Patent Description:
A shuttle valve can have a valve body defining three openings or ports that represent a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. The shuttle valve can also include a movable element configured to move freely within the valve body. When pressure from a fluid is exerted through a particular inlet, it pushes the movable element towards the opposite inlet. This movement may block the opposite inlet, while allowing the fluid to flow from the particular inlet to the outlet. This way, two different fluid sources can provide pressurized fluid to an outlet without back flow from one source to the other.

In some cases, it may be desirable to configure the shuttle valve to allow a high flow rate of fluid therethrough and reduce any partial blockage that can be caused by the movable element. Further, in some cases, the movable element can deteriorate overtime as it cycles back and forth from one inlet to the other, thereby causing leakage. It may thus also be desirable to configure the shuttle valve to reduce the likelihood of leakage over time.

Document <CIT> discloses a known shuttle valve.

The present disclosure describes implementations that relate to a shuttle valve.

In a first example implementation, the present disclosure describes a shuttle valve according to claim <NUM>.

The shuttle valve may further comprise a first fitting mounted to the first inlet port. A second fitting may be mounted to the second inlet port. A third fitting may be mounted to the outlet port. Either the first fitting or the second fitting may form a first seat for the shuttle to interact therewith when the shuttle is in the first position. The valve body may form a second seat for the shuttle to interact therewith when the shuttle is in the second position.

The key may be shaped as an arc and may protrude into a curved space between the two radial protrusions of the plurality of radial protrusions.

The shuttle may comprise a central portion interposed between a first end portion and a second end portion. The plurality of radial protrusions may protrude radially outward from, and may be circumferentially spaced apart about, the peripheral surface of the central portion. The central portion may have a larger diameter than respective diameters of the first end portion and the second end portion.

The plurality of radial protrusions may extend longitudinally for at least a partial length of the central portion.

The central portion may comprise a first flanged portion at a first end thereof. The central portion may comprise a second flanged portion at a second end thereof. The central portion may comprise a middle portion disposed between the first flanged portion and the second flanged portion. The middle portion may have a smaller diameter compared to the first flanged portion and the second flanged portion.

The first end portion of the shuttle may comprise a first annular groove configured to receive a first radial seal therein. The second end portion of the shuttle may comprise a second annular groove, which may be configured to receive a second radial seal therein.

The second inlet port may be coaxial with, and may be mounted opposite to, the first inlet port. The outlet port may be disposed transverse to the first inlet port and the second inlet port.

In a second example implementation, the present disclosure describes a fluid system. The fluid system includes: a first source of pressurized fluid; a second source of pressurized fluid; and a shuttle valve according to at least claim <NUM>, wherein the shuttle is configured to shift between: (i) a first position adjacent to the first inlet port, wherein at the first position the shuttle blocks the first inlet port while allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the second source through the second inlet port to the outlet port, and (ii) a second position adjacent to the second inlet port, wherein at the second position the shuttle blocks the second inlet port while allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the first source through the first inlet port to the outlet port.

The shuttle valve of the fluid system may further comprise a first fitting mounted to the first inlet port and which may be fluidly coupled to the first source. A second fitting may be mounted to the second inlet port and may be fluidly coupled to the second source. A third fitting may be mounted to the outlet port. Either the first fitting or the second fitting may form a first seat for the shuttle to interact therewith when the shuttle is in the first position. The valve body may form a second seat for the shuttle to interact therewith when the shuttle is in the second position.

In a third example implementation, the present disclosure describes a method according to claim <NUM>.

The method may further comprise mounting a first fitting to the first inlet port. A second fitting may be fitted to the second inlet port. A third fitting may be fitted to the outlet port. Either the first fitting or the second fitting may form a first seat for the shuttle. The valve body may form a second seat for the shuttle.

The valve body may further comprise a transverse section having a mounting hole formed therethrough. The method may further comprise mounting a fastener through the mounting hole to affix the shuttle valve to a frame.

