Self-aligning SmartStrate™

An apparatus comprising:

• a generally rectilinear body (102);
• said generally rectilinear body (102) having a plurality of exterior side walls (103);
• one of said plurality of exterior walls (103) having a weld extension (106B);
• said weld extension (106B) being affixed to said generally rectilinear body (102) on one of said exterior side walls (103);
• said weld extension (106B) being capable of being welded to an external tube;
• and
• a sheet (112);
• said sheet (112) including a seal (114) and a plurality of alignment holes (113);
• one of said plurality of exterior walls (103) having a port (108);
• said port (108) being configured to mate with an external component together with said seal (114) surrounded by said sheet (112);
• said generally rectilinear body (102) having an internal passageway (107);
• said internal channel (107) being in communication with said weld extension (106B);
• said internal channel (107) being in communication with said port (108);
• said generally rectilinear body (102) also having a plurality of posts (110) for automatically aligning and connecting said external component with said body (102);
• said posts (110) including a conical end (111).

A method comprising the steps of:

• providing a generally rectilinear body (102);
• said generally rectilinear body (102) having a plurality of exterior side walls (103);
• forming a port (108) in said body (102);
• forming a weld extension (106B) which extends from said body (102);
• forming a plurality of posts (110) on said body (102);
• providing a sheet (112) having a plurality of alignment holes (113) and a seal (114);
• attaching an external component to said generally rectilinear body (102) by aligning said plurality of posts (110) with said plurality of alignment holes (113) in said sheet (112), and then engaging said plurality of posts (110) with an external component;
• conveying said fluid through said generally rectilinear body (102) through an internal passageway (107);
• said internal channel (107) being in communication with said weld extension (106B);
• said internal channel (107) also being in communication with said port (108);
• affixing said external fixture to said generally rectilinear body (102) using said plurality of posts (110).