Patent Description:
Valves can be utilized to restrict and control fluid flow between two or more fluid conduits. The valve industries continue to demand improvements in valve design to increase operational efficiencies and lifetime of the components, while saving space and weight, increasing degree of integration, increasing robustness, and optimizing cost within a valve application.

<CIT> discloses a valve comprising a valve body comprising an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet openings; and an actuating gate adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings wherein the actuating gate is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis.

<CIT> discloses a changeover cock comprising a valve container with an inlet and at least one outlet, a valve body which is rotatably supported at one end near the peripheral wall surface of the valve container on which the outlet is provided and which opens and closes the outlet, and a cam body which operates the rotation of the valve body and is rotatable around a protruding portion which is provided with an operating lever.

In accordance with an aspect described herein, a valve can include a valve body including an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet openings; and an actuating gate adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings, where the actuating gate is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis upon actuation.

In accordance with another aspect described herein, an assembly can include a fluid reservoir; and a valve adapted to restrict fluid flow relative to the fluid reservoir, the valve including: a valve body including an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet openings; and an actuating gate adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings, where the actuating gate is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis, while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis upon actuation.

In accordance with another aspect described herein, a method of operating a valve can include: moving fluid through an inlet opening of a valve body to a first outlet opening of the valve body; actuating a gate within the valve body by rotating the gate eccentrically about a central axis while also translating the gate in a direction perpendicular to the central axis to close the first outlet opening and open a second outlet opening; and moving fluid through the inlet opening of the valve body to the second outlet opening of the valve body.

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not intended to be limited in the accompanying figures.

The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings as disclosed in this application.

The terms "generally," "substantially," "approximately," and the like are intended to cover a range of deviations from the given value. In a particular embodiment, the terms "generally," "substantially," "approximately," and the like refer to deviations in either direction of the value within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, within <NUM>% of the value, or within <NUM>% of the value.

This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the valve and fluid transport arts.

<FIG> includes a perspective view of a valve <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The valve <NUM> can generally include a valve body <NUM> and an actuating gate <NUM> disposed at least partially within the valve body <NUM>. In an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> may include at least one inlet opening <NUM>. In another embodiment, the valve body <NUM> may include a plurality of inlet openings <NUM>. In an embodiment, the inlet openings <NUM> may have the same size and shape as one another. In an embodiment, the inlet openings <NUM> may have a different size and shape as one another. The valve body <NUM> may include at least one outlet opening <NUM>. According to the invention, the valve body <NUM> includes a plurality of outlet openings 114a, 114b. In an embodiment, the outlet openings 114a, 114b may have the same size and shape as one another. In an embodiment, the outlet openings 114a, 114b may have a different size and shape as one another. The plurality of outlet openings 114a, 114b may be disposed in a planar configuration, as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of outlet openings 114a, 114b may be disposed in a non-planar configuration, may be in a different orientation, or may be at different locations along the central axis <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, the actuating gate <NUM> can be adapted to rotate and/or translate within the valve body <NUM> to open a first outlet opening 114a and a second outlet opening 114b in a first configuration. The actuating gate <NUM> is adapted to rotate and/or translate within the valve body <NUM> to move to open a first outlet opening 114a while closing a second outlet opening 114b in a second configuration. The actuating gate <NUM> is adapted to rotate and/or translate within the valve body <NUM> to move to open a second outlet opening 114b while closing a first outlet opening 114a in a third configuration. In the first configuration, the valve <NUM> can permit fluid passage between the inlet opening <NUM> and the first outlet opening 114a and permit fluid passage between the inlet opening <NUM> and the second outlet opening 114b. In the second configuration, the valve <NUM> can permit fluid passage between the inlet opening <NUM> and the first outlet opening 114a while preventing fluid passage between the inlet opening <NUM> and the second outlet opening 114b. In the third configuration, the valve <NUM> can permit fluid passage between the inlet opening <NUM> and the second outlet opening 114b while preventing fluid passage between the inlet opening <NUM> and the first outlet opening 114a. In this way, the valve <NUM> may oscillate between the configurations.

