Clean rinse type reversing bypass rotary valve

Abstract

A clean rinse reversing bypass rotary valve is provided. The valve can include a rotor and a stator. The stator can include one or more through-flow holes, each connected to a fluid conduit within the valve housing. The rotor can include one or more rotor conduits. The rotor conduits can interact with the stator through-flow holes to form one or more configuration combinations, each with a unique fluid flow path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 428,177, entitled "Clean Rinse Reverse Bypass Rotary Valve," filed November 28, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to valves. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to rotary valves. [Background technology]

[0003] The radioisotope technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is the standard of care in diagnostic imaging to assess the size and severity of heart disease and cancer. U.S. hospitals use Tc-99m in more than 40,000 diagnostic imaging procedures every day.

[0004] Its parent isotope, molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), can be produced by neutron capture technology. Source containers containing the Mo-99 are shipped to radiopharmacies across the United States, where the Tc-99m can be separated and leached from the Mo-99.

[0005] Rotary valves that utilize rotor and stator discs to select a fluid path have been around since the 1970s. A typical configuration is a central main port with multiple ports distributed unevenly on the stator, and a slot on the rotor that can be rotated to connect the central main port to one of the distributed stator ports. Alternative configurations, including multiple slots on the rotor that can be used to direct flow between two or more paths, are also in use.

[0006] A large number of both valves and flow paths are required to achieve specific pass-through, reverse, and bypass functions, but the resulting valves require large amounts of fluid to rinse and clean the flow paths and components.

[0007] Alternatively, the multiple switching / shuttle valves found in typical fluid control applications are also used to achieve the reversing and bypass functions, but this requires multiple valves and more than one flow path. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a valve that addresses these and other shortcomings in existing valve designs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve including a rotor coupled to a stator, the rotor and stator configured to form a first configuration having a first fluid path and a second configuration having a second fluid path, the first fluid path being different from the second fluid path.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the first aspect, wherein the rotor and stator are further configured to form a third configuration having a third fluid path different from the first fluid path or the second fluid path.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the second aspect, wherein the stator further includes a first throughflow hole, a second throughflow hole, a third throughflow hole, and a fourth throughflow hole.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the third aspect, wherein the stator further includes a stator conduit provided on a surface of the stator.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the fourth aspect, wherein the rotor further includes a first rotor conduit, a second rotor conduit, and a third rotor conduit, each provided on a surface of the rotor.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the fifth aspect, wherein two of the first through-flow hole, the second through-flow hole, the third through-flow hole, or the fourth through-flow hole are connected to a tube that forms an outer loop outside the valve.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the second aspect, wherein the rotor is rotatable and the first configuration, second configuration, and third configuration are formed in response to a rotational position of the rotor relative to the stator.

[0016] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the sixth aspect, wherein the first configuration is formed by the first throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole via the third rotor conduit, the third throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole via the outer loop, and the fourth throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the first rotor conduit, the stator conduit, and the second rotor conduit.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the sixth aspect, wherein the second configuration is formed by the first throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole via the first rotor conduit, the fourth throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole via the external loop, and the third throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the third rotor conduit.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the sixth aspect, wherein the second configuration is formed by the first throughflow hole being in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the second rotor conduit.

[0019] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to the valve of the third aspect, further including a housing coupled to the stator, the housing including a plurality of conduits each coupled to one of the first through-flow hole, the second through-flow hole, the third through-flow hole, and the fourth through-flow hole.

[0020] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of forming a flow path, comprising providing a rotor and a stator, and rotating the rotor relative to the stator to provide a first fluid path and a second fluid path, wherein the first fluid path is different from the second fluid path.

[0021] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the twelfth aspect, further comprising providing a third fluid path by rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the third fluid path being different from the first fluid path or the second fluid path.

[0022] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the stator further includes a first through-flow hole, a second through-flow hole, a third through-flow hole, and a fourth through-flow hole, and a stator conduit provided on a surface of the stator.

[0023] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the fourteenth aspect, wherein the rotor further includes a first rotor conduit, a second rotor conduit, and a third rotor conduit, each provided on a surface of the rotor.

[0024] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the fifteenth aspect, further comprising providing an external loop by connecting two of the first throughflow hole, the second throughflow hole, the third throughflow hole, or the fourth throughflow hole.

