FERRULE PACKAGES, PACKAGING DEVICES, AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A ferrule package includes a plurality of ferrules and a packaging device configured for containing the ferrules in a uniform orientation. A selected ferrule may be removed by moving an aperture into alignment with a receptacle containing the ferrule inserting an insert such as a tube into a bore of the ferrule, and removing the selected ferrule from the receptacle while the ferrule is on the insert. The ferrule may be removed without making contact with the ferrule.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to packaging of ferrules, and particularly to packaging that facilitates selection and removal of ferrules from the package.

BACKGROUND

Ferrules are utilized to form leak-free fluid connections between two conduits. Ferrules may be employed in applications entailing small-scale fluid flows, such as analytical instruments and microfluidic devices, and thus may be sized to join small-bore conduits such as capillary tubing or fittings. Ferrules are typically installed at a site remote from the location where the ferrules are manufactured, and periodically must be replaced at the end of service life. Thus, ferrules must be packaged and shipped to users in an appropriate manner. In a typical package, ferrules may be contained in individual receptacles of the package, but they are randomly oriented in the receptacles. Consequently, a given ferrule cannot be removed from the package in the same manner as other ferrules of the same package. That is, a given ferrule may require different steps to manipulate and remove the ferrule in comparison to other ferrules. Moreover, in some applications it would be desirable to insert a tube into the ferrule's inner bore prior to removing the ferrule from its receptacle and remove the ferrule while it is on the tube. Such action would be challenging when the ferrules are not constrained to a fixed orientation in the package, particularly in the case of very small-scale tubes and ferrules. In addition, a ferrule may be intended for use in an application requiring fluid lines to be inert and not contaminate the flow path. In such a case, to avoid making contact with the ferrule, the user may need to wear gloves and use tweezers to install the ferrule onto the tube.

Therefore, there is a need for providing a ferrule package that facilitates removal of a selected ferrule from the package. There is also a need for providing a ferrule package that facilitates installation of a selected ferrule onto a tube. There is also a need for providing a ferrule package that facilitates removal, or removal and installation, of a selected ferrule in a clean manner.

SUMMARY

To address the foregoing problems, in whole or in part, and/or other problems that may have been observed by persons skilled in the art, the present disclosure provides methods, processes, systems, apparatus, instruments, and/or devices, as described by way of example in implementations set forth below.

According to one embodiment, a ferrule package includes a plurality of ferrules and a packaging device configured for containing the ferrules in a uniform orientation.

According to another embodiment, the packaging device includes: a base; a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle comprising a receptacle wall adjoined to the base and defining an opening, wherein each receptacle wall is coaxial with a receptacle axis and configured for limiting an angle to which a ferrule contained in the receptacle is tiltable from the receptacle axis; and a cap engaging the base and comprising an aperture, wherein the cap is movable relative to the base between a closed position at which the cap covers all of the openings, and a plurality of open positions at which the aperture exposes the respective openings.

According to another embodiment, a method for removing a ferrule from a ferrule package includes: selecting a ferrule from a plurality of ferrules stored in a uniform orientation in a respective plurality of receptacles of the ferrule package; moving a cap of the ferrule package from a closed position to an open position wherein, at the closed position the cap covers all of the receptacles, and at the open position an aperture of the cap is aligned with an opening of the receptacle in which the selected ferrule is stored; inserting an insert through the aperture and the opening and into a bore of the ferrule; and removing the selected ferrule from the receptacle without making contact with the selected ferrule by sliding the selected ferrule on the insert.

Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example of a ferrule package according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 1 in assembled form.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the ferrule package, taken along line A-A in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the region of the ferrule package delineated by a dashed circle in FIG. 5, illustrating details of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an example of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an example of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an example of a ferrule package with a tube inserted into a ferrule in conjunction with removing the ferrule according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 9, after inverting the ferrule package in conjunction with removing the ferrule.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an example of a ferrule package according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 11 in assembled form.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the ferrule package, taken along line A-A in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the region of the ferrule package delineated by a dashed circle in FIG. 13, illustrating details of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an example of a ferrule package according to another embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a region of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 15, illustrating a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of an example of a base for a ferrule package according to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the base illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the base illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an example of a ferrule package according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 20 in assembled form.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the ferrule package, taken along line A-A in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the region of the ferrule package delineated by a dashed circle in FIG. 22, illustrating details of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of an example of a ferrule package according to another embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the ferrule package illustrated in FIG. 24 with the ferrules loaded therein.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ferrule package, taken along line A-A in FIG. 25, illustrating details of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ferrule package, taken along line B-B in FIG. 25, illustrating details of a receptacle with a ferrule loaded therein.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of an example of a ferrule package according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present context, the term “ferrule” may encompass any type of fluidic connector, i.e., a component designed to form a fluidic connection between two tubes. The resulting fluidic connection is typically fluid-tight within a specified range of intended operating pressures. The ferrule may be sized to form a joint between two tubes having diameters on the millimeter- or micrometer-scale (e.g., capillary tubes, small-bore chromatographic columns, etc.), in which case the ferrule may be considered as being a microfluidic connector. In some small-scale examples, the ferrule has a length ranging from 1 to 10 mm, a maximum outer diameter ranging from 1 to 10 mm, and a bore size (inside diameter) ranging from 0.1 to 2 mm. In some examples, the ferrule has two bores running through its length. The ferrule may be configured for joining tubes composed of dissimilar materials (e.g., fused silica glass and metal) and/or different diameters. As one non-limiting example, the ferrule may be utilized in conjunction with analytical instrumentation such as chromatography- or spectrometry-based systems. The ferrule may be designed to operate as a compression fitting. In this case, one or both tubes may be inserted into the opposite ends of the ferrule's inner bore, and an appropriate technique is then implemented to compress or clamp the ferrule onto the tubes to form a fluidic seal, such as by employing a compression nut or a tool.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example of a ferrule package 100 according to one embodiment. FIGS. 1 and 2 are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the ferrule package 100. The ferrule package 100 generally includes a packaging device 102 configured for containing a plurality of ferrules 104 in a uniform orientation. All or part of the packaging device 102 may be composed of a transparent material to enable a user to view the ferrules in their packaged condition and determine the number and location of ferrules 104 remaining in the packaging device 102. A label 106 may be provided on an outer surface of the packaging device 102 containing printed information such as instructions for removing the ferrules 104. The label 106 may be placed at a location that does not obscure viewing of the packaged ferrules 104. In the illustrated example, the ferrules 104 are packed in a circumferential arrangement. In this case, the label 106 may be placed at a central location such that the ferrules 104 are located concentrically about the label 106. Another label 108 may be placed on an opposite side of the packaging device 102 and may contain additional printed information such as product identification, supplier identification, manufacturing information, shipping information, etc. The label(s) 104, 106 may be circular or rectilinear as illustrated or may have any other suitable shape.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ferrule package 100. For reference purposes, a longitudinal axis 310 (or package axis) is shown passing through the ferrule package 100. In embodiments where the ferrule package 100 is generally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 310, the longitudinal axis 310 may be considered as being a central axis. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the ferrule package 100 in assembled form and in an “open” position as described below. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembled ferrule package 100, taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. The packaging device 102 includes a base 312, a cover 314 (or cap, or lid), and a plurality of receptacles 316 (e.g., pockets, recesses, or wells) configured (i.e., sized and shaped) for holding a like number of individual ferrules 104. In FIG. 3, the ferrules 104 have been loaded into respective receptacles 316 and are visible through respective openings 318 of the receptacles 316.

Generally, the base 312 may be any structure configured for providing or supporting the receptacles 316. In the present embodiment, the base 312 includes a base plate 320 oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 310, and a base wall 322 (or side wall) oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 310. In the present context, the terms “generally perpendicular” and “generally parallel” encompass embodiments in which the entire base plate 320 is not exactly perpendicular (or the entire base wall 322 is not exactly parallel) to the longitudinal axis 310, and/or the base plate 320 includes one or more features not exactly perpendicular (or the base wall 322 includes one or more features not exactly parallel). In the present embodiment, the base plate 320 includes a first (or lower) base plate 324 and a second (or upper) base plate 326 at a different elevation than the first base plate 324. The base wall 322 is located between and adjoins the first base plate 324 and second base plate 326, thereby defining a raised region of the base 312. The receptacles 316 extend from the underside of the second base plate 326 into a space enclosed by the raised region.

Generally, the cover 314 may be any structure that may be assembled onto the base 312 in a manner that covers the openings 318, thereby completing the packaging of the ferrules 104. In the present embodiment, the cover 314 is shaped complementarily to the raised section of the base 312 such that the cover 314 engages the base 312 by fitting onto and around the perimeter of the raised section. The base 312 and cover 314 are configured such that the cover 314 movably engages the base 312 when assembled thereto—that is, the cover 314 is movable by the user relative to the base 312. In the embodiment specifically illustrated in which the ferrules 104 are contained in a circumferential arrangement, the cover 314 is rotatable relative to the base 312. As also illustrated, the cover 314 may include an access aperture 332 located at the same radial distance from the longitudinal axis 310 as the receptacle openings 318. The cover 314 has a closed position at which the aperture 332 is not aligned with any of the openings 318 and hence all ferrules 104 remain securely packaged in their respective receptacles 316. The cover 314 is movable from the closed position to a plurality of open positions corresponding to the number of receptacles 316. At each open position the aperture 332 is aligned with an opening 318, thereby exposing the ferrule 104 and enabling it to be removed from its receptacle 316. Thus, the user may select a ferrule 104 to be removed and rotate the cover 314 to the open position corresponding to the location of the selected ferrule 104.