In an embodiment, the at least one inlet opening <NUM> may form a rectilinear, polygonal, oval, circular, or arcuate cross-section for fluid passage. In an embodiment, the inlet opening <NUM> may form a circular cross-section for fluid passage. In an embodiment, the inlet opening <NUM> may form a tubing. In an embodiment, the at least one outlet opening <NUM> may form a rectilinear, polygonal, oval, circular, or arcuate cross-section for fluid passage. In an embodiment, the outlet opening <NUM> may form a circular cross-section for fluid passage. In an embodiment, the outlet opening <NUM> may form a tubing. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet opening <NUM> may have a larger cross-sectional area than the at least one outlet opening <NUM>. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet opening <NUM> may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the at least one outlet opening <NUM>. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet opening <NUM> may have substantially the same cross-sectional area as the at least one outlet opening <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> may include a sidewall <NUM>. In an embodiment the valve body <NUM> may include a top portion 102a and a bottom portion 102b. The top portion 102a may couple with the bottom portion 102b to form the valve body <NUM>. The top portion 102a may couple with the bottom portion 102b to form the valve body <NUM> by means of a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may include at least one of nuts, bolts, bearings, battens, buckles, clips, flanges, frogs, grommets, hook-and-eyes, latches, pegs, nails, rivets, tongue-and grooves, screw anchors, snap fasteners, stitches, threaded fasteners, ties, toggle bolts, wedges anchors, sonic weld, glue or adhesive, sealed, press-fit, or may be attached a different way. As shown in <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may include bolts 103a adapted to fit into bores 103b within the top portion 102a and the bottom portion 102b where the bolts are adapted to secure the top portion 102a and the bottom portion 102b together. In a number of embodiments, the fastener <NUM> may provide a tight fit between the top portion 102a and the bottom portion 102b to provide a leak-proof valve body <NUM> adapted to prevent fluid from leaving the valve <NUM> outside of the outlet openings. In a number of embodiments, the top portion 102a and the bottom portion 102b may be adapted to provide minimal clearance between the actuating gate <NUM> and the other of the top portion 102a and bottom portion 102b. In other words, minimal fluid may not or may only minimally pass at an interface between the actuating gate <NUM> and the top portion 102a, or the actuating gate <NUM> and the bottom portion 102b in an axial direction defined by a central axis <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may be adapted to allow fluid to substantially only pass in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM> (e.g. from the inlet opening <NUM> to the outlet opening <NUM>).

Still referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> can include a valve chamber <NUM>. The valve chamber <NUM> may at least partially or entirely house the actuating gate <NUM> and form the interface between the at least one inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet openings <NUM>. The valve chamber <NUM> may entirely house the actuating gate <NUM>. In an embodiment the valve body <NUM> may include at least one outlet gate <NUM>. The outlet gate <NUM> may be fluidly connected to the valve chamber <NUM> and an outlet opening <NUM>. The outlet gate <NUM> may be a partition between the valve chamber <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM> to be blocked by the actuating gate <NUM> during operation of the valve <NUM>. In an embodiment, the at least one outlet gate <NUM> may be disposed on the sidewall <NUM> and directly adjacent to the outlet opening <NUM>. In an embodiment, the at least one outlet gate <NUM> may be disposed interior to the sidewall <NUM>. Optionally, in an embodiment, the at least one outlet gate <NUM> may form an outlet gate chamber <NUM> within the valve body <NUM> between the outlet gate <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>. The outlet gate <NUM> may form a void with a rectilinear, polygonal, oval, circular, or arcuate cross-section. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the valve body <NUM> may include a plurality of outlet gates 116a, 116b including a plurality of openings 117a, 117b to a plurality of outlet chambers 118a, 118b. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of outlet gates 116a, 116b may form rectilinear cross-sections. The valve body <NUM> (e.g. valve chamber <NUM>) may further include a channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may be located between adjacent outlet chambers 118a, 118b. In an embodiment, the channel <NUM> may form a rectilinear, polygonal, oval, circular, or arcuate cross-section.

Still referring to <FIG>, as stated above, the valve <NUM> may include an actuating gate <NUM>. The actuating gate <NUM> may include a plurality of flanges. In an embodiment, the actuating gate <NUM> may include a first flange <NUM>, a second flange <NUM>, and a third flange <NUM> to form substantially a "Y" shape. In an embodiment, at least one of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be generally planar. In a more particular embodiment, at least one of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be planar. The flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may come together at a base <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> may be located within the valve chamber <NUM> and may be adapted to substantially prevent fluid flow through at least one of the plurality of outlet gates 116a, 116b to prevent or allow fluid passage to at least one of the outlet openings 114a, 114b upon actuation of the actuating gate <NUM> as explained in further detail below. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the third flange <NUM> may include an enlarged end portion. In an embodiment, the third flange <NUM> may be housed within the channel <NUM> where the channel <NUM> is uniquely shaped to allow axial translation and rotation (e.g. pendulum movement) of the third flange <NUM> within the channel <NUM>. As a result, in an embodiment, the third flange <NUM> may be housed within the channel <NUM> allowing for translation of the actuating gate <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the central axis <NUM> upon actuation as explained in further detail below. In an embodiment, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a different length. In an embodiment, at least two of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have the same length. The length of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be adapted to the size of the valve body <NUM>.

<FIG> includes a cut-away side view of a valve <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The components of the valve <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially the same as those described above in <FIG> and correspondingly labeled relative to <FIG>, unless otherwise indicated. As shown in <FIG>, the central axis <NUM> acts as a center of rotation for a driving mechanism <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, the driving mechanism <NUM> may be a shaft adapted to rotate to correspondingly actuate (e.g. rotate and/or translate) the actuating gate <NUM> within the valve <NUM>. The drive mechanism <NUM> may further include a shaft <NUM> operatively connected to a power source <NUM> that supplies the power to rotate the shaft <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may include a motor including, but not limited to an engine, a pneumatic motor, an electrical motor, a magnetic actuator, or may be another type. Further, in an embodiment, the drive mechanism <NUM> and/or motor <NUM> may further be operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) <NUM> adapted to indicate power from the motor <NUM> should be applied to the drive mechanism <NUM> to rotate the actuating gate <NUM> and change fluid flow within the valve <NUM>. The electronic control unit (ECU) <NUM> may include a controller, computer, or processor capable of understanding, analyzing, and/or implementing one or more programmable languages. The electronic control unit (ECU) <NUM> may be able to process the information provided by the valve <NUM> and/or information provided by a user. In an embodiment, the electronic control unit <NUM> may connect to the drive mechanism <NUM> through wires. In an embodiment, the electronic control unit <NUM> may connect to the drive mechanism <NUM> wirelessly. In an embodiment, the electronic control unit <NUM> may include a sensor adapted to sense a condition of the fluid within the valve <NUM>. The sensor may be placed anywhere within the valve <NUM> and may be removable.