The shuttle may further comprise a first end portion and a second end portion. The central portion may be interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion may comprise a first annular groove. The second end portion may comprise a second annular groove. The method may further comprise mounting a first radial seal in the first annular groove; and may comprise mounting a second radial seal in the second annular groove.

In addition to the illustrative aspects, implementations, and features described above, further aspects, implementations, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description.

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative example of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Example shuttle valves are configured to receive flow from two different sources and divert the fluid with the higher pressure level to an outlet port. Shuttle valves can be used in various types of fluid systems (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic systems).

A shuttle valve can include a valve body comprising three openings that represent a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A movable element moves within the valve body. When pressure from a fluid is exerted through a particular inlet, it pushes the movable element towards the opposite inlet where it is seated at a respective seat to block flow to the opposite inlet, while allowing the fluid to flow from the particular inlet port to the outlet port. As the movable element cycles back and forth and impacts respective seats of the shuttle valve, structural integrity of the movable element may deteriorate.

As an example for illustration, in a pneumatic system, the movable element can be a ball made of rubber or similar material. As the ball moves back and forth between two seats corresponding to the two inlet ports of the shuttle valve, the impact of the ball with the seats can cause a ring indentation on the ball under fluid pressure and temperature. Further the ball is free to rotate about its axis, and thus the orientation of the ring indentation can change over time as the location of impact of the ball with the seats changes. As the shuttle valve cools down and then used again, the ring indentation can form a leakage path between the two inlet ports of the shuttle valve, which is undesirable.

Further, in some examples, if the pressure differential between pressure levels at the two inlet ports is not substantial (i.e., pressure levels of fluid at the two inlets are close to each other), the movable element can be positioned in the middle of its stroke rather than being pushed all the way to one of the seats at the respective inlet ports. As a result, the movable element can obstruct fluid flow to the outlet port of the valve. Further, in the cases where the movable element is made of a compressible material (e.g., a rubber ball), under high pressure, the movable element can be squeezed through the outlet port and exits the shuttle valve therethrough, thereby causing the shuttle valve to fail.

It may thus be desirable to have a shuttle valve with a movable element that retains its orientation as it traverses the shuttle valve from one inlet port (or seat) to the other, and also effectively seals any leakage path and precludes fluid flow between the two inlet ports. It may also be desirable to have the movable element configured to allow high flow rates through the valve. It may further be desirable to configure the movable element such that it does not exit the shuttle valve under high pressures. Disclosed herein is a shuttle valve with a movable element configured to substantially retain its orientation, effective precludes leakage between the inlets, precluded blockage of the outlet opening, and reduce or eliminate the likelihood of forcing the movable element to exit the outlet opening under pressure.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a shuttle valve <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. The shuttle valve <NUM> is used in a fluid system <NUM> (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic system).

The shuttle valve <NUM> has a valve body <NUM> that defines a longitudinal cylindrical cavity or bore therein. The longitudinal cylindrical bore receives valve components therein and can include supporting surfaces and retaining features.

The valve body <NUM> can be configured to define at a first end thereof a first inlet opening or first inlet port <NUM> configured to receive a first fitting <NUM>. The first inlet port <NUM> can be configured to receive pressurized fluid from a first source <NUM> of pressurized fluid in the fluid system <NUM>. A second end of the valve body <NUM> can be configured to define a second inlet opening or second inlet port <NUM> configured to receive a second fitting <NUM>. The second inlet port <NUM> can be configured to receive pressurized fluid from a second source <NUM> of pressurized fluid in the fluid system <NUM>.

In examples, as shown in <FIG>, the second inlet port <NUM> can be coaxial with and mounted opposite to the first inlet port <NUM>. However, in other examples, the inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM> might not be coaxial or mounted opposite to each other.

The valve body <NUM> further defines or includes an outlet opening or an outlet port <NUM> configured to receive a third fitting <NUM>. In examples, as shown in <FIG>, the outlet port <NUM> can be transverse to both inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in other examples, the outlet port <NUM> might not be transverse to the inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> can be configured differently, and the configuration shown in <FIG> is an example for illustration only.

