초록 ▼

A position-independent fluid trap for separating at least a portion of a first fluid of a first density entrained within a flow stream of a second fluid of a second density flowing through a fluid circuit. The trap is connectable within the fluid circuit to a first length of tubing defining an inlet

A position-independent fluid trap for separating at least a portion of a first fluid of a first density entrained within a flow stream of a second fluid of a second density flowing through a fluid circuit. The trap is connectable within the fluid circuit to a first length of tubing defining an inlet line and to a second length of tubing defining an outlet line, and includes a housing enclosing an interior chamber having a geometric extent of a given volumetric capacity. An inlet port is provided to open in fluid communication with the interior chamber and to be couplable to the inlet line. An outlet tube is provided to extend from a proximal end couplable to the outlet line to a distal end disposed within the housing and opening in fluid communication with the interior chamber. Within the interior chamber, the first and second fluid are separated at an interface into a first and second fluid component according to the relative densities thereof. The outlet line distal end is disposed within the chamber effective to define with respect to the interface a predetermined fill volume of the second fluid maintaining the outlet line distal end within the second fluid component. This fill volume is substantially independent of the orientation of the trap within the fluid circuit.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A fluid trap for separating at least a portion of a first fluid of a first density entrained within a flow stream of a second fluid stream of a second density flowing through a fluid circuit, said trap being connectable within a fluid circuit and including a first conduit de

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A fluid trap for separating at least a portion of a first fluid of a first density entrained within a flow stream of a second fluid stream of a second density flowing through a fluid circuit, said trap being connectable within a fluid circuit and including a first conduit defining an inlet line of said trap and to a second conduit defining an outlet line of said trap and comprising:a housing enclosing an interior chamber having a geometric extent of a given volumetric capacity;an inlet port opening in fluid communication with said interior chamber and couplable to said inlet line; andan outlet tube extending from a proximal end couplable to said outlet line to a distal end disposed within said housing and opening in fluid communication with said interior chamber, first and second fluids being separated at an interface within said interior chamber into a first and a second fluid component according to their relative densities, and said outlet tube distal end being disposed within said interior chamber effective to define with respect to said interface a predetermined fill volume of a second fluid maintaining said outlet tube distal end within a second fluid component, said predetermined fill volume being substantially independent of the orientation of said fluid trap within a fluid circuit.