Poppet valve with simultaneously contacting valve members

Abstract

A poppet assembly for a valve can include a valve stem that cooperates with a valve actuator, a first valve member (120) coupled to the valve stem (119) in a fixed position and configured to sealingly engage the first orifice (110 a), and a second valve member (121) coupled to the valve stem and configured to sealingly engage the second orifice (110 b). The second valve member can include a coupler (128) for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, and a seal (132) configured to couple to the coupler and the valve stem. The second valve member can be configured to achieve proper spacing between the valve members to simultaneously contact their respective orifices without requiring more expensive and time-consuming components or assembly methods.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a PCT application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 737,814, filed January 8, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not applicable.

[0003] References to annex Not applicable.

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to valves, and more specifically, to poppet valves. [Background technology]

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art A typical poppet type valve includes a sealing member that contacts an orifice seat to block media from flowing through the valve. The sealing member contacting the seat creates an area that, when pressure is applied to it, is typically overcome by some form of actuator to generate a force to open the valve. In some valves, such as high flow (large orifice) valves, this area can be so large that the force generated can be greater than a typical solenoid type actuator can provide. The industry's solution to this is to manufacture poppet valves with two opposing orifice seats (e.g., equal or nearly equal size) that are fixed to a single shaft and sealed by two sealing members acting in unison. In this way, the two opposing seats and sealing members under a common pressure create opposing forces against each other, resulting in a more balanced condition with a lower net force that can be more easily overcome by a moderately sized solenoid actuator.

[0006] The difficulty with such devices is achieving an assembly in which two seal members contact two orifices simultaneously to prevent a leak condition in one of the two seat / seal member pairs. Conventional valves rely on relatively expensive, precisely manufactured components such as sleeves to minimize tolerances and achieve simultaneous contact of the seal members with the seats, or time-consuming measuring, shimming, or adjustment of components during assembly. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,433 entitled Double Valve purports to disclose a double-disk actuator with a sleeve disposed between a small and a large disk. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,433 entitled Valve Seals purports to disclose a valve closure member fixed to a spindle with a spacing sleeve disposed therebetween.

[0007] Thus, there exists a need in the art for improved apparatus, systems and methods for more simply, reliably and inexpensively achieving simultaneous contact of two seal members with their respective seats without resorting to more expensive, complicated and time consuming components or assembly methods.The disclosure and teachings herein relate to improved apparatus, systems and methods for poppet valves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,000,635 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 2,984,450 Summary of the Invention

[0009] In at least one embodiment, a poppet assembly for a valve can include a valve stem that cooperates with a valve actuator, a first valve member coupled to the valve stem at a fixed position and configured to sealingly engage a first orifice, and a second valve member coupled to the valve stem and configured to sealingly engage a second orifice. The second valve member can include a coupler for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, and a seal configured to be coupled to the coupler and the valve stem. The second valve member can be configured to achieve proper spacing between the valve members to simultaneously contact their respective orifices without the need for more expensive and time consuming components or assembly methods.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, a poppet assembly for a valve can include a valve stem having a first end for cooperation with a valve actuator and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a first valve member coupled to the valve stem at a fixed longitudinal position, the first valve member having a first side configured to sealingly engage a first orifice and a second side opposite the first side, and a second valve member coupled to the valve stem, the second side including a first coupler for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, a seal configured to be coupled to the first coupler and the valve stem, and a second coupler configured to be coupled to the first coupler. The valve stem can be disposed at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler. The first coupler, the second coupler and the seal may be configured to sealingly couple the second valve member to the valve stem. The first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either of the first or second ends of the valve stem that are furthest from the second valve member. For example, the first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either end of the valve stem that is configured to be operatively coupled to or in communication with a valve actuator (e.g., a solenoid actuator).

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the seal can be or include an at least partially tubular ferrule configured to be disposed around the valve stem. The first and second couplers can be or include threaded couplers configured to compress the ferrule radially inward toward, against, or onto the valve stem. For example, one coupler can have male threads and the other coupler can have mating female threads. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face, in whole or in part, at least substantially in the same direction. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a first end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a second end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the length of the valve stem between the second side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member may be spacerless or sleeveless. In at least one embodiment, the distance between the first valve member and the second valve member or a portion thereof may be determined or set in the absence of a spacer or sleeve.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve can include a valve body including an inlet and an outlet, a first orifice fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet, a second orifice fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a poppet assembly. The second orifice and the first orifice can have a common axis, in whole or in part, such as a common longitudinal axis, a common central longitudinal axis, or another common axis, according to implementations of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, a poppet assembly can include a valve stem having a first end for cooperation with a valve actuator and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a first valve member coupled to the valve stem at a fixed longitudinal position, the first valve member having a first side configured to sealingly engage a first orifice and a second side opposite the first side, and a second valve member coupled to the valve stem, the second side including a first coupler for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, a seal configured to be coupled to the first coupler and the valve stem, and a second coupler configured to be coupled to the first coupler. The valve stem can be disposed at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler. The first coupler, the second coupler and the seal may be configured to sealingly couple the second valve member to the valve stem. The first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either of the first or second ends of the valve stem that are furthest from the second valve member. For example, the first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either end of the valve stem that is configured to be operatively coupled to or in communication with a valve actuator (e.g., a solenoid actuator).

