Valve assembly

Abstract

A valve assembly (100) for controlling airflow within a machine line (1100) is disclosed. The valve assembly includes first and second valve body portions (104a, 104b). Each of the first and second valve body portions includes opposing and adjoining sides relative to each other. Each of the first and second valve body portions include aligned valve apertures (106) and fastener apertures (304). The valve assembly further includes fasteners (306) within the fastener apertures configured to couple the first valve body portion to the second valve body portion. The valve assembly further includes a plurality of wedges (108) configured to fit between the first and second valve body portions on the adjoining sides to adjust a gap (110) between the first and second valve body portions. The gap defines a thickness of the valve assembly. The valve assembly further includes a plurality of plugs (112, 600) seated within the valve apertures. The valve assembly further includes gaskets (300, 302) configured to form seals.

Description

VALVE ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599,857, filed November 16, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 699,468, filed September 26, 2024, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the control of airflow within a machine line. More specifically, the invention relates to a valve assembly for controlling airflow within a machine line.BACKGROUND

[0003] Machine lines are used in various industries and for various purposes, such as for processing articles. Many machine lines use airflow to control aspects of the machine line. For example, the machine lines have airflow channels throughout that deliver airflow to specific units that convert the airflow to mechanical operations. Depending on the desired configuration of the machine, airflow may not need to be delivered to certain units. Indeed, the airflow may instead be needed at different units within the machine line. Thus, conventional valves exist that allow for the control of airflow in machine lines. However, these conventional valves take up a lot of space in the machine lines, which either makes machine lines larger or reduces the capability of a reduced-size machine line. Further, conventional valves do not stop enough airflow through closed airflow channels such that air pressure within other airflow channels is unnecessarily reduced.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a valve assembly that better restricts airflow in closed airflow channels and that takes up less space than conventional valves within machine lines. These and other issues are solved by the valve assembly of the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0005] A first implementation of the present disclosure includes a valve assembly for controlling airflow within a machine line. The valve assembly includes a valve body including a first valve body portion and a second valve body portion. Each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion include an opposing side and an adjoining side relative toeach other. Each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion include aligned valve apertures and aligned fastener apertures. The valve assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners within the fastener apertures configured to couple the first valve body portion to the second valve body portion. The valve assembly further includes a plurality of wedges configured to fit between the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion on the adjoining sides to adjust a gap between the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion. The gap defines a thickness of the valve assembly. The valve assembly further includes a plurality of plugs seated within the valve apertures. The valve assembly further includes first gaskets configured to form seals between a respective plug of the plurality of plugs and a respective one of the first valve body portion or the second valve body portion. The valve assembly further includes second gaskets configured to form seals between a respective one of the first valve body portion or the second valve body portion and the machine line.

[0006] An aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the plurality of plugs including one or more cylindrical plugs configured to allow airflow therethrough, one or more solid plugs configured to prevent airflow therethrough, or a combination thereof.

[0007] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the plurality of fasteners including non-threaded sections to allow for expansion and contraction of the gap while maintaining the first valve body portion coupled to the second valve body portion.

[0008] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the valve assembly having a plate coupled to a first end of the valve body. A shape of the plate is configured to identify an airflow configuration of the plurality of plugs.

[0009] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes each plug of the plurality of plugs including a first circumferential groove surrounded by the first valve body portion and a second circumferential groove surrounded by the second valve body portion.

[0010] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the first gaskets being seated within the circumferential grooves.

[0011] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes each of the first valve body portion and the secondvalve body portion including a top groove above the valve apertures on the adjoining side and a bottom groove below the valve apertures on the adjoining side. The top grooves form a top slot that extends the length of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion. The bottom grooves form a bottom slot that extends the length of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion.

[0012] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the valve assembly having a first rod extending through the top slot and through a first pair of the wedges, with the first pair of wedges on opposing ends of the first rod and the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a second rod extending through the bottom slot and through a second pair of the wedges, with the second pair of wedges on opposing ends of the second rod and the valve body.

[0013] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes at least one end of each of the first rod and the second rod being threaded. The valve assembly further includes two or more nuts, with each nut configured to engage a respective thread of the first rod or the second rod. Tightening and loosening the two or more nuts causes the first pair of wedges and the second pair of wedges to converge or diverge, respectively.

