Patent Publication Number: US-11396949-B2

Title: Multi-port valve

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/892,655, filed Feb. 9, 2018, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to a valve for conveying a liquid between an input and an output. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a multi-port valve for selectively conveying a liquid between an input and one of a plurality of outputs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A typical valve with more than two ports consists of at least one passageway formed through a rotating bushing. The rotating bushing is disposed within a valve body, and the passageway of the rotating bushing places an input port of the valve body in fluid communication with a select one of the output ports of the valve body. To keep fluid within the passageway, the valve body acts as a seal against the rotating bushing. To adjust the configuration of ports connected by the passageway, a user can manually rotate the rotating bushing relative to the valve body until a desired output port has been connected to the input port by the passageway. However, the quality of the fluid connection between the input port and the desired output port can be less than optimal if the rotating bushing is rotated slightly out of alignment with the desired output port. Additionally, the rotating bushing is subject to being inadvertently rotated during operation, which can also lead to a fluid flow that is less than optimal. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a multi-port valve that provides greater control over the amount of rotation permitted between the valve body and the rotating bushing, as well as control over discrete rotational positions permitted between the rotating bushing and the valve body. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-port valve including a valve body having an outer surface, an inner surface opposite the outer surface that defines an internal cavity, a plurality of output ports extending from the outer surface for transmitting a liquid to respective outputs, and an input port extending from the outer surface for receiving the liquid from an input. The multi-port valve also comprises a directional component positioned in the internal cavity and configured to be rotated relative to the valve body, wherein the directional component defines an outer surface, the outer surface including a channel that extends partially around a circumference of the directional component and a blocking extension that extends through the channel to prevent the channel from completely extending around the circumference. The directional component is configured to direct the liquid from the input port to one of the plurality of output ports when the directional component is in a first rotational position. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-port valve comprising a valve body that comprises an outer surface, an inner surface opposite the outer surface that defines an internal cavity, an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a stop member extending from the upper end, a plurality of output ports extending from the outer surface for transmitting a liquid to respective outputs, and an input port extending from the outer surface for receiving the liquid from an input. The multi-port valve also comprises a directional component positioned in the internal cavity and configured to be rotated relative to the valve body, where the directional component defines an outer surface that includes a channel for directing the liquid from the input port to one of the plurality of output ports when the directional component is in a first rotational position. The multi-port valve further comprises a cover rotationally coupled to the directional component for rotating the directional component relative to the valve body, where the directional component includes a stop member. Contact between the stop member of the cover and the stop member of the valve body limits rotation of the cover and the directional component relative to the valve body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings show illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a multi-port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is an alternative perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a valve body of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3B  is an alternative perspective view of the valve body shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is an alternative perspective view of the valve body shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a directional component of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 4B  is an alternative perspective view of the directional component shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of a coupler of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the coupler shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of a portion of the coupler shown in  FIG. 5A , as noted by the encircled region in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a cover of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 6B  is an alternative perspective view of the cover shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alignment member of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A , with the valve body rendered transparent and the directional component in a first position; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A , with the valve body rendered transparent and the directional component in a second position; 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 1A , with the valve body rendered transparent and the directional component in a third position; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a multi-port valve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10B  is an alternative perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a directional component of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a valve body of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A , with the valve body rendered transparent and the directional component in a first rotational position; 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A , with the valve body rendered transparent and the directional component in a second rotational position; and 
         FIG. 14C  is a perspective view of the multi-port valve shown in  FIG. 10A , with the valve body rendered transparent and the directional component in a third rotational position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Described herein is a multi-port valve  10 ,  120  that includes a valve body  14 ,  124  and a directional component  44 ,  154 . Certain terminology is used to describe the multi-port valve  10 ,  120  in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the description to describe the multi-port valve  10 ,  120  and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
       FIGS. 1A-9C  depict a first embodiment of a multi-port valve  10  for selectively changing a flow path of fluid between combinations of an input port  22  and one of the output ports  20   a - 20   e , or alternatively blocking the fluid from flowing to any of the output ports  20   a - 20   e  from the input port  22 . Referring to  FIGS. 1A-3B and 8-9C , the multi-port valve  10  includes a valve body  14  that includes an outer surface  18   a  and an inner surface  18   b  opposite the outer surface  18   a . The valve body  14  also includes an upper end  19   a , a lower end  19   b  vertically opposite the upper end  19   a , and a central cavity  32  defined by the inner surface  18   b . The valve body  14  can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The input port  22  and the output ports  20   a - 20   e  each extend radially away from the outer surface  18   a  of the valve body  14 . For convenience in identification hereinafter, the output ports  20   a - 20   e  can be referred to as a first output port  20   a , a second output port  20   b , a third output port  20   c , a fourth output port  20   d , and a fifth output port  20   e . Each of the input port  22  and the output ports  20   a - 20   e  can define substantially hollow bodies that extend from the outer surface  18   a  and terminate at an outer opening  30 . The input port  22  functions to interface with and receive liquid from an input, such as a piece of conventional flexible tubing. Similarly, each of the output ports  20   a - 20   e  function to interface with and transmit liquid to an output, such as another piece of conventional flexible tubing. Though five output ports  20   a - 20   e  are shown, the multi-port valve  10  can include more or less output ports as desired. Also, though the output ports  20   a - 20   e  and the input port  22  are shown as arranged around the valve body  14  in a particular arrangement, the relative positions of the output ports  20   a - 20   e  and the input port  22  can be rearranged as desired. 
