motor, a fluid cylinder, and a handle.

6. The flow bypass manifold of claim 1, further comprising at least one quick-connect coupler releasably coupled to each of the first and second bypass ports and in fluid communication with the main flow path.

7. The flow bypass manifold of claim 6, wherein the quick-connect coupler is one of a male and female coupler.

8. The flow bypass manifold of claim 1, wherein the bypass valve is composed of two 2-position/4-way valves, with one of such valves coupled to the input port and first bypass port, and the other such valve coupled to the output port and the second bypass port.

9. The flow bypass manifold of claim 1, wherein the bypass valve is a 2-position/5-way valve.

10. The flow bypass manifold of claim 1, wherein the bypass valve is a ball valve.

11. A method of placing a flow-through component in series with a fluidic system having a fluid flowing through the fluidic system, the flow-through component including a fixed portion, the method comprising: installing the fixed portion in series with the fluidic system, the fixed portion comprising: a valve housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port that define a main flow path therebetween;a bypass valve located in the valve housing intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port;a bypass outlet tube located in the valve housing proximate the inlet port, the bypass outlet tube in selective fluid communication with the inlet port;a bypass inlet tube located in the valve housing proximate the outlet port, the bypass inlet in selective fluid communication with the outlet port; anda drain port defined in the valve housing and in selective fluid communication with each of the bypass outlet tube and bypass inlet tube;providing an attachment portion; said attachment portion defining an alternate flow path and comprising:a first attachment tube;a second attachment tube;at least one flow-through series component;coupling the attachment portion to the fixed portion by coupling the first attachment tube to the bypass outlet tube and coupling the second attachment tube to the bypass inlet tube;manipulating the bypass valve to configure the bypass valve in a state two, wherein the main flow path is closed, and the fluid is directed to flow through the alternate flow path defined by the bypass inlet and outlet tubes; andproviding an interlock mechanism integrally formed in said valve housing proximate said bypass valve;wherein the interlock mechanism prevents the bypass valve from being configured in state two configuration when the attachment portion is not attached to the fixed portion;wherein the interlock mechanism is configured to allow the attachment portion to decouple from the valve housing when the bypass valve is in a state one wherein the fluid passes directly through the main flow path, and the bypass outlet and inlet tubes are in fluid communication with the drain port; wherein with the bypass valve in state two, the fluid is directed to the alternate flow path through the first and second bypass tubes and the drain port is not in fluid communication with the bypass outlet and inlet tubes; and wherein flow of the fluid is not interrupted by any step of the method.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow-through series component is a flow meter.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing an actuator coupled to the bypass valve and configured to selectively position the bypass valve in one of state one and state two.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the actuator is one of an electric motor, a fluid cylinder, and a handle.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing at least one quick-connect coupler releasably coupled to each of the outlet and inlet bypass ports and in fluid communication with the main flow path.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the quick-connect coupler is one of a male and female coupler.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the bypass valve is composed of two 2-position/4-way valves, with one of such valves coupled to the input port and bypass outlet port, and the other such valve coupled to the output port and the bypass inlet port.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the bypass valve is a 2-position/5-way valve.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the bypass valve is a ball valve.