Patent Description:
High speed container filling systems are well known and used in many different industries. A container filling system with a fluid shutoff valve assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>. A valve assembly with a piston-type valve is known from <CIT>. In many of the systems, fluids are supplied to containers to be filled through a series of pumps, pressurized tanks and flow meters and/or valves to help ensure the correct amount of fluid is dispensed into the containers. When filling containers, especially at high rates, however, conventional pumps, pressurized or gravity fed systems and valves can create a surge of fluid at the end of the filling cycle that can cause the fluid in the container to splash in a direction generally opposite to the direction of filling and often out of the container being filled. This can lead to a waste of the fluid, contamination of the outer surfaces of the container and/or contamination of the filling equipment itself. Further, compensating for splash-back to reduce the adverse effects often forces manufacturers to use containers such as bottles that include enough head space to prevent any back-splash from exiting the bottle. As such, the containers used often have a volume that is significantly larger than the volume of the fluid to be filled into the container. This creates waste in terms of the amount of material used to make the containers, which can be costly, and can result in containers that appears to be less than completely filled.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved fluid filling system, and especially a fluid shutoff valve assembly that will provide very little or no splash-back at the end of the filling cycle.

The present invention is directed to a fluid shutoff valve assembly for a fluid filling line, the valve assembly having a fluid flow path defining a direction of fluid flow, the assembly comprising: a fluid inlet orifice in fluid communication with a source of a fluid, the fluid inlet orifice allowing the fluid to flow in the direction of fluid flow from the source of the fluid into the fluid flow path of the valve assembly; a fluid outlet orifice in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the valve assembly and through which the fluid may flow out of the valve assembly; a first valve, the first valve being located upstream of a second valve and configured to shut off the source of fluid from the fluid flow path while the second valve is in at least a partially open configuration; and the second valve being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the second valve comprising a stopping structure having a fluid blocking portion and a fluid flow-through portion, the stopping structure being moveable from a filling position wherein the fluid flow-through portion is aligned with the fluid flow path such that fluid passes through the stopping structure, to a closed position wherein the fluid blocking portion is aligned with the fluid flow path, wherein the second valve is a piston-type valve oriented such that it moves in a direction that is generally perpendicular (up to about <NUM> degrees in any direction from exactly perpendicular to the fluid flow path) to, and preferably at least <NUM> degrees different from the direction of fluid flow at a location where the second valve intercepts the fluid flow path.

In addition, also disclosed is a fluid shutoff valve assembly for a high-speed fluid filling line, the valve assembly having a fluid flow path defining a direction of fluid flow, the assembly comprising: a fluid inlet orifice in fluid communication with a source of a fluid that is under pressure, the fluid inlet orifice allowing the fluid to flow in the direction of fluid flow from the source of the fluid into the fluid flow path of the valve assembly; a fluid outlet orifice in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the valve assembly and through which the fluid may flow out of the valve assembly; a first valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a first valve open configuration which allows the fluid to flow through the first valve and a first valve closed configuration that prevents fluid from flowing past the first valve; and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve and the fluid outlet orifice, the first valve and the second valve being separated from each other by a reservoir region having a length of at least about <NUM>, the second valve having a second valve open configuration which allows the fluid to flow through the second valve and a second valve closed configuration that prevents fluid from flowing past the second valve, wherein the second valve is oriented such that it moves in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow at a location where the second valve intercepts the fluid flow path, and wherein the valve assembly is configured such that the first valve closes before the second valve closes, thereby reducing the pressure of the fluid in the fluid flow path located between the first valve and the second valve prior to the second valve closing.

