Patent Publication Number: US-2007113575-A1

Title: Valve manifold assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/003,946, filed Dec. 3, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/527,241 filed Dec. 5, 2003.  
      This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/799,972, filed May 12, 2006.  
      The entire content of each of these priority applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to a valve assembly and more specifically to a valve assembly that may be used in a refrigerant recovery and reclaim machine.  
      Refrigerant recovery and reclaim machines and their use are known in the art. These machines generally include a plurality of valves and hose connections which must be operated in a predetermined sequence in order to achieve proper operation of the machine. The operation of valves, and the rearrangement of hose connections, may be subject to error when the predetermined procedure is not followed exactly. Errors may cause problems ranging from inefficient use of time to the undesirable release of refrigerant into the atmosphere.  
      There remains a need for a device which simplifies the process of recovering refrigerant and is less prone to operator error than existing recovery and reclaim machines.  
      All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.  
      Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.  
      A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In one embodiment, the valve assembly may generally include a casing comprising a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures. A first rotatable valve member may be disposed in the casing where the first rotatable valve member includes a first fluid/vapor passageway arranged to provide fluid/vapor communication between at least two apertures of the first plurality of apertures. The first valve member may have a plurality of different orientations. The valve assembly may also generally include a second rotatable valve disposed in the casing, the second rotatable valve member member comprising a second fluid/vapor passageway arranged to provide fluid/vapor communication between at least two apertures of the second plurality of apertures. The second valve member may be coupled to the first valve member such that the orientation of the second fluid/vapor passageway is fixed with respect to the orientation of the first fluid/vapor passageway. The first plurality of apertures may also comprise a first aperture that is in fluid/vapor communication with the first fluid/vapor passageway.  
      In at least one alternative embodiment, the invention may be formed of a valve assembly having a plurality of orientations. The valve assembly may comprise a casing having a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures, and a first valve having a first fluid/vapor passageway arranged to provide fluid/vapor communication between at least two apertures of the first plurality of apertures. The invention may also generally include a second valve disposed in the casing, the second valve comprising a second fluid/vapor passageway arranged to provide fluid/vapor communication between at least two apertures of the second plurality of apertures, where the orientation of the second valve may be fixed with respect to the orientation of the first valve. An intake port may also be in fluid/vapor communication with an aperture of the first plurality of apertures. A compressor comprising a low pressure side and a high pressure side may be in fluid/vapor communication with the system where, the low pressure side is in fluid/vapor communication with an aperture of the first plurality of apertures, the high pressure side is in fluid/vapor communication with an aperture of the second plurality of apertures. A condenser comprising a high temperature side and a low temperature side may also be provided where the high temperature side is in fluid/vapor communication with an aperture of the second plurality of apertures and a discharge port is in fluid/vapor communication with the low temperature side of the condenser. Generally, when the valve assembly is in the first orientation, the first valve provides fluid/vapor communication between the intake port and the low pressure side of the compressor, and the second valve provides fluid/vapor communication between the high pressure side of the compressor and the high temperature side of the condenser.  
      These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.  
       FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly.  
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly.  
       FIG. 3  shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly taken along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  shows a recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly.  
       FIG. 5  shows a recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a recovery operation.  
       FIG. 6  shows a recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a stop/prepurge operation.  
       FIG. 7  shows a recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a purge operation.  
       FIG. 8  shows an alternative exploded view of an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly.  
       FIG. 9  shows an alternative recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly.  
       FIG. 10  shows an alternative recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a vapor recovery operation.  
       FIG. 11  shows an alternative recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a liquid recovery operation.  
       FIG. 12  shows an alternative recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a purge operation.  
       FIG. 13  shows an alternative recovery and reclaim device schematic using an embodiment of a valve manifold assembly during a pressure equalization operation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.  
      For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , an inventive valve manifold assembly  10  is depicted, which may comprise an outer casing  20 , a plurality of fittings  12 , a first valve member  30 , a second valve member  40  and a rod or spindle  18 .  