The base 312 and cover 314 may be configured in any manner suitable for enabling the cover 314 to movably engage the base 312 while remaining secured thereto. For this purpose, the base 312 may include a first engagement member 534 and the cover 314 may include a second engagement member 536 contacting the first engagement member 534. The first engagement member 534 and the second engagement member 536 may be complementarily shaped. The cover 314 (or both the cover 314 and the base 312) may be composed of a material deformable enough to allow the first engagement member 534 to be snap-fitted to the second engagement member 536 while, after such assembly, allowing sliding contact between the first engagement member 534 and second engagement member 536 without requiring excessive force. In a typical embodiment, the material is selected from a variety of polymer compositions having properties desired for the particular embodiment (e.g., deformability, transparency, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 5), the first engagement member 534 includes a first portion of the base wall 322 that turns inward in a direction toward the bottom of the base 312, such that the base 312 presents an outer rim at or near its top. The second engagement member 536 includes a second portion of the cover 314 that is shaped complementarily to the first portion. During assembly, the cover 314 may be urged onto the base 312 such that the cover 314 is deformed around the outer rim and snaps into place.

The base 312 and cover 314 may be configured in any manner suitable for enabling the cover 314 to movably engage the base 312 in an indexed or incremental fashion. For this purpose, the base 312 may include a first locking member 342 and the cover 314 may include a second locking member 344 releasably engaging the first locking member 342. As an example of releasable engagement, the second locking member 344 may engage the first locking member 342 in a manner that biases the second locking member 344 to remain in contact with the first locking member 342, thereby biasing the cover 314 to remain stationary relative to the base 312. The user may release this engagement by imparting a small amount of force to move the cover 314 relative to the base 312. In some embodiments, releasable locking configuration may be achieved by the first locking member 342 and second locking member 344 being complementarily shaped, and one or both of the first locking member 342 and second locking member 344 being deformable to allow movement out of the locked engagement when desired. In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 3), the first locking member 342 includes one or more detents (e.g., protrusions, pins, pawls, teeth, etc.) and the second locking member 344 includes recesses or depressions configured to receive the detents. The shape of the recesses may, for example, be shaped complementarily to the detents. The number of recesses may correspond to the number of receptacles 316 plus one, in which case the cover 314 may be indexed from the closed position to each of the open positions. In other embodiments, only a single recess may be provided, in which case the cover 314 is lockable only at the closed position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the region of the ferrule package 100 delineated by a dashed circle in FIG. 5, illustrating details of one of the receptacles 316 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein. FIG. 6 shows the receptacle 316 in the open position in which the aperture 332 of the cover 314 has been moved into alignment with the opening 318 of the receptacle 316. The receptacle 316 includes a receptacle wall 646 coaxially surrounding a receptacle axis 648 (or center axis) of the receptacle 316 to define an interior space of the receptacle 316. The receptacle wall 646 adjoins the base 312 (specifically, the second base plate 326 in the present embodiment) to define the opening 318. The base 312 and each receptacle wall 646 may be a single-piece construction. For instance, the receptacles 316 may be formed from the base 312 by vacuum-molding or injection-molding. The receptacle wall 646 may include a bottom section 650 axially opposite the opening and a lateral section 652 coaxial with the receptacle axis 648 between the bottom section 650 and the opening 318. The receptacle wall 646 may be cylindrical and have a circular cross-section (in the direction transverse to the receptacle axis 648) or other round cross-section (e.g., elliptical). Alternatively, the receptacle wall 646 may have a polygonal cross-section. The ferrule 104 typically has a round cross-section but alternatively may have a polygonal cross-section. In various embodiments, the receptacle wall 646 and ferrule 104 may both have a round cross-section, or may both have a polygonal cross-section, or one may have a round cross-section while the other has a polygonal cross-section.

In some embodiments (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6), the receptacle axes are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base or base plate (i.e., parallel with the longitudinal axis). In other embodiments (FIGS. 11-14 and 17-19), the receptacle axes are oriented at an angle relative to the base or base plate (and thus at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis). In the latter case, the receptacle axes may all be oriented at the same angle. In other embodiments (FIGS. 15 and 16), the receptacle axes are oriented parallel with the base or base plate (and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).

