Coaxial valve

Abstract

The valve may include a body having an inlet and an outlet coaxially about an axis, a fixed valve seat between the inlet and the outlet, one or more valve members slidably coupled to the valve body and optionally adapted to couple with the valve seat, one or more biasing devices adapted to bias the valve member in one or more longitudinal directions, and optionally one or more actuators adapted to move the valve member into sealing engagement and / or disengagement with the valve seat. The actuator assembly may include one or more of an electro-hydraulic actuator and an electro-mechanical actuator, among others.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application is a PCT application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 278,520, filed on February 18, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Description of Federally Sponsored Research or Development) There is no such matter.

[0003] (Reference to an Appendix) There is no such matter.

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to valves, and more specifically, to coaxial valves.

Background Art

[0005] Various types of coaxial valves are known in the art, such as coaxial valves having a single tubular sleeve actuated manually, pneumatically, or solenoidally. Coaxial valves can, in some cases, provide higher flow rates than other types of valves (e.g., poppet valves) of equivalent flow size or pipe size because the flow of fluid through the valve is more efficient. Also, coaxial valves may, in some cases, be desirable because they require less opening force compared to some other types of valves due to the smaller pressure area for opening the valve. Similarly, coaxial valves can resist higher levels of backpressure than some other valve types because the force of the backpressure acts on a relatively small area. Known coaxial valves are sufficient for some applications, but there is a need in the art for improved coaxial valves having different types of actuators and / or redundant seal features.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The disclosure and teachings herein are directed to systems and methods for an improved coaxial valve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through-valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and being coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis, and / or other positions along the coaxial valve passage with respect to the axis; a valve seat fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to engage with the valve seat to restrict or prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the valve member in one or more longitudinal directions or other directions to engage or disengage with the valve seat, and to move toward or away from the valve seat; and optionally an actuator assembly configured to move the valve member toward or away from the valve seat to engage or disengage with the valve seat in one or more longitudinal directions, which may include directions opposite to the first longitudinal direction or other longitudinal directions, or different directions. The actuator assembly may include at least one of the following: an electrohydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a pump, an electric motor, a stepper motor, a gearbox, an electromagnet, a solenoid, a pilot valve, or a combination thereof.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include one or more additional valve members, such as a second valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body, and a second biasing device configured to bias the second valve member to seal-engage or seal-disengage with a valve seat. The actuator assembly may optionally be configured to move the second valve member to seal-engage or seal-disengage with a valve seat, which may include the same or different valve seats. In at least one embodiment, the first valve member may be configured to couple with the upstream side of a valve seat, and the second valve member may be configured to couple with the downstream side of a valve seat. The actuator assembly may optionally be configured to move the second valve member in one or more directions.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the first and second valve members may be configured to connect to the same side of the valve seat, and the actuator assembly may optionally be configured to move the valve member in one or more directions. In at least one embodiment, the second valve member may be at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first valve member may be located within the second valve member. The second valve member may be at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first valve member and at least a portion of the second valve member may be concentric. In at least one embodiment, the upstream and downstream sides of the valve seat may be located within one or more orifices, which may include a single orifice. In at least one embodiment, the upstream and downstream sides of the valve seat may be opposite sides of a single valve seat member or a plurality of valve seat members.

[0010] The valve member may include a piston coupled to a tubular sleeve and slidably positioned within the chamber of the valve body, and the actuator assembly may be configured to move the valve member in one or more directions, such as longitudinally, via or by a pressurized fluid. In at least one embodiment, the actuator assembly may include one or more pumps configured to pump one or more working fluids into one or more chambers. In at least one embodiment, the valve may include one or more pilot passages that fluidly communicate with the valve passage and one or more chambers, and the actuator assembly may include a pilot valve member configured to couple with a valve seat located within the pilot passage. The valve member may include a piston coupled to a tubular sleeve and slidably positioned within the chamber of the valve body. In at least one embodiment, the valve may include one or more bleed orifices that fluidly communicate with one or more chambers and valve passages.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and which may be coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, which is fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to engage with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a first biasing device configured to bias the first valve member to engage with the valve seat in a sealed manner; a second valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to engage with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a second biasing device configured to bias the second valve member to engage with the valve seat in a sealed manner; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first and second valve members to disengage them from the valve seat in a sealed manner.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a first actuator configured to move a first valve member to disengage a seal with the valve seat, and a second actuator configured to move a second valve member to disengage a seal with the valve seat. The first valve member may be configured to couple with the upstream side of the valve seat, and the second valve member may be configured to couple with the downstream side of the valve seat. In at least one embodiment, the first and second valve members may be configured to couple with the same or different sides of one or more valve seats.

[0013] One or more valve members may include at least partially a tubular sleeve, and the tubular sleeve may constitute at least a portion of one or more valve passages. A biasing device may be configured to bias a valve member in a first longitudinal direction, and another biasing device may be configured to bias another valve member in one or more directions, which may be the same as or different from the first longitudinal direction. In at least one embodiment, the first biasing device may be configured to bias a first valve member in a first longitudinal direction, and a second biasing device may be configured to bias a second valve member in a second longitudinal direction which may be opposite to the first longitudinal direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side cross-sectional view of one of the many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view of the valve in Figure 1 at the transition position. [Figure 3] This is a side cross-sectional view of the valve in Figure 1 in the open position. [Figure 4] Another side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. [Figure 5] This is a side cross-sectional view of the valve in the transition position shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a side cross-sectional view of the valve in Figure 4 in the open position. [Figure 7]Yet another side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of the valve according to the present disclosure in a closed position. [Figure 8] Yet another side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of the valve according to the present disclosure in a closed position. [Figure 9] Side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 8 in a transition position. [Figure 10] Side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 8 in an open position. [Figure 11A] One detailed view of many embodiments of a valve having a single valve member according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] One detailed view of many embodiments of a valve having a plurality of valve members according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] One side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of a double coaxial valve according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Another side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of a double coaxial valve according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Yet another schematic view of many embodiments of a double coaxial valve according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] One side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of an internal pilot coaxial valve according to the present disclosure in a closed position. [Figure 16] Side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 15 in a transition position. [Figure 17] Side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 15 in an open position. [Figure 18] Another side cross-sectional view of many embodiments of an internal pilot coaxial valve according to the present disclosure in a closed position. [Figure 19] Side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 18 in a transition position. [Figure 20] Side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 18 in an open position.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The drawings above and the following written descriptions of specific structures and functions are not presented to limit the scope of what the applicant has invented or the scope of the attached claims. Rather, the drawings and written descriptions are provided to instruct those skilled in the art to make and use the invention for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will understand that not all features of the commercial embodiments of this disclosure are described or shown for clarity and understanding. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the development of actual commercial embodiments incorporating aspects of this disclosure may require a number of implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goals for the commercial embodiments. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, but may not be limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, and such constraints may vary in particular implementation, location, and time. The developer's efforts may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, but nevertheless, such efforts are routine work for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed and taught herein are capable of numerous different modifications and alternative forms. Singular terms such as “one,” but not limited to them, are not intended to limit the number of items. Relative terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “first,” “second” (“third” and subsequent), “entrance,” and “exit,” but not limited to them, are used in descriptions provided for clear reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed or appended claims unless otherwise indicated. Terms such as “join,” “coupled,” “joined,” and “coupler” are used herein more broadly and may include any method or apparatus for fixing, binding, bonding, fastening, mounting, joining, inserting into, forming on or inside of, communicating with, or otherwise relating one or more parts or members together, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, or operationally, directly or indirectly through intermediate elements, and may further include, but are not limited to, forming one or more members together with another member. The joining may occur in any direction, including rotation.The terms “including” and “seemingly” are illustrative and not restrictive, and the term “can” means “can, but not required” unless otherwise indicated. Notwithstanding any other wording in this disclosure, the embodiments shown in the drawings are examples presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes and are not the only embodiments of the subject matter herein.

[0016] The applicant has created a system and method for an improved coaxial valve having an advantageous actuator and / or advantageous redundancy characteristics to at least partially reduce the chance of failure during operation. Embodiments of the present disclosure may, among other things, include an actuator assembly comprising one or more actuators, the actuator assembly may include 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 a combination thereof. Separately from or in combination with any of the foregoing, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of sealing components for redundantly resisting the flow of fluid through the valve when the valve is in one or more positions.

