Patent Publication Number: US-8985153-B2

Title: Valve sub-base

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a National Stage entry of International Application No. PCT/EP2011/056806, with an international filing date of Apr. 28, 2011, which claims priority of U.S. patent application No. 61/330,985, filed May 4, 2010, entitled “Valve Sub-Base”. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to, valve sub-bases, and more particularly, to valve sub-bases that may be coupled to one another on one or more sides using coupling members. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Valve islands comprising two or more valves are known in the art. A valve island typically comprises two or more valves mounted on a common base with a common electrical wire-way and/or fluid passage. The valves may include integral fittings that can receive tubing or other fluid connections or may comprise valve sub-base mountable valves wherein a valve sub-base forms a fluid-tight seal with the valve and provides some or all of the connection fittings. The valves are usually coupled using a manifold or the valve sub-base system. When the valves are coupled to a manifold system, the manifold can supply/deliver pressurized fluid to/from various ports of the valve. The valve can then control fluid communication between the various valve ports. The pressurized fluid may comprise a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof. The manifold may also be in fluid communication with external components supplied with the pressurized fluid delivered from the valve island. Therefore, the manifold typically provides a communication interface for each of the valves. The manifold usually forms a fluid-tight seal with each of the valves on a first face and provides one or more nozzles, ports, or some other fluid communication interface on a second face. The manifold can also maintain the position of the valves relative to one another. A simplified figure of a prior art valve island including a manifold is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The prior art valve island  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a manifold  11  coupled to a plurality of valves  12   a - 12   d . Each of the plurality of valves  12   a - 12   d  includes one or more electrical contacts  5  in order to power the valves  12   a - 12   d  as is generally known in the art. The plurality of valves  12   a - 12   d  may be coupled to the manifold  11  using mechanical fasteners, brazing, bonding, adhesives, snap fit, friction fit, etc. The manifold  11  is typically coupled to the valves  12   a - 12   d  to form a fluid-tight seal. In  FIG. 1 , the valves  12   a - 12   d  form a fluid-tight seal with a bottom face  11   a  of the manifold  11 . The manifold  11  also includes a plurality of nozzles  13 . In  FIG. 1 , the nozzles  13  are formed on a top face  11   b , which is substantially opposite the bottom face  11   a . However, various configurations are known and the nozzles  13  may be formed on a side face of the manifold, for example. In the prior art valve island  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the nozzles  13  includes a barb  14 . The barbs  14  may be provided to aid in retaining conduits, tubing, and the like onto the nozzle  13 , for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the manifold  11  comprises a single molded component that is designed to receive four valves  12   a - 12   d  positioned in a single row, i.e., a 1×4 configuration. Therefore, the valve configuration of the manifold  11  is fixed. The manifold  11  is not capable of arranging the four valves  12   a - 12   d  in any other configuration. Therefore, if a user requires a different valve configuration due to limitations of fluid tubing or electrical wiring, for example, a new manifold is required. Further, the size of the nozzles  13  on the manifold  11  is generally fixed. Therefore, if different sizes are required due to the user&#39;s existing fluid connections, a whole new manifold may be required even though some of the nozzles  13  are appropriately sized. This rigid configuration creates a number of problems. Either the manufacturer is required to produce and stock numerous manifold configurations in order to accommodate a wide variety of customer requirements or the user is required to custom order a desired manifold. Neither situation is ideal because both result in increased costs associated with the chosen manifold, and thus, the valve island  10 . 
     An alternative to using a manifold is to couple each valve to an individual valve sub-base. A valve sub-base can be coupled to a valve that lacks its own fluid fittings, for example. Therefore, the valve sub-bases typically include internal fluid passageways that can communicate pressurized fluid to and from a coupled valve. The valve sub-base can provide a fluid communication interface between the valve and a user&#39;s fluid connections. The valve sub-base typically includes nozzles, threaded fittings, threaded ports, etc. that are adapted to receive a fluid conduit, hose, or the like. Generally, a valve sub-base is coupled to a single valve or a limited number of valves. In order to form a valve island, the valve sub-bases can be connected together. Prior art systems are known that couple valve sub-bases. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,273 shows a valve island with valve sub-bases held together using bolts. The problem with using a valve sub-base as provided in the &#39;273 patent is that like the manifold, the valve configuration is generally fixed. The valves can only be positioned in a single row. Further, coupling the valve sub-bases is cumbersome and time consuming as multiple bolts or fasteners are often used to hold the valve sub-bases together resulting in an excessive amount of time required to couple and de-couple multiple valve sub-bases. In addition, the valve sub-bases disclosed in the &#39;273 patent utilize a passageway that travels through the side of each valve sub-base. Therefore, the user&#39;s fluid connection system must be able to accommodate the single row configuration. There is no way for the valve sub-base system shown in the &#39;273 patent to be arranged with multiple adjoining rows. Rather, only a single row can be provided. 
