Abstract: A sanitary fitting for biopharmaceutical equipment includes an elongate tubular insert having a main tubular section, which is cylindrical and terminates at an annular flange or annulus which seats at a bottom of a socket in an equipment housing. The bottom face of the annulus includes a groove, which receives a gasket that is compressed between the annulus and bottom face of the socket to prevent entry of fluids into this space. A threaded section of the socket is spaced outwardly of the smooth surfaced fitting so as to receive a threaded nut within such space. A threaded nut is slid down the fitting and engaged with the socket threads wherein the nut drives the socket into and retains the fitting tightly within the socket.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting for biopharmaceutical equipment includes an elongate tubular insert having a main tubular section, which is cylindrical and terminates at an annular flange or annulus which seats at a bottom of a socket in an equipment housing. The bottom face of the annulus includes a groove, which receives a gasket that is compressed between the annulus and bottom face of the socket to prevent entry of fluids into this space. A threaded section of the socket is spaced outwardly of the smooth surfaced fitting so as to receive a threaded nut within such space. A threaded nut is slid down the fitting and engaged with the socket threads wherein the nut drives the socket into and retains the fitting tightly within the socket.

Abstract: A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A gasketless, straight-through bore fluid flow pinch valve and flexible, removable tubing element for improved sanitary conditions in production facilities. The valve casing is joined by fittings that enable separation of the casing to remove and replace the flexible element, which includes all wetted surfaces. The fittings may be one or more hinges to permit partial separation of the valve casing, which permits the element to remain on-line while maintenance is performed on the valve. The flexible element is a silicone or PTFE-composite which is in an axially compressed state when locked into the valve by rigid, tolerance-fitted backup cups on the molded ends of the element, which increases the process life of the element.

Abstract: An improved hygienic end cap that can be rapidly removed using a hygienic clamp as a tool. The hygienic end cap contains a feature on its end that can accept the tang of a hygienic clamp to pry off the end cap from the hygienic union. The use of a hygienic clamp enables the user to rapidly disassemble the hygienic union without the need to locate specialized tools since the clamp can be procured from the hygienic union during disassembly. The mechanical advantage of using a hygienic clamp as the fulcrum also results in more controlled removal of the cap and less potential injury to personnel.