GB2481424A

GB2481424A - Fluidic conduit

Info

Publication number: GB2481424A
Application number: GB1010553.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Watson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-23
Filing date: 2010-06-23
Publication date: 2011-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-23
Also published as: GB2481424B; GB201010553D0

Abstract

An adjustable fluidic conduit 1 comprising a first tubular member 2 and a second tubular member 6, the first tubular member and the second tubular member being co-operable such that at least a portion of the second tubular member is locatable within and movable axially within at least a portion of the first tubular member. The conduit comprises at least one dampening element 44 for dampening unwanted movement of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member and/or a holding member when, in use, the second tubular member is held in place relative to the first tubular member.

Description

Fluidic Conduit The present invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a fluidic conduit. More specifically, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to an adjustable fluidic conduit having a first port that may be variably spaced from a second port.

Fluidic conduits are essential for coupling elements in a fluidic circuit.

Such fluidic conduits known in the art are variable in length, only to the extent that they may permit portions of their length to be removed.

However, it is often the case that the conduit is required to facilitate a connection between bulky elements in a fluidic circuit, and that those elements are housed within containers that leave little room for manipulation of tools by the user. Thus, in certain instances, the user has insufficient space to connect or disconnect the conduit from those elements, or insufficient space to install or remove the element to which the conduit is attached.

An example of where such a situation could arise could be where one needs to connect a mains water supply to a stop-cock. Due to the fixed dimensions of known fluidic conduit and the limited space around the housing in which the stop-cock is contained, it may be that there is insufficient space for a user to connect or disconnect the conduit to the stop-cock. Alternatively, once the conduit has been disconnected, its presence may continue to prohibit removal of the stop-cock. If this is the case, it may be necessary to remove the conduit altogether, causing additional work. It may even be that the conduit is unable to be removed entirely, and that even more work would need to be undertaken to gain access to the stop-cock.

Water hammer is a phenomenon comprising a pressure surge or wave which results when water in motion is forced to stop or suddenly change direction. Water hammer commonly occurs when a valve is closed at the end of a pipeline system and a pressure wave propagates in the pipe. If the pipe is suddenly closed at the outlet, the mass of the water before the closure is still moving forward with some velocity, building up high pressure and shock waves. Water hammer may be a problem in fluidic circuits, e.g. domestic plumbing circuits, and may stress or damage conduits or in severe circumstances, if the pressure is high enough, may rupture the conduits.

The pressure effect of water hammer will depend on a number of factors: for instance, the speed of the wave may depend on the size of the conduit and the pressure change due to the water hammer will be more or less significant depending on the initial pressurisation of the system. For instance, water may typically be supplied at a pressure of around 5 bar (0.5 MPa). Occasionally, water may be supplied at a pressure as high as 8 bar (0.8 MPa).

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a fluidic conduit which overcomes, or at least reduces, one or more of the above-mentioned

problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an adjustable fluidic conduit comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the first tubular member and the second tubular member being co-operable such that at least a portion of the second tubular member is locatable within and movable axially within at least a portion of the first tubular member, the outer wall of the second tubular member being provided with an upstanding wall fixable thereto, slidable therealong or formed integrally therewith, the upstanding wall providing a first transverse surface, and a holding member disposable at least partially around the second tubular member, the holding member being co-operable, in use, with a locking means adapted to releasably hold the second tubular member in place relative to the first tubular member, wherein the holding member or a discrete body fixable thereto provides a second transverse surface opposing the first transverse surface and the conduit further comprises at least one dampening element located between the first transverse surface and the second transverse surface so as to dampen unwanted movement of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member and/or the holding member when, in use, the second tubular member is held in place relative to the first tubular member.

Preferably, the dampening element may extend from the first transverse surface to the second transverse surface.

Preferably, at least one of the first transverse surface and the second transverse surface may be provided with an anchoring means adapted to engage with and hold in place the or each dampening element, in use.

For example, the anchoring means is provided by a locating lug or an adhesive pad.

Preferably, the dampening element may comprise a resiliently deformable body such as a spring, a compressible airbag or a gel-filled body.

Preferably, the locking means may comprise two portions: a first portion comprising a nut disposed about the second member; and a second portion comprising a threaded surface complementary to the nut defined on the exterior of the first tubular portion; so as, in use, to be operable to clamp at least a portion of the holding member in an inward, e.g. radially inward, direction thereby preventing movement of the first and second tubular members with respect to each other.