     There exists a need for a valve sub-base system that can be coupled to adjoining valve sub-bases in order to create a valve island where the adjoining valve sub-bases resemble a manifold. Further, there exists a need for a valve sub-base system that includes multiple coupling members for coupling adjoining valve sub-bases on adjacent sides to create an adaptable configuration without requiring an excessive amount of assembly time. The valve sub-base system can thus be varied in order to accommodate a wide variety of user configurations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A valve sub-base including a coupling system is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-base comprises a female coupling member formed on a first side of the valve sub-base. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-base also comprises a male coupling member formed on a second side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding female coupling member on an adjoining valve sub-base to couple two or more valve sub-bases. 
     A valve system is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve system comprises a valve including one or more fluid ports. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve system also comprises a valve sub-base coupled to the valve and forming a fluid-tight seal with the one or more fluid ports. The valve sub-base includes one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the one or more fluid ports. The valve sub-base also includes a coupling system. The coupling system includes a female coupling member formed on a first side of the valve sub-base. The coupling system also includes a male coupling member formed on a second side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding female coupling member formed on an adjoining valve sub-base. 
     A valve island is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve island comprises a first valve and a first valve sub-base coupled to the first valve. The first valve sub-base comprises a female coupling member formed on a first side of the first valve sub-base and a male coupling member formed on a second side of the first valve sub-base. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve island also comprises a second valve positioned proximate the first valve and a second valve sub-base coupled to the second valve. According to an embodiment of the invention, the second valve sub-base comprises a female coupling member formed on a first side of the second valve sub-base and a male coupling member formed on a second side of the second valve sub-base. The male coupling member formed on the second side of the second valve sub-base is configured to engage the female coupling member formed on the first side of the first valve sub-base. 
     ASPECTS 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a valve sub-base including a coupling system comprises:
         a female coupling member formed on a first side of the valve sub-base; and   a male coupling member formed on a second side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding female coupling member on an adjoining valve sub-base to couple two or more valve sub-bases.       

     Preferably, the valve sub-base further comprises:
         a second female coupling member formed on a third side of the valve sub-base; and   a second male coupling member formed on a fourth side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding second female coupling member formed on an adjoining valve sub-base.       

     Preferably, the valve sub-base further comprises:
         a male coupling member formed on the first side of the valve sub-base; and   a female coupling member formed on the second side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding male coupling member formed on an adjoining valve sub-base.       

     Preferably, the female coupling member comprises a channel and a lip and wherein the male coupling member comprises a tab configured to engage a corresponding channel formed on an adjoining valve sub-base and a rail configured to engage a corresponding lip formed on an adjoining valve sub-base. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a valve system comprises:
         a valve including one or more fluid ports;   a valve sub-base coupled to the valve and forming a fluid-tight seal with the one or more fluid ports, the valve sub-base including:
           one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the one or more fluid ports;   a coupling system comprising:
               a female coupling member formed on a first side of the valve sub-base; and   a male coupling member formed on a second side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding female coupling member formed on an adjoining valve sub-base.   
               
               

     Preferably, the valve system further comprises:
         a second female coupling member formed on a third side of the valve sub-base; and   a second male coupling member formed on a fourth side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding second female coupling member formed on an adjoining valve sub-base.       

     Preferably, the valve system further comprises:
         a male coupling member formed on the first side of the valve sub-base; and   a female coupling member formed on the second side of the valve sub-base and configured to engage a corresponding male coupling member formed on an adjoining valve sub-base.       

     Preferably, the female coupling member comprises a channel and a lip and wherein the male coupling member comprises a tab configured to engage a corresponding channel formed on an adjoining valve sub-base and a rail configured to engage a corresponding lip formed on an adjoining valve sub-base. 