     The input port  22  and each of the output ports  20   a - 20   e  can include an internal passage  28  for receiving a flow of liquid, where each of the passages extends from an inner opening  27  on the inner surface  18   b  of the valve body  14  to an outer opening  30  located at the end of the respective port. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the central axis of each of the output ports  20   a - 20   e  extends along a first plane P 1  and the central axis of the input port  22  extends along a second plane P 2 . The second plane P 2  can be spaced from the first plane P 1  and extend substantially parallel to the first plane P 1 . Though the second plane P 2  is depicted as positioned below the first plane P 1 , the first and second planes P 1  and P 2 , and thus the input port  22  and the output ports  20   a - 20   e , can be repositioned as desired. Each of the input port  22  and the output ports  20   a - 20   e  can be formed with a straight shaft  23  and a barb  24  extending from the outer surface of the straight shaft  23  in order to engage and retain a respective input or output, which can be a piece of flexible tubing as previously described. 
     The valve body  14  also includes a ledge  39  that extends from the inner surface  18   b  and extends partially around the outer circumference of the central cavity  32 . The ledge  39  is prevented from extending entirely around the outer circumference of the central cavity  32  by a flow stop rib  40  that extends upward from the ledge  39  and outerward from the inner surface  18   b . When the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled, the ledge  39  defines the lower limit of the flow of fluid flowing through the multi-port valve  10  and the flow stop rib  40  prevents fluid from flowing in a counter-clockwise direction after it enters the input port  22 , as will be discussed further below. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 1A-3B and 9A-9C , the valve body  14  can also include a stop member  33  that extends from the upper end  19   a . The stop member  33  can be a solid tab that extends vertically upward from the upper end  19   a  of the valve body  14 , as well as circumferentially, around the top of the upper end  19   a  of the valve body  14 . As shown, the stop member  33  can extend about 40 degrees around the upper end  19   a . However, the stop member  33  can be alternatively shaped and sized as desired. The stop member  33  is configured to interact with a stop member  93  located on the cover  84  for limiting the rotational range of the directional component  44  relative to the valve body  14 . The interaction between the stop member  33  of the valve body  14  and the stop member  93  of the cover  84  will be described further below. 
     The valve body  14  includes a bottom ledge  35  that extends inward from the inner surface  18   b  at the lower end  19   b . The bottom ledge  35  can be substantially ring-shaped, and can define a top surface  35   a , a bottom surface  35   b  opposite the top surface  35   a , and a central bore  34  that extends vertically through the bottom ledge  35  from the top surface  35   a  to the bottom surface  35   b . The central bore  34  is open to the central cavity  32 , but defines a substantially smaller diameter than the central cavity  32 . The bottom ledge  35  includes at least one alignment bore  38  that extends from the top surface  35   a  to the bottom surface  35   b . In the depicted embodiment, the bottom ledge  35  includes eight alignment bores  38  equidistantly spaced circumferentially around the bottom ledge  35 , as well as equidistantly spaced radially from the center of the central bore  34 . However, it is contemplated that different numbers of alignment bores  38  can be included, and that the relative positions of the alignment bores  38  can vary. For example, the bottom ledge  35  can include one alignment bore, two alignment bores, or more than eight alignment bores. The bottom ledge  35 , and particularly the alignment bores  38 , function to rotationally lock the directional component  44  relative to the valve body  14  in particular positions, as will be described below. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1A-2 and 4A-4B , the multi-port valve  10  includes a directional component  44  configured to be received within the central cavity  32  of the valve body  14 . The directional component  44  includes a sidewall  48  that has an outer surface  44   a , an inner surface  44   b  opposite the outer surface  44   a , an upper end  47   a , and a lower end  47   b  opposite the upper end  47   a , The directional component  44  can be formed of an elastomeric material, such as urethane or silicone. The directional component  44  can also include a central cavity  49  that extends through the directional component  44  from the upper end  47   a  to the lower end  47   b , the central cavity  49  being defined by the inner surface  44   b . As a result, the directional component  44  can be substantially shaped as a hollow cylinder, with the sidewall  48  having a small thickness relative to the diameter of the central cavity  49 . The sidewall  48  can have a substantially consistent thickness throughout, such that the shape of the inner surface  44   b  of the directional component  44  generally mirrors the shape of the outer surface  44   a , The outer surface  44   a  can also be referred to as an engagement sealing surface, as the outer surface  44   a  is configured to contact the inner surface  18   b  of the valve body  14 . The directional component  44  can include at least one rib  58  that extends radially inward from the inner surface  44   b  and is configured to engage a corresponding slot  68  defined by a coupler  62 , which will be discussed below. Though five ribs  58  are depicted, the directional component can include more or less ribs  58  as desired. For example, the directional component  44  can include only one rib, two ribs, or more than five ribs. 