Preferably, the holding member may comprise a sleeve having a ferrule portion.

The nut may comprise a collar within its interior, so as, in use, the collar abuts the ferrule portion.

The collar may be a discrete collar, accommodated within the interior section of the nut.

The fluidic conduit may further comprise fluidic sealing means between the first and second tubular members.

Preferably, a first fluidic port may be defined in an end of the first tubular member and a second fluidic port may be defined in the opposing end of the second tubular member, the first and second fluidic ports being disposed at opposing ends of the fluidic conduit.

One or more of the fluidic ports may be cooperable with an insert.

Preferably, one or more of the fluidic ports may be adapted to receive connecting means for establishing a fluidic connection between the port and an external fluidic circuit.

Preferably, the first tubular member may further comprise one or more radial features formed along the second tubular member to aid a user in establishing a purchase on an outer surface of the first tubular member when so engaging the nut with the threaded surface.

The fluidic conduit may further comprise a deformable washer disposable around the second tubular member between the ferrule portion and the collar when the nut is engaged with the threaded surface.

One or more O'-rings may be disposed around an internal surface of the collar to form a fluidic seal between the collar and the second tubular member.

Alternatively or additionally, the fluidic conduit may comprise one or more O'-rings to form a fluidic seal between an inner surface of the retaining means and an outer surface of the second tubular member.

Preferably, the locking means, once fully locked, may restrict ingress of fluids or particulates from the conduit's surrounding, thereby preventing impairment of the operation of the conduit.

The invention may also reside in a fluidic circuit comprising a fluidic conduit disclosed herein.

A further aspect of the invention resides in the use of a fluidic conduit according to the first aspect of the invention, e.g. use in a fluidic circuit.

An embodiment of the invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which the same elements shown in different figures are referenced with the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 is a cross-section of a disassembled fluidic conduit according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a spring locating structure; Figure 3 is a plan view of a spring locating structure; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluidic conduit of figure 1 when assembled; Figure 5 is an external view of the assembled fluidic conduit of figure 4; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a fluidic conduit according to the invention.

With reference to figures 1 and 4, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a fluidic conduit 1. This fluidic conduit 1 comprises two members; a first tubular member 2 and a second tubular member 6.

The first tubular member 2 includes a first larger bore portion 4, a smaller bore portion 5 and a threaded portion 16 defined about the end of the outer surface of the first larger bore portion 4.

The second tubular member 6 has an elongated bore portion 7 and a terminal portion 8 having a larger outer diameter with respect to the elongated bore portion 7. A spring 44 is disposed along a portion of the second tubular member 6.

The first tubular member 2 and the second tubular member 8 may have the following dimensions: inner diameter of first larger bore portion 4, 26mm; outer diameter of first larger bore portion, 35mm; inner diameter of the smaller bore portion 5, 15mm; outer diameter of smaller bore portion 5, 25mm; inner diameter of the elongated bore portion 7, 15mm; and outer diameter of elongated bore portion 7, 25mm.

As can be clearly seen from figure 1 the terminal portion 8 is sized to fit within the first larger bore portion 4. The spacing between distal ends of the first and second tubular members 2, 6 may be altered by sliding the second tubular member 6 in a longitudinal direction with respect to the first tubular member 2, whilst the terminal portion 8 is located within the first larger bore portion 4.

The figures also show an exemplary embodiment of a locking means 10, for fixing the second tubular member 6 relative to the first tubular member 2.

The exemplary embodiment of the locking means illustrated in the figures comprises a nut 10, a sleeve 12 and a collar 30. The nut 10 is disposed about the second tubular member 6. The sleeve 12 comprises a portion that fits around the outer surface of the second tubular member 6. A flange 17 extends radially outward from one end of the sleeve 12. A protruding portion 14 extends perpendicularly to the radial axis of the flange 17, away from an end 11 of the sleeve 12. This protruding portion 14 is shown, in an exemplary embodiment, as having an arcuate exterior surface that tapers inwardly with distance from the sleeve, and a cylindrical interior surface.

The flange 17 of the sleeve 12 is received within a complementary annular recess 20 formed in a free end of the first larger bore portion 4, as is best shown in figure 1. The flange 17 is thus able to lay flush with that free edge, as illustrated in figure 1. Alternatively, it is envisaged that the flange may not lay flush with the leading edge of the first larger bore portion 4. As an alternative, both the flanged portion 14 of the sleeve 12 and the recess 20 of the first larger bore portion 4, may take a non-annular form.