[0014] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the valve assembly having a handle for inserting and removing the valve assembly within a slot of the machine line.

[0015] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion including surfaces that are angled complementarily with angled side surfaces of the plurality of wedges.

[0016] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes each edge of the plurality of wedges including a pair of converging rails.

[0017] Another aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes opposing ends of the adjoining sides of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion including a slot within which a rail of the pair of rails of a corresponding wedge of the plurality of wedges is configured to sit.

[0018] A second implementation of the present disclosure includes a method of controlling airflow within a machine line. The method includes providing a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body including a first valve body portion and a second valve bodyportion. Each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion include aligned valve apertures. The method further includes seating one or more cylindrical plugs configured to allow airflow therethrough, one or more solid plugs configured to prevent airflow therethrough, or a combination thereof within the valve apertures. The seated plugs define a desired airflow configuration for the valve body. The method further includes inserting the valve assembly into a slot in the machine line for controlling the airflow within the machine line according to the desired airflow configuration.

[0019] An aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the method further including attaching a plate to an end of the valve assembly first inserted into the slot. A shape of the plate identifies the desired airflow configuration of the plurality of plugs.

[0020] Another aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the valve assembly further including at least one pair of wedges configured to fit between the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion.

[0021] Another aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the method including adjusting a distance between the at least one pair of wedges to control a thickness of the valve assembly.

[0022] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0024] FIG. l is a perspective view of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve aperture of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is another partial exploded perspective view of a valve aperture of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plug for a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a wedge of a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view a wedge within a valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a side view of a machine line, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a machine line, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective cutaway view of a portion of a machine line, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a machine line, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific forms thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Objects of the present invention are directed to a valve assembly with multiple apertures that accept removable plugs of at least two types. A first type of the plugs restricts airflow through the aperture within which the plug sits. A second type of the plugs allows airflow through the aperture within which the plug sits. Selection of the type of plug and the aperture that retains the plug allows for control of airflow through a machine line that accepts the valve assembly.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a perspective view of a valve assembly 100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve assembly 100 includes a valve body 102. The valve body 102 includes a first valve body portion 104a and a second valve body portion 104b. The first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b are configured to fit together. Specifically, the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b include opposing sides and adjoining sides, relative to each other.

[0041] The first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b further include aligned valve apertures 106. The valve apertures 106 allow airflow to pass through the valve assembly 100, as further described below.

[0042] The valve assembly 100 further includes a plurality of wedges 108. The wedges 108 are configured to fit between the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b on the adjoining sides. The positions of the wedges 108 relative to the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b adjusts a width of a gap 110 between the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b. The width of the gap 110 defines the width of the valve assembly 100. The width of the gap 110 also controls the seal the valve assembly 100 makes with a machine line within which the valve assembly 100 is inserted.