      The outer casing  20  may be made from any suitable material, such as brass, bronze, steel, aluminum, plastics, resin and/or any other desired material, and preferably defines a first internal cavity  22  (see  FIG. 3 ) and a second internal cavity  24 . A plurality of apertures  28  may extend through the various wall portions of the outer casing  20 . Each aperture  28  may be constructed and arranged to receive and engage a fitting  12 . For example, a fitting  12  may be machined to include threadings which may engage a threaded aperture  28 .  
      The first valve member  30  and the second valve member  40  may each be fixed to the spindle  18  and thus may be arranged to rotate with the spindle  18 . The first valve member  30  may be oriented within the first internal cavity  22  of the outer casing  20 , and the second valve member  40  may be oriented within the second internal cavity  24  of the outer casing  20 .  
      Each fitting  12  may include a fluid passageway  14  extending from one end of the fitting  12  to the other. As referred to herein, a fluid passageway or pathway may be adopted for passage of either refrigerant in a liquid phase or vapor phase or a combination of both a liquid and a vapor phase. The use of the term fluid passageway or pathway is not intended to limit the physical state or phase of refrigerant within the systems described herein. The term fluid is also intended to encompass refrigerant in either a liquid phase, a vapor phase or a combination of liquid or vapor phases. Each fitting  12  may be arranged to abut a valve member  30 ,  40  and may thus include a seat or sealing member  16  at one end. A sealing member  16  may comprise any suitable shape and be made of any suitable material capable of sealing against a valve member  30 ,  40 . For example, a sealing member  16  may comprise a nylon ring. In embodiments where a valve member  30 ,  40  comprises a ball or includes a generally spherical shape, a portion of the sealing member  16  may include a spheroidal shape arranged to properly engage the outer surface of the ball. Each fitting  12 , at the side opposite the sealing member  16 , may be arranged to engage a bushing, T-fitting, hose or other fluid conduit, for example by the use of threadings or other coupling members.  
      It should be understood that the valve members  30 ,  40  are not limited to substantially spherical shapes. Valve members  30 ,  40  may have any suitable shape which provides for proper operation of the valve manifold assembly  10 . For example, valve members  30 ,  40  may alternatively have a cylindrical shape and be rotatable about a longitudinal axis. Further, the shape of the first valve member  30  may differ from the shape of the second valve member  40  in some embodiments.  
      It should also be understood that fittings  12  are not required to be used. For example, in some embodiments, various apertures  28  in the outer casing  20  may be provided with a valve seat, and a valve member  30 ,  40  may abut the apertures  28  and may be contained between wall portions of the outer casing  20 .  
      In some embodiments, some fittings  12  are not required to include a fluid passageway  14 , and therefore may comprise a plug. For example, fitting  12   z  as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  comprises a plug. A plug may be arranged to engage the outer casing  20  and may include a seat or sealing member  16  which abuts a valve member  30 ,  40 . A plug may be used in locations where the specific embodiment of the valve manifold assembly  10  is not required to include a fluid passageway at the location of the fitting  12 .  
      An actuator  52  may be engaged to the spindle  18  or may otherwise be engaged to the valve members  30 ,  40 . The actuator  52  may control actuation or rotation of the valve members  30 ,  40  through a plurality of stop positions. The actuator  52  and/or the valve members  30 ,  40  may be predisposed to stopping at any or all of the stop positions, for example by the use of a notched detent. In some embodiments, an actuator  52  may comprise a handle which may be operated by a technician. In some embodiments, an actuator  52  may comprise a motor, servomotor or the like, which may be operated by a computer or via an interface. In some embodiments, an interface may include a momentary switch or button for each stop position, and operation of a given momentary switch or button may cause the actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  to assume an appropriate stop position orientation.  
      The first valve member  30  may include a first fluid pathway  32  which may comprise a first inlet traverseport  34  and a first outlet traverseport  36 . The second valve member  40  may include a second fluid pathway  42  which may comprise a second traverseport  44  and a third traverseport  46 .  