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the seal can be or include an at least partially tubular ferrule configured to be disposed around the valve stem. The first and second couplers can be or include threaded couplers configured to compress the ferrule radially inward toward, against, or onto the valve stem. For example, one coupler can have male threads and the other coupler can have mating female threads. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face, in whole or in part, at least substantially in the same direction. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a first end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a second end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the length of the valve stem between the second side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member may be spacerless or sleeveless. In at least one embodiment, the distance between the first valve member and the second valve member or a portion thereof may be determined or set in the absence of a spacer or sleeve.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve can include one or more valve actuators coupled to the valve body and operably coupled to the first, second or other end of the valve stem and configured to move the valve stem and / or one or more other valve components, such as one or more valve members, in at least one direction, which can be or include two or more directions. One or more valve members, such as the first and second valve members (and / or additional valve members, if present), can be configured to sealingly engage corresponding first and second orifices or seats (and / or additional orifices or seats, if present) simultaneously, at least substantially simultaneously, or in one or more other manners to support appropriate valve function or operation according to implementations of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, one or more valve members, such as the second valve member (or portion thereof), may be configured to be optionally coupled to the valve stem at any one or more of a plurality of different positions along the valve stem relative to another valve member, such as the first valve member (or portion thereof), including one or more of a plurality of different longitudinal positions along a length or portion of the valve stem between the first valve member and an end of the valve stem opposite or furthest from the first valve member.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve can include one or more couplers and one or more seals, e.g., a first coupler, a second coupler and a first seal, configured to sealingly couple one or more valve members, such as a first, second or other valve member, to a valve stem or another valve component coupled to the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the one or more couplers and the one or more seals can be configured to at least temporarily fix a position of one or more valve members, such as a first, second or other valve member, on or otherwise relative to the valve stem or another valve component coupled to the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the one or more couplers and the one or more seals can be configured to simultaneously sealingly couple and at least temporarily fix a position of the valve member.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more biasing devices, such as springs, configured to bias one or more valve members, such as the first and second valve members, in one or more directions or toward one or more positions, e.g., toward sealing engagement with one or more corresponding orifices, such as the first and second orifices, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more valve actuators coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively overcome the bias of the one or more biasing devices to open the valve. In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more biasing devices, such as springs, configured to bias one or more valve members, such as the first and second valve members, in one or more directions or toward one or more positions, e.g., away from sealing engagement with one or more corresponding orifices, such as the first and second orifices, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more valve actuators coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively overcome the bias of the one or more biasing devices to close the valve.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, a method of coupling a poppet assembly to a poppet valve having first and second orifices fluidly disposed between a valve inlet and a valve outlet includes the steps of: disposing a valve stem having a first end for cooperation with a valve actuator and a second end at least partially through the first and second orifices and longitudinally opposite the first end, the valve stem having a first valve member coupled thereto at a first longitudinal fixed location and having a first side configured to sealingly engage the first orifice; and disposing a second valve member about the valve stem; The second valve member may include a first side configured to sealingly engage the second orifice and a second side opposite the first side, and a first coupler for coupling the second valve member to a valve stem, the first coupler being coupled to the second side of the second valve member; disposing a seal around the valve stem; disposing a second coupler around the valve stem, the second coupler being configured to be coupled to the first coupler; coupling the first and second couplers; and sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem at a second longitudinal fixed position.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the method can include disposing the valve stem at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler. The method can include sealingly coupling a seal to the valve stem by the first and second couplers. The method can include disposing the first valve member longitudinally between a first end of the valve stem and the second valve member. The method can include disposing the first valve member longitudinally between a second end of the valve stem and the second valve member. The method can include disposing at least a portion of the second valve member longitudinally between a second orifice and the second end of the valve stem. The method can include disposing at least a portion of the second valve member longitudinally between the second orifice and the first end of the valve stem.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the method can include threadably coupling the first and second couplers and compressing the tubular ferrule radially inwardly onto the valve stem. The method can include disposing a first side of the first valve member into sealing engagement with the first orifice and disposing a first side of the second valve member into sealing engagement with the second orifice. The method can include applying a force to at least one of the first and second valve members to ensure sealing engagement with the orifice. The method can include compressing each of the first and second valve members. The method can include holding the second valve member in a fixed position while coupling the first and second couplers. The method can include holding the second valve member in a fixed position while sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem. The method can include holding the first valve member in a fixed position while coupling the first and second couplers. The method can include establishing a second longitudinal fixed position while sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem. The method can include establishing the second longitudinal fixed position of the second valve member relative to the first longitudinal fixed position of the first valve member without disposing a spacer between the first and second valve members. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of one of many embodiments of a valve according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow chart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method for assembling a poppet valve according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The drawings described above and the following written description of specific structures and functions are not presented to limit the scope of applicant's invention or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the drawings and written description are provided to teach one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention for which patent protection is sought. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all features of the commercial embodiments of the present disclosure have been described or shown for clarity and understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present disclosure may require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's end goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, but are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, which may vary depending on the particular implementation, location, and time. While the developer's efforts may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts are nevertheless a routine undertaking for one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. The use of singular terms, such as, but not limited to, "a", is not intended to limit the number of items. Unless otherwise stated, the use of related terms, such as but not limited to "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "upper", "side", "first", "second" ("third" onwards), "inlet", "outlet", etc., are used by the written description to clarify specific reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or the appended claims. Terms such as "couple", "coupled", "coupled", "coupler", etc. are used broadly herein and can include, for example, any method or device for fastening, joining, connecting, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming on or within, communicating with, or otherwise associating, an intermediate element, one or more members together, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operable, directly or indirectly, and can further include, without limitation, integrally forming one member with another member. Coupling may occur in any direction, including rotationally.The terms "including" and "such as" are exemplary and not limiting, and the term "can" means "can, but not necessarily," unless expressly stated otherwise. Notwithstanding any other language in this disclosure, the embodiments illustrated in the drawings are examples presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not the only embodiments of the subject matter herein.

