Valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials
US8863931B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/72
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.