Connection assembly and filter assembly

Abstract

Methods and systems for a connection assembly that includes a connector pipe. The connector pipe includes a hollow main body for extending through an upper plate and a lower plate of a manifold, a truncated-cone exit end, the truncated-cone exit end including an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, and the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body, and a recess is provided between the flange and the hollow main body. The connector pipe is configured to be inserted into a port of a processing equipment such that the truncated-cone exit end is compressible between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface.

Description

Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WOCONNECTION ASSEMBLY AND FILTER ASSEMBLYFIELD

[0001] This disclosure is directed to connection assemblies for connecting fluid lines. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to O-ringless connection assemblies that include a connector pipe for a receiving port having a structure corresponding to the connector pipe for connecting fluid lines.BACKGROUND

[0002] A connection assembly can be used to connect fluid lines, such as, but not limited to, tubes, fittings, filters, or the like, for handling, processing, and controlling vapor and / or liquid for various processes or processing equipment, for example, during semiconductor processing. Conventional fluid seals for sealing such fluid lines include using elastomeric Firings or gaskets. For example, a connector manifold can be used to securely connect a removable cartridge using an O-ring. Removable cartridges can be used for, for example, filtration, tool cleaning, chemical replacement, treating a fluid, etc. For example, removable cartridges, such as, filters, can be used in semiconductor systems to remove containments from deionized (DI) water, organic solvents, photoresist chemicals, photochemical solvents, etc. Filters can be easily removable to allow for the servicing or replacement of the filter, in which the O-ring can be used to securely connect the filter to the manifold.SUMMARY

[0003] Connection assemblies, as discussed herein, are O-ringless connection assemblies that have connector pipe(s) and / or port(s) that are designed and / or otherwise configured to provide reliable sealing of fluid line(s), reduce costs, and improve cleanliness by eliminating the use of the O-ring and / or gasket between the connection assembly and fluid line(s).

[0004] In an embodiment, connector pipe for a fluid connection assembly including a manifold is provided. The connector pipe includes a hollow main body for extending through an upper plate and a lower plate of the manifold, a truncated-cone exit end, the truncated-cone exit end including an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, and the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body, and the flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end. The connector pipe is configured to be inserted into a port of a processing equipment suchAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO that the truncated-cone exit end is compressible between the outer surface of the truncated- cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface. A recess is provided between the flange and the hollow main body. A shape of the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe corresponds to the inner wall of the port.

[0005] In another embodiment, a filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly including a manifold including an upper plate and a lower plate; a filter removably attached to the manifold and including a port with an inner wall; and a connector pipe extending through the upper plate and the lower plate. The connector pipe includes a hollow main body, a truncated- cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end. The flange is disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body. The connector pipe is inserted into the port of the filter and the manifold is configured such that the truncated-cone exit end is compressed between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface, and the inner wall of the port of the filter includes a structure corresponding to a shape of the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a connection assembly is provided. The connection assembly includes a manifold including an upper plate and a lower plate; and a connector pipe extending through the upper plate and the lower plate. The connector pipe includes a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end. The flange is disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body. The manifold is configured to attach processing equipment such that the connector pipe is inserted into a port of the processing equipment and when the flange is compressed, the truncated-cone exit end is compressed between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface.

[0007] In still yet another embodiment, a method of connecting a connector pipe to processing equipment is provided. The method includes placing the connector pipe into a manifold that includes an upper plate and a lower plate such that the connector pipe extends through the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein the connector pipe includes a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, the flange disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of theAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body; connecting the processing equipment to the connector pipe by inserting a port of the processing equipment through the lower plate and inserting the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe into the port of the processing equipment via the manifold; and compressing the flange of the connector pipe by at least one of lowering the upper plate or raising the lower plate such that the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end is compressed into an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface.BRIEF DESCRITPION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection assembly with an attached filter.

[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective view and cross-sectional view of a connector pipe for a connection assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIGS, 3A and 3B are a perspective view and cross-sectional view of a port for receiving a connector pipe, according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are a perspective view, side view, and cross-sectional view of a connector pipe and port, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate an example embodiment for generating a force or load when connecting the connector pipe and port, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a connection assembly according to another embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for a method of purging a substrate container that includes dividing the supply of purge gas to a network of separate gas distributing devices, according to at least one example embodiment.

[0015] Like numbers represent like features throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This disclosure is directed to connection assemblies for connecting fluid lines. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to O-ringless connection assemblies that include a connector pipe for a receiving port having a structure corresponding to the connector pipe for connecting fluid lines.

[0017] As used herein, the term “at or about” refers to a value that is within ± 5% of the disclosed value.

[0018] A connection assembly can be used to connect fluid lines, such as, but not limited to, tubes, fittings, filters, or the like, for handling, processing, and controlling vapor and / or liquid into various processes and processing equipment, for example, processes used inAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO semiconductor processing, which include, but not limited to, mixing, treatment, reaction, filtering, delivery, and the like. Conventional fluid seals for sealing such fluid lines include using elastomeric O-rings or gaskets, which can be used to provide sealing (or sealing point(s)) between one or more of the connection assembly, fluid channels, and the processing equipment.

[0019] Connection assemblies, as discussed herein, however, are O-ringless connection assemblies that have connector pipe(s) and / or port(s) that are designed and / or otherwise configured to provide reliable sealing of fluid lines, reduce costs, and improve cleanliness by eliminating the use of the O-ring and / or gasket between the connection assembly and fluid line(s). Instead, the connection assemblies include a connector pipe having a specific structure that is deformable and / or compressible and configured to generate a seal force to centralize stress at one or more sealing points for effective sealing between the connection assembly and any processing equipment, e.g., fluid lines of the processing equipment. As such, the O-ringless connection assembly may have the advantages of: 1) easier use, e.g., avoids improper insertion length and / or wrong operation or damage of the manifold, which may affect the scaling, for example, due to the improper compression ratio applied on the O-ring; 2) avoids the use of an O-ring or gasket which can deteriorate over long-term use and / or chemical incompatibility; 3) avoids the use of an O-ring or gasket which can be damaged by erroneous operation and / or adhesion of impurities, e.g., substance, to the O-ring surface, which may cause improper sealing; 4) reduce costs by eliminating the use of O-rings or gaskets, which can avoid procurement of the O-rings or gaskets, especially when there is a raw materials shortage or rise of material costs; and 5) improves cleanliness, e.g., contamination based on the material used for forming the O-ring or gasket, such as, use of a fluororubber, which can lead to material leaching, material incompatibilities, impurities, or the like which may result in contamination of the fluid lines.