     The directional component  44  can include a fluid channel  52  that extends from the outer surface  44   a  into the sidewall  48  and partially around a circumference of the directional component  44 . When the directional component  44  is disposed within the central cavity  32  of the valve body  14  and the outer surface  44   a  contacts the inner surface  18   b  of the valve body  14 , the fluid channel  52  can be configured to receive a flow of liquid from the input port  22  and direct the flow of liquid to one of the output ports  20   a - 20   e . In this embodiment, the fluid channel  52  is a single, continuous channel that is formed across a majority of the circumference of the directional component  44 , though it is important to note that the fluid channel  52  is not formed across the entire circumference. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 1A-2 and 4A-4B  in the depicted embodiment the fluid channel  52  can be understood as comprising two portions—a horizontal portion  52   b  and a vertical portion  52   a  that extends from the horizontal portion  52   b . The width and depth of the fluid channel  52  can be selected in order to provide an adequate and constant fluid flow or to satisfy any other functional considerations. The horizontal portion  52   b  can extend substantially around a majority of the circumference of the directional component  44 , while the vertical portion  52   a  can extend upward from the horizontal portion  52   b  and terminate at a location below the top of the directional component  44 . The horizontal portion  52   b  can define a similar width and depth as the vertical portion  52   a , though these dimensions may differ as desired. When the directional component  44  is disposed within the central cavity  32  of the valve body  14 , the first plane Pt can extend through the vertical portion  52   a  of the fluid channel  52 , such that a part of the vertical portion  52   a  is vertically aligned with the output ports  20   a - 20   e . Likewise, when the directional component  44  is disposed within the central cavity  32  of the valve body  14 , the second plane P 2  can extend through the horizontal portion  52   b  of the fluid channel  52 , such that a part of the horizontal portion  52   b  is vertically aligned with the input port  22 . As a result, in various rotational positions the horizontal portion  52   b  can receive a liquid flow from the input port  22  and direct the liquid flow to the vertical portion  52   a , which then directs the liquid flow to one of the output ports  22   a - 22   e.    
     The horizontal portion  52   b  of the fluid channel  52  is prevented from extending completely around the circumference of the directional component  44  by a blocking extension  56  that extends downwardly from the outer surface  18   a . The blocking extension  56  thus divides the horizontal portion  52   b  such that the horizontal portion  52   b  substantially forms a C-shape around the circumference of the directional component  44 . Effectively, the blocking extension  56  prevents liquid from flowing completely around the entire circumference of the directional component  44  when the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled. The blocking extension  56  can define a variety of widths, depending on the intended length of the horizontal portion  52   b  of the fluid channel  52 . Regardless of the width of the blocking extension  56 , the blocking extension  56  can contact the inner surface  18   b  of the valve body  14  like the rest of the outer surface  44   a  of the directional component  44  that does not define the fluid channel  52 . In certain rotational positions, the blocking extension  56  can align with the inner opening  27  of the internal passage  28  of the input port  22 , such that liquid is prevented from flowing into the fluid channel  52  from the input port  22 . This rotational position will be discussed further in connection with  FIG. 9B  below. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1A-2 and 5A-5C , the multi-port valve  10  can include a coupler  62 . The coupler  62  can include a sidewall  64  that defines an outer surface  64   a , an inner surface  64   b  opposite the outer surface  64   a , an upper end  65   a , and a lower end  65   b  opposite the upper end  65   a . Like the valve body  14  and the directional component  44 , the coupler  62  can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The coupler  62  can also include a central cavity  66  defined by the inner surface  64   b  that extends through the directional component  44  from the upper end  65   a  to the lower end  65   b . The sidewall  64  can include at least one slot  68  that extends from the outer surface  64   a  of the coupler  62  radially into the sidewall  64 . In the depicted embodiment, the coupler  62  is shown as including five slots  68 . However, the coupler  62  can include more or less slots  68  as desired, though the number of slots  68  will generally correspond to the number of ribs  58  included in the directional component  44 . This is because when the multi-port valve  10  is assembled, the slots  68  can each receive a corresponding rib  58  of the directional component  44  to align and secure the directional component  44  and coupler  62  in relation to each other. Likewise, as the coupler  62  can be disposed within the central cavity  49  of the directional component  44 , the outer surface  64   a  of the coupler  62  can substantially match the shape of the inner surface  44   b  of the directional component  44  to ensure a tight fit. The coupler  62  can also include a plurality of recesses  70  that extend from the upper end  65   a  and the inner surface  64   b  into the sidewall  64 . Though four recesses  70  are shown, and the recesses  70  are shown as being spaced equidistantly around the coupler  62 , more or less recesses  70  can be included, and the recesses  70  can be differently spaced. As will be discussed further, the recesses  70  are configured to engage a portion of the cover  84  for rotationally fixing the cover  84  relative to the coupler  62 . 
