Test port assemblies for in-line monitoring of liquids

Abstract

A test port assembly for allowing ongoing measurements via a test port of a liquid flowing through a flow path by an instrument with an instrument probe. A sanitary connection holding an instrument probe in a fixed relationship relative to a test window within the test port. The test port with a sanitary fitting flange. An adapter surrounding a portion of the instrument probe but with the distal end of the instrument probe extending beyond the adapter into the test port. The adapter having a pliable portion with a longitudinal bore that runs from a trailing edge through a sanitary fitting connection with an integrated ring which engages with the test port opening during formation of the sanitary connection through use of a sanitary clam. The pliable portion having an inner flange which is covered by a rigid sanitary flange shell that covers the inner flange.

Description

Test Port Assemblies for In-line Monitoring of LiquidsBACKGROUNDField of the Disclosure.

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to systems for processing liquids and the needs to monitor the liquids during a sequence of processing steps by taking measurements of a parameter to be controlled in the process. The monitoring of liquids happens in a variety of industries including biopharmaceutical production.

[0002] Related Art.

[0003] Many industrial and medical processes are interested in measuring at least one parameter of a liquid that is moving in a process flow path without drawing a sample of the liquid for testing. This may be called, in-line testing. There is a large range of parameters that may be of interest including: pressure, temperature, pH, conductivity / resistivity, UV absorption, optical density / turbidity, Raman spectroscopy to identify the presence of specific molecules, use of dynamic light scattering (DLS) to characterize particle sizes present in the liquid, measurements of concentration, dissolved oxygen levels, and many others. One of the parameters that may be measured is biomass - the amount of living material present at a given time. Biomass may be used to measure the growth rate of cell or bacterial culture as well as providing a warning that adjustments are needed to maintain desired growth rates. As the present application is about providing test ports of in-line measurements of liquids, the specifics of the various testing procedures and the particular uses of such tests is beyond the scope of this document.

[0004] Vocabulary.

[0005] A, An.

[0006] In this application, and the claims that follow, the terms a, an, or the identification of a single thing should be read as at least one unless such an interpretation is impossible within the icontext of the entirety of the specification. For example, the use of the terms sole, only, or the phrase not more than one would indicate that a single item is intended.

[0007] Gne and Gnes.

[0008] To avoid the awkward he / she and his / her or the potentially confusing singular use of they and their, this application uses the Gender-Neutral Expression - gne, the possessive pronoun - gnes, reflexive pronoun - gneself and the object form - gnerm. Thus, gne looked for gnes notebook gneself as gnes friends would not help gnerm

[0009] Or.

[0010] Unless explicit to the contrary, the word “or” should be interpreted as an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. Thus, the default meaning of or should be the same as the more awkward and / or.

[0011] Sanitary Connection.

[0012] The term sanitary connection refers to a connection between fluid tubes that uses a pair of flanges, and some pliable material to be placed between the flanges. The pair of flanges are held tightly against one another to compress the pliable material and form the sanitary connection through use of a sanitary clamp. United States Patent No. 11,629,804 for Asymmetric Clamp for Joining Sanitary Fittings illustrates a sanitary connection as the term is used herein.

[0013] Set

[0014] Unless explicit to the contrary, the word “set” should be interpreted as a group of one or more items.

[0015] Step.

[0016] The term step may be used in descriptions within this disclosure. For purposes of clarity, one distinct act or step may be discussed before beginning the discussion of another distinct act or step. The term step should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps disclosed unless the specific order of individual steps is expressly indicated.

[0017] Substantially.

[0018] Frequently, when describing an industrial process it is useful to note that a given parameter is substantially met. Examples may be substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular, substantially uniform, and substantially flat. In this context, substantially X means that for purposes of this industrial process it is X. So something that may not beabsolutely parallel but is for all practical purposes parallel, is substantially parallel. Likewise, mixed air that has substantially uniform temperature would have temperature deviations that were inconsequential for that industrial process.

[0019] As recognized in C. E. Equipment Co. v. United States, 13 U.S.P.Q.2d 1363, 1368 (Cl. Ct. 1989), the word “substantially” in patent claims gives rise to some definitional leeway - thus the word “substantially” may prevent avoidance of infringement by minor changes that do not affect the results sought to be accomplished.

[0020] Units.