[0020] For example, in an embodiment, a connection assembly can be a connector manifold which can be used to securely and quickly connect a removable cartridge to fluid line(s) without using an O-ring. Removable cartridges can be used for, for example, filtration, tool cleaning, chemical replacement, etc. In some instances, removable cartridges may be configured for treating a fluid. The removable cartridge can be, for example, a filter used to remove contaminants from a fluid. For example, filters can be employed in semiconductor systems to remove containments from deionized (DI) water, organic solvents, photoresist chemicals, photochemical solvents, etc. Filters can be easily removable to allow for the servicing or replacement of a filter. For example, the efficiency of many filters decreases over time and are configured to be serviced or replaced after a specific amount of time, use, etc.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0021] When removing the filter attached to a connector manifold, a lever on the connector manifold can be raised to release the filter from the manifold, and a replacement filter can be inserted into the connector manifold. Since the connection assembly is an O-ringless connection assembly, an O-ring or gasket is not used when replacing the filter. Rather, since the connector manifold includes a connector pipe having a truncated-cone exit end and a flange, as discussed herein, when the connector pipe is inserted into a port, such as, the port of the filter, and the lever of the manifold is lowered, the truncated-cone exit end is deformed and / or compressed such that stress is centralized at one or more sealing points between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and the inner wall of the port, as well as between the flange and an outer surface of the port. That is, the connector pipe has a structure configured to centralize stresses at one or more sealing points between the truncated-cone exit end and the port when a load is applied to the flange.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection assembly 1. A filter 5 is attached to the connection assembly 1. The filter 5 is an example of a type of removable cartridge. Removable cartridges can be used for filtration, tool cleaning, chemical replacement, etc. Incoming fluid is passed through the housing / container of the removable cartridge. In some embodiments, a removable cartridge can treat a fluid by passing the fluid through the housing / container of the removable cartridge. It would be appreciated that the filter 5 may be a different type of removable cartridge in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the connection assembly 1 may be used for attaching other types of removable cartridges such as, for example, a flushing container. While a connection assembly and removable cartridge is discussed herein, such disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the disclosure is directed to a connector pipe and / or sealing port that has a specific structure that can be used for any fluid line (and processing equipment) which replaces the use of an O-ring or gasket to fluidically seal between two connection points.

[0023] The connection assembly 1 includes connector pipes 10 A, 10B, 10C, and a manifold 30. When a filter 5 is attached to the connection assembly 1, each of the connector pipes 10A, 10B, 10C is fluidly connected to the filter 5 in a sealed manner. The connection assembly 1 with an attached filter 5 may form a filter assembly. The connection between the connector pipes 10A, 10B, 10C and the filter 5 is discussed in more detail below.

[0024] A first connector pipe 10A can be a vent connector pipe for venting the filter 5. A second connector pipe 10B can be an inlet connector pipe configured to supply unfiltered fluid to the filter 5. The third connector pipe 10C can be an outlet connector pipe for the returning filtered fluid from the filter 5 (e.g., the fluid after being filtered by the filter 5). The illustratedAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO connection assembly 1 includes three connector pipes 10A, 10B, IOC. It should be appreciated that the connection assembly 1 in other embodiments may include a different number of connector pipes 10A, 10B, IOC. In an embodiment, a filter 5 may not utilize a vent (e.g., does not have vent port). In such an embodiment, the connection assembly 1 may include only inlet connector pipe 10B and outlet connector pipe IOC .

[0025] The manifold 30 includes an upper plate 32 with a plurality of openings 34A, 34B, 34C and a lower plate with a plurality of openings (not shown). Each of the connector pipes 10A, 10B, 10C extends through the upper plate 32 of the manifold 30. The first connector pipe 10A extends through a first opening 34A in the upper plate 32. The second connector pipe 10B extends through a second opening 34B in the upper plate 32. The third connector pipe 10C extends through a third opening 34C in the upper plate 32.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 , the manifold 30 also includes a back plate 40, supports 42, 44, and a lever 46 for securing the filter 5 to the manifold 30. The filter 5 is supported by two supports 42, 44. For example, the supports 42, 44 can include rails (not shown in FIG. 1) that are configured to slide into grooves (not shown in FIG. 1) in the sides of the filter 5.

[0027] When the lever 46 is moved downward (e.g., into the downward position shown FIG. 1 which generates a vertical clamping force or load), the filter 5 is secured to the manifold 30. The securing of the filter 5 to the manifold 30 includes the filter 5 being moved upward towards the upper plate 32 and the lower plate (e.g., by pivoting the handle 46 of the manifold 30). This upward movement of the filter 5 inserts the connector pipes 10A, 10B, 10C into their respective ports (not shown) of the filter 5. The first connector pipe 10A is fluidly connected to the first port and the second connector pipe 10B is fluidly connected to the second port and the third connector pipe 10C is connected to the third port, in which the connector pipe(s) has a truncated-cone exit end and the port(s) have an inner wall corresponding to the shape of the truncated-cone exit end such that the connector pipe is deformable and / or compressible within the port and configured to generate a seal force to centralize stress at one or more sealing points when a circumferential force is applied to fluidically seal the filter and connector pipe without the use of an O-ring or gasket, as discussed further below. The downward positioned lever 46 and the back plate 40 limit the forward and rearward movement of the filter 5, respectively, which prevents the filter 5 from being disengaged from the supports 42, 44.