[0043] The valve assembly 100 further includes a plurality of plugs 112. Each plug 112 is seated within a valve aperture 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the plugs 112 are hollow cylinders to permit airflow through the valve apertures 106. However, as described further below with respect to FIG. 6, the plugs 112 can alternatively be solid to restrict airflow through the valve apertures 106.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the valve assembly 100 can include a plate 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the plate 114 is coupled to the second valve body portion 104b. However, the plate 114 can be coupled to the first valve body portion 104a. The shape of the plate 114 is configured to identify an airflow configuration of the valve apertures 106. Specifically, one shape of the plate 114 can indicate that all valve apertures 106 are open, i.e., include the hollow cylindrical plugs 112. Another shape of the plate 114 can indicate that all valve apertures 106 are closed, i.e., include solid plugs (FIG. 6). Another shape of the plate 114 can indicate that one or more of the valve apertures 106 are open and the other valve apertures 106 are closed. For example, the plate 114 can include a notch 116. The location of the notch 116 and / or the presence or absence of the notch 116 can identify one of the specific airflow configurations described above with respect to the type of plugs within the valve apertures 106. When inserted into a machine line, the shape of the plate 114 can adjust one or more switches or other controlelements in the machine line so that the machine line can know the valve configuration of the valve assembly 100.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the valve assembly 100 can include a handle 118. The handle 118 can be opposite from the plate 114 so that the plate 114 can be inserted into a machine line and the handle 118 can stick out from the machine line. The handle 118 assists a user in inserting and removing the valve assembly 100 from the machine line. However, the handle 118 might be undesirable in some applications because of a need to have no features extending beyond the other components of a machine unit or a machine line. For example, the valve assembly 100 may need to be flush with other components of the machine line. In this case, the valve assembly 100 can have a feature to be engaged with a tool for extraction instead of a handle. For example, the valve assembly 100 may have a recessed hook other recessed projection that can be engaged by a tool yet not extend beyond the valve body 102.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b can include slots 120. The slots 120 can be arranged to accommodate projections extending from a machine line, as described further below with respect to FIG. 14.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, shown is a top view of the valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Each of the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b include top grooves 200a and 200b, respectively, and bottom grooves 202a and 202b, respectively (not shown, described below). The combination of the top grooves 200a and 200b forms a slot 204a in the valve body 102. Similarly, the combination of the bottom grooves 202a and 202b forms a bottom slot 204b in the valve body 102 (not shown, described below). The valve assembly 100 can include a rod 206a that extends through the top slot 204a. A pair of wedges 108 are on opposite ends of the rod 206a. Similarly, a rod 206b extends through the bottom slot 204b, and a pair of wedges 108 are on opposite ends of the rod 206b. As a result, opposing wedges 108 on the rod 206a are at the top of opposing ends of the valve body 102, and opposing wedges 108 on the rod 206b are at the bottom of opposing ends of the valve body 102.

[0048] According to some embodiments, fasteners 208 are on opposing ends of the rods 206a and 206b beyond the wedges 108. The fasteners 208 are used to control the position of the wedges 108 along the rods 206a and 206b. For example, tightening and loosening the fasteners 208 on the rod 206a causes the associated pair of wedges 108 on the rod 206a to converge and diverge, respectively. Converging and diverging the fasteners 208 controls the width of the gap 110 of the valve body 102. As described below, adjusting the width of thegap 110 of the valve body 102 can control seals between the valve assembly 100 and the machine line within which the valve assembly 100 is inserted.

[0049] According to some embodiments, one or both ends of the rods 206a and 206b can be threaded. The fasteners 208 can be nuts and each nut can be configured to engage respective threads of the rods 206a and 206b. Alternatively, only one fastener 208 and a respective end of the rods 206a and 206b can be threaded such that the ends of the rod 206a or 206b opposite the threaded fasteners 208 do not need to be threaded. Alternatively, the wedges 108 can be threaded right-handed and left-handed. As disclosed below, the rods 206a and 206b can be threaded with corresponding threads on opposite ends and configured to accept a tool for rotating the rods 206a and 206b. Rotating the rods 206a and 206b will cause the valve body 102 to expand or collapse.