      Rotation of the valve members  30 ,  40 , for example via the actuator  52 , will align the various traverseports  34 ,  36 ,  44 ,  46  of the valve members  30 ,  40  with the fluid passageways  14  of various fittings  12  at each desirable stop position as described below.  
      Referring again to  FIG. 1 , with respect to one embodiment of a valve manifold assembly  10 , the pathways provided for fluid flow will be identified individually. In some embodiments, the pathways may be provided through fittings  12 . In some embodiments, for example when fittings  12  are not used, the pathways may be provided through the outer casing  20  or any other suitable portion of the device. The valve manifold assembly  10  may be provided with a first fluid inlet orifice  60 , a second fluid inlet orifice  62 , a third fluid inlet orifice  64 , a fourth fluid inlet orifice  66 , a first fluid outlet orifice  70 , a second fluid outlet orifice  72  and a third fluid outlet orifice  74 .  
      The valve manifold assembly  10  may define a first valve portion  48  and a second valve portion  50 . The first valve portion  48  may comprise the first valve member  30 , and may further include the second fluid inlet orifice  62 , the fourth fluid inlet orifice  66  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 . The fluid orifices  62 ,  66 ,  70  provided for the first valve portion  48  may or may not be in fluid communication with the first fluid pathway  32  of the first valve member  30  at various rotational orientations of the first valve member  30 , as will be described with respect to operation of the valve manifold assembly  10 . The second valve portion  50  may comprise the second valve member  40 , and may further include the first fluid inlet orifice  60 , the third fluid inlet orifice  64 , the second fluid outlet orifice  72  and the third fluid outlet orifice  74 . The fluid orifices  60 ,  64 ,  72 ,  74  provided for the second valve portion  50  may or may not be in fluid communication with the second fluid pathway  42  of the second valve member  40  at various rotational orientations of the second valve member  40 , as will be described with respect to operation of the valve manifold assembly  10 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , the shape and orientation of the first fluid pathway  32  within the first valve member  30  and the second fluid pathway  42  within the second valve member  40  are depicted with respect to one embodiment of the invention. The first fluid pathway  32  may comprise the first inlet traverseport  34  and the first outlet traverseport  36 . The first inlet traverseport  34  may be oriented with a longitudinal axis spanning in the direction of a y-axis as shown on the coordinate axis  26 . The first outlet traverseport  36  may be oriented with a longitudinal axis spanning in the direction of a z-axis. Thus, the first outlet traverseport  36  may be oriented with a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first inlet traverseport  34 . The second fluid pathway  42  may comprise the second traverseport  44  and the third traverseport  46 . The second traverseport  44  may be oriented with a longitudinal axis spanning in the direction of the y-axis and may be parallel to the first inlet traverseport  34 . The third traverseport  46  may be oriented with a longitudinal axis spanning in the direction of an x-axis of the coordinate axis  26 . Thus, the third traverseport  46  may be oriented with its longitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the second traverseport  44  and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first outlet traverseport  36 .  
       FIGS. 5-7  show the orientation of the fluid pathways  32 ,  42  of the valve members  30 ,  40  at various stop positions of the actuator  52 . In a first stop position as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the first inlet traverseport  34  may be aligned with the second fluid inlet orifice  62  and the first outlet traverseport  36  may be aligned with the first fluid outlet orifice  70 . Therefore, the first valve member  30  is oriented to allow fluid communication between the second fluid inlet orifice  62  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 . The second valve member  40  may be oriented to allow fluid communication between the third fluid inlet orifice  64  and the second fluid outlet orifice  72 , as the second traverseport  44  may be aligned with the third fluid inlet orifice  64  and the third traverseport  46  may be aligned with the second fluid outlet orifice  72 .  
       FIG. 6  depicts the orientation of the fluid pathways  32 ,  42  of the valve members  30 ,  40  at a second stop position. The orientation of the valve members  30 ,  40  at the second stop position may be rotated 90° from that of the first stop position. The first inlet traverseport  34  may be aligned with an aperture  28  or orifice  68  that is not used in some embodiments. The first outlet traverseport  36  may be aligned with the first fluid outlet orifice  70 . The second valve member  40  may be oriented to allow fluid communication between the first fluid inlet orifice  60  and the second fluid outlet orifice  72 , as the second traverseport  44  may be aligned with the second fluid outlet orifice  72  and the third traverseport  46  may be aligned with the first fluid inlet orifice  60 .  