[0028] When the lever 46 is pivoted upwards, the supports 42, 44 are moved away from the upper plate 32 (e.g., vertically downward) and the connector pipes 10A, 10B, 10C are disconnected from their respective ports and the filter 5 can be removed by being slid forward to be removed and / or replaced.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view and cross-sectional view of a connector pipe (e.g., any one of connectors pipes 10A, 10B, 10C of FIG. 1), according to an embodiment. The connector pipe 200 includes a hollow main body 210, a flange 220, and a truncated-cone exit end 230. The truncated-cone exit end 230 is configured to be inserted into a port of a processing equipment, such as, a port of a filter (e.g., filter 5 of FIG. 1), such that an outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 230 corresponds to an inner surface (or wall) of the port. The truncated-cone exit end 230 can be formed from a polymer, such as, but not limited to, polyurethanes, vulcanizate, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a fluoroelastic or fluorocarbon polymer, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), fluororesin, fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), co-polymer / polyolefin, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or ETFE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or blend of the same, or a thermoset elastomer, such as liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or blend of the same. In some embodiments, a conductive polymer layer can be used that includes polymers such as polyacetylene, a poly(fluorene), a polyphenylene, a polyphenylene vinylene, a polypyrene, a polyazulene, a polynaphthalene, a poly (pyrrole), a polycarbazole, a polyindole, a polyazepine, a polyaniline, a polyacene, a polythiophene, a polythiophene vinylene, a poly(p-phenylene sulfide), a polypyridine, or functionalized derivatives, precursors or combinations thereof. The external surface of the truncated-cone exit end 230 can have a surface roughness less Ra 0.8, and in some embodiments, less than Ra 0.4 at any sealing surfaces.

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the truncated-cone exit end 230 includes an outer surface 232 that tapers outwardly from the exit, e.g., exit opening, of the truncated-cone exit end 230 to a first surface 240 that is traverse to the hollow main body 210. The taper of the outer surface 232 can be at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 40 degrees from a vertical plane such that the truncated-cone exit end 230 is in a truncated-cone shape. The first surface 240 can include a second outer surface 242 that tapers outwardly from the first surface 240 to the flange 220. The taper of the second outer surface 242 can be at a taper angle between at or about 0 and 50 degrees, and in some embodiments, at or about 10 and at or about 40 degrees from a vertical plane, and in other embodiments at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 25 degrees. The first surface 240 can be sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane, and in some embodiments between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 30 degrees, and in otherAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO embodiments between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees. In other embodiments, the first surface 240 can be the flange 220, e.g., the outer surface 232 of the truncated-cone exit end tapers to the flange 220.

[0031] The flange 220 extends around the main body 210 and is adjacent to the truncated- cone exit end 230. In some embodiments, a recess 250 can be provided between at least the flange 220 and the hollow main body 210, such that the truncated-cone exit end 230 is ahollow truncated cone, as discussed further below. The flange 220 can have various component surfaces, including, but not limited to, having one or more of a flat surface, tapered surface(s), or a combination thereof, or an entirely flat surface. In one embodiment, the flange 220 can be formed having a plurality of component surfaces, such as, having a flat component surface that can initially contact the outer surface of the port (e.g., prior to a load or force applied to the flange) and a tapered component surface that tapers from the flat component surface to the recess 250. In some embodiments, the tapered component surface can be provided at an angle corresponding to having a vertical height that is equal to the maximum deformation of the flange due to the load or force, for example, but not limited to between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees, and in some embodiments at at or about 5 degrees. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the flange 220 can have a circular shape. In other embodiments, the flange 220 can have other geometric shapes, such as, but not limited to, an ovular shape, a rectangular shape, or the like. The flange 220 is configured to limit vertical movement of the connector pipe 200 when connecting to the port of the processing equipment. For example, the flange 220 can abut an outer surface of the port of the processing equipment to limit insertion of the truncated-cone exit end 230 into the port. The flange 220 can also be configured to distribute stress (e.g., sealing force) to sealing point(s) between one or more components of the truncated- cone exit end 230, including, but not limited to, the end of the truncated-cone exit end 230, the outer surface 232, the first surface 240, the second outer surface 242, or the like, as well as the flange 220 by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s), e.g., as specific sealing point(s), for effectively fluidically sealing the connector pipe 200 to the corresponding components of the port of the processing equipment.

[0032] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a port 360 of a processing equipment, such as, filter 5 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. The port 360 includes a hollow main body 370, an inner wall 380, and an outer surface 390. The port 360 is configured to receive the truncated-cone exit end 230, such that an outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 230 corresponds to the inner wall 380 of the port 360. In some embodiments, the port 360 is formed along with or provided in the processing device, such as,Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO filter 5. In some embodiments, the port 360 is connected to or inserted into the process device, such as, by welding, gluing, press-fitting, or the like. The port 360 can be formed from a durable polymer, such as, but not limited to, polyurethanes, vulcanizate, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a fluoroelastic or fluorocarbon polymer, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), fluororesin, fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), co-polymer / polyolefin, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or ETFE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or blend of the same, or a thermoset elastomer, such as liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or blend of the same.

[0033] The inner wall 380 includes at least a first recess 382 and a second recess 384, in which the inner wall 380 is configured to correspond to the shape of the truncated-cone exit end 230. For example, the first recess 382 includes a tapered wall and shoulder or abutment for receiving the truncated-cone exit end 230, in which the tapered wall has a corresponding taper angle to the outer surface 232 of the truncated-cone exit end 230 and the shoulder or abutment abuts the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 230. The second recess 384 includes a walled- portion and second shoulder or abutment, in which the second shoulder or abutment is configured to receive the first surface 240 that is traverse to the hollow main body 210, and the walled-portion is configured to receive and / or engage with the second outer surface 242. The walled-portion can be at an angle corresponding to the second outer surface 242 or can be vertical.

[0034] The outer surface 390 extends around the inner wall 380 of the port 360 and is adjacent to the recess(es). As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer surface 390 can have a circular shape. In other embodiments, the outer surface 390 can have other geometric shapes, for example, a shape that corresponds to the shape of the flange 220, such as, but not limited to, an ovular shape, a rectangular shape, or the like. The outer surface 390 is configured to limit vertical movement of the connector pipe 200 when the connector pipe 200 is connected to the port 360 of the processing equipment. For example, the outer surface 390 can abut the flange 220, for example, to limit insertion of the truncated-cone exit end 230 into the port 360, along with the shoulder(s) or abutment(s) along the inner wall 380.