[0021] Note that in order to provide focus on specific functions, the description below will reference various “units”. In this context, a unit implies the required resources to perform a given set of functions. This may include a combination of electro-mechanical devices such as a microphone or a camera and the processing power to control the devices then manipulate the data obtained by the devices. In some instances, the functionality from several individually discussed units may be performed using physical components that are shared by several of the units discussed below. Unless explicit to the contrary, the word “or” should be interpreted as an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. Thus, the default meaning of or should be the same as the more awkward and / or.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0022] Aspects of the teachings contained within this disclosure are addressed in the claims submitted with this application upon filing. Rather than adding redundant restatements of the contents of the claims, these claims should be considered incorporated by reference into this summary.

[0023] This summary is meant to provide an introduction to the concepts that are disclosed within the specification without being an exhaustive list of the many teachings and variations upon those teachings that are provided in the extended discussion within this disclosure. Thus, the contents of this summary should not be used to limit the scope of the claims that follow.

[0024] Inventive concepts are illustrated in a series of examples, some examples showing more than one inventive concept. Individual inventive concepts can be implemented withoutimplementing all details provided in a particular example. It is not necessary to provide examples of every possible combination of the inventive concepts provide below as one of skill in the art will recognize that inventive concepts illustrated in various examples can be combined together in order to address a specific application.

[0025] Some aspects of the teachings of the present disclosure may be expressed as a test port assembly for allowing at least two independent and concurrent tests of a liquid flowing in a flow path. The test port assembly having a flow path flowing from an inlet of the test port assembly to an outlet. The test port assembly having a set of at least two test ports having an access pathway in fluid communication at one end with the flow path. At least one of the test ports having: a test window, a retaining ring to hold the test window in place while exposing a portion of the test window so that a non-opaque window provides an optical path from a test leg opening through the opening in the retaining ring and through the non-opaque window and the access pathway to the flow path. The access pathway of a first test port is not aligned with the access pathway of any other test port so that two independent and concurrent tests of the liquid flowing in the flow path may be conducted without electromagnetic radiation introduced into the first test port impacting any testing conducted at any other test port.

[0026] Additional aspects of the teachings of the present disclosure may be expressed as an adapter for connecting an instrument assembly to a test port opening. The sleeve having a pliable portion with a longitudinal bore that runs from a trailing edge through a sanitary fitting connection with an integrated ring which engages with the test port opening during formation of a sanitary connection through use of a sanitary clamp. The pliable portion having an inner flange which is covered by a sanitary flange shell that covers the inner flange. The sanitary flange shell made of a first material that is stiffer than a second material used for the pliable portion.

[0027] Other aspects of the teachings of the present disclosure may be expressed as a sanitary connection holding a distal end of an instrument probe in a fixed relationship relative to a test window within a test port of a test port assembly. The test port with a sanitary fitting flange surrounding an upper beveled flange of an extended retaining ring. An adapter surrounding a portion of the instrument probe but with the distal end of the instrument probe extending beyond the adapter into the test port. The adapter having a pliable portion with a longitudinal bore thatruns from a trailing edge through a sanitary fitting connection with an integrated ring which engages with the test port opening during formation of the sanitary connection through use of a sanitary clam. The pliable portion having an inner flange which is covered by a rigid sanitary flange shell that covers the inner flange. The sanitary flange shell made of a first material that is stiffer than a second material used for the pliable portion of the adapter. The sanitary clamp pressing the sanitary fitting flange of the test port towards the sanitary flange shell to compress the integrated ring to form the sanitary connection which compresses the pliable portion to hold the distal end of the instrument probe in fixed relationship relative to the test window within the test port of the test port assembly.

[0028] Another way to express aspects of the teachings of the present disclosure is a process for attaching an instrument probe to a test port. The process steps include:• extending a distal end of the instrument probe through a longitudinal bore of a pliable portion of an adapter;• pressing a pliable ring of a sanitary fitting connection into the test port opening of the test port;• ensuring the distal end of the instrument probe abuts a test window within the test port; and• using a sanitary clamp to engage both a sanitary flange shell of the adapter and a sanitary fitting flange to compress the pliable portion of the adapter to hold the instrument probe.

