Patent Publication Number: US-2021187675-A1

Title: Poppet, assembly, and methods of assembling and using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/950,450, entitled “POPPET, ASSEMBLY, AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING AND USING THE SAME,” by Hy B. NGUYEN et al., filed Dec. 19, 2019, which is assigned to the current assignee hereof and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure, in general, relates to poppets used in a number of assemblies, including valves, and methods for their use and assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various industries rely on poppets within valves and other similar assemblies to contact another component of the assembly to provide a barrier to fluid movement. For example, a poppet may be disposed in a valve to control the flow of fluid, such as corrosive component fluids dispensed in the semiconductor industry, between an inlet port and at least one outlet passage, such as in a three-way poppet style valve assembly design. Traditionally, to assemble such valves and other similar assemblies, the poppet and a seat of the valve or other assembly are heated up and the plastic poppet is mechanically pressed (“press-fit”) into the valve assembly through the seat before installation of both components into the rest of the valve or other similar assembly. This may provide inconsistent deformation of the seat or poppet due to different thermal properties and heating circumstances, which may lead to misalignment and incomplete sealing between the poppet and other components of the assembly. Therefore, there exists a need for poppet designs that provide improved sealing performance within valves and other similar assemblies. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary three-way valve containing a poppet according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 1B  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a modular seat used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 1C  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a poppet used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 1D  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a poppet and a diaphragm in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 2A  includes an illustration of a top plain view of a valve body of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 2B  includes an illustration of a cut-away side plain view of a valve body of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 2C  includes an illustration of a side plain view of a poppet, modular seat, and valve body of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an activated state of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a de-activated state of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective top view of a second valve seat used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective bottom view of the second valve seat used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
     The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings as disclosed in this application. 
     The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one, at least one, or the singular as also including the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single embodiment is described herein, more than one embodiment may be used in place of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than one embodiment is described herein, a single embodiment may be substituted for that more than one embodiment. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the poppet and valve or similar assembly arts. 
     For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 1A  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary three-way valve assembly (generally designated  100 ) containing a poppet according to a number of embodiments. The valve assembly  100  is exemplary in and not meant to limit the potential assemblies that the poppet may be used in. The valve assembly  100  may extend in the axial direction relative to a central axis  3000 . The central axis  3000  is oriented longitudinally extending along the length of the valve assembly  100 . In a number of embodiments, the valve assembly  100  includes a housing  110 . The housing  110  may include an actuator assembly  128 . The housing  110  may further include a valve body  112 . The valve body  112  may have an outside wall surface  113  configured in a number of different shapes such as cylindrical, square, hexagonal, octagonal or the like when viewed in horizontal cross section. The valve body  112  may have an open top end  114  near the top of the valve body  112  and a closed bottom end  116  near the bottom of the valve body  112 . The valve body  112  may include an upper portion  112   a  and a lower portion  112   b . In a number of embodiments, the upper portion  112   a  and the lower portion  112   b  of the valve body  112  may form a mechanical interface. The mechanical interface may couple the upper portion and the lower portion form a mechanical interface through a tongue and groove arrangement. In a number of embodiments, the mechanical interface may be accomplished through a tongue and groove arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 1A . The mechanical interface may be done other ways including, but not limited to, at least one of bolts, battens, buckle, clamp, clip, flange, frog, grommet, hook-and-eye, latch, peg, nail, rivet, screw anchor, snap fastener, stitch, threaded fastener, tie, toggle bolt, wedge anchor, or may be attached a different way. 