The receptacles 316 are configured for containing the ferrules 104 in a uniform orientation. That is, each receptacle 316 is sized and shaped, relative to the size and shape of the ferrule 104, to maintain the ferrule 104 in the same orientation as the other ferrules 104 contained in the other receptacles 316. Additionally, each receptacle 316 is configured for maintaining the ferrule 104 in a fixed orientation, regardless of the orientation of the ferrule package 100 at any particular time and regardless of movement of the ferrule package 100 from one orientation to another. In the present context, the “fixed” orientation does not in all cases mean that the ferrule 104 has no freedom of movement. Instead, the ferrule 104 may be somewhat “loosely” contained in the receptacle 316 and thus have some freedom of movement. However, the receptacle 316 constrains movement of the ferrule 104 such that the ferrule 104 cannot deviate significantly from its nominal orientation within the receptacle 316, i.e., the initial position of the ferrule 104 when it was loaded into the receptacle 316 during the packaging process. Consequently, at the time the ferrule 104 is selected for removal from the ferrule package 100, the ferrule 104 will have the same general orientation as the initial orientation in which it was packaged.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a ferrule orientation maintained by the receptacle 316. The ferrule 104 generally includes a body terminating at a first end 656 and an opposing second end 658, and an inner bore 660 axially extending through the body from the first end 656 to the second end 658. In this example, the ferrule 104 is packaged in a longitudinal orientation in the receptacle 316, such that the bore 660 is parallel with the receptacle axis 648. If the ferrule 104 is centered in the receptacle 316 (as illustrated), then the bore 660 is coaxial with the receptacle axis 648. In the longitudinal orientation, one end (and thus the corresponding end of the bore 660) faces outward toward the receptacle opening 318. As described further below, it may be desirable to maintain the ferrule 104 in this longitudinal orientation during the entire time the ferrule 104 is contained in the ferrule package 100, and thus up to the time the ferrule 104 is to be removed from the ferrule package 100. In this way, when the aperture 332 of the cover 314 is aligned with the opening 318, the user has direct access to the exposed end (and the bore 660). The user will not need to make contact with the ferrule 104 or manipulate the ferrule 104 so as to move it into the longitudinal orientation, as this orientation is ensured by the receptacle 316. The receptacle 316 may be configured to restrict movement of the ferrule 104 not only to prevent the ferrule 104 from becoming completely inverted (i.e., flipping over end-to-end), but also to prevent the ferrule 104 from turning over on its side and preventing the user from having direct access to the axial end 656 or inner bore 660.

Moreover, in some embodiments the desired longitudinal orientation may be direction-dependent. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the ferrule 104 is symmetrical about the axis 648 of its inner bore 660, but is asymmetrical relative to a transverse axis (the horizontal direction, from the perspective of FIG. 6) orthogonal to the receptacle axis 648. In other words, the first end 656 is different from the second end 658 and further, in the illustrated example, the bore size at the first end 656 is different from the bore size at the second end 658. It may be desirable to present the first end 656 specifically to the user at the time of removal. In this case, during packaging the ferrule 104 is loaded into the receptacle 316 such that the first end 656 faces the opening, and the receptacle 316 ensures that the first end 656 still faces the opening at the time of removal.

Non-limiting examples of embodiments in which the receptacles 316 are configured for containing the ferrules 104 in a uniform orientation and restricting movement of the ferrules 104 in the receptacles 316 will now be described. In one or more of these embodiments, each receptacle 316 is configured to ensure that the ferrule's bore 660 is not obscured by the receptacle wall 646 so that the bore 660 is fully accessible through the opening at the time of removal.

In one embodiment, the receptacle 316 is configured to limit the maximum angle to which the ferrule 104 can tilt away from the receptacle axis 648. The maximum tilt angle permitted may depend on the relative sizes and shapes of the receptacle 316 and ferrule 104. In one example, the maximum angle is less than 45 degrees. In another example, the maximum angle is 30 degrees or less. The maximum angle may be one that ensures that the ferrule's bore 660 is fully accessible at the time of removal.

In another embodiment, the receptacle wall 646 is spaced from the ferrule 104 in the transverse direction by a gap that surrounds the ferrule 104. In the case of circular geometries, the gap is an annular gap. The gap is sized to limit the amount by which the ferrule 104 can deviate from the nominal orientation shown in FIG. 6. The size of the gap (its dimension in the transverse direction) may depend on the relative sizes and shapes of the receptacle 316 and ferrule 104. In one example, the gap ranges from 0% to 60% of the length of the ferrule 104.

In another embodiment, the height and cross-sectional area of the receptacle 316 are selected relative to the height and cross-sectional area of the ferrule 104 to restrict movement of the ferrule 104. For reference purposes, the receptacle 316 has a height from the bottom section 650 to the opening 318, the ferrule 104 has a height from the second end 658 to the first end 656, and the cross-sectional areas lie in the transverse direction. In some embodiments, the height of the receptacle 316 is no greater than 30% of the height of the ferrule 104. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the receptacle 316 at the opening 318 is no greater than 60% of the maximum cross-sectional area of the ferrule 104.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional side views of other examples of receptacles 716 and 816 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein according to other embodiments. Elements that are the same or similar to corresponding elements shown in FIG. 6 are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. In these embodiments, the receptacle 716, 816 is configured such that the receptacle's cross-sectional area at the bottom section 750, 850 is less than the cross-sectional area at the opening 718, 818. In FIG. 7, at least a portion of the receptacle wall 746 is tapered. In FIG. 8, the receptacle wall 846 includes one or more shoulders 862 at which the cross-sectional area is reduced in a stepped-down manner as opposed to a more gradual manner. It can also be seen that in some embodiments, all or a portion of the receptacle's geometry (shape, profile) may be complementary to all or a portion of the ferrule's geometry. Additionally, in some embodiments the receptacle wall may include an alignment feature that assists in maintaining the ferrule 104 in the desired orientation, such as, for example, a shoulder, rib, or other type of radially inward-facing protrusion.

An example of a method for removing a ferrule 104 from a ferrule package 100 will now be described. The ferrule package 100 may be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The ferrule package 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6 will be referred to as an example. Thus, the ferrule package 100 includes a plurality of ferrules 104 stored or packed in a uniform orientation in a respective plurality of receptacles 316. The ferrule package 100 is initially provided to a user in a closed position in which the cover 314 covers all of the receptacles 316 whereby all ferrules 104 are secured. The user selects a ferrule 104 to be removed. To access the selected ferrule 104, the user moves the cover 314 from the closed position to an open position. At the open position, the access aperture 332 is aligned with the opening 318 of the receptacle 316 in which the selected ferrule 104 is stored, thereby exposing the selected ferrule 104 through the aperture 332. As described above, movement of the ferrule 104 in the receptacle 316 is limited such the ferrule's bore 660 is accessible through the aperture 332. Referring to FIG. 9, the user may then insert an insert 902 through the aperture 332 and the receptacle's opening 318 and into the bore 660. The insert 902 may be any structure that may be utilized as a tool for assisting in removing the ferrule 104. For example, the insert 902 may be an elongated structure such as a solid rod or a hollow tube that extends out from the ferrule 104 after insertion. The tube may, for example, be one of two tubes to be fluidically connected by the ferrule 104, such as a column utilized for analytical separation (e.g., a chromatographic column), a sample transfer conduit, etc. The user may then remove the ferrule 104 from the receptacle 316 without making contact with the ferrule 104 by sliding the selected ferrule 104 on the insert 902. In this manner, the ferrule 104 is removed without contacting anything other than the receptacle 316 and the insert 902. The ferrule 104 may be removed by manipulating the insert 902 until the ferrule 104 moves out from the receptacle 316.

For example, the insert 902 may be tilted, pulled, twisted or otherwise manipulated so as to lift or scoop the ferrule 104 out from the receptacle 316. Alternatively or additionally, the ferrule package 100 may be manipulated to remove the ferrule 104. For example, the ferrule package 100 may be tilted or turned until the ferrule 104 slides out from the receptacle 316 and down the insert 902 by gravity. FIG. 10 illustrates the ferrule package 100 fully inverted for this purpose, with the understanding that tilting the ferrule package 100 to angles less than 180 degrees may be sufficient. The foregoing method may be repeated for one or more additional ferrules 104 by moving the cover 314 to one or more of the other open positions and removing the ferrule(s) 104 as just described.

The uniform orientation of the ferrules 104 in the ferrule package 100 disclosed herein provides the user with ready and immediate access to the bore 660 (FIG. 6) of any of the ferrules 104. Moreover, the insert 902 may be one of two tubes to be fluidically connected by the ferrule 104. The ferrule package 100 disclosed herein enables the removing of the ferrule 104 from the ferrule package 100 to be combined with installing (or pre-installing) the ferrule 104 on the tube (insert 902). The ferrule 104 and the tube may be transported together, without making contact with the tube, to a location where the second tube is inserted in the ferrule 104 and an appropriate process is carried out to complete the fluidic connection. Moreover, the tube may be intended for use in an application that requires the ferrule 104 to be inert and not contaminate the fluid conducted through the tube or contaminate the operating environment outside the tube. For example, the tube may be utilized in connection with chemical analysis or analytical separation. The ferrule package 100 and associated method disclosed herein may facilitate such applications.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate an example of a ferrule package 1100 according to another embodiment. Elements of the ferrule package 1100 that are the same or similar to corresponding elements shown in FIGS. 1-6 are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. Specifically, FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the ferrule package 1100 with the ferrules 104 loaded therein. FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the ferrule package 1100 in assembled form and in an “open” position. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the ferrule package 1100, taken along line A-A in FIG. 12. The ferrule package 1100 includes a base 1112 and a cover 1114 arranged about a longitudinal axis 1110. The base 1112 includes a plurality of receptacles 1116 with openings 1118, a base plate 1120, and a base wall 1122. The cover 1114 includes an access aperture 1132. The ferrule package 1100 may also include locking members 1142 and 1144.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the region of the ferrule package 1100 delineated by a dashed circle in FIG. 13, illustrating details of one of the receptacles 1116 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein. In this embodiment, the receptacles 1116 are configured such that their receptacle axes 1448 are oriented at an angle relative to the base plate 1120 (and thus at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 1110), and all receptacle axes 1448 are oriented at the same angle. The receptacle openings 1118 and the access aperture 1132 may be elliptical to accommodate loading and removing ferrules 104 along the angled receptacle axis 1448. The ferrule package 1100 may operate, and the ferrules 104 may be removed, as described above.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an example of a ferrule package 1500 according to another embodiment. Elements of the ferrule package 1500 that are the same or similar to corresponding elements shown in FIGS. 1-6 are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. Specifically, FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the ferrule package 1500 with the ferrules 104 loaded therein. The ferrule package 1500 includes a base 1512 and a cover 1514 arranged about a longitudinal axis 1510. The base 1512 includes a plurality of receptacles 1516 with openings 1518, a base plate 1520, and a base wall 1522. The cover 1514 includes an access aperture 1632 (FIG. 16). The ferrule package 1100 may also include locking members 1542 and 1544. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a region of the ferrule package 1500, illustrating one of the receptacles 1516 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein. In this embodiment, the receptacles 1516 are configured such that their receptacle axes 1648 are oriented in the transverse direction, i.e., perpendicular or radial to the longitudinal axis 1510. Thus, for example, the receptacles 1516 may be adjoined or part of the base wall 1522 instead of the base plate 1520 (as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-14), and the access aperture 1632 may be located in a corresponding portion of the cover 1514. The ferrule package 1500 may operate, and the ferrules 104 may be removed, as described above.

FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 are a plan view, side elevation view and side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an example of a base 1712 for a ferrule package according to another embodiment. Elements of the base 1712 that are the same or similar to corresponding elements shown in FIGS. 1-6 are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. The base includes a plurality of receptacles 1716, a base plate 1720, and a base wall 1722. In this embodiment, the receptacles 1716 are configured such that their receptacle axes 1948 are oriented at an angle relative to the base plate 1720 (and thus at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis 1910). Additionally, the receptacles 1716 are adjoined or part of the base wall 1722 instead of the base plate 1720, and the base wall 1722 is oriented at a non-ninety degree angle to the base plate 1720 (and thus at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 1910). A cover (not shown) and other features (e.g., engagement members, locking members, etc.) may be adapted to provide a complete ferrule package based on the teachings of the present disclosure. The ferrule package may operate, and the ferrules 104 may be removed, as described above.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate an example of a ferrule package 2000 according to another embodiment. Elements of the ferrule package 2000 that are the same or similar to corresponding elements shown in FIGS. 1-6 are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. Specifically, FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the ferrule package 2000 with the ferrules 104 loaded therein. FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the ferrule package 2000 in assembled form and in an “open” position. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembled ferrule package 2000, taken along line A-A in FIG. 21. The ferrule package 2000 includes a base 2012 and a cover 2014. The base 2012 includes a plurality of receptacles 2016 with openings 2018. The cover 1114 includes an access aperture 1132. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the region of the ferrule package 2000 delineated by a dashed circle in FIG. 22, illustrating details of one of the receptacles 2016 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein. In this embodiment, the receptacles 2016 are arranged in a linear arrangement, which may be a one-dimensional array (a single row or column) or a two-dimensional array (as illustrated). Also in this embodiment, movement of the cover 2014 entails linear translation relative to the base 2012, instead of rotary motion.

In the example specifically illustrated in FIGS. 20-23, the cover 2014 is provided as a plurality of separate covers for individual rows of receptacles 2016. Each cover 2014 may be movably engaged with one or more engagement members 2034 (or guide members) of the base 2012. Also in this example, each cover 2014 is releasably lockable in a closed position via engagement of the access aperture 2032 with a locking member 2042 of the base 2012. The locking member 2042 may be a protrusion that extends into the aperture 2032 upon movement of the aperture 2032 over the locking member 2042. The locking member 2042 may be similar in size to the receptacle openings, or may be smaller. The ferrule package 2000 may operate, and the ferrules 104 may be removed, as described above.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate an example of a ferrule package 2400 according to another embodiment. Elements of the ferrule package 2400 that are the same or similar to corresponding elements shown in FIGS. 1-6 are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

Specifically, FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the ferrule package 2400. FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the ferrule package 2400 with the ferrules 104 loaded in respective receptacles 2416. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ferrule package 2400, taken along line A-A in FIG. 25, illustrating details of one of the receptacles 2416 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ferrule package 2400, taken along line B-B in FIG. 25, illustrating details of one of the receptacles 2416 with a ferrule 104 loaded therein. The ferrule package 2400 includes a base 2412 and a cover 2414 arranged about a longitudinal axis 2410. The base 2412 includes a plurality of receptacles 2416 with openings 2418, a base plate 2420, and a base wall 2422. The cover 2414 includes an access aperture 2432. The ferrule package 2400 may also include locking members 2442 and 2444.

In this embodiment, the receptacles 2416 are configured such that their receptacle axes 2648 are oriented in a plane parallel to the base 2412 (or base plate 2420) and thus in a plane transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2410. In the transverse plane, the receptacles 2416 are arranged circumferentially about, and at equal radii from, the longitudinal axis 2410, such that the receptacle axes 2648 are tangential to a circle coaxial with the longitudinal axis 2410. The receptacles 2416 are configured (i.e., sized and shaped relative to the size and shape of the ferrules 104) so as to limit the amount by which each ferrule 104 is able deviate from alignment with the corresponding receptacle axis 2648 while the ferrule resides in the ferrule package 2400. The receptacle openings 2418 and access aperture 2432 may be oval or oblong to accommodate loading and removing ferrules 104.

In some embodiments, a selected ferrule 104 is removed by inserting a tube into the receptacle 2416 at an angle and into the ferrule's bore. The tube and/or the ferrule package 2400 may be manipulated as generally described above to complete the removal of the ferrule 104 from the ferrule package 2400. The transverse orientation of the ferrules 104 may be desired to provide the option of inserting the tube in either end of the ferrule 104. In some embodiments, the tube (typically a small-bore tube) is flexible enough to enable the user to bend the tube to facilitate inserting the tube into the receptacle 2416 into engagement with the ferrule's bore. Hence, a large amount of axial spacing between the ferrule's ends and the receptacle's wall may not be needed, and may be less than the spacing shown by example in FIG. 26 (it being generally understood that the drawing figures are not necessarily to scale).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24-27, each ferrule 104 is stored in the receptacle 2416 such that the ferrule's axial ends are perpendicular to the aperture 2432 at the open position (i.e., when the aperture 2432 has been moved into alignment with the receptacle 2416 holding the selected ferrule 104). Hence, the ferrule's axial ends (and thus the bore's ends) do not directly face the aperture 2432. In this embodiment, the tube may be manipulated to tilt the ferrule 104 away from the receptacle axis 2648 until one of the axial ends is movable through the aperture 2432 without obstruction. In other embodiments described above, each ferrule 104 is stored in the receptacle such that one of the axial ends faces the aperture at the open position. In these other embodiments, the ferrule 104 may be moved out from the receptacle and through the aperture generally along the receptacle axis.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of an example of a ferrule package 2800 according to another embodiment. The ferrule package 2800 may be generally similar to the ferrule package 2400 illustrated in FIGS. 24-27. In the present embodiment, the base 2412 includes a plurality of grooves 2864 circumferentially arranged about the longitudinal axis, with at least one groove 2864 extending outwardly from the opening 2418 of at least one receptacle 2416. In the illustrated example, the grooves 2864 extend along a circumference between adjacent receptacles 2416. In this manner, a single groove 2864 “connects” two adjacent receptacles 2416, and for most or all of the receptacles 2416, two grooves 2864 extend out from opposing sides of the receptacle 2416. The point at which a given groove 2864 meets an opening 2418 may be at or near the receptacle axis. By this configuration, the groove 2864 may improve access to the bore of the ferrule 104 held in the receptacle 2416. For example, an insert 902 (FIGS. 9 and 10) may be inserted through the opening 2418 via the groove 2864, which enables the insert 902 to be inserted along a smaller angle relative to the horizontal receptacle axis and in closer alignment with the ferrule's bore. To facilitate insertion of the insert 902 from the side via the groove 2864, the access aperture 2432 may be lengthened (as compared with the aperture 2432 shown in FIG. 24) so as to expose at least a portion of the groove 2864 in addition to exposing the opening 2418.

It will be understood that various aspects or details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A ferrule package, comprising:

a plurality of ferrules; and

a packaging device configured for containing the ferrules in a uniform orientation, and comprising:

a base;

a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle comprising a receptacle wall adjoined to the base and defining an opening, wherein each receptacle wall is coaxial with a receptacle axis and configured for limiting an angle to which a ferrule contained in the receptacle is tiltable from the receptacle axis; and

a cover engaging the base and comprising an aperture, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base between a closed position at which the cover covers all of the openings, and a plurality of open positions at which the aperture exposes the respective openings.

2. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein each receptacle wall is configured for limiting tilting of the ferrule to less than 45 degrees from the receptacle axis.

3. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein each receptacle is spaced from the corresponding ferrule by a gap having a dimension transverse to the receptacle axis, and when the ferrule is aligned with the receptacle axis the dimension ranges from 0% to 60% of a length of the ferrule.

4. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein each receptacle comprises a bottom axially opposite the opening, each receptacle has a height from the bottom to the opening that is no greater than 30% of a height of a ferrule contained in the receptacle, and the opening has a cross-sectional area no greater than 60% of the cross-sectional area of the ferrule.

5. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein each receptacle comprises a bottom axially opposite the opening, and each receptacle wall is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the receptacle at the bottom is less than the cross-sectional area at the opening.

6. The ferrule package of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the receptacle wall is tapered.

7. The ferrule package of claim 5, wherein the receptacle wall comprises a shoulder at which the cross-sectional area is reduced.

8. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein each receptacle wall has an alignment feature shaped complementarily to at least a portion of a ferrule contained in the receptacle.

9. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein each ferrule has a bore facing the opening, and the receptacle is configured to limit tilting of the ferrule such that the bore is unobstructed through the opening.

10. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein the receptacle axes have an orientation selected from the group consisting of: the receptacle axes are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base; the receptacle axes are at an angle to the base; the receptacle axes are parallel to the base; and the receptacle axes are parallel to the base and circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis passing perpendicularly through the base.

11. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein the receptacle axes are parallel to the base and circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis passing perpendicularly through the base, and the base comprises a plurality of grooves circumferentially arranged about the longitudinal axis, each groove extending outwardly from the opening of at least one receptacle.

12. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a base plate and a base wall extending outward from the base plate, and the receptacle walls are adjoined to the base wall.

13. The ferrule package of claim 12, wherein the base wall has an orientation selected from the group consisting of: the base wall is perpendicular to the plate; and the base wall is at an angle to the plate.

14. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first locking member and the cover comprises a second locking member releasably engaging the first locking member such that the cover is releasably lockable at the closed position, or at the closed position and at one or more of the open positions.

15. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein the receptacles are coaxially disposed about a central axis, and the cover is rotatable relative to the base between the closed position and the open positions.

16. The ferrule package of claim 1, wherein the receptacles are disposed in a linear arrangement, and the cover is linearly translatable relative to the base between the closed position and the open positions.

17. A method for removing a ferrule from a ferrule package, the method comprising:

selecting a ferrule from a plurality of ferrules stored in a uniform orientation in a respective plurality of receptacles of the ferrule package;

moving a cover of the ferrule package from a closed position to an open position wherein, at the closed position the cover covers all of the receptacles, and at the open position an aperture of the cover is aligned with an opening of the receptacle in which the selected ferrule is stored;

inserting an insert through the aperture and the opening and into a bore of the ferrule; and

removing the selected ferrule from the receptacle without making contact with the selected ferrule by sliding the selected ferrule on the insert.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein removing the selected ferrule comprises performing a step selected from the group consisting of: manipulating the insert; manipulating the ferrule package; turning the ferrule package such that the ferrule is slidable on the insert by gravity; and a combination of two of more of the foregoing.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein each receptacle has a receptacle axis, each ferrule is stored such that the bore lies along the receptacle axis and an end of the ferrule faces the aperture at the open position, and removing the selected ferrule comprises moving the selected ferrule out from the receptacle along the receptacle axis.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein each receptacle has a receptacle axis, each ferrule is stored such that the bore lies along the receptacle axis and an end of the ferrule is perpendicular to the aperture at the open position, and removing the selected ferrule comprises manipulating the insert to tilt the ferrule away from the receptacle axis until the end of the ferrule is movable through the aperture without obstruction.