     The coupler  62  can further include a bottom ledge  67  that extends inward from the inner surface  64   b  at the lower end  65   b . The bottom ledge  67  can be substantially ring-shaped, and can define a top surface  67   a  and a bottom surface  67   b  opposite the top surface  67   a . A plurality of ribs  76  can extend upward from the top surface  67   a  of the bottom ledge  67  to a central support  75  positioned above the bottom ledge  67 . Though four ribs  76  are depicted, the multi-port valve  10  can include more or less than four ribs  76  as desired. The central support  75  can be substantially ring-shaped, and can define a bore  77  that extends centrally through. The bore  77  can be open to the central cavity  66 , and can define a substantially smaller cross-section than the central cavity  66 . When the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled, the central support  75  can support the bottom end of a spring  114 , which will be described further below. 
     A plurality of extensions  78  can extend downward from the bottom surface  67   b  of the bottom ledge  67 . Each of the extensions  78  can include a lip  80  that extends radially outward from the downward end of the extension  78 , where each lip  80  defines a substantially planar upper surface  80   a . Though four extensions  78  are shown, the coupler  62  can include more less than four extensions as desired. For example, the coupler  62  can include one extension, two extensions, or more than four extensions. Further, though the extensions  78  are depicted as spaced substantially equidistantly around the bottom ledge  67 , it is contemplated that the spacing of the extensions  78  can be altered. In the assembled configuration, when the coupler  62  is disposed within the central cavity  49  of the directional component  44  and the directional component  44  is disposed within the central cavity  32  of the valve body  14 , the extensions  78  can extend through the central bore  34  of the valve body  14  and engage the bottom ledge  35 . Specifically, the upper surface  80   a  of each respective lip  80  can engage the bottom surface  35   b  of the bottom ledge  35  of the valve body  14 . This engagement axially secures both the coupler  62  and the directional component  44  relative to the valve body  14 , while still allowing the coupler  62  and the directional component  44  to rotate relative to the valve body  14 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1A-2 and 6A-6B , the multi-port valve  10  further includes a cover  84 . The cover  84  includes a body  87  that has an upper surface  87   a , a lower surface  87   b  opposite the upper surface  87   a , and a rim  88  that extends downward from the lower surface  87   b . The cover  84  can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. A knob  90  can extend upwards from the upper surface  87   a , where the knob  90  is configured to be gripped for manual rotation of the cover  84  and rotationally connected components. The knob  90  is depicted as having a greater diameter and height than the body  87  for easier manual actuation, though the knob  90  can be differently sized or shaped as desired. The cover  84  can also include a shaft  96  that extends downward from an upper end  96   a  attached to the lower surface  87   b  of the body  87  to a lower end  96   b  axially spaced from the body  87 . The shaft  96  can define a bore  92  that extends from the lower end  96   b  to the upper end  96   a , and can include a plurality of fluted ribs  97  that extend radially outward from the shaft  96 . However, the bore  92  can extend to any extent through the shaft  96 . In addition to the shaft  96 , the knob  90  can also be substantially hollow and define a recess  98  that is in communication with the bore  92 . When the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled, the shaft  96  can extend through the bore  77  defined by the central support  75  of the coupler  62 , and the lower surface  87   b  of the cover  84  can be configured to contact an upper end of the spring  114 , As a result, the spring  114  contacts the lower surface  87   b  of the cover  84  at its upper end, extends over the shaft  96  and the fluted ribs  97 , and contacts the central support  75  of the coupler  62  at its lower end. 