     The valve body  112  may define an inlet port  118  with an inlet passage  119  and at least one outlet port  120  with at least one outlet passage  121 . In some embodiments, the valve body  112  may further define a second outlet port  122  with at least one outlet passage  123 . A valve chamber  124  may be located in a central region of the valve body  112  and may be in communication with the inlet port  118 , the first outlet port  120 , and the second outlet port  122  through their respective passages. In a number of embodiments, at least two of the inlet port  118  and first and second outlet ports  120  and  122 , respectively, may be spaced radially apart from each other around the periphery of the valve body  112  and may be positioned substantially in an axial plane near the center of the valve body  112 . The inlet and outlet passages  119 ,  121 ,  123  may differ and vary in height from the axial plane of the inlet port  118  and first and second outlet ports  120  and  122 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . In a number of embodiments, at least one of the first outlet passage  121  and second outlet passage  123  may be substantially in the same axial plane. In a number of embodiments, the inlet passage  119  may be substantially in the same axial plane as at least one of the first outlet passage  121  or the second outlet passage  123 . 
       FIG. 2A  includes an illustration of a top plain view of a valve body of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 2B  includes an illustration of a cut-away side plain view of a valve body of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the inlet port  118  and first outlet port  120  may be positioned at diametrically opposed sides of the valve body  112 , i.e., 180 degrees apart, and the second outlet port  122  may be positioned between the inlet and first outlet ports, i.e., 90 degrees with respect to both the inlet and first outlet ports. It is to be understood that other spacings and positions of the inlet and first and second outlet parts can be used, if desired. For example, the valve body can be configured having the first and second outlet ports  120 ,  122  positioned at diametrically opposed locations, i.e., 180 degrees apart, with the inlet port  118  interposed between both outlet ports  120 ,  122 , i.e., 90 degrees from both outlet ports  120 ,  122 . The inlet and outlet ports  118 ,  120 ,  122  may be each configured having threaded wall portions to accommodate threaded connection with piping or tubing for carrying liquids or gases to and away from the valve assembly  100 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , in a number of embodiments, a poppet  126  may be disposed axially within the valve chamber  124 . The poppet  126  may be displaced or actuated axially within the valve chamber  124  by an actuator assembly  128 , disposed within the housing  110  of the valve assembly  100 . In a number of embodiments, the actuator assembly  128  may be mounted to the top end  114  of the valve body  112 . The actuator assembly  128 , its connection to the valve body  112 , and its operation to effect axial displacement of the poppet  126  is discussed in greater detail below. 
     The inlet port  118  may empty into the valve chamber  124  through the inlet passage  119 . The valve chamber  124  may have an axis perpendicular to the inlet port  118  and may extend from the top end  114  to a position near the bottom end  116  of the valve body  112 . As state above, the inlet passage  119  may pass through the valve body  112  with a slightly upward angle of departure as taken from an axis along the inlet port. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the inlet passage  119  may enter the valve chamber  124  at a location above the axis of the inlet port  118 . The inlet passage  119  may enter through a side wall  132  of a central portion  134  of the valve chamber  124 . 
     In a number of embodiments, the central portion  134  of the valve chamber  124  may have a cylindrical configuration and may include an open end  136  at its top and a partially closed end  138  at its bottom, wherein the top and bottom end may be separated by a side wall  132 . A first valve seat  140  may extend circumferentially around the partially closed end  138  of the central portion  134  and face toward the top end  114  of the valve body  112 . 
     The second outlet port  122  may be connected to a lower portion  142  of the valve chamber  124  that may extend from the partially closed end  138  of the central portion  134  to a position adjacent the bottom end  116  of the valve body  112 . The lower portion  142  may have a generally cylindrical configuration. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the second outlet passage  123  may extend through the valve body  112  and connect the second outlet port  122  to the lower portion  142  of the valve chamber  124 . The second outlet passage  123  may pass through the valve body  112  with a slightly downward angle of departure as taken from an axis along the second outlet port  122 . Accordingly, the second outlet passage  123  may enter the lower portion  142  of the valve chamber  124  at a location below the axis of the second outlet port  122 . The second outlet passage  123  may enter the valve chamber  124  through a bottom wall  146  defining the lower portion  142  at the center of the lower portion  142 , between the partially closed end  138  of the central portion  134  and the bottom end  116  of the valve body  112 . 
     The valve chamber lower portion  142  may include a lower stem opening  149  having that extends vertically within the lower portion  142  adjacent the valve body bottom end  116 . The lower stem opening  149  serves to align a stem of the poppet  126  within the chamber  124  and to accommodate slidable axial displacement of the same therein. The lower stem opening  149  connects to the second outlet passage  123 . 