Also, the present invention is directed to a method of reducing the back-splash associated with filling a container with a fluid, the method including: providing a container to be filled with a fluid, the container having an opening; providing a nozzle adjacent the opening of the container; providing a valve assembly in fluid communication with the nozzle; providing the fluid to fill the containers to the valve assembly, the valve assembly including a fluid inlet orifice in fluid communication with a source of the fluid, the fluid inlet orifice allowing the fluid to flow in the direction of fluid flow from the source of the fluid into the fluid flow path of the valve assembly; a fluid outlet orifice in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the valve assembly and through which the fluid may flow out of the valve assembly; a first valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a first valve open configuration which allows the fluid to flow through the first valve, a first valve closed configuration that prevents fluid from flowing past the first valve, and a first stopping structure; and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve and the fluid outlet orifice, the second valve comprising a second stopping structure having a second valve open configuration which allows the fluid to flow through the second valve by passing through the stopping structure, a second valve closed configuration that prevents fluid from flowing past the second valve and the second stopping structure, wherein the first valve and the second valve are separated from each other by a reservoir region, and wherein the second valve is a piston-type valve; closing the first valve at a first predetermined time by moving it from the first valve open configuration to the first valve closed configuration to temporarily cut off the source of the fluid; and closing the second valve at a second predetermined time that is after the first predetermined time by moving the second stopping structure direction that is generally perpendicular (up to about <NUM> degrees in any direction from exactly perpendicular) to the direction of fluid flow at a location where the second valve intercepts the fluid flow path from the second valve open configuration to the second valve closed configuration in order to prevent the fluid in the fluid flow path from exiting the fluid outlet orifice. The invention provides a fluid shutoff valve assembly according to claims <NUM> to <NUM>, and a method of reducing the back-splash associated with filling a container with a fluid according to claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The following description is intended to provide a general description of the invention along with specific examples to help the reader. The description should not be taken as limiting in any way as other features, combinations of features and embodiments are contemplated by the inventors. Further, the particular embodiments set forth herein are intended to be exemplary of the various features of the invention. As such, it is fully contemplated that features of any of the embodiments described can be combined with or replaced by features of other embodiments, or removed, to provide alternative or additional embodiments within the scope of the invention.

The low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly of the present invention may be used in high-speed container filling operations, such as high-speed bottle filling. It should be understood, however, that other types of containers are contemplated, including, but not limited to boxes, cups, cans, vials, single unit dose containers such as, for example soluble unit dose pods, pouches, bags, etc., and that the speed of the filling line should not be considered limiting. Further, without being bound by theory, it is believed that the splashing in conventional filling lines is created by one or more factors, including, for example, the reduction in the cross-sectional area in the fluid flow path as the fluid shutoff valve closes and/or the quick movement of the valve in the direction of the fluid flow to close the valve and shutoff the fluid flow. By reducing the amount or intensity of the splash-back, filling can be done at higher speeds and/or with higher accuracy, and may provide other benefits such as better hygiene, less wasted product and/or packaging, etc..

<FIG> is an isometric view of one example of a low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly <NUM> that may be used in container filling operations, such as high-speed bottle filling. The low splash fluid shut off valve assembly <NUM> shown includes a first valve component <NUM> having a first valve <NUM>. The first valve <NUM> has a first stopping structure <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The shutoff valve assembly <NUM> shown also includes a second valve component <NUM> having a fluid shutoff valve such as second valve <NUM>. The second valve <NUM> has a second stopping structure <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are in fluid communication with each other.

The low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> also includes a fluid inlet orifice <NUM> and a fluid exit orifice <NUM>. The fluid inlet orifice <NUM> is disposed adjacent the first valve <NUM> and may be part of the first valve component <NUM> or a separate piece permanently or temporarily fixed thereto. The fluid inlet orifice <NUM> is the location where the fluid <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) passing through the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> enters the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> from the fluid source <NUM>. The fluid <NUM> may be pressurized or provided at a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. Once entering the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, the fluid <NUM> flows along a fluid flow path <NUM> through the first valve component <NUM> to the first valve <NUM>. If the first valve <NUM> is in an open configuration, as shown in <FIG>, the fluid <NUM> will pass through the valve <NUM> and continue along the fluid flow path <NUM> into a reservoir region <NUM> between the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM>. Upon reaching the second valve <NUM>, the fluid <NUM> will either pass through the second valve <NUM> or be prevented from passing through by the second stopping structure <NUM> of the second valve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second valve component <NUM> is configured such that the second valve <NUM> is in fluid communication with the first valve <NUM> and the fluid exit orifice <NUM>. As such, the second valve component <NUM> can be used to prevent fluid <NUM> from exiting the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, as desired. In <FIG>, the second valve <NUM> is shown in an open configuration that will allow the fluid <NUM> to pass through the valve <NUM> and out of the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first valve <NUM> is shown in a closed configuration and the second valve <NUM> is shown in an open configuration. In this configuration, the second valve <NUM> is isolated from the fluid source <NUM> from which the fluid <NUM> is provided into the valve assembly <NUM>, but the second valve <NUM> is still open to allow fluid <NUM> to pass out of the valve assembly <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second valve <NUM> is shown in a closed configuration where the second stopping structure <NUM> prevents the fluid <NUM> from passing through the second valve <NUM> and out of the valve assembly <NUM>.

