Abstract:
The invention relates to valve system made up of multiple three way valves mechanically coupled together to produce the functionality of a four way valve.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application 61/147,192, filed Jan. 26, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to valve system made up of multiple three way valves mechanically coupled together to produce the functionality of a four way valve. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention disclosed herein. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention disclosed herein. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of valves suitable for use with the invention disclosed herein. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of valves suitable for use with the invention disclosed herein. 
           [0008]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of valves suitable for use with the invention disclosed herein. 
           [0009]      FIG. 7A  is a flow diagram of the invention disclosed herein in a first alignment configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7B  is a flow diagram of the invention disclosed herein in a second alignment configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a valve assembly comprising a first three way valve  10  comprising a first inlet port  12 , a first outlet port  14 , a second outlet port  16 , and a position adjustable first flow alignment device  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-7B . In another preferred embodiment, the first outlet port and second outlet port are aligned along a common axis as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In another preferred embodiment, the first inlet port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second outlet ports. 
         [0012]    This embodiment further comprises a first valve actuator  20  mechanically coupled to the first flow alignment device such that movement of the first actuator can cause the first flow alignment device to align the first inlet port with the first outlet port, align the first inlet port with the second outlet port, or align the first inlet port with no outlet ports, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In another preferred embodiment, the first valve actuator comprises a first toothed gear and the second valve actuator comprises a second toothed gear rotatably engaged with the first toothed gear, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0013]    This embodiment further comprises a second three way valve  11  comprising a third outlet port  13 , a second inlet port  15 , a third inlet port  17 , and a second position adjustable flow alignment device  19 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-7B . In another preferred embodiment, the second inlet port and third inlet port are aligned along a common axis, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In another preferred embodiment, the third outlet port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second and third inlet ports, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0014]    The direction of flow through any of the aligned ports disclosed herein is a function of the fluid pressure. Thus, the terms “inlet” and “outlet” as used herein are not intended to indicate that flow through such ports may only occur in one direction. 
         [0015]    This embodiment further comprises a second valve actuator  21  mechanically coupled to the second flow alignment device such that movement of the second actuator can cause the second flow alignment device to align the third outlet port with the second inlet port, align the third outlet port with the third inlet port, or align the third outlet port with no inlet ports, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The first and second valve actuators are coupled together such that when the first inlet port is aligned with the first outlet port, the third outlet port is aligned with the second inlet port, and when the first inlet port is aligned with the second outlet port, the third outlet port is aligned with the third inlet port, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0016]    In another preferred embodiment, the first and second valve actuators are hydraulically actuatable, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The configuration depicted in  FIG. 2  uses a hydraulic actuator assembly  34  to turn the valves. It may be operated by a surface controlled valve pack. By pressurizing the actuator, pistons with a gear rack feature turn a central shaft mounted pinion. The valves are turned in the same manner as the above configuration. 
         [0017]    In another preferred embodiment, the first three way valve is mounted above the second three way valve or the second three way valve is mounted below the first three way valve, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0018]    In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprising a handle  30  mechanically coupled to the first and second valve actuators. In another preferred embodiment, the handle is a paddle style handle, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The paddle may be turned to one of three positions by a ROV operated manipulator. This style can also be actuated by hand during surface operation. 
         [0019]    In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a torque tool bucket  32  mounted so to encompass the handle as shown in  FIG. 3 . The configuration in  FIG. 3  would be used for larger valves that require higher torque to operate; it uses a hydraulic torque tool to turn the valve assembly. The torque tool interfaces and reacts on the bucket; the valves are operated in the same manner as the above configurations. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 4 and 7B  show the first and second flow alignment devices in a first alignment configuration wherein, the first or top valve stem port is aligned with one side of the first valve and the second or bottom valve is aligned with the opposite side of the second valve. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 , both the first and second flow alignment devices remain open and serve as fluid supply or return channels. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 6 and 7A  show the first and second valve actuators have been rotated such that the flow through the first and second flow alignment devices is now opposite from the direction of flow shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7B . The configuration shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7A  is the second alignment configuration. 
         [0022]    In the third alignment configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , the first or top valve actuator is rotated in one direction, and the second or lower valve actuator rotates in the opposite direction. In this configuration, both the first and second flow alignment devices block flow, holding pressure and flow to either side of the first and second valves. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , the first flow alignment device aligns the first inlet port with no outlet ports, and the second flow alignment device align the third outlet port with no inlet ports. 
         [0023]    In the models illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , and referring additionally to  FIGS. 7A-7B , the connection of the two valves are not shown for clarity of the diagram. In order for the assembly to function, both “a” and “b” sides of the valve need to be connected as shown in the diagram below. The assembly operates in the same manor regardless of the style actuator or valve size. 
         [0024]    The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative construction and/or a illustrative method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.