[0035] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C illustrate a perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view of a connector pipe 400 connected to port 460, according to an embodiment. The connector pipe 400 can be and / or have any of the same or similar features as the connector pipe 200 of FIG. 2, while the port 460 can be and / or have any of the same or similar features as theAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO port 360 of FIG. 3. The connector pipe 400 includes a hollow main body 410, a flange 420, and a truncated-cone exit end 430. The port 460 includes a hollow main body 470, an inner wall 480, and an outer surface 490. The truncated-cone exit end 430 and the port 460 are configured in a way such that the port 460 is configured to receive the truncated-cone exit end 430, such that an outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 430 corresponds to the inner wall 480 of the port 460 and the hollow main bodies 410, 470 are fluidically connected in a sealed manner.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the truncated-cone exit end 430 includes an outer surface 432 that tapers outwardly from the exit, e.g., exit opening, of the truncated-cone exit end 430 to a first surface 440 that is traverse to the hollow main body 410. In some embodiments, the exit opening can be formed by a tip flat and radial edge that extends and connects to the outer surface 432. The taper of the outer surface 432 can be at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 40 degrees from a vertical plane such that the truncated-cone exit end 430 is in a truncated-cone shape. The first surface 440 can include a second outer surface 442 that tapers outwardly from the first surface 440 to the flange 420. The taper of the second outer surface 442 can be at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 40 degrees from a vertical plane, and in some embodiments at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 25 degrees. The first surface 440 can be sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane, and in some embodiments between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the external surface of the truncated-cone exit end 430 can have a surface roughness less Ra at or about 0.8, and in some embodiments less than Ra at or about 0.4 at any sealing surface(s).

[0037] The flange 420 extends around the main body 410 and is adjacent to the truncated- cone exit end 430. A recess 450 can be provided between at least the flange 420 and the hollow main body 410, such that the truncated-cone exit end 430 and the flange 420 are in the form of a Iruncaled hollow cone, in which the flange 420, the first surface 440 and the second outer surface 442 form hollow truncated cone(s) connected to the end of the truncated-cone exit end 430. The flange 420 can have various component surfaces, including, but not limited to, having one or more of a flat surface, tapered surface(s), or a combination thereof, or an entirely flat surface. In one embodiment, the flange 420 can be formed having a plurality of component surfaces, such as, having a flat component surface that can initially contact the outer surface of the port (e.g., prior to a load or force applied to the flange) and a tapered component surface that tapers from the flat component surface to the recess 450. In some embodiments, the tapered component surface can be provided at an angle corresponding to having a vertical height thatAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO is equal to the maximum deformation of the flange due to the load or force, for example, but not limited to between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees, and in some embodiments at at or about 5 degrees. As such, when a vertical clamping force or load is applied to the flange 420, e.g., which can generate a circumferential force around the circumferential surface of the flange 420, the flange 420 is configured to distribute stress (e.g., sealing force) to sealing point(s) between one or more components of the truncated-cone exit end 430, including, but not limited to, the end of the truncated-cone exit end 430, the outer surface 432, the first surface 440, the second outer surface 442, or the like, for effectively fluidically sealing the connector pipe 400 to the corresponding components of the port 460, such as, a port of the filter 5. While three truncated cones are discussed herein, such disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Rather, it is understood that two or more truncated cones can be used to form the truncated-cone exit end and flange, in which the resulting hollow truncated cone is configured to distribute the stress applied to the flange to form an effective seal at the scaling points with the port.

[0038] The port 460 includes a hollow main body 470, an inner wall 480, and an outer surface 490. The port 460 is configured to receive the truncated-cone exit end 430, such that an outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 430 corresponds to the inner wall 480 of the port 460.

[0039] The inner wall 480 includes at least a first recess 482 and a second recess 484, in which the inner wall 480 is configured to correspond to the shape of the truncated-cone exit end 430. For example, the first recess 482 includes a tapered wall and shoulder or abutment for receiving the truncated-cone exit end 430, e.g., the tip flat and radial edge, in which the tapered wall has a corresponding taper angle to the outer surface 432 of the truncated-cone exit end 430 and the shoulder or abutment abuts the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 430. The second recess 484 includes a walled-portion and second shoulder or abutment, in which the second shoulder or abutment is configured to receive the first surface 440 that is traverse to the hollow main body 410, and the walled-portion is configured to engage with the second outer surface 442. The walled-portion can be provided at an angle corresponding to the second outer surface 442 or can be vertical.

[0040] The outer surface 490 extends around the inner wall 480 of the port 460 and is adjacent to the recess(es). The outer surface 490 is configured to limit vertical movement of the connector pipe 400 when the connector pipe 400 is connected to the port 360 of the processing equipment.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 40, when the connector pipe 400 is adjoined and / or connected to the port 460, the truncated-cone exit end 430 is received in the first recess 482 such that the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 430, e.g., the tip flat and radial edge, abuts the shoulder or abutment of the first recess 482 and / or the outer surface 432 of the truncated-cone exit end 430 engages the tapered wall of the first recess 482, in which a gap “G” is provided between the flange 420 of the connector pipe 400 and the outer surface 490 of the port 460. In some embodiments, the gap “G” can be a distance between at or about 0.1 mm and at or about 1.0 mm, and in some embodiments between at or about 0.1 and at or about 0.5 mm, and in other embodiments at or about 0.35 mm. In some embodiments, the first surface 440 can abut the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 484, e.g., when the first surface 440 is at an at or about 0 degree angle with respect to a horizontal plane. In other embodiments, the first surface 440 can have an angle between at or about 0 and at or about 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, such that the first surface 440 does not contact or does not substantially make contact with the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 484, and the outer surface 442 is at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 40 degrees from the vertical plane.