     Preferably, the valve system further comprises a fastener receiver formed in the valve sub-base and configured to receive a fastener to retain the valve sub-base coupled to the valve. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a valve island comprises:
         a first valve;   a first valve sub-base coupled to the first valve and including:
           a female coupling member formed on a first side of the first valve sub-base;   a male coupling member formed on a second side of the first valve sub-base;   
           a second valve positioned proximate the first valve;   a second valve sub-base coupled to the second valve and including:
           a female coupling member formed on a first side of the second valve sub-base;   a male coupling member formed on a second side of the second valve sub-base and configured to engage the female coupling member formed on the first side of the first valve sub-base.   
               

     Preferably, the valve island further comprises:
         a female coupling member formed on a third side of the first valve sub-base; and   a male coupling member formed on a fourth side of the first valve sub-base;   a third valve positioned proximate the first valve;   a third valve sub-base coupled to the third valve and including:
           a female coupling member formed on a third side of the third valve sub-base; and   a male coupling member formed on a fourth side of the third valve sub-base and configured to engage the female coupling member formed on the third side of the first valve sub-base.   
               

     Preferably, the valve island further comprises:
         a male coupling member formed on the first side of the first valve sub-base;   a female coupling member formed on the second side of the first valve sub-base;   a male coupling member formed on the first side of the first valve sub-base; and   a female coupling member formed on the second side of the second valve sub-base and configured to engage the male coupling member formed on the first side of the first valve sub-base.       

     Preferably, the female coupling member formed on the first side of the first valve sub-base comprises a channel and a lip and wherein the male coupling member formed on the second side of the second valve sub-base comprises a tab configured to engage the channel and a rail configured to engage the lip. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a prior art valve and manifold system. 
         FIG. 2  shows a valve system with a valve and a valve sub-base with first and second coupling members according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a valve system with a valve and a valve sub-base with first and second coupling members according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows two adjoining valve systems. 
         FIG. 5  shows first and second coupling members prior to engagement. 
         FIG. 6  shows a valve sub-base with first and second coupling members according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows first and second coupling members prior to engagement. 
         FIG. 8  shows a valve sub-base with first and second coupling members according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a valve island with multiple valve sub-bases coupled to form a matrix according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 2-9  and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  show a valve sub-base  100  according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  also show a valve  112 , which is similar to the valve  12  shown in the prior art  FIG. 1 . Together, the valve sub-base  100  and the valve  112  form a valve system  20 . The valve system  20  is capable of coupling to adjoining valve systems  20  as described in more detail below. Further, with the valve sub-base  100  coupled to the valve  112 , the valve system  20  can be coupled to fluid connections (not shown) and the valve  112  can control fluid communication between the fluid connections. The valve  112  may comprise an electrically actuated valve, such as a solenoid-actuated valve, a piezo-actuated valve, etc. Alternatively, the valve  112  may comprise a fluid actuated valve, for example. The particular type of valve used should in no way limit the scope of the present invention. As shown, the valve  112  comprises a housing  113 . The valve  112  also comprises a length, L, and a width, W. It should be appreciated that the length may be longer than the width, the same length, or the length may be shorter than the width. The orientation of the length and width of the valve  112  is merely provided in order to aid in the orientation of the valve  112  with respect to various other components described in more detail below. 