       FIG. 7  depicts the orientation of the fluid pathways  32 ,  42  of the valve members  30 ,  40  at a third stop position. The orientation of the valve members  30 ,  40  at the third stop position may be rotated 90° from that of the second stop position and 180° from that of the first stop position. The first valve member  30  may be oriented to allow fluid communication between the fourth fluid inlet orifice  66  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , as the first inlet traverseport  34  may be aligned with the fourth fluid inlet orifice  66  and the first outlet traverseport  36  may be aligned with the first fluid outlet orifice  70 . The second valve member  40  may be oriented to allow fluid communication between the first fluid inlet orifice  60  and the third fluid outlet orifice  74 , as the second traverseport  44  may be aligned with the first fluid inlet orifice  60  and the third traverseport  46  may be aligned with the third fluid outlet orifice  74 .  
      The valve manifold assembly  10  may be used as part of a recovery and reclaim device.  FIG. 4  depicts a recovery and reclaim device  8  which uses an embodiment of the valve manifold assembly  10 . The second fluid inlet orifice  62  may be in fluid communication with a suction bulkhead  80 . The first fluid outlet orifice  70  may be in fluid communication with the intake side of a compressor  82 . The output side of the compressor  82  may be in fluid communication with the third fluid inlet orifice  64 . The first fluid inlet orifice  60  may also be in fluid communication with the output side of the compressor  82 , for example by using a first external fluid conduit  93  and a first T-fitting  92 . The second fluid outlet orifice  72  may be in fluid communication with an input side of a condenser  84 . The fourth fluid inlet orifice  66  may also be in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet orifice  72 , for example by using a second external fluid conduit  95  and a second T-fitting  94 . An output side of the condenser  84  may be in fluid communication with a discharge bulkhead  90 . Preferably, a first check valve  86  may be used between the condenser  84  and the discharge bulkhead  90  which may be oriented to allow flow only from the condenser  84  to the discharge bulkhead  90 . The third fluid outlet orifice  74  may also be placed in fluid communication with the discharge bulkhead  90 , preferably using a second check valve  88  oriented to allow flow only from the third fluid outlet orifice  74  to the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
      In some embodiments, a first pressure equalization orifice  68  may be used. A first pressure equalization orifice  68  may be positioned such that the first pressure equalization orifice  68  is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet orifice  70  when the first valve member  30  is at the second stop position. The first pressure equalization orifice  68  may be used in conjunction with a Constant Pressure Regulator (CPR) valve  98  installed between the first fluid outlet orifice  70  and the intake side of the compressor  82 . The CPR valve  98  may be arranged to receive refrigerant from the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , flash liquid refrigerant to vapor and regulate the pressure of vapor reaching the compressor  82 . A third external fluid conduit  96  may connect at one end to the first pressure equalization orifice  68  and at the other end to the fluid line running between the CPR valve  98  and the compressor  82 , for example using a third T-fitting  97 . When the first valve member  30  is at the second stop position, pressure on opposite sides of the CPR valve  98  may be equalized.  