     The cover  84  can include a plurality of alignment tabs  95  extending downward from the lower surface  87   b  of the body  87 . Each of the alignment tabs  95  can be configured as hollow and substantially trapezoidal, and can be received in a corresponding recess  70  of the coupler  62  when the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled. As noted above, interaction between the alignment tabs  95  and the recesses  70  can serve to rotationally couple the coupler  62  to the cover  84 . As a result, the directional component  44  is also rotationally coupled to the cover  84 . As depicted, the cover  84  can include four alignment tabs  95  equidistantly spaced circumferentially around the shaft  96 . However, the orientation and number of the alignment tabs  95  can very as desired. For example, the cover  84  can include one, two, or more than four alignment tabs, and the alignment tabs  95  can be unequally spaced circumferentially around the shaft  96 . However, the spacing and number of the alignment tabs will generally correspond to the spacing and number of the recesses  70  of the coupler  62 . In an embodiment, one of the alignment tabs  95  can include an extended rib  95   a  that can be received by a respective one of the recesses  70 . The inclusion of the extended rib  95   a  in one of the alignment tabs  95  ensures that the cover  84  can be attached to the other components of the multi-port valve  10  in only one orientation. The cover  84  can also include first and second radial ribs  91   a ,  91   b , where each of the first and second radial ribs  91   a ,  91   b  extends between adjacent ones of the alignment tabs  95 . The first and second radial ribs  91   a ,  91   b  are configured to engage the outer side of the spring  114  when the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled. 
     The cover  84  can also include a stop member  93  that extends inward from the inner surface of the rim  88 . As depicted, the stop member  93  includes two circumferentially spaced stops: a first stop  94   a  and a second stop  94   b . Each of the first and second stops  94   a ,  94   b  can be configured as hooked extensions extending from the inner surface of the rim  88 , though other configurations are contemplated. Alternatively, the stop member  93  can define a single, monolithic stop that extends inward from the inner surface of the rim  88 . During operation of the multi-port valve  10 , the stop member  93  can be utilized to limit rotation of the cover  84 , and thus the coupler  62  and the directional component  44 , relative to the valve body  14 . This occurs due to the contact between the stop member  93  and the stop member  33  that projects from the upper end  19   a  of the valve body  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8 , the multi-port valve  10  can further include an alignment member  100  attached to the lower end  96   b  of the shaft  96  of the cover  84 . Like the other components of the multi-port valve  10 , the alignment member  100  can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The alignment member  100  can include a substantially annular body  103  and a plurality of legs  110  extending inward from the inner surface of the body  103 . Each of the legs  110  can include a first leg  110   a  and a second leg  110   b  separate from the first leg  110   a , and can extend from the body  103  to a central ring  105  concentrically positioned with respect to the body  103 . Though each of the legs  110  is shown as including first and second legs  110   a ,  110   b , each of the legs  110  can be alternatively configured. For example, in other embodiments, each of the legs can define a substantially monolithic body. The positioning of the body  103 , the legs  110 , and the central ring  105  provides the alignment member  100  with a substantially wheel and spoke shaped configuration. The central ring  105  defines a bore  108  that extends through the central ring  105 , and can be centered with respect to the body  103  and the central ring  105 . The central ring  105  can be configured to receive the lower end  96   b  of the shaft  96  of the cover  84  in order to axially and rotationally couple the cover  84  to the alignment member  100 . For example, the central ring  105  can be attached to the lower end  96   b  of the shaft  96  through ultrasonic welding, though other attachment means are contemplated. The alignment member  100  can further include a plurality of protrusions  106  that extend from the upper surface of the body  103 . Though the protrusions  106  are depicted as substantially cylindrical and equidistantly spaced about the body  103 , the protrusions  106  can be alternatively configured as desired. Additionally, though eight protrusions  106  are depicted, the alignment member  100  can include different numbers of protrusions  106  in different embodiments. For example, the alignment member  100  can include one, two, or more than eight protrusions, where each protrusion is equidistantly spaced or non-equidistantly spaced about the body  103 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the protrusions  106  is sized and configured to be received in a respective alignment bore  38  of the valve body  14  for rotationally coupling and decoupling the cover  84  relative to the valve body  14 , as will be described below. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 8-9C , the method of rotating components of the multi-port valve  10  and the various flow paths that can be achieved will be described. When the multi-port valve  10  is fully assembled, the cover  84  and the alignment member  100  are axially movable together relative to the valve body  14 . Without any external forces applied to the multi-port valve  10 , the cover  84  is initially in a first vertical position. This position is maintained by the spring  114 , which applies a biasing force to the lower surface  87   b  of the cover  84 , thus pushing the cover  84  upwards. As the alignment member  100  is rotationally and axially coupled to the cover  84 , the spring  114  biasing the cover  84  upwards also biases the alignment member  100  upwards, such that in the first vertical position the protrusions  106  of the alignment member  100  are disposed within respective alignment bores  38  of the valve body  14 . The interaction between the protrusions  106  and the valve body  14  in the first vertical position causes the cover  84 , and thus the coupler  62  and the directional component  44 , to be rotationally fixed relative to the valve body  14 . The alignment bores  38  can be designed such that when the cover  84  and alignment member  100  are in the first vertical position, the directional component  44  is in one of a finite number of predetermined positions, where each predetermined position defines a unique flow path through the input port  22  and output ports  20   a - 20   e.    
