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Publication Number
US-11596938-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
There is disclosed a fluid distribution system for distributing fluid from a single source to a plurality of downstream receptacles. The system has a distribution manifold with a single inlet and a plurality of outlets arrayed around a circumferential outer periphery. The outlets may be directed to the different receptacles which each have their own vent filter, or each receptacle connects back to the distribution manifold for common venting.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a biologically closed fluid distribution system that distributes fluid from a single fluid source into multiple receptacles. The system includes a fluid distribution manifold with a solid body having a fluid inlet leading to an inner chamber and a plurality of fluid outlets fluidly connected to the inner chamber, and a plurality of outlet conduits fluidly connect the fluid outlets to receptacles, where fluid provided to the fluid inlet is distributed through the fluid outlets and outlet conduits into the receptacles, and each receptacle has a gas vent.
A vent manifold is disposed adjacent the fluid distribution manifold in an abutting relationship, and the vent manifold has a vent outlet in communication with an inner vent chamber. The vent manifold further has a plurality of vent inlets fluidly connected to the inner vent chamber, and a plurality of vent conduits connect the vent inlets to the receptacle gas vents. A common vent filter is connected to the vent outlet and configured to filter any gas which reaches the vent outlet, including configurations with common vent filters connected in series.
The invention further defines manifold geometry and distribution arrangement to evenly distribute fluid into the receptacles and to reduce uneven filling and sterility breaches associated with linear manifold designs. The fluid distribution manifold and vent manifold each have a cylindrical periphery with internal passages, including stepped inner chambers and axial chambers with evenly spaced radial passages and outwardly opening fluid outlets and vent manifold fluid inlets. Packaging and footprint reduction are enabled by compact multi-channel cylindrical distribution and vent manifolds, and receptacles are maintained in a vertical orientation beneath the manifolds with conduits bending downward toward the receptacles.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001 and clm-00011, and together they define a fluid distribution manifold for distributing fluid from a single fluid source to multiple receptacles and a gas vent architecture with optional common vent filtration, with the second independent claim adding per-conduit flow control on both outlet and vent pathways and emphasizing even distribution through internal passages.
Distribution from a single fluid source to multiple receptacles via a fluid distribution manifold and outlet conduits
A fluid distribution manifold with a solid body having a fluid inlet communicating with the single fluid source leading to an inner chamber, the fluid distribution manifold having a plurality of fluid outlets fluidly connected to the inner chamber; a plurality of outlet conduits fluidly connected to the plurality of fluid outlets; a plurality of receptacles each with an outlet conduit connected thereto, where fluid provided to the fluid inlet is distributed through the fluid outlets and outlet conduits into the receptacles, and each receptacle has a gas vent.
Adjacent abutting vent manifold with vent outlets, vent inlets, vent conduits, and a common vent filter
A vent manifold having a solid body disposed adjacent the fluid distribution manifold in an abutting relationship, the vent manifold having a vent outlet in communication with an inner vent chamber, the vent manifold having a plurality of vent inlets fluidly connected to the inner vent chamber; a plurality of vent conduits each connecting one of the vent inlets of the vent manifold to one of the receptacle gas vents; and a common vent filter connected to the vent outlet and configured to filter any gas which reaches the vent outlet.
Per-conduit flow control valves for evenly distributing fluid and for opening and closing vent flow to a vent filter
Outlet conduits each having a flow control valve associated therewith for opening and closing flow therethrough; where fluid provided to the fluid inlet is distributed evenly through the internal passages, fluid outlets, and outlet conduits into the receptacles; a gas vent disposed in each receptacle; vent conduits connecting to one of the receptacle gas vents and leading to a vent filter, each vent conduit having a flow control valve associated therewith for opening and closing flow therethrough.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive subject matter is a manifold-based distribution from a single fluid source to multiple receptacles, paired with gas venting via a dedicated vent manifold and vent conduits, and filtration via a common vent filter or vent filter(s). The second independent claim further emphasizes even distribution through internal passages and includes flow control valves associated with both the outlet conduits and the vent conduits.
Stated Advantages
Even distribution of fluid into the receptacles through the manifold internal passages, fluid outlets, and outlet conduits.
Minimize uneven filling.
Minimize sterility breaches associated with linear manifold designs.
Reduce footprint and hold-up volume through compact multi-channel cylindrical distribution and vent manifolds.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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