[0029] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosed teachings will be immediately apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within the scope of and be protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a test port assembly 100 with a test port body 150 which has a flow path 112 for liquid that flows from an inlet 104 to an outlet 108.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the test port assembly 100 of FIG. 1 but rotated to allow the interior of a first test port 230 to be viewed.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded version of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 provides a cross section of test port assembly 100 taken through the flow path 112 and through both the first test port 230 and the second test port 280.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of extended retaining ring 290 showing the cylindrical body 292 and upper beveled flange 294.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of extended retaining ring 290 showing the cylindrical body 292 and upper beveled flange 294.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the extended retaining ring 290 showing the upper beveled flange 294 and the set of retaining ribs 298.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the extended retaining ring 290 that has been rotated downward.

[0039] FIG. 9 shows a test port assembly 100 that is engaged a first instrument assembly 300 and a second instrument assembly 400 via a pair of sanitary clamps 190 to form a dual test assembly 500.

[0040] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 11 shows an outlet side view of the same dual test assembly 500 as in FIG. 9.

[0042] FIG. 12 shows first instrument assembly 300 with adapter 310 placed on a portion of the instrument probe 360.

[0043] FIG. 13 shows the distal end of first instrument assembly 300.

[0044] FIG. 14 shows a cross section taken close to the midline of the flow path 112 of a portion of the dual test assembly 500.

[0045] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 14.

[0046] FIG. 16 has a flow chart for process 1000 to connect an instrument probe 460 to a test port 280.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a top, front, left perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0048] FIG. 18 is a top, front, right perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a bottom, rear, left perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0050] FIG. 20 is a bottom, rear, right perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0051] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0052] FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0053] FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0054] FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0055] FIG. 25 is a left elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0056] FIG. 26 is a right elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0057] FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of a cross section of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290

[0058] FIG. 28 is the cross section of FIG. 171 that has been rotated slightly

[0059] FIG. 29 shows a one-port test port assembly 540 with a one-port body 550 holding the same extended retaining ring 290.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The presently disclosed subject matter is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodiedin other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the term "step" may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

[0061] FIG. 1

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a test port assembly 100 with a test port body 150 which has a flow path 112 for liquid that flows from an inlet 104 to an outlet 108. The test port body 150 shown here has first end 124 and a second end 128 that are identical but that is not required. The first end 124 may be adapted to connect to a liquid pathway by a first connection type and the second end 128 may be adapted to connect to a liquid pathway by a second connection type such as a sanitary connector,

[0063] This test port assembly 100 has two test ports 200. Each test port 200 is perpendicular to the flow path (112). Being perpendicular is not required in order to enjoy the benefits of the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 2

[0065] FIG. 2 shows the test port assembly 100 of FIG. 1 but rotated to allow the interior of a first test port 230 to be viewed. Visible in FIG. 2 is a first test window 214 that is held in place by a first retaining ring 204.

[0066] FIG. 3

[0067] FIG. 3 is an exploded version of FIG. 1. The first port 230 has a first seal 224 that fits into the test port 230 along with a first test window 214 and a first retaining ring 204. The first seal 224 may have the form factor of an O-ring but this is not required. Second test port also has a second seal 274 (not visible here), a second retaining ring 254, and a second test window 264. As described in more detail below, first test window 214 may be made from a different material than second test window 264 as the first test port 230 will be used for one type of test that works well with a quartz test window and the second test port 280 will be used witha test that works well with a blue sapphire test window or some other test window different from the first test window 214.

[0068] While in many instances the test window will be non-opaque (either transparent or at least partially transmissive which is often called translucent), in some instances that test window may be optically opaque to light in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrum but highly thermally conductive. This thermally conductive test window may be suitable for use with at thermal sensor that makes contact with the test window.

[0069] Note that when a test port will be dedicated to a pressure measuring device, the test window, seal, and retaining ring may be omitted so that the test port fills with liquid and the test port may be used to measure the pressure of the liquid in the flow path 112.

[0070] FIG. 4

[0071] FIG. 4 provides a cross section of test port assembly 100 taken through the flow path 112 and through both the first test port 230 and the second test port 280. First seal 224 fits into a channel within the first test port 230. The first seal 224 and first test window 214 create a liquid seal on one end of first access pathway 134. First access pathway 134 places the first test port opening 234 in fluid communication with flow path 112 until blocked by the first seal 224 and first test window 214. First retaining ring 204 holds the first test window 214 in place. This arrangement of components combined with an ultrasonically welded first retaining ring 204 will make a seal that reliably handles liquid pressures of 100 psi.

[0072] Second test port 280 likewise has second retaining ring 254, second test window 264 and second seal 274. The second test port has second access pathway 184 that is sealed off by second test window 264 and second seal 274.

