Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02892194 2015-05-22
SHUTTER VALVE WITH PIVOT ARMS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The
invention disclosed broadly relates to the field of valve systems, and more
particularly relates to the field of shutter valves for pressure regulation
and the control of fluids
in machines.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One of the problems with conventional valves is the lack of the
ability to regulate
the amount of fluid flow through the valve. This is because most conventional
valves typically
only offer an on and off position. Completely stopping fluid flow, i.e.,
turning the valve to the off
position, results in a steep pressure drop, which can cause a shockwave in the
system and can
result in cavitation. This can reduce the lifespan of the valve, as well as
the system as a whole.
Another problem with conventional valves is the lack of the ability to remain
securely sealed in a
pressurized system. This insecurity in said processes can cause leakage. Yet
another common
problem with conventional valves is that the obturator element remains within
the lumen of the
flow of gas or liquid, as with a butterfly valve, thereby interrupting fluid
flow. This approach
creates a disruption in the fluid flow and can cause potential currents that
can produce cavitation.
This negative result can also directly reduce the life span of a valve, pipe,
or the entire system
altogether. Yet another common problem with the conventional valves is that
they include
cavities and pockets that may be flooded with the fluids or gases that pass
through the lumen.
This can pose a problem when dealing with fluids that are considered
foodstuffs, because
foodstuff that is caught in small pockets can rot or otherwise decay, thereby
causing
contamination. Furthermore, valves used in foodstuff applications must be
cleaned regularly.
Therefore, the presence of cavities or pockets that collect foodstuffs can
make it difficult to clean
the valve.
[0006] One possible approach to the above-described problems is the use of
an iris valve,
which utilizes obturator elements within the lumen of the flow area, wherein
the obturator
elements open and close in an annular array to regulate the flow of gases or
liquids. This
removes all obstructions to the flow of gases and liquids when the valve is in
the open position.
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But conventional iris valves also possess the same problem with remaining
securely sealed,
especially in a pressurized system. Thus, many conventional iris valves suffer
from leakage
caused by the inability to seal properly. The inability of conventional iris
valves to seal properly
has limited the uses and useful life span of the iris valve. In many cases,
various industries have
not used iris valves because of this problem.
[0007] Consequently, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior
art as
discussed above, and particularly for a more efficient valve that seals
properly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present invention,
disclosed is a
shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid flow comprising an
actuator ring, the
actuator ring further includes a plurality of gear teeth driven by a mating
gear or by some other
means. The shutter valve also includes a plurality of arm pin bosses, each pin
boss affixed
within an inside circumference of the actuator ring, the arm pin boss further
comprising a hinge
pin aperture. The shutter valve further includes three or more pivot arms,
each pivot arm
includes a first end and a second end, the first end being mounted to a hinge
pin aperture of an
arm pin boss. The shutter valve further includes three or more obturator
elements. Each
obturator element includes: a) a petal shape structure including a tongue and
groove feature
along at least a portion of an outside circumference thereof; b) a hook
element located at an apex
of said petal shape structure of each obturator element; and c) a hinged
connection to a second
end of a pivot arm. The shutter valve further includes a housing defining a
cavity for holding the
actuator ring, the pivot arms and the obturator elements.
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[0008a] In an aspect, there is provided a shutter valve for regulating
pressure and
controlling fluid flow, comprising: an actuator ring, the actuator ring
further comprising a
plurality of gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; a plurality
of arm pin bosses,
each arm pin boss affixed within an inside circumference of the actuator ring,
the arm pin
boss further comprising a hinge pin aperture; three or more pivot arms, each
pivot arm having
a first end and a second end, the first end mounted to a hinge pin aperture of
one said arm pin
boss; three or more obturator elements, each obturator element comprising: a)
a petal shape
structure including a tongue and groove feature along at least a portion of an
outside
circumference thereof; b) a hook element located at an apex of said petal
shape structure of
each obturator element; and c) a hinged connection to a second end of 'a pivot
arm; and a
housing defining a cavity for holding the actuator ring, the pivot arms and
the three or more
obturator elements.
