Abstract: A modular connector (20) for separably joining two modular pressure fluid components (21, 22) such as filters, regulators, lubricators, dryers, drains, manifolds, unions, and the like. The connector (20) utilizes a modular arrangement of a joining block (24) and mounting slides (25) on each pressure fluid component (21, 22), with tracks or guide rails (44) on the block (24) engagable in grooves (48) on the mounting slides (25) to provide a slide fit between the connector (20) and the components (21, 22) with mating wedge or cam elements providing a tight sealing engagement therebetween. The components can be positioned from either side, left or right-handed, of the connector. Adjoining sealing surfaces (26, 28) on the components and connector are clamped tightly together in sealed relation by the wedge or cam members, and O-ring seals (29) are utilized to provide a fluid tight seal between the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve with a push pull adjusting knob includes a valve body housing a valve member defining an annular seat adapted for engagement with a knife edge seat on a valve sleeve insert. The valve member is opened and closed by a flexible diaphragm operating mechanism, the diaphragm being exposed on one side to outlet valve pressure and on its opposite side to the atmosphere and a valve control spring. A valve stem rotatably mounted in a valve bonnet adjusts a valve nut for varying the compression of the spring, and thereby the spring force on the diaphragm. A push-pull adjusting knob slidably and rotatably engages the valve stem. The knob is locked against the bonnet in one axial position and is released from the bonnet in the opposite axial position for rotating the valve stem. A detent between the valve stem and adjusting knob provides resistance to the adjusting knob movement, and knob movement is limited by a cap threadably engaged with the end of the adjusting screw.

Abstract: A refrigerated gas separation apparatus such as a refrigerated dryer for compressed air, includes a conditioner in the form of a shell and tube heat exchanger which cools incoming hot moist compressed air and warms outgoing cold dry air. The cooled moist gas is refrigerated by contact with a refrigeration system evaporator, in the form of a finned baffled coil, and the condensed moisture is removed in a moisture separator including a central conical baffle or shroud and peripheral longitudinal hooked scraper bars or baffles defining channels for collecting moisture and directing the liquid to a sump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adsorptive fractionation of a gaseous mixture. A twin tower fractionator or dryer apparatus includes a pair of sorbent beds. A filter and valve assembly directs a flow of the gaseous mixture from a source thereof to one of the beds for removing a gaseous component of said mixture while simultaneously directing a flow of purge gas through the other of said beds for stripping the adsorbed gas component therefrom and regenerating the bed. Microprocessor controlled valves control the flow of gases to and from said beds. The towers and associated manifolds are twin bore extrusion prism shaped of heat conductive material. The parallel bores extend axially longitudinally through the tower extrusion with each bore adapted to contain a sorbent bed or bed cartridge. Conductivity probes are used to sense the moisture or adsorbed component front in the sorbent bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for adsorptive fractionation of a gaseous mixture. The apparatus is a twin tower fractionator or dryer including a pair of sorbent beds. A filter and valve assembly directs a flow of the gaseous mixture from a source thereof to one of the beds for removing a gaseous component of said mixture while simultaneously directing a flow of purge gas through the other of said beds for stripping the adsorbed gas component therefrom and regenerating the bed. Microprocessor controlled valves control the flow of gases to and from said beds. The towers and associated manifolds are twin bore extrusion prism shaped of heat conductive material. The parallel bores extend axially longitudinally through the tower extrusion with each bore adapted to contain a sorbent bed or bed cartridge. Conductivity probes are used to sense the moisture or adsorbed component front in the sorbent bed.

Abstract: A releasable clamp for use with a system for coupling modular pressure fluid components. Each component is formed with a head or body which may contain appropriate conduits and passages. On each side of the body there is provided transversely extending, downwardly tapered flanges which are engaged by correspondingly tapered cam surfaces on the interior surface of depending legs on a clamping yoke. The releasable clamp is formed by a bolt extending between the depending legs of the yoke and mounting a wedge block having a wedging surface which cammingly engages with cooperative wedging surfaces on the fitting components. Upon rotation of the bolt, the wedging surfaces coact to clamp and secure the yoke tightly over the modular components and hold them firmly in pressure-tight relationship.

Abstract: A modular clamping system for coupling pressure fluid components. Each component is formed with a head or body which may contain appropriate conduits and passages. On each side of the body there is provided transversely extending, downwardly tapered flanges which are engaged by corresponding cam surfaces on the interior surface of depending legs on a clamping yoke. A clamping or cam pin having a longitudinal flat is inserted through corresponding apertures in the depending legs and, upon rotation, tightly clamps the yoke to the component parts and thereby clamps the parts together in sealed relationship. An external mounting bracket may be provided on the yoke for mounting the assembly on a wall or other support.

Abstract: A bowl guard for mounting, containing and protecting a plastic or glass bowl of a compressed air system device. The bowl guard holds, protects and retains an opaque, transparent or translucent bowl such as a bowl which encloses a filter or lubricator device. The bowl guard is secured to a header of the device and locks the bowl in a sealed relationship with the header. The guard may have apertures so that the contents of the bowl may be observed. A drain through the bowl and guard can be provided when appropriate. A locking pin on the bowl guard insures that the entire assembly is held in alignment. When the bowl guard is latched into place and the system is under pressure the guard may not easily be withdrawn.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unitized air line filter and lubricator that includes provision for a pressure regulator therebetween that can either be by-passed or rendered operative by simply opening certain preformed passages in the manifold that connect same in series with the previously-mentioned components. The manifold houses nearly all of the working parts of both the filter and lubricator and their arrangement is such that the manifold can be reversed end-for-end to accommodate opposite directions of air flow. The subassembly that includes the bowls for the filter and lubricator along with the regulator spring therebetween in the three-component version will accommodate the manifold in either of its two positions and is, therefore, reversible relative thereto. Special sets of mounting brackets permit use of a single combination unit with air line piping of various sizes.