The nut 10 accommodates the collar 30 within its interior threaded section.

This collar 30 has an outwardly tapered leading edge 32, which leading edge 32 abuts the protruding portion 14 of the sleeve 12. The shape of leading edge 32 of the collar 30 is at least partially complementary to that of the protruding portion 14. The collar 30 sits within the interior of the nut 10, in abutment with a rear portion of the nut 10, that dimensioned to offer too small a gap between its interior surface and the outer surface of the second tubular member 6 to allow the collar 30 to pass through.

Optionally, there is provided a deformable washer 40 between the protruding portion 14 of the sleeve 12 and the leading edge 32 of the collar 30. This washer 40 is constructed from a suitably deformable material such as, though not limited to, rubber or plastics. The presence of the washer 40 aids the formation of a fluidic seal between the nut 10 and the sleeve 12, and potentially further increases the inward force applied to the second tubular member 6 to fix it in place.

At the distal end of the second tubular member 6, one or more indication lines 38 may be provided to act as a guide for the user should he wish to adjust the length of the fluidic conduit 1. Such indication lines may, for example, take the form of surface detailing or indented lines formed in the surface of the second tubular member 6 at the time of manufacture.

Between the surfaces of the first larger bore portion 4 and terminal portion 8, there may optionally be provided multiple O'-rings 24, 26 to prevent the flow of fluid therebetween. Similarly, one or more O'-rings 22 may be provided about the exterior surface of the sleeve 12 to provide a fluidic seal between the sleeve 12 and the interior surface of the first larger bore portion 4. Likewise, one or more O'-rings may be provided about the interior of the nut 10, so as to provide a fluidic seal between the nut 10 and the outer surface of the second tubular member 6. In each case, the O'-rings 22, 24, 26, 28 may be alternatively attached to the other of the interior surface or the exterior surface of whichever two surfaces they are intended to form a fluidic seal between.

Connected to the distal ends of the first and second tubular members 2, 6 are inserts 18. These inserts 18 add to the robustness of the fluidic conduit 1, and potentially aid with the connection of further elements of a fluidic circuit to the fluidic conduit 1. The inserts 18 may be made of, for example, plastics materials or metal, though any suitable material may be used. The inserts may engage the distal ends of the first and second tubular members 2, 6 using many techniques known in the art such as mechanical engagement and/or chemical adhesion.

Optionally, the fluidic conduit 1 may accommodate connectors (not shown) at its distal ends, either in addition to or instead of the inserts 18.

These connectors, such as push-fit connectors or compression fittings amongst others, are known in the art and may be permanently attached to the ends of the fluidic conduit 1 or removably attached as and when required. It is envisaged that a variety of different connector arrangements would permit a wide range of permutations for forming connections between elements in a fluidic circuit. A removable push-fit connector, for example, could push-fit over one end of the fluidic conduit 1 and then push fit over a proximate end of an element of a fluidic circuit.

The spring 44 is located about the second tubular member 6, between the terminal portion 8 and the sleeve 12. The spring 44 provides a dampening element which protects the fluidic conduit 1 against potentially damaging fluid surges, e.g. water hammer, in the fluidic conduit 1. Both the terminal portion 8 and sleeve 12 have spring locating structures 46 adjacent thereto. The spring locating structures 46 comprise spring locating lugs 48.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate one of the spring locating structures 46. Each of the spring locating structures 46 comprises a base 45 and a hollow portion 49 extending perpendicularly from the base 45. The hollow portion 49 has a through bore 50 which is cooperable with the elongated bore portion 6.