[0008b] In another aspect, there is provided a shutter valve for regulating
pressure and
controlling fluid flow, comprising: an actuator ring, the actuator ring
further comprising a
plurality of gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; a plurality
of arm pin bosses,
each pin boss affixed within an inside circumference of the actuator ring, the
arm pin boss
further comprising a hinge pin aperture; three or more pivot arms, each pivot
arm having a first
end and a second end, the first end hingably mounted to a hinge pin aperture
of an arm pin
boss, such that rotational movement of the actuator ring causes movement of
the three or more
pivot arms; three or more obturator elements, each obturator element
comprising: a petal shape
structure including a locking feature along at least a portion of an outside
circumference
thereof; a hook element located at an apex of said petal shape structure of
each obturator
element; a hinged connection to a second end of one said pivot arm, such that
movement of the
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one said pivot arm causes movement of the corresponding obturator element; and
a hinged
connection to a housing; and said housing defining a cavity for holding the
actuator ring, the
pivot arms and the obturator elements, further comprising a plurality of hinge
pin apertures for
coupling to hinged connections to the three or more obturator elements.
[0008c] In
another aspect, there is provided a shutter valve for regulating pressure and
controlling fluid flow, comprising: an actuator ring, the actuator ring
further comprising a
plurality of gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; a plurality
of arm pin bosses,
each pin boss affixed within an inside circumference of the actuator ring, the
arm pin boss
further comprising a hinge pin aperture; three or more pivot arms, each pivot
arm having a first
end and a second end, the first end hingably mounted to a hinge pin aperture
of an arm pin
boss, such that rotational movement of the actuator ring causes movement of
the three or more
pivot arms; three or more obturator elements, each obturator element
comprising: a) a petal
shape structure including a locking feature along at least a portion of an
outside circumference
thereof; b) a hook element located at an apex of said petal shape structure of
each obturator
element; c) a hinged connection to a second end of a pivot arm, such that
movement of the
pivot arm causes movement of the corresponding obturator element; and d) a
hinged
connection to a housing; and a housing defining a cavity for holding the
actuator ring, the pivot
arms and the obturator elements, comprising: a) a plurality of hinge pin
apertures for coupling
to hinged connections to obturator elements; and b) a plurality of walled
protrusions within said
cavity, each walled protrusion providing a surface against which a primary
surface of said each
obturator element slides when the obturator elements move.
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[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be
apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred
embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is
particularly pointed out
and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification.
The foregoing and
other features and also the advantages of the invention will be apparent from
the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Additionally, the left-
most digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference
number first
appears.
[0011] Figure IA is an exploded perspective view of the shutter valve
without the second
part of the housing, according to one embodiment.
[0012] Figure IB is a perspective view of a first part of the shutter valve
housing,
according to one embodiment.
[0013] Figure IC is a perspective view of a second part of the shutter
valve housing,
according to one embodiment.
[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an actuator ring, in accordance
with one
embodiment.
[0015] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an actuator ring and bevel gear,
in accordance
with one embodiment.
[0016] Figure 2C is a perspective view of an actuator ring with a pivot arm
and obturator
element, in accordance with one embodiment.
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[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pivot arm, in accordance with
one
embodiment.
[0018] Figure 4A and 4B are perspective views of an obturator element, in
accordance
with one embodiment.
[0019] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of two mating obturator elements
of the
shutter valve, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0020] Figure 5A is a front view of the shutter valve in an open position
with the second
part of the housing removed, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0021] Figure 5B is a front view of the shutter valve in a closed position
with the second
part of the housing removed, in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying
drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the
following
description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the
invention may be
described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible.
For example,
substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements
illustrated in the
drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting,
reordering, or
adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed
description does not
limit the invention. Instead, the proper scope of the invention is defined by
the appended claims.
[0023] The disclosed embodiments solve problems with the prior art by
providing a
simplified shutter valve that allows for pressure regulation and for
controlling the amount of
fluid flow through the valve by regulating the aperture through which said
fluid may flow. The
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disclosed embodiments further improve over the prior art by providing a system
that allows for
adjusting the lumen through which fluid flows. This allows a user to choose a
desired size of the
lumen, so as to regulate pressure and fluid flow through the valve. The
disclosed embodiments
further improve over the prior art by providing a system that allows for
closure of the valve by
progressively making the lumen through which fluid flows smaller until there
is no aperture for
allowing fluid flow, thereby eliminating a steep pressure drop, shockwaves in
the system and
cavitation. The disclosed embodiments also improve over the prior art by
providing the ability to
remain securely sealed throughout various types of processes. The disclosed
embodiments
further improve over the prior art by allowing the fluid to pass through the
valve unobstructed
when in the open position.
