US 9,441,776 B2 · Manifold and methods of manufacturing same

Abstract

According to one aspect, a manifold defines an internal region and a first inside surface. A fluid liner is permanently bonded to the first inside surface, and dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond is maintained. According to another aspect, an end cap is connected to the elongated member and defines a second inside surface. The fluid liner is engaged with each of first and second inside surfaces, and defines a third inside surface. A first thickness of the fluid liner is defined between the first and third inside surfaces, a second thickness of the fluid liner is defined between the second and third inside surfaces, and the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. According to another aspect, a plug opening is formed through the fluid liner, and a liner plug extends within the plug opening.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A manifold through which fluid is adapted to flow, the manifold comprising:

an elongated member at least partially defining an internal region through which the fluid is adapted to flow, a longitudinal axis, and a first inside surface, the elongated member comprising:
one or more inlets via which the fluid flows into the internal region;
and
one or more outlets via which the fluid flows out of the internal region;
and
a fluid liner disposed within the internal region and permanently bonded to the first inside surface of the elongated member, wherein the fluid liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond between the fluid liner and the first inside surface of the elongated member is maintained;
and
an end cap connected to the elongated member, the end cap defining a second inside surface to which the fluid liner is permanently bonded;
wherein the fluid liner defines a third inside surface within the internal region.

6 more elements

A manifold through which fluid is adapted to flow, the manifold comprising:

an elongated member, the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a first inside surface;
an end cap connected to the elongated member, the end cap defining a second inside surface;
an internal region at least partially defined by the elongated member and the end cap;
and
a fluid liner disposed within the internal region and engaged with each of first and second inside surfaces, the fluid liner defining a third inside surface within the internal region;
wherein the fluid liner is permanently bonded to each of the first and second inside surfaces;
and
wherein the fluid liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond between the fluid liner and each of the first and second inside surfaces is maintained.

5 more elements

A manifold through which fluid is adapted to flow, the manifold comprising:

an elongated member, the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a first inside surface;
an end cap connected to the elongated member, the end cap defining a second inside surface;
an internal region at least partially defined by the elongated member and the end cap;
a fluid liner disposed within the internal region;
a first plug opening formed through the fluid liner;
a first stem extending from the elongated member, the first stem defining a stem passage;
and
a first bull plug assembly connected to the first stem, the first bull plug assembly comprising:
a head;
and
a first liner plug extending from the head, through the stem passage, and within the first plug opening;
wherein the fluid liner is composed of a first resilient material that is adapted to dynamically respond to pressure fluctuations;
wherein the first liner plug is composed of a second resilient material that is adapted to dynamically respond to pressure fluctuations;
wherein the second resilient material of the first liner plug is the same as, or is different from, the first resilient material of the fluid liner;
wherein the fluid liner is permanently bonded to each of the first and second inside surfaces;
and
wherein the fluid liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond between the fluid liner and each of the first and second inside surfaces is maintained.

14 more elements

A manifold through which fluid is adapted to flow the fluid containing entrained solid s articulates the manifold comprising:

an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a first inside surface, the elongated member comprising a first outlet;
an internal region at least partially defined by the elongated member;
a fluid liner disposed within the internal region, wherein the fluid liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough;
and
a first tube extending from the elongated member, the first tube defining a first fluid passage in fluid communication with the internal region via the first outlet;
wherein the elongated member comprises a second outlet
wherein the manifold further comprises first and second radially-extending openings formed through the fluid liner and generally aligned with the first and second outlets, respectively;
wherein the first and second radially-extending openings are axially spaced from each other so that a portion of the fluid liner extends axially between the first and second radially-extending openings;
wherein the manifold further comprises a component connected to the elongated member, the component defining a second inside surface;
wherein the fluid liner is permanently bonded to each of the first and second inside surfaces;
and
wherein the fluid liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond between the fluid liner and each of the first and second inside surfaces is maintained.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Manifold and methods of manufacturing same

Life of this patent

Manifold and methods of manufacturing same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29