For simplicity, the figures only depict certain exemplary types of valves. However, it is to be understood that any suitable valve can be used in the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. For example, the first valve <NUM> may be a ball valve, spool valve, rotary valve, sliding valve, wedge valve, butterfly valve, choke valve, diaphragm valve, gate-type valve, needle pinch valve, piston valve, plug valve, poppet valve and any other type of valve suitable for the particular use intended for the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. The second valve <NUM> is a piston-type valve. Further, the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> may include any number of valves and the valves may be the same type, different or a combination thereof. The valves may be any desired size and need not be the same size. Examples of valves that have been found suitable for use in the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, for example, to fill bottles with soap, such as hand dish soap having a viscosity of around <NUM> centipoise and liquid laundry detergent having a viscosity of around <NUM> centipoise, are piston, spool and rotary valves.

The valves may be driven, actuated and/or controlled by any suitable drivers and/or controllers, including, but not limited to air or pneumatic drivers, servos, hydraulics, magnetic, cams and other mechanical drivers, etc. or combinations thereof. Further, the valves may be controlled manually or by means of a computer or other controlling device. As shown in <FIG>, the valves <NUM> and <NUM> are driven by independent pneumatic cylinders <NUM>. However, any number of valves may be driven or controlled by a single actuator can be coupled together mechanically, electronically or otherwise to be driven or controlled by any number or drivers and/or controllers. One exemplary servo driver is an electrical cylinder actuator (e.g. CBL50-<NUM>-<NUM>-2F-<NUM>) available from SMAC Moving Coil Actuators.

As shown in <FIG>, valves <NUM> and <NUM>, are piston valves and may include one or more seals <NUM>. The seals <NUM> provide a sealing mechanism to ensure that the fluid <NUM> does not seep out of the valve along the stopping structure. The seals <NUM> may be any suitable size and/or shape and may be made from any suitable material. Further, each valve may include any number of seals <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, each valve includes two seals <NUM>, one at each end of the stopping structure <NUM>, <NUM>. One example of a suitable seal <NUM> is an o-ring, such as an extreme chemical Viton Etp O-ring Dash number <NUM> available from McMaster-Carr.

If piston valves are used, the valves may be any suitable size or shape. For example, the valve <NUM> may be a cylinder or cylinder-like. The valve may have a cylindrical shape with a portion necked down to allow the fluid to pass around it, similar to valve <NUM>. Alternatively, the valve may be similar to valve <NUM>, having a cylindrical shape having one or more channels extending through the cylinder, the channel(s) allowing the fluid to pass through it. Of course, other suitable valves can be used. Further, the valve or any portions of the valves can be made out of any material suitable for the purpose of the valve. For example, the valve may be made out of steel, plastic, aluminum, ceramics, layers of different materials, etc. One embodiment that has been found to be suitable for use with fluids, such as hand dish detergent liquids having viscosities between about <NUM> and about <NUM> centipoise is a ceramic material AmAlOx <NUM> (<NUM>% aluminum oxide ceramic) available from Astro Met, Inc, <NUM> Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH. One advantage of ceramic materials is that they can be formed with very close tolerances and may not need additional seals or other sealing structures to prevent fluid <NUM> from escaping the valve. Reducing the number of seals can also reduce the spaces into which microbes can find their way and live, which can help improve the hygiene of the process.

In embodiments where two or more valves are incorporated into the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, it has been found to be advantageous to separate at least the valve disposed closest to the fluid outlet orifice <NUM> of the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, in terms of the fluid flow path <NUM>, from other valves in the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that providing a distance between the valves can act as a buffer between the fluid flow entering the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> and final valve before the fluid <NUM> exits the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first valve <NUM> is separated from the second valve <NUM> by reservoir region <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the reservoir region <NUM> is the portion of the fluid flow path <NUM> located between the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM>. The reservoir region <NUM> provides a space for fluid <NUM> to remain when either or both the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are closed. The reservoir region <NUM> can be any desired size, shape or dimension. As shown in <FIG>, the reservoir region <NUM> may include an exit portion <NUM> of the first valve component <NUM> and an inlet portion <NUM> of the second valve component <NUM>. Also, as shown in <FIG>, the reservoir region <NUM> may include a spacing channel <NUM>. The spacing channel <NUM> may be any suitable structure for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. As shown in <FIG>, the spacing channel <NUM> may be an opening in a spacer, such as spacing element <NUM>, that includes structure to space apart the first valve component <NUM> and the second valve component <NUM>. However, the spacing channel <NUM> may also be a tube, hose, pipe, line, conduit, channel, duct or the like that connects the exit portion <NUM> of the first valve component <NUM> to the inlet portion <NUM> of the second valve component <NUM> to complete the fluid flow path <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the spacing channel <NUM> may be disposed downstream of the final valve in the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> so as to provide space between the final valve and any downstream structure, such as, for example, a nozzle <NUM>.