[0050] Fasteners 208 by the handle 118 can be tightened or loosened when the valve assembly 100 is inserted in a machine line. This allows for control of the seal formed between the valve assembly 100 and the machine. For example, after inserting the valve assembly 100 in a machine line, the fasteners by the handle 118 can be tightened to expand the gap 110 in the valve body 102, which forms a seal between the valve assembly 100 and the machine. Prior to removing the valve assembly 100 from the machine line, the fasteners 208 near the handle 118 can be loosened to contract the gap 110 in the valve body 102, which partially or fully removes the seal between the valve assembly 100 and the machine line.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b include surfaces 210 that are angled complementarily with the plurality of wedges 108. The angled surfaces 210 aid in the wedges 108 forcing apart the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b as needed to control the size of the gap 110.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly 100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve assembly 100 includes gaskets 300. The gaskets 300 can be any type of gasket that can form a seal between two surfaces. The gaskets 300 are configured to form seals between a respective plug 112 and a respective one of the first valve body portion 104a or the second valve body portion 104b. For example, and in reference to FIG. 4, the plug 112, which is representative of all the plugs, can include circumferential grooves 400. The grooves 400 are on opposite sides of the plug 112. Each one of the grooves 400 accommodates one of the gaskets 300 such that the gaskets 300 are seated in the grooves 400. A gasket 300 seated in a groove 400 forms a seal between the plug 112 and a surface 402 of the first valve body portion 104a that defines the valve aperture 106. The same relationshipexists for the second valve body portion 104b and a gasket 300 seated in an opposing groove 400 of the plug 112. The configuration of the groove 400 in the plug 112 and the gasket 300 seated in the groove 400 allows for the valve body 102 to expand and retract in width while maintaining a seal between the plug 112 and the valve body 102.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the gaskets 300 can be integral with the plugs 112 (and plugs 600 disclosed below in FIG. 6). For example, the plugs 112 can be made of one or more polymers and / or rubbers and can be formed such that the gaskets 300 are integrally formed out of the same one or more polymers and / or one or more rubbers as the plugs 112. Thus, separate gaskets 300 are not needed. Moreover, the plugs 112 may not include the circumferential grooves 400 and instead have the integral gaskets 300.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 3, the valve assembly 100 further includes gaskets 302. The gaskets 302 can be any type of gasket that can form a seal between two surfaces. The gaskets 302 are configured to form seals between a respective one of the first valve body portion 104a or the second valve body portion 104b and a section of machine line within which the valve assembly 100 is inserted. In reference to FIG. 5, the second valve body portion 104b includes an annular groove 500 within which the gasket 302 sits to face the machine line once the valve assembly 100 is inserted therein. This allows for the gasket 302 to form a seal between the valve assembly 100 and the machine line.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 3, the valve assembly 100 includes fastener apertures 304. Fastener apertures 304 on the first valve body portion 104a are aligned with fastener apertures on the second valve body portion 104b. This allows each one of the fastener apertures 304 to accept one of the fasteners 306 such that the fastener 306s engage aligned pairs of fastener apertures 304 on the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b. The fasteners 306 secure the first valve body portion 104a to the second valve body portion 104b.

[0056] According to some embodiments, and in reference to the topmost fastener shown in FIG. 3, each fastener 306 can include a threaded section 308 and a non-threaded section 310. The threated section 308 allows the fastener 306 to engage a fastener aperture 304. The nonthreaded section 310 allows the first valve body portion 104 or the second valve body portion 104b to move relative to the fastener 306, which allows the valve assembly 100 to expand or contract while maintaining the first valve body portion 104a coupled to the second valve body portion 104b. Thus, according to one embodiment, aligned pairs of the fastener apertures 304 can include one fastener aperture 304 that is threaded, to engage the threaded section 308 of a fastener 306 extended therethrough, and the other of the fastener aperture 304 can be smoothor not threaded, to accommodate the non-threaded section 310 of the fastener 306 extended therethrough.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the valve assembly 100 includes additional fasteners 312 that retain the plate 114 and the handle 118 within the valve assembly 100, such as retained to the second valve body portion 104b and the first valve body portion 104a, respectively. However, the plate 114 and the handle 118 can be attached to the valve body 102 according to other methods, such as welding, adhesive, magnets, etc.

[0058] Further shown in FIG. 3 are the top groove 200a and the bottom groove 202a of the first valve body portion 104a that cooperate with a similar top groove 200b and bottom groove 202b on the second valve body portion 104b (not shown), which together form the top slot 204a and bottom slot 204b through which the rod 206a and the rod 206b extend through, respectively. The slots 204a and 204b can have square profiles and the rods 206a and 206b can have square profiles, as shown in FIG. 3. The square profiles of the slots 204a and 204b and the rods 206a and 206b prevents rotation of the rods 206a and 206b within the slots 204a and 204b. For example, the square profiles prevent rotation of the grooves 206a and 206b when the fasteners 208 are rotated to tighten or loosen the wedges 108. Different profile geometries can also be used to prevent rotation, such as triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.

[0059] According to some implementations, the opposite ends of the rods 206a and 206b can have right-hand and left-hand threads that engage the wedges 108 instead of the fasteners 208. In which case, the rods 206a and 206b must be allowed to rotate. The ends of the rods 206a and 206b and have a feature, such as a hexagon, a slot, or a flat portion, to facilitate rotation by of a tool.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, shown is a solid plug 600. The solid plug 600 can be seated in a valve aperture 106, in place of a hollow cylindrical plug 112, to restrict airflow through the valve aperture 106. Like the hollow cylindrical plug 112, the solid plug 600 includes circumferential grooves 400 that accept gaskets 300 to form a seal between the solid plug 600 and the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a valve assembly 100’, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve assembly 100’ is identical to the valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1 except that the valve assembly 100’ includes solid plugs 600 seated in the valve apertures 106 rather than the cylindrical hollow plugs 112. The solid plugs 600 restrict the airflow through the valve apertures 106.