The base 45 may be adhered to the terminal portion 8 or to the sleeve 12 depending on at which end of the spring 44 it is located. In use, the base may take the form of an upstanding structure relative to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member 6. Furthermore, in use, an end of the spring 44 is insertable and retainable in a locating lug 48 provided in the base 45. Alternatively, the terminal portion 8 and sleeve 12 may comprise locating lugs 48 prefabricated into their structures without the need for a discrete locating structure 46.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the fluidic conduit 1 in an assembled state. The nut 10 is engaged with the threaded end 16 of the first larger bore portion 4. As the nut 10 is engaged, the collar 30 is forced against the protruding portion 14 of the sleeve 12. The outwardly flanged leading edge 32 of the nut collar 30 causes the inwardly flanged protruding portion 14 of the sleeve 12 to be forced radially inward, towards the second tubular member 6. Thus, by tightening the nut 10 onto the threaded portion 16, the second tubular member 6 becomes fixed in position relative to the first tubular member 2. To aid this process, the first tubular member 2 comprises raised protrusions 36, extending outwardly from the outer surface of the first larger bore portion 4. These protrusions 36 allow the user to gain greater purchase upon the surface of the first larger bore portion 4 when tightening the nut 10 onto the threaded portion 16 thereof, The nut 10 comprises multiple flattened faces 34 about its exterior surface, as is known in the art, to aiding gripping thereof by the user.

Construction of the fluidic conduit 1 is achieved by first sliding the spring locating structures 46 onto the second tubular member 6 and sliding the sleeve 12 onto the end of the second tubular member 6. The spring locating structures 46 are then adhered to the terminal portion 8 and the sleeve 12, and the spring 44 is inserted into the spring locating lugs 48.

The spring locating structures 46 may be secured by means of an adhesive (not shown). Alternatively, the spring locating portions 46 may be adhered to the terminal portion 8 and/or the sleeve 12 prior to the sliding on of the second tubular member 6. Alternatively, the terminal portion 8 and sleeve 12 may incorporate locating lugs 48.

The terminal portion 8 of the second tubular member 6 is then inserted inside the first larger bore portion 4 of the first tubular member 2. The sleeve 12 is then slid along the length of the second tubular member 6 until it is positioned in abutment with the proximal leading edge of the first larger bore portion 4. If a deformable washer 40 is to be used, this is then similarly slid onto and along the second tubular member 6 until it is positioned up against the protruding portion 14 of the sleeve 12. Lastly, the nut 10 and the collar 30 are also slid onto and along the second tubular member 6 until the threaded interior of the nut meets the threaded exterior portion 16 of the first larger bore portion 4. Depending upon the specific dimensions of the embodiment in question, it may be possible to partially engage the nut 10 onto the first larger bore portion 4 without substantially forcing the collar 30 onto the protruding portion 14 of the sleeve 12 (and hence without substantially deforming the deformable washer 40, if provided). The metal inserts 18 may then be optionally inserted into the two distal ends of the fluidic conduit 1. In this configuration, the second tubular member 6 is free to slide relative to first tubular member 2, whilst the nut 10, collar 30, deformable washer 40 and sleeve 12 are all retained in position, ready for use. Also, the spring 44 is biased away from the sleeve 12, thereby providing a resistance to movement of the terminal portion 8 towards the sleeve 12.

Once the nut 10 has been fully engaged with the threaded portion 16 of the first larger bore portion 4, the washer 40, and O'-ring 28 serve to prevent ingress of, for example water, mud or debris, inside the conduit 1.

This is particularly important where the conduit is being used in a hostile or unprotected environment such as outdoors or, more specifically, underground. Preventing such ingress significantly decreases the chances of impairment of the second tubular member's 6 ability to slide within the first larger bore portion 4.

Figure 5 shows an external view of the assembled fluidic conduit 1. The nut 10 is tightened onto the threaded exterior surface 16 of the first larger bore portion 4. The protrusions 36 allow the user to gain greater purchase upon the surface of the first larger bore portion 3 when tightening the nut 10 onto the threaded portion.

In one example of the application of an embodiment of the present invention, an end of the first tubular member 2 furthest from the second tubular member 6 may then be connected to a water supply, via, for example, a compression fitting, whilst the terminal portion 8 is inserted as deeply as possible inside first larger bore portion 4. Once this first connection is achieved, the fluidic conduit 1 may be extended by sliding the second tubular member 6 away from the first tubular member 2 so as to bring an end of the second tubular member 6 furthest from the first tubular member 2 into position to allow a connection with, for example, a stop-cock, to be made using a second compression fitting. The adjustable length of the fluidic conduit 1 aids the user in aligning and manipulating the fluidic conduit 1 and achieving the necessary connections. Once in position, the nut 10 is then tightened onto the threaded exterior surface 16 of the first larger bore portion 4 and the second tubular member 6 becomes fixed in position relative to the first tubular member 2.

Where, for example, the stop-cock of the above example (or whatever element the fluidic conduit 1 is connected to at either of the two ends) needs to be accessed or potentially removed, the reverse of the above-described process aids the user by increasing the space in which he or she may work, by effectively decreasing the size of the fluidic conduit.