As noted above, the reservoir region <NUM> can be any desired size, shape or dimension. However, it may be desirable for the reservoir region <NUM> to have a predetermined length, diameter and/or volume. For example, it may be desirable for the length L (e.g. shown in <FIG>) of the reservoir region <NUM> to be at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> or at least about <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, it may be desirable for the length L of the reservoir region <NUM> to be at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>% of the diameter D of the reservoir region <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, it may be desirable for the diameter D of the reservoir region <NUM> to be less than <NUM>% of the length L of the reservoir region, less than <NUM>% of the length L of the reservoir region, or less than about <NUM>% of the length L of the reservoir region <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, it may be desirable for the volume of the reservoir region <NUM> to be at least about at least about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>, or at least about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>, at least about <NUM><NUM>, or at least about <NUM><NUM>.

It may be desirable for the length L, diameter D and/or volume of the reservoir region <NUM> be increased as the velocity increases and/or viscosity of the fluid <NUM> decreases. This is because an increase in velocity and/or decrease in viscosity of the fluid <NUM> can create more and/or larger splash-back. Further, without being bound by theory, it is believed that the length L and the diameter D of the reservoir region <NUM> may impact the difference in shutoff timing between the pressure isolation valve (e.g. first valve <NUM>) and the fluid shutoff valve (e.g. second valve <NUM>). For example, as the length L of the reservoir region <NUM> increases, there is more time to shut the fluid shutoff valve after the pressure isolation valve is shut without risking a pressure surge out of the valve assembly <NUM>.

The reservoir region <NUM> may also be static or variable in dimensions. That is, it can have set dimensions such as length, width, height, diameter, volume, etc. or can have dimensions that can change. For example, it may be desirable that the reservoir region <NUM> is a fixed portion of tubing with a certain diameter located between the first valve portion <NUM> and the second valve portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the reservoir region <NUM> can be created by moving all or a portion of the first valve portion <NUM> in relation to the second valve portion <NUM>. As such, the dimensions of the reservoir region <NUM> can be changed. One way to change the volume of the reservoir region <NUM> is to configure the first valve <NUM> to move in a direction generally parallel, but opposite to the fluid flow path <NUM> when it closes. In doing so, the valve <NUM> can create more volume in the reservoir region <NUM> than when the valve <NUM> is open. The term "generally parallel to, but opposite to the fluid flow path" refers to a direction that is exactly opposite (i.e. <NUM> degrees) from the fluid flow path <NUM> or up to about <NUM> degrees greater than or less than exactly opposite to the fluid flow path <NUM>. It is to be understood that all angles in the range of - <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from the fluid flow path <NUM> are contemplated and specifically set forth herein. This added volume in the reservoir region <NUM> when the valve <NUM> is closed can help reduce the pressure of the fluid <NUM> in the reservoir region <NUM> and may provide the additional benefit of helping reduce splash-back when used in conjunction with one or more other valves.

Other ways to increase or decrease the volume of the reservoir region <NUM> include incorporating one or more pistons, bladders, valves or other moveable structures in fluid communication with the reservoir region <NUM> that can move or change shape, as desired, to increase or decrease the volume of the reservoir region <NUM>. In any of these configurations, changing the volume of the reservoir region <NUM> can help prevent splash-back and/or dripping from the fluid exit orifice <NUM> of the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> and/or nozzle <NUM>.