      A recovery and reclaim device  8  having an embodiment of the valve manifold assembly  10  may be used to recover refrigerant from a mechanical refrigeration system such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.  FIGS. 5-7  depict an embodiment of a recovery and reclaim device  8  during various stages of a recovery operation. A port of the refrigeration system (not shown) may be connected to the suction bulkhead  80  of the recovery and reclaim device  8 , and a storage device (not shown) may be connected to the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
       FIG. 5  shows the actuator  52  and the fluid pathways  32 ,  42  of the valve members at a first stop position, where the first fluid pathway  32  may connect the second fluid inlet orifice  62  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , and the second fluid pathway  42  may connect the third fluid inlet orifice  64  and the second fluid outlet orifice  72 . The first stop position may be used in a recovery operation, wherein the first valve portion  48  of the valve manifold assembly  10  may place the suction bulkhead  80  in fluid communication with the suction side of the compressor  82 , and the second valve portion  50  of the valve manifold assembly  10  may place the output side of the compressor  82  in fluid communication with the input side of the condenser  84 . Refrigerant may be drawn from the refrigeration system through the suction bulkhead  80 , second fluid inlet orifice  62 , first fluid pathway  32 , first fluid outlet orifice  70 , compressor  82 , third fluid inlet orifice  64 , second fluid pathway  42 , second fluid outlet orifice  72 , condenser  84 , first check valve  86  and dispensed through the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
      After a desired amount of refrigerant has been removed from the refrigeration system during a recovery operation, the recovery and reclaim device  8  may be configured for a stop/prepurge operation as depicted in  FIG. 6 . The actuator  52  and valve members may be oriented in the second stop position, wherein the first fluid pathway  32  may connect the first pressure equalization orifice  68  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , and the second fluid pathway  42  may connect the first fluid inlet orifice  60  and the second fluid outlet orifice  72 . Refrigerant in the recovery and reclaim device  8  may be drawn from the first fluid pathway  32  through the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , compressor  82 , first fluid inlet orifice  60 , second fluid pathway  42 , second fluid outlet orifice  72 , condenser  84 , first check valve  86  and dispensed through the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
      In some embodiments, a CPR valve  98  may be installed between the first fluid outlet orifice  70  and the intake side of the compressor  82 . Preferably, a third external fluid conduit  96  may be used to allow fluid communication between the first pressure equalization orifice  68  and a line between the CPR valve  98  and the compressor  82 . During a stop/prepurge operation, pressure on opposite sides of the CPR valve  98  may be equalized. High pressure remaining between the first fluid outlet orifice  70  and the CPR valve  98  is allowed to pass back through the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , first fluid pathway  32 , first pressure equalization orifice  68 , third external fluid conduit  96  and reach the downstream side of the CPR valve  98  when the first valve member  30  is placed in the second stop position.  
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of the valve manifold assembly  10  oriented for a purge operation. The actuator  52  and valve members may be oriented in the third stop position, wherein the first fluid pathway  32  may connect the fourth fluid inlet orifice  66  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , and the second fluid pathway  42  may connect the first fluid inlet orifice  60  and the third fluid outlet orifice  74 . The fluid path provided allows for fluid communication between the first check valve  86 , the condenser  84 , the fourth fluid inlet orifice  66  and the second fluid outlet orifice  72  via the second T-fitting  94 , the first fluid pathway  32 , the first fluid outlet orifice  70 , the compressor  82 , the first fluid inlet orifice  60  and the third fluid inlet orifice  64  via the first T-fitting  92 , the second fluid pathway  42 , the third fluid outlet orifice  74 , the second check valve  88  and the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
      Referring again to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, a second pressure equalization orifice  69  may be used to equalize pressure in the recovery and reclaim device  8 . For example, in embodiments where a CPR valve  98  and the first pressure equalization orifice  68  are not used, it would be desirable to place the second pressure equalization orifice  69  in fluid communication with the downstream side of the first check valve  86 , for example by using a fourth external fluid conduit  99 . When the actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  are placed into a fourth stop position, the first fluid pathway  32  may allow fluid communication between the second pressure equalization orifice  69  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70 . Pressure on the downstream side of the first check valve  86  may pass through the second pressure equalization orifice  69 , the first fluid pathway  32  and the first fluid outlet orifice  70  to reach the intake side of the compressor  82  and equalize pressures on opposite sides of the compressor  82 .  
      In some embodiments, an actuator  52  and the valve members  30 ,  40  may include a plurality of stop positions. In some embodiments, a first stop position may be oriented 90° of rotation away from a second stop position. A third stop position may be oriented 90° away from the second stop position and 180° away from the first stop position.  