[0042] When a force (e.g., vertical clamping force, stress, load, or pressure) is applied to the connector pipe 400 (and / or to the port 460), e.g., circumferential force applied on the circumferential surface of the flange 420, the flange 420 of the connector pipe 400 is configured to distribute stress to one or more components of the connector pipe 400 to form a fluidic seal with the port 460. For example, in an embodiment, when the circumferential force is applied to the flange 420, the flange 420 deflects such that at least a portion of the flange 420 contacts the outer surface 490 of the port 460, which reduces and / or eliminates the gap “G” between the outer surface 490 and the flange 420 to form a sealing surface with the outer surface, e.g., the gap “G” is reduced to distance of at or about zero. Additionally, the deflection of the flange 420 distributes the stress to cause the truncated-cone exit end 430 to be further forced, e.g., compressed or deformed, into the first recess 482 to create sealing point(s) between at least one of: sealing point(s) between a portion of the tapered wall of the first recess 482 and the outer surface 432 of the truncated-cone exit end 430 or sealing point(s) between the shoulder or abutment of the first recess 482 and the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 430, e.g., the tip flat and / or the radial edge can be further forced and / or compressed against the corresponding surface(s) of the first recess 482. That is, the truncated-cone exit end 430 can be compressed, e.g., elastically deformable, inside the first recess 482 to create sealing point(s) along one or more points between the truncated-cone exit end 430 and the first recess 482, e.g., by centralizing stress. In some embodiments, during the deflection of the flange 420 by theAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO circumferential force, the first surface 440 can also be deflected such that at least a portion of the first surface 440 contacts the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 484 to form a second sealing point along at least a portion between the first surface 440 and the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 484. It is understood that in at least some embodiments, since the second outer surface 442 can be tapered, while the second recess 484 can have a vertical wall, the second outer surface 442 may not contact the wall of the second recess 484 when the circumferential force is applied to the flange 420, such that additional stress can be distributed to the end of the truncated-cone exit end 430.

[0043] As such, the connector pipe 400 (and port 460) has an O-ringless seal design that is configured to form a fluidic seal between the connector pipe 400 and the port 460, for example, a port of processing equipment, when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe 400, in which linear seal stress is produced at specific sealing point(s) between the connector pipe 400 and the port 460 by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s). In other words, the connector pipe 400 is designed or otherwise configured to produce linear seal stress by including a hollow truncated-cone structure having a predetermined incline or angle such that when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe 400, the linear seal stress is distributed to specific sealing point(s) between the truncated-cone exit end and the inner wall of the port, as well as between the flange and the outer surface of the port by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s).

[0044] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate an example embodiment of a connection assembly having a manifold 505 having the same or similar features of manifold 30 of FIG. 1 and a connector pipe 500 having any of the same or similar features as connector pipe 200 and 400 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4A, 4B, 4C and port 560 having the same or similar features as port 360 and 460 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4A, 4B, 4C, in which the processing equipment, for example, a filter, having the port 560 is not illustrated for sake of clarity.

[0045] The manifold 505 includes an upper plate 506 with a plurality of opening(s) 506A and a lower plate 507 with a plurality of opening(s) 507A. The connector pipe 500 extends through opening 506A in the upper plate 506. The port 560 extends through opening 507A in the lower plate 507.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when a lever of the manifold 505 is pivoted upwards, e.g., for replacing a filter, the connector pipe 500 can be adjoined and / or connected to the port 560, in which a truncated-cone exit end 530 is received in a first recess of the port 560 such that the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 530, e.g., a tip flat and radial edge, abuts the shoulder or abutment of the first recess and / or the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 530 engagesAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO the tapered wall of the first recess, a gap “G” is provided between the flange 520 of the connector pipe 500 and the outer surface 590 of the port 560. In some embodiments, the gap “G” can be a distance between at or about 0.1 mm and at or about 1.0 mm, and in some embodiments between at or about 0.1 and 0.5 mm, and in other embodiments at or about at or about 0.35 mm.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, when a force (e.g., vertical clamping force, stress, load, or pressure) is applied to the connector pipe 500 (and / or to the port 560), e.g., circumferential force generated by moving the lever downward, to secure the filter to the manifold 505, the flange 520 of the connector pipe 500 is configured to distribute stress to one or more components of the connector pipe 500 to form a fluidic seal with the port 560. For example, in an embodiment, when the circumferential force is applied to the flange 520, the flange 520 deflects such that at least a portion of the flange 520 contacts the outer surface 590 of the port 560, which reduces and / or eliminates the gap “G” between the outer surface 590 and the flange 520 to form a scaling surface with the outer surface 590, e.g., the gap “G” is reduced to distance of at or about zero. Additionally, the deflection of the flange 520 distributes the stress to cause the truncated-cone exit end 530 to be further forced, e.g., compressed or deformed, into the first recess to create sealing point(s) between at least one of: sealing point(s) between a portion of the tapered wall of the first recess and the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 530 or sealing point(s) between the shoulder or abutment of the first recess and the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 530, e.g., a tip flat and / or a radial edge at the truncated-cone exit end 530 can be further forced and / or compressed against the corresponding surface(s) of the first recess. That is, the truncated-cone exit end 530 can be compressed, e.g., elastically deformable, inside the first recess to create sealing point(s) along one or more points between the truncated- cone exit end 530 and the first recess, e.g., by centralizing stress. In some embodiments, during the deflection of the flange 520 by the circumferential force, a first surface of the truncated- cone exit end 530 can also be deflected such that at least a portion of the first surface contacts a shoulder or abutment of a second recess of the port 560 to form a second sealing point along at least a portion between the first surface and the shoulder or abutment of the second recess.

[0048] As such, the connector pipe 500 (and port 560) has an O-ringless seal design that is configured to form a fluidic seal between the connector pipe 500 and the port 560, for example, a port of processing equipment, when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe 500, e.g., from the manifold 505, in which linear seal stress is produced at specific sealing point(s) between the connector pipe 500 and the port 560 by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s). In other words, the connector pipe 500 is designed orAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO otherwise configured to produce linear seal stress by including a hollow truncated-cone structure having a predetermined incline or angle such that when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe 500, the linear seal stress is distributed to specific sealing point(s) between the truncated-cone exit end and the inner wall of the port, as well as between the flange and the outer surface of the port by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s).

[0049] It is understood that while the circumferential force generated by a lever action of a manifold, e.g., vertical clamping force, has been discussed herein, such disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Rather, it is appreciated that other mechanisms for generating the circumferential force can also use a connector pipe and / or port, as discussed herein.

[0050] For example, in an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a circumferential force can be generated by using a threaded fastener 605 for stressing a connector pipe 600 having any of the same or similar features as connector pipe 200, 400, 500 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5B and port 660 having the same or similar features as port 360, 460, 560 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5B, in which the processing equipment, for example, is a filter 608, having the port 660.

[0051] The threaded fastener 605 includes an internal space 606 with a plurality of opening(s) 606 A and threaded portion 607. The connector pipe 600 includes a hollow main body 610, a flange 620, and a truncated-cone exit end 630. The port 660 includes a hollow main body 670, an inner wall 680, an outer surface 690, and a threaded outer surface 695. The hollow main body 610 of the connector pipe 600 extends through opening 606A in the threaded fastener 605. The port 660 is connected and / or coupled to the filter 608 and is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 607 of the threaded fastener 605.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the threaded fastener 605 is initially engaged, the connector pipe 600 can be adjoined and / or connected to the port 660, in which a truncated- cone exit end 630 is received in a first recess of the port 660 such that the exit of the truncated- cone exit end 630 abuts the shoulder or abutment of the first recess and / or the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 630 engages the tapered wall of the first recess, a gap is provided between the flange 620 of the connector pipe 600 and the outer surface 690 of the port 660.

[0053] When a force (e.g., vertical force, stress, load, or pressure) is applied to the connector pipe 600 (and / or to the port 660), e.g., circumferential force is applied around the circumferential surface of the flange 620 generated by threading the threaded fastener 605 along the threaded portion 607 and the threaded outer surface 695 of the port 660, the flange 620 of the connector pipe 600 is configured to distribute stress to one or more components ofAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO the connector pipe 600 to form a fluidic seal with the port 660. For example, in an embodiment, when the circumferential force is applied to the flange 620, the flange 620 deflects such that at least a portion of the flange 620 contacts the outer surface 690 of the port 660, which reduces and / or eliminates the gap between the outer surface 690 and the flange 620 to form a sealing surface with the outer surface 690, e.g., the gap “G” is reduced to distance of at or about zero. Additionally, the deflection of the flange 620 distributes the stress to cause the truncated-cone exit end 630 to be further forced, e.g., compressed or deformed, into the first recess to create sealing point(s) between at least one of: sealing point(s) between a portion of the tapered wall of the first recess and the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 630 or sealing point(s) between the shoulder or abutment of the first recess and the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 630, e.g., a tip flat and / or a radial edge at the truncated-cone exit end 630 can be further forced and / or compressed against the corresponding surface(s) of the first recess. That is, the truncated-cone exit end 630 can be compressed, e.g., elastically deformable, inside the first recess to create scaling point(s) along one or more points between the truncated-cone exit end 630 and the first recess, e.g., by centralizing stress. In some embodiments, during the deflection of the flange 620 by the circumferential force, a first surface of the truncated-cone exit end 630 can also be deflected such that at least a portion of the first surface contacts a shoulder or abutment of a second recess of the port 660 to form a second sealing point along at least a portion between the first surface and the shoulder or abutment of the second recess.

[0054] As such, the connector pipe 600 (and port 660) has an O-ringless seal design that is configured to form a fluidic seal between the connector pipe 600 and the port 660, for example, a processing device, such as, the port of the filter 608, when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe 600, e.g., from the threading of the threaded fastener 605, in which linear seal stress is produced at specific sealing point(s) between the connector pipe 600 and the port 660 by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s). In other words, the connector pipe 600 is designed or otherwise configured to produce linear seal stress by including a hollow truncated-cone structure having a predetermined incline or angle such that when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe 600, the linear seal stress is distributed to specific sealing point(s) between the truncated-cone exit end and the inner wall of the port, as well as between the flange and the outer surface of the port by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s).

[0055] FIG. 7 shows an operational flow 700 of connecting a connector pipe to processing equipment, according to at least one example embodiment.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0056] The operational flow 700 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions depicted by one or more blocks 710, 720, and 730. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. As a non-limiting example, the description of the method 700, corresponding to the depiction thereof in FIG. 7 and performed by one or more of the apparatuses or components described in the above embodiments, according to one or more example embodiments described herein, pertains to connecting fluid lines without using an O-ring or gasket. The processing flow 700 can begin at block 710.

[0057] Block 710 may refer to placing a connector pipe, such as, connector pipe 10A, 10B, 10C of FIG. 1, 200 of FIG. 2, 400 of FIG. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 500 of FIG. 5A, 5B into a manifold, such as, manifold 30 of FIG. 1 or manifold 505 of FIG. 5, that includes an upper plate 32, 506 and a lower plate 507 such that the connector pipe 10A, 10B, 10C, 200, 400, 500 extends through the upper plate 32, 506 and the lower plate 507. The connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 includes a hollow main body 210, 410, 510, a truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530, and a flange 220, 420, 520 extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530. The flange 220, 420, 520 is disposed between the upper plate 32, 506 and the lower plate 507, and the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 includes an outer surface 232, 432 that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 to a first surface 240, 440 that is traverse to the hollow main body 210, 410, 510. Block 710 may be followed by block 720.

[0058] Block 720 may refer to connecting the processing equipment to the connector pipe 10A- C, 200, 400, 500 by inserting a port 360, 460, 560 of the processing equipment through the lower plate 507 and inserting the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 of the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 into the port 360, 460, 560 of the processing equipment via the manifold 30, 505. While connecting the port 360, 460, 560 is discussed herein, such disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Rather, it is understood that the circumferential force can be generated by other mechanisms, such as, by using a threaded fastener, such as, threaded fastener 605, as discussed above. Block 720 may be followed by block 730.

[0059] Block 730 may refer to compressing the flange 220, 420, 520 of the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 by at least one of lowering the upper plate 32, 506 or raising the lower plate 507 such that the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 is compressed into an inner wall 380, 480 of the port 360, 460, 560 to form a sealing surface. For example, in an embodiment, when the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 is adjoined and / or connected to the port 360, 460, 560, the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 is received in the firstAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO recess 382, 482 such that the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 abuts the shoulder or abutment of the first recess 382, 482 and / or the outer surface 232, 432 of the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 engages the tapered wall of the first recess 382, 482, in which a gap “G” is provided between the flange 220, 420, 520 of the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 and the outer surface 390, 490 of the port 360, 460, 560. In some embodiments, the gap “G” can be a distance between at or about 0.1 mm and al or about 1.0 mm, and in some embodiments between at or about 0. 1 and at or about 0.5 mm, and in other embodiments at or about at or about 0.35 mm. In some embodiments, the first surface 240, 440 can abut the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 384, 484. In other embodiments, the first surface 240, 440 can have an angle between at or about 0 and at or about 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, such that the first surface 240, 440 does not contact or does not substantially make contact with the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 384, 484, and the outer surface 242, 442 is at a taper angle between at or about 10 and at or about 40 degrees from the vertical plane.

[0060] When a force (e.g., vertical clamping force, stress, load, or pressure) is applied to the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 (and / or to the port 360, 460, 560), e.g., circumferential force is applied on the circumferential surface of the flange 220, 420, 520, the flange 220, 420, 520 of the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 is configured to distribute stress to one or more components of the connector pipe 10A-C, 200, 400, 500 to form a fluidic seal with the port 360, 460, 560. For example, in an embodiment, when the circumferential force is applied to the flange 220, 420, 520, the flange 220, 420, 520 deflects such that at least a portion of the flange 220, 420, 520 contacts the outer surface 390, 490 of the port 360, 460, 560, which reduces and / or eliminates the gap “G” between the outer surface 390, 490 and the flange 220, 420, 520 to form a sealing surface with the outer surface, e.g., the gap “G” is reduced to distance of at or about zero. Additionally, the deflection of the flange 220, 420, 520 distributes the stress to cause the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 to be further forced, e.g., compressed or deformed, into the first recess 382, 482 to create sealing point(s) between at least one of: sealing point(s) between a portion of the tapered wall of the first recess 382, 482 and the outer surface 332, 432 of the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 or sealing point(s) between the shoulder or abutment of the first recess 382, 482 and the exit of the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530, e.g., a tip flat and / or a radial edge at the truncated-cone exit end can be further forced and / or compressed against the corresponding surface(s) of the first recess. That is, the truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 can be compressed, e.g., elastically deformable, inside the first recess 382, 482 to create sealing point(s) along one or more points between theAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO truncated-cone exit end 230, 430, 530 and the first recess 382, 482, e.g., by centralizing stress. In some embodiments, during the deflection of the flange 220, 420, 520 by the circumferential force, the first surface 240, 440 can also be deflected such that at least a portion of the first surface 240, 440 contacts the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 384, 484 to form a second sealing point along at least a portion between the first surface 240, 440 and the shoulder or abutment of the second recess 384, 484.

[0061] As such, the connector pipe (and port) has an O-ringless seal design that is configured to form a fluidic seal between the connector pipe and the port, for example, a port of processing equipment, when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe, in which linear seal stress is produced at specific sealing point(s) between the connector pipe and the port by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s). In other words, the connector pipe is designed or otherwise configured to produce linear seal stress by including a hollow truncated-cone structure having a predetermined incline or angle such that when a circumferential force is applied to the flange of the connector pipe, the linear seal stress is distributed to specific sealing point(s) between the truncated-cone exit end and the inner wall of the port, as well as between the flange and the outer surface of the port by pressurizing and / or stressing the sealing surface(s).Aspects:

[0062] Any of aspects 1 - 10 can be combined with any of aspects 11 - 25, 26-38, and 39- 41 , and vice versa.

[0063] Aspect 1. A connector pipe for a fluid connection assembly comprising a manifold, the connector pipe comprising: a hollow main body for extending through an upper plate and a lower plate of the manifold, a truncated-cone exit end, the truncated-cone exit end including an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, and the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body, and the flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, wherein the connector pipe is configured to be inserted into a port of a processing equipment such that the truncated-cone exit end is compressible between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface, wherein a recess is provided between the flange and the hollow main body, and wherein a shape of the truncated- cone exit end of the connector pipe corresponds to the inner wall of the port.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0064] Aspect 2. The connector pipe of Aspect 1, wherein the second outer surface tapers from the flange at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 50 degrees with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0065] Aspect 3. The connector pipe of Aspect 2, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 40 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0066] Aspect 4. The connector pipe of Aspect 2, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 25 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0067] Aspect 5. The connector pipe of Aspect 2, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the vertical plane from the first surface to the flange extending around the hollow main body.

[0068] Aspect 6. The connector pipe of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the first surface is sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated- cone exit end.

[0069] Aspect 7. The connector pipe of Aspect 6, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 30 degrees.

[0070] Aspect 8. The connector pipe of Aspect 6, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees.

[0071] Aspect 9. The connector pipe of Aspect 6, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

[0072] Aspect 10. The connector pipe of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein the truncated- cone exit end is formed from a polymer.

[0073] Aspect 11. A filter assembly, comprising: a manifold including an upper plate and a lower plate; a filter removably attached to the manifold and including a port with an inner wall; a connector pipe extending through the upper plate and the lower plate, the connector pipe including a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, the flange disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, wherein the connector pipe is inserted into the port of the filter and the manifold is configured such that the truncated-cone exit end is compressed between the outerAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface, and wherein the inner wall of the port of the filter includes a structure corresponding to a shape of the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe.

[0074] Aspect 12. The filter assembly of Aspect 11, wherein the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body, and wherein the structure of the inner wall corresponding to the truncated-cone exit end includes a first recess configured to receive the truncated-cone exit end and a second recess configured to receive the first surface and the second outer surface of the first surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body.

[0075] Aspect 13. The filter assembly of Aspect 12, wherein the second outer surface tapers from the flange at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 50 degrees with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0076] Aspect 14. The filter assembly of Aspect 13, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 40 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0077] Aspect 15. The filter assembly of Aspect 13, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 25 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0078] Aspect 16. The filter assembly of Aspect 13, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the vertical plane from the first surface to the flange extending around the hollow main body.

[0079] Aspect 17. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 11 to 16, wherein the first surface is sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal line transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

[0080] Aspect 18. The filter assembly of Aspect 17, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 30 degrees.

[0081] Aspect 19. The filter assembly of Aspect 17, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees.

[0082] Aspect 20. The filter assembly of Aspect 17, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

[0083] Aspect 21. The filter assembly of any one of Aspect 11 to 20, wherein a recess is provided between the flange and the hollow main body.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0084] Aspect 22. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 11 to 21, wherein the flange is configured to cover the port of the processing equipment.

[0085] Aspect 23. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 1 1 to 22, wherein the processing equipment is a removable cartridge.

[0086] Aspect 24. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 11 to 23, wherein the truncated-cone exit end is formed from a polymer.

[0087] Aspect 25. The filter assembly of Aspect 24, wherein the polymer is a material selected from the group consisting of a fluoroelastic or fluorocarbon polymer, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), fluororesin, fluoroelastomer, per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0088] Aspect 26. A connection assembly comprising: a manifold including an upper plate and a lower plate; and a connector pipe extending through the upper plate and the lower plate, the connector pipe including a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, the flange disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, wherein the manifold is configured to attach processing equipment such that the connector pipe is inserted into a port of the processing equipment and when the flange is compressed, the truncated-cone exit end is compressed between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface.

[0089] Aspect 27. The connection assembly of Aspect 26, wherein the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body.

[0090] Aspect 28. The connection assembly of Aspect 26, wherein the second outer surface tapers from the flange at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 50 degrees with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0091] Aspect 29. The connection assembly of Aspect 28, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 40 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

[0092] Aspect 30. The connection assembly of Aspect 28, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 25 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO

[0093] Aspect 31. The connection assembly of Aspect 28, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the vertical plane from the first surface to the flange extending around the hollow main body.

[0094] Aspect 32. The connection assembly of any one of Aspects 26 to 31, wherein the first surface is sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

[0095] Aspect 33. The connection assembly of Aspect 32, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 30 degrees.

[0096] Aspect 34. The connection assembly of Aspect 32, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees.

[0097] Aspect 35. The connection assembly of Aspect 32, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

[0098] Aspect 36. The connection assembly of any one of Aspects 26 to 35, wherein a recess is provided between the flange and the hollow main body.

[0099] Aspect 37. The connection assembly of any one of Aspects 26 to 36, wherein the inner wall of the port of the processing equipment includes a structure corresponding to a shape of the truncated-cone exit end.

[0100] Aspect 38. The connection assembly of Aspect 37, wherein the inner wall of the port includes a first recess configured to receive the truncated-cone exit end and a second recess configured to receive the first surface and a second outer surface of the first surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body.

[0101] Aspect 39. A method of connecting a connector pipe to processing equipment, the method comprising: placing the connector pipe into a manifold that includes an upper plate and a lower plate such that the connector pipe extends through the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein the connector pipe includes a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, the flange disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body; connecting the processing equipment to the connector pipe by inserting a port of the processing equipment through the lower plate and inserting the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe into the port of the processing equipment via the manifold; and compressing the flange of the connector pipe by at least oneAttorney Docket No. E0001082 WO of lowering the upper plate or raising the lower plate such that the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end is compressed into an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface.

[0102] Aspect 40. The method of Aspect 39, wherein the compressing of the flange includes providing a clamping force around a circumferential surface of the flange.

[0103] Aspect 41. The method of any one of Aspects 39 to 40, wherein before the flange of the connector pipe is compressed, a gap is present between the flange and the port of the processing equipment.

[0104] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A connector pipe for a fluid connection assembly comprising a manifold, the connector pipe comprising: a hollow main body for extending through an upper plate and a lower plate of the manifold, a truncated-cone exit end, the truncated-cone exit end including an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, and the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body, and the flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, wherein the connector pipe is configured to be inserted into a port of a processing equipment such that the truncated-cone exit end is compressible between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface, wherein a recess is provided between the flange and the hollow main body, and wherein a shape of the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe corresponds to the inner wall of the port.

2. The connector pipe of claim 1 , wherein the second outer surface tapers from the flange at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 50 degrees with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

3. The connector pipe of claim 2, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 40 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

4. The connector pipe of claim 2, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 25 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

5. The connector pipe of claim 2, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the vertical plane from the first surface to the flange extending around the hollow main body.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO6. The connector pipe of claim 1, wherein the first surface is sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

7. The connector pipe of claim 6, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 30 degrees.

8. The connector pipe of claim 6, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is between at or about 5 degrees and at or about 10 degrees.

9. The connector pipe of claim 6, wherein the sloped angle of the first surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.

10. fhe connector pipe of claim 1, wherein the truncated-cone exit end is formed from a polymer.

11. A filter assembly, comprising : a manifold including an upper plate and a lower plate: a filter removably attached to the manifold and including a port with an inner wall; a connector pipe extending through the upper plate and the lower plate, the connector pipe including a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, the flange disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, wherein the connector pipe is inserted into the port of the filter and the manifold is configured such that the truncated-cone exit end is compressed between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface, and wherein the inner wall of the port of the filter includes a structure corresponding to a shape of the truncated-cone exit end of the connector pipe.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO12. The filter assembly of claim 11 , wherein the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body, and wherein the structure of the inner wall corresponding to the truncated-cone exit end includes a first recess configured to receive the truncated-cone exit end and a second recess configured to receive the first surface and the second outer surface of the first surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body.

13. The filter assembly of claim 12, wherein the second outer surface tapers from the flange at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 50 degrees with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

14. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 40 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

15. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is between at or about 10 degrees and at or about 25 degrees with respect to the vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

16. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the taper angle of the second outer surface is at or about 0 degrees with respect to the vertical plane from the first surface to the flange extending around the hollow main body.

17. The filter assembly of claim 11 , wherein the first surface is sloped at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal line transverse to the hollow main body from the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end.Attorney Docket No. E0001082 WO18. A connection assembly comprising: a manifold including an upper plate and a lower plate: and a connector pipe extending through the upper plate and the lower plate, the connector pipe including a hollow main body, a truncated-cone exit end, and a flange extending around the main body adjacent the truncated-cone exit end, the flange disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the truncated-cone exit end includes an outer surface that tapers outwardly from an exit of the truncated-cone exit end to a first surface that is traverse to the hollow main body, wherein the manifold is configured to attach processing equipment such that the connector pipe is inserted into a port of the processing equipment and when the flange is compressed, the truncated-cone exit end is compressed between the outer surface of the truncated-cone exit end and an inner wall of the port to form a sealing surface.

19. The connection assembly of claim 18, wherein the first surface includes a second outer surface that tapers outwardly from the first surface to the flange extending around the main body.

20. The connection assembly of claim 18, wherein the second outer surface tapers from the flange at an angle between at or about 0 degrees and at or about 50 degrees with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the hollow main body.

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