The reservoir region <NUM> may also include one or more mixing ports <NUM> and one or more static or dynamic mixers <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>) to provide for the addition of ingredients to be mixed with or into the fluid <NUM>. For example, the fluid <NUM> could be a base material (e.g. water), formulation or a pre-mixed composition into which it is desired to add one or more ingredients. The reservoir region <NUM> may provide a desirable location to add ingredients to the fluid <NUM> entering the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> because the fluid flow can be reduced or stopped in the reservoir region <NUM> for a predetermined period of time. This time can allow time for addition of the ingredients, mixing and/or residence time for the materials to fully mix or react with each other. Also, the reservoir region <NUM> can provide for more accurate addition of materials to the fluid because the specific volume of the fluid <NUM> in the reservoir region <NUM> can be fixed and is less susceptible to variation than an ongoing stream of fluid <NUM>. Further still, the reservoir region <NUM> can provide a suitable location to mix ingredients just before filling the containers, which can provide flexibility in the filling operation and allow for late stage differentiation of the end product. For example, an operator could choose to add different ingredients to a base formulation just before it is released into the container. This can prevent contamination of upstream equipment with the additional ingredients and can allow for different products with the same base formulation to be produced on the same manufacturing line. It is also contemplated that addition or mixing of ingredients can take place when one or more of the valves is open. For example, mixing in the reservoir region <NUM> can take place even when the fluid <NUM> is flowing through the valve assembly. In any case, a mixing pump or other means for providing materials through the mixing port <NUM> and into the reservoir region <NUM> can be timed or otherwise controlled to be coordinated with, or driven by one or more valves of the valve assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a spout or other fluid directing or control structure, such as nozzle <NUM>, may be disposed adjacent the exit orifice <NUM> of the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. As used herein, the term "nozzle" is not intended to be limited to a particular structure or element, but rather, is intended to designate generally the final orifice or orifices that the fluid <NUM> flows through before entering the container it is intended to fill. The nozzle <NUM> may include any number of orifices <NUM> or other openings through which fluid <NUM> may flow. In <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> shown includes several orifices <NUM> that are generally circular in cross-section, but other shapes, numbers of orifices and sizes are contemplated. Also, the nozzle <NUM> need not be a single nozzle, but may include one or more nozzles that are separate or joined together. The shape and/or orientation of the nozzle <NUM> can be static or dynamic. It is also contemplated that the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> and/or nozzles may be configured such that different nozzles can be used with the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, allowing the operator to choose between different nozzle types depending on the particular filling operation.

The nozzle <NUM> can also be manufactured as part of the valve assembly <NUM> or any one or more of the valve components. This can reduce the number of seals needed between parts, which can be especially useful when filling containers with fluids that include ingredients, such as perfumes, that can degrade or compromise seal integrity. Such configurations can also help reduce or eliminate locations where microbes, sediment and/or solids can get trapped.

<FIG> show examples of how two valves, first valve <NUM> and second valve <NUM> can be configured and operated in the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> to provide low splash-back when the second valve <NUM> is closed. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are both in an open configuration providing an uninterrupted fluid flow path <NUM> from the inlet orifice <NUM> to the exit orifice <NUM>. In <FIG>, the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> is shown in a configuration where the first valve <NUM> is in a closed configuration and the second valve <NUM> is shown in an open configuration. Thus, the fluid flow path <NUM> is interrupted at the first valve <NUM>. If the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> is being used in a system wherein the fluid <NUM> passing through the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> is under pressure, closing the first valve <NUM> will separate the reservoir region <NUM> and any fluid <NUM> disposed in the system downstream of the first valve <NUM> from the fluid <NUM> under pressure. This allows the reservoir region <NUM> to act as a buffer zone for the fluid <NUM> just upstream of the second valve <NUM>. As such, the pressure and/or velocity of the fluid <NUM> in the reservoir region <NUM> can be reduced versus the velocity and/or pressure of the fluid <NUM> in the reservoir region <NUM> when the first valve <NUM> is open. This allows the second valve <NUM> to close without creating a surge of fluid <NUM> out of the nozzle <NUM> and into the container <NUM> to be filled, which, in turn, can significantly reduce or eliminate splashing of the fluid <NUM> out of the container <NUM> at the end of the fill cycle (i.e. when the final valve is shut to end the filling operation for any particular container).

Although many different types of valves can be incorporated into the shutoff valve assembly <NUM>, valves that use a shearing motion to stop the fluid <NUM> that is flowing along the fluid flow path <NUM> have been found to be especially useful to reduce the amount of splash-back experienced when shutting the valve. Shearing the fluid <NUM> rather than stopping it by movement of portions of the valve in the direction of the fluid flow can reduce the amount and intensity of splash-back. A shearing motion, as used herein, means to move the stopping mechanism of the valve, such as, for example, valve <NUM>, in a motion that is generally perpendicular to the fluid flow path <NUM> as it exits the valve <NUM>. The term "generally perpendicular to the fluid flow path" refers to any direction that is exactly perpendicular (i.e. <NUM> degrees) to the fluid flow path <NUM> or up to about <NUM> degrees in any direction from exactly perpendicular to the fluid flow path <NUM>. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable for the valve <NUM> to move in a direction at least about <NUM> degrees, at least about <NUM> degrees, at least about <NUM> degrees, at least about <NUM> degrees, at least about <NUM> degrees or at least about <NUM> degrees from the fluid flow path <NUM>. Further, it is to be understood that all angles in the range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from the fluid flow path <NUM> in any direction are contemplated and specifically set forth herein.

One way to create a shearing motion is to move the stopping mechanism of a valve in a generally linear motion across the fluid flow path, as is shown in <FIG>. Alternatively or in addition, a shearing motion can be created by rotating a stopping mechanism that has an opening which can be lined up with the fluid flow path to allow the fluid <NUM> to flow through or rotate such that the opening is not lined up with the fluid flow path to close the valve. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the valve component <NUM> includes a valve <NUM> comprising a stopping mechanism, such as cylinder <NUM>, with a channel <NUM> therethrough that can be aligned with the fluid flow path <NUM>. The valve <NUM> is opened by aligning the channel <NUM> with the fluid flow path <NUM>. To close the valve <NUM>, the cylinder <NUM> is rotated such that the channel <NUM> is not aligned with the fluid flow path <NUM>. As shown in the figures, the valve <NUM> is opened and closed by rotating the cylinder <NUM> about an axis of rotation A-A. To create the desired shearing motion when closing a rotational valve <NUM>, the axis of rotation A-A should be generally perpendicular to the fluid flow path <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, such as when the fluid outlet orifice <NUM> is not planar, the motion of the stopping portion of the valve may be at different angles with respect to the fluid flow path <NUM> across the fluid outlet orifice <NUM> or corresponding nozzle orifice(s) <NUM>. In such embodiments, it is preferred that at least some portion of the movement of the stopping mechanism is generally perpendicular to the fluid flow path <NUM>. Preferably, at least about <NUM>% of the motion of the stopping portion of the valve is generally perpendicular relative to the fluid flow path <NUM>, at least at least about <NUM>% of the motion of the stopping portion of the valve is generally perpendicular relative to the fluid flow path <NUM>, at least about <NUM>% of the motion of the stopping portion of the valve is generally perpendicular relative to the fluid flow path <NUM> or at least about <NUM>% of the motion of the stopping portion of the valve is generally perpendicular relative to the fluid flow path <NUM>.

Regardless of the type of first valve that is used, closing the valve can disrupt the fluid flow making it more difficult to control. As such, it may be desirable to design one or more of the valves such that it has a particular shape, or such that it closes at a particular rate or in a particular direction as compared to other valves or structure in the valve assembly to help maintain a more regular fluid flow and to help reduce back-splash. For example, it may be desirable in an assembly including two piston-type valves, to close the valves in generally opposite directions so that any surge that is created by the first valve <NUM> is blocked by the stopping structure <NUM> of the second valve <NUM> as it closes. It may also be desirable to configure the valve assembly <NUM> such that it includes one or more valves that can partially close to adjust the filling rate rather than merely opening and closing. For example, the first valve <NUM> could be configured to close partially at some point during the filling cycle to slow the flow rate of the fluid <NUM>. In doing so, it may be able to increase the accuracy of the amount of fluid <NUM> that is filled into the container. An example would be to close the first valve <NUM> a predetermined amount, such as, for example about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% or about <NUM>% to slow the fluid flow velocity, for example, about <NUM>%. Then, once the fluid flow velocity has been reduced, the first valve <NUM> or the second valve <NUM> can be closed. By reducing the fluid flow velocity prior to the end of the filling cycle, the amount of variation in the fill volume can be decreased. This can reduce waste, improve quality control, and even help reduce the amount of splash-back experienced at the end of the filling cycle.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the second valve <NUM> is adjacent the fluid outlet orifice <NUM>. In such embodiments, it may be desirable for the second valve <NUM> or associated structure to seal the fluid outlet orifice <NUM> when the second valve <NUM> is in a closed configuration. This can help ensure that the fluid <NUM>, if any, remaining in the fluid outlet orifice <NUM> and/or nozzle <NUM>, will not drip between the end of one filling cycle and the beginning of the next filling cycle. One exemplary way to create a seal between the second valve <NUM> or corresponding structure and the fluid outlet orifice <NUM> is to extend the nozzle <NUM> through the outlet orifice <NUM> such that it is located against the structure of the valve, such as valve component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. If this is done, it may be desirable to coordinate the shape of the inlet surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) outlet surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the valve component <NUM> such that the two parts fit together closely, at least along the inlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> including the orifice(s) <NUM>. For example, if the valve component <NUM> is cylindrical, the inlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> may be curved to match the curved shape of the valve component <NUM>. In addition or alternatively, the nozzle <NUM> can be biased against the valve component <NUM> by any suitable means, including, for example spring <NUM>. One particular spring that has found to be suitable is a Smalley C125 L1 wave spring configured to push the nozzle against the valve component <NUM>. Other biasing means can also be used, including but not limited to elastomeric materials, pressure, magnetics, cams, levers and the like. Yet another way to create a seal is manufacture the components of the valve to have tolerances less than about <NUM> inches. This fit is generally tight enough to provide a liquid tight seal at operating pressures up to about <NUM> psi. Of course, other tolerances may be suitable depending on the fluid <NUM> characteristics and any needs or desires for the particular filling process.