[0022] Applicant has created devices, systems and methods for improved poppet valves having advantageous poppets or poppet assemblies and / or advantageous features for at least partially reducing or minimizing the cost or complexity of a poppet valve or a portion of a poppet valve, or the cost, complexity or time associated with manufacturing, assembling or installing a poppet valve or a portion of a poppet valve. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include, among other things, poppets or poppet assemblies for relatively simply and reliably achieving simultaneous contact or otherwise proper positioning or placement of two or more valve members or seal disks relative to one another and two or more corresponding orifices or valve seats. Applicant has created devices, systems and methods for improved poppet valves having advantageous poppets or poppet assemblies that can be operably positioned and installed without the need for more costly or time-consuming means such as precisely sized spacers or sleeves, precisely measured positioning, etc.

[0023] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of one of many embodiments of a valve according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method for assembling a poppet valve according to the present disclosure. Figures 1-2 are described in relation to each other.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve 100 according to the present disclosure can include a valve body 102, such as a casing, encapsulation, or housing for enclosing, protecting, or otherwise supporting one or more other valve components, and can include one or more inlets 104 for fluid to flow into the valve and one or more outlets 106 for fluid to flow from the valve. The valve body 102 can be a single, unitary piece or can include multiple valve body portions coupled together, and can be formed in any shape or manner according to a particular implementation of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes, although this embodiment is only one of many, the body 102 can include a first body portion 102a and a second body portion 102b. Other variations are possible, and the valve 100 can include any number of body portions according to a particular implementation, any of which can be coupled to each other in any applicable manner. For example, valve 100 can, but need not, include one or more couplers (not shown) for coupling two or more valve components together, such as mating threads, other male and / or female couplers, fasteners, receivers, adhesives, or other coupling structures, either individually or in combination.

[0025] The inlet 104 may include multiple inlet components or other inlet portions coupled together or otherwise disposed in fluid communication with one another and may include one or more inlet openings 104a for allowing fluid to flow in one or more directions between the inside and outside of the body 102. The openings 104a may be of any shape or size depending on the implementation of the disclosure. The inlet 104 may include an inlet conduit 104b for routing or allowing fluid to travel through and one or more couplers 104c that may be or include separate couplers or integral coupler portions, in whole or in part, for coupling with other structures in the valve system, such as pipes, tubes, hoses, fluid sources, fluid receivers, fluid destinations, or other conduits or components. As shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes, the coupler 104c can be or include a flange or ring, but is not required, and the coupler 104c (if present) can be or include a screw or any other type of fastener, fitting, or other coupler, either separately or in combination with one another, now known or developed in the future. In at least one embodiment, the coupler 104c can be or include a conduit end for joining with one or more other conduits, such as by brazing, welding, friction, adhesive, or another method. The above description of the opening 104a, the conduit 104b, and the coupler 104c can be similarly applied to one or more other inlets, outlets, and other fluid paths of the valve 100. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, which are only one of many, the outlet 106 can include one or more outlet openings 106a, outlet conduits 106b, and / or outlet couplers 106c. Alternatively, one or more of these components may be absent, as desired, in accordance with the implementation of the present disclosure. In the relevant art, a valve may be referred to as a "valve fitting" when structures such as conduits 104b, 106b or couplers 104c, 106c are present. As used in this disclosure, the term "valve" includes a "valve fitting" when referring to the entire device (e.g., valve 100) unless otherwise specified.