[0073] First test port 230 is adapted for connection by a clamp used to join a pair of sanitary fittings. First test port 230 has a sanitary fitting flange 244 including a channel 248 for receipt of gasket material (not shown).

[0074] Extended Retaining Ring.

[0075] FIG. 5 through FIG. 8 show several views for an extended retaining ring 290 that is used in the CAD model for FIG. 9 discussed below instead of retaining rings 204 and 254 discussed above. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of extended retaining ring 290 showing thecylindrical body 292 and upper beveled flange 294. The extended retaining ring 290 has a set of retaining ribs 298 that help position a probe from an instrument such as instruments shown in instrument assemblies 300 or 400 so that the instrument probe is centered.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of extended retaining ring 290 showing the cylindrical body 292 and upper beveled flange 294.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the extended retaining ring 290 showing the upper beveled flange 294 and the set of retaining ribs 298.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the extended retaining ring 290 that has been rotated downward. This view shows another view of the cylindrical body 292, upper beveled flange 294, and the set of retaining ribs 298.

[0079] The retaining rings 290, 204, and 254 may be ultrasonically welded to the test port body 150 to retain the test windows 214 and 264.

[0080] FIG. 9.

[0081] FIG. 9 shows a test port assembly 100 that is engaged a first instrument assembly 300 and a second instrument assembly 400 via a pair of sanitary clamps 190 to form a dual test assembly 500. Sanitary clamp 190 may be the type described in United States Patent No. 11,629,804 for Asymmetric Clamp for Joining Sanitary Fittings. The instrument assemblies have the instrument and the connection components for connecting to the test port assembly 100.

[0082] FIG. 10.

[0083] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged portion of the same view of the dual test assembly 500 made of test port assembly 100 that is engaged the first instrument assembly 300 and the second instrument assembly 400 from FIG. 9, but the sanitary clamps 190 have been hidden to allow an unobstructive view. The sanitary fitting flange 244 of the first test port 230 is placed adjacent to a sanitary flange shell 344 of the first instrument assembly 300. In the same manner, a sanitary fitting flange 284 of the second test port 280 is placed adjacent to sanitary flange shell 444 of the second instrument assembly 400 for retention by sanitary clamp 190.

[0084] FIG. 11

[0085] FIG. 11 shows an outlet side view of the same dual test assembly 500 as in FIG. 9. In addition to the first instrument assembly 300 and second instrument assembly 400 the sanitary clamps 190 are present on either side of the outlet 108. The first instrument assembly 300 has an adapter 310 on instrument probe 360 that allows the adapter 310 and thus the first instrument assembly 300 to be retained by one of the sanitary clamps 190. Likewise, The second instrument assembly 400 has an adapter 410 that allows the adapter 410 and thus the second instrument assembly 400 to be retained by one of the sanitary clamps 190.

[0086] Visible in FIG. 11 is adapter 310 for connecting instrument probe 360 to the test port assembly 100 and adapter 410 for connecting instrument probe 460 (not visible here) from instrument assembly 400 to the test port assembly 100. As instrument probe 360 is longer than instrument probe 460, adapter 310 is longer than adapter 410. A given adapter can be used with a range of different instruments that have instrument probes of approximately the same length. If necessary, an adapter 310 of a nominal length can be made shorter by cutting the pliable material at trailing edge 314. As shown in FIG. 11, it is allowable for a portion of the instrument probe 360 to be outside of the adapter 310.

[0087] FIG. 12

[0088] FIG. 12 shows first instrument assembly 300 with adapter 310 placed on a portion of the instrument probe 360. One end of adapter 310 is adapted to interact with a sanitary fitting with a sanitary flange shell 344 and an integrated ring 348 that serves as the gasket to be compressed in the sanitary fitting connection. The distal end 364 of the instrument probe 360 is visible as this portion to the instrument probe 360 extends beyond the sanitary fitting connection 318.

[0089] FIG. 13

[0090] FIG. 13 shows the distal end of first instrument assembly 300. Adapter 310 is primarily a pliable portion 350 made of a pliable material such as silicone. This works well for the integrated ring 348 that serves as a gasket when the two sanitary connection flanges are compressed in making a sanitary connection. The pliable portion 350 has a longitudinal bore 354 that runs from a trailing edge 314 (FIG. 12) through a sanitary fitting connection 318 to allowfor the instrument probe 360 to traverse the longitudinal bore and be placed within the test port assembly 100 abutting a test window 214 if a test window is appropriate for this instrument.