[0025] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the sixteenth aspect, wherein the first fluid path is formed by rotating the rotor such that the first throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole via the third rotor conduit, the third throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole via the external loop, and the fourth throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the first rotor conduit, the stator conduit, and the second rotor conduit.

[0026] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the sixteenth aspect, wherein the second fluid path is formed by rotating the rotor such that the first throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole via the first rotor conduit, the fourth throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole via the external loop, and the third throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the third rotor conduit.

[0027] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the sixteenth aspect, wherein the third fluid path is formed by rotating the rotor such that the first through-flow hole is in fluid communication with the second through-flow hole via the second rotor conduit.

[0028] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the fourteenth aspect, further comprising providing a housing, the housing comprising a plurality of conduits each connected to one of the first through-flow hole, the second through-flow hole, the third through-flow hole, and the fourth through-flow hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective exploded view of a three-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the three-way valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotor and a stator of the three-way valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] The valve configuration of FIG. [Figure 4B] The valve configuration of FIG. [Figure 4C] The valve configuration of FIG. [Figure 4D] The valve configuration of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a ten-way valve according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ten-way valve of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular construction shown, as other embodiments are possible. Exemplary embodiments are shown in the referenced figures of the drawings. The embodiments and figures disclosed herein are intended to be considered illustrative and not limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.

[0031] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure is an example of the principles of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. The features of the invention disclosed herein in the specification, drawings, and claims may be important, individually or in any desired combination, for the operation of the invention in various embodiments. Features of one embodiment may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1-6, embodiments of the present disclosure include a valve having a rotor and a stator. Referring to Figure 1, an exploded view of a valve 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The valve 100 may include a rotor 110 and a stator 120. The rotor 110 may be coupled to a valve cap 130 via a spring 140, a bearing 150, a drive shaft 160, and a thrust washer 170. The stator 120 may be coupled to a stator seal 180 and a valve housing 190. The valve 100 may further be coupled to a motor 200 via a motor mount 210.

[0033] One or more fasteners 220 may be provided to secure the valve housing 190 to the motor 200. In one embodiment, the fasteners 220 may pass through the valve housing 190 and attach to the motor mount 210. Additional fasteners 220 may also be provided to secure the motor 200 to the motor mount 210. Thus, during assembly, both the valve housing 190 and the motor 200 may be secured to the motor mount 210 via one or more fasteners. In a further embodiment, the valve housing 190 may be secured directly to the motor 200. In some embodiments, one or more conductivity probes 230 may be provided and integrated into the valve housing 190.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , motor 200 can be configured to engage drive shaft 160. Drive shaft 160 can be engaged with rotor 110. Thus, motor 200 can be configured to drive rotor 110 via drive shaft 160. In one embodiment, motor 200 can be configured to rotate rotor 110 in one or more directions (e.g., forward and / or reverse, or clockwise and / or counterclockwise). In further embodiments, motor 200 can be replaced with other torque-generating devices. For example, the rotational position of rotor 110 can be manually manipulated by a wrench or other suitable device.

[0035] The valve housing 190 may include one or more conduits. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a first conduit 192, a second conduit 194, a third conduit 196, and a fourth conduit 198 (see FIG. 1) may be provided. As will be appreciated, more or fewer conduits may be provided and are contemplated herein. One or more conduits may be in fluid communication with one or more external components and thus function as inputs or outputs depending on the direction of fluid flow. One or more conduits may also be interconnected and thus function as an internal flow loop.

[0036] The stator 120 may include one or more through-flow holes. A through-flow hole may be a hole that penetrates the stator 120 and allows fluid to traverse from a first surface 121 of the stator 120 to a second surface 123 of the stator opposite the first surface. With reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the stator 120 may include a first through-flow hole 122, a second through-flow hole 124, a third through-flow hole 126, and a fourth through-flow hole 128. The through-flow holes may be in fluid communication with one or more conduits. For example, the first through-flow hole 122 may be in fluid communication with the first conduit 192. The second through-flow hole 124 may be in fluid communication with the third conduit 196. The third through-flow hole 126 may be in fluid communication with the second conduit 194, and the fourth through-flow hole 128 may be in fluid communication with the fourth conduit 198.