[0026] The valve 100 may include one or more flow paths, such as a valve flow path, a reservoir, or other flow path, that route or otherwise direct fluid through the valve from the inlet 104 to the outlet 106 (or vice versa). The valve flow path may include, or at least be described as including, two or more sub-flow paths (or component flow paths) that collectively constitute a corresponding flow path through the valve 100 for ease of illustration and description. For example, in at least one embodiment, the valve flow path may include one or more first flow paths 108a, 108b, such as inlets or other flow paths, from the inlet 104 to a location along the valve flow path (which may be any location), and one or more second flow paths 108c, such as outlets or other flow paths, from such location along the flow path 108 to the outlet 106 (collectively, flow paths 108a, 108b, "flow paths 108"). The valve 100 may include one or more other component flow paths, either separately or in combination with each other and / or in combination with any of the first and second flow paths, as may be described in more detail elsewhere herein. Additionally, each component flow path, such as the first and second flow paths, may include multiple shorter passages or other paths (i.e., sub-sub-passages) between two or more locations or points along the flow path 108 or a portion thereof. The inlet 104, outlet 106 and flow path 108, in whole or in part, separately or in combination, may, but need not, have a common axis, such as a central longitudinal axis.

[0027] The valve 100 can include one or more orifices 110, such as structures that define or otherwise include openings, conduits, or other passageways to at least partially route or otherwise influence flow through the valve. The orifices 110 can be at least partially disposed within the flow path 108, for example, fluidly disposed between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106, and can house or otherwise cooperate with at least a portion of one or more sealing components of the valve (discussed further below). The orifices 110 can be configured to route or otherwise allow fluid to flow along the flow path 108 between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106, including in a manner that allows the fluid to be routed or otherwise allowed to flow around or otherwise pass one or more sealing components or other valve components that are at least partially disposed within the flow path 108. For example, in at least one embodiment, the orifice 110 can have a larger flow area or volume than one or more other portions of the flow path 108, including having a flow area or volume sufficient to permit fluid to flow through the orifice 110, around or through one or more components at least partially disposed within the orifice 110, when the valve 100 is in an open position. The orifice 110 can, but need not, include a number of openings or other flow paths to define a portion of one or more flow paths of the valve 100, such as orifice flow paths that form a portion of the flow path 108 from one or more orifice inlets 110a to permit fluid to enter the orifice to one or more orifice outlets 110b to permit fluid to exit the orifice.

[0028] The valve 100 may include an actuator assembly 116 for controlling the flow of fluid through at least a portion of the valve 100, either separately or in cooperation with one or more other valve components. The actuator assembly 116 may be coupled, in whole or in part, to the valve body 102, e.g., to one or more of the first and second body portions 102a, 102b, and may, but need not, include additional body structure, such as an actuator housing (not shown), for housing or otherwise supporting one or more actuating components. In at least one embodiment, the actuator assembly 116 may include one or more poppets or poppet assemblies 117, which may include a stem 119 and one or more valve members 120, 121, and one or more actuators 118 for moving and / or maintaining (or otherwise holding) the stem 119 and valve members 120, 121 to, from, or in one or more positions. According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, one or more valve members 120, 121 can have a first side 120a, 121a and a second side 120b, 121b and can have any number of positions relative to the body 102 or another valve portion. For example, the valve members 120, 121 can have a fully closed position to maximize resistance to flow through at least a portion of the valve 100, including preventing flow through the position. As another example, the valve members 120, 121 can have a fully open position to minimize resistance to flow through at least a portion of the valve 100, such as by minimizing flow resistance caused by the valve members 120, 121 or portions thereof. The valve members 120, 121 can have one or more partially open (or partially closed) positions between the fully open and fully closed positions to allow fluid to flow at one or more rates between a maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate, which may be any flow rate according to the embodiment or implementation at hand.

[0029] A stem 119, such as a rod, shaft, or other support member, can be or include a structure for holding one or more valve members 120, 121 in one or more positions and moving such valve members between positions, such as between two or more positions described above, such as in cooperation with an actuator 118. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the actuator 118 can move the poppet assembly 117 between or among a fully closed position (shown in FIG. 1) and one or more transition and open positions. In but one such embodiment of many, the valve 100 can include one or more valve seats 122, 123, optionally coupled to one or more corresponding valve members 120, 121, for restricting or preventing the flow of fluid through corresponding orifices 110 of the valve 100. The valve seats 122, 123 can be disposed at the orifice inlet 110a and, in at least one embodiment, can be coupled to the orifice 110 and / or the body 102 in a fixed or stationary position. The valve seats 122, 123 can be single or can include two or more valve seats or valve seat portions. The valve members 120, 121 and seats 122, 123 can be configured to sealingly mate with one another to prevent or limit the flow of fluid, in whole or in part, through one or more portions of the flow passage 108, such as through the orifice 110. For example, the valve members 120, 121 can have one or more sides (e.g., first sides 120a, 121a) or other portions for sealingly engaging the seats 122, 123 or a portion thereof (e.g., an upstream side or a downstream side). For example, the valve members 120, 121 can be or include a seal disk or stopper configured to sealingly engage a corresponding one of the seats 122, 123. In at least one embodiment, the valve 100 can have a fully closed position in which the valve members 120, 121 and seats 122, 123 are sealingly engaged to prevent flow to and / or through the orifice 110, and one or more open positions in which the valve members 120, 121 and seats 122, 123 are not sealingly engaged, but rather are disposed relative to one another to permit fluid flow.Valve members 120, 121, or portions thereof, may be configured to seal with seats 122, 123 in any sealing manner or configuration, in accordance with a particular implementation of the present disclosure, and may include first sides 120a, 121a that are shaped or otherwise configured to mate with seats 122, 123 in fluid-tight engagement.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the orifice inlets 110a can be the same size or at least substantially the same size. In at least one embodiment, the orifice inlets 110a can be different sizes. For example, one can be larger than the other. In at least one embodiment, the valve members 120, 121 can be the same size or at least substantially the same size. In at least one embodiment, the valve members 120, 121 can be different sizes. For example, one can be larger than the other. In at least one embodiment, the valve seats 122, 123 can be the same size or at least substantially the same size. In at least one embodiment, the valve seats 122, 123 can be different sizes. For example, one can be larger than the other. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes, the valve member 120 and the valve seat 122 can be smaller than the valve member 121 and the valve seat 123. In just one such embodiment, of which there are many, such sizing can allow the valve member 120 to be inserted into the valve body 102 via the inlet orifice 110b and the valve seat 123 during assembly or installation of the poppet assembly 117. In at least one embodiment, the inlet orifice 110a and / or the seats 122, 123 can have one or more common axes, which can include having a common central longitudinal axis X.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, one or more valve members, such as valve member 120, can be coupled to stem 119 at temporary or permanent fixed locations along the length of stem 119 to cooperate with valve seat 123 during operation of the valve. Valve member 120 can be coupled to stem 119 in any manner consistent with the practice of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, being integrally formed with stem 119 or formed separately therefrom and coupled thereto, in whole or in part, separately or in combination, mechanically or otherwise. Such coupling can include, but is not required to include, the use of one or more couplers or other structures, such as shoulders, stops, grooves, set screws, pins, etc.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, one or more other valve members, such as valve member 121, may be advantageously slidably or otherwise movably disposed along the length of valve stem 119 and configured to be selectively coupled to valve stem 119 at any of a number of different longitudinal positions to facilitate simultaneous coupling of valve member 121 to stem 119 and positioning of valve member 121 relative to valve member 120 and valve seat 123 for proper valve function. In other words, with respect to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that, although there may be some margin or room for error in the actual implementation of valve 100 in accordance with this disclosure, valve members 120, 121 should ideally sealingly engage and disengage valve seats 122, 123, respectively, at precisely the same time during valve operation to support or achieve proper valve function. This may be particularly true with respect to the fully closed position, because if the valve members 120, 121 are not properly positioned on the stem 119 to simultaneously contact their respective seats 122, 123, it is possible for one valve member 120, 121 to fully seat during closure while the other does not, resulting in a leak condition. In at least one embodiment, one or more other valve members, such as valve member 121, may be advantageously configured to minimize or avoid such problems without resorting to relatively complicated and time-consuming methods of ensuring that the spacing between the valve members 120, 121 operably matches the spacing between the valve seats 122, 123 (which in actual implementation may vary from valve to valve, even between valves of the same type and size, e.g., due to slight differences due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0033] More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the valve member 121 may be at least partially tubular and may be configured to be slidably disposed on or about the stem 119 such that at least a portion of the stem 119 passes into or through at least a portion of the valve member 121, for example, via a bore 126. The valve member 121 may include one or more couplers for fixing the position of the valve member 121 along the stem 119. For example, the valve member 121 may include a first coupler 128 formed on or otherwise coupled to the side 121b and a second coupler 130 configured to be coupled to the first coupler 128. As shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes, the couplers 128, 130 may be or include threaded couplers. However, this need not be the case and other types of couplers are possible, such as quarter-turn couplers and press-fit couplers. The valve member 121 may further include one or more seals 132, such as elastomeric or metal (e.g., brass) ferrules for cooperating with one or more couplers 128, 130. For example, in at least one embodiment, the seal 132 may be disposed between the couplers 128, 130 about the stem 119, and the couplers 128, 130 may be configured to plastically or elastically deform or crush the seal 132 radially inward onto an outer surface of the stem 119 to fix the position of the valve member 121 relative to the stem 119. In this manner, the valve member 121 may be configured to allow for adjustable positioning and coupling of the valve member 121 to the stem 119 during assembly or adjustment of the poppet assembly 117 or valve 100.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the valve 100 or a portion thereof, such as the actuator assembly 116, can include one or more biasing devices, such as one or more springs 134, to bias the poppet assembly 117 or a portion thereof, such as the valve members 120, 121 or stem 119, in one or more directions, which can include directions opposite or opposed to the force applied by the actuator 118. For example, the spring 134 or other biasing device can bias the poppet assembly 117 in an upward direction (with reference to the exemplary orientation of FIG. 1), the valve 100 can be configured as a normally closed valve, and the actuator 118 can be configured to move the poppet assembly 117 downward to open the valve. As another example, the spring 134 or other biasing device can bias the poppet assembly 117 in a downward direction (with reference to the exemplary orientation of FIG. 1), the valve 100 can be configured as a normally open valve, and the actuator 118 can be configured to move the poppet assembly 117 upward to open the valve. As yet another example, the actuator 118 can be located below the valve body 102, rather than above it, as shown for illustrative purposes in FIG. 1. Additionally, in any actuator configuration, the actuator 118 can be a push or pull actuator, and the valve seats 122, 123 can be at the top or bottom of the orifice opening 110a, as desired or required in accordance with the implementation of the present disclosure. Similarly, the actuator 118 can be or include any type of actuator in accordance with the implementation of the present disclosure, including, for example, at least one of an electrohydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a pump, an electric motor, a stepper motor, a gearbox, an electromagnet, a solenoid, a pilot valve, and combinations thereof.Individually or in combination with any of the foregoing, embodiments of the present disclosure can include two valve members 120, 121 as shown in FIG. 1, or can include three or more valve members and corresponding seats or orifices, and can include multiple sealing components to prevent fluid flow through multiple corresponding seats or orifices when the valve is in one or more positions.