[0017] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 1 in the transition position. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 1 in the open position. Figure 4 is another side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 4 in the transition position. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 4 in the open position. Figure 7 is yet another side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. Figure 8 is yet another side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 8 in the transition position. Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 8 in the open position. Figure 11A is a detail view of one of many embodiments of the valve having a single valve member according to this disclosure. Figure 11B is a detail view of one of many embodiments of the valve having multiple valve members according to this disclosure. Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the double coaxial valve according to this disclosure. Figure 13 is another side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the dual coaxial valve according to this disclosure. Figure 14 is yet another schematic diagram of one of many embodiments of the dual coaxial valve according to this disclosure. Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the internal pilot coaxial valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. Figure 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 15 in the transition position. Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 15 in the open position. Figure 18 is another side cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of the internal pilot coaxial valve according to this disclosure in the closed position. Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 18 in the transition position. Figure 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 18 in the open position. Figures 1 to 20 are described in relation to one another.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the coaxial valve 100 according to the present disclosure may include a valve body 102, such as a casing, encapsulation, or housing, to surround, protect, or otherwise support one or more other valve components, and may include one or more inlets 104 for fluid flowing into the valve and one or more outlets 106 for fluid flowing out of the valve. The valve body 102 may be a single, integrated body, or alternatively, may include a plurality of valve body portions coupled together, and may be formed in any shape or style according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A–1C (collectively “Figure 1”) for illustrative purposes, the body 102 may include a first body portion 102a and a second body portion 102b, although this embodiment is only one of many embodiments. Other modifications are possible, and the valve 100 may include any number of body portions according to a particular embodiment, and any of these body portions may be coupled together in any applicable style. For example, the valve 100 does not necessarily have to include one or more couplers 103, such as a threaded fitting, other male and / or female couplers, fasteners, receivers, adhesives, or other coupling structures, either separately or in combination, to connect two or more valve components together.

[0019] The inlet 104 may include a plurality of inlet components or other inlet portions coupled to one another or otherwise arranged in fluid communication with one another, and may include one or more inlet openings 104a that allow fluid 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 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The inlet 104 may include an inlet conduit 104b for routing fluid or otherwise allowing fluid to move through it, and one or more couplers 104c, and may be, in whole or in part, separate couplers or integrated coupler portions, or include them, for coupling with other structures 105 in the valve system, such as couplers 104c, pipes, piping, hoses, fluid sources, fluid receivers, fluid destinations, or other conduits or components. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 for illustrative purposes, the coupler 104c may be threaded or include threads, but is not required, and the coupler 104c (if present) may be or include any type of fastener, fitting, or other coupler that is currently known or may be developed in the future. In at least one embodiment, the coupler 104c may be or include a conduit end for joining to one or more other conduits by brazing, welding, friction, bonding, etc., or in other ways. The foregoing description of the opening 104a, conduit 104b, and 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 embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, which are just one of many, the outlet 106 may include one or more outlet openings 106a, outlet conduits 106b, and / or outlet couplers 106c. Alternatively, one or more of these components may be omitted as needed according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In related fields, for example, when structures such as conduits 104a, 106a or couplers 104c, 106c are present, the valve may be referred to as a “valve fitting.” As used in this disclosure, the term “valve” includes “valve fitting” when referring to the entire device (e.g., valve 100), unless otherwise indicated.

[0020] The valve 100 may include one or more flow paths 108, such as valve flow paths, reservoirs, or other flow paths, to route or otherwise guide fluid through the valve from inlet 104 to outlet 106 (or vice versa). The flow path 108 may include two or more subflow paths (or component flow paths) that collectively constitute a corresponding flow path 108 through the valve 100, or may be described as including at least them for the sake of illustration and description. For example, in at least one embodiment, the flow path 108 may include one or more first flow paths, such as an inlet or other flow path, from inlet 104 to a location along the flow path 108 (which can be any location), and one or more second flow paths, such as an outlet or other flow path, from such a location along the flow path 108 to outlet 106. The valve 100 may include one or more other component flow paths, such as the first and second flow paths, separately or in combination with each other, and / or in combination with either of them, as will be described in more detail elsewhere in this specification. Furthermore, each component channel, such as the first and second channels, may have multiple shorter channels or other paths (i.e., sub-subchannels) between two or more positions or points along channel 108 or a portion thereof. The inlet 104, outlet 106, and channel 108 may, but are not required, have a common axis, such as a central longitudinal axis X, separately or in combination, as a whole or in part.

[0021] The valve 100 may include one or more orifices 110, such as structures that define or otherwise include an opening, conduit, or other passage, in order to at least partially route or otherwise influence the flow through the valve. The orifices 110 may be at least partially located within the flow path 108, such as being fluidly positioned between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106, and may accommodate or otherwise cooperate with at least a portion of one or more sealing components of the valve (further described below). The orifices 110 may be configured to route or otherwise allow the fluid to flow along the flow path 108 between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106, and the flow path 108 may include allowing the fluid to flow around or otherwise pass through one or more sealing components or other valve components that are at least partially located within the flow path 108. For example, in at least one embodiment, the orifice 110 may have a larger flow area or volume than one or more other portions of the flow path 108, and the flow area or volume may be sufficient to allow the fluid to flow around or pass through one or more components at least partially located within the orifice 110, such as when the valve 100 is in the open position. The orifice 110 may, but is not necessarily, include a plurality of openings or other flow paths to define portions of one or more flow paths of the valve 100, such as an orifice flow path 111 that forms part of the flow path 108. The orifice 110 may include one or more orifice inlets 110a to allow the fluid to enter the orifice and one or more orifice outlets 110b to allow the fluid to exit the orifice.

[0022] 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 whole or partially to the valve body 102, such as one or more of the first and second body portions 102a, 102b, and may include, but is not required to include, additional body structures, such as an actuator housing 117 for housing or otherwise supporting one or more operating components. In at least one embodiment, the actuator assembly 116 may include one or more valve members 120 and one or more actuators 118 for moving and / or maintaining (or otherwise holding) the valve members 120 in one or more positions or from one or more positions. The valve member 120 may have a first end 120a and a second end 120b, and may have any number of positions relative to the body 102 or another valve portion, according to a particular embodiment. For example, the valve member 120 may have a fully closed position to maximize the flow resistance through at least a portion of the valve 100, which may include preventing flow through that portion. Alternatively, the valve member 120 may have a fully open position to minimize the flow resistance through at least a portion of the valve 100, such as by minimizing the flow resistance generated by the valve member 120 or a portion thereof. The valve member 120 may have one or more partially open (or partially closed) positions between the fully open and fully closed positions, which may allow fluid to flow at one or more flow rates between the maximum and minimum flow rates, and these flow rates may be any flow rates depending on the readily available embodiment or implementation.

[0023] The actuator 118 can be, or may include, a structure for holding one or more valve members 120 in one or more positions and for moving such one or more valve members between positions such as two or more of the above-described positions. For example, in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the actuator 118 can move the valve member 120 between one or more closed positions (see, e.g., Figure 1), transition positions (see, e.g., Figure 2), and open positions (see, e.g., Figure 3). In such embodiments, which are just one of many embodiments, the valve 100 may include one or more valve seats 122 or valve seat members for coupling with one or more corresponding valve members 120, which are of an optional choice, to restrict or prevent the flow of fluid through the valve 100. The valve seat 122 can be at least partially located within the orifice 110 and, in at least one embodiment, can be coupled to the orifice 110 and / or body 102 in a fixed or stationary position. The valve seat 122 may be a single unit or may consist of two or more valve seats or valve seat portions. The valve member 120 and valve seat 122 may be configured to seal-couple to one or more portions of a flow path 108, such as an orifice flow path 111, to prevent or otherwise restrict the flow of fluid, either entirely or partially. For example, the valve member 120 may have one or more ends (e.g., a second end 120b) or other portions for sealing-engaging the valve seat 122 or a portion thereof (e.g., an upstream or downstream side), which includes sealing-engaging one or more seals 124, such as sealing discs or stoppers, coupled to or otherwise associated with the valve seat 122. In at least one embodiment, the valve 100 has a fully closed position in which the valve member 120 and valve seat 122 are sealed-engaged to prevent inflow and / or passage into the orifice 110, and one or more open positions in which the valve member 120 and valve seat 122 are not sealed-engaged and are positioned relative to each other to allow fluid to flow.The valve member 120 or any part thereof may be configured to seal with the valve seat 122 in any sealing style or configuration according to a particular application, which may include a second end 120b that is molded or otherwise configured to fluidly seal engage and fit with the valve seat 122 and / or one or more seals 124 (if any). For example, the valve member 120 may, but is not required to, include one or more seals or other sealing members coupled thereto to engage with the valve seat 122 and / or one or more seals 124 (if any).

