Pipe holder

Abstract

Pipe retainers for use with sensors, sensing systems including pipe retainers, and methods of using pipe retainers and sensing systems are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe holder. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various pipe holders include a component threaded into a holder body to push a pipe against or close to a sensor for effective sensing of a parameter of a fluid in the pipe of interest. However, there is a need for an improved pipe holder.

[0003] The present invention at least alleviates some of the shortcomings of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a pipe holder for use with a sensor, comprising: (a) a hollow polymeric shaft having a first end, a second end, a sidewall, and a vertical axis, the sidewall having a cylindrical inner surface and an outer surface; (i) the first end having a cutout through opposing portions of the sidewall forming a first slot and a second slot in the opposing portions of the sidewall, the first slot and the second slot collectively arranged to receive a cylindrical pipe therein, the first slot and the second slot each having a narrower portion at the first end for initially receiving the cylindrical pipe and a wider portion below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing a closed end of the slot, wherein an inner diameter of the wider portion is arranged to hold the cylindrical pipe without significantly compressing the cylindrical pipe; (ii) the second end having threads on the inner surface and having a flat base perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0005] In another aspect, a sensing system is provided, comprising one aspect of a pipe holder; a cylindrical pipe held in the first end of the pipe holder; and a sensor having an upper end and a lower end, the sensor having an outer surface comprising threads that are engageable with the threads on the inner surface of the second end of the pipe holder.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of holding a pipe is provided, the method comprising placing a cylindrical pipe in the slot of the first end of one aspect of a pipe holder, and sliding the pipe through the narrower portion into the wider portion. In a preferred aspect, the method further comprises threadably engaging a sensor in the second end of the aspect of the pipe holder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of a pipe holder having a first end and a second end according to one aspect of the present invention, also showing a slot through a portion of the sidewall in the first end of the holder.

[0008] Figure 2 is a side view of a pipe holder according to one aspect of the present invention, showing a cylindrical pipe held in the slot of the first end of the pipe holder. Figure 1The cross-sectional view of the pipe retainer taken by line AA also shows the threads on the inner surface of the second end of the pipe retainer.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial perspective sectional view of the pipe retainer, in which the pipe retainer has been removed from... Figure 1 The view shown is partially rotated.

[0010] Figure 4 A sensor with an upper end portion is shown, the upper end portion having a sensor face, wherein at least the upper end portion has an outer surface with threads, the threads being capable of threaded engagement with... Figure 3 The thread in the second end of the pipe retainer shown.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a sensing system according to another aspect of the invention, showing the sensor threadedly engaged in, for example... Figure 4 In the second end of the pipe retainer shown, a cylindrical pipe is held in the first end of the pipe retainer, wherein a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical pipe is directly opposite the surface of the sensor.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The sensor system shown is attached to the mounting plate in a perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, a tube retainer for use with a sensor comprises: (a) a hollow polymer shaft having a first end, a second end, a sidewall, and a vertical axis, the sidewall having a cylindrical inner surface and an outer surface; (i) the first end having a cut through an opposing portion of the sidewall forming a first groove and a second groove in the opposing portion of the sidewall, the first groove and the second groove being arranged together to receive a cylindrical tube therein, each of the first groove and the second groove having at the first end a narrower portion for initial reception of the cylindrical tube and a wider portion below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing a closed end of the groove, wherein the inner diameter of the wider portion is arranged to retain the cylindrical tube without significantly compressing the cylindrical tube; (ii) the second end having threads on an inner surface and having a flat base perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0014] On the other hand, a sensing system is provided, comprising one aspect of a pipe retainer; a cylindrical pipe retainer held in a first end of the pipe retainer; and a sensor having an upper end and a lower end, the sensor having an outer surface including threads capable of engaging with threads on an inner surface of a second end of the pipe retainer.

[0015] On the other hand, a method for holding a tubular component is provided, the method comprising: placing a cylindrical tubular component in a tubular component holder for use with a sensor, the tubular component holder comprising a hollow polymer shaft having a first end, a second end, a sidewall, and a vertical axis, the sidewall having a cylindrical inner surface and an outer surface; (i) the first end having a cut through an opposing portion of the sidewall forming a first groove and a second groove in the opposing portion of the sidewall, the first groove and the second groove being arranged together to receive the cylindrical tubular component therein, each of the first groove and the second groove having at the first end a narrower portion for initial reception of the cylindrical tubular component and a wider portion below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing a closed end of the groove, wherein the inner diameter of the wider portion is arranged to hold the cylindrical tubular component without significantly compressing the cylindrical tubular component; (ii) the second end having threads on an inner surface and having a flat base perpendicular to the vertical axis; and placing the cylindrical tubular component in the groove in the first end of the tubular component holder and sliding the cylindrical tubular component through the narrower portion into the wider portion. In one aspect, the method further includes threading a sensor into a second end of said aspect of the fitting retainer.

[0016] Advantageously, especially for single-use fittings requiring frequent installation and removal, the fitting can be easily engaged in the fitting retainer without additional accessories or components, such as caps, when used by gloved operators in a cleanroom. The distance between the fitting and the sensor is controlled and remains constant, allowing for consistent and effective measurements. Furthermore, the threads are not exposed within the cleanroom, preventing thread blockage during cleanroom installation. All aspects of the fitting retainer can be easily manufactured.