     The valve sub-base  100  is shown de-coupled from the valve  112 . As can be appreciated, the valve sub-base  100  may be adapted to engage a portion of the valve  112  and form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the valve  112 , thereby forming a valve system  20  capable of communicating with fluid conduits, hoses, etc. According to the embodiment shown, the valve sub-base  100  is adapted to engage the valve housing  113  of the valve  112 . Therefore, it should be appreciated that the valve sub-base  100  may be provided in some embodiments where the valve  112  lacks its own fittings or other connections adapted to receive fluid conduits, hoses, etc. For example, the valve  112  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  comprises ports  101   a - 101   c , which may not be suitable for forming a fluid-tight seal with a user&#39;s fluid connections. According to another embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-base  100  may be implemented in embodiments where the valve  112  may include fluid fittings; however, the valve&#39;s fluid fittings are not a desired size and/or shape. Therefore, the valve sub-base  100  may be coupled to the valve  112  in order to adjust the size of the fluid fittings to accommodate various fluid connections. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve  112  includes one or more electrical connections  50  adapted to communicate power to the valve  112  in order to operate the valve  112  as is generally known in the art. The electrical connection  50  may also be capable of supplying a signal to a controller (not shown) or other processing device. For example, an operational state of the valve  112  may be supplied via electrical connection  50 . While a single electrical connection  50  is shown in the figures, it should be appreciated that more than one electrical connection may be provided. The electrical connection  50  is shown in  FIG. 2  as comprising wires whereas in  FIG. 3 , the electrical connection  50  is shown as comprising a plug; other electrical connections are possible. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve  112  also includes one or more fluid ports  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c . According to an embodiment of the invention, the three ports shown in  FIG. 2  may comprise a fluid input port  101   a , a fluid output port  101   c , and an exhaust port  101   b . It should be appreciated that while the valve  112  is shown as comprising three fluid ports, other configurations are certainly possible. For example, the valve  112  shown in the figures may comprise a 3/2 valve and other valves such as a 5/2 valve, for example, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the particular number of fluid ports should not limit the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fluid ports  101   a - 101   c  are provided in a single row that extend along the length of the valve  112 ; however, other configurations are certainly possible. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-base  100  is configured to couple to the valve  112  such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the valve sub-base  100  and each of the fluid ports  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c . As shown, the valve  112 , the valve sub-base  100 , or both can comprise one or more sealing members  103 . Alternatively, the sealing member  103  may comprise a separate component positioned between the valve  112  and the valve sub-base  100 . According to the embodiment shown, a single sealing member  103  is supplied that provides the fluid-tight seal for each of the fluid ports  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c . The sealing member  103  may comprise an elastomeric seal, an O-ring seal, etc. Therefore, the particular type of seal used should not limit the scope of the present invention. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-base  100  can include one or more fluid nozzles  102   a - 102   c  corresponding to the valve ports  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c  of the valve  112 . According to an embodiment of the invention, each nozzle  102   a - 102   c  can include one or more barbs  122   a - 122   c , similar to the prior art barbs  14  described above and shown in  FIG. 1 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more fluid nozzles  102   a - 102   c  can be in fluid communication with the valve ports  101   a - 101   c . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the valve sub-base  100  can include apertures  102   a ′,  102   b ′,  102   c ′ that are in fluid communication with the nozzles  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c , respectively. The apertures  102   a ′- 102   c ′ may be in fluid communication with the nozzles  102   a - 102   c  via internally formed fluid passages (not shown), for example. According to an embodiment of the invention, the apertures  102   a ′- 102   c ′ are configured to align with the fluid ports  101   a - 101   c  of the valve  112 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the nozzles  102   a - 102   c  can be formed on a first face  110 A of the valve sub-base  100  and the apertures  102   a ′- 102   c ′ can be formed on a second face  110 B of the valve sub-base  100 . In the embodiment shown, the first and second faces  110 A,  110 B can be substantially opposite one another. In other embodiments, the first and second faces  110 A,  110 B may be adjoining faces, i.e., at approximately right angles. Therefore, the particular configuration shown in the figures should in no way limit the scope of the present invention. 
     According to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 , the valve sub-base  100  can be coupled to the valve  112  using one or more fastener members  104 . In the embodiment shown, the fastener members  104  comprise bolts. However, it should be appreciated that the fastener members  104  may comprise other configurations such as rivets, screws, nuts, or the like. It should also be appreciated that the valve sub-base  100  may be coupled to the valve  112  according to other well-known methods, such as adhesives, brazing, bonding, welding, friction fit, snap-fit, etc. Therefore, the particular method used for coupling the valve sub-base  100  to the valve  112  should in no way limit the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical fasteners  104  are adapted to engage a fastener receiver  105  formed in the valve sub-base  100  (See  FIG. 3 ). More particularly, the fastener receiver  105  is formed in the second face  110 B of the valve sub-base  100 . According to the embodiment shown, the fastener receiver  105  comprises a threaded aperture having threads corresponding to the threads formed on the mechanical fastener  104 . However, other types of fastener receivers  105  may be provided depending on the particular method used to couple the valve sub-base  100  to the valve  112 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical fastener  104  can engage the fastener receiver  105  in order to maintain a fluid-tight seal between the valve  112  and the second face  110 B of the valve sub-base  100 . More particularly, a fluid-tight seal can be formed between the fluid ports  101   a - 101   c  and the apertures  102   a ′- 102   c ′. With the valve sub-base  100  coupled to the valve  112 , multiple valves  112  may be coupled using corresponding valve sub-bases  100  in order to form a valve island as described in more detail below. 