      In some embodiments, the actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  may be continuously rotatable about a full 360° of rotation or more. In some embodiments, the actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  may be rotatable less than 360°. For example, all of the desired stop positions may be included in less than 360° of rotation. From a starting orientation, the actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  may be placed at the first stop position for a recovery operation. The actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  may be rotated in a first direction to the second stop position for a prepurge operation. The actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  may then be rotated in the first direction to the third stop position for a purge operation. The actuator  52  and valve members  30 ,  40  may then be rotated in a second direction back to the starting orientation.  
       FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of a valve manifold assembly  10 . The first valve member  30  comprises another embodiment of the first fluid pathway  32 , and the second valve member  40  comprises another embodiment of the second fluid pathway  42 .  
      The first fluid pathway  32  comprises a first portion  36   a  oriented along the z-axis, a second portion  37  oriented downwardly along the -y-axis, and a third portion  39  oriented along the x-axis. The third portion  39  comprises a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion  37 . The first portion  36   a  is similar to the first outlet traverseport  36  as described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 .  
      The second fluid pathway  42  comprises a T-shape and includes a first portion  44   a  oriented along the y-axis, a second portion  46   a  oriented along the x-axis, and a third portion  47  oriented along the −x-axis. The first portion  44   a  comprises the stem of the T-shape, and the second and third portions  46   a ,  47  comprise the top of the T-shape. The first portion  44   a  and the second portion  46   a  are similar to the second traverseport  44  and third traverseport  46 , respectively, as described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 .  
      The outer casing  20  comprises a plurality of apertures  28  associated with each valve member  30 ,  40 . In at least one embodiment, the outer casing  20  comprises three apertures  28  per valve member  30 ,  40 , specifically a first aperture  66   a , a second aperture  70   a  and a third aperture  62   a  associated with the first valve member  30 , and a fourth aperture  64   a , a fifth aperture  72   a  and a sixth aperture  60   a  associated with the second valve member  40 . The first, second and third apertures  66   a ,  70   a ,  62   a  and the first valve member  30  can collectively comprise the first valve portion  48  (see  FIG. 3 ), and the fourth, fifth and sixth apertures  64   a ,  72   a ,  60   a  and the second valve member  40  can collectively comprise the second valve portion  50  (see  FIG. 3 ).  
      The valve manifold assembly  10  can be used as part of a refrigerant recovery and reclaim device.  FIG. 9  shows a schematic for an embodiment of a recovery and reclaim device  8  that uses the embodiment of the valve manifold assembly  10  shown in  FIG. 8 . The device  8  can be configured for a plurality of operations based upon the orientation of the valve manifold assembly  10 , such as vapor recovery, liquid recovery, purge and pressure equalization/off. One possible orientation is illustrated in each of  FIGS. 10-13 , as indicated by the rotational orientation of the actuator  52 .  
       FIG. 9  depicts the flow paths between the valve assembly  10  and other components of the device  8 . A suction bulkhead  80  is in fluid communication with the first valve portion  48 , specifically with the first aperture  66   a . A low pressure side  75  of the compressor  82  is in fluid communication with the first valve portion  48 , specifically with the second aperture  70   a . A high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82  is in fluid communication with the second valve portion  50 , specifically with the fourth aperture  64   a . A high temperature side  77  of the condenser  84  is in fluid communication with the second valve portion  50 , specifically with the fifth aperture  72   a . A low temperature side  87  of the condenser  84  is in fluid communication with a discharge bulkhead  90 .  
      An inter-valve conduit  91  can provide fluid communication between the first valve portion  48  and the second valve portion  50 , specifically between the third aperture  62   a  and the sixth aperture  60   a.    
      A purge line  78  can connect the high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82  to the discharge bulkhead  90 . One end of the purge line  78  can connect between the high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82  and the second valve portion  50 , for example using a t-fitting  92 . The purge line  78  can be used during a purge operation. Desirably, the purge line  78  is not used during refrigerant recovery operations. Therefore, the purge line  78  can include a restrictive orifice  79  that prevents refrigerant from bypassing the second valve portion  50  and condenser  84  during refrigerant recovery operations. The size of the restrictive orifice  79  can be selected such that the pressure required for refrigerant to pass through the purge line  78  is greater than the pressure required for refrigerant to pass through the second valve portion  50  and condenser  84 . In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the restrictive orifice  79  is less than or equal to one-tenth the cross-sectional area of the purge line  78 .  