[0091] The sanitary flange shell 344 is made of a stiffer material such as polysulfone but is integrated with the pliable portion 350 during the manufacturing process. To make it easier to see the sanitary flange shell 344, FIG. 13 is shown with the sanitary flange shell 344 away from the pliable portion 350 which as an inner flange 346 that is covered by the sanitary flange shell 344 which is made of stiffer material.

[0092] FIG. 13 includes an image of the adapter 410 for the second instrument assembly 400. Note that adapter 410 is not the same as adapter 310 in part because the length of the instrument probe 460 (not shown here) is different from instrument probe 360. Adapter 410 has a pliable portion 450 with a longitudinal bore 454 from a trailing edge 414 to sanitary fitting connection 418 to allow for the instrument probe 460 to traverse the longitudinal bore and be placed within the test port assembly 100 abutting a test window 264 if a test window is appropriate for this instrument. The pliable portion 450 is partially covered with a stiffer sanitary flange shell 444 covering a pliable inner flange (not shown here but see 346).

[0093] FIG. 14.

[0094] After the above introduction to the extended retaining ring 290 and the adapters 310 and 410, a detailed examination of the connection of instruments to the test port assembly 100 can be done effectively. FIG. 14 shows a cross section taken close to the midline of the flow path 112 of the test port assembly . Starting from the top, FIG. 14 includes• A portion of second instrument assembly 400• Instrument probe 460• Adapter 410 which encircles a portion of the instrument probe 460 and allows for a clamped connection using sanitary clamp 190.• Sanitary flange shell 444 which is made of non-pliable material such as polysulfone to provide a hard flange shell over the pliable portion of adapter 410. The pliable portion of adapter 410 providing pliable ring 448 ending into second test port opening 238. The pliable ring 448 serving as the gasket in the sanitary fitting connection.• Sanitary fitting flange 284 of second test port 280 on test port body 152.• Upper beveled flange 294 of extended retaining ring 290.• Instrument probe 460 within cylindrical body 292 of the extended retaining ring 290.• Distal end 464 of instrument probe 460 abutting second test window 264.• Second seal 274• Second access pathway 184 providing fluid communication between the second test window 264 and the flow path 112.

[0095] FIG. 14 also includes the connection components for the first instrument assembly 300. There is symmetry for the components from the flow path 112 radially outward until the overall length of instrument probe 360 which is longer than instrument probe 460 but, in both cases, the distal ends 464 and 364 abut the corresponding test windows 264 and 214.

[0096] FIG. 15

[0097] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, instrument probe 460 and instrument probe 360 have been hidden to show the interaction between adapter 410 and test port 280. The test port body 152 used in the figures starting with FIG. 9 differ from the test port body 150 shown in earlier figures as the second test port opening and the first test port opening lack the channel 248 found in earlier test port openings 234 and 288 to receive gasket material for use in making the sanitary flange connection. Thus these test port openings 238 will have different element number.

[0098] Pliable ring 448 at the end of the pliable portion 450 is pressed into the test port opening 238 which already contains upper beveled flange 294 of the extended retaining ring 290.

[0099] The sanitary clamp 190 compresses the sanitary fitting flange 244 of the first test port 230 closer to the sanitary flange shell 444 that covers the pliable inner flange 446 of the pliable portion 450 of the adapter 410. This compression causes the pliable ring 448 to compress against the rigid upper beveled flange 294 of the extended retaining ring 290 to seal the joint for the sanitary fitting connection.

[0100] Process For Attaching An Instrument Probe to a Test Port.

[0101] FIG. 16 has a flow chart for process 1000 to connect an instrument probe 460 to a test port 280.

[0102] Step 1004 — Obtain an instrument with an instrument probe 460.

[0103] Step 1008 — Engage a distal end 464 of the instrument probe 460 with an adapter 410 that is appropriate for the instrument probe shaft length. If necessary, an adapter 410 could be shortened by cutting away a portion of the adapter on the trailing end of the adapter away from the pliable ring 448.

[0104] Step 1012 — Press the pliable ring 448 at the end of the pliable material 450 of the adapter 410 and the distal end 464 of the instrument probe 460 into a test port opening 238 of a test port 280 so that pliable ring 448 surrounds the upper beveled flange 294 of the extended retaining ring 290. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter 410 may be pressed into the test port opening 238 before the instrument probe 460 is inserted through the adapter 410.