     Furthermore, with the valve sub-base  100  coupled to the valve  112 , various fluid connections (not shown) may be coupled to the nozzles  102   a - 102   c  of the valve sub-base  100  with the valve  112  controlling fluid communication between the various nozzles  102   a - 102   c  and thus, the fluid connections. It should be appreciated that the valve  112  may be adapted to engage various different valve sub-bases  100  having nozzles  102   a - 102   c  of different sizes and/or shapes in order to accommodate various fluid connection configurations. Therefore, the valve  112  may realize a wider utility than in the prior art. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-base  100  comprises a coupling system  200 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the coupling system  200  comprises two or more coupling members  106 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the coupling system  200  comprises an interlocking coupling system. An interlocking coupling system  200  allows two or more complementary coupling components to engage one another and to be held together due to their complementary shapes and sizes. A coupling member  106  on a valve sub-base  100  is configured to engage a corresponding coupling member  106  on an adjoining valve sub-base  100 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the valve sub-base  100  includes one or more first valve sub-base coupling members  106   a  and one or more second valve sub-base coupling members  106   b . According to an embodiment of the invention, a first coupling member  106   a  is formed on a first side  151  of the valve sub-base  100 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the first coupling member  106   a  comprises a female coupling member. According to an embodiment of the invention, a second coupling member  106   b  is formed on a second side  152  of the valve sub-base  100 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the second coupling member  106   b  comprises a male coupling member. According to the embodiment shown, the first side  151  and the second side  152  comprise first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b . According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second valve sub-base coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  comprise integral components of the valve sub-base  100 . In other words, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  may be formed as part of the valve sub-base  100  rather than comprising an externally attached component. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a first valve sub-base coupling member  106   a  provided on a first side  151  of a first valve sub-base  100  is adapted to engage a second valve sub-base coupling member  106   b  provided on an adjoining valve sub-base  100  when two valve sub-bases are positioned proximate one another. The second valve sub-base coupling member  106   b  may be provided on a first side or a second side of the adjoining valve sub-base  100 . However, it should be appreciated that a single valve sub-base  100  can include one or more first coupling members  106   a  and one or more second coupling members  106   b . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 , the first valve sub-base coupling member  106   a  comprises a female coupling member while the second valve sub-base coupling member  106   b  comprises a male coupling member, wherein the female coupling member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the male valve sub-base coupling member  106   b . According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  are adapted to engage one another using an interlocking fitting. As a result, once engaged, the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  can retain adjoining valve sub-bases  100  in a desired configuration. 
     According to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 , in addition to the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b , the valve sub-base  100  also comprises third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d . According to an embodiment of the invention, the third coupling member  106   c  comprises a female coupling member and the fourth coupling member  106   d  comprises a male coupling member. According to an embodiment of the invention, the third coupling member  106   c  is formed on a third side  153  of the valve sub-base  100  and the fourth coupling member  106   d  is formed on a fourth side  154  of the valve sub-base  100 . While the first and second sides  151 ,  152  are shown as being shorter than the third and fourth sides  153 ,  154 , it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and second sides  151 ,  152  may be longer than or the same length as the third and fourth sides  153 ,  154 . The fourth coupling member  106   d  is difficult to see in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  and is shown better in  FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  8 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  are provided to couple the valve sub-base  100  with the widths, W of the valves  112  facing one another, i.e., the first and second sides  151 ,  152  coupled together. According to an embodiment of the invention, the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  are provided to couple the valve sub-base  100  with the lengths, L of the valve  112  facing one another, i.e., the third and fourth sides  153 ,  154  coupled. According to an embodiment of the invention, the third coupling member  106   c  is adapted to receive at least a portion of the fourth coupling member  106   d . The third coupling member  106   c  is shown as comprising an aperture (female coupling member) while the fourth coupling member  106   d  comprises a protrusion (male coupling member) adapted to at least partially fit within the third coupling member  106   c.    