     The first outlet port  120  may be connected to an upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124  through a first outlet passage  121 . The upper portion  150  may extend vertically from a second valve seat  162  to the top end  114  of the valve body  112 . The first outlet passage  121  may extend through a side wall  154  defining the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124  and provide fluid flow communication between the first outlet port  120  and the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124 . The first outlet passage  121  may pass through the valve body  112  with a slightly upward angle of departure as taken from an axis along the first outlet port  120 . Accordingly, the first outlet passage  121  may enter the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124  at a location above the axis of the first outlet port  120 . 
     As shown best in  FIGS. 1A and 2A-2B , the upper portion  150  may include a channel  156  defined along an outside surface by the side wall  154  and along an inside surface by a chamber wall  158 . The chamber wall  158  may be disposed axially within the valve chamber  124  and extend vertically between the central  134  and upper chamber portions  150 . As best shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the channel  156  may extend concentrically around the valve chamber  124  from a position that includes the first outlet passage  121  a predetermined distance toward but not including the inlet passage  119 . Referring now to  FIG. 2B , in a number of embodiments, the portion of the valve body  124  diametrically opposite to the channel  156 , i.e., the remaining 180 degrees extending concentrically from the inlet port  118  to the second outlet port  122  may include a solid portion of the valve body  112  which may extend vertically from the valve chamber central portion  134  to its upper portion  150  and may have a planer top surface  160  adjacent the open end  136  of the central portion  134 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , the valve assembly  100  may further include a diaphragm  182 .  FIG. 1D  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a poppet and a diaphragm  182  in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 1D , the diaphragm  182  may include a circular disk-shaped top side surface  184  having a centrally located deformable portion  186  that may contact the poppet  126 . The diaphragm  182  may be positioned over the top end  114  of the valve body  112  with a bottom surface  188  facing the bottom end  116 . The diaphragm  182  may include a lip  190  that extends downwardly from the bottom surface circumferentially around a peripheral edge that defines the outside diameter of the diaphragm  182 . The lip  190  may be configured to be placed within a groove  192  that extends circumferentially around the top end  114  of the valve body. The diaphragm lip  190  fits within the groove  192  to form an air and liquid-tight seal between the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber and the top end  114  of the valve body. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , the valve assembly  100  may further include a modular seat  220 .  FIG. 1B  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a modular seat  220  used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the modular seat  220  may be non-integral and removable with the rest of the valve body  112 . In a number of embodiments, a modular seat  220  may be disposed within the valve body  112  and interposed between the bottom surface  188  of the diaphragm,  182  and the valve chamber  124 . The modular seat  220  may also serve to transmit a compressive force from the diaphragm  182  to effect both an air and liquid-tight seal between the diaphragm  182  and the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124 , and to prevent axial movement of the diaphragm  182  during upwardly and downwardly directed operation of a piston  216  and axial displacement of the poppet  126  thereby. The modular seat may be in axial alignment with the piston  216 . The piston  216  may be disposed within the housing  110  and be part of the actuator assembly  128  as discussed in further detail below. The modular valve seat may include at least a part of the upper portion  150  and/or the central portion  134  of the valve chamber  124 , and forms a connection to at least one of the inlet passage  119 , the first outlet passage  121  or the second outlet passage  123 . 
       FIG. 2C  includes an illustration of a side plain view of a poppet  126 , modular seat  220 , and valve body  112  of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. The modular seat  220  may house a second valve seat  162 . In the exemplary valve assembly  100  of  FIG. 1A , the second valve seat  162  may be disposed around the open end  136  of the central portion  134  and faces the bottom end  116  of the valve body. The modular seat  220  and/or second valve seat  162  may be separate from and not integral with the valve body  112 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective top view of a second valve seat used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments.  FIG. 6  is a perspective bottom view of the second valve seat used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. As shown best in  FIGS. 5-6 , the second valve seat  162  may have a generally cylindrical configuration with an open end  164  at one end of the seat and a partially closed end  166  at an opposite end of the seat, wherein the open and partially closed ends  164  and  166 , respectively, may be separated by a cylindrical wall  168 . As best seen in  FIG. 6 , the partially closed end  166  can include a groove  170  disposed circumferentially a predetermined depth within the partially closed end adjacent a peripheral edge of the wall  168 . The groove  170  may be configured to complement and accommodate placement of a ridge  172  formed in the valve body  112 , thereby forming a tongue and groove-type fitting arrangement. The ridge  172  may be positioned at the open end  136  of the valve chamber central portion  134  and extends circumferentially there around. The placement of the partially closed end  166  of the second valve seat  162  on the open end  136  of the valve chamber central portion  134  forms an air and liquid-tight seal between the wall  132  of the valve chamber central portion  134  and the partially closed end  166  of the second valve seat  162 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the open end  164  of the second valve seat  162  may include a plurality of openings  165  through the cylindrical wall  168 . The second valve seat  162  may have a second opening or second stem opening  148 . The openings  165  serve to accommodate air or liquid transfer from the inlet port  118  to the first outlet port  120 , as will be discussed in greater detail herein. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1A , the poppet  126  may be housed within the valve body  112 .  FIG. 1C  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a poppet used in the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. As shown best in  FIG. 1C , the poppet  126  may be a single piece, unitary body  127  and include a stem  176  disposed vertically within the valve chamber  124 , i.e., the stem  176  may be positioned with its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the valve chamber  124 . The poppet  126  and/or stem  176  may include a first axial end  180  at the top of the poppet  126  positioned adjacent the top end  114  of the valve body  112 , and a second axial end  178  at the bottom of the poppet  126 , which may be positioned adjacent the bottom end  116  of the valve body  112 . The first axial end  180  may include a mechanical attachment  181  and a poppet cap  185  at the first axial end  180 . The second axial end  178  may be housed within the first stem opening  149  of the lower portion  142  of the valve chamber  124  and may be sized to facilitate axial upward and downward displacement within the first stem opening  149 . 
     The poppet  126  and/or stem  176  second axial end  178  may include a bottom edge  179  and an enlarged diameter section  194  integral with the stem  176  that extends radially away from the stem  176  a predetermined distance and may be positioned between the first valve seat  140  and the second valve seat  162 . In a preferred embodiment, the enlarged diameter section  194  has a diameter of approximately 0.24 inches and has an axial length of approximately 0.10 inches. The bottom edge  179  may be planar and perpendicular to the central axis  3000  of the valve assembly when assembled. The enlarged diameter section  194  includes a plurality of discrete sealing surfaces. The plurality of discrete sealing surfaces may include an upper shoulder  196  positioned adjacent the second valve seat  162 , and a lower shoulder  198  positioned adjacent the first valve seat  140 , to accommodate sealing engagement with adjacent first valve seat  140  and the second valve seat  162 , respectively. In other words, the first discrete sealing surface or upper shoulder  196  may be adapted to provide sealing contact with the modular seat at the second valve seat  162 , and the second discrete sealing surface or lower shoulder  198  may be adapted to provide sealing contact with the valve body  112  at the first valve seat  140 , where both discrete sealing surfaces  196 ,  198  may be offset from one another in the axial direction. 
     The first discrete sealing surface and/or upper shoulder  196  may form an angle α with a line parallel to the central axis  3000 , wherein α may be at least 5°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 45°, or such as at least 60°. In a number of embodiments, a may be no greater than 180°, such as no greater than 150°, such as no greater than 130°, such as no greater than 90°, or such as no greater than 60°. The second discrete sealing surface and/or lower shoulder  198  may form an angle β with a line parallel to the central axis  3000 , wherein β may be at least 5°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 45°, or such as at least 60°. In a number of embodiments, β may be no greater than 180°, such as no greater than 150°, such as no greater than 130°, such as no greater than 90°, or such as no greater than 60°. The bottom edge  179  may further intersect with at least one of the plurality of discrete sealing surfaces at an angle θ with the second discrete sealing surface and/or lower shoulder  198 , wherein θ may be at least 5°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 45°, or such as at least 60°. In a number of embodiments, θ may be no greater than 180°, such as no greater than 150°, such as no greater than 130°, such as no greater than 90°, or such as no greater than 60°. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , the actuator assembly  128  may be positioned adjacent the top end  114  of the valve body  112 . The actuator assembly may be attached by screws to the valve body  112  extending along the top end  114  of the valve body  112  within the housing  110 . The actuator assembly  128  may include an actuator  204  that operates to axially displace the poppet  126  within the valve chamber  124  between a first position, with the lower shoulder  198  compressively engaged with the first valve seat  140 , and a second position, with the upper shoulder  196  compressively engaged with the second valve seat  162 . The type of actuator may be selected from the group of conventionally operated actuators including electrically, pneumatically, or manually operated actuators. 
     In an embodiment, the actuator  204  may include a standard electrical solenoid. The electrical solenoid  204  may include an electro-magnet  206  and a centrally located cavity  208  extending along an axis of the electro-magnet from a first or top end  210  at the top of the actuator assembly  128  to a second or bottom end  212  at the bottom of the actuator assembly adjacent the valve body top end  114  of the valve body  112 . The cavity  208  may include an enlarged diameter section  214  near the first end  210  that accommodates slidable placement of the piston  216  therein. The piston  216  may be axially displaceable within the enlarged section  214  in response to the application of electricity to the electro-magnet  204  via wires. A cap  213  may be attached to the actuator assembly  128  at the first end  210 . In a number of embodiments, the poppet  126  may include a mechanical attachment  181  at the first axial end  180  to mechanically attach to the piston  216 . In a number of embodiments, the poppet  126  may be threadably attached to the piston  216  at the first axial end  180  at the top of the poppet  126  through the mechanical attachment  181 . In an embodiment, the poppet  126  and the piston  216  may have coupling threadable attachments  181 ,  183  forming a threaded interface. The mechanical attachment  181 ,  183  may be done other ways including, but not limited to, at least one of bolts, battens, buckle, clamp, clip, flange, frog, grommet, hook-and-eye, latch, peg, nail, rivet, screw anchor, snap fastener, stitch, threaded fastener, tie, toggle bolt, wedge anchor, or may be attached a different way. 
     The piston  216  may include a piston housing  218 . The piston housing  218  can include a leading surface  217  to engage a gland  240 . The gland  240  may be in axial alignment with the piston  216 . The diaphragm  182  may also be in axial alignment with the piston  216 . The piston housing  218  can include at least one annular cavity  119  that may include a seal. A spring  226  may be disposed within a spring cavity  227  of the piston  216  and may be interposed between the piston  216  and a neck portion  228  of the cavity  208 . The spring  226  may serve to maintain the piston  216  at a position within the enlarged diameter section  214  such that the leading surface  217  of the piston  216  may be remote from an adjacent portion  232  of the electro-magnet when the electro-magnet is not activated. In this position, the spring  226  may impose a sufficient upwardly directed force on the poppet  126  to cause the valve poppet upper shoulder  196  to compressively engage the second valve seat  162 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the position of the piston  216  as shown in  FIG. 1A  corresponds to the second position of the poppet  126  vis-a-vis the valve chamber  124 . 
     In a number of embodiments, the gland  240  may be interposed between the actuator  204  and the top surface  184  of the diaphragm,  182 . The gland  240  may serve to transmit a compressive force from the actuator  204  onto the disk-shaped surface  184  of the diaphragm  182  to effect both an air and liquid-tight seal between the diaphragm  182  and the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124 , and to prevent axial movement of the diaphragm  182  during upwardly and downwardly directed operation of the piston  216  and axial displacement of the poppet  126  thereby. Accordingly, the poppet  126  extends from the piston  116 , through the gland  240 , through the diaphragm  182 , through the modular seat  220  and into the valve chamber  124 . The gland  240  may be an annular structure defining a central bore through which the piston  216  extends. The gland  240  may include a head  242  that may be engaged between the piston  216  and the housing  110  and/or actuator assembly  128  and can be secured between the two by compression. In addition, the gland  240  may include annular cavities  244 ,  246  within which seals can extend annularly in contact with the housing  110  and/or actuator assembly  128 . In an embodiment, the gland  240  may secure the poppet  126  axially against at least one of the housing  110 , valve body  112 , and/or actuator assembly  128 . 
       FIG. 3  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an activated state of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. When the actuator  204  is in the activated state, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the spring  226  imposes an upwardly directed compression force against the piston  216  that may be transmitted to the poppet  126 , placing the poppet  126  into its “second position” with the upper shoulder  196  compressively engaged against the second valve seat  162 . In this second position, air or liquid entering the inlet port  118  flows into the central portion  134  of the valve chamber  124  and may be directed to the second outlet passage  123  and second outlet port  122  for distribution to a desired fluid-handling device. The action of the upper shoulder  196  against the second valve seat  162  prohibits the flow of air or liquid from the inlet port to enter the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  24  and, thus preventing it from being routed to the first outlet port  120 . 
       FIG. 4  includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a de-activated state of the exemplary three-way valve of  FIG. 1A  according to a number of embodiments. Alternatively, when the actuator  204  is in the de-activated state, as shown in  FIG. 4 , electricity may be routed to the electro-magnet  206 , causing the leading surface  217  of the piston  216  to engage the adjacent portion  232  of the electro-magnet  206  and axially displace the poppet  126  in a downward direction to place the poppet  126  in what is called herein the “first position” within valve chamber  124  with the lower shoulder  198  compressively engaged with the first valve seat  140 . In this position, air or liquid entering the inlet port  118  is caused to flow into the central portion  134  of the valve chamber  124 , past the upper shoulder  196  and second valve seat  162 , through the openings  165 , into the upper portion  150  of the valve chamber  124 . The air or liquid entering the upper portion  150  through the channel  156 , first outlet passage  121  and first outlet port  120 , and to a desired fluid-handling device. 
     The components of the valve assembly  100  may be made from a material that displays properties of good chemical and thermal resistance. Such properties are desirable if the valve assembly  100  is to be used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry or in any other industry where corrosive chemicals are to be passed through the valve or where it is desirable that a high degree of chemical purity of the process chemical passed through the valve be maintained. In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, highly corrosive process chemicals such as strong inorganic acids, strong inorganic bases, strong solvents, and peroxides are used during the etching operation and are oftentimes heated to enhance the etching action of the chemicals, and thus enhance the efficiency of the etching operation. It is, therefore, important that a valve used to distribute the flow of such process chemicals be both chemically and thermally resistant to provide dependable operation without the potential for valve failure, which may result in leakage of the corrosive chemicals and associated vapors from the valve, where it could cause a hazard to the environment and/or a danger to nearby operators. 
     Additionally, it may be important that the valve assembly  100  be chemically resistant so that it will not degrade upon contact with the process chemicals and introduce contamination into chemically pure process liquids. The introduction of such contaminants may cause hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to a batch of semiconductors undergoing treatment with such process chemicals. 
     In an embodiment, the components of the valve assembly  100  described above may be constructed from a fluoropolymer compound selected from the group of fluoropolymers including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon resin (PFA), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and the like. A particularly preferred material may be Teflon (a registered Trademark) PFA or Teflon FEP, which are provided by DuPont Company of Wilmington, Del. Such materials are not damaged by corrosive, acidic, or caustic liquids and do not introduce contamination into chemically pure liquids. 
     During assembly of the valve assembly  100  the modular seat  220  may be installed into the valve chamber  124  and the poppet  126  may be inserted through the diaphragm  182  and mechanically attached to the piston  216  so that the second valve seat  162  may be disposed between the diaphragm  182  and the upper shoulder portion  176  of the poppet  126 . The installation of the poppet  126  through the second valve seat  162  may be possible because of the respective diameters of the second stem opening  148  in the second valve seat (best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and the enlarged diameter section  194  of the poppet  126  may be of sufficient dimension to accommodate placement of the enlarged portion through the stem opening  148  during the installation of the poppet  126  into the valve chamber  124 . In one embodiment, the modular seat  220  (including the second valve seat  162 ) may be inserted into the valve assembly  100  without any heating process. Further, the poppet  126  may be inserted through the diaphragm  182  and mechanically attached to the piston  216  so that the second valve seat  162  may be disposed between the diaphragm  182  and the upper shoulder portion  176  of the poppet  126  without any heating process. 
     In still another embodiment, a lubricant such as isopropyl alcohol and the like may be used on the poppet  126  and/or second valve seat  162  to facilitate insertion of the enlarged diameter section  194  through the second stem opening  148 . Regardless of which of the above-described embodiments may be used to install the poppet  126 , the respective diameters of the second stem opening  148  and enlarged diameter section  194  may be such that forcible installation can be achieved without adversely affecting the ability of second valve seat  162  to provide an air and liquid-tight seal between the upper shoulder  196  and the second seat  162  after the poppet  126  has been installed within the valve chamber  124 . 
     Although limited embodiments of the valve assembly  100  have been specifically described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a valve assembly  100  can be constructed to accommodate two inlet flows and control the dispersal of fluid through the valve assembly  100  from one or the other inlet to a single outlet without departing from the scope of this invention. In such an embodiment, the flow would be the reverse of that described and each inlet flow would enter the valve body  112  via respective first and second outlet ports  120  and  122 . When the poppet  126  is axially displaced in the “first position” fluid would flow from the first outlet port  120 , through the valve chamber  126  and to the inlet port  118 . When the poppet  126  is axially displaced in the “second position” fluid would flow from the second outlet port  122 , through the valve chamber  126  and to the inlet port  118 . 
     Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. 
     Such assemblies noted above are all exemplary and are not meant to limit the use of the poppet  126  in potential other assemblies, including non-valve assemblies. For example, the poppet  126  may be used in displacement pump assembly, manifold, or other assembly applications with sealing and fluid movement requirements. 
     The method of assembling a valve assembly or similar assembly  100  may include translating a single-piece, unitary poppet  126  through a modular seat  220  of a valve assembly  100  without substantial deformation of the modular seat  220 . The method may further include mechanically attaching the poppet  126  to a piston  216  of the valve assembly  100 . The mechanical attaching of the poppet  126  to the piston  216  may occur through the modular seat  220  in the upper portion  150  and/or the central portion  134  of the valve chamber  124 . The mechanical attaching of the poppet  126  to the piston  216  may be done through a threaded interface. The poppet  126  may further include a plurality of discrete sealing surfaces where at least one of the plurality of discrete sealing surfaces may be disposed radially between the poppet  126  and the modular seat  220 , and where at least one of the plurality of discrete sealing surfaces may be disposed radially between the poppet  126  and a valve body  112  of the valve assembly  100 . The method may further include axially translating the poppet  126  from a first sealed position in contact with the modular seat  220  to a second sealed position in contact with the valve body  112 . 
     According to embodiments herein, the poppet can better streamline the assembly process through its robust configuration. Namely, the poppet may be assembled through the modular seat and mechanically attach to the piston through the diaphragm without requiring a heating or cooling process. This may limit deformation of the poppet, modular seat, and other elements of the valve assembly, providing more contact between the sealing surfaces of the poppet and the valve assembly. As a result, the poppet and resulting assembly according to embodiments herein may decrease increase lifetime and improving effectiveness and performance of the assembly, the poppet, modular seat, and its other assembly components. 
     Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or more of the embodiments as listed below. 
     Embodiment 1: A poppet comprising: a single-piece, unitary body defining a plurality of discrete sealing surfaces and a mechanical attachment configured to engage the body with a piston of a valve assembly. 