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the valve member 120 may be or include a sleeve, tube, or piston sleeve, and is slidably coupled to the body 102, such as an inner surface 126 and one or more supports 128, 130, to slide and seal with the orifice 110 during valve operation and to release the seal. For example, the valve member 120 may include a tubular sleeve 132 for forming a portion of the flow path 108 and a piston 134, such as a disc or plate. The piston 134 is for cooperating with the sleeve 132 and one or more components of the actuator assembly 116 or actuator 118, for example, by transmitting force between them. The sleeve 132 and the piston 134 can be sealed coupled to the body 102, such as an inner surface 126 and / or one or more supports 128, 130, which may include the use of one or more seals 136. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 for illustrative purposes, the valve 100 may include one or more seals 136 coupled to a piston 134 for a sealing engagement with the body 102 or inner surface 126, which may be coupled to the radially outer surface 138 of the piston 134, or, as another example, to one or more grooves 139 of the piston 134. Alternatively, or collectively, one or more seals 136 may be coupled to the body 102 for a sealing engagement with the piston 134. Similarly, the valve 100 may include one or more seals 140 for a sealing engagement with the sleeve 132, such as the outer surface 142 of the sleeve 132, and the body 102, such as the inner surface 144 of one or more supports 128, 130. The seals 140 may be coupled to the sleeve 132, supports 128, 130 (or another part of the body 102), or both, and may be coupled to one or more grooves 146 of the sleeve 132, supports 128, 130, or another part of the body 102, but are not necessarily so.As shown in Figures 1 to 3 for illustrative purposes, one or more of the seals 136, 140 may be, or may include, annular elastomer seals such as O-rings, but is not necessarily required. Alternatively, or collectively, the seals 136, 140 may be, or may include, any type of seal having any cross-sectional shape according to the particular embodiments of the present disclosure, including elastomer seals, non-elastomer seals, dynamic seals, and other seals. For example, in at least one embodiment, one or more of the seals 136, 140 may be, or may include, a diaphragm seal such as a rolling diaphragm seal (see, for example, Figure 7).

[0025] The valve 100 may include one or more chambers 148, such as cavities, compartments, or spaces, to support the movement of one or more valve components, such as the valve member 120, and the cooperation between one or more valve components, such as the valve member 120, and one or more components of the actuator assembly 116 (further described below). For example, the valve 100 may include a chamber 148a, such as a bore or cylindrical opening, for temporarily or otherwise receiving at least a portion of the valve member 120 (e.g., at least a portion of the sleeve 132). For example, the chamber 148a may receive and / or support at least a portion of the first end 120a of the valve member 120 when the valve member 120 is in one or more positions. The one or more positions may include, but do not have to include, one or more closed positions (e.g., see Figure 1), transition positions (e.g., see Figure 2), and open positions (e.g., see Figure 3). As an example, in at least one embodiment, the first end 120a may move in and out of the chamber 148a during valve operation. The valve member 120 can, but is not required to, engage with the chamber 148a in a sealed manner, and may, but is not required to include, one or more seals (not shown) positioned at least partially (e.g., radially around axis X) between the valve member 120 and the chamber 148a. In at least one embodiment, the valve 100 may include one or more chambers 148b, 148c for housing or otherwise supporting one or more components of the actuator assembly 116 (as further described below). For example, chamber 148b may be located on one side of the piston 134 and may be configured to house one or more components cooperating with the piston 134 or that side of the valve member 120, and chamber 148c may be located on the other side of the piston 134 and may be configured to house one or more components cooperating with the piston 134 or that other side of the valve member 120.One or more of the chambers 148b, 148c can be fluidically isolated from the flow path 108, either entirely or partially (for example, by one or more of the seals described above), and in at least one embodiment, can be fluidly connected to at least a portion of the actuator housing 117. The internal volumes of the chambers 148b, 148c may change as the piston 134 moves during valve operation.

[0026] As described above, the actuator assembly 116 may include one or more actuators 118 for moving the valve member 120 between one or more positions, and one or more housings 117 for housing or otherwise supporting at least a portion of the actuators 118. The housings 117 may include one or more chambers 119a, 119b. In at least one embodiment, such as the exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 to 3, the actuator 118 may be an electro-hydraulic actuator for moving the valve member 120 in one or more directions via one or more fluids, such as a hydraulic fluid or another working fluid. In such an embodiment, which is just one of many embodiments, the valve 100 may include a hydraulic power unit 150 for applying fluid pressure to the valve member 120 or a portion thereof (e.g., a piston 134) to move the valve member 120 in one or more directions, for example, away from the valve seat 122, toward an open position which may include a fully open position, or to an open position. The hydraulic power unit 150 may include a pump 152 configured to pump the fluid 154 into the chamber 148c in order to move the valve member 120 by applying force to the area of ​​the valve member 120 (e.g., to the left as shown in Figures 1-3, or in any other direction), which is in fluid communication with the working fluid 154, such as hydraulic fluid in the fluid reservoir 156. The reservoir 156 and the working fluid 154 can be fluidically separated from the valve passage 108. In at least one embodiment, the hydraulic power unit 150 may include one or more valves 158 for controlling the inflow and / or outflow of fluid into the reservoir 156 and / or chamber 148c, such as a control valve, check valve or other valve. The reservoir 156 and one or more components of the hydraulic power unit 150, such as the pump 154 ​​and the valves 158, may, but are not necessarily, be located at least partially within the housing 117 or a portion thereof, such as the chamber 119b.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the actuator assembly 116 may include one or more biasing devices, such as one or more springs 160, for biasing the valve member 120 or a portion thereof in one or more directions, where this one or more directions may include directions opposite to, or otherwise opposite to, the force exerted by the hydraulic fluid 154. For example, the spring 160 can bias the valve member 120 toward the valve seat 122, toward a closed position which may include a fully closed position such as the position where the sleeve 132 and the valve seat 122 are sealed together, or toward the closed position. In such an embodiment, which is just one of many embodiments, the valve 100 may be called a normally closed valve, and the actuator 118 can overcome the closing force of the spring 160 (which may be any force depending on the particular embodiment) to open the valve 100, and the spring 160 biases the valve 100 toward a closed position where there is no such force, for example, when the actuator 118 is stopped, or, for example, when power to the valve 100 or the hydraulic power unit 150 is lost. However, this is not necessarily the case, and in at least one embodiment, the valve 100 (and other valve embodiments disclosed herein) may be normally open, or may include being normally open, and the actuator 118 may overcome the opening force of the spring 160 (which may be any force according to a particular embodiment) to close the valve 100, with the spring 160 biasing the valve 100 toward an open position where no such force exists.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the valve 100 may include one or more switches 162 for controlling one or more aspects of valve operation. For example, the switches 162 may be or include mechanical, optical, magnetic switches or other limit switches for limiting the travel distance d of the valve member 120, such as by stopping or limiting the supply of hydraulic fluid 154 to the piston 132. The switches 162 and / or other electrical components 164, such as terminals, controllers, other switches, indicators, lights or wiring (if any), may be housed in whole or in part within the housing 117 or a part thereof, such as the chamber 117a, or supported by them. The chamber 117a may, but is not required, be in fluid communication with one or more other chambers, such as the chamber 148b of the body 102, and may, but is not required, be fluidly isolated in whole or in part, separately or in combination, from one or more other chambers, such as the chamber 117b or the chamber 148c.