[0024] The disclosed embodiments further improve over the prior art by
reducing or
eliminating cavities and crevices in the valve that may be flooded with the
fluids or gases that
pass through the lumen. This eliminates the possibility of foodstuff, debris,
or other substances
being caught in small pockets that can then rot or otherwise prevent
sterilization. Furthermore,
this simplifies the process of cleaning said valves, when used in foodstuff
applications, which
require regular cleaning.
[0025] Figure IA is an exploded perspective view of the shutter valve 100
without the
second part of the housing (shown in Figure IC below), according to one
embodiment. The
shutter valve 100 includes a housing having a first part 105 and a second part
107 (not shown in
Figure 1A), which is more specifically illustrated in Figures IB and IC and
explained below.
The housing further defines a central aperture 120. The central aperture is
defined by a circular
shaped opening deposited centrally on both flat surfaces of the housing. The
parts of the housing
105, 107 define a cavity and cover that hold an actuator ring 130. In one
embodiment (shown in
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FIG. 2B), the actuator ring comprises a plurality of gear teeth placed on a
bevel gear. The gear
teeth can be driven by a mating gear (not shown) or any other means of
generating rotational
energy to cause the actuator ring to translate or rotate the actuator ring
within the housing of the
shutter valve. Additionally, in other embodiments (not shown), the actuator
ring can be driven by
an appropriate means such as gears, belts, a shaft or some other apparatus to
generate rotational
energy required to move the actuator ring, and, by extension, the obturator
elements.
[0026] Pivotally coupled to the actuator ring are three pivot arms 110,
which is further
described below (see description for Figure 3). Hingedly mounted to the pivot
arm are three
obturator elements 115, which are more fully described below (see description
for Figure 3). See
Fig. 2C for a description of how the pivot arm is coupled to the actuator ring
and obturator
element. The three obturator elements are arranged in a circular array along
an inside
circumference of the actuator ring. It should be noted that more than three
obturator elements
can be used. The three obturator elements are communally disposable between an
open position
and a closed position. In Figure IA, the elements are disposed in an open
position. In the open
position, the obturator elements are positioned within the inner circumference
of the actuator ring
such that fluids, solids, or mixtures thereof pass through the central
aperture 120 of the valve
100.
[0027] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the first part 105 of the shutter
valve housing,
according to one embodiment. The first part defines a substantially flat
circular body having a
flat surface 125 surrounded by a rim or lip 135. The rim or lip protrudes
substantially from the
flat surface such that the lip extends perpendicularly outward from the flat
surface. The rim
surrounding the flat surface defines a cavity for holding the actuator ring
130, which is more
specifically illustrated in Figure 2A and described below. The cavity further
holds the pivot arms
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and the obturator elements. The rim may be integral with the flat surface or
the flat surface and
rim may be manufactured separately and then coupled together. Along the edge
of the rim is a
plurality of screw or bolt bosses 140 having apertures 145 for receiving
screws or bolts for
joining or coupling the first part 105 with the second part 107 of the
housing.
[0028] Along the surface 125 are three walled protrusions 150. These walled
protrusions
provide a surface against which a side surface of each obturator element
slides when the
obturator elements move. The walled protrusions define a curved and
substantially rectangular
shaped bar protruding substantially perpendicularly outward from the flat
surface 125. The
purpose of the walled protrusions 150 is to guide the movement of the
obturator elements when
they move within the housing. The first part of the housing further defines a
circular shaped
aperture that is centrally located on the surface 125 defining central
aperture 120. Surrounding
the central aperture can be an inner channel 155 forming a ring surrounding
the central aperture
120 and further having three elongated curved shaped grooves extending
radially outward from
the ring. The inner channel defines two opposing side walls that are parallel
to one another and
are located below the surface 125. Additionally, an outer channel 160 may be
proximate to the
inside of the rim along the surface 125. The outer channel forms a ring
proximate to the edge of
the surface 125. The outer channel is defined by two opposing walls that are
parallel to one
another and wherein the walls are located below the surface 125.