[0035] With continued reference to the drawings, and with particular reference to FIG. 2, one or more methods according to the present disclosure will be described in more detail. As will be appreciated in light of the foregoing description of the valve 100 and its components, in at least one embodiment, the method can include steps 200 of disposing a valve stem having a fixed valve member in a valve body, and step 202 of disposing the fixed valve member in sealing communication with a first valve seat. The method can include steps 204 of disposing a second valve member on or around the valve stem, and step 206 of sliding the second valve member into sealing communication with a second valve seat. The method can include steps 208 of applying a force to one or more valve members, and step 210 of ensuring that the one or more valve members are in sealing contact with their respective valve seats. The method can include step 212 of at least partially compressing one or more valve members, which can include compressing two or more valve members with equal or at least substantially equal forces or pressures. The method may include the step of disposing 214 a seal on or about the valve stem and sliding 216 the seal into a seal receiver or other engagement structure with one or more valve members. The method may include the step of disposing 216 one or more couplers, such as compression nuts, on or about the valve stem and at least partially coupling 218 the couplers to the valve members or to couplers coupled to the valve members. The method may include the step of holding 220 the valve members, such as while two or more valve members are disposed in their respective seats or orifices, and tightening 222 the one or more couplers to the valve members or to couplers coupled to the valve members. The method may include the step of deforming 224 one or more seals or couplers, such as by plastically or elastically crushing or compressing such seals and / or couplers. The method may include the step of sealing 226 the valve members to the stem and locking 228 the valve members to the stem, or may include the step of doing so simultaneously.Thus, two or more valve members may be secured to the valve stem and simultaneously positioned to contact their respective orifices or seats.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, a poppet assembly for a valve can include a valve stem that cooperates with a valve actuator, a first valve member that is coupled to the valve stem in a fixed position and configured to sealingly engage a first orifice, and a second valve member that is coupled to the valve stem and configured to sealingly engage a second orifice. The second valve member can include a coupler for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, and a seal configured to be coupled to the coupler and the valve stem. The second valve member can be configured to achieve proper spacing between the valve members to simultaneously contact their respective orifices without the need for more expensive and time consuming components or assembly methods.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, a poppet assembly for a valve can include a valve stem having a first end for cooperation with a valve actuator and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a first valve member coupled to the valve stem at a fixed longitudinal position, the first valve member having a first side configured to sealingly engage a first orifice and a second side opposite the first side, and a second valve member coupled to the valve stem, the second side including a first coupler for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, a seal configured to be coupled to the first coupler and the valve stem, and a second coupler configured to be coupled to the first coupler. The valve stem can be disposed at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler. The first coupler, the second coupler and the seal may be configured to sealingly couple the second valve member to the valve stem. The first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either of the first or second ends of the valve stem that are furthest from the second valve member. For example, the first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either end of the valve stem that is configured to be operatively coupled to or in communication with a valve actuator (e.g., a solenoid actuator).

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the seal can be or include an at least partially tubular ferrule configured to be disposed around the valve stem. The first and second couplers can be or include threaded couplers configured to compress the ferrule radially inward toward, against, or onto the valve stem. For example, one coupler can have male threads and the other coupler can have mating female threads. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face, in whole or in part, at least substantially in the same direction. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a first end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a second end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the length of the valve stem between the second side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member may be spacerless or sleeveless. In at least one embodiment, the distance between the first valve member and the second valve member or a portion thereof may be determined or set in the absence of a spacer or sleeve.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve can include a valve body including an inlet and an outlet, a first orifice fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet, a second orifice fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a poppet assembly. The second orifice and the first orifice can have a common axis, in whole or in part, such as a common longitudinal axis, a common central longitudinal axis, or another common axis, according to implementations of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, a poppet assembly can include a valve stem having a first end for cooperation with a valve actuator and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a first valve member coupled to the valve stem at a fixed longitudinal position, the first valve member having a first side configured to sealingly engage a first orifice and a second side opposite the first side, and a second valve member coupled to the valve stem, the second side including a first coupler for coupling the second valve member to the valve stem, a seal configured to be coupled to the first coupler and the valve stem, and a second coupler configured to be coupled to the first coupler. The valve stem can be disposed at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler. The first coupler, the second coupler and the seal may be configured to sealingly couple the second valve member to the valve stem. The first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either of the first or second ends of the valve stem that are furthest from the second valve member. For example, the first valve member may be longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either end of the valve stem that is configured to be operatively coupled to or in communication with a valve actuator (e.g., a solenoid actuator).