Connection between the fluidic conduit 1 and the element in question would be disengaged, either before or after the nut 10 is disengaged from the threaded exterior surface portion 16 of the first larger bore portion 4, to a sufficient extent as to allow the second tubular member 6 to be slid further toward the first tubular member 2. It may be highly advantageous for the second tubular member 6 to be free to slide relative to the first tubular member 2 at the time of disconnecting the fluidic conduit 1 from the fluidic circuit, particularly if push-fit connections are used whereby the movement of the two members of the fluidic conduit 1 allow the push-fit connection to be disengaged.

When the fluidic conduit is connected to the fluidic circuit, fluid may pass through the fluidic conduit 1 entering at the distal end of the first larger bore portion 4, flowing through the fluidic conduit 1 and exiting at the distal end of the second tubular member 6. If a surge of high-pressure fluid passes through the fluidic conduit 1, the spring 44 will dampen the force of the surge on the second tubular member 6, thereby maintaining the integrity of the fluidic conduit 1 and preventing or at least minimizing stress or damage thereto.

Figure 6 shows a cross-section through a portion of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

This embodiment has many similarities with the one discussed above and shown in figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Accordingly, in figure 6, like features are labeled with like reference numerals with a prime.

In figure 6, the spring 44' extends between spring locating structures 46' one of which is fixed to the sleeve 12', while the other is fixed to an annular body 52, which is disposed around and is slidable along the second tubular member 6'.

The spring 44' is biased so as to keep apart the two spring locating structures 46'.

There are recesses in the inner and outer surfaces of the annular body 52 for receiving O'-rings 54, 53 to provide a seal between the second tubular member 6' and the annular body 52 and the annular body 52 and the inner wall of the first tubular member 4' respectively.

The annular body 52 is also provided with an end recess 55 which accepts, in use, a collar stop 51 fixed to or integral with the second tubular member 6'. The collar stop 51 prevents, in use, the annular body 52 from being pushed off the second tubular member 6' by the spring 44'.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that only one of the locating structures 46' is fixed in position relative to the second tubular member 6'.

Movement of the second tubular member 6' and/or the annular body 52 towards the sleeve 12' caused by a surge of fluid along the conduit is dampened by the spring 44'.

It will be appreciated that a number of modifications may be made to the embodiment shown in figure 6.

For example, the collar stop 51 may be replaced with any other suitable means for preventing, in use, the annular body 52 from being pushed off the second tubular member 6' by the spring 44'. Also, the annular body 52 need not be provided with an end recess 55.

Other modifications will doubtless be apparent to the skilled addressee.

The above description of the invention sets out two exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is envisaged that many of the specific features of the described embodiment may be altered without departing from that invention. For example, whilst the described embodiment of the dampening element used to protect against large forces of fluid pressure in the fluidic conduit is a spring, it is contemplated that other dampening elements may be used, such as gels or airbags. For instance, the airbag may be a compressible structure which fits around the elongated bore portion 7, 7' between the terminal portion 8 or the annular body 52 and the sleeve 12, 12', e.g. an annular airbag.

Alternatively, the fluidic conduit may comprise a plurality of springs arranged, e.g. equally spaced, around the perimeter of the elongated bore portion 7, 7'.

Also, whilst the described embodiment of the retaining means used to fix the second tubular member 6, 6' relative to the first tubular member 2, 2' is a threaded nut 10, it is contemplated that other locking devices may be used, and potentially ones that do not require any exterior portion of the first larger bore portion 4, 4' to be threaded.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the dampening element, e.g. spring, may serve to protect the conduit from damage caused by a pressure surge, e.g. water hammer, by damping longitudinal movement of the second tubular member caused by the impact of a surge of higher pressure fluid on the end thereof.

The first and/or second tubular elements may be manufactured from a metal, preferably copper or brass. Alternatively, the first and/or second tubular elements may be manufactured from a suitable plastics material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

It will be appreciated that although only two embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The use of terminology such as "first," "second," "proximal," "distal," and other such adjectives is non-limiting in nature, and are used only for the

purposes of aiding clarity of the description.

It should also be appreciated that the fluidic conduit of the invention may have utility as a thermal expansion joint.