[0017] Each component of the invention will now be described in more detail below, wherein similar components have similar reference numerals.

[0018] like Figures 1-3 As shown ( Figure 3 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 Compared to a tube holder that rotates 45° on both the horizontal and rotational axes, in one aspect, the tube holder 200 used with a sensor includes a hollow polymer shaft 100 having a first end 101, a second end 102 having a flat base 103, sidewalls 110 having cylindrical inner surfaces 111 and outer surfaces 112, and a vertical axis “V”; the first end has corresponding cuts 105A, 105B through corresponding opposing portions 106A, 106B of the sidewalls, the cuts forming first and second grooves 120A, 120B in the opposing portions of the sidewalls, the first and second grooves being arranged together to receive a cylindrical tube 600 (e.g., Figure 5 and 6As shown), each of the first and second slots has a narrower portion 121A, 121B at a first end for initially receiving a cylindrical tube, and a wider portion 122A, 122B below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing the closed end 123A, 123B of the slot, wherein the wider portion has an inner diameter 124A, 124B arranged to hold the cylindrical tube without significantly compressing it; the second end 102 has a thread 130 on a cylindrical inner surface 111 and a flat base 131 perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0019] The second end 102 of the pipe retainer has a thread 130 on at least a portion of its inner surface 111, which extends toward the first end and, if not reached, approaches the height of the closed end of the groove. Although Figures 2-6 A thread 130 extending on a portion of the inner surface of the second end is shown, but the thread may extend downward toward the flat base and in some respects reach the flat base.

[0020] Figure 4 A sensor 400 is shown, having an upper end 401 and a lower end 402 including a face 410 (and a cable 440 extending from the lower end). The sensor has an outer surface 412 including a thread 430 that can engage with a thread 130 on the inner surface of the second end of a fitting retainer.

[0021] As described above and as Figures 4-6 As shown, the thread 130 on the inner surface of the second end 102 is configured to engage with the thread 430 on the outer surface 412 of the sensor 400, wherein when the cylindrical tube 600 is held in the first end 101 of the tube holder 200 and the sensor 400 is threadedly engaged in the second end 102 of the tube holder, a portion 601 of the cylindrical tube 601 is aligned with the upper end 401 of the sensor, such that the lower portion 601A of the tube is opposite (facing) the surface 410 of the sensor.

[0022] The inner diameters 124A and 124B can be equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter 624 of the fitting 600 to hold the fitting in place. For example, the inner diameter of the wider portion can be about 5% or about 2% smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical fitting. Exemplarily, if the outer diameter of the fitting is 90 mm, the inner diameter of the wider portion can be 90 mm or in the range of 88.2 mm to 88.8 mm. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the dimensions of the groove, inner diameter, and wider portion can be selected for various cylindrical fittings with different outer diameters.

[0023] In some aspects, the lower portion 601 A of the outer surface of the tube 600 facing the sensor 400 contacts the face 410 of the sensor 400; in other aspects, there is a gap (e.g., about 2 cm or less; in some aspects, about 1 cm or less, e.g., in the range of 0.2 cm to 0.6 cm) between the outer surface of the tube (the lower portion 601 A of the tube remains in the sensor-facing closed end of the slot) and the face of the sensor. For example, the upper end 401 of the sensor can be threaded into the second end 102 of the holder 200 until the desired contact or gap is achieved, or the threading in the second end of the holder can terminate at the desired distance from the bottom of the slot.

[0024] In another aspect, Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary sensing system 1000 is shown, including one aspect of a tube holder 200; a cylindrical tube 600 held in the first end 100 of the tube holder; and a sensor 400 having an upper end 401 and a lower end 402, the sensor having an outer surface 412 including threading 430 that can engage (shown as engaged) with threading 130 on the inner surface of the second end of the tube holder.

[0025] A variety of sensors (which are non-invasive) are suitable for use in various aspects of the present invention, including magnetic (capacitive), ultrasonic, and optical sensors, wherein at least the upper end of the sensor (the portion of the sensor that is inserted into the second (lower) end of the tube holder) has a cylindrical shape such that the external threading on the sensor readily engages with the threading on the inner surface of the second end of the tube holder.

[0026] In some aspects, as Figure 6 shown, the upper end of the sensor passes through the mounting plate 700 and a threaded nut 415 can help hold the sensor in place during use. If desired, a washer can be disposed between the upper surface of the nut and the base of the holder. In Figure 6 the aspect shown, a washer 731 is disposed between the base of the holder and the top surface of the mounting plate.

[0027] The shaft can be made of any suitable polymeric material, including any suitable thermoplastic polymeric material. Suitable polymers include, for example, silicone, or acrylic, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polycarbonate resins.

[0028] Aspects of the present invention are suitable for use in a variety of fluid handling systems, for example, for use with bioreactors, filtration systems, filling systems, and fluid handling systems.