[0029] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular with Figures 4 to 6, another embodiment from among the many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure will be described. Valve 200 functions similarly to valve 100 described above and may include one or more of the same or similar components, which may be represented by the same reference numerals and do not need to be described in detail again herein. However, valve 200 may differ from valve 100 in that it may have a different actuator assembly 216, which may include an electromechanical actuator 218 and one or more other valve components to cooperate with it, which may be similar to those described above with respect to valve 100, but nevertheless may differ in one or more ways. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show valve 200 in the closed position, transition position and open position, respectively. Again, the valve 200 is shown in a normally closed configuration, but those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will understand that the valve 200 can also be normally open, for example, by reversing the direction in which the valve member 220 is biased by the spring 160 and moved by the actuator assembly 216.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the valve 200 may include an electromechanical actuator 218 and may have an actuator housing 217, a valve member 220, and a body 202 for cooperating with the actuator 218 to open and close the valve 200. The housing 217 may have a single internal space, but is not required, and in at least one embodiment, it may include two or more separate chambers, such as the chambers 119a, 119b described above with respect to the valve 100.

[0031] The actuator assembly 216 may include an electromechanical actuator 218 for moving the lead screw 270 in one or more directions, such as clockwise and / or counterclockwise, relative to the body 202. In at least one embodiment, the lead screw 270 may have a female thread 272 for screwing into a male thread 274 on the body 202, and the body 202 may include, but is not required to include, a body portion 202b which is screwable to or otherwise coupled to another body portion 202a, a housing 217, or both. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lead screw 270 may have any type of teeth or threads, and in at least one embodiment, it may be a high-pitch lead screw. The actuator 218 may include a motor 276, such as an electric motor, a stepping motor, or other motor, for driving one or more gears 278, such as a single gear, or, in at least one embodiment, a plurality of gears (not shown), such as a plurality of gears constituting a gearbox or gear drive for reducing motor speed and multiplying the torque applied to the lead screw 270. As another example, the actuator 218 may include one or more solenoids, either separately or in combination with the motor 276, to selectively engage the motor 276 and gear 278, which are in drive communication. The gear 278, such as the drive gear, may have teeth 280a that communicate with the external teeth 280b on the lead screw 270. The motor 276 can drive the gear 278 directly or indirectly, and the gear 278 can rotate the lead screw 270 around axis X, causing the lead screw 270 to move in one or more directions. For example, the lead screw 270 can move to the left (in the exemplary configuration shown in Figures 4-6), causing part of it, such as the valve member 220 or piston 234, to contact and overcome the closing force of the spring 160, forcing the valve member 220 away from the valve seat 122 and forcing the valve 200 to open at least partially (see, for example, Figures 5-6).As another example, the lead screw 270 can move to the right (in the exemplary configuration shown in Figures 4–6) and, under the return force of the spring 160, remain in contact with the valve member 220 or a portion thereof, and succumb to the closing force of the spring 160, allowing it to move toward and / or engage to the valve seat 122 so that the valve member 220 closes the valve 200 at least partially. In at least one embodiment, the motor 276 and gear 278 can actively rotate the lead screw 270 while the valve 200 is closing. Alternatively, the motor 276 and / or gear 278 can rotate passively so that the lead screw 270 rotates while the valve is closing, under the force of the spring 160, which may include limiting or turning off the power supplied to the motor 276 via one or more electrical components 164, etc., located within the housing 217 or elsewhere, which control the power supplied to the motor 276 (and / or one or more solenoid-driven gear drives, if present) from a power source.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the valve 200 may include one or more auxiliary power sources (e.g., one or more capacitors 282) to provide power to the valve 200 or actuator 218 under one or more conditions, such as in the case of primary power loss. For example, a capacitor 282 may be able to electrically communicate with a motor 276 (and / or one or more electrical components 164) and supply current to the motor 276 in the case of primary power loss to cause the actuator 218 to move the valve member 220 to a default position, the default position may be or include any other position according to embodiments of the present disclosure, such as a fully open position, a fully closed position, or a partially open / closed position. The spring 160 (if present) may be or include one or more of any type of spring or other biasing device according to the implementation of the present disclosure, the springs including, but not limited to, torsion springs, clock springs, tension springs, compression springs, and coil springs, separately or in combination, as a whole or in part. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 4–6, the spring 160 is shown to be on the side of the piston 234 opposite to the lead screw 270, but this is not necessarily required, and alternatively, or collectively, the spring 160 can be, or include, one or more springs coupled to the lead screw 270 and adapted to rotate or turn the lead screw 270 in one or more directions to open and close the valve 200. In yet another example, in at least one embodiment of the valve 200, the motor 276 is, or includes, a linear stepper motor for driving the valve member 220 in one or more directions such as toward and away from the valve seat 122. In such embodiments, which are just one of many embodiments, the lead screw 270 may be absent, but is not necessarily required.

[0033] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular with reference to Figure 7, another embodiment of the many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure will be described. Valve 300 will function similarly to valves 100, 200 described above and may include one or more of the same or similar components, which may be represented by similar reference numbers and do not need to be described in detail again herein. However, valve 300 may differ from, for example, valve 200, and, compared to the embodiments in Figures 4 to 6, may have one or more other valve components, such as actuator 218 and lead screw 270, positioned on the opposite side of valve member 220 or configured to cooperate with the opposite side of valve member 220 in other ways. For example, lead screw 270 may be rotatably connected to housing portion 202a, and actuator assembly 216 may pull valve member 220 away from valve seat 122 against the force of spring 160, instead of pushing valve member 220 away from valve seat 122 as in the embodiment of valve 200 described above. As another example, one or more seals 140 may be or include diaphragm seals, such as rolling diaphragm seals.

[0034] Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the valve 300 may include a releasable coupler 302 for optionally coupling and uncoupling the lead screw 270 and the valve member 220 to each other during valve operation. For example, the coupler 302 may be an electromagnet-like magnet 304 for coupling the lead screw 270 and the valve member 220 to each other during powered valve operation, such that the lead screw 270 opens the valve 300 by moving the valve member 220 away from the valve seat 122 against the force of the spring 160. In the event of a power loss or other situation requiring the valve 300 to return to or take the default position, the magnet 304 can be turned off to uncouple the lead screw 270 and the valve member 220, and the valve member 220 can be moved to the default position under the return force of the spring 160, for example. Such a default position may be a closed position, as illustrated in the normally closed configuration of Figure 7 for illustrative purposes, but is not necessarily required, and the valve 300 can be configured as a normally open valve instead. The magnet 304 can be controlled by an electrical component 164 which can be at least partially housed within the housing 217. In at least one embodiment, the valve 300 may include one or more other types of couplers 302, either separately or in combination with the magnet 304, such as fasteners, mechanically or electromechanically acting couplers, or manual releases, to hold the lead screw 270 and the valve member 220 together in a releaseable manner for fail-safe operation.