The fittings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can have several configurations, and they are configured to allow for fluidly coupling the shuttle valve <NUM> to tubes or hoses that communicate fluid to and from the shuttle valve <NUM>. In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the fittings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are configured as push-to-connect fittings that couple to respective tubes of a hydraulic or pneumatic system to the shuttle valve <NUM>.

For example, the first fitting <NUM> can include a first collet <NUM> that has the opening associated with the first inlet port <NUM>. The first collet <NUM> is configured to be inserted into or "ride on" a first sleeve <NUM> to be coupled thereto. For instance, the first collet <NUM> can be threaded into the first sleeve <NUM>, or can have barbs that allow the first collet <NUM> to be press-fitted or interference-fitted to the first sleeve <NUM>.

The first sleeve <NUM> can be pressed into the valve body <NUM> (e.g., via threads or barbed interference fit) to be coupled thereto. The first fitting <NUM> further includes a tube support <NUM> that is configured to be coupled to a tube that provides fluid to the first inlet port <NUM>.

Similarly, the second fitting <NUM> can include a second collet <NUM> that has the opening associated with the second inlet port <NUM>. The second collet <NUM> is configured to be coupled to a second sleeve <NUM>, and the second sleeve <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the valve body <NUM>. The second fitting <NUM> further includes a tube support <NUM> that is configured to be coupled to a tube that provides fluid to the second inlet port <NUM>.

Similarly, the third fitting <NUM> can include a third collet <NUM> that has the opening associated with the outlet port <NUM>. The third collet <NUM> is configured to be coupled to a third sleeve <NUM>, and the third sleeve <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the valve body <NUM>. The third fitting <NUM> further includes a tube support <NUM> that is configured to be coupled to a tube that communicates fluid from the outlet port <NUM> to another component of the fluid system <NUM>. The configuration of the fittings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> illustrated and described herein is an example configuration, and other types of fittings can be used.

The shuttle valve <NUM> further includes a shuttle <NUM> disposed in and configured to be axially movable within the longitudinal cylindrical bore of the valve body <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> an also be referred to as a shuttle component, a movable element, a spool, or a poppet.

The shuttle <NUM> is shiftably mounted within the valve body <NUM>. If a pressure level of the pressurized fluid provided by the second source <NUM> to the second inlet port <NUM> is higher than a respective pressure level of the pressurized fluid provided by the first source <NUM> to the first inlet port <NUM>, the shuttle <NUM> shifts toward the first sleeve <NUM> (e.g., to the right in <FIG>). Particularly, the shuttle <NUM> travels axially within the longitudinal cylindrical bore of the valve body <NUM> until the shuttle <NUM> reaches a position where the shuttle <NUM> rests against or is seated at a first seat <NUM> formed as an annular protrusion in an interior peripheral surface of the first sleeve <NUM>. A first end of the shuttle <NUM> has a tapered or conical circumferential surface that contacts the first seat <NUM> when the shuttle <NUM> is seated at the first seat <NUM>.

At this position, fluid provided to the first inlet port <NUM> is blocked from flowing to either the second inlet port <NUM> or the outlet port <NUM>. However, pressurized fluid provided to the second inlet port <NUM> flows through the shuttle valve <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM>. This position of the shuttle <NUM> can be referred to as a first position.

On the other hand, if a pressure level of the pressurized fluid provided by the first source <NUM> to the first inlet port <NUM> is higher than a respective pressure level of the pressurized fluid provided by the second source <NUM> to the second inlet port <NUM>, the shuttle <NUM> shifts toward the second inlet port <NUM> (e.g., to the left in <FIG>). The shuttle <NUM> can travel axially within the longitudinal cylindrical bore of the valve body <NUM> until the shuttle <NUM> reaches a second position where the shuttle <NUM> rests against or is seated at a second seat <NUM> formed as an annular protrusion in an interior peripheral surface of the valve body <NUM>. In this manner, the shuttle <NUM> may shift between the first and second positions based on the pressure level at the inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the shuttle <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a front view of the shuttle <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a side view of the shuttle <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. <FIG>, and <FIG> are described together.

The shuttle <NUM> has a central portion <NUM> interposed between a first end portion <NUM> and and a second end portion <NUM>. The central portion <NUM> can be configured to have a larger diameter than respective diameters of the end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The central portion <NUM> can have a first flanged portion <NUM> at a first end thereof, a second flanged portion <NUM> at a second end thereof, and a middle portion <NUM> disposed between the flanged portions <NUM>, <NUM> and having a smaller diameter compared to the flanged portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The shuttle <NUM>, and particularly the central portion <NUM>, includes a plurality of radial protrusions, such as a first radial protrusion <NUM>, a second radial protrusion <NUM>, and a third radial protrusion <NUM>. The radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> protrude radially outward from the central portion <NUM> and extend longitudinally along a length of the central portion <NUM>. The radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> circumferentially spaced apart in an array about a periphery or a peripheral surface of the central portion <NUM>. In other example implementations, the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend longitudinally along a partial length of the central portion <NUM>; in other words, the radial protrusions can be axially shorter than shown in <FIG>, <FIG>.

In the configuration shown in <FIG>, the shuttle <NUM> comprises three radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are disposed <NUM> degrees apart from each other. In other configurations, fewer or more than three radial protrusions can be used.

The radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> interface with an interior peripheral surface of the valve body <NUM> to enable the shuttle <NUM> to slide back and forth while being aligned with the interior peripheral surface of the valve body <NUM>. In other words, the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> interface with the interior peripheral surface of the valve body <NUM> to enable the shuttle <NUM> to operate as a cylinder that slides back and forth along the interior peripheral surface of the valve body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the first end portion <NUM> is configured to have a first annular groove <NUM>, and the second end portion <NUM> is configured to have a second annular groove <NUM>. The annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to receive therein respective radial seals (e.g., O-rings) to preclude leakage from a respective inlet port when the shuttle <NUM> shifted to the respective inlet port.

Particularly, referring back to <FIG>, the shuttle valve <NUM> includes a first radial seal or first O-ring <NUM> disposed in the first annular groove <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM>. When the shuttle <NUM> is in the position shown in <FIG> where it is seated at the first seat <NUM>, the first O-ring <NUM> can reduce or block leakage flow from the first inlet port <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM> or the second inlet port <NUM>. The term "block" is used throughout herein to indicate substantially preventing fluid flow except for minimal acceptable flow of drops per minute, for example.

Similarly, the shuttle valve <NUM> includes a second radial seal or second O-ring <NUM> disposed in the second annular groove <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM>. When the shuttle <NUM> shifts to toward the second inlet port <NUM>, the second O-ring <NUM> interacts with the second seat <NUM> to reduce or block leakage flow from the second inlet port <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM> or the first inlet port <NUM>.

The flanged portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM> provide axial support for the O-rings <NUM>, <NUM> to retain them in their respective annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM>. The annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to have dimensions that allow using O-rings <NUM>, <NUM> having standard sizes, rather than custom configurations, to reduce cost of the shuttle valve <NUM>.

The shuttle valve <NUM> is configured such that as the shuttle <NUM> moves axially back and forth between the seats <NUM>, <NUM>, the shuttle <NUM> substantially maintains its orientation and does not rotate about its longitudinal axis. Particularly, the valve body <NUM> has a protrusion or key feature that interacts with a subset of the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent substantial rotation of the shuttle <NUM> about its longitudinal axis relative to the valve body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the shuttle valve <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. As depicted in <FIG>, the valve body <NUM> includes a key <NUM> that protrudes radially inward in the longitudinal cylindrical bore of the valve body <NUM>. The key <NUM> is configured as an arc configured to protrude in a curved space between a subset of the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Particularly, the shuttle <NUM> can be positioned such that the key <NUM> is interposed between two of the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the shuttle <NUM> can be positioned within the valve body <NUM> such that the key <NUM> is interposed between the radial protrusion <NUM> and the radial protrusion <NUM>. The key <NUM> can extend longitudinally along the interior peripheral surface of the valve body <NUM> for the entire or partial length of the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The arc of the key <NUM> substantially occupies the curved space between the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, an arc length of the key <NUM> can be slightly smaller than an arc length of the curved space between the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