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the seal can be or include an at least partially tubular ferrule configured to be disposed around the valve stem. The first and second couplers can be or include threaded couplers configured to compress the ferrule radially inward toward, against, or onto the valve stem. For example, one coupler can have male threads and the other coupler can have mating female threads. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face, in whole or in part, at least substantially in the same direction. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a first end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member can face a second end of the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the length of the valve stem between the second side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member may be spacerless or sleeveless. In at least one embodiment, the distance between the first valve member and the second valve member or a portion thereof may be determined or set in the absence of a spacer or sleeve.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve can include one or more valve actuators coupled to the valve body and operably coupled to the first, second or other end of the valve stem and configured to move the valve stem and / or one or more other valve components, such as one or more valve members, in at least one direction, which can be or include two or more directions. One or more valve members, such as the first and second valve members (and / or additional valve members, if present), can be configured to sealingly engage corresponding first and second orifices or seats (and / or additional orifices or seats, if present) simultaneously, at least substantially simultaneously, or in one or more other manners to support appropriate valve function or operation according to implementations of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, one or more valve members, such as the second valve member (or portion thereof), may be configured to be optionally coupled to the valve stem at any one or more of a plurality of different positions along the valve stem relative to another valve member, such as the first valve member (or portion thereof), including one or more of a plurality of different longitudinal positions along a length or portion of the valve stem between the first valve member and an end of the valve stem opposite or furthest from the first valve member.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, a poppet valve can include one or more couplers and one or more seals, e.g., a first coupler, a second coupler and a first seal, configured to sealingly couple one or more valve members, such as a first, second or other valve member, to a valve stem or another valve component coupled to the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the one or more couplers and the one or more seals can be configured to at least temporarily fix a position of one or more valve members, such as a first, second or other valve member, on or otherwise relative to the valve stem or another valve component coupled to the valve stem. In at least one embodiment, the one or more couplers and the one or more seals can be configured to simultaneously sealingly couple and at least temporarily fix a position of the valve member.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more biasing devices, such as springs, configured to bias one or more valve members, such as the first and second valve members, in one or more directions or toward one or more positions, e.g., toward sealing engagement with one or more corresponding orifices, such as the first and second orifices, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more valve actuators coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively overcome the bias of the one or more biasing devices to open the valve. In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more biasing devices, such as springs, configured to bias one or more valve members, such as the first and second valve members, in one or more directions or toward one or more positions, e.g., away from sealing engagement with one or more corresponding orifices, such as the first and second orifices, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the poppet valve can include one or more valve actuators coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively overcome the bias of the one or more biasing devices to close the valve.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, a method of coupling a poppet assembly to a poppet valve having first and second orifices fluidly disposed between a valve inlet and a valve outlet includes the steps of: disposing a valve stem having a first end for cooperation with a valve actuator and a second end at least partially through the first and second orifices and longitudinally opposite the first end, the valve stem having a first valve member coupled thereto at a first longitudinal fixed location and having a first side configured to sealingly engage the first orifice; and disposing a second valve member about the valve stem; The second valve member may include a first side configured to sealingly engage the second orifice and a second side opposite the first side, and a first coupler for coupling the second valve member to a valve stem, the first coupler being coupled to the second side of the second valve member; disposing a seal around the valve stem; disposing a second coupler around the valve stem, the second coupler being configured to be coupled to the first coupler; coupling the first and second couplers; and sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem at a second longitudinal fixed position.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, the method can include disposing the valve stem at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler. The method can include sealingly coupling a seal to the valve stem by the first and second couplers. The method can include disposing the first valve member longitudinally between a first end of the valve stem and the second valve member. The method can include disposing the first valve member longitudinally between a second end of the valve stem and the second valve member. The method can include disposing at least a portion of the second valve member longitudinally between a second orifice and the second end of the valve stem. The method can include disposing at least a portion of the second valve member longitudinally between the second orifice and the first end of the valve stem.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the method can include threadably coupling the first and second couplers and compressing the tubular ferrule radially inwardly onto the valve stem. The method can include disposing a first side of the first valve member into sealing engagement with the first orifice and disposing a first side of the second valve member into sealing engagement with the second orifice. The method can include applying a force to at least one of the first and second valve members to ensure sealing engagement with the orifice. The method can include compressing each of the first and second valve members. The method can include holding the second valve member in a fixed position while coupling the first and second couplers. The method can include holding the second valve member in a fixed position while sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem. The method can include holding the first valve member in a fixed position while coupling the first and second couplers. The method can include establishing a second longitudinal fixed position while sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem. The method can include establishing the second longitudinal fixed position of the second valve member relative to the first longitudinal fixed position of the first valve member without disposing a spacer between the first and second valve members.

