US 11,719,349 B2
Axial three-way modulating valve
Ralph S. Bryant, Clarksville, TN (US); Gregory S. Wade, Portland, TN (US); Bradley W. Randolph, Mt. Juliet, TN (US); Mark Bornand, Gallatin, TN (US); and Tyler A. Meador, Lafayette, TN (US)
Assigned to MUELLER REFRIGERATION, LLC, Hartsville, TN (US)
Filed by Mueller Refrigeration, LLC, Hartsville, TN (US)
Filed on Nov. 16, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/527,563.
Prior Publication US 2023/0151894 A1, May 18, 2023
Int. Cl. F16K 11/07 (2006.01); F16K 27/04 (2006.01); F25B 41/31 (2021.01); F25B 41/35 (2021.01); F25B 41/32 (2021.01); F16J 9/06 (2006.01); F16J 9/00 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 11/0716 (2013.01) [F16K 27/041 (2013.01); F25B 41/31 (2021.01); F25B 41/32 (2021.01); F25B 41/35 (2021.01); F16J 9/00 (2013.01); F16J 9/064 (2013.01); F25B 2341/06 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve assembly comprising:
a valve body defining a cylindrical passage therein disposed along a longitudinal axis of the valve body;
an inlet port defined in or near a first end of the valve body;
a first outlet port defined in the valve body, the first outlet port extending radially with respect to the longitudinal axis outward from the cylindrical passage;
a second outlet port defined in the valve body, the second outlet port extending radially with respect to the longitudinal axis outward from the cylindrical passage;
a plurality of circumferential seal arrangements; and
a cylindrical valve spool movably positioned within the cylindrical passage of the valve body and sealingly engaged with the valve body via at least two circumferential seal arrangements of the plurality of circumferential seal arrangements directly engaged with the valve spool, the valve spool defining a central passage therethrough,
wherein the valve spool is moveable along the longitudinal axis among:
a first position wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the first outlet port but not the second outlet port,
a second position wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the second outlet port but not the first outlet port, and
an intermediate position between the first position and the second position wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with both of the first outlet port and the second outlet port.