[0035] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 8 to 10, another embodiment of the many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure will be described. Valve 400 functions similarly to valves 100, 200, and 300 described above and may include one or more of the same or similar components, which may be represented by similar reference numbers and do not need to be described in detail again herein. However, valve 400 may differ from the aforementioned valves in that it may have features for redundant operation, which can help ensure fail-safe performance in the field. Figures 8, 9, and 10 show valve 400 in the closed position, transition position, and open position, respectively. Although valve 400 is shown in the normally closed configuration in Figures 8 to 10, those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will understand that valve 400 may also be a normally open valve.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the valve 400 may include an actuator assembly 416 having one or more actuators 418 for moving a plurality of valve members 420a, 420b to open and close the valve 400 by cooperating with one or more valve seats 422 to allow and prevent fluid from flowing through them. The valve members 420a may be similar to or identical to one or more of the valve members 120, 220 described above, and the actuators 418 may, in the same or similar manner as the actuators 118, 218 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7, move the valve members 420a during valve operation to seal and disseal a valve seat 422 (which may include one or more seals 124). Furthermore, the valve 400, which may be referred to herein as a double coaxial valve, may include a second valve member 420b configured to control the flow of fluid through the valve 400 in a redundant manner to the operation of valve member 420a, and may include operation independent of or in conjunction with valve member 420a. In at least one embodiment, the valve body 402 may be arranged to hold a plurality of valve members, and the valve member 420b may be at least partially arranged within the body 402 to communicate with the valve seat 422 in a similar manner to the valve member 420a, but from a different direction such as opposite in the longitudinal direction. In such an embodiment, which is only one of many embodiments, the valve seat 422 may have one or more sides and / or one or more additional seals 124 (if any) to be sealably coupled with the valve member 420b.As illustrated for illustrative purposes as shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 8 to 10, the actuator 418 may be an electro-hydraulic actuator similar to the actuator 118 described above with reference to valve 100, and the valve 400 may include one or more additional components such as a control valve 458, a spring 460, a switch 462, and an electrical component 464 for cooperating with a second valve member 420b (and / or valve member 420a), in the same or similar manner as the corresponding valve components described above cooperate with valve member 120 or valve member 420a, but the opening and closing direction of valve member 420b is different, for example, opposite to the opening and closing directions of valve members 120 and 420a, respectively (see, for example, arrows A and B in Figure 9 indicating the opening directions of valve members 420a and 420b, respectively). In such embodiments, the valve 400 or actuator assembly 416 may include a single pump 152 and a reservoir 156, and two valves 158, 458 can be controlled to move valve members 420a, 420b, respectively, to seal and disseal with the valve seat 422, which may occur at the same speed, at different speeds, simultaneously, selectively, independently, or otherwise. Optionally, the valve 400 may include one or more additional redundant components for operating valve member 420b, such as one or more additional pumps or reservoirs (not shown), which may, but may not, be at least partially located within the housing 417. Alternatively, one or both of valve members 420a, 420b (or any other valve member disclosed herein) may utilize or include a releasable coupler 302 as described above with reference to Figure 7 (see, for example, Figure 12).

[0037] In these methods, the valve 400 may have redundant valve members 420a, 420b to help ensure fail-safe operation, such as in the event of failure of one valve member due to wear, misoperation, or other reasons during valve operation. Furthermore, the valve 400 can advantageously provide redundancy with minimal or no additional flow resistance or adverse effects on flow velocity compared to embodiments having a single valve member, such as embodiments of the valves 100, 200, and 300. More specifically, as will be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the embodiment of the valve 400 shown in Figures 8–10, which is just one of many, utilizes both sides of the valve seat 422 to seal-engage with the valve members 420a, 420b, respectively, and the valve seat 422 imposes little to no restriction on the flow through the orifice 410 than the valve seat 122 passing through the orifice 110 (see, for example, Figure 1). In other words, as perhaps best illustrated in Figures 11A and 11B, the valve seat 422 can be sealably coupled with two different valve members while maintaining or effectively maintaining the flow characteristics of a similar-sized embodiment of valve 100 having only a single valve member, for example. This is because the valve seat 422 and / or valve port 410 does not need to have a larger surface area or other obstruction to the fluid flow through valve 400 than the valve seat 122 and / or orifice 110, and the flow rate of the flow path 111 through orifices 110, 410 is the same or substantially the same for valves of the same size (i.e., with respect to flow area or flow diameter, which may include, but is not limited to, sizes ranging from 1 / 4 inch to 6 inches).

[0038] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular with reference to Figures 12-13, two other embodiments of the many embodiments of the dual coaxial valve according to the present disclosure will be described. As shown in Figure 12, in at least one embodiment, the dual coaxial valve 500 according to the present disclosure can generally function in the same or similar manner as one or more of the valves 100-400 described above, but instead of (or collectively) the electrohydraulic actuator 418 of valve 400, it may include an actuator assembly 516 that includes one or more electromechanical actuators 518, similar to those described above with reference to valve 200, and is at least partially housed within the housing 517 and / or valve body 502. For example, the valve 500 may include a first actuator 518a and lead screw 570a for moving a first valve member 520a in at least one of the opening and closing directions with respect to the valve seat 522 (e.g., side surface 522a), and a second actuator 518b and lead screw 570b for moving a second valve member 520b in at least one of the opening and closing directions with respect to the valve seat 522 (e.g., side surface 522b). One or both of the valve members 520a, 520b may, but do not necessarily, include one or more releasable couplers 302 and / or seals 140 (which may be rolling diaphragm seals or other types of seals), as described in more detail above with reference to Figure 7.

[0039] Referring now to Figure 13, in at least one embodiment, the dual coaxial valve 600 according to the present disclosure can generally function in the same or similar manner as one or more of the valves 100-500 described above, but instead of (or collectively) one or more of the actuator assemblies of the valves 100-500, it may include a solenoid actuator assembly 616 that includes one or more solenoid actuators 618a, 618b, at least partially housed within one or more housings 617a, 617b and / or valve bodies 602. For example, the valve 600 may include a first actuator 618a having a first coil 619a for moving a first valve member 620a in at least one opening / closing direction relative to a valve seat 622 (e.g., side 622a), and a second actuator 618b having a second coil 619b for moving a second valve member 620b in at least one opening / closing direction relative to a valve seat 622 (e.g., side 622b). As shown in Figure 13 for illustrative purposes, the valve 600 may or may include a normally closed embodiment, and one or more springs 160 can bias the valve members 620a, 620b toward a closed position, such as a fully closed position, and at least one of the valve members 620a, 620b can engage tightly with the valve seat 622 to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve 600. When operating, coils 619a, 619b can provide energy and create a magnetic field that interacts with each valve member 620a, 620b or a portion thereof (such as a magnetic portion), causing the valve members 620a, 620b to move against the force of the springs 160 to disengage tightly with the valve seat 622. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 13, which is one of many embodiments, the valve members 620a, 620b can move away from the valve seat 622 to the left and right, respectively, when open, and can move toward the valve seat 622 in opposite longitudinal directions when closed.At the end of operation, the coils 619a, 619b can be made to not transfer energy in a controlled manner, either completely, instantaneously, over time, or otherwise, the magnitude of the magnetic field interacting with each valve member 620a, 620b during opening can be reduced (optionally to zero), and one or more valve members 620a, 620b can be moved toward and / or to seal-engage with the valve seat 622 under the force of the spring 160. Alternatively, or collectively, in at least one embodiment, the valve 600 may be a normally-open valve or include a normally-open valve, and one or more springs 160 can bias the valve members 620a, 620b toward an open position such as the fully open position, in which position the valve members 620a, 620b are in a position of maximum displacement from the valve seat 622, allowing fluid flow through the valve 600, which may be or include any amount of displacement or fluid flow according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, which is only one of many embodiments, the coils 619a and 619b can be energized to move the valve members 620a and 620b against the force of the spring 160 to engage with the valve members 620a and 620b in a sealed configuration, similar to that described above for the exemplary normally closed embodiment in Figure 13, but in the opposite configuration.

[0040] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 14, another embodiment of the many embodiments of the dual coaxial valve according to the present disclosure will be described. As shown in Figure 14, in at least one embodiment, the dual coaxial valve 700 according to the present disclosure can generally function in the same or similar manner as one or more of the valves 100-600 described above, and the valve may have a pair of redundant valve members 720a, 720b that can be opened and closed relative to one or more valve seats 722 by biasing devices 760a, 760b such as one or more springs or other devices for biasing one or more of the valve members 720a, 720b in an opening or closing direction (for example, longitudinally along the axis X of the valve body 702). However, unlike the embodiments of the dual coaxial valve described above, the valve 700 may include valve members 720a, 720b that open and close in the same direction relative to each other, and this may include being at least partially concentric. For example, valve member 720a may be at least partially located within valve member 720b, each having sealing ends 721a, 721b for sealing engagement of valve seat 722 to a closed position such as the fully closed position. Valve members 720a, 720b and / or sealing ends 721a, 721b may be coupled with valve seat 722 simultaneously or at different times, and may engage with the same or different surfaces of valve seat 711, which may include coupling with one or more seals 124 (if any). Actuators 718a, 718b may be any or another of the actuators disclosed herein (e.g., actuators 118-618), or may be individually or in combination, collectively or partially. Furthermore, although two actuators 718a, 718b are shown for illustrative purposes, this is not necessarily required, and in at least one embodiment, the valve 700 may include a single actuator for acting both valve members 720a, 720b.In these embodiments, the valve 700 may have redundant valve members 720a, 720b to help ensure fail-safe operation with minimal flow resistance or without additional flow resistance, for the same reasons described in more detail above with reference to the valve 400.