As noted above, the shutoff valve assembly <NUM> may include a valve or other structure that expands the volume of the reservoir region <NUM>. It may also include structure that provides a vacuum to the reservoir region <NUM> or provides negative pressure in the reservoir region <NUM> to help reduce the pressure of the fluid <NUM> in the reservoir region <NUM>. The addition of such a feature in the valve assembly <NUM> may help reduce splash-back, dripping and/or stringing of the fluid <NUM> out of the valve assembly <NUM> or nozzle <NUM>. One example of a valve assembly <NUM> that includes such a drip-reduction feature is described above and includes a valve that moves in a direction generally parallel to, but opposite to the fluid flow path <NUM> when it closes. Another exemplary embodiment is shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the valve assembly <NUM> includes a first valve <NUM> and a second valve <NUM> in fluid communication with each other. Reservoir region <NUM> extends between the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM>. A vacuum piston <NUM> is disposed between the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> and is in fluid communication with the reservoir region <NUM>. Specifically, the piston <NUM> is disposed in a vacuum channel <NUM> that opens into (is in fluid communication with) reservoir region <NUM>. As such, when the piston <NUM> is moved in a direction away from the reservoir region <NUM>, the vacuum channel <NUM> lengthens and increases in volume. Because the fluid flow path <NUM> is a closed system in this embodiment, the increase in volume acts to provide a vacuum, or at least negative pressure, to the reservoir region <NUM>. When configured properly, the addition of negative pressure or a vacuum to the reservoir region <NUM> prior to the second valve <NUM> closing, can pull the fluid <NUM> back into the nozzle <NUM> and prevent it from dripping or stringing, as some viscous fluids may do between filling cycles.

Reducing or eliminating the splash-back, stringing and/or dripping at the end of the filling cycle can provide numerous benefits, including but not limited to reducing the amount of fluid that is wasted due to its splashing out of the container <NUM>. Further, reducing splash-back, stringing and/or dripping can help the improve hygiene of the process by keeping the fluid <NUM> controlled and in the fluid flow path <NUM> or in the container. Thus, the fluid <NUM> will be less likely to be exposed to the environment, get on the filling or other equipment, or splash onto workers. Additionally, a reduction in splash-back can allow for more accurate filling and less head space in the containers, thus, reduce material, shipping, and storage costs and provide a more full looking container for the consumer. Further still, reducing splash-back as set forth herein can provide the opportunity to speed up production lines because the fluid <NUM> can be filled into the container at a higher velocity, increased volume per unit of time and/or decreased string time. Yet other benefits include keeping the fluid in the container and out of areas that could negatively affect the performance of the container. For example, some fluids may prevent a proper seal from being created between the container and the lid. In other situations, such as filling unit dose "pods", splashing, stringing and/or dripping fluid can contaminate the sealing region between the layers of material that surround the ingredient of the unit dose product, which can, for example, cause a leak, prevent sealing or reduce the seal strength in that region. The above mentioned benefits, and others, can be accomplished by the present invention individually or in any combination, as desired.