       FIG. 4  shows two valve systems  20  and  20 ′ ready to engage one another according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve system  20 ′ on the left comprises essentially the same components as the valve system  20  on the right; however, components corresponding to the valve system  20 ′ on the left are designated with a prime (′) at the end of the number. When components are described in general and are not referring to a specific valve system or valve sub-base, the prime (′) is omitted. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , each of the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ are coupled to a valve  112 ,  112 ′ as described above. Therefore, the valve sub-bases  100  may be configured to communicate pressurized fluid to/from the valve  112 , using nozzles  102   a - 102   c , with the valves  112 , controlling fluid communication between the various nozzles  102   a - 102   c , for example. 
     According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the valve systems  20 ,  20 ′ are brought together such that a width side of each of the valves  112 ,  112 ′ faces one another. In other words, the first and second sides  151 ,  152 ′ of the adjoining valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ are brought together. As shown, the valve system  20  is rotated relative to the valve system  20 ′ along a common axis of rotation x-x that runs parallel to the length, L of the valve  112 ,  112 ′. As a result, the first and second valve sub-base coupling members  106   a ,  106   b ,  106 ′ a ,  106 ′ b  are positioned proximate one another. Rotating the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ relative to one another allows the second coupling member  106   b  on the first side  151  of the first valve sub-base  100  to be positioned under the first coupling member  106 ′ a  on the second side  152 ′ of the second valve sub-base  100 ′ while positioning the first coupling member  106   a  on the first side  151  of the first valve sub-base  100  over the second coupling member  106 ′ b  on the second side  152 ′ of the second valve sub-base  100 ′. This is shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  of adjoining valve sub-bases  100  ready to engage one another. With the valve sub-bases  100  rotated relative to one another, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  can be brought together with the second coupling member  106   b  aligned with the first coupling member  106   a . If the valve sub-bases  100  shown in  FIG. 5  were rotated back to where the first faces  110 A of the valve sub-bases  100  are in a single plane, the first and second valve sub-base coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  could engage one another. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  can engage one another using an interlocking fitting as shown. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first coupling member  106   a  is adapted to receive at least a portion of the second coupling member  106   b , of an adjoining valve sub-base to interlock the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b . As a result, once the second coupling member  106   b  is received by the first coupling member  106   a , movement of the valve sub-bases  100  relative to one another is restricted in one or more directions by the interlocking engagement. For example, in the embodiment shown, the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  restrict movement of the valve sub-bases  100  in the x-direction, the y-direction, and the z-direction according to the coordinate system shown in  FIG. 4 . However, upon rotating the valve sub-bases  100  as shown, the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  can disengage and the valve sub-bases  100  can be separated from one another. In the coordinate system shown, the x-direction is parallel to the length, L of the valve  112 , the z-direction is parallel to the width, W of the valve  112  and the y-direction is perpendicular to the x-direction and the y-direction. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, although interlocked with one another, the first coupling member  106   a  may be able to move relatively freely within the second coupling member  106   b . The corresponding shapes of the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  can hold the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ together. According to another embodiment, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  may engage and interlock one another in a snap-fit arrangement. For example, upon inserting the second coupling member  106   b  into the first coupling member  106   a , one or both of the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  may partially deform prior to reaching full engagement. Therefore, a predetermined force may be required to engage the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b . Once fully engaged, disengagement may require a predetermined force in order to once again partially deform one or both of the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b . The predetermined force required to disengage the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  may be substantially the same force required to engage the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  or may comprise a different force. Preferably, in this embodiment, the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  are resilient such that they return to substantially their original shape after partially deforming. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  of adjoining valve sub-bases  100  may interlock one another in a friction fit arrangement. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the second coupling member  106   b  comprises a first portion  107  and a second portion  108 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the first portion  107  comprises a portion of reduced size. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first portion  107  comprises an outer cross-sectional area that is substantially smaller than a cross-sectional area of the inside of the first coupling member  106   a . As a result, the first portion  107  can aid in alignment of the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b . Once the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  of adjoining valve sub-bases  100  are aligned, further engagement of the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  engages the first coupling member  106   a  with the second portion  108  of the second coupling member  106   b . According to an embodiment of the invention, an outer cross-sectional area of the second portion  108  is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the inner surface of the first coupling member  106   a . As a result, the friction fit between the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  can retain the coupling between the first and second valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′. A predetermined force may be required to fully engage and disengage the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  in order to overcome the frictional force. Other methods may be used to retain the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  together, such as adhesives, brazing, bonding, etc. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to snap-fit or friction fit arrangements. 
