Manifold assembly for resin infusion and injection

Abstract

A manifold for resin application, infusion, and/or injection is provided. The manifold comprises at least one inlet and a plurality of outlets. At least one outlet of the manifold comprises a valve that is operable to selectively dispense or terminate a flow of a resin from the outlet, and wherein the resin is supplied through the at least one inlet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A resin application manifold comprising:
 an elongate body portion comprising a length and having a first end and a second end, and wherein the elongate body portion at least partially defines a fluid flow path;   an inlet provided at the first end of the elongate body portion;   a first outlet provided at the second end of the elongate body portion;   wherein the inlet and the first outlet are provided collinear with one another;   a plurality of resin application outlets provided along the length of the elongate body portion between the inlet and the first outlet, and wherein each of the resin application outlets are provided perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet and comprise male threaded portions operable to receive a valve;   a channel extending through the elongate body portion and providing the inlet in fluid communication with the plurality of resin application outlets;   wherein each of the inlet, the first outlet, and the resin application outlets comprise a valve for selectively dispensing a resin through the at least one of the plurality of resin application outlets.   
     
     
         2 . The resin application manifold of  claim 1 , wherein the valves comprise ball valves and/or wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of resin application outlets. 
     
     
         3 . The resin application manifold of  claim 1 , wherein the resin application outlet comprises a fitting with an inlet and an outlet and wherein the fitting is operable to receive at least one of a rubber hose and a pipe. 
     
     
         4 . The resin application manifold of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow path comprises an interior channel having an internal diameter of between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 1.50 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The resin application manifold of  claim 4 , wherein the interior channel extends between the primary inlet, the primary outlet, and the resin application outlet. 
     
     
         6 . A resin application manifold comprising:
 a body portion comprising a length and having a first end and a second end, and wherein the body portion at least partially defines a fluid flow path;   an inlet provided at the first end of the elongate body portion;   a first outlet provided at the second end of the elongate body portion;   a plurality of resin application outlets provided on the elongate body portion between the inlet and the first outlet;   wherein each of the plurality of resin application outlets comprises a valve with a handle operable to selectively control a fluid or resin flow through the respective resin application outlet, and a fitting connected to the valve;   wherein the fitting comprises a threaded portion that is operable to be secured to the valve, a rasped portion that is operable to receive and secure a hose, and a collar that is operable to receive a tool; and   wherein the inlet and the first outlet comprise a valve for selectively dispensing a resin through the at least one of the plurality of resin application outlets.   
     
     
         7 . The resin application manifold of  claim 6 , wherein the valves comprise at least one of a ball valve, a globe valve, a gate valve, a solenoid valve, and a diaphragm valve. 
     
     
         8 . The resin application manifold of  claim 6 , wherein the manifold comprises at least three resin application outlets. 
     
     
         9 . The resin application manifold of  claim 6 , wherein each of the resin application outlets comprises a polyvinyl chloride fitting. 
     
     
         10 . The resin application manifold according to  claim 6 , wherein the threaded portion and the rasped portion are provided on opposing sides of the collar. 
     
     
         11 . The resin application manifold of  claim 6 , wherein the body portion comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         12 . A resin application manifold comprising:
 a body portion comprising a length and having a first end and a second end, and wherein the body portion at least partially defines a fluid flow path;   an inlet provided at the first end of the elongate body portion;   a first outlet provided at the second end of the elongate body portion;   a plurality of resin application outlets provided on the elongate body portion between the inlet and the first outlet;   wherein each of the plurality of resin application outlets comprises a valve operable to selectively control a fluid or resin flow, and a fitting;   wherein the fitting is operable to receive and secure a hose, and a collar that is operable to receive a tool; and   wherein the inlet and the first outlet comprise a valve for selectively dispensing a resin through the at least one of the plurality of resin application outlets.   
     
     
         13 . The resin application manifold of  claim 12 , wherein the valves comprise at least one of a ball valve, a globe valve, a gate valve, a solenoid valve, and a diaphragm valve. 
     
     
         14 . The resin application manifold of  claim 12 , wherein the manifold comprises at least three resin application outlets. 
     
     
         15 . The resin application manifold of  claim 12 , wherein each of the resin application outlets comprises a polyvinyl chloride fitting. 
     
     
         16 . The resin application manifold according to  claim 12 , wherein the fitting comprises a threaded portion and a rasped portion. 
     
     
         17 . The resin application manifold of  claim 12 , wherein the body portion comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         18 . The resin application manifold of  claim 12 , wherein the body portion comprises a rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         19 . The resin application manifold of  claim 12 , wherein the each of the plurality of resin application outlets comprise a compression fitting to allow for efficient installation of hoses.