[0062] To identify the difference between the valve assembly 100 and the valve assembly 100’, the plate 114’ in FIG. 7 has a different configuration than the plate 114 in FIG. 1.Specifically, the location of the notch 116’ in the plate 114’ in FIG. 7 is different than the location of the notch 116 in the plate 114 in FIG. 1. Thus, the different location of the notch 116’ can identify that the valve apertures 106 are all restricted by including solid plugs 600. The plate 114’ can operate different switches or controls within a machine line to identify the different airflow arrangement as compared to the valve assembly 100.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a partial perspective view of a valve assembly 100”, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve assembly 100” is identical to the valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1 except that each of the first valve body portion 104a’ and the second valve body portion 104b’ include a slot 800 where each wedge 108 engages against the first valve body portion 104a’ and the second valve body portion 104b’. As a result, adjacent pairs of slots 800 converge towards each other.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternative wedge 108’, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wedge 108’ is identical to the wedge 108 except that each wedge 108’ includes a pair of converging rails 900. The rails 900 can generally follow the orientation of the side surfaces 902 of the wedge 108’. Each one of the rails 900 is configured to be seated in a slot 800. When the rails 900 are seated in the slots 800, the rails 900 aid in pulling the first valve body portion 104a together with the second valve body portion 104b to control the width of the gap 110. Thus, overall, and in reference to FIG. 10, each wedge 108’ can provide an expanding force by the side surfaces 902 pushing against the first valve body portion 104a’ together with the second valve body portion 104b’, and each wedge 108’ can provide a contracting force by the rails 900 pulling against the slots 800.

[0065] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a machine line 1100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The machine line 1100 can include the valve assembly 100 inserted therein. As shown, the low profile of the valve assembly 100, such as its narrow width, allows the valve assembly 100 to take up less space in the machine line 1100 than conventional valves for controlling the airflow through machine lines. This provides for more room within the machine line 1100 for elements needed to process articles that pass through the machine line 1100, along with other benefits. Depending on the configuration of the machine line, and the specific machine unit configured to accept the valve assembly 100, access for the valve assembly can be from the front or the rear of the machine line. According to some embodiments, rear access is can be preferable because there are less machine components to get in the way.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows the valve assembly 100 inserted into the machine line 1100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The handle 118 sticks out from the machine line 1100 so that the valve assembly 100 can be withdrawn. Further, there is access to the fasteners208 with the valve assembly 100 inserted into the machine line 1100. Access to the fasteners 208 allows the fasteners to be tightened and loosened to control the size of the gap 110 between the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a perspective cutaway view of a portion of a machine line 1100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve assembly 100 is seated in the machine line 1100 aligned with airflow channels 1300. The airflow channels 1300 distribute airflow throughout the machine line 1100. Control over whether the airflow channels 1300 are open or restricted is based on whether the apertures 106 in the valve assembly 100 are open or restricted by having hollow cylindrical plugs 112 or solid plugs 600, respectively. Thus, to open or close the airflows channels 1300, the valve assembly 100 can be withdrawn and reinserted with a different configuration of open or restricted valve apertures 106.

[0068] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a machine line 1100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the slot 1400 in the machine line 1100 that accepts a valve assembly inserted therein, such as the valve assembly 100. The machine line 1100 can include projections 1402 that extend beyond a sidewall 1404 of the machine line 1100 that partially defines the slot 1400. The projections 1402 can provide an outward force, such as a force away for the sidewall 1404, that urges a valve assembly away from the sidewall 1404. This force can aid in the removal of a valve assembly from the slot 1400, particularly if the gaskets of a valve assembly might tend to adhere to the sidewall 1404, especially if a valve assembly is installed dry and left in position for a long period. The projections 1402 can be formed of any material that provides an outward force, such as a material that can be compressed such that the compressed material provides the outward force. Alternatively, the projections 1402 can be springs or any other kind of mechanical projection that can provide an outward force.

