FLUID CONTROL UNIT
A hydration system including a fluid reservoir, a fluid path in communication with the reservoir, and a magnetic quick connect interposed in the fluid path is disclosed. A fluid delivery system for a hydration system is also disclosed that includes a magnetic quick connect interposed in a fluid delivery path of the delivery system. The magnetic quick connect can also be used in a wide variety of fluid delivery systems. A kit for forming a fluid delivery system for a hydration system is also disclosed, as are various components of a hydration system.
1 . A fluid control unit of a fluid delivery system for a hydration system, the fluid control unit comprising:
a housing;
a pump disposed within the housing;
a controller operably connected to the pump to control the pump;
a power source in electrical communication with the pump via the controller;
an inlet tube connected to an inlet of the pump at one end and a first coupling member of a mechanical quick connect on the other end; and
an outlet tube connected to an outlet of the pump at one end and a second coupling member of a mechanical quick connect on the other end;
wherein the controller is configured to process one or more command signals received from a wireless transmitter in wireless communication with the controller.
2 . A fluid control unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first coupling member of the mechanical quick connect comprises a male connector; the housing comprises a recess extending from a bottom wall of the housing to a horizontal support wall; a hose connector of the male connector extends through a hole in the horizontal support wall so that the male connector is disposed on the exterior of the housing and the hose connector of the male connector is disposed on the inside of the housing and the inlet tube is connected thereto.
3 . A fluid control unit according to claim 1 , wherein the recess is sized to receive an outlet spout of a hydration reservoir bag, where the outlet spout includes a mating female mechanical quick connector disposed at the end of the outlet spout, and wherein the recess is also sized so as to permit a user to access a release on the mating female quick connector when the male connector and mating female connector are connected so as to uncouple them.