     To rotate the directional component  44  and alter the flow path through the multi-port valve  10 , a downward force can be applied to the cover  84  to overcome the upward force of the spring  114 , thus moving the cover  84  and the attached alignment member  100  downward relative to the valve body  14 . With enough force, the alignment member  100  can be moved sufficiently downward such that the protrusions  106  are spaced downward relative to the alignment bores  38 . Because the protrusions  106  are no longer constrained by the alignment bores  38  when the cover  84  and the alignment member  100  are in the second vertical position, the cover  84  and the alignment member  100 —along with the directional component  44  and the coupler  62 —can be freely rotated relative to the valve body  14 . The cover  84  and alignment member  100  can be rotated in both a first rotational direction R 1  and a second rotational direction R 2  that is opposite the first rotational direction R 1 . In the depicted embodiment, the first rotational direction R 1  is a counter-clockwise direction, and the second rotational direction R 2  is a clockwise direction. A user of the multi-port valve  10  can thus rotate the cover  84  to obtain the desired fluid flow path when the cover  84  and alignment member  100  are in the second vertical position. Once the desired flow path has been achieved, the downward force can be released from the cover  84 , thus allowing the spring  114  to bias the cover  84  and alignment member  100  upward again into the first vertical position, and the protrusions  106  to again be received in respective ones of the alignment bores  38 . As noted above, in the first vertical position, the cover  84 , alignment member  100 , directional component  44 , and coupler  62  will again be rotationally fixed relative to the valve body  14 . Additionally, the extent to which the cover  84  and rotationally coupled components can be rotated in the first rotational direction R 1  is limited by the interaction between the stop member  93  of the cover  84  and the extension  33  of the valve body  14 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 8-9C , various rotational positions of the multi-port valve  10  will be discussed. Referring to  FIG. 9A , in a first rotational position a first flow path F 1  is defined through the multi-port valve  10 . In the first rotational position, the input port  22  receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port  22 , through the fluid channel  52 , and to the second output port  20   b . Between the input port  22  and the second output port  20   b , the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel  52 , the inner surface  18   b  of the valve body  14 , and the ledge  39 , each of which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel  52  and migrating to any of the other output ports. Due to the presence of the blocking extension  56 , the fluid is prevented from flowing within the fluid channel  52  entirely around the complete circumference of the directional component  44  in the second rotational direction R 2 . Likewise, the flow stop rib  40  prevents the fluid from flowing around the circumference of the directional component  44  in the first rotational direction R 1  after entering the multi-port valve  10  through the input port  22 . To alter the fluid flow path, a user can apply a force to the cover  84  as previously described to move the cover  84  and alignment member  100  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. 
     When the cover  84  and alignment member  100  are in the second vertical position, the user can rotate the cover in the second rotational R 2  to a second rotational position, as shown in  FIG. 9B . The cover  84  can be prevented from rotating in the second rotational direction R 2  from the first rotational position to the second rotational position by the interaction of the stop member  93  of the cover  84  and the stop member  33  of the valve body  14 . However, in other embodiments the rotational movement of the cover  84  from the first rotational position to the second rotational position can be reversed. The stop member  93  of the cover  84  and the stop member  33  of the valve body  14  can be configured such that the second rotational position depicted in  FIG. 9B  is the furthest the cover  84  and the rotationally coupled components can be rotated relative to the valve body  14  in the first rotational direction R 1 . In the second rotational position, the blocking extension  56  of the directional component  44  is positioned circumferentially between the input port  22  of the valve body  14  and the first output port  20   a . As a result, a second flow path F 2  is defined in the second rotational position, in which the blocking extension  56  and flow stop rib  40  prevent the flow of fluid from exiting the multi-port valve  10  through any of the output ports  20   a - 20   e . The second flow path F 2  thus only extends from the input to the end of the vertical portion  52   a  of the fluid channel  52 . Because of this, the second rotational position can be referred to as an off position for the multi-port valve  10 , as no fluid will be transferred through the multi-port valve  10  from the input to any of the outputs attached to the output ports  20   a - 20   e.    