[0105] Step 1016 — Advance the distal end 464 of the instrument probe 460 until the distal end 464 abuts the test window 264 with the pliable portion 450 resisting motion of the instrument probe 460 relative to the pliable portion 450 of adapter 410 as the inner diameter of the pliable portion 450 forms an interference fit with the instrument probe 460.

[0106] Step 1020 — Engage a sanitary clamp 190 to press a non-pliable sanitary flange shell 444 that covers a pliable inner flange 446 on the pliable portion 450 to press the pliable ring 448 against the rigid upper beveled flange 294 and the test port body 152 at the test port opening 238 to form the sanitary fitting connection. For most instances that have the test window (214, 264) sealing access pathway (134, 184), the sanitary fitting secured by clamp 190 is not providing a liquid seal. The sanitary fitting secured by the clamp 190 is merely securing the instrument assembly (300, 400) to the test port assembly 100 so that the distal ends (364, 464) of the instrument probes (360,460) are held in contact with the relevant test window (214, 264).

[0107] Optionally, additional supports may be used to support the weight of the instrument assemblies in the production line.

[0108] One of skill in the art would appreciate that the sequence of steps for a user would be the same but when using a test port body 150 with test port openings 234 and 288 with channel 248 that the pliable ring 448 would form the seal with the pliable ring 448 of the test port body 150.

[0109] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the test port assembly 100 is not ready for connection to a process that would push liquid through the flow path 112 of the test port body 150or 152 until every test port has either an instrument attached or a sanitary connection blank with a sanitary clamp holding the sanitary connection blank in place. The use of sanitary connection blanks is well-known in the art and needs not be explained further.

[0110] One of skill in the art will appreciate that when using a test instrument that needs direct access to the liquid to be tested in a test port without a test window, that the step to advance the instrument probe until the distal end abuts a test window would be modified to place the instrument probe in proper position without use of the test window and an end stop.

[0111] Preferred Materials.

[0112] The test port body 150 or 152, extended retaining ring 290, and the retaining rings 204 and 254 may be made of Polysulfone resin. Likewise the, sanitary flange shells 344 or 444 may be made of poly sulfone resin. Poly sulfones are high performance thermoplastics that are well-known to those of skill in the art.

[0113] The first seal 224 and the second seal 274 may be made of silicone. The pliable portions 350 and 450 of the adapters 310 and 410 may be made of silicone.

[0114] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other materials may be substituted that have appropriate mechanical and chemical properties to replace the polysulfone resin or the silicone.

[0115] Clean Views.

[0116] It can be useful to include a set of clean views of the test port assembly 100 without the distraction of many lead lines and many element numbers. A set of clean views is provided.

[0117] FIG. 17 is a top, front, left perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0118] FIG. 18 is a top, front, right perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0119] FIG. 19 is a bottom, rear, left perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0120] FIG. 20 is a bottom, rear, right perspective view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0121] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0122] FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0123] FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0124] FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0125] FIG. 25 is a left elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0126] FIG. 26 is a right elevation view of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290.

[0127] FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of a cross section of test port assembly 100 with extended retaining ring 290

[0128] FIG. 28 is the cross section of FIG. 27 that has been rotated slightly

[0129] ALTERNATIVES and VARIATIONS

[0130] Number of Test Ports.

[0131] The figures in this disclosure repeated shows a test port assembly 100 with two test ports (230 and 280), one of skill in the art will appreciate that a test port assembly 100 could have more than two test ports with at least two of the set of more than two test ports being non-aligned so that light provided to a first test port for a first test does not impact concurrent testing at a second test port as the first test port is not in optical alignment with the second test port so light provided for the first test will not impact measurements taken for the second test.

[0132] Non-perpendicular Test Ports.

[0133] The test port assemblies 100 shown above had test ports 230 and 280 that were oriented perpendicular to the flow path 112. While this configuration is a preferred one, the test ports 230 and 280 could be oriented in a non-perpendicular manner, perhaps at a 45-degree angle offset from perpendicular to the flow path 112 (in any direction from perpendicular). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that some design choices may make plastic injection molding moredifficult or even impractical. However, additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing allows for manufacturing items that would not be easily manufactured using injection molding.