[0029] In one aspect, a method of holding a tube includes placing a cylindrical tube in a slot of a first end of a tube holder, one aspect of which, the tube is slid over the narrower portion into the wider portion. Aspects of the method can also include threadably engaging a sensor in a second end of the tube holder, one aspect of which. If desired, the method can include engaging the sensor in the second end of the tube holder before placing the tube in the slot of the first end of the tube holder, or vice versa.

[0030] Aspects of the method can include placing a face of the sensor in contact with the cylindrical tube, or providing a predetermined gap between the face of the sensor and the cylindrical tube, if desired.

[0031] In another aspect, a method for sensing a parameter of a fluid (liquid or air) in a cylindrical tube in a sensor system, one aspect of which, includes passing the fluid through the cylindrical tube and receiving data from a sensor regarding the parameter.

[0032] The following examples further illustrate the application but, of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.

[0033] Example

[0034] This example demonstrates a method of holding a tube according to one aspect of the application.

[0035] The setup of the sensor system for a bioreactor is generally as shown in Figure 5 where a Rechner KAS-80-A14 capacitive sensor (Rechner Industrie-Elektronik Gmbh, Lampeterheim, Germany) is threadably engaged in the second end of the holder. The outer diameter of the tube is 90 mm, the inner diameter of the wider portion is about 88.5 mm, and the tube is easily engaged into place. The lower portion of the tube contacts the face of the sensor.

[0036] A protein solution is passed through the tube, and the programmable logic controller shows a consistent measurement of the protein solution passing.

Claims

1. A tube holder for use with a sensor, comprising: (a) a hollow polymer shaft having a first end, a second end, a sidewall, and a vertical axis, the sidewall having a cylindrical inner surface and an outer surface; (i) the first end having a cutout through opposing portions of the sidewall, the cutout forming a first slot and a second slot in the opposing portions of the sidewall, the first slot and the second slot collectively arranged to receive a cylindrical tube therein, the first slot and the second slot each having a narrower portion at the first end for initially receiving the cylindrical tube and a wider portion below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing a closed end of the slot, wherein an inner diameter of the wider portion is arranged to hold the cylindrical tube without substantially compressing the cylindrical tube; (ii) the second end having threads on the inner surface and having a flat base perpendicular to the vertical axis; wherein the threads on the inner surface of the second end are configured to engage with threads on an outer surface of the sensor such that the sensor is threadably engaged in the second end of the tube holder.

2. The tube holder of claim 1, wherein when the cylindrical tube is held in the first end of the tube holder and the sensor is threadably engaged in the second end of the tube holder, the cylindrical tube is aligned with an upper end of the sensor.

3. The tube holder of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the wider portion is equal to an outer diameter of the cylindrical tube.

4. The tube holder of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the wider portion is 5% less than the outer diameter of the cylindrical tube.

5. The tube holder of any one of claims 1-4, wherein when the cylindrical tube is held in the first end of the tube holder and the sensor is threadably engaged in the second end of the tube holder, a distance from the closed end of the first slot and the second slot to the upper end of the sensor is 2 cm or less.

6. The tube holder of claim 5, wherein when the cylindrical tube is held in the first end of the tube holder and the sensor is threadably engaged in the second end of the tube holder, a top end of the sensor contacts an outer surface of the cylindrical tube.

7. A sensing system comprising the tube holder of any one of claims 1-6; a cylindrical tube held in the first end of the tube holder; and a sensor having an upper end and a lower end, the sensor having an outer surface comprising threads that are engageable with the threads on the inner surface of the second end of the tube holder.

8. The sensing system of claim 7, wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor.

9. The sensing system of claim 7, wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

10. A method of holding a cylindrical tube, the method comprising: placing a cylindrical tube in a tube holder for use with a sensor, the tube holder comprising a hollow polymer shaft having a first end, a second end, a sidewall, and a vertical axis, the sidewall having a cylindrical inner surface and an outer surface; wherein the first end has a cutout through opposing portions of the sidewall, the cutout forming a first slot and a second slot in the opposing portions of the sidewall, the first slot and the second slot collectively arranged to receive the cylindrical tube therein, the first slot and the second slot each having a narrower portion at the first end for initially receiving the cylindrical tube and a wider portion below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing a closed end of the slot, wherein an inner diameter of the wider portion is arranged to hold the cylindrical tube without substantially compressing the cylindrical tube. (i) the first end has a cut-out through opposing portions of the side wall, the cut-out forming a first slot and a second slot in the opposing portions of the side wall, the first slot and the second slot being collectively arranged to receive the cylindrical pipe therein, the first slot and the second slot each having a narrower portion at the first end for initially receiving the cylindrical pipe and a wider portion below the narrower portion, the wider portion providing a closed end of the slot, wherein an inner diameter of the wider portion is arranged to hold the cylindrical pipe without significantly compressing the cylindrical pipe; (ii) the second end has a thread on the inner surface and has a flat base perpendicular to the vertical axis; placing the cylindrical pipe within the first slot and the second slot in the first end of the pipe holder and sliding the cylindrical pipe through the narrower portion and into the wider portion; and threadably engaging the sensor in the second end of the pipe holder.

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