[0041] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular with Figures 15 to 17, another embodiment of the many embodiments of the valves of this disclosure will be described. Valve 800 can function similarly to one or more of the other embodiments of the valves of this disclosure in that it may include one or more valve members 820 which can optionally be coupled in a sealed engagement with one or more valve seats 822. One or more identical or similar components described elsewhere in this specification may be represented by the same reference number and do not need to be described again in detail herein. Valve 800 may differ from valves 100 to 600 in that it may have a different actuator assembly 816, for example, which may include a solenoid pilot actuator 818 and one or more other valve components to cooperate with it, which may be similar to those described above with respect to the other embodiments of the valves, but nevertheless differ in one or more ways. Figures 15, 16, and 17 show valve 800 in the closed position, the transition position, and the open position, respectively. For illustrative purposes, the valve 800 is shown in a normally closed configuration having a single valve member 820, but this is not necessarily required. For example, in at least one embodiment, the valve 800 may be normally open; in other examples, the valve 800 may have a plurality of valve members 820 and / or a plurality of actuators 818 that can move in the same or different directions in one or more embodiments.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the valve 800 may include a pilot actuator 818 and may have an actuator housing 817, a valve member 820, and a body 802 for cooperating with the actuator 818 to open and close the valve 800, which may include moving the valve member 820 in one or more directions by the pressure of a fluid 801 flowing through or within the passage 808 of the valve 800. The valve member 820 may be or include a sleeve, tube, or piston sleeve, which is slidably coupled to the body 802, such as an inner surface 826 and one or more supports 828, 830, to slide and seal with the orifice 810 and / or valve seat 822 during valve operation and to release the seal. The valve member 820 may include a tubular sleeve 832 for forming a portion of the passage 808 and a piston 834, such as a disc or plate. The piston 834 is for cooperating with the sleeve 832, for example, by transmitting force between it and one or more components of the actuator assembly 816 or actuator 818. The sleeve 832 and piston 834 can be sealed coupled to the body 802, such as the inner surface 826 and / or one or more supports 828, 830, which may include the use of one or more seals 836. For example, as shown in Figures 15 to 17 for illustrative purposes, the valve 800 may include one or more seals 836 coupled to the piston 834 for sealed engagement with the body 802 or surface 826. Similarly, the valve 800 may include one or more seals 840 for sealed engagement between the sleeve 832, such as the outer surface 842 of the sleeve 832, and the body 802, such as the inner surface 844 of one or more supports 828, 830. As shown in Figures 15 to 17 for illustrative purposes, one or more of the seals 836, 840 may be or include annular elastomer seals such as O-rings, but this is not necessarily the case. Alternatively, or collectively, the seals 836, 840 may be or include any type of seal having any cross-sectional shape in any particular embodiment of the present disclosure, including elastomer seals, non-elastomer seals, dynamic seals, and other seals.For example, in at least one embodiment, one or more of the seals 836, 840 may be or include a diaphragm seal such as a rolling diaphragm seal (see, for example, Figure 7).

[0043] The valve 800 may include one or more chambers 848, such as cavities, compartments, or spaces, to support the movement of one or more valve components, such as a valve member 820, and the cooperation between one or more valve components, such as the valve member 820, and one or more components of the actuator assembly 816 (described further below) during valve operation. For example, the valve 800 may include a chamber 848a for temporarily or otherwise receiving at least a portion of the valve member 820 (e.g., at least a portion of the sleeve 832) when the valve member 820 is in one or more positions. These one or more positions may include, but do not necessarily include, one or more closed positions (e.g., see Figure 15), transition positions (e.g., see Figure 16), and open positions (e.g., see Figure 17). The valve 800 may include one or more chambers 848b, 848c for housing or otherwise supporting one or more components of the actuator assembly 816 (described further below). For example, chamber 848b may be located on one side of piston 834 and configured to house one or more components cooperating with piston 834 or that side of valve member 820, and chamber 848c may be located on the other side of piston 834 and configured to house one or more components cooperating with piston 834 or that other side of valve member 820. One or more of chambers 848b, 848c may be fluidically isolated from the flow path 808, either entirely or partially (e.g., by one or more of the seals described above), and in at least one embodiment may be in fluid communication with at least a portion of actuator housing 817. The internal volumes of chambers 848b, 848c may change as piston 834 moves during valve operation.

[0044] The actuator assembly 816 may include a pilot actuator 818, such as a two-way, three-way, or other solenoid-operated pilot valve, which is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the flow path 808 and the chamber 848c of the valve body 802. For example, the body 802 may include one or more pilot flow paths 803 that are in fluid communication with the actuator 818, such as a pilot flow path 803a between the actuator 818 and the flow path 808, which may be in fluid communication with a portion 808a of the flow path 808 fluidly upstream of the valve member 820 or piston 834, and a flow path 803b between the actuator 818 and the chamber 848c, which may be or can be a piston bore or piston bore volume. The actuator 818 may include one or more valve members 818a, such as a pilot valve member, to make an optional sealing engagement with one or more pilot orifices 805 (which may include one or more valve seats 807) to control the flow of fluid along the flow path 803. During operation, the actuator 818 can disengage the valve member 818a from the pilot orifice 805, allowing the fluid F to flow from the passage 808 through the passage 803 into the chamber 848c, where it can come into contact with the valve member 820 or a portion thereof, such as the piston 834 (see Figure 16). The fluid pressure from the fluid F can move the valve member 820 (for example, to the left, as shown in the illustrative Figure 16) against the force of one or more biasing devices, such as a return spring 860, to disengage the sealing engagement with the valve seat 822. The fluid F from the chamber 848c can flow out of the chamber 848c and return to the passage 808 via one or more bleed passages 809, the bleed passages 809 being or including one or more passages that fluidly communicate with the chamber 848c and the orifice 810, or another portion of the valve passage 808 fluidly downstream of the piston 834. As illustrated for illustrative purposes in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 17, the bleed passage 809 may be, or may include, one or more bleed clearances between the valve member 820 and the main body 802 or a portion thereof.However, this is not necessarily the case, and alternatively, or collectively, the bleed channel 809 may be formed in part of the body 802 or may be one or more channels that otherwise route between the chamber 848c and the channel 808 (for example, as in the exemplary form of the pilot channel 803a shown in Figures 15-17). The fluid F may flow into the chamber 848c faster or at a greater flow rate than the fluid F can exit the flow chamber 848c in order to hold the valve member 820 in one or more open positions. For example, the pilot channel 803 may have a larger flow area or flow rate than the bleed channel 809. To close the valve 800, the actuator 818 can engage in a sealed manner with the valve seat 807 to at least partially prevent the flow of fluid through the pilot orifice 805, and the force exerted on the piston 834 by the fluid F in the chamber 848c can be reduced, and the return force from the spring 860 or other forces can move the valve member 820 toward or to one or more closed positions, which may include a fully closed position in which the valve member 820 is sealed and coupled with the valve seat 822.

[0045] Continuing with reference to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 18-20, another embodiment of the many embodiments of the valve according to this disclosure will be described. Valve 900 may function similarly to one or more embodiments of the valve, including but not limited to valve 800, of the other valves in this disclosure, and one or more identical or similar components described elsewhere in this specification may be represented by the same reference number and do not need to be described again in detail herein. Valve 900 may differ from valve 800, for example, in that it may have a different actuator assembly 916, which may include a different solenoid pilot actuator 918, which may be similar to, but nevertheless different in one or more ways, with respect to the other embodiments of the valve, and one or more other valve components to cooperate with it. Figures 18, 19, and 20 show valve 900 in the closed position, transition position, and open position, respectively. Valve 900 is shown for illustrative purposes in a normally closed configuration having a single valve member 920, but this is not necessarily required. For example, in at least one embodiment, the valve 900 may be normally open; in other examples, in one or more embodiments, the valve 900 may have a plurality of valve members 920 and / or a plurality of actuators 918 that can move in the same or different directions.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the valve 900 may include a pilot actuator 918, and may have an actuator housing 917, a valve member 920, and a body 902 for cooperating with the actuator 918 to open and close the valve 900, which may include moving the valve member 920 in one or more directions by the pressure of a fluid 901 flowing through or within a portion of the flow path 908 of the valve 900. Thus, the valve 900 may be similar in many ways to the valve 800 described above, but may differ in that, for example, the actuator 918 may be or include a three-way solenoid pilot (also known as a 3 / 2 pilot) compared to the exemplary two-way pilot (or 2 / 2 pilot) of the valve 800, and one or more other valve components, such as the body 902, may be configured accordingly to cooperate with the actuator 918. For example, the body 902 may include one or more pilot passages 903 that fluidly communicate with the actuator 918, such as a pilot passage 903a between the actuator 918 and the passage 908 that can fluidly communicate with a portion 908a of the fluidly upstream passage 908 of the valve member 920 or piston 934, and a passage 903b between the actuator 918 and the chamber 948c, which may be or include the piston bore or piston bore volume. In at least one embodiment, the body 902 may also include one or more bleed passages 909, which may be or include one or more passages that fluidly communicate with the chamber 948c and the orifice 910, or another portion of the fluidly downstream valve passage 908 of piston 934. The bleed channel 909 can be in direct fluid communication with chamber 948c, or it can be in fluid communication with one or more bleed chambers 948d that are in fluid communication with chamber 948c, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 18 to 20, which are just one of many embodiments, or it can be in fluid communication with both.

[0047] The actuator 918 may include one or more actuator valve members 918a, 918b for controlling the flow of fluid along the passage 903 and the bleed passage 909 by optionally sealing and engaging with one or more pilot orifices 905a, 905b (which may include one or more valve seats 907a, 907b). The actuator 918 may move the actuator valve members 918a, 918b independently or collectively, depending on the configuration or application of the particular embodiment of the present disclosure. When operated, the actuator 918 may discouple the valve member 918a from the pilot orifice 905a, allowing the fluid F to flow from the passage 908 through the passages 903a, 903b into the chamber 948c and into contact with a valve member 920 or a portion thereof, such as a piston 934 (see Figure 18). Simultaneously or at another time, the actuator 918 can couple the valve member 918b with the pilot orifice 905b or the valve seat 907b, thereby completely or partially preventing the fluid F from flowing through the orifice 905b from the chambers 948c, 948d into the bleed passage 909 and back into the passage 908. The fluid pressure from the fluid F can move the valve member 920 outward (for example, to the left, as shown in the exemplary Figure 18) against the force of one or more biasing devices such as the return spring 960 (see Figure 19) to disengage the sealing engagement with the valve seat 922. When valve 900 closes, actuator 918 can connect valve member 918a to pilot orifice 905a via valve seat 907a and disconnect valve member 918b from pilot orifice 905b, thereby preventing fluid F from flowing into chamber 948c, and allowing it to flow from chambers 948c and 948d through bleed passage 909 and back into passage 908. Thus, the force applied to piston 934 by fluid F in chamber 948c may be reduced, and the return force from spring 960 or other forces may move valve member 920 toward or to one or more closed positions, the closed positions of which may include a fully closed position in which valve member 920 is tightly fluid-engaged and sealed with valve seat 922.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through-valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and being coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis, and / or other positions along the coaxial valve passage with respect to the axis; a valve seat fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to engage with the valve seat to restrict or prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the valve member in one or more longitudinal directions or other directions to engage or disengage with the valve seat, and to move toward or away from the valve seat; and optionally an actuator assembly configured to move the valve member toward or away from the valve seat to engage or disengage with the valve seat in one or more longitudinal directions, which may include directions opposite to the first longitudinal direction or other longitudinal directions, or different directions. The actuator assembly may include at least one of the following: an electrohydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a pump, an electric motor, a stepper motor, a gearbox, an electromagnet, a solenoid, a pilot valve, or a combination thereof.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include one or more additional valve members, such as a second valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body, and a second biasing device configured to bias the second valve member to seal-engage or seal-disengage with a valve seat. The actuator assembly may optionally be configured to move the second valve member to seal-engage or seal-disengage with a valve seat, which may include the same or different valve seats. In at least one embodiment, the first valve member may be configured to couple with the upstream side of a valve seat, and the second valve member may be configured to couple with the downstream side of a valve seat. The actuator assembly may optionally be configured to move the second valve member in one or more directions.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the first and second valve members may be configured to connect to the same side of the valve seat, and the actuator assembly may optionally be configured to move the valve members in one or more directions. In at least one embodiment, the second valve member may be at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first valve member may be located within the second valve member. The second valve member may be at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first valve member and at least a portion of the second valve member may be concentric. In at least one embodiment, the upstream and downstream sides of the valve seat may be located within one or more orifices, which may include a single orifice. In at least one embodiment, the upstream and downstream sides of the valve seat may be opposite sides of a single valve seat member or a plurality of valve seat members.

[0051] The valve member may include a piston coupled to a tubular sleeve and slidably positioned within the chamber of the valve body, and the actuator assembly may be configured to move the valve member in one or more directions, such as longitudinally, via or by a pressurized fluid. In at least one embodiment, the actuator assembly may include one or more pumps configured to pump one or more working fluids into one or more chambers. In at least one embodiment, the valve may include one or more pilot passages that fluidly communicate with the valve passage and one or more chambers, and the actuator assembly may include a pilot valve member configured to couple with a valve seat located within the pilot passage. The valve member may include a piston coupled to a tubular sleeve and slidably positioned within the chamber of the valve body. In at least one embodiment, the valve may include one or more bleed orifices that fluidly communicate with one or more chambers and valve passages.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and which may be coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, which is fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to engage with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a first biasing device configured to bias the first valve member to engage with the valve seat in a sealed manner; a second valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to engage with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a second biasing device configured to bias the second valve member to engage with the valve seat in a sealed manner; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first and second valve members to disengage them from the valve seat in a sealed manner.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a first actuator configured to move the first valve member to disengage the seal with the valve seat, and a second actuator configured to move the second valve member to disengage the seal with the valve seat. The first valve member may be configured to couple with the upstream side of the valve seat, and the second valve member may be configured to couple with the downstream side of the valve seat. In at least one embodiment, the first and second valve members may be configured to couple with the same or different sides of one or more valve seats.

[0054] One or more valve members may include at least partially a tubular sleeve, and the tubular sleeve may constitute at least a portion of one or more valve passages. A biasing device may be configured to bias a valve member in a first longitudinal direction, and another biasing device may be configured to bias another valve member in one or more directions, which may be the same as or different from the first longitudinal direction. In at least one embodiment, the first biasing device may be configured to bias a first valve member in a first longitudinal direction, and a second biasing device may be configured to bias a second valve member in a second longitudinal direction which may be opposite to the first longitudinal direction.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to coupled with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a spring configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first valve member in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a pump in fluid communication with a reservoir of working fluid and a control valve fluidly between the reservoir and chamber of the valve body, and the actuator assembly is configured to move the valve member in the second longitudinal direction by pumping working fluid into the chamber. The first valve member can be biased toward the valve seat, away from the valve seat, or both.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a spring configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first valve member in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a motor, a gear, and a lead screw, and the actuator assembly is configured to move the valve member in the second longitudinal direction by rotating the lead screw. The first valve member can be biased toward the valve seat, toward the valve seat, or both.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a spring configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first valve member in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, wherein the actuator assembly comprises an actuator for moving the valve member and a coupler that releasably connects the valve member to at least a portion of the actuator, the coupler being configured to discouple the valve member from the actuator when an event occurs. In at least one embodiment, the event may be a loss of power or a reduction in power. In at least one embodiment, the coupler may be or include one or more electromagnets. The first valve member can be biased toward the valve seat, away from the valve seat, or both.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, the valve comprises a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet, coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and tightly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to coupled with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and a valve body slidably and tightly coupled to the valve body. The valve may include: a second valve member that is sealably coupled and optionally coupled to the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the second valve member in a second longitudinal direction; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first valve member in the second direction and the second valve member in the first direction, wherein the actuator assembly includes one or more pumps in fluid contact with one or more reservoirs of working fluid and one or more control valves in the fluid between one or more reservoirs and one or more chambers of the valve body. The first and second valve members can be biased toward the valve seat, toward the valve seat, or both.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the valve comprises a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and a component slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body, The valve may include: a second valve member optionally coupled to the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the second valve member in a second longitudinal direction; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first valve member in the second direction and the second valve member in the first direction, wherein the actuator assembly comprises one or more motors, one or more gears, and one or more lead screws, and the actuator assembly is configured to move the valve member by turning the one or more lead screws. The first and second valve members can be biased toward the valve seat, toward the valve seat, or both.