     After the cover  84 , and thus the directional component  44  is in the second rotational position, the cover  84  and alignment member  100  can be axially moved from the first vertical position to the second vertical position to allow the cover  84  to be rotated in the second rotational direction R 2  to a third rotational position, as shown in  FIG. 9C . In the third rotational position, a third flow path F 3  is defined through the multi-port valve  10 . In the third rotational position, the input port  22  receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port  22 , through the fluid channel  52 , and to the first output port  20   a . Between the input port  22  and the first output port  20   a , the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel  52 , the inner surface  18   b  of the valve body  14 , and the ledge  39 , each of which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel  52  and migrating to any of the other output ports. While rotation of the cover  84  and directional component  44  is only described from the first rotational position to the second and third rotational positions, rotation between any combination of these rotational positions, as well as other rotational positions that direct fluid to any of the output ports  20   a - 20   e , can be performed as desired. Also, while rotation may be described with reference to only certain components, such as the cover  84  and directional component  44 , rotation of the cover  84  also causes rotation of the alignment member  100 , coupler  62 , and directional component  44  relative to the valve body  14 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 10A-14C , a second embodiment of a multi-port valve  120  will be described for selectively changing a flow path of fluid between combinations of an input port  130  and one of the output ports  128   a - 128   d , or alternatively blocking the flow of liquid from flowing to any of the output ports  128   a - 128   d  from the input port  130 . Referring to  FIGS. 10A-11 and 13 , the multi-port valve  120  includes a valve body  124  that includes an outer surface  124   a , an inner surface  124   b  opposite the outer surface  124   a , and a bottom extension  150  extending from the bottom of the valve body  124  that has a decreased diameter relative to the majority of the valve body  124 . The valve body  124  also includes a central cavity  146  defined by the inner surface  124   b . The valve body  124  can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The input port  130  and the output ports  128   a - 128   e  each extend radially away from the outer surface  124   a  of the valve body  124 . For convenience in identification hereinafter, the output ports can be referred to as a first output port  128   a , a second output port  128   b , a third output port  128   c , and a fourth output port  128   d . Each of the input port  130  and the output ports  128   a - 128   d  can define substantially hollow bodies that extend from the outer surface  124   a  and terminate at an outer opening  142 . The input port  130  functions to interface with and receive liquid from an input, such as a conventional piece of flexible tubing. Similarly, each of the output ports  128   a - 128   d  function to interface with and transmit liquid to an output, such as a conventional piece of flexible tubing. Though four output ports  128   a - 128   d  are shown, the multi-port valve  120  can include more or less as desired. Also, though the output ports  128   a - 128   d  and the input port  130  are shown as arranged around the valve body  124  in a particular arrangement, the relative positions of the output ports  128   a - 128   d  and the input port  130  can be rearranged as desired. 
     The input port  130  and each of the output ports  128   a - 128   d  can include an internal passage  140  for receiving a flow of liquid, where each of the internal passages  140  extends from an inner opening  138  on the inner surface  124   b  of the valve body  124  to an outer opening  142  located at the end of the respective port. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the center axis of each of the output ports  128   a - 128   d  extends along a third plane P 3  and the center axis of the input port  130  extends along a fourth plane P 4 . The third plane P 3  can be spaced from the fourth plane P 4  and extend substantially parallel to the fourth plane P 4 . In particular, the input port  130  can be positioned directly below one of the output ports  128   a - 128   d , such as the first output port  128   a  in the depicted embodiment. Though the fourth plane P 4  is depicted as positioned below the third plane P 3 , the third and fourth planes P 3  and P 4 , and thus the input port  130  and the output ports  128   a - 128   d , can be repositioned as desired. Each of the input port  130  and the output ports  128   a - 128   d  can be formed with a straight shaft  132  and a barb  134  extending from the outer surface of the straight shaft  132  in order to engage and retain a respective input or output, which can be a piece of conventional flexible tubing as previously described. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 10A-12 , the multi-port valve  120  includes a directional component  154  configured to be received within the central cavity  146  of the valve body  124 . The directional component  154  includes a body  158  that has an upper surface  158   a , a lower surface  158   b  opposite the upper surface  158   a , and a rim  160  that extends downward from the lower surface  158   b . The directional component  154  can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. A knob  164  can extend upwards from the upper surface  158   a , where the knob  164  is configured to be gripped for manual rotation of the directional component  154 . The knob  164  is depicted as having a greater diameter and height than the body  158  for easier manual actuation, though the knob  164  can be differently sized or shaped as desired. The directional component  154  can also include a shaft  172  that extends downward from an upper end  172   a  attached to the lower surface  158   b  of the body  158  to a lower end  172   b  axially spaced from the  158 . The shaft  172  can define a bore  168  that extends from the lower end  172   b  of the shaft  172  to the upper end  172   a . However, the bore  168  can extend to any extent through the shaft  172  as desired. The directional component  154  can also include a plurality of ribs  184  that extend from the inner surface of the rim  160  to the upper end  172   a  of the shaft  172  for providing structural support and stability to the directional component  154 . 
     The shaft  172  includes a fluid channel  180  that extends from the outer surface of the shaft  172  into the shaft  172 , as well as partially around a circumference of the shaft  172 . When the directional component  154  is disposed within the central cavity  146  of the valve body  124  and the shaft  172  contacts the inner surface  124   b  of the valve body  124 , the fluid channel  180  can be configured to receive a flow of liquid from the input port  130  and direct the flow of liquid to one of the output ports  128   a - 1128   d . In this embodiment, the fluid channel  180  is a single, continuous channel that is formed across the entirety of the circumference of the shaft  172  of the directional component. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid channel  180  can be understood as comprising two portions a horizontal portion  180   b  and a vertical portion  180   a  that extends from the horizontal portion  180   b . The width and depth of the fluid channel  180  can be selected in order to provide an adequate and constant liquid flow or to satisfy any other functional considerations. The horizontal portion  180   b  can extend around the entirety of the circumference of the shaft  172  of the directional component  154 , while the vertical portion  180   a  can extend upward from the horizontal portion  180   b  and terminate at a location below the upper end  172   a  of the shaft  172 . The horizontal portion  180   b  can define a similar width and depth as the vertical portion  180   a , though these dimensions may differ as desired. 
     When the shaft  172  of the directional component  154  is disposed within the central cavity  146  of the valve body  124 , the third plane P 3  can extend through the vertical portion  180   a  of the fluid channel  180 , such that part of the vertical portion  180   a  is vertically aligned with the output ports  128   a - 128   d . Likewise, when the shaft  172  of the directional component  154  is disposed within the central cavity  146  of the valve body  124 , the fourth plane P 4  can extend through the horizontal portion  180   b  of the fluid channel  180 , such that a part of the horizontal portion  180   b  is vertically aligned with the input port  130 . As a result, in various rotational positions the fluid channel  180  can receive a liquid flow from the input port  130  and direct the liquid flow to the vertical portion  180   a , which then directs the liquid flow to one of the output ports  128   a - 128   d . The shaft  172  can also include a recess  176  that extends around the lower end  172   b  of the shaft  172  at a location spaced axially below the fluid channel  180 . When the multi-port valve  120  is fully assembled, the recess  176  can receive a seal (not shown) that is configured to contact both the shaft  172  and the inner surface  124   b  of the valve body for sealing the lower end of the fluid channel  180 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 14A-14C , various rotational positions of the multi-port valve  120  will be discussed. Referring to  FIG. 14A , in a first rotational position a fourth flow path F 4  is defined through the multi-port valve  120 . In the first rotational position, the input port  130  receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port  130 , through the fluid channel  180 , and to the first output port  128   a . Between the input port  130  and the first output port  128   a , the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel  180  and the inner surface  124   b  of the valve body  124 , which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel  180  and migrating to any of the other output ports. Unlike in the multi-port valve  10 , liquid is permitted to flow around an entire circumference of the shaft  172  via the horizontal portion  180   b  of the fluid channel  180 . To alter the fluid flow path, a user can manually rotate the directional component  154  by gripping the knob  164  and/or body  158  and rotating the directional component  154  from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. Unlike in the multi-port valve  10 , the directional component  154  is free to rotate a complete 360 degrees, and can be rotated without any axial movement relative to the valve body  124 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14B , the directional component  154  has been rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. The directional component can be rotated between rotational positions in either the first rotational direction R 1 , which is shown as a counterclockwise direction, or a second rotational direction R 2  that is opposite the first rotational direction R 1 , which is shown as a clockwise direction. In the second rotational position, the vertical portion  180   a  of the fluid channel  180  is positioned such that it is not in communication with the internal passage  140  of any of the output ports  128   a - 128   d , creating a fifth flow path F 5 . As a result, the input port  130  receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port  130  and the vertical and horizontal portions  180   a ,  180   b  of the fluid channel  180 . However, as the fluid channel  180  is not in fluid communication with any of the output ports  128   a - 128   d , no fluid exits the multi-port valve  120 . Because of this, the second rotational position can be referred to as an off position for the multi-port valve  120 . Referring to  FIG. 14C , in a third rotational position a fifth flow path F 5  is defined through the multi-port valve  120 . In the third rotational position, the input port  130  receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port  130 , through the fluid channel  180 , and to the fourth output port  128   d . Between the input port  130  and the fourth output port  128   d , the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel  180  and the inner surface  124   b  of the valve body  124 , which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel  180  and migrating to any of the other output ports. 
     While the invention is described herein using a limited number of embodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as otherwise described and claimed herein. The precise arrangement of various elements and order of the steps of articles and methods described herein are not to be considered limiting. For instance, although the steps of the methods are described with reference to sequential series of reference signs and progression of the blocks in the figures, the method can be implemented in a particular order as desired.