Still referring to <FIG>, the drive mechanism <NUM> may couple with the bottom portion 102b of the valve body <NUM> to form the valve <NUM>. In another embodiment, the drive mechanism <NUM> may couple with the top portion 102a of the valve body <NUM> to form the valve <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, the drive mechanism <NUM> may couple with the bottom portion 102b of the valve body <NUM> to form the valve <NUM> through a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may include at least one of nuts, bolts, bearings, battens, buckles, clips, flanges, frogs, grommets, hook-and-eyes, latches, pegs, nails, rivets, tongue-and grooves, screw anchors, snap fasteners, stitches, threaded fasteners, ties, toggle bolts, wedges anchors, or may be attached a different way. As shown in <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may include threaded fasteners on the shaft <NUM> adapted to thread with threaded fasteners on the bottom portion <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> to secure the drive mechanism <NUM> and the bottom portion 102b together. The shaft <NUM> of the drive mechanism <NUM> may still rotate within the drive mechanism <NUM> when it may be coupled with the bottom portion 102b of the valve body <NUM> through the fastener <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, the drive mechanism <NUM> (e.g. shaft <NUM>) may further include a pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be operatively coupled or attached to the base <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> may fit within a bore on the base <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> to fixedly couple the drive mechanism <NUM> to the actuating gate <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> may fit within a bore on the base <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> to fixedly couple the drive mechanism <NUM> to the actuating gate <NUM> a distance from the central axis <NUM> (i.e. center of rotation of the drive mechanism <NUM>). In this way, the bore of the base <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> may be coupled to the pin <NUM> eccentrically relative to the central axis <NUM> (i.e. center of rotation of the drive mechanism <NUM>). In this way, the actuating gate <NUM> is operatively connected to the drive mechanism <NUM> allowing for eccentric rotation and translation of the actuating gate <NUM>, as explained in further detail below.

<FIG> includes a cut-away top view of a valve <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The components of the valve <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially the same as those described above in <FIG> and correspondingly labeled relative to <FIG>, unless otherwise indicated. As shown in <FIG>, the central axis <NUM> acts as a center of rotation for a driving mechanism. Through rotation of the drive mechanism, as described above, the actuating gate <NUM> may rotate eccentrically about the central axis <NUM> due to the pin <NUM> (coupled to the bore <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM>) being offset from the center of rotation (i.e. central axis <NUM>) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis <NUM> within the plane of the valve body <NUM>, as indicated by distance, D. Further, due to the third flange <NUM> being located within the channel <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, the eccentric rotation of the actuating gate <NUM> may be aided by the translation of the actuating gate <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the central axis <NUM> upon actuation. In other words, the third flange <NUM> acts as an eccentric pendulum within the channel <NUM> that allows for eccentric rotation and translation of the actuating gate <NUM>. It should be noted that the drive mechanism will rotate in a first direction about the central axis <NUM> while the actuating gate <NUM> will actuate in the opposite direction about the central axis <NUM> due to the interaction between the third flange <NUM> and the channel <NUM>. The combined eccentric rotation and translation of the actuating gate <NUM> produces a locus of at least one of the first flange <NUM> or second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM>, indicated by arrow <NUM>. This linear locus is created due to the distance, D, between the base <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> and the central axis <NUM>, along with a distance between an axial end of the third flange <NUM> and the central axis <NUM>. These distances may be adapted to coincide with the dimensions of the valve body <NUM>. The resulting eccentric rotation and translation movement of the actuating gate <NUM> is indicated by lines <NUM>, mimicking the movement of the first flange <NUM> in moving from a second configuration to a first configuration and then to a third configuration; and lines <NUM>, mimicking the movement of the second flange <NUM> in moving from a second configuration to a first configuration and then to a third configuration. In this way, the actuating gate <NUM> may be adapted for eccentric rotation and translation relative to the central axis <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the valve body <NUM> may be shaped to provide minimal clearance between the sidewall <NUM> and at least one of the first flange <NUM> or second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> as it moves between configurations, such that the clearance between the sidewall <NUM> and at least one of the first flange <NUM> or second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> may be <NUM> in the second and third configurations. In other words, the sidewall <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> may be designed or tailored (e.g. tapered) along the locus of at least one of the first flange <NUM> or second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> so that a constant cross-sectional change between the respective flanges <NUM>, <NUM> in the second and third configurations respectively may be made possible, resulting in fluid flow may be reduced to at least one of the outlet gates 116a, 116b as the actuating gate <NUM> moves. As a result, when the valve <NUM> is in a first configuration, the cross-sectional area on both sides of the valve chamber <NUM> is substantially the same size. In an embodiment, the sidewall <NUM> may include a locking mechanism <NUM> adapted to lock the actuating gate <NUM> in one of the second or third configurations. The locking mechanism <NUM> may be adapted to engage with the first flange <NUM> or the second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> to selectively maintain the valve in a second or third configuration. In a number of embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> may include a barb, lip, stay, ramp, tab, textured/grippable surface, or clip on the sidewall <NUM> that provides a slot for the first flange <NUM> or the second flange <NUM> in a second or third configuration to somewhat restrict or retard rotation and/or axial translation of the actuating gate <NUM>.

<FIG> includes a cut-away top view of a valve <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The components of the valve <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially the same in functionality as those described above in <FIG> and correspondingly labeled relative to <FIG>, unless otherwise indicated. <FIG> shows the valve <NUM> in a first configuration as described above. <FIG> shows the valve <NUM> in a second configuration as described above. <FIG> shows the valve <NUM> in a third configuration as described above.

As shown in <FIG>, when the valve <NUM> is in a first configuration, the first flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> may be in a first (neutral) position to open the first outlet opening 214a and the second outlet opening 214b and allow fluid flow from the inlet opening <NUM> to the first outlet opening 214a and the second outlet opening 214b, as indicated by fluid flow arrows <NUM>. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the distance between the edge of the first flange <NUM> of the actuating gate and the sidewall <NUM> may be substantially similar to the distance between the edge of the second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate and the sidewall <NUM> so as to allow a substantially similar amount of fluid to pass evenly between the first outlet opening 214a and the second outlet opening 214b.

As shown in <FIG>, when the valve <NUM> is in a second configuration, the actuating gate <NUM> may be in a second position to open the first outlet opening 214a and close second outlet opening 114b and allow fluid flow from the inlet opening <NUM> to the first outlet opening 214a while preventing or impeding fluid flow to the second outlet opening 114b, as indicated by fluid flow arrows <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> may have a wide clearance with the sidewall <NUM> of the valve chamber <NUM> and there may be a minimal or no clearance between the second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the valve chamber <NUM>, as the second flange <NUM> is covering and/or providing a seal against the second outlet gate 216b. In an embodiment, the second flange <NUM> may be within the locking mechanism <NUM> in this configuration. Movement between the configurations may be done through the eccentric rotation and axial translation of the actuating gate <NUM> as described above.

As shown in <FIG>, when the valve <NUM> is in a third configuration, the actuating gate <NUM> may be in a third position to close the first outlet opening 214a and open the second outlet opening 114b and allow fluid flow from the inlet opening <NUM> to the second outlet opening 214b while preventing or impeding fluid flow to the first outlet opening 114a, as indicated by fluid flow arrows <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> may have a wide clearance with the sidewall <NUM> of the valve chamber <NUM> and there may be a minimal or no clearance between the first flange <NUM> of the actuating gate <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the valve chamber <NUM>, as the first flange <NUM> is covering and/or providing a seal against the first outlet gate 216a. In an embodiment, the first flange <NUM> may be within the locking mechanism <NUM> in this configuration. Movement between the configurations may be done through the eccentric rotation and axial translation of the actuating gate <NUM> as described above.

In a number of embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the valve <NUM> may be placed within an assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may include a fluid reservoir <NUM> and a valve <NUM> adapted to restrict fluid flow relative to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may include a valve body <NUM> including an inlet opening <NUM> and a plurality of outlet openings 214a, 214b, and an actuating gate <NUM> adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings 214a, 214b. The actuating gate <NUM> may be adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis <NUM> while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis <NUM> upon actuation.

As described above, in a number of embodiments, a method of operating a valve <NUM> is shown. The method may include moving fluid <NUM> through an inlet opening <NUM> of a valve body <NUM> to a first outlet opening 114a of the valve body <NUM>. The method may further include actuating a gate <NUM> within the valve body <NUM> by rotating the gate <NUM> eccentrically about a central axis <NUM> while also translating the gate <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the central axis <NUM> to close the first outlet opening 114a and open a second outlet opening 114b. The method may further include moving fluid <NUM> through the inlet opening <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> to the second outlet opening 114b of the valve body <NUM>.

The valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can be formed from any suitable material in the valve arts. In a particular embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can at least partially include a polymer. The polymer may be selected from the group including a polyketone, a polyaramid, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyethersulfone, a polypheylene sulfone, a polyamideimide, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, a fluoropolymer, a polybenzimidazole, a polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyimide (PI), polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), a polysulfone, a polyamide (PA), polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a polyurethane, a polyester, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or any combination thereof. The polymer may be a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. In an embodiment, the jacket <NUM> may include, or even consist essentially of, a fluoropolymer. Exemplary fluoropolymers include a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polyimide (PI), a polyamide-imide (PAI), a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, a hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride (THV), a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), an ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), or any combination thereof. Other fluoropolymers, polymers, and blends may be included in the composition of the valve. In another particular embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can at least partially include, or even consist essentially of, a polyethylene (PE) such as an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In another particular embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) may include a thermoplastic elastomeric hydrocarbon block copolymer, a polyether-ester block co-polymer, a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, a thermoplastic vulcanizate, an olefin-based co-polymer, an olefin-based terpolymer, a polyolefin plastomer, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) may include a styrene based block copolymer such as styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene, blends or mixtures thereof, and the like. Exemplary styrenic thermoplastic elastomers include triblock styrenic block copolymers (SBC) such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-ethylene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEEBS), styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene (SIBS), or combinations thereof. Commercial examples include some grades of Kraton™ and Hybrar™ resins. In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) may include an elastomer including at least one of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene (NBR) Carboxylated Nitrile (XNBR) Ethylene Acrylate (AEM, Vamac®), Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR, EPDM), Butyl Rubber (IIR), Chloroprene Rubber (CR), Fluorocarbon (FKM, FPM), Fluorosilicone (FVMQ), Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR), Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), Polyacrylate (ACM), Polyurethane (AU, EU), Silicone Rubber (Q, MQ, VMQ, PVMQ), Tetrafluoroethylene-Propylene (AFLAS®) (FEPM).

In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can include a ceramic including at least one of glass, silica, clay mica, kaolin, alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, calcium fluoride, boron nitride, mica, wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can at least partially include a metal. According to certain embodiments, the metal may include iron, copper, titanium, tin, aluminum, alloys thereof, or may be another type of metal. In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can include a metal (such as aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, titanium, tungsten, iron, bronze, steel, spring steel, stainless steel), a metal alloy (including the metals listed), an anodized metal (including the metals listed) or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can at least partially include a fibrous material. According to certain embodiments, the fibrous material could include cotton, wool, jute, linen, silk, hemp, polyester, nylon, asbestos, basalt, cellulose, yarn, rayon, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can at least partially include a stone material. According to certain embodiments, the stone material could include stone, granite, limestone, tile, marble, sandstone, quartz, soapstone, alabaster, slate, clay, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the valve (including at least one of the valve body, the actuating gate, or the drive mechanism) can be treated, impregnated, filled, or coated with a lubricious material. Exemplary lubricious materials include molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, grapheme, expanded graphite, boron nitrade, talc, calcium fluoride, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the lubricious material can include alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, calcium fluoride, boron nitride, mica, Wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof.

The valve may be used in any fluid flow application. The fluid may be a liquid, a gas, a solid, an emulsion, or may be another type. The fluid may be corrosive or non-corrosive. Particular suitable applications include valves within vehicle components, or other dynamic or static components requiring fluid flow therebetween.

Claim 1:
A valve (<NUM>) comprising:
a valve body (<NUM>) comprising an inlet opening (<NUM>) and a plurality of outlet openings (<NUM>); and
an actuating gate (<NUM>) adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings (<NUM>), characterized in that the actuating gate (<NUM>) is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis (<NUM>) while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (<NUM>) upon actuation.