[0029] 0-rings and seals, not shown, can be inserted into the inner and
outer channels
155, 160. The surface 125 may further include circular shaped cutouts 165.
These cutouts may be
used to receive a pin, bolt or other pivotal fastener that allows each of the
obturator elements to
be pivotally attached to the surface of the housing. Additionally, the first
part 105 may also
include a flange 170 that allows the shutter valve to be connected to other
apparatuses or devices.
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In one embodiment, the body element can define a tubular shape body, wherein a
channel
defined by the body is in communication with the central aperture 120.
[0030] Figure IC is a perspective view of the second part 107 of the
shutter valve
housing, according to one embodiment. The second part is designed to mate with
or cover the
first part 105 of the housing, which define a cavity for holding the actuator
ring 130, obturator
elements, seals and pivot arms. The second part 107 also defines a
substantially flat circular body
having a flat surface 128. Along the edge of the flat surface 128 are
plurality of screw or bolt
bosses 143 having apertures 148 for receiving screws, bolts or other fasteners
for joining or
coupling the first part 105 with the second part 107. In the present
embodiment, the screw bosses
are not positioned on a rim. However, in other embodiments (not shown), both
the first part and
the second part may include a rim for defining a cavity in which the actuator
ring, obturator
elements and pivot arms. Along the surface 128 are three walled protrusions
153. In other
embodiments, not shown, additional wall protrusions corresponding to the
number of obturator
elements may be used. The wall protrusions provide a surface against which a
side surface of
each obturator element slides when each obturator element moves. The purpose
of the walled
protrusions 153 is to guide the movement of the obturator elements when they
move within the
housing. A flat surface 138 surrounds the second part 107, which provides a
surface against
which first part 105 is mated. Flat surface 138 may mate with a seal, such
that when part 105 of
the housing is mated with part 107, a seal is included between the parts 105,
107 to seal the
interior cavity created by housing 105, 107.
[0031] Each of the walled protrusions defines a curved and substantially
rectangular
shaped bar protruding substantially perpendicular outward from the flat
surface 128. The second
part of the housing further defines an aperture centrally located on the
surface 128 defining
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central aperture 120. Surrounding the central aperture can be an inner channel
158 forming a ring
surrounding the central aperture 120 and further having three elongated curved
shaped grooves
extending radially outward from the ring. The inner channel defines two
opposing side walls that
are parallel to one another and are located below the surface 128.
Additionally, an outer channel
163 forms a ring that is proximate to and inside from the edge of the surface
128. The outer
channel is defined by two opposing walls that are parallel to one another and
wherein the walls
are located below the surface 128. 0-rings and seals, not shown, are inserted
into the inner and
outer channels 158, 163. The surface 128 may further include circular shaped
cutouts 168. These
cutouts may be used to receive a pin or bolt that allows each of the obturator
elements to be
pivotally attached to the surface of the housing. Additionally, the second
part 105 may also
include a body element 173 that allows the shutter valve to be connected to
other apparatuses and
devices. In one embodiment, the body element can define a tubular shape body,
wherein a
channel defined by the body is in communication with the central aperture 120.
The first body
may also include a slot 180 along the edge of surface 128 body for receiving a
mating gear, or
any other means of generating rotational energy to cause the actuator ring to
translate within the
housing of the shutter valve.
[0032] Figure 2A
is a 'front view of the actuator ring 130, in accordance with one
embodiment. The actuator ring defines a substantially circular shaped ring
having a flat top
surface opposing a flat bottom surface and a flat side wall. Additionally, the
actuator ring
includes a flat outwardly facing surface 131 for mating with a seal, which may
be manufactured
with high precision so that it forms a seal with other components of the
shutter valve. The
actuator ring may be formed from any material suitable and know to those
skilled in the art.
Additionally, the actuator ring may also include a flat sealing surface with a
flat texture, wherein
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the sealing surface comprises of an appropriate sealing material. The actuator
ring is sized to fit
inside the cavity defined by the housing of the shutter valve.