Claims

Claims 1. An adjustable fluidic conduit comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the first tubular member and the second tubular member being co-operable such that at least a portion of the second tubular member is locatable within and movable axially within at least a portion of the first tubular member, the outer wall of the second tubular member being provided with an upstanding wall fixable thereto, slidable therealong or formed integrally therewith, the upstanding wall providing a first transverse surface, and a holding member disposable at least partially around the second tubular member, the holding member being co-operable, in use, with a locking means adapted to releasably hold the second tubular member in place relative to the first tubular member, wherein the holding member or a discrete body fixable thereto provides a second transverse surface opposing the first transverse surface and the conduit further comprises at least one dampening element located between the first transverse surface and the second transverse surface so as to dampen unwanted movement of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member and/or the holding member when, in use, the second tubular member is held in place relative to the first tubular member.
2. The fluidic conduit of claim 1, wherein the dampening element extends from the first transverse surface to the second transverse surface.
3. The fluidic conduit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the first transverse surface and the second transverse surface is provided with an anchoring means adapted to engage with and hold in place the or each dampening element, in use.
4. The fluidic conduit of claim 3, wherein the anchoring means is provided by a locating lug or an adhesive pad.
5. The fluidic conduit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each dampening element comprises a spring.
6. The fluidic conduit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each dampening element comprises a compressible airbag.
7. The fluidic conduit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each dampening element comprises a gel-filled body.
8. The fluidic conduit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means comprises two portions: a first portion comprising a nut disposed about the second member; and a second portion comprising a threaded surface complementary to the nut defined on the exterior of the first tubular portion; so as, in use, to be operable to clamp at least a portion of the holding member in an inward, e.g. radially inward, direction thereby preventing movement of the first and second tubular members with respect to each other.
9. The fluidic conduit of claim 8, wherein the holding member comprises a sleeve having a ferrule portion.
10. The fluidic conduit of claim 9, wherein the nut comprises a collar within its interior, so as, in use, the collar abuts the ferrule portion.
11. The fluidic conduit of claim 10, wherein the collar is a discrete collar, accommodated within the interior section of the nut.
12. The fluidic conduit of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising fluidic sealing means between the first and second tubular members.
13. The fluidic conduit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first fluidic port is defined in an end of the first tubular member and a second fluidic port is defined in the opposing end of the second tubular member, the first and second fluidic ports being disposed at opposing ends of the fluidic conduit.
14. The ifluidic conduit of claim 13, wherein one or more of the fluidic io ports is cooperable with an insert.
15. The fluidic conduit of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein one or more of the fluidic ports is adapted to receive connecting means for establishing a fluidic connection between the port and an external fluidic circuit.
16. The ifluidic conduit of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the first tubular member further comprises one or more radial features formed along the second tubular member to aid a user in establishing a purchase on an outer surface of the first tubular member when so engaging the nut with the threaded surface.
17. The fluidic conduit according to any of claims 9 to 16, further comprising a deformable washer disposable around the second tubular member between the ferrule portion and the collar when the nut is engaged with the threaded surface.
18. The fluidic conduit of any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising one or more O'-rings disposed around an internal surface of the collar to form a fluidic seal between the collar and the second tubular member.
19. The fluidic conduit according to claim 18, further comprising one or more O'-rings to form a fluidic seal between an inner surface of the retaining means and an outer surface of the second tubular member.
20. The fluidic conduit according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking means, once fully locked, restricts ingress of fluids, or particulates, from the conduit's surrounding, thereby preventing impairment of the operation of the conduit.
21. A fluidic circuit comprising the fluidic conduit of any one of claims 1 to 20.
22. Use of the fluidic conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in a fluidic circuit.
23. An adjustable fluidic conduit substantially as hereinbefore described is with reference to the accompanying drawings.*::r: INTELLECTUAL . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1010553.4 Examiner: Mr Sean Gilday Claims searched: 1-23 Date of search: 19 October 2010 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1-7, 12-EP1363061 Al 15, 18-23 (EATON) See figure 1 X 1-7, 12-W02008/086443 A2 15, 20-23 (OPTIMIZE TECH) See figures 2 and 4 X 1-7, 12-W02005/00 1322 Al 15, 20-23 (KIM) See figures 4 and 7 Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP. WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC F16L The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report WPI, EPODOC International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From F16L 0027/10 01/01/2006 F16L 0007/00 01/01/2006 F16L 0015/00 01/01/2006 F16L 0027/12 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk