Patent Publication Number: US-2011062156-A1

Title: Tank Valve Assemblies and Methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/242,187, filed on Sep. 14, 2009, entitled “Tank Valve Assemblies,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to valves, and more specifically to tank valve assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid tanks, such as those used during wine preparation processes, have undergone significant advances. For example, tank materials have changed, thus permitting the development of additional or improved wine preparation techniques. One such improvement is in the materials from which wine tanks are formed, such as polymers, which can further permit tank molding and the addition of other features or devices with the tanks. 
     During the preparation of wine (or other materials), and during storage, there is a need to extract a sample, such as for tasting or chemical testing. In addition, there also exists a need to introduce gases into the tanks, such as during sparging or micro-oxygenation, or to introduce other materials, such as introducing additives or topping-off the liquid volume in the tank. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for improved valve assemblies, which can be advantageously formed or otherwise installed in a tank wall or tank lid. There exists a further need for valve assemblies that reduce contamination, clogging, and/or sediment flow, and that can be cleaned without introducing foreign materials into the corresponding tank. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments can provide tank valve assemblies and associated methods. According to one aspect, a valve assembly can be provided. The valve assembly may include a valve body defining a hollow bore extending therethrough. A plunger having at least one passageway formed longitudinally partially therethrough and a spring associated with the plunger may be provided. The plunger is slideably positioned within the hollow bore of the valve body and retained in a closed position by a force exerted by the at least one spring against the valve body. The valve assembly may include a valve body o-ring positioned within the hollow bore, wherein the valve body o-ring substantially contacts the surface of the plunger when the plunger slides within the hollow bore of the valve body. 
     According to another aspect, a method of installing a valve assembly can be provided. In one embodiment, the method may include positioning a valve body through a wall in a liquid container; threadably securing the valve body to the liquid container; and positioning a plunger and at least one spring within a hollow bore of the valve body, such that the spring retains the plunger in a closed position until acted on, and a valve body o-ring substantially contacts the surface of the plunger when the plunger slides within the hollow bore of the valve body. In one embodiment, the valve body may be secured to the liquid container by a bulkhead type assembly. In another embodiment, the valve body may be secured to the liquid container using a container insert secured to the liquid container and threading the valve body into the container insert. In yet another embodiment, the valve body or a container insert may be molded into a wall of the liquid container. 
     According to yet another aspect, a liquid container lid with a valve body can be provided. In one embodiment, a valve body can be secured to a liquid container lid. The valve body has a hollow bore extending therethrough and a valve body o-ring positioned within the hollow bore. A plunger can be provided that has at least one passageway formed longitudinally partially therethrough and at least one spring associated therewith. The plunger is slideably positioned within the hollow bore of the valve body and retained in a closed position by a force exerted by the spring against the valve body. The valve body o-ring substantially contacts the surface of the plunger when the plunger slides within the hollow bore of the valve body. 
     Additional apparatus, methods, features, and aspects are realized through the techniques of various embodiments described herein. Other embodiments and aspects are described in detail herein and are considered a part of that disclosed, and other features will be understood with reference to the description and to the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
       Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, not necessarily drawn to scale, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention. The drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of a valve assembly in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of a plunger of a valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of a valve assembly in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial view of a valve assembly and associated tank in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A-6C  illustrates a perspective view of components of a valve assembly in a disassembled state in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate perspective views of a tank insert in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  illustrate perspective views of a valve body in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate perspective views of a plunger in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an assembled valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a schematic view of a tank and valve assembly associated with a tank lid in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Example embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward valve assemblies for use with liquid tanks or other liquid containers. The valve assemblies may be operable to remove liquid from the associated tank, such as for inspection, sampling, and the like. The valve assemblies may also be operable to introduce matter into the associated tank, such as to introduce gas or liquid. In one example embodiment, the valve assemblies may be manufactured into, or otherwise integrated with, a polymer wine tank for maturing and/or storing wine. 
     According to various embodiments, the valve assembly can include a valve body permitting integration with newly manufactured tanks and/or retrofitting with existing tanks, and a spring actuated plunger slideably positioned within the valve body and having at least one passageway extending longitudinally through the plunger to selectively permit fluid flow therethrough. Moreover, according to one embodiment, the valve assembly can include at least one o-ring positioned within the valve body such that the plunger is in slideable communication therewith. The o-ring can serve both to seal the valve body and plunger, restricting flow through the valve body only through the plunger when in an open position, and to cleanse the one or more plunger passageways as the plunger slides across the o-ring. This type of cleansing can be quite beneficial when used in a wine tank because sediment and other tank debris can be removed from the valve assembly during and after use. Moreover, in one embodiment, the exterior end of the plunger can be configured to include a nipple fitting to permit attaching external devices, such as a hose, to the end of the plunger. For example, the external hose may permit introducing additional gas and/or fluid, such as during sparging, or may serve as an extension when extracting fluid from the tank. Additional features can be included as part of the valve assembly construction, as further discussed herein. 
     According to one embodiment, the valve body can be configured as a bulkhead-type fitting, such that the valve body includes threads insertable through a tank for receiving a bulkhead nut on the interior of the tank. In this embodiment, the valve assembly can be affixed to a tank after assembly. 
     In another embodiment, a valve assembly can include a threaded tank insert molded into a tank during manufacturing. The valve body can include complementary threads that permit the valve body to be screwed into the threaded tank insert. 
     Accordingly, example valve assembly embodiments, configured as described herein or in another similar manner, permit simple and cost-effective construction and installation, into newly manufactured tanks and/or retrofitting into pre-existing tanks In addition, the unique configuration of the valve assembly, and especially the placement of the o-ring, permits simple operation and effective self-cleansing and sealing of the valve assembly during use, and permits rinsing the passageway of the valve assembly with water or other liquid from the exterior. Moreover, its simple installation allows the valve assembly to be adapted for various uses, such as when installed at one or more positions on the wall of the tank for sampling and/or sparging, or when installed on a tank lid for sparging. 
       FIG. 1  provides a schematic view of a valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The valve assembly  100 , as illustrated, can include a valve body  105  through which a valve plunger  110  (also interchangeably referred to herein as a “plunger”) extends.  FIG. 1  illustrates the valve assembly  100  in a closed orientation. In an open orientation, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the interior end  115  of the plunger  110  (oriented interior of the tank, as opposed to exterior of the tank), can extend from the valve body  105  into the interior of the tank, exposing one or more passageways to the interior of the tank, and permitting fluid and/or gas flow therethrough. In one embodiment, a retaining clip  120  can be removably positioned on the interior end  115  of the plunger  110 , such that it retains the plunger  110  within the valve body  105  against the pressure of a spring  125  positioned over a partial portion of the plunger  110  and exerts force against the valve body  105 , which retains the valve assembly  100  in a closed position unless otherwise acted upon and compressed. According to one embodiment, the retaining clip  120  can be removed from the plunger  110 , permitting simple disassembly of the plunger  110  from the valve body  105 . In other embodiments, however, the retaining clip  120  may be integrated with and/or formed as part of the plunger  110  such that it is not removable. 
     The example valve body  105  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is configured with an interior portion  145  having a frustoconical shape; though, the interior portion  145  may be formed in other shapes as may be desired. The frustoconical shape of the interior portion  145  can further contain a recessed interior, such that it provides a shroud to protect the plunger  110  when extended into the tank (see  FIG. 4 ), which may aid in reducing the amount of sediment or other debris from clogging the valve assembly  100 . In other embodiments, the shape of the interior portion  145  may differ, such as, but not limited to, hemispherical, cylindrical, flat, and the like. 
     The valve body  105  of this example embodiment may be formed from any tank compatible material, such as, but not limited to, natural or synthetic polymer (e.g., Polyoxymethylene, also referred to as Delrin by DuPont Chemicals), metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, etc.), any combinations thereof, and the like. It is appreciated that certain materials may not be suitable for some applications, and therefore this list is intended as illustrative only; the design choice can be dependent upon the application of the valve assembly, the tank, and their intended use. 
     The example valve assembly  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is of a bulkhead type, such that the valve assembly can be inserted into a tank and secured with a threaded bulkhead fitting. As such, in this embodiment, the valve body  105  may be configured to include threads  135  for receiving one or more bulkhead nuts  150 . During installation, the valve body  105  may be installed from the interior of the tank, leaving the threads  135  at least partially extending out of the tank. The bulkhead nut  150  can then be threadably positioned over the threads  135 , securing the valve body  105  against the interior of the tank and the bulkhead nut  150  against the exterior of the tank. In one embodiment, a tank o-ring  140  may be positioned over the valve body  105  for compression and sealing against the tank during installation. The tank o-ring  140  may be positioned external to the tank or internal to the tank. Moreover, though not illustrated, one or more washer fittings and/or additional o-rings or other sealing means may further be included to aid in securing the valve body  105  within the tank. As used herein, the term “o-ring” generally refers to any sealing member or gasket adapted for positioning over any article to create at least a partial seal between the article and the o-ring&#39;s interface with another article. The term “o-ring” is not limited to a torus-shaped member with a circular cross-section, but may also refer to a sealing member having any number of other cross-sectional geometries, such as, but not limited to, an oval cross-section, an “x” cross-section (also referred to as an “x-ring” or a “q-ring”), a rectangular cross-section, or any other polygonal or other custom-formed cross-sectional shape. Moreover, as used herein, an “o-ring” does not have to be annular-shaped, but may be formed in any shape to fit around the valve body  105 , such as if the area of the valve body  105  is not cylindrical (e.g., it may be square, polygonal, etc.), and/or within any groove or grooves formed therein. 
     As illustrated, in one embodiment, the plunger  110  can further include a tip  130  at its exterior end (oriented exterior to the tank and opposite the interior end), which may be configured for adaptation with one or more external devices, such as, but not limited to, a hose, a tap, a spigot, a spout, a plunger actuating handle, a gas sparging device, and the like. As illustrated in  FIG. 1  and further described with reference to  FIG. 2 , the tip  130  may be configured as a nipple fitting, which can accept a hose of one or more inner diameters. Moreover, in one embodiment, the interior lip of the tip  130  may be angled, chamfered, or otherwise formed for accepting a complementary formed tip of an external device, such as a gas or sparging hose, or any other device, as may be desired. 
     The plunger  110  may be formed by drilling a rod to form at least one passageway through the approximate center of the plunger and one or more cross-drilled holes across the plunger and intersecting with the passageway (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). The plunger  110  may also be formed, such as by turning, molding, brazing, and/or welding, to include a plunger collar to retain a spring and a tip. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates a bulkhead type valve assembly  100 , in other embodiments, securing mechanisms other than a bulkhead type means may be used, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 6-11 , for example. Moreover, the valve assembly  100  may be installed using any other suitable installation techniques, as will be apparent upon reviewing the various embodiments described herein. For example, in one embodiment, rather than being constructed as a bulkhead type fitting, the valve assembly may be molded into the tank during manufacture, such as by molding a valve body in the tank, and subsequently inserting the plunger, spring, and associated o-ring(s). In another embodiment, a National Pipe Thread fitting (“NPT fitting”) can be molded or otherwise integrated into the tank wall, for accepting a matching taper threaded valve body fitting having similar design and features as described herein. In this example embodiment, the valve body would have exterior facing tapered threads in lieu of the threaded bulkhead fitting and bulkhead nut illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and would not have an interior portion forming a shroud on the valve body when installed in the tank, because such a design may hinder threading the valve body into the tank. However, in either of these other embodiments, the interior tank wall may be molded to include a shroud having similar features as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, in various other embodiments, the valve assembly  100  may be configured in various manners, such that it would still include one or more of the features described herein. Moreover, in various other embodiments, the valve assembly  100  may be installed or otherwise integrated with a tank in any number of means. 
       FIG. 2  provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a cross-section of the valve body  105 , tank o-ring  140 , valve body o-ring  220 , and bulkhead nut  150 , and a complete view of the plunger and associated components, according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 2  also illustrates a plan view (not in cross-section) of an example valve assembly  100  in a closed position. In one embodiment, the valve body  105  has a bore having a first diameter through which the plunger  110  is slideably inserted, and retaining the portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, creating a seat  205  for the spring  125 . In one embodiment, the plunger  110  can further include a plunger collar  210  against which the spring  125  opposite the seat  205  is positioned. Thus, according to this embodiment, the spring  125  exerts opposing forces against the valve body  105  and the plunger  110  at the seat  205  and the plunger collar  210 , respectively, forcing the valve assembly in a closed position unless further acted upon. 
     In other embodiments, the spring may be retained by other means, such as being affixed to the valve body  105  and/or to the plunger  110 , integrated with the valve body  105  and/or with the plunger  110 , or by any other means. 
     In one example embodiment, the plunger collar  210  may have an outer diameter the same or slightly less than the inner diameter of the retaining portion of the valve body  105 , such that the plunger collar  210  may extend into the valve body  105  when in an open position. In yet another embodiment, the plunger collar  210  and/or the inner diameter of the valve body  105  may include a chamfered edge to ease insertion of the plunger collar  210  into the valve body  105  while opening. 
     In another embodiment, the plunger collar  210  may facilitate opening the valve assembly  100 . For example, the plunger collar  210  may provide a surface area against which an operator&#39;s finger or a specially adapted tool can be placed. As another example, the plunger collar  210  may further facilitate attachment of one or more specialized devices, such as, but not limited to, a hose, a tap, a spigot, a spout, a gas sparging device, and the like. 
       FIG. 2 , with further reference to  FIG. 3 , illustrates one or more cross-drilled holes  215  formed laterally through the plunger  110  near its interior end  115  and in fluid communication with one or more passageways  305  internal to the plunger  110 . According to one embodiment, a passageway is formed longitudinally through the approximate center of the plunger  110 , extending at least to the one or more cross-drilled holes  215 , but not through the interior end  115  of the plunger  110 . Thus, the passageway extends from the tip  130  of the plunger  110  up to and exiting each of the cross-drilled holes  215 . In operation, upon opening the valve assembly  100  by sliding the plunger into the tank, the cross-drilled holes  215  extend into the tank and provide fluid communication between the interior of the tank and the exterior via the cross-drilled holes  215  and the passageway  305 . 
     In addition, the valve body  105  includes a valve body o-ring  220  positioned within the bore of the valve body  105  such that it will be in contact with the plunger  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The valve body o-ring  220  may be formed from any resilient but partially non-rigid material, such as a natural or synthetic electrometric polymer. The valve body o-ring  220  configured and positioned in this manner serves multiple purposes. A first purpose is to further seal the contents of the tank from passing through the bore of the valve body when in a closed position. Without the valve body o-ring  220  positioned between the plunger  110  and the valve body  105  bore, fluid may undesirably seep through the bore and leak outside of the tank, either through the passageway  305  or around the plunger  110 . 
     Another purpose served by the valve body o-ring  220  is to further seal the valve assembly  100  when the plunger  110  is in an open position, restricting fluid from passing through the bore. Existing conventional valve assemblies have been configured such that an o-ring or other sealing mechanism is positioned on the end of the plunger. In these conventional devices, when the plunger is in an open position, fluid may flow through the plunger and around the plunger. 
     Yet another purpose of the valve body o-ring  220  configured in the manner illustrated is to provide a means for self-cleansing the cross-drilled holes  215 . During operation, when releasing an extended plunger  110  from an open position to a closed position, the cross-drilled holes  215  pass the valve body o-ring  220 , such that the tight seal created by the valve body o-ring  220  scrapes the plunger  110  and the cross-drilled holes  215 , causing any sediment or other debris to be released back into the tank. In an embodiment in which the valve assembly  100  is used with a wine tank, removing or otherwise preventing sediment and other debris may be very desirable. For example, when using a valve assembly  100  to extract sample wine from the tank, it may be desirable to avoid, or at least to reduce, the amount of sediment in the sample. In another example, when using a valve assembly  100  to introduce additional gas and/or fluid to the tank, such as by using a gas sparging device or any other means, excessive debris may clog or otherwise interfere with the introduction device being used. A valve assembly  100  configured with a valve body o-ring  220  in this manner beneficially cleanses the plunger and passageway to avoid these undesirable circumstances, with no additional cleansing or prevention steps required by the operator. 
     Yet another purpose served by the advantageous placement of the valve body o-ring  220  is to permit flushing the plunger  110  and valve body  105  when in a closed position, whereby the plunger prevents fluid or debris within the valve body from entering the tank. Instead, the valve body o-ring  220  seals the bore of the valve body  105  from the interior of the tank, causing any fluid or debris to run through the passageway(s)  305  of the plunger  110  or through the bore of the valve body  105  around the plunger  110 , and out of the valve body  105  external to the tank. For example, after sampling tank contents, a user may connect a hose with water or other fluid to the tip of the plunger  110  and flush any undesirable contents from within the valve body  105  and plunger  110 . Without the inclusion of a valve body o-ring  220  as described herein, an attempt at flushing the valve assembly in this manner would cause fluid and/or debris to be forced into the tank, which may be largely undesirable, depending upon the contents and purpose of the tank. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example embodiment of a valve assembly  100  in an open position. As shown, in comparison to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , upon exerting a force on the plunger  110  towards the valve body  105  (e.g., into the tank), the spring compresses and the plunger  110  extends from the valve body  105  interior portion  145  and into the tank (not shown). The plunger  110  and spring travel are designed such that the cross-drilled holes  215  become exposed when the plunger  110  is depressed, permitting fluid or gas flow through the cross-drilled holes and the passageway. As also can be seen in this example embodiment, the retaining clip  120  remains in a fixed position relative to the plunger  110  and its interior end  115 . Thus, when the force on the plunger  110  is released, the plunger  110  retracts into the valve body  105 , and the retaining clip  120  retains the plunger in its closed position, seated against the valve body  105 . 
     As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in an open position, at least a portion of the plunger can still be protected by the shroud design of the interior portion  145 , which acts to limit the flow of sediment or other debris into the valve assembly  100 , such as through the cross-drilled holes  215  or around the plunger  110 . However, in other embodiments, as described above, the interior portion  145  may have a different shape and/or may be formed as part of the tank wall instead of, or in addition to, the valve body  105 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial exploded view of an example valve assembly  100  and associated tank, according to one embodiment. A partial tank  505  is illustrated, showing a tank wall having a cut-out  510  providing a partial interior view of the tank  505 . In this example embodiment, the valve assembly  100  is of a bulkhead type fitting, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As can be seen in the exploded view, a valve body  105  can be inserted through a hole in the tank wall (or formed therein during manufacture), positioning the interior portion  145  of the valve body  105  within the interior of the tank. Also, as illustrated by this example valve assembly  100 , the interior portion  145  may be formed in a frustoconical or other shape to provide a shroud to protect the plunger and passageways from the sediment and other debris existing in the tank interior. A bulkhead nut  150  can be threadably secured over the threads  135  of the valve body  105  to secure the valve body  105  against the tank  505 . The tank o-ring  140  is compressed between the interior portion  145  of the valve body  105  and the tank wall. Upon securing the bulkhead nut  150 , the plunger  110  is inserted through the valve body  105  from the exterior. The retaining clip  120  is then secured over the interior end  115  of the plunger  110 , securing it within the valve body  105 . 
     While the plunger  110  is described as being inserted after securing the bulkhead nut  150 , in other embodiments, the plunger may be inserted and secured into the valve body  105  prior to being inserted through the tank  505  and being secured by the bulkhead nut  150 . Similarly, for embodiments that do not use a bulkhead type assembly, the plunger  110  may be installed into a valve body already molded into or otherwise integrated with the tank  505 , or a valve body may first be threaded into an already molded into or otherwise integrated NPT fitting, into which the plunger may be installed. As stated above, various valve assembly configurations and associated installation techniques may be employed. 
     According to one embodiment, the valve assembly  100  may be installed to have a slight downward angle relative to the wall of the tank  505 , to facilitate draining the liquid out of the valve assembly  100  and reducing undesirable back flow contamination into the tank  505 . In example embodiments, this may be accomplished by forming a slightly angled recess within the tank wall, such that the bulkhead type valve assembly  100  will be secured at the same angle as the recess. In other embodiments, however, one or more angled washers, shims, or the like may be used to create the angle desired. In yet other embodiments, the valve body may be molded or otherwise integrated into the tank at the desired angle during manufacture. Similarly, in other embodiments, an NPT fitting may be molded or otherwise integrated into the tank at an angle, such that a complementary valve body can be threadably installed at the desired angle. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the valve assembly  100  may not be installed at a downward angle, but instead may be installed substantially perpendicular to the tank wall, or at any other angle. 
       FIGS. 6-11  illustrate other example embodiments of a valve assembly, which include a threaded tank insert moldable into a tank during manufacture of the tank. 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  provide perspective views of constituent components of a valve assembly  600  in a disassembled state according to this embodiment. The components include a valve body  605  in  FIG. 6A , a valve plunger  610  in  FIG. 6B , and a threaded tank insert  650  in  FIG. 6C .  FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of this example valve assembly  600  after assembly. 
     The valve plunger  610  of this embodiment can be configured in a manner similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , including an interior end  670 , a removable (or fixed) retaining clip  675 , a spring  680 , an internal passageway  685 , one or more cross-drilled holes  690  in fluid communication with the internal passageway, and an optional tip  695  opposite the interior end configured for adaptation with one or more devices.  FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate the valve plunger  610  in closer detail. 
     The valve body  605 , illustrated in closer detail by  FIGS. 8A-8B , has external threads  635  that can be threadably inserted into complementary interior threads  655  of a corresponding threaded tank or container insert  650 . The valve body  605  can also include a lip  640  extending radially from the valve body and adjacent the threads  635 . The exterior of the valve body  605  may also include two opposing detents  645  or flattened areas formed at or near the end opposite the tank end, which allow for a tool (e.g., wrench, pliers, etc.) to grasp for tightening or loosening the valve body  605  within the tank insert  650 . Accordingly, when tightened into a tank insert  650 , the lip  640  of the valve body  605  can abut the tank insert. In one embodiment, an o-ring can fit between the two abutting surfaces of the tank insert  650  and the lip  640  of the valve body  605  (shown as o-ring  1105  in  FIG. 11  below). 
     The interior of the valve body  605  includes a bore extending therethrough and having a first diameter through which the plunger  610  is slideably inserted, and retaining the portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, creating a seat  630  for retaining a spring for actuating the plunger  610 , in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 2  above. 
     Inside the valve body  605  is a valve body o-ring  620  positioned within the bore of the valve body  605  such that it will be in contact with the plunger  610 . The valve body o-ring can be configured and can function in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The valve body o-ring  620  acts to further seal the contents of the tank from passing through the bore of the valve body and around the plunger  610  when in a closed or open position. The valve body o-ring  620  also provides a means for self-cleansing the cross-drilled holes in the valve plunger  610 . In addition, when the plunger  610  is in a closed position, fluid can be delivered through the bore of the plunger  610  to rinse out the plunger  610 . The o-ring  620  acts to prevent fluid from passing into the tank from within the valve body, while rinsing out the plunger  610 , and any sediment or other debris and the rinsing fluid to drain out of the valve body  605  and the bore of the plunger  610 . 
     The tank insert  650 , also shown in more detail in  FIGS. 7A-7B , is designed to be formed within a tank or other container during manufacture of the tank. The tank insert  650  is generally annular in shape and has an exterior groove  625  cut around the insert for receiving the wall of the tank. The interior of the tank insert  650  forms a bore with a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion  660 . The threaded portion includes interior threads  655  extending partially along the length of the bore, which are complementary to the external threads  635  of the valve body  605 . In one embodiment, the remaining, unthreaded portion can have a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded portion. This larger diameter serves to increase the volume within the tank insert  650  and around the valve plunger  610  when in open position, to improve fluid flow into the valve. 
     The valve body  605 , plunger  610 , and/or tank insert  650  of this example embodiment may be formed from any tank compatible material, such as, but not limited to, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, etc.), natural or synthetic polymer (e.g., Polyoxymethylene, also referred to as Delrin by DuPont Chemicals), any combinations thereof, and the like. In one embodiment, the tank insert  650  can be made of brass, such as if the valve body is made of stainless steel, to prevent thread galling (i.e., adhesion or seizure of the threads). In other embodiments, the valve body  605  and the tank insert  650  can be made of any metals having dissimilar hardness to prevent thread galling. As stated above, it is appreciated that certain materials may not be suitable for some applications, and therefore this list is intended as illustrative only; the design choice can be dependent upon the application of the valve assembly, the tank, and their intended use. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-section view of a valve assembly  600  according to the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 6-10 . Accordingly, as can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the tank insert  650  and its exterior groove  625  fit securely within the wall of a tank or other container. The valve body  605  can then be threadably inserted into the tank insert  650 . If an o-ring  1105  is included, the lip  640  of the valve body  605  can compress the o-ring  1105  against the edge of the tank insert  650 . In one embodiment, the tank insert  650  and/or the valve body  605  can be radiused to accommodate the o-ring  1105 . The orientation of the spring  680  with reference to the plunger  610  and the bore of the valve body  605  is also shown by  FIG. 11 . Aside from the different configuration of the valve body  605  and the tank insert  650 , the valve assembly  600  can be configured, and can function, in a manner similar to the valve assembly described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention, whereby a valve assembly  1200  may be installed or otherwise integrated with a tank lid  1205 . A valve assembly  1200  integrated with a tank lid  1205  may be used to facilitate the introduction of gas or liquids into the tank, such as may be used during sparging, topping-off, or introducing additives, when preparing wine. According to this example embodiment, any of the aforementioned valve assembly configurations and/or installation techniques may be suitable. For example, a bulkhead type valve assembly, similar to that illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 - 5 , may be installed into the lid  1205 , either during manufacture or as a retrofit. In another example, a valve insert may be molded or otherwise integrated into the lid  1205  during manufacture, similar to that described with reference to  FIGS. 6-11 . 
     It is appreciated that in various embodiments, because the lid  1205  may not be in constant contact with tank liquid, the valve assembly  1200  may not need to include each of the components as described with reference to the example valve assemblies above. For example, according to one embodiment, the valve assembly  1200  may not include an o-ring between the valve body and the lid, like the tank o-ring described in the previous embodiments. According to another embodiment, the valve assembly  1200  may not include a valve body o-ring inserted into the valve body and in communication with the plunger. In one embodiment, instead of being inserted into the valve body, the plunger may include an o-ring at its interior end, such that it moves with the plunger, sealing the valve assembly  1200  when in a closed position. It is appreciated though, in other embodiments, one or more of these components may be included in the valve assembly  1200 , serving the same or similar purposes as described above. 
     Accordingly, described herein are various embodiments of one or more valve assemblies that can be used with a tank. The valve assemblies permit extracting the tank&#39;s contents (such as for sampling) through the use of a unique valve design and installation. Further, upon depressing and releasing the valve assembly, the unique inclusion and placement of one or more valve body o-rings can facilitate cleansing the valve assembly, reducing sediment or debris, and avoiding clogged valves, as may otherwise occur, while also sealing the valve assembly when in both an open and closed position. The placement of the valve body o-rings also permits flushing the valve with an external fluid when in a closed position without introducing the fluid to the tank when in a closed position. 
     The valve assemblies may also be used to introduce additional materials to the tank, such as the introduction of gas during sparging processes, or the introduction of additional liquids. Again, the unique inclusion and placement of the valve body o-ring prevents unwanted sediment or debris from flowing back into the device used to introduce the additional materials. Moreover, the various valve assembly techniques create unique manufacturing advantages, both by creating substantial cost savings by reducing the cost and number of components and the simplicity of installation. In addition, various valve assembly embodiments can be retrofitted to existing tanks, both into tank walls and/or tank lids, creating new opportunities for widespread use. 
     While the above example embodiments have been described with reference to wine tanks used during preparation and/or storing, tanks serving other purposes may also be prepared to include valve assemblies similar to those described herein. Accordingly, the subject matter disclosed herein is not intended to be limited to wine preparation devices or techniques, but rather is intended for widespread application. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments related to that described herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter described herein is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that numerous insubstantial variations, changes, substitutions, and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.