     It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first and second valve sub-base coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  provide a system for coupling adjoining valve sub-bases together without requiring additional fasteners as in the prior art systems. Rather, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  may comprise integral components of the valve sub-base  100 . The first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  may therefore allow for much faster and easier coupling of valve sub-bases  100  to one another. Further, due to the configuration of the first and second valve sub-base coupling members  106   a ,  106   b , the orientation of the valve systems  20  may be changed with respect to one another. For example, in the embodiment shown, the first nozzle  102   a  of the first valve system  20  is adjacent the third nozzle  102 ′ c  of the second valve system  20 ′, i.e., the first side  151  of the first valve sub-base  100  is adjacent the second side  152 ′ of the second sub-base  100 ′. However, due to the configuration of the valve sub-base  100 , and more particularly, the multiple first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  provided on the valve sub-base  100 , the first valve system  20  could be rotated 180° such that the third nozzle  102   c  of the first valve system  20  is positioned adjacent the third nozzle  102 ′ c  of the second valve system  20 ′. This may be required or desired by a user due to the particular conduit configuration of an existing fluid connection system, for example. 
       FIGS. 6 &amp; 7  show two adjoining valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ according to another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 , the valves  112  have been removed in order to simplify the drawing. However, it should be appreciated that in use, valves  112  could be coupled to the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ as described above. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 , the first coupling member  106   a  of the second valve sub-base  100 ′ is adapted to engage the second coupling member  106 ′ b  of the first valve sub-base  100 . Specifically, the first and second coupling members  106 ′ a ,  106   b  are adapted to interlock one another. More specifically, the first coupling member  106 ′ a  is adapted to receive at least a portion of the second coupling member  106   b  in order to interlock the two valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ together. The second coupling member  106   b  is shown as being adapted to slide within the first coupling member  106 ′ a . In  FIG. 6 , a valve sub-base  100 ″ is shown, in phantom lines, fully engaged with the valve sub-base  100 ′ at the top of the drawing. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first coupling member  106 ′ a  comprises a channel  620 ′ that ends at a lip  621 ′. According to an embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the second coupling member  106   b  is adapted to slide within the channel  620 ′. 
       FIG. 7  shows a closer view of the two valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ with the coupling members  106 ′ a ,  106   b  aligned but prior to engagement. As can be seen, the second coupling member  106   b  comprises a tab  720  and a rail  721 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the tab  720  is sized such that the tab  720  can fit within the channel  620 ′ of the first coupling member  106 ′ a  but cannot fit in the lip  621 ′. According to an embodiment of the invention, the rail  721  is sized and shaped such that the rail  721  can fit within the lip  621 ′ of the first coupling member  106 ′ a . As a result, upon engagement of the first and second coupling members  106 ′ a ,  106   b , the tab  720  of the second coupling member  106   b  is received by the channel  620 ′ of the first coupling member  106 ′ a . Simultaneously, the rail  721  of the second coupling member  106   b  is received by the lip  621 ′ of the first coupling member  106 ′ a . As a result, upon engagement, the tab  720  is restricted from moving in directions perpendicular to the direction of insertion. In other words, using the coordinate system displayed in  FIG. 4 , the interlocking fitting of the first and second coupling members  106 ′ a ,  106   b  substantially prevents the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ from pulling apart in the x-direction and the y-direction. Further, the interlocking fitting between the first and second coupling members  106 ′ a ,  106   b  may comprise a friction fit. As a result, a predetermined threshold force may be required to pull the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ apart in the z-direction as well. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ may also include retainers  660 ,  660 ′. The retainers  660 ,  660 ′ may be provided in some embodiments to receive mechanical fasteners (not shown) that can retain the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ to a fluid distribution system, a mounting base, or the like. 