[0037] The throughflow holes 122, 124, 126, and 128 can be spaced apart. In some embodiments, the throughflow holes 122, 124, 126, and 128 can be about 90 degrees apart, about 80 degrees apart, about 70 degrees apart, about 60 degrees apart, about 50 degrees apart, about 40 degrees apart, about 30 degrees apart, about 20 degrees apart, or about 10 degrees apart. In some embodiments, the throughflow holes 122, 124, 126, and 128 can be between about 70 and 75 degrees apart. In one exemplary embodiment, the throughflow holes 122, 124, 126, and 128 can be about 72 degrees apart.

[0038] Additionally, the third throughflow hole 126 and the fourth throughflow hole 128 can be in fluid communication with each other via the second conduit 194, the fourth conduit 198, and the outer loop conduit 191 (see FIG. 4A ). The outer loop conduit 191 can be in the form of a tube or a conduit connecting one or more conduits. For example, the outer loop conduit 191 can be a tube located outside the housing 190 and connecting the second conduit 194 with the third conduit 196. It will be appreciated that this is just one configuration, and that depending on the application, the throughflow holes can be combined with appropriate conduits.

[0039] A surface of stator 120 (e.g., first surface 121 or second surface 123) may also include stator conduits 125. Stator conduits 125 may be recessed passages (e.g., channels or grooves) deep enough to allow fluid communication therethrough. In some embodiments, stator conduits 125 do not penetrate stator 120 from one side to another, but rather only allow fluid communication on the same surface of stator 120 (e.g., second surface 123). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, stator conduits 125 may be curved to accommodate the outer shape (e.g., circular or round) of stator 120.

[0040] The rotor 110 may include a first surface 111 and a second surface 113 opposite the first surface 111. One surface may include one or more rotor conduits, while the other surface may include one or more drive features. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first surface 111 may include a first rotor conduit 112, a second rotor conduit 114, and a third rotor conduit 116. Like the stator conduit 125, each of the first rotor conduit 112, the second rotor conduit 114, and the third rotor conduit 116 may be a recessed passageway (e.g., a channel or groove) deep enough to allow fluid communication therethrough. Similarly, in some embodiments, first rotor conduit 112, second rotor conduit 114, and third rotor conduit 116 do not penetrate rotor 110 from one side to another, but merely allow fluid communication at the same surface (e.g., first surface 111) of stator 110. In some embodiments, first rotor conduit 112 and second rotor conduit 114 may each have an oppositely directed arc shape, while third rotor conduit 116 may have a generally straight shape.

[0041] The rotor conduits 112, 114, and 116 may be spaced apart. In some embodiments, the rotor conduits 112, 114, and 116 may be approximately 90 degrees apart, approximately 80 degrees apart, approximately 70 degrees apart, approximately 60 degrees apart, approximately 50 degrees apart, approximately 40 degrees apart, approximately 30 degrees apart, approximately 20 degrees apart, or approximately 10 degrees apart. In some embodiments, the rotor conduits 112, 114, and 116 may be spaced between approximately 70 and 75 degrees apart. In some embodiments, the rotor conduits 112, 114, and 116 may be spaced apart at approximately 72 degrees.

[0042] Second surface 113 may include one or more drive features 118. One or more drive features 118 may mate with drive shaft 160, enabling motor 120 to drive rotor 110. In some embodiments, each of one or more drive features 118 may be a hole that protrudes partway into rotor 110 from second surface 113 without extending completely through rotor 110.

[0043] One or more conduits of valve housing 190 can be configured in various configurations through valve 100 by manipulating the position of rotor 110 relative to stator 120. More specifically, by manipulating the rotational position of rotor 110, each of rotor conduits 112, 114, and 116 can be aligned with a different through-flow hole 122, 124, 126, and 128 or stator conduit 125 of stator 120. Furthermore, stator conduit 125 can be sized and positioned such that stator conduit 125 provides fluid communication between at least two of first rotor conduit 112, second rotor conduit 114, or third rotor conduit 116 of rotor 110 when stator 120 is engaged with rotor 110.

[0044] 4A , for ease of explanation, a stator similar to stator 120 is shown including first throughflow hole 122, second throughflow hole 124, third throughflow hole 126, fourth throughflow hole 128, and stator conduit 125. Similarly, a rotor similar to rotor 110 is shown including first rotor conduit 112, second rotor conduit 114, and third rotor conduit 116. Furthermore, for purposes of explanation, first throughflow hole 122 may be designated the “input,” while second throughflow hole 124 may be designated the “output.” Furthermore, third throughflow hole 126 and fourth throughflow hole 128 may be designated the “loop.” It should be understood that these designations are merely exemplary for intended purposes in some embodiments, and variations are possible depending on the particular implementation.

[0045] 4B-4D illustrate several possible configurations of the valve 100. FIG. 4B illustrates a first configuration 410 (or "forward-pass loop" configuration). In the first configuration 410, fluid can flow from the first throughflow hole 122 (i.e., the input in this example) through the third rotor conduit 116 to the third throughflow hole 126. From there, fluid can flow from the third throughflow hole 126 through the outer loop conduit 191 (i.e., the loop in this example) to the fourth throughflow hole 128. From the fourth throughflow hole 128, fluid can flow through the first rotor conduit 112, the stator conduit 125, and then through the second rotor conduit 114 to the second throughflow hole 124 (i.e., the output in this example). This exemplary fluid path is indicated by arrows in FIG. 4B. As will be appreciated, fluid can also flow in the opposite direction by reversing the input and output. This location allows for the entire conduit to be utilized between the input and output without any dead space or volume in the effective flow path, and therefore the first configuration may be advantageous in that it reduces the amount of rinse / wash fluid required.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 72 degrees of spacing is utilized between the three open positions. With a 72 degree slot, each of the three flow configurations provides complete cleanout and no dead volume. This angle can provide optimal performance in all positions. The invention is not limited to 72 degrees, as other angle positions are also contemplated and may be used.

[0047] FIG. 4C illustrates a second configuration 420 (or "reverse pass-through loop"). In the second configuration 420, fluid can flow from the first throughflow hole 122 (i.e., input in this example) to the fourth throughflow hole 128. From there, the fluid can flow from the fourth throughflow hole 128 through the outer loop conduit 191 (i.e., loop in this example) to the third throughflow hole 126. From the third throughflow hole 126, the fluid can then flow through the third rotor conduit 116 to the second throughflow hole 124 (i.e., output in this example). In this configuration, fluid flows through the outer loop conduit 191 in the opposite direction from the first configuration 410. As with the first configuration 410, the input and output can be reversed in the second configuration 420, thereby reversing the entire flow path. To proceed from the first configuration 410 to the second configuration 420, the rotor 110 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve the second configuration 420. As can be seen, in the second configuration 420, the stator conduit 125 and the second rotor conduit 114 are not utilized.

[0048] FIG. 4D illustrates a third configuration 430 (or "bypass loop" configuration). In the third configuration 430, fluid can flow directly from the first throughflow hole 122 (i.e., input in this example) through the second rotor conduit 114 to the second throughflow hole 124 (i.e., output in this example) without passing through the outer loop conduit 191 (i.e., loop in this example). As with the first and second configurations 410 and 420, the input and output can be reversed in the third configuration 430, thereby reversing the entire flow path. To progress from the first or second configurations 410 or 420 to the third configuration 430, the rotor 110 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise until the third configuration 420 is achieved. As can be appreciated, in the third configuration 430, the third throughflow hole 126, the fourth throughflow hole 128, the third rotor conduit 116, and the first rotor conduit 112 are not utilized.

[0049] In some embodiments, motor 200 can be configured to position rotor 110 in rotational positions corresponding to first configuration 410 , second configuration 420 , and third configuration 430 .

[0050] While Figures 4B-C show three configurations, additional configurations are contemplated using the same rotor 110 and stator 120. For example, by stopping the rotor 110 between the positions shown in Figures 4B-4D, dead-end input or output positions may be possible. Alternative or additional configurations may also be implemented. Some variations may include repurposing the input and / or output, and loops; these and other variations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] 5 and 6 illustrate a valve 500 according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to valve 100, valve 500 may include a rotor 510 and a stator 520. Rotor 510 may be coupled to a valve cap 530 via a spring 540, a bearing 550, a drive shaft 560, and a thrust washer 570. Stator 520 may be coupled to a stator seal 580 and a valve housing 590. Valve 500 may similarly be coupled to motor 200 via motor mount 210.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a primary difference between valve 100 and valve 500 is that valve housing 590 can include a different number of conduits than valve housing 190. Referring to FIG. 6, valve housing 590 can include a first conduit 592, a second conduit 594, and a third conduit 596. For example, valve housing 590 can include ten conduits corresponding to "inputs" and one conduit corresponding to "output," which can be located in the middle of the ten conduits. One or more external tubes can be provided connecting two conduits to form a "loop." Again, it should be understood that the "input" versus "output" designations are merely indicative of their intended purpose and can be rearranged, combined, and modified by those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to ten conduits.

[0053] Stator 520 can include multiple through-flow holes depending on the number of conduits in valve housing 590. In some embodiments, stator 520 can include ten through-flow holes, each corresponding to one conduit. Stator 520 can also include one or more rotor conduits similar to rotor 520. Similarly, rotor 510 can include multiple rotor conduits similar to rotor 110.

[0054] 5 and 6, motor 200 may be configured to rotate rotor 510 to ten rotational positions. Other suitable configurations are possible depending on the particular implementation.

[0055] Specific embodiments of a clean rinse reversing bypass rotary valve according to the present disclosure have been described for the purpose of illustrating how the invention can be made and used. Other variations and modifications of the invention and implementations of different aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Features described in one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments. The subject disclosure is understood to encompass any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100 valves 110 rotor 120 Stator 130 Valve Cap 140 springs 150 bearings 160 drive shaft 170 Thrust washer 180 stator seal 190 Valve housing 198 Fourth Conduit 200 motor 210 Motor mounting base 220 Fasteners 230 Conductivity Probe

Claims

1. 1. A valve comprising a rotor coupled to a stator, The rotor and the stator are configured to form a first configuration having a first fluid path and a second configuration having a second fluid path, the first fluid path being different from the second fluid path.

2. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the rotor and the stator are further configured to form a third configuration having a third fluid path different from the first fluid path or the second fluid path.

3. The valve of claim 2 , wherein the stator further comprises a first through-flow hole, a second through-flow hole, a third through-flow hole, and a fourth through-flow hole.

4. The valve of claim 3 , wherein the stator further comprises a stator conduit disposed on a surface of the stator.

5. 5. The valve of claim 4, wherein the rotor further comprises a first rotor conduit, a second rotor conduit, and a third rotor conduit, each of which is disposed on a surface of the rotor.

6. 6. The valve of claim 5, wherein two of the first through-flow hole, the second through-flow hole, the third through-flow hole, or the fourth through-flow hole are connected to tubing that forms an outer loop exterior to the valve.

7. 3. The valve of claim 2, wherein the rotor is rotatable, and the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration are formed in response to a rotational position of the rotor relative to the stator.

8. 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the first configuration is formed by the first throughflow hole in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole through the third rotor conduit, the third throughflow hole in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole through the outer loop, and the fourth throughflow hole in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole through the first rotor conduit, the stator conduit, and the second rotor conduit.

9. 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the second configuration is formed by the first throughflow hole in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole through the first rotor conduit, the fourth throughflow hole in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole through the outer loop, and the third throughflow hole in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole through the third rotor conduit.

10. 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the second configuration is defined by the first throughflow bore being in fluid communication with the second throughflow bore via the second rotor conduit.

11. a housing coupled to the stator; 4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of conduits each connected to one of the first through-flow hole, the second through-flow hole, the third through-flow hole, and the fourth through-flow hole.

12. 1. A method for forming a flow channel, comprising: providing a rotor and a stator; providing a first fluid path and a second fluid path by rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the first fluid path being different from the second fluid path; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a third fluid path by rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the third fluid path being different from the first fluid path or the second fluid path.

14. The stator is a first through-flow hole, a second through-flow hole, a third through-flow hole, and a fourth through-flow hole; a stator conduit provided on a surface of the stator; The method of claim 13 further comprising:

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the rotor further comprises a first rotor conduit, a second rotor conduit, and a third rotor conduit, each disposed on a surface of the rotor.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an external loop by connecting two of the first throughflow hole, the second throughflow hole, the third throughflow hole, or the fourth throughflow hole.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first fluid path is formed by rotating the rotor such that the first throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole via the third rotor conduit, the third throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole via the outer loop, and the fourth throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the first rotor conduit, the stator conduit, and the second rotor conduit.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second fluid path is formed by rotating the rotor such that the first throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the fourth throughflow hole through the first rotor conduit, the fourth throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the third throughflow hole through the outer loop, and the third throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole through the third rotor conduit.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the third fluid path is formed by rotating the rotor such that the first throughflow hole is in fluid communication with the second throughflow hole via the second rotor conduit.

20. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a housing, the housing comprising a plurality of conduits each coupled to one of the first through-flow hole, the second through-flow hole, the third through-flow hole, and the fourth through-flow hole.

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