With this configuration, if the shuttle <NUM> rotates clockwise during operation of the shuttle valve <NUM>, the radial protrusion <NUM> can interact or contact the key <NUM> to preclude the shuttle <NUM> from rotating by a substantial angle about its longitudinal axis. The term "substantial angle" is used herein to indicate an angle that is more than a threshold angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees). Particularly, the shuttle <NUM> can be allowed to rotate to the extent that there is a space or gap between the radial protrusion <NUM> and the key <NUM>. However, the shuttle <NUM> is precluded from rotating to the extent that the radial protrusion <NUM> overlaps with and obstructs an opening <NUM> (e.g., a cross-hole in the valve body <NUM>) that leads to the tube support <NUM> of the fitting <NUM>.

Similarly, if the shuttle <NUM> rotates counter-clockwise during operation of the shuttle valve <NUM>, the radial protrusion <NUM> can interact or contact the key <NUM> to preclude the shuttle <NUM> from rotating by a substantial angle (e.g., more than a threshold angle of <NUM> degrees) about its longitudinal axis. Particularly, the shuttle <NUM> can be allowed to rotate to the extent that there is a space or gap between the radial protrusion <NUM> and the key <NUM>. However, the shuttle <NUM> is precluded from rotating to the extent that the radial protrusion <NUM> overlaps with and obstructs the opening <NUM> that leads to the tube support <NUM> of the fitting <NUM>.

Thus, fluid from the first inlet port <NUM> or the second inlet port <NUM> is not obstructed as it flows to the outlet port <NUM>. Further, fluid is allowed to flow around the O-ring <NUM>, <NUM>, then through the reduced diameter region of the shuttle <NUM> between the radial protrusion <NUM> and the radial protrusion <NUM>, then through the opening <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM>. This configuration enables the shuttle valve <NUM> to allow a higher fluid flow rate therethrough for a given port size.

Further, because the shuttle <NUM> is precluded from rotating substantially due to the interaction of the key <NUM> with the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, its orientation is maintained substantially the same as it translates back and forth between the seats <NUM>, <NUM>. This way, the seat location of the shuttle <NUM> or the second O-ring <NUM> that rests against the seats <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, remains substantially the same, in contrast with a ball or movable element that is allowed to roll about its axis. As such, the position and orientation of the O-rings <NUM>, <NUM> can remain substantially the same, thereby reducing the likelihood of forming a leakage path around the shuttle <NUM> when it interacts with either of the seats <NUM>, <NUM> to block a corresponding inlet port.

As depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the shuttle <NUM> can be configured to be hollow, i.e., the shuttle <NUM> can have an inner chamber <NUM>. This configuration has performance advantages. The shuttle <NUM> can move within the valve body <NUM> at significant speed, and sometimes back and forth in rapid succession, between the seats <NUM>, <NUM>. The hollow nature of the shuttle <NUM> reduces its mass, and thus reduces shock loads induced by the shuttle <NUM> impacting the seats <NUM>, <NUM>, as compared to a non-hollow configuration.

Further, in some cases, if the pressure differential between pressure levels at the two inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM> is not substantial (i.e., pressure levels of fluid at the two inlet ports <NUM>, <NUM> are close to each other), the shuttle <NUM> can be positioned in the middle of its stroke rather than being pushed all the way to one of the seats <NUM>, <NUM>. The shape and configuration of the shuttle <NUM> relative to the opening <NUM> prevents the shuttle <NUM> from being force or squeezed through the outlet port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in examples, the valve body <NUM> can have a transverse section <NUM> having a mounting hole <NUM> formed through the transverse section <NUM>. The transverse section <NUM> can operate as a fixture where a fastener can be inserted through the mounting hole <NUM> to mount or affix the shuttle valve <NUM> to a frame of a machine, for example, to install the shuttle valve <NUM> to the machine.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a method <NUM> of assembling a shuttle valve, in accordance with an example implementation. The method <NUM> can, for example, be used to assemble the shuttle valve <NUM>.

The method <NUM> includes operations or actions as illustrated by blocks <NUM>-<NUM>. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may in some instances be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes providing the valve body <NUM> of the shuttle valve <NUM>, wherein the valve body <NUM> comprises a longitudinal cylindrical bore, the first inlet port <NUM>, the second inlet port <NUM>, and the outlet port <NUM>, and wherein the valve body <NUM> comprises the key <NUM> that protrudes radially inward within the longitudinal cylindrical bore.

The term "providing" as used herein, and for example with regard to the valve body <NUM> or other components includes any action to make the valve body <NUM> or any other component available for use, such as supplying the valve body <NUM> or bringing the valve body <NUM> to an apparatus or to a work environment for further processing (e.g., mounting other components, etc.).

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes inserting or mounting the shuttle <NUM> in the longitudinal cylindrical bore of the valve body <NUM>, wherein the shuttle <NUM> comprises a plurality of radial protrusions (e.g., the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that protrude radially outward from the central portion <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM>, wherein the plurality of radial protrusions are circumferentially spaced apart in an array about a peripheral surface of the central portion <NUM>, and wherein the key <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> is interposed between two radial protrusions (e.g., the radial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>) of the plurality of radial protrusions.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes mounting the first fitting <NUM> to the first inlet port <NUM>, the second fitting <NUM> to the second inlet port <NUM>, and the third fitting <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM>, wherein either the first fitting <NUM> or the second fitting <NUM> forms the first seat <NUM> for the shuttle <NUM>, wherein the valve body <NUM> forms the second seat <NUM> for the shuttle <NUM>.

The detailed description above describes various features and operations of the disclosed systems with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative implementations described herein are not meant to be limiting. Certain aspects of the disclosed systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation.

Further, devices or systems may be used or configured to perform functions presented in the figures. In some instances, components of the devices and/or systems may be configured to perform the functions such that the components are actually configured and structured (with hardware and/or software) to enable such performance. In other examples, components of the devices and/or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performing the functions, such as when operated in a specific manner.

By the term "substantially" or "about" it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The arrangements described herein are for purposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, operations, orders, and groupings of operations, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according to the desired results. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

Claim 1:
A shuttle valve (<NUM>) comprising:
a valve body (<NUM>) comprising a longitudinal cylindrical bore, a first inlet port (<NUM>), a second inlet port (<NUM>), an outlet port (<NUM>), and a key (<NUM>) that protrudes radially inward within the longitudinal cylindrical bore; and
a shuttle (<NUM>) mounted in the longitudinal cylindrical bore and configured to move axially therein, wherein the shuttle comprises a plurality of radial protrusions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that protrude radially outward from, and are circumferentially spaced apart about, a peripheral surface of the shuttle (<NUM>), and wherein the key (<NUM>) of the valve body is interposed between a first radial protrusion (<NUM>) and a second radial protrusion (<NUM>) of the plurality of radial protrusions, such that the key (<NUM>) of the valve body interacts with the first radial protrusion (<NUM>) to preclude the shuttle from rotating about a longitudinal axis of the shuttle in a first direction by more than a threshold angle, and interacts with the second radial protrusion (<NUM>) to preclude the shuttle from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the shuttle in a second direction by more than a respective threshold angle, wherein the shuttle (<NUM>) is configured to shift between: (i) a first position adjacent to the first inlet port (<NUM>), wherein at the first position the shuttle blocks the first inlet port (<NUM>) while allowing the second inlet port (<NUM>) to be fluidly coupled to the outlet port (<NUM>), and (ii) a second position adjacent to the second inlet port (<NUM>), wherein at the second position the shuttle blocks the second inlet port (<NUM>) while allowing the first inlet port (<NUM>) to be fluidly coupled to the outlet port (<NUM>).