       FIG. 10  shows the device  8  with the actuator  52 , and thus the valve members  30 ,  40  in a first orientation, for example arranged for a vapor refrigerant recovery operation. Examples of the valve members  30 ,  40  are shown outside of the casing  20  to provide an easier understanding of the orientation of the fluid pathways  32 ,  42 . The first fluid pathway  32  provides fluid communication between the first aperture  66   a  and the second aperture  70   a  via the first and second portions  36   a  ,  37 . The third portion  39  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a refrigerant flow path. The second fluid pathway  42  provides fluid communication between the fourth aperture  64   a  and the fifth aperture  72   a  via the first and second portions  44   a ,  46   a . The third portion  47  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a refrigerant flow path.  
      Thus, in a first valve assembly orientation, the first valve portion  48  provides fluid communication between the suction bulkhead  80  and the low pressure side  75  of the compressor  82 , and the second valve portion  50  provides fluid communication between the high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82  and the high temperature side  77  of the condenser  84 . When the compressor  82  is turned on, it provides suction to the suction bulkhead  80 . Refrigerant can be drawn from the suction bulkhead  80  through the first aperture  66   a , through the first valve member  30 , through the second aperture  70   a  and into the compressor  82 . The refrigerant is then forced out the high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82 , through the fourth aperture  64   a , through the second valve member  40 , through the fifth aperture  72   a , through the condenser  84  and out the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
       FIG. 11  shows the device  8  with the actuator  52 , and thus the valve members  30 ,  40  in a second orientation, for example arranged for a liquid refrigerant recovery operation. The first fluid pathway  32  provides fluid communication between the first aperture  66   a  and the second aperture  70   a  via the first and third portions  36   a ,  39 . The second portion  37  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a refrigerant flow path. The second fluid pathway  42  provides fluid communication between the fourth aperture  64   a  and the fifth aperture  72   a  via the first and third portions  44   a ,  47 . The second portion  46   a  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a refrigerant flow path.  
      Thus, in a second valve assembly orientation, the first valve portion  48  provides fluid communication between the suction bulkhead  80  and the low pressure side  75  of the compressor  82 , and the second valve portion  50  provides fluid communication between the high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82  and the high temperature side  77  of the condenser  84 . When the compressor  82  is turned on, it provides suction to the suction bulkhead  80 . Refrigerant can be drawn from the suction bulkhead  80  through the first aperture  66   a , through the first valve member  30 , through the second aperture  70   a  and into the compressor  82 . The refrigerant is then forced out the high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82 , through the fourth aperture  64   a , through the second valve member  40 , through the fifth aperture  72   a , through the condenser  84  and out the discharge bulkhead  90 .  
      Refrigerant flow through the device  8  in the second orientation (liquid recovery) is similar to flow through the device  8  in the first orientation (vapor recovery), except for the specific portions of the valve members  30 ,  40  that are used. In the first valve member  30 , the first orientation (vapor—see  FIG. 10 ) uses the larger-area second portion  37  while the second orientation (liquid—see  FIG. 11 ) uses the smaller-area third portion  39 . The smaller-area third portion  39  forces liquid refrigerant to phase change into vapor before entering the compressor  82 . Thus, the area of the third portion  39  can be selected to have any value that is suitable for performing the aforementioned function. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the third portion  39  may be equal to, or less than, one-half of the cross-sectional area of the second portion  37 . In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the third portion  39  is equal to, or less than, one-tenth of the cross-sectional area of the second portion  37 . In some embodiments, the diameter of the third portion  39  is equal to, or less than, one-third of the diameter of the second portion  37 .  
       FIG. 12  shows the device  8  with the actuator  52 , and thus the valve members  30 ,  40  in a third orientation, for example arranged to purge refrigerant from the device  8 . The first fluid pathway  32  provides fluid communication between the second aperture  70   a  and the third aperture  62   a  via the first and second portions  36   a ,  37 . The third portion  39  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a refrigerant flow path. The second fluid pathway  42  provides fluid communication between the fifth aperture  72   a  and the sixth aperture  60   a  via the first and third portions  44   a ,  47 . The second portion  46   a  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a refrigerant flow path.  
      Thus, in a third valve assembly orientation, the first valve portion  48  provides fluid communication between the low pressure side  75  of the compressor  82  and the inter-valve conduit  91 , and the second valve portion  50  provides fluid communication between the inter-valve conduit  91  and the high temperature side  77  of the condenser  84 . The compressor  82  is then arranged to draw refrigerant out of the condenser  84 . When the compressor  82  is turned on, refrigerant from up to the first check valve  86  is drawn through the condenser  84  in a reverse direction from that of either recovery operation associated with the first or second orientations. The refrigerant exits the condenser  84  via the high temperature side  77 , is pulled through the fifth aperture  72   a , through the second valve member  40 , through the sixth aperture  60   a , through the inter-valve conduit  91 , through the third aperture  62   a , through the first valve member  30 , through the second aperture  70   a  and through the compressor  82 . Refrigerant exits the compressor  82  on the high pressure side  85 , and exits the device  8  via the purge line  78 . Refrigerant will not bypass the purge line  78  in the t-fitting  92  because the fourth aperture  64   a  is not in fluid communication with the second fluid pathway  42 .  
       FIG. 13  shows the device  8  with the actuator  52 , and thus the valve members  30 ,  40  in a fourth orientation, for example arranged to equalize pressures on either side  75 ,  85  of the compressor  82 . The first fluid pathway  32  provides fluid communication between the second aperture  70   a  and the third aperture  62   a  via the first and third portions  36   a ,  39 . The second portion  37  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a flow path. The second fluid pathway  42  provides fluid communication between the fourth aperture  64   a  and the sixth aperture  60   a  via the second and third portions  46   a ,  47 . The first portion  44   a  is not in communication with an aperture  28  of the outer casing  20 , and therefore does not provide a flow path. The high pressure side  85  of the compressor  82  is in fluid communication with the low pressure side  75  via the first valve portion  48 , the inter-valve conduit  91  and the second valve portion  50 .  
      Each valve portion  48 ,  50  can be configured for a plurality of different fluid flow configurations. The fluid pathway  32 ,  42  of each valve member  30 ,  40 , combined with the various apertures  28  of the casing  20 , allow for many possible flow paths.  
      The first fluid pathway  32  is generally configured for fluid flow out of the first outlet traverseport/first portion  36 ,  36   a  which always remains in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet orifice/second aperture  70 ,  70   a . Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , fluid will generally flow into the first fluid pathway  32  via the first inlet traverseport  34 , which can be in fluid communication with a number of orifices  62 ,  68 ,  66 ,  69  depending upon the rotational orientation of the actuator  52 . Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-13 , fluid can flow into either the second portion  37  (see  FIGS. 10 and 12 ) or the third portion  39  (see  FIGS. 11 and 13 ) depending upon the rotational orientation of the actuator  52 .  
      The second fluid pathway  42  can be configured for flow in multiple directions. Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , in some orientations, fluid can flow in via the second traverseport  44  and out via the third traverseport  46  (see  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). In another orientation, fluid can flow in via the third traverseport  46  and out via the second traverseport  44  (see  FIG. 6 ). Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-13 , the t-shape of the second fluid pathway  42  provides for multiple possible flow paths across the various portions  44   a ,  46   a ,  47 , and for multiple flow directionality. In one orientation, fluid can flow in via the first portion  44   a  and out via the second portion  46   a  (see  FIG. 10 ). In other orientations, fluid can flow in via the third portion  47  and out via the first portion  44   a  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Note that in  FIG. 11 , fluid flows in via the fourth aperture  64   a  of the casing  20  and out via the fifth aperture  72   a , while in  FIG. 12 , fluid flows in via the fifth aperture  72   a  and out via the sixth aperture  60   a . In another orientation, fluid flows across the top of the t-shape, between the second portion  46   a  and the third portion  47 .  
      The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.  
      Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim  1  should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.  
      This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.