Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a faucet assembly that includes a mounting plate and a backing plate that clampingly attach to a surface such as a sink, bathtub, countertop or shower wall. The surface includes a large opening through which a user may access the hot and cold water lines with their shut-off valves. The hot and cold water lines are attached through flexible hoses to the faucet assembly. The faucet assembly is attached to the outer mounting plate whereby when the mounting plate is detached from the backing plate the flexible hoses allow the mounting plate with the faucet assembly to be moved away from the surface to access the water lines and/or repair or replace the faucet assembly.

Abstract: A system for making modular all of the components of hydronic heating systems so that they can be assembled in various configurations with a minimum of error and labor. The system includes a modular transition adaptor that completes a first hydronic loop and provides a supply outlet and return inlet for servicing a second hydronic loop which is dependent from the first. The transition adaptor has standard spacing and fittings for simple and error free connection to other components such as boilers and mechanical modules. The system also includes a modular supply-return connector that can be connected to the branch outlet and branch inlet of the transition adaptor and to other supply-return connectors. Each supply-return connector includes further branches to provide heated liquid to hydronic radiator loops. The supply-return connectors may include pumps or valves.

Abstract: A quick pressure reducer and cylinder valve for use with an SCBA includes a cylinder valve that connects to a pressure vessel, a pressure reduction assembly for reducing the pressure of breathing air provided by the pressure vessel, a probe, and an inlet/latch assembly. The probe includes a notch and a threadless probe tip, and the inlet/latch includes a corresponding receptacle and one or more latches adapted to fit into the notch to retain the probe in the receptacle. A pushbutton switch in the receptacle is triggered by insertion of the probe tip therein, thereby providing an electrical signal. Probes of different lengths may be used to correspond to different pressure capacities, and the inlet/latch assembly may be arranged either to permit the insertion of only probe size or may be arranged to accept both sizes but to function differently based on the size of the probe. The latches are inoperable except at or below a nominal pressure.

Abstract: A valve cover having a valve cover body, preferably of two sections. These sections are placed on either side of a valve. When joined, the sections enclose the valve, but form line apertures around the lines leading to and from the valve. Once the sections are in place, a cap is placed over the sections. The cap is sized to fit the sections tightly and will prevent the sections from separating. The cap may be provided with a tongue in groove mechanism to prevent accidental removal of the cap and to help secure the cap to the valve cover body. The cap and the valve cover body are also preferably provided with locking apertures. When these locking apertures are aligned, the cap may be secured to the valve cover body with a lock. With the valve cover locked in place around a valve, access to the valve is denied.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for attachment to a plumbing system for the rapid on-demand delivery of hot water through the plumbing system to an ultimate point of use. The apparatus includes a diverter valve located in a hot water supply line upstream of the point of use. The diverter valve is actuated for a predetermined interval by a user to initially purge cold water from the hot water line to a drain. After the preset interval, the valve automatically closes. The initial diversion of cold water standing in the water supply line causes rapid delivery of hot water to the point of use once the diverter valve has completed its cycle.

Abstract: A method for etching an ultra-shallow channel includes using an etch process that is selective for one material to etch a different material in order to achieve a very precise channel depth in the different material. Channels as shallow as 10 nm can be fabricated in silicon with precision of 5 nm or better using the method. Stepped channels can be fabricated where each segment is a different depth, with the segments being between 10 nm and 1000 nm in depth. The method is applied to create a fluidic channel which includes a channel substrate to which is bonded a lid substrate to confine fluids to the fluidic channels so fabricated.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a microstructure using maskless lithography. A first layer is provided in a spaced relationship to a base layer so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough that communicates with the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a polymerizing agent is directed towards a portion of the material so as to polymerize the same. The polymerized material defines a channel network and the non-polymerized material is flushed from the channel network.

Abstract: A valve system includes a valve assembly, and an actuator for operating the valve assembly. The actuator includes a housing and a shaft extending through the housing. The shaft is moveable within a range of motion during operation of the valve assembly. The valve system also includes a valve position monitor for monitoring the position of the valve assembly. The valve position monitor includes at least one trigger and a corresponding stationary stop. The trigger is moveable with respect to the stationary stop within a range of motion. The range of motion of the trigger corresponds to at least a portion of the range of motion of the shaft. At least a portion of the range of motion of the trigger extends into the housing of the actuator.

Abstract: A tri valve backflow preventer having parts and materials preferably consisting of steel nuts and bolts, ductile iron operating nuts, nitrile rubber O-rings, nitrile rubber gaskets, manganese bronze valve adjusting stems, valve wedge gates made of ductile iron encapsulated with EPDM rubber, and ductile iron valve bodies. Material and parts are constructed in accordance with ASTM standards and the requirements of the AWWAC-509 and AWWAC-504 for gate valves and butterfly valves. The tri valve backflow preventer is used with a temporary conventional backflow assembly between existing water main pipe and new/upgraded sections of water main pipe while they are under construction. It is left in place when the temporary backflow assembly is removed. Its use saves extra inspection hours, extra man hours, extra equipment hours, conserves large amounts of good water otherwise needed for flushing, and reduces the safety risk to the public during activation of new water lines.

Abstract: Described are fuel parts comprising a crystalline polyamide resin having a terminal amino group concentration>a terminal carboxyl group concentration and excellent in fuel resistance at their weld portion, which fuel parts are suited for use as various parts to be attached to fuel tanks of automobiles and the like, and a process for producing the fuel parts.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes an escutcheon that is secured to a valve housing by a threaded adapter. Thus, no screws need extend through the escutcheon, resulting in a more visually pleasing outer appearance. Further, a trim sleeve may be inserted into the escutcheon adapter to turn the escutcheon adapter relative to the valve housing and adjust the position of the escutcheon tightly against the wall. The present invention thus provides an escutcheon which need not have any screws to secure it to the fixed structure, but which is securely held to the valve housing.

Abstract: A system and method for providing process chemicals. The system includes a housing comprising a functional component positioned in a first compartment, a control module positioned in a second compartment and at least one connecting line positioned in a third compartment. At least one compartment is positioned in a defined location in the housing. Modules may be removable received in their respective compartments.

Abstract: In an assembling structure for assembling a pressure sensor device to a solenoid, the pressure sensor device comprises a pressure sensor and an electromagnetic valve, and the solenoid is electrically connected to an electrical circuit device and has a cylindrical inner space. The pressure sensor device is detachably inserted into the cylindrical inner space of the solenoid. The pressure sensor has a first set of terminals, whereas a second set of terminals is provided to the solenoid, wherein the first set of the terminals is respectively and electrically connected to the second set of the terminals through spring contact.

Abstract: A weather cap for gas valve comprising a gas valve vent attachment member for securing to a gas valve vent outlet, a cover connected to the gas valve vent attachment member with the cover and the gas valve attachment member forming a housing having a chamber therein, a vent limiter located in the chamber, a first gas passage in the housing for permitting ingress and egress of gas into the chamber from a gas valve, and a second gas passage in the housing with the second gas passage opened to the atmosphere to permit venting of gas to the atmosphere with the second gas passage being located on an underside of the chamber to thereby shield the vent limiter from blockage by preventing rain or snow from entering the chamber.

Abstract: A roll-up pool combines a collection basin and an elevation grid system into one unit that can be set up for use in seconds. The roll-up pool includes a bottom portion and wall portions, as well as an upper surface. A set of elevation pieces are located between the upper surface and the bottom portion, and are bonded to these components. All of these components are made of a material which is sufficiently flexible to allow the structure to be wound into a roll. When decontamination is required, the roll is unwound to provide a collection basin having an elevation grid system. In another embodiment, the rolled structure includes only the elevation grid system, and is intended for deployment in a collection basin that already exists. The invention substantially reduces the time and effort required to decontaminate victims of industrial accidents or chemical or biological attack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices provide substances to a mass spectrometer. The microfluidic devices include first and second surfaces, at least one microchannel formed by the surfaces, and an outlet at an edge of the surfaces which is recessed back from an adjacent portion of the edge. Hydrophilic surfaces and/or hydrophobic surfaces guide substances out of the outlet. A source of electrical potential can help move substances through the microchannel, separate substances and/or provide electrospray ionization.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially preventing access to an inlet of a vent. The apparatus may comprise a housing attachable to the inlet of the vent and having one or more traps position therein to block insertion of a fluid insertion device through the housing and to the inlet of the vent. The traps may be formed by intersections of interior panels within the housing. The traps may be configured to allow fluid flow to exit the vent inlet and pass through the housing before venting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, or system, for applying a multi-component liquid liner composition to an inner surface of a conduit. The system comprises a first reservoir having a first liquid liner component; a second reservoir having a second liquid liner component, the second liquid liner component being different from the first liquid liner component; a first liquid liner component transmission line in communication with the first reservoir; a second liquid liner component transmission line in communication with the second reservoir; and an applicator in communication with the first and second liquid liner component transmission lines. Methods of applying multi-component liquid liner compositions to the inner surface of conduits are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a valve enabling complete prevention of leakage and a backflow and having durability and less noise, and further there may be implemented a valve capable of predicting the tendency of occurrence of damage on the functions of the valve before the functions of the valve are actually damaged. In a valve having a valve chamber 5 formed between a fluid inlet 2 and a fluid outlet 3, a valve element 6 disposed in the valve chamber 5 is composed of an elastic member and an inelastic member.

Abstract: A fuel tank comprises a shell made by assembling together at least two tank portions each made by molding a thermoplastic material and, when assembled together, defining the inside surface of the tank. The tank has a fuel pump fixed to its inside surface before the tank portions are assembled together.

Abstract: A faucet spout fixture provides for spout mounting and removal from above a supporting surface such as a sink deck, without disconnection of the water supply conduits beneath the sink deck. The fixture includes a faucet spout which has a water passage and a water discharge in communication with the passage. There is a water inlet in the spout which communicates with the passage. A water supply assembly is located beneath the supporting surface and there is a spout waterway adjustably connected to the water supply assembly, which spout waterway extends into the spout water inlet. There is a clamp member adjustably mounted on the spout waterway to be positioned against and on top of the supporting surface sink deck. A spout fastener extends through an opening in the clamp member and is held in position therein by a portion of the spout waterway. The spout fastener adjustably cooperates with a threaded bore on the spout to removably fasten the spout against and on top of the supporting surface.

Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is disclosed for mounting an object, such as a valve or a spa jet about an aperture in a wall such as a bath or shower wall. The assembly has the advantage that the object can be mounted such that it projects a predetermined distance from the front surface of the wall and can be secured to the wall by rotating a member on the front side of the wall. The invention also provides a valve assembly having relief between sealing surfaces to prevent the valve member seizing.

Abstract: A colored ring immovably associated with an inlet of an underground tank to enhance the identification of the material in the underground tank. The ring can be bolted to the inlet or engaged with adhesive to the inlet. The ring can be formed as a substantially continuous ring or a plurality of ring members. The ring can be partially positionable in the ground or can be fully disposed above ground. The ring can include a colored surface or can be uniformly colored. The ring can be used in combination with a colored lid such as the color of the lid and the color of the ring are substantially similar.

Abstract: This invention provides a low profile fuel tank assembly having an elongated fuel delivery module mounted horizontally within the fuel tank and independent from a flange which covers a sole fuel tank access hole. An integrated fuel pump and associated motor of the module dictates the length of the module. The motor and pump has a rotational axis preferably disposed substantially horizontal within the fuel tank. Because the fuel delivery module is supported by the fuel tank shell or bottom, independent of the flange, the access hole can be located anywhere on the fuel tank in order to simplify fuel tank ingress and minimize repair procedures. During assembly, the module is inserted into the fuel tank through the access hole, and is then placed and snap-locked preferably into a bracket structure permanently engaged to an inside surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A water supply sub-system for connection to a main water supply system includes a storage tank having an inlet with a flow control valve for connection to the main water supply system. The sub-system may be disconnected from the main system and configured as a closed system for disinfecting the sub-system. An outlet line connects the storage tank to a pump that pumps water from the tank to a sub-system supply line. One or more branch connections may connect the sub-system supply line to high-demand water using devices, such as dialysis machines. The supply line may be a feedback loop. A shunt feedback loop parallel to the feedback loop of the supply line has a pressure control valve that regulates pressure in the supply line feedback loop. A filtration device may also be included to ensure the purity of the water circulating through the sub-system.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microfluidic device where first and second substantially flat platens are provided. Multiple substantially planar, substantially metal-free, adhesiveless polymer device layers, the device layers including a first cover layer, second cover layer, and at least one stencil layer defining a microfluidic channel penetrating through the entire thickness of the stencil layer also are provided. Each stencil layer is disposed between other device layers such that the channel is bounded laterally by a stencil layer, and bounded from above and below by surrounding device layers to define an upper channel surface and a lower channel surface. The device layers are stacked between the first platen and the second platen. The stacked device layers are controllably heated according to a heating profile adapted to form a substantially sealed adhesiveless microfluidic device wherein each upper channel surface remains distinct from its corresponding lower channel surface.

Abstract: A modular microfluidic system includes a plurality of discrete microfluidic modules each capable of performing at least one operation and at least one microfluidic coupling device for fluidically coupling the modules to perform a sequence of operations. The microfluidic modules and coupling devices may be constructed according to various techniques. In one embodiment, coupling devices are fabricated from multiple layers and each include a fluidic inlet port, a fluidic outlet port, and at least one sandwiched stencil layer having a microfluidic channel formed therein. Also described are integrated microfluidic systems and methods capable of performing various sequences of operations.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a swivel joint for pivotally mounting a decorative escutcheon relative to a valve body so that the escutcheon can mount flush against the mounting wall when the wall or the valve is out of plumb. There is a valve housing from which extends a rotatable valve stem, an escutcheon mountable around the housing or stem, a swivelable bearing also disposed about the housing or stem, and a skirt mounted around the stem. Tightening the skirt drives its inner edge against the bearing which in turn abuts the escutcheon. The escutcheon can pivot relative to the bearing due to abutting curved surfaces on the escutcheon and bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A modular well for a wastewater lift station includes multiple well sections. Each of the well sections has at least one mating feature allowing it to be joined to at least one other well section and to form a liquid tight seal. The well is formed by vertically mating the well sections together. One of the well sections has an inlet opening, and the same or a different well section has at least one outlet opening.

Abstract: A pump housing contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank to deliver fuel to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled riser pipe that carries the fuel from the underground storage tank to the pump. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner space. The outer annular space is coupled to a vacuum created by the pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space. An alternate submersible turbine pump has a double-walled housing with a pressure sensor disposed in the interstitial space of the double-walled housing. A vacuum may be created therein to determine if leaks are present in the housing of the submersible turbine pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A filter device and method for diaphragm type flush valves includes positioning the filter device in a cavity of the valve, between an inlet and an outlet pipe, and between an inlet and a bleed hole of a diaphragm of the valve. The filter device spans the entire span between an outlet pipe and a valve wall. Thus, all water entering the valve through the inlet passes through the filter prior to exiting through the outlet pipe, or prior to passing through the bleed hole in the diaphragm. The filter device can have a tubular or frusto-conical shape with a first, lower opening sealing about the outlet pipe, and a second, upper opening sealing against the valve wall.

Abstract: An automatic system and method for changing a disposable nozzle for a multiple component reactant mixture injector. A robot supports a mixing head that is used to inject a reactant mixture. The robot moves the mixing head including a shroud and the disposable nozzle to a nozzle changing station. The shroud is retained on the mixing head by a threaded collar that is unscrewed at the nozzle changing station by a nut runner. The used nozzle is ejected from the shroud, engaged by a gripper and disposed of while a new disposable nozzle is obtained from a magazine and placed in the shroud. The threaded collar reattaches the shroud to the mixing head and the mixing head is returned to operation.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A ported slide gate valve having a gate for regulating the flow of a fluid through the valve, a seat located in the valve interior, and a means for causing the gate to move in such a manner that the gate fractures any scale built up in the lower portion of the valve interior, prior to the gate's movement to a valve closed position. The scale is fractured in a direction away from the seat and deposited in the fluid. More particularly, the means for causing the gate to move includes a primary piston and a secondary piston, where the primary piston is coupled to the gate. In the valve closed position, the secondary piston holds the primary piston in the desired position. A movement of the secondary piston causes the gate to move to fracture the scale in the lower portion of the valve interior.

Abstract: Valve assembly comprising a valve base, a valve bonnet attached thereto, a rotatable valve stem extending coaxially through the valve bonnet, a rotatable valve handle attached to the valve stem and having a plane of rotation which is generally perpendicular to the axis of the valve stem, and an indicator tab attached to the valve base or the valve bonnet and extending outward from the valve body or valve bonnet in a direction generally parallel to the plane of rotation of the valve handle. The rotatable valve handle can be disposed in at least a first position and a second position, wherein the rotatable handle when disposed in the first position renders the indicator tab invisible when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the valve handle, and wherein the rotatable handle when disposed in the second position renders the indicator tab visible when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the valve handle.

Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill moulds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.

Abstract: A spool for carrying continuous pipe or coiled tubing for a coiled tubing injector is dropped into a stand at a site and coupled to a rotary power source. The stand includes two axles, on either side of the spool, and a drive coupling. A pipe slideably extends through one of the axles. It is retracted when the spool is lowered onto the stand and then extended for communicating fluid between the coiled tubing and a fluid source. A swivel joint is connected to one end of the pipe. The pipe is permitted to turn with the spool or is held stationary with respect to the stand depending on whether the swivel joint is mounted outside the stand or inside the spool.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant enclosure adapted to be recessed below the ground which allows a covering lid to be placed about an opening at the upper end of the housing substantially parallel to the surrounding terrain. The housing is preferably cylindrically shaped, having a larger diameter at the bottom than at the top. However, the housing may take any desired shape, such as rectangular, elliptical, cubic, etc without departing from the intended scope of the invention. The housing also includes a supply of pressurized water which is hooked up to the supply of water previously utilized for the above-ground stored garden hose through any conventional plumbing arrangement. Preferably, valving is utilized within the housing, and a threaded male brass fitting supplied to attach the proximal end of the hose to within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A safety reel for storing, paying out and rewinding tube is provided. As tubing is paid out of the reel a coil spring is wound tight to provide the energy to recoil the tubing when desired. In this way tubing may be reeled up to a desired length and is thereby not underfoot, causing potential tripping hazards and tube crushing situations. The safety reel of the present invention allows the quick and easy replacement of tubing. The reel and case are provided with easy alignment devices such that the internal reel hose guide inlet and the external case payout opening may be quickly and easily aligned together so that tubing may be quickly and easily replaced. In this manner the user is encouraged to replace the tubing at recommended intervals so that germs, bacteria and the like are minimized and the user's health is better protected.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The liner includes a hollow body with first and second opposed ends that features shoulders positioned proximate to one of said opposed ends. The shoulders, when employed with the sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it, facilitates restricting removal of the cap from the valve stem to authorized individuals, only. Specifically, an interlocking mechanism extends between the liner and the sleeve and limits axial movement therebetween, while allowing rotational movement. To remove the cap from the valve stem, a key is employed which forms an interference fit with the shoulders in the liner, once exposed.

Abstract: Diverse existing non-zero waste reverse osmosis systems are retrofittable by unskilled labor to become zero waste by a method using integrally-packaged subassemblies (1, 2, 3) placed in-line in the inlet to the RO unit and in each of the outlets from the RO unit. Using the subassemblies, the retrofit most typically requires only six connections thereby simplifying system installation, improving system reliability, and extending system longevity.

Abstract: An oil reservoir for a vehicle transmission includes a separately formed oil pan and suction tube each formed of plastics material. A filter cartridge is disposed about a lower end portion of the suction tube to filter oil entering an oil inlet of the suction tube at the lower end. The suction tube and floor of the oil pan have snap-together connecting structure. To assemble the suction tube with the floor of the oil pan, the tube is simply pressed toward the pan causing the connecting structure to engage with a snap-fit connection.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.