     Embodiment 2: A valve assembly comprising: a housing defining a central axis, the housing comprising a valve body comprising an inlet passage and at least one outlet passage; a piston disposed within the housing; a modular seat disposed within the valve body in axial alignment with the piston; and a poppet comprising: a single-piece, unitary body defining a first axial end comprising a mechanical attachment adapted to mechanically attach to the piston, and a second axial end comprising a plurality of discrete sealing surfaces comprising a first discrete sealing surface and a second discrete sealing surface, wherein the first discrete sealing surface is adapted to provide sealing contact with the modular seat and the second discrete sealing surface is adapted to provide sealing contact with the valve body, wherein both discrete sealing surfaces are offset from one another in the axial direction. 
     Embodiment 3: A method comprising: translating a single-piece, unitary poppet through a modular seat of a valve assembly without substantial deformation of the modular seat; and mechanically attaching the poppet to a piston of the valve assembly. 
     Embodiment 4: The method of embodiment 3, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a housing defining a central axis, the housing comprising a valve body comprising an inlet passage and at least one outlet passage. 
     Embodiment 5: The method of embodiment 3, wherein mechanically attaching the poppet occurs through the modular seat. 
     Embodiment 6: The method of embodiment 3, wherein the poppet is mechanically attached to the piston through a threaded interface. 
     Embodiment 7: The method of embodiment 4, further comprising axially translating the poppet from a first sealed position in contact with the modular seat to a second sealed position in contact with the valve body. 
     Embodiment 8: The method of embodiment 7, wherein the poppet comprises a plurality of discrete sealing surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of discrete sealing surfaces is disposed radially between the poppet and the modular seat, and wherein at least one of the plurality of discrete sealing surfaces is disposed radially between the poppet and the valve body of the valve assembly. 
     Embodiment 9: The valve assembly or method of any of embodiments 2-8, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a gland in axial alignment with the piston. 
     Embodiment 10: The valve assembly or method of any of embodiments 2-9, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a diaphragm in axial alignment with the piston. 
     Embodiment 11: The valve assembly or method of any of embodiments 2 and 4-10, wherein the at least one outlet passage comprises a first outlet passage and second outlet passage, wherein the first outlet passage and the second outlet passage are substantially in the same axial plane. 
     Embodiment 12: The valve assembly or method of embodiment 11, wherein the inlet passage is substantially in the same axial plane as at least one of the first outlet passage or the second outlet passage. 
     Embodiment 13: The valve assembly or method of any of embodiments 2-11, wherein the housing further comprises an actuator assembly adapted to translate the piston in the axial direction. 
     Embodiment 14: The valve assembly of any of embodiments 2 and 4-11, wherein the modular seat comprises a part of a valve chamber and forms a connection between the valve chamber, the inlet passage, and the at least one outlet passage. 
     Embodiment 15: The poppet, valve assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the poppet may include a bottom edge that is planar and intersects at least one of the plurality of discrete sealing surfaces at an angle θ with the central axis, wherein θ is at least 5°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 45°, or such as at least 60°. 
     Embodiment 16: The poppet, valve assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the discrete sealing surfaces forms an angle α with a line parallel to the central axis, wherein α is at least 5°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 45°, or such as at least 60°. 
     Embodiment 17: The poppet, valve assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the discrete sealing surfaces forms an angle β with a line parallel to the central axis, wherein ( 3  is at least 5°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 45°, or such as at least 60°. 
     Embodiment 18: The poppet, valve assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the poppet comprises a polymer comprising polyketone, polyaramid, a thermoplastic polyimide, a polyetherimide, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyethersulfone, a polysulfone, a polyphenylene sulfone, a polyamideimide, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, a fluoropolymer, a polyamide, a polybenzimidazole, or any combination thereof. 
     Embodiment 19: The poppet, valve assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the poppet comprises a metal. 
     Embodiment 20: The poppet, valve assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve body comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion form a mechanical interface through a tongue and groove arrangement. 
     Note that not all of the features described above are required, that a region of a specific feature may not be required, and that one or more features may be provided in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which features are described is not necessarily the order in which the features are installed. 
     Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombinations. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments, however, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. 
     The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or any change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.