[0069] The projections 1402 can be evenly spaced around the perimeter of the sidewall 1404 and the opposite sidewall defining the slot 1400 (not shown). As described above, the valve assembly can have the slots 120 arranged on the first valve body portion 104a and the second valve body portion 104b to accommodate the projections 1402. The slots 120 can provide clearance for the projections 1402 contacting the valve assembly 100 without affecting the ability for the valve assembly 100 forming a seal with the sidewall 1404, such as the gaskets 302 (FIGS. 3 and 5) forming a seal with the sidewall 1404.

[0070] Each of the above embodiments and obvious variations thereof are contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and subcombinations of the preceding elements and aspects.

[0071] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0072] It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0073] Any references herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the Figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0074] Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A valve assembly for controlling airflow within a machine line, the valve assembly comprising: a valve body including a first valve body portion and a second valve body portion, each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion including an opposing side and an adjoining side relative to each other, each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion including aligned valve apertures and aligned fastener apertures; a plurality of fasteners within the fastener apertures configured to couple the first valve body portion to the second valve body portion; a plurality of wedges configured to fit between the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion on the adjoining sides to adjust a gap between the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion, the gap defining a thickness of the valve assembly; a plurality of plugs seated within the valve apertures; first gaskets configured to form seals between a respective plug of the plurality of plugs and a respective one of the first valve body portion or the second valve body portion; and second gaskets configured to form seals between a respective one of the first valve body portion or the second valve body portion and the machine line.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plugs includes one or more cylindrical plugs configured to allow airflow therethrough, one or more solid plugs configured to prevent airflow therethrough, or a combination thereof.

3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fasteners includes non-threaded sections to allow for expansion and contraction of the gap while maintaining the first valve body portion coupled to the second valve body portion.

4. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plate coupled to a first end of the valve body, a shape of the plate configured to identify an airflow configuration of the plurality of plugs.

5. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein each plug of the plurality of plugs includes a first circumferential groove surrounded by the first valve body portion and a second circumferential groove surrounded by the second valve body portion, and the first gaskets are seated within the circumferential grooves.

6. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first gaskets are integral with the plurality of plugs.

7. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein: each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion includes a top groove above the valve apertures on the adjoining side and a bottom groove below the valve apertures on the adjoining side, the top grooves form a top slot that extends the length of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion, and the bottom grooves form a bottom slot that extends the length of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion.

8. The valve assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a first rod extending through the top slot and through a first pair of the wedges, with the first pair of wedges on opposing ends of the first rod and the valve body; and a second rod extending through the bottom slot and through a second pair of the wedges, with the second pair of wedges on opposing ends of the second rod and the valve body.

9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one end of each of the first rod and the second rod is threaded, the valve assembly further comprising: two or more nuts, each nut configured to engage a respective thread of the first rod or the second rod, wherein tightening and loosening the two or more nuts causes the first pair of wedges and the second pair of wedges to converge or diverge, respectively.

10. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle for inserting and removing the valve assembly within a slot of the machine line.

11. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion include surfaces that are angled complementarily with angled side surfaces of the plurality of wedges.

12. The value assembly of claim 1, wherein each edge of the plurality of wedges includes a pair of converging rails.

13. The value assembly of claim 12, wherein opposing ends of the adjoining sides of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion include a slot within which a rail of the pair of rails of a corresponding wedge of the plurality of wedges is configured to sit.

14. A method of controlling airflow within a machine line, the method comprising: providing a valve assembly, the valve assembly including: a valve body including a first valve body portion and a second valve body portion, each of the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion including aligned valve apertures; seating one or more cylindrical plugs configured to allow airflow therethrough, one or more solid plugs configured to prevent airflow therethrough, or a combination thereof within the valve apertures, the seated plugs defining a desired airflow configuration for the valve body; and inserting the valve assembly into a slot in the machine line for controlling the airflow within the machine line according to the desired airflow configuration.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising attaching a plate to an end of the valve assembly first inserted into the slot, a shape of the plate identifying the desired airflow configuration of the plurality of plugs.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the valve assembly further includes at least one pair of wedges configured to fit between the first valve body portion and the second valve body portion.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting a distance between the at least one pair of wedges to control a thickness of the valve assembly.

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