[0047] Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the devices, systems and methods disclosed herein may be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant's disclosure. For example, the devices, systems and methods disclosed herein may be used alone or to form one or more portions of other valves, valve components, and / or fluid control systems. Furthermore, the various methods and embodiments of the poppets and valves may be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. A description of an element in the singular may include the element in the plural, and vice versa. A reference to at least one element followed by a reference to that element may include one or more elements. Also, various aspects of the embodiments may be used in combination with each other to achieve the realized goals of the present disclosure.

[0048] Unless otherwise indicated by the context, the terms "comprise", "include" and "has" (including variations and conjugations such as "comprise", "includes" and "has") should be understood to mean the inclusion of at least the recited elements or steps or groups of elements or steps or their equivalents, and not the exclusion of a greater number or other elements or steps or groups of elements or steps or their equivalents. The devices, apparatuses and systems can be used in many directions and orientations. Unless otherwise limited, the sequence of steps can occur in various orders. Various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interconnected with the recited steps, and / or divided into multiple steps. Similarly, elements are described functionally and can be embodied as separate components and / or combined into components having multiple functions. The term "fluid" as used herein includes any substance or material that can flow, such as, for example, liquids (whether or not one or more solids or other non-fluids may be present therein), gases, and combinations thereof.

[0049] The embodiments are described in the context of preferred and other embodiments, and not all embodiments of Applicant's disclosure are described. Obvious modifications and variations to the described embodiments are available to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of Applicant's disclosure, but rather, in accordance with patent law, Applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that are within the scope or range of equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. a valve body including an inlet and an outlet; a first orifice fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet; a second orifice fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the second orifice having a common central longitudinal axis with the first orifice; a poppet assembly, The poppet assembly includes: a valve stem having a first end for cooperating with a valve actuator and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end; a first valve member coupled to the valve stem at a fixed longitudinal position and having a first side configured to sealingly engage the first orifice and a second side opposite the first side; a second valve member coupled to the valve stem and having a first side configured to sealingly engage the second orifice and a second side opposite the first side; a first coupler coupling the second valve member to the valve stem and coupled to a second side of the second valve member; a seal configured to be coupled to the first coupler and the valve stem; a second coupler configured to be coupled to the first coupler; the valve stem is disposed at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler; the first coupler, the second coupler and the seal are configured to sealingly couple the second valve member to the valve stem; the first valve member is longitudinally disposed between the second valve member and either the first or second end of the valve stem that is furthest from the second valve member; a poppet valve, wherein the seal is a tubular ferrule disposed about the valve stem, and the first and second couplers are threaded couplers configured to compress the ferrule radially inward onto the valve stem.

2. 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, wherein said first side of said first valve member and said first side of said second valve member face in the same direction.

3. 3. The poppet valve of claim 2, wherein said first side of said first valve member and said first side of said second valve member face said first end of said valve stem.

4. 3. The poppet valve of claim 2, wherein the first side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member face the second end of the valve stem.

5. 3. The poppet valve of claim 2, wherein the length of the valve stem between the second side of the first valve member and the first side of the second valve member is spacerless.

6. 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, further comprising a valve actuator coupled to the valve body and the first end of the valve stem and configured to move the valve stem in at least one direction.

7. The poppet valve of claim 1 , wherein the first and second valve members are configured to simultaneously sealingly engage the first and second orifices.

8. 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, wherein the second valve member is configured to be optionally coupled to the valve stem at any of a plurality of different positions along the valve stem relative to the first valve member.

9. 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, wherein the first coupler, the second coupler and the seal are configured to sealingly couple the second valve member to the valve stem while at the same time at least temporarily fixing a position of the second valve member to the valve stem.

10. 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, further comprising at least one spring configured to bias said first and second valve members toward sealing engagement with said first and second orifices, respectively.

11. The poppet valve of claim 10 , further comprising a valve actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively overcome the bias of the at least one spring to open the valve.

12. 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, further comprising at least one spring configured to bias said first and second valve members away from sealing engagement with said first and second orifices, respectively.

13. 13. The poppet valve of claim 12, further comprising a valve actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively overcome the bias of the at least one spring to close the valve.

14. 10. A method for assembling the poppet valve of claim 1, comprising the steps of: disposing the valve stem at least partially through the first and second orifices; disposing the second valve member about the valve stem; disposing the seal about the valve stem; disposing the second coupler about the valve stem; coupling the first and second couplers; sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem at a second longitudinal fixed position; threadingly engaging the first and second couplers and compressing a tubular ferrule radially inwardly onto the valve stem.

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising disposing the valve stem at least partially through the second valve member and the first coupler.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of sealingly coupling the seal to the valve stem with the first and second couplers.

17. placing the first side of the first valve member into sealing engagement with the first orifice; 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: placing the first side of the second valve member into sealing engagement with the second orifice.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of sealingly coupling the second valve member to the valve stem while simultaneously establishing the second longitudinal fixed position.

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