     The above description provides for coupling valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ along their first and second sides  151 ,  152 ′ such that a single row of nozzles  102  is provided. According to other embodiments, the valve sub-bases  100  may be coupled along their third and fourth sides  153 ,  154  to form multiple rows as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  shows two valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ″ according to another embodiment of the invention. It should be appreciated that the valve sub-base  100 ″ comprises substantially the same components as the first and second valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′ described above; however, the valve sub-base  100 ″ is shown as engaging the third side  153  of the first valve  100  rather than the first side  151  of the first valve  100 . Therefore, the description below may omit the double prime (″) when referring to a component in general and not specific to a certain valve sub-base. According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , in addition to the coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  described in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 , each of the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ″ also includes third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d , formed on third and fourth sides  153 ,  154 , respectively. As a result, the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  can be used to couple valve sub-bases  100  together to form more than one row of valve sub-bases. For example, the valve sub-bases  100  shown in  FIG. 8  can be coupled as described above and shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 , and can be coupled such that the length of the valves  112  face one another. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the third and fourth sides  153 ,  154  of the valve sub-base  100  can include one or more coupling members  106   c ,  106   d . According to an embodiment of the invention, the third side  153  can comprise a third coupling member  106   c  while the fourth side  154 , substantially opposite the third side  153 , can comprise a fourth coupling member  106   d . According to the embodiment shown, the third coupling member  106   c  is adapted to receive at least a portion the fourth coupling member  106   d  of an adjoining valve sub-base to interlock the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d . With the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  fully engaged, the third side  153  of a first valve sub-base  100  can be held in contact with the fourth side  154  of the third adjoining valve sub-base  100 ″. As a result, valves  112  associated with each of the valve sub-bases  100  can be aligned in the direction of their widths, W, i.e., the lengths of the valve  112  can face one another. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  may engage and interlock one another in a snap-fit or a friction-fit, for example. Alternatively, the coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  may be held in engagement using adhesives, brazing, bonding, welding, etc. Another alternative may use mechanical fasteners (not shown) to hold the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  in engagement with one another. 
       FIG. 9  shows a valve island  900  according to an embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment shown, the valve island  900  comprises a 3×3 matrix formed by coupling valve sub-bases  100  together as described above. However, more or less sub-bases may be added or removed as described above. Three of the valve sub-bases  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ are labeled to aid in the understanding of the orientation of the valve sub-bases as described above. Therefore, it can be seen that the first valve sub-base  100  is coupled to the second valve sub-base  100 ′ on a first side  151  and is coupled to the third valve sub-base  100 ″ on the third side  153  as described above. The valve island  900  will be described as columns, which comprise coupling first and second sides  151 ,  152  of valve sub-bases  100  and rows, which comprise coupling third and fourth sides  153 ,  154  of valve sub-bases  100 . According to the embodiment shown, the valve sub-bases  100  have been coupled using integral coupling members  106   a ,  106   b ,  106   c ,  106   d , for example. Thus, the integral coupling members form a part of the sub-bases. As shown, the valve sub-bases  100  comprise the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  shown in  FIGS. 2-5  as well as the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  shown in  FIG. 8 . Therefore, the valve sub-bases  100  can be coupled in at least two directions. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve sub-bases  100  can be coupled into columns prior to being coupled into rows. This allows for the rotation of the valve sub-bases  100  relative to one another as described above. According to an embodiment of the invention, once two adjoining columns are formed, the two columns can be coupled using the third and fourth coupling members  106   c ,  106   d  described in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, if the first and second coupling members  106   a ,  106   b  are similar to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 , the valve sub-bases  100  can be coupled into rows prior to being coupled into columns. 
     The valve island  900  can therefore be adjusted using the first, second, third, and fourth coupling members  106   a - 106   d . Therefore, the orientation of the valves  112  can be adjusted depending on the particular fluid connections present or required by the user. As a result, multiple manifolds do not need to be manufactured based on various user configurations. Further, the customer is not required to custom order a specific manifold to meet the user&#39;s required fluid connections. Rather, the orientation and the configuration of the various valve sub-bases  100  can be changed and adjusted based on the desired fluid connections. Further, if certain fluid connections require smaller or larger nozzles,  102 , a valve  112  may be coupled to an appropriate valve sub-base  100  with the remaining valve sub-bases  100  having different sized nozzles  102 . 
     The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the invention. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the invention. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the invention. 
     Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other valve systems, and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims.