Abstract: A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges, and an annular collar to adapt and connect the manifold to the cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system further includes a single probe conductivity monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously removing connector clips of a workpiece from a gauge. The present invention includes at least one gauging fixture having at least one aperture extending therethrough in a predetermined position. The at least one aperture is adaptable to receive a connector clip connected to the workpiece wherein the connector clip is engageable with the aperture between a non-engaging position, wherein the connector clip does not engage the aperture, and an engaging position, wherein the connector clip engages the aperture for securing the workpiece against the gauging fixture to gauge the position of the connector clip. At least one linear actuator is connected to the gauging fixture adjacent the aperture to move between a retracted position, wherein the connector clip remains engaged with the gauging fixture, and an extended position, wherein the linear actuator disengages the connector clip from the gauging fixture.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system further includes a single probe conductivity monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system further includes a single probe conductivity monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.

Abstract: A polymer fluid flow component configured to sealingly couple with a second fluid flow component, the fluid flow component having a protruding portion and a receiving portion configured to receive the protruding portion. The fluid flow component can include a stop surface disposed on the protruding portion and a cooperating stop surface on the receiving portion to cooperate with the stop surface. The fluid flow component can further include an annular ring integrally formed with the valve, such that the annular ring is subjected to a compressive force when the receiving portion receives the protruding section sealingly coupling the valve and second component. The stop surface can engage the cooperating stop surface to inhibit overtightening of the valve.

Abstract: A method for sealingly coupling a first component and a second component. The method includes forming a polymer male portion attached to the first component. The male portion has a first axis and a first bore extending therethrough. The male portion has a first stop surface, a second stop surface and an annular sealing portion intermediate the first stop surface and the second stop surface. The method also includes forming a polymer female portion attached to the second component. The female portion has a second axis and a second bore extending therethrough. The female portion has a third stop surface, a fourth stop surface and an annular ring intermediate the third stop surface and the fourth stop surface. The male portion is urged towards the female portion so that at least one of the first stop surface is adjacent the third stop surface or the second stop surface is adjacent the fourth stop surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a C-shaped plastic tubing cutter having a C-shaped grasping portion and a fixed cutting blade. The grasping portion has an opening for receiving the tubing whereby the width of the opening is measurably smaller than the diameter of the tubing to permit snap engagement of the tubing into the grasping portion upon sufficient force and retention therein. In addition, the inner diameter of the grasping portion can be measurably smaller than the outer diameter of the tubing to promote securement of the tubing within the grasping portion to better facilitate precision cutting. Once engaged, a grasping bias force brings the inner surface of the grasping portion into substantial circumferential contact with the tubing to again promote securement and cutting. The circumferential contact is greater than 50 percent, and generally less than 75 percent, of the tubing circumference.

Abstract: The breakaway torque wrench generally includes a handle portion and an arcuate engagement portion. The arcuate engagement portion further includes at least one engagement tooth portion proximate one end of the arcuate engagement portion for secureable releasable engagement with an axial grooved fastener or object such as a pipe, nut, bolt, screw, and the like. The breakaway torque wrench is engageable and capable of disengagement at predefined torque levels without implementing complex and vulnerable mechanical designs of conventional practice.

Abstract: A method for sealingly coupling a first component and a second component. The method includes forming a polymer male portion attached to the first component. The male portion has a first axis and a first bore extending therethrough. The male portion has a first stop surface, a second stop surface and an annular sealing portion intermediate the first stop surface and the second stop surface. The method also includes forming a polymer female portion attached to the second component. The female portion has a second axis and a second bore extending therethrough. The female portion has a third stop surface, a fourth stop surface and an annular ring intermediate the third stop surface and the fourth stop surface. The male portion is urged towards the female portion so that at least one of the first stop surface is adjacent the third stop surface or the second stop surface is adjacent the fourth stop surface.

Abstract: The breakaway torque wrench generally includes a handle portion and an arcuate engagement portion. The arcuate engagement portion further includes at least one engagement tooth portion proximate one end of the arcuate engagement portion for secureable releasable engagement with an axial grooved fastener or object such as a pipe, nut, bolt, screw, and the like. The breakaway torque wrench is engageable and capable of disengagement at predefined torque levels without implementing complex and vulnerable mechanical designs of conventional practice.

Abstract: A coupling ideally suited for sealing between components such as a fluoropolymer valve body (50) and a fluoropolymer manifold (52) or for coupling tubing end portions, utilizes structure on said components for defining the sealing surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a male protruding portion (62), a recessed female receiving portion (64), and a clamping means. The clamping means (92) has an inner threaded surface for engaging a correspondingly threaded portion of the male protruding portion. The male protruding portion is shaped, generally, as a converging rounded conical frustum (65.1) having an exterior surface, a primary sealing surface, a first stop surface (78), a second cooperating stop surface, and a fluid flow duct. The fluid flow duct is preferably concentrically positioned. The recessed portion has a circular perimeter, an inwardly projecting annular ring (74), a first cooperating stop surface, a second stop (82) surface, and a fluid flow duct.

Abstract: A coupling ideally suited for sealing between components such as a fluoropolymer valve body (50) and a fluoropolymer manifold (52) or for coupling tubing end portions, utilizes structure on said components for defining the sealing surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a male protruding portion (62), a recessed female receiving portion (64), and a clamping means. The clamping means (92) has an inner threaded surface for engaging a correspondingly threaded portion of the male protruding portion. The male protruding portion is shaped, generally, as a converging rounded conical frustum (65.1) having an exterior surface, a primary sealing surface, a first stop surface (78), a second cooperating stop surface, and a fluid flow duct. The fluid flow duct is preferably concentrically positioned. The recessed portion has a circular perimeter, an inwardly projecting annular ring (74), a first cooperating stop surface, a second stop (82) surface, and a fluid flow duct.

Abstract: A plastic fitting couples a section of tubing with a concave flared end to a fitting body. In a preferred embodiment, the flared tube has an expanded s-shape in the cross-section and the plastic fitting generally comprises a fitting body and a fitting nut. The fitting body includes an internal nose section having a curvilinear sidewall and a cylindrical surface that have been preformed to substantially match in shape the flare of the tubing. In a preferred embodiment, the nut has external threads that engage internal threads on the fitting body. The fitting nut is threadably coupled to the fitting body and includes a flare-engaging collar which secures the flared end of the tubing to the fitting body through a circumferential point contact. Additional securement of the tubing is provided by an axially inset annular recess, proximate the tapered nose section, which defines a seat sized to receive the end edge of the tube.

Abstract: A 3-way valve for controlling the flow between first and second ports and a common port. The 3-way valve comprising a valve body having an integral flow portion and a valve stem having first and second valve members. The valve stem is pressfit assembled into the flow portion of the valve body where at least one of the first valve member and the flow portion momentarily deforms. The valve stem operates between a first position where fluid is allowed to flow between the common port and the second port and a second position where fluid is allowed to flow between the common port and the first port.

Abstract: The present invention is a C-shaped plastic tubing cutter having a C-shaped grasping portion and a fixed cutting blade. The grasping portion has an opening for receiving the tubing whereby the width of the opening is measurably smaller than the diameter of the tubing to permit snap engagement of the tubing into the grasping portion upon sufficient force and retention therein. In addition, the inner diameter of the grasping portion can be measurably smaller than the outer diameter of the tubing to promote securement of the tubing within the grasping portion to better facilitate precision cutting. Once engaged, a grasping bias force brings the inner surface of the grasping portion into substantial circumferential contact with the tubing to again promote securement and cutting. The circumferential contact is greater than 50 percent, and generally less than 75 percent, of the tubing circumference.

Abstract: A plastic fitting couples a section of tubing with a concave flared end to a fitting body. In a preferred embodiment, the flared tube has an expanded s-shape in the cross-section and the plastic fitting generally comprises a fitting body and a fitting nut. The fitting body includes an internal nose section having a curvilinear sidewall and a cylindrical surface that have been preformed to substantially match in shape the flare of the tubing. In a preferred embodiment, the nut has external threads that engage internal threads on the fitting body. The fitting nut is threadably coupled to the fitting body and includes a flare-engaging collar which secures the flared end of the tubing to the fitting body through a circumferential point contact. Additional securement of the tubing is provided by an axially inset annular recess, proximate the tapered nose section, which defines a seat sized to receive the end edge of the tube.

Abstract: The self-flaring plastic fitting is generally utilized in coupling one section of tubing to another section of tubing. In the present invention, at least one of the sections of tubing has an end portion with a substantially uniform diameter and a groove about its periphery. The fitting itself includes a fitting body and a fitting nut. The fitting body is provided with a tapered nose section while the fitting nut is provided with a groove engaging device. In assembling the fitting, the end of the section of tubing incorporating the groove is place proximate the tapered nose section of the fitting body while the opposite end of the section of tubing is inserted through the fitting nut. The fitting nut is then pushed towards the fitting body where the groove engaging device of the fitting nut engages the groove of the tubing.

Abstract: The torque confirmation fitting is used for coupling one section of tubing to another and includes a fitting body, a fitting nut, and a torque confirmation portion. The fitting body has a nose section that supports an end of one of the sections of tubing. The torque confirmation portion has a collar portion and one or more prongs. The fitting nut is operably joinable to the fitting body and engageable with the torque confirmation portion. To operate, the non-supported end of the tubing is inserted through the torque confirmation portion and the fitting nut. The fitting nut is then joined to the fitting body and in doing so engages the torque confirmation portion. The continued joining of the fitting nut to the fitting body causes the prong of the torque confirmation portion to provide a visual indication that the fitting nut has been sufficiently, tightly joined to the fitting body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molded fluoropolymer sweep elbows with straight threadable ends that minimizes distortion of the fitting. The apparatus comprises a mold core or insert that is comprised of multiple curved segments which are retracted from the mold individually. The mold core is divided into two or more pieces on a curved plane parallel to the curved central axis of the core and the segments thus formed are retracted from the mold by a combination of arcuate and translational motions to avoid distortion of the fitting ends.