[0134] A Windowless Test Port.

[0135] While the test port assembly 100 is likely to have at least one test port with a test window 214 as shown in the figures for this disclosure, one of the test ports of the test port assembly 100 may lack a test window 214 and thus would not need a first retaining ring 204 or first seal 224 as this test port is intended for use with an instrument needs direct access to the liquid. This may be a pressure measurement instrument or any other instrument that is designed for direct access to the liquid.

[0136] An Optically Opaque Window.

[0137] One or more windows may be optically opaque such that light cannot pass through the test window to the flow path 112. Such a test window may be used with instruments that sense temperature or some other characteristic that does not use visible light.

[0138] Pair of Aligned Ports.

[0139] There are tests that require a pair of aligned test ports so that a light beam may be sent into a first test port and analyzed as the light passes through the liquid flow path 112 and emerges in a second test port. Those of skill in the art would be able to use the teachings of the present disclosure regarding attaching an instrument assembly 300, 400 to a test port opening 236 using an adapter 310, 410 as disclosed.

[0140] Single Test Port.

[0141] The test port assembly described above had two test ports 230 and 280. Many teachings of the present disclosure may be used with a test port assembly having just one test port. FIG. 29 shows a one-port test port assembly 540 with a one-port body 550 holding the same extended retaining ring 290 as already described. The use of test windows 214 (not shown) and seal 224 (not shown) is unchanged from the disclosure regarding test port assembly 100. The interaction of an adapter 310, 410 with the test port opening 238 to allow for a sanitary fitting connection maintained by a sanitary clamp 190 is as described above.

[0142] Color Coded Components.

[0143] The first seal 224 and the second seal 274 which are in the form factor of an O-ring may be color coded to allow a user to know that the test window 214, 264 that has been factory installed is made of a particular material. Thus, an end user can visually confirm that a test window 214 is quartz rather than blue sapphire or some other type of test window material.

[0144] Likewise, the retaining ring 204, 254, or extended retaining ring 290 could be color coded to allow a user to know that the test window 214, 264 that has been factory installed is made of a particular material.

[0145] Instrument Assemblies and Adapters.

[0146] In order to more fully illustrate concepts of the present disclosure, the disclosure used a CAD model with two specific instances of instrument assemblies 300 and 400 including adapters 310 and 410. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific instrument assemblies. Other instruments may be connected that happen to have a probe length that works with previously shown adapters 310 or 410. More likely, other instruments may be connected that need a different adapter but the mechanics of connecting to form a sanitary fittings connection through use of a sanitary clamp with the test port openings with using a test port body 150 with test port openings 234 and 288 with channel 248 or a test port body 152 with test port openings 238 without a channel 248 but using an extended retaining ring 290 with upper beveled flange 294.

[0147] The adapter 310 and adapter 410 shown above were sized to make contact with the perimeter of the instrument probes 360 and 460 which were about 12mm in diameter. While this is helpful, it is not required. The same adapters 310 and 410 could be used with an instrument with an instrument probe of lesser diameter that does not contact the retaining ribs 298. Alternatively, an extended retaining ring with retaining ribs 298 could be used that makes contact with an instrument probe of smaller diameter in order to provide contact of the retaining ribs 298 with the perimeter of the instrument probe.

[0148] Likewise a test port assembly 100 with an appropriate retaining ring 204, 254 or extended retaining ring 290 could be scaled up to receive an instrument probe with a diameter of more than 12 mm.

[0149] One of skill in the art will recognize that some of the alternative implementations set forth above are not universally mutually exclusive and that in some cases additional implementations can be created that employ aspects of two or more of the variations described above. Likewise, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or particular embodiments provided to promote understanding of the various teachings of the present disclosure. Moreover, the scope of the claims which follow covers the range of variations, modifications, and substitutes for the components described herein as would be known to those of skill in the art.

[0150] Where methods and / or events described above indicate certain events and / or procedures occurring in a certain order, the ordering of certain events and / or procedures may be modified. Additionally, certain events and / or procedures may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.