[0033] The actuator ring includes three arm pin bosses 205 affixed within
an inside
circumference of the actuator ring. However additional arm pin bosses may be
used when
necessary if more than three obturator elements are used. The inside
circumference is defined by
the inner sidewall of the actuator ring. In the present embodiment, each arm
pin boss defines a
substantially planar triangular shaped protrusion extending radially inward
from the inside side-
wall of the actuator ring. Near an apex of each arm pin boss is a hinge pin
aperture 207. Each
hinge pin aperture 207 defines a circular shape and is adapted to receive a
pin or other fastener
that allows each pivot arm 110 to be hingedly connected or to have a hinged
connection to each
arm pin boss 205. Each arm pin boss is sized to be received by the slot 315 of
each pivot arm,
and as more specifically illustrated in Figure 3 and described below.
[0034] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an actuator ring and bevel gear,
in accordance
with one embodiment. Figure 2B shows bevel gear 250, actuator ring 130 and
components held
within the inside circumference of the actuator ring, according to one
embodiment of the present
invention. In Figure 2B the shutter valve is in an open position. A bevel gear
having a plurality
of gear teeth is adjacent to the actuator ring. The bevel gear may be integral
with the actuator
ring or it may be coupled or affixed to the actuator ring by welding,
fasteners, etc. In another
embodiment, not shown, the gear teeth may be integral with the actuator ring.
The bevel gear
provides gear teeth that can be driven by a mating gear (not shown) or any
other means of
generating rotational energy to cause the actuator ring to translate within
the cavity of the
housing.
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[0035] Also shown in Figure 2B, for exemplary purposes only, one sole pivot
arm 110
and obturator element 115 in a retracted position is illustrated. The pivot
arm and obturator
element are in a retracted position when the shutter valve is in an open
position. The obturator
element is pivotally mounted to the pivot arm, which is pivotally mounted to
the pivot arm boss
of the actuator ring, in the open position, substantially all portions of the
obturator elements do
not block the central aperture. The shutter valve moves from the open to the
closed position by
applying forces tangential to the actuator ring. Figure 2C illustrates the
shutter valve in the
closed position with substantial portions of one of the three obturator
elements partially blocking
the central aperture. When forces tangential to the actuator ring are applied
to the gear teeth of
the bevel, the actuator ring is rotated within the cavity of the housing. This
causes the pivot arm
to rotate, which causes the obturator element to pivot forcing the tongue and
groove element of
the obturator element into the central aperture.
[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pivot arm 110, in accordance
with one
embodiment. The pivot arm defines a body having a first end 310 opposing a
second end 305.
The first end further defines a slot 315 formed by two opposing pivot arm side
walls. Each slot
is sized and adapted to receive the apex of arm pin boss 205. Each of the
pivot arm side walls
has a pair of matching circular openings defining a pivot arm channel 312. The
pivot arm
channel 312 is adapted to receive a fastener to hingedly or pivotally mount
the first end of the
hinge arm to the hinge pill aperture of the arm pin boss. The second end of
the hinge arm
comprises a circular pivot arm aperture 320. The second end of the pivot arm
is adapted to be
received by the obturator slot 310 on a portion of the outside circumference
of each obturator
element (see Figures 4A-4B).
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[0037] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of an obturator element 115
of the
shutter valve, in accordance with one embodiment. Each obturator element
defines a petal
shaped structure having a shape defined by a plurality of sides. In one
embodiment, each of the
obturator elements are equally sized and shaped, but this is not meant to be a
limitation. Each
obturator element further defines a tongue and groove feature 400 along at
least a portion of the
outside circumference of the petal shape structure. In the present embodiment,
the tongue and
groove feature is deposited on two (2) sides of the circumference, but this is
not meant to be a
limitation. In the present embodiment, on one side of the circumference, a
tongue 401 of the
tongue and groove feature 400 is located. The tongue can be a ridge protruding
from the surface
of the petal shaped structure that is adapted to fit into the groove 403 of an
adjacent obturator
element. On a second side of the circumference, a groove 403 of the tongue and
groove feature
400 is located. Each groove is a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls and
is located on a
second side of the outside circumference. The surface of the circumference
where the groove 403
is located defines the side surface of the obturator element, which side
surface slides along the
walled protrusions 150, 153 of the cavity made by the housing. The tongue and
groove feature
further comprises a seal surface comprising of any suitable seal material. The
tongue and groove
element and seal surface is adapted to create a seal between the obturator
elements. The obturator
element can be manufactured from any suitable rigid material known to those
skilled in the art.
[0038] Each obturator element further defines an obturator slot 410 on a
third side of the
outside circumference thereof. Slot 410 is formed by two opposing side walls.
The obturator slot
provides a hinged connection to the second end of the pivot arm. The obturator
slot is sized and
adapted to receive a corresponding second end of a pivot arm, such that the
second end of the
pivot arm is inserted into the obturator slot of the obturator element. Each
of the slot 410 side
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walls has a pair of matching circular openings defining an obturator channel
411. As a result, the
obturator channel 411 and aperture 3.20 of the second end of the pivot arm
align allowing a
pivotal fastener or pin to pivotally couple the obturator element and pivot
arm together.
[0039] The petal shape structure of each obturator element further defines
a hook element
405 located at an apex of the petal shape structure. The hook element defines
a hook or beak
shape of the petal structure and is adapted to mate with the hook elements of
other obturator
elements when the valve is in a closed position. See Figure 5B, which shows
all obturator
elements 115 in the closed position, and the hook features of all obturator
elements mating with
each other to completely occlude the lumen 120 and eliminating fluid flow
through the lumen
120.
[0040] Each obturator element further defines a circular obturator channel
412 that is
adapted to receive a pin or pivotal fastener for pivotally mounting the
obturator element to within
the cavity formed by the first and second parts of the housing. A pin or shaft
can be inserted into
the circular obturator channel 412 and into the circular shaped cutouts 165
and 168 of the first
and second parts of the housing to pivotally mount each obturator element to
the housing.
[0041] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of two mating obturator elements
of the
shutter valve 100, in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 4C shows that
each obturator
element defines a tongue and groove feature 400 along at least a portion of
the outside
circumference of the petal shape structure. In the top obturator element 480,
a tongue 401 of the
tongue and groove feature 400 is located. The tongue can be a ridge protruding
from the surface
of the petal shaped structure that is adapted to fit into the groove 403 of an
adjacent obturator
element 481. The groove 403 is a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls,
wherein the
groove is designed to accept the tongue 401 of the adjacent obturator element
480 (when the
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valve 100 is in the closed position ¨ see Fig. 5B) so as to create a seal. The
tongue and groove
feature 400 further comprises a seal surface 421 comprising of rubber,
plastic, PTFE, vinyl, any
combination thereof etc. The tongue and groove element and seal surface is
adapted to create a
seal between the obturator elements 480, 481.
[0042] Figure 5A is a frontal view of the shutter valve in a fully open
position with the
second part 107 of the housing removed, in accordance with one embodiment. In
the present
embodiment, Figures 5A and 5B illustrate three obturator elements 115 hingedly
coupled to the
pivot arm 110 such that the obturator elements are arranged in a circular
array around the inside
circumference of the actuator ring 110. In other embodiments (not shown), more
than three
obturator elements can be used. Figure 5A illustrates the shutter valve 100 in
an open position
and Figure 5B illustrates the shutter valve in a fully closed position. The
three or more elements
are communally disposable between the open positon and the closed position.
Each of the
obturator elements are movably or hingedly attached to the second end of the
pivot arm by a
fastener. In one embodiment, a fastener can be a pin, shaft or other means of
allowing pivoting
movement between two parts. As explained above, the pivot arm aperture of the
second end of
the pivot arm is adapted to be received by the slot 410 on a portion of the
outside circumference
of each obturator element. Figure 3 illustrates how the slot of each pivot arm
is adapted and sized
to be received by the pivot arm boss 205.
[0043] Figures 5A and 5B also illustrate the plurality of elements 505
being received by
the plurality of cutouts. The element 505 (which may be a shaft or pin, for
example) is sized such
that it can be inserted into the cutouts 165, 168 of the first and