<FIG> shows an example of a container filling operation <NUM> that could be used in a manufacturing line. The filling operation <NUM> includes a container filling apparatus <NUM> that includes the low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly <NUM>. Empty containers, such as, for example, bottle <NUM>, are provided and placed adjacent the nozzle <NUM> of the container filling apparatus <NUM>. As shown in the figure, the nozzle <NUM> may be located adjacent the opening <NUM> of the bottle <NUM> but still completely outside of the bottle <NUM> during the filing process, or may be positioned fully or partly within the bottle <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. The process and apparatus of the present invention are particularly helpful to reduce back-splash and other potential negatives associated with quickly opening and closing valves when the nozzle <NUM> is located above the surface of fluid <NUM> in the bottle <NUM> as it is being filled, as well as situations where the nozzle <NUM> is disposed outside of the bottle <NUM> being filled at all times during the filling process.

The bottles <NUM> may be provided by means of a conveyor belt, such as conveyor belt <NUM>, or any other means suitable for supplying the containers. The first valve <NUM> of the first valve component <NUM> is opened to allow fluid <NUM> to flow into the reservoir region <NUM>. The second valve <NUM> of the second valve component <NUM> is opened to allow the fluid <NUM> to flow through the nozzle <NUM> into the bottle <NUM>. As the bottle <NUM> nears the desired fill level, the first valve <NUM> is closed shutting off the fluid flow path <NUM> just upstream of the reservoir region <NUM>. The second valve <NUM> is then closed at an appropriate time to allow the bottle <NUM> to be filled to the desired level. The amount of time between when the first valve <NUM> is closed and the second valve <NUM> is closed can be chosen based on the specifics of the filling operation and the desired results. It may be desirable for the first valve <NUM> to close at least about <NUM> before the second valve <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM> seconds before the second valve <NUM>, greater than or about <NUM> second before the second valve <NUM>, or more than about <NUM> seconds before the second valve <NUM>. Once filled, the bottle, now filled bottle <NUM>, is moved away from the filling operation <NUM> and can be further processed, as desired.

The filling operations <NUM> described herein are intended to be merely examples of filling operations that could include the low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly <NUM> of the present invention. They are not intended to be limiting in any way. It is fully contemplated that other filling operations could be used with the low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly <NUM> of the present invention, including but not limited to operations where more than one container is filled at one time, where containers other than bottles are filled, where different shape and/or size containers are filled, where containers are filled in different orientations than shown in the figure, where different filling levels are chosen and/or varied among containers, and where additional steps take place during the filling operation, such as, for example capping, washing, labeling, weighing, mixing, carbonating, heating, cooling, and/or radiating, etc. Further, the number of valves shown or described, their proximity to each other and other components of the filling apparatus <NUM> or any other equipment is not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplary. Also, the order of operations and how and when the valves are open and closed is not intended to be limiting, but rather an example of how the present invention could be incorporated into a filling operation such as filling operation <NUM>.

" Further, where ranges or alternative units are set forth to describe particular embodiments, it should be understood that every integer within the range is disclosed and that any range between any such integers is contemplated and disclosed.

Claim 1:
A fluid shutoff valve assembly (<NUM>) for a fluid filling line, the valve assembly (<NUM>) having a fluid flow path (<NUM>) defining a direction of fluid flow, the assembly comprising:
a fluid inlet orifice (<NUM>) in fluid communication with a source of a fluid, the fluid inlet orifice (<NUM>) allowing the fluid to flow in the direction of fluid flow from the source of the fluid into the fluid flow path (<NUM>) of the valve assembly (<NUM>);
a fluid outlet orifice (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the fluid flow path (<NUM>) of the valve assembly (<NUM>) and through which the fluid may flow out of the valve assembly (<NUM>);
a first valve (<NUM>), the first valve (<NUM>) being located upstream of a second valve (<NUM>) and configured to shut off the source of fluid from the fluid flow path (<NUM>) while the second valve (<NUM>) is in at least a partially open configuration; and
the second valve (<NUM>) being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (<NUM>) and the fluid outlet (<NUM>), the second valve (<NUM>) comprising a stopping structure (<NUM>) having a fluid blocking portion and a fluid flow-through portion, the stopping structure (<NUM>) being moveable from a filling position wherein the fluid flow-through portion is aligned with the fluid flow path (<NUM>) such that fluid passes through the stopping structure (<NUM>) to a closed position wherein the fluid blocking portion is aligned with the fluid flow path (<NUM>), characterised in that the second valve (<NUM>) is a piston-type valve oriented such that the stopping structure (<NUM>) moves in a direction that is up to about <NUM> degrees in any direction from exactly perpendicular to the fluid flow path and preferably at least about <NUM> degrees different from the direction of fluid flow at a location where the second valve (<NUM>) intercepts the fluid flow path (<NUM>).