[0151] The legal limitations of the scope of the claimed invention are set forth in the claims that follow and extend to cover their legal equivalents. Those unfamiliar with the legal tests for equivalency should consult a person registered to practice before the patent authority which granted this patent such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office or its counterpart.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A test port assembly (100) for allowing at least two independent and concurrent tests of a liquid flowing in a flow path (112) comprising: the flow path (112) flowing from an inlet (104) of the test port assembly (100) to an outlet (108); a set of at least two test ports (200) having an access pathway (134, 184) in fluid communication at one end with the flow path (112); at least one of the at least two test ports having: a test window (214, 264); a retaining ring (204, 254, 290) to hold the test window in place while exposing a portion of the test window so that a non-opaque window provides an optical path from a test leg opening through the opening in the retaining ring and through the non-opaque window and the access pathway to the flow path; and wherein the access pathway of a first test port is not aligned with the access pathway of any other test port so that two independent and concurrent tests of the liquid flowing in the flow path may be conducted without electromagnetic radiation introduced into the first test port impacting any testing conducted at any other test port.

2. The test port assembly (100) of claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two test ports has a color-coded component that indicates a type of material used for the test window(214, 264).

3. The test port assembly (100) of claim 2 wherein the color-coded component is the retaining ring.

4. The test port assembly (100) of claim 2 wherein the color-coded component is a first seal placed between the test window a test port body.

5. The test port assembly (100) of claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two test ports does not have the test window so that an instrument placed on the test leg opening for that test port is exposed to liquid from the flow path.

6. The test port assembly (100) of claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two test ports has a retaining ring (204, 254) holding an opaque test window that is optically opaque.

7. An adapter (310, 410) for connecting an instrument assembly (300, 400) to a test port opening 238, 288; the adapter comprising: a pliable portion (350) with a longitudinal bore (354) that runs from a trailing edge (314) through a sanitary fitting connection (318) with an integrated ring (348) which engages with the test port opening (238, 288) during formation of a sanitary connection through use of a sanitary clamp; the pliable portion (350) having an inner flange (346); and the adapter having a sanitary flange shell (344) that covers the inner flange 346, the sanitary flange shell made of a first material that is stiffer than a second material used for the pliable portion.

8. The adapter of claim 7 wherein the pliable portion is made of a silicone and the sanitary flange shell is made of polysulfone resin.

9. The adapter of claim 7 or 8 wherein the integrated ring (348) is used instead of an Ciring when forming the sanitary connection with the test port opening.

10. A sanitary connection holding a distal end (364) of an instrument probe (360) in a fixed relationship relative to a test window (214) within a test port (200) of a test port assembly (100, 540); the sanitary connection comprising: the test port (280) with a sanitary fitting flange (284) surrounding an upper beveled flange (294) of an extended retaining ring (290);an adapter (310) surrounding a portion of the instrument probe (360) but with the distal end (364) of the instrument probe (360) extending beyond the adapter into the test port (280), the adapter comprising: a pliable portion (350) with a longitudinal bore (354) that runs from a trailing edge (314) through a sanitary fitting connection (318) with an integrated ring (348) which engages with the test port opening during formation of the sanitary connection through use of a sanitary clamp; the pliable portion (350) having an inner flange (346); and the adapter having a sanitary flange shell (344) that covers the inner flange (346), the sanitary flange shell made of a first material that is stiffer than a second material used for the pliable portion; and the sanitary clamp pressing the sanitary fitting flange of the test port towards the sanitary flange shell to compress the integrated ring to form the sanitary connection which compresses the pliable portion to hold the distal end (364) of the instrument probe (360) in fixed relationship relative to the test window (214) within the test port (230) of the test port assembly (100).

11. A process for attaching an instrument probe 460 to a test port 280, the process comprising: extending a distal end 464 of the instrument probe 460 through a longitudinal bore 454 of a pliable portion 450 of an adapter 410; pressing a pliable ring 448 of a sanitary fitting connection 418 into the test port opening 238 of the test port 280; ensuring the distal end of the instrument probe abuts a test window within the test port 280; and using a sanitary clamp 190 to engage both a sanitary flange shell 444 of the adapter 410 and a sanitary fitting flange 284 to compress the pliable portion 450 of the adapter 410 to hold the instrument probe 460.

12. The process for ataching the instrument probe 460 to the test port 280 of claim 11 wherein the pliable ring 448 of the sanitary fitting connection 418 encircles an upper beveled flange 294 of an extended ring retainer 290.

13. The process for ataching the instrument probe 460 to the test port 280 of claim 11 wherein the pliable ring 448 of the sanitary fitting connection 418 engages with a channel 248 within the sanitary fitting flange 244.

14. The invention as described and illustrated in the specification and referenced figures.

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