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Modular tubing support and constrainment device

  • US 6,116,547 A
  • Filed: 02/12/1999
  • Issued: 09/12/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for constraining a section of flexible tubing and isolating compressive and tensive forces created in the tubing when the tubing expands and contracts, the system comprising:

  • a) a section of flexible tubing being formed of plastic, the tubing section having a fluid flow concourse for conveying fluid which varies in temperature, a pair of ends, a center portion between the ends, an exterior surface, and a length which expands and contracts in response to the fluid temperature;

    b) a support tray for supporting the section of tubing, the support tray comprising a bottom portion, and a pair of side containment portions engaged with the bottom portion; and

    c) first and second clamping portions attached to the support tray;

    each clamping portion having a clamp locking portion and a tubing engagement portion for gripping the exterior surface of the tubing section;

    the clamping members further having an open position where the tubing engagement portions are spaced apart allowing for the insertion and removal of the tubing, and a closed position where the clamp locking portion locks the tubing engagement portions against the exterior surface of the tubing section thereby anchoring the tubing section to the support tray, preventing the lateral and longitudinal movement of the ends, and fixing the positions of the ends relative to each other, whereby when the length of the tubing expands compressive forces are exerted on the clamping members and the tubing snakes between the side constrainment portions, and when the length of tubing contracts tensive forces are exerted on the clamping members.

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