[0060] In at least one embodiment, the valve comprises a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned within the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and a biasing device slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to couple with the valve seat The valve may include a second valve member configured to be coupled to the valve to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, a biasing device configured to bias the second valve member in a second longitudinal direction, and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first valve member in the second direction and the second valve member in the first direction, wherein the actuator assembly includes one or more solenoid actuators and one or more coils, and the actuator assembly is configured to move the valve members by supplying energy to and / or not supplying energy to one or more coils. The first and second valve members can be biased toward the valve seat, toward the valve seat, or both.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, the valve comprises a valve body having a through valve passage, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis, a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet, a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, a biasing device configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction, and a valve slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body, The valve may include a second valve member optionally configured to couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a biasing device configured to bias the second valve member in a second longitudinal direction; and an actuator assembly coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first and second valve members in the second direction, wherein each of the first and second valve members is coupled to the same side of the valve seat, and the actuator assembly comprises the actuator assembly or any of the actuator assemblies disclosed herein, separately or in combination, as a whole or in part. The first and second valve members can be biased toward the valve seat, toward the valve seat, or both. The first and second valve members can be configured to couple with the upstream side of the valve seat, the downstream side of the valve seat, or both, or a combination thereof.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, the valve comprises a valve body having a through valve passage; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat having an upstream and a downstream side, fluidly positioned in the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet; a first valve member slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to coupled with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve; a spring configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction; and a component coupled to the valve body and optionally, the The valve may include an actuator assembly configured to move one valve member in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a solenoid pilot actuator, one or more pilot valve passages, one or more pilot valve members, one or more pilot orifices, and one or more bleed passages, and the actuator assembly is optionally configured to move the valve member in the second longitudinal direction by routing fluid entering and leaving the chamber from the valve passage to fluid communication with at least a portion of the valve member. The first and second valve members can be biased toward the valve seat, toward the valve seat, or both. The actuator assembly may include a plurality of pilot valve members and pilot orifices. The valve may include one or more bleed passages that fluid communication with the valve orifices. The actuator assembly may include one or more 2 / 2 pilots. The actuator assembly may include one or more 3 / 2 pilots or other pilots. The actuator assembly may include a second valve member configured to be slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and optionally coupled to a valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, and configured to move in one or more directions which may be the same as or different from the first valve member.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include: a valve body; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidly downstream from the fluid inlet and which may be coaxial with respect to a central longitudinal axis; a fixed valve seat fluidly positioned between the inlet and the outlet; a first piston sleeve slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body; a biasing device configured to bias the first piston sleeve in a first longitudinal direction; a first sealing member coupled to the first piston sleeve and optionally configured to couple with the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the valve; and an actuator coupled to the valve body and optionally configured to move the first piston sleeve in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, thereby discouple the first sealing member from the valve seat and allow fluid flow through the valve. In at least one embodiment, the actuator may include at least one of an electro-hydraulic actuator, a pump, an electric motor, a stepper motor, a gearbox, an electromagnet, a solenoid, a pilot valve, and combinations thereof.

[0064] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a second fixed valve seat fluidly positioned between the inlet and the outlet; a second piston sleeve slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body; a second biasing device configured to bias the second piston sleeve in the second longitudinal direction; and a second sealing member coupled to the second piston sleeve and optionally configured to couple with the second valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, wherein the actuator may be configured to optionally move the second piston sleeve in the first longitudinal direction to discouple the second sealing member from the second valve seat.

[0065] In at least one embodiment, the second valve seat may be fluidly downstream from the first valve seat. In at least one embodiment, the first and second valve seats may be located within a single orifice. In at least one embodiment, the first and second valve seats may be located on either side of a single valve seat member, or may be separate valve seats or valve seat members, or may include both. In at least one embodiment, the actuator may include a pump that fluidly communicates with a first control valve that fluidly communicates with a first piston sleeve, and with a second control valve that fluidly communicates with a second piston sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first piston sleeve may be coupled to the valve body by one or more rolling diaphragm seals.

[0066] In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a second piston sleeve slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body, and a second sealing member coupled to the second piston sleeve and optionally configured to couple with the first valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, wherein the actuator may optionally move the second piston sleeve in the second longitudinal direction to discouple the second sealing member from the first valve seat. In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a second biasing device configured to bias the piston sleeve in the first longitudinal direction. In at least one embodiment, the second piston sleeve may be at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first piston sleeve may be located within the second piston sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the second piston sleeve may be at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first piston sleeve and at least a portion of the second piston sleeve may be concentric.

[0067] Further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be devised without departing from the spirit of the applicant's disclosure. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used independently or to form one or more parts of other valves, valve components, and / or fluid control systems. Furthermore, various methods and embodiments of valves may be included in combination with one another to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. A description of a single element may include multiple elements, and vice versa. A reference to at least one item followed by a reference to an item may include one or more items. Also, various aspects of the embodiments may be used in relation to one another to achieve the understood objectives of this disclosure.

[0068] The terms “equipped,” “included,” and “possessed” (including their variations and conjugations such as “equipped,” “included,” and “possessed”) should be understood to imply that they encompass at least the described element or step, or group of elements or steps, or their equivalents, unless the context requires otherwise, and not to exclude a larger quantity or any other element or step, or group of elements or steps, or their equivalents. Apparatuses, devices, and systems can be used in several directions and orientations. The order of steps can be varied, unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, the described steps can be inserted, and / or divided into multiple steps. Similarly, elements, as functionally described, can be embodied as separate components and / or combined into components having multiple functions. As used herein, the term “fluid” includes any fluid substance or material, such as liquids, gases, and combinations thereof, whether or not one or more solids or other nonfluids may be present therein.

[0069] The embodiments are described in the context of preferred embodiments and other embodiments, and not all embodiments of the applicant's disclosure are described. Obvious modifications and changes to the embodiments described are available to those skilled in the art who have the advantages of this disclosure. The disclosed and non-disclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the applicant's disclosure, but rather, in accordance with patent law, the applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope or framework of the equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. It is a valve, A valve body having a valve passage through which it passes, A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet located fluidically downstream from the fluid inlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet are coaxial with respect to the central longitudinal axis, A fixed valve seat, which is fluidly positioned within the valve passage between the inlet and the outlet, and the valve seat has an upstream side and a downstream side, A first valve member is slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, A first biasing device configured to bias the first valve member in a first longitudinal direction and to engage in a sealed manner with the valve seat, A second valve member is slidably and sealably coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively couple with the valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve, A second biasing device configured to bias the second valve member in the first longitudinal direction and to engage in a sealed manner with the valve seat, A single actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to move the first and second valve members in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, thereby moving the first and second valve members in the second longitudinal direction to disengage the sealing engagement of the first and second valve members with the valve seat, A valve equipped with a valve.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises at least one of an electrohydraulic actuator (418), an electromechanical actuator (218), a pump (152), and an electric motor (276).

3. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the first valve member is configured to be coupled to the upstream side of the valve seat.

4. The first and second valve members are configured to be coupled to the upstream side of the valve seat. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to move the second valve member in the second longitudinal direction.

5. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the second valve member is at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first valve member is disposed within the second valve member.

6. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the second valve member is at least partially tubular, and at least a portion of the first valve member and at least a portion of the second valve member are concentric.

7. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the upstream and downstream sides of the valve seat are arranged within a single orifice.

8. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the upstream and downstream sides of the valve seat are located on one side and the opposite side of an integrated valve seat member.

9. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the first valve member comprises a piston coupled to a tubular sleeve and slidably disposed within the chamber of the valve body, and the actuator is configured to move the first valve member in the second longitudinal direction via a pressurized fluid.

10. The valve according to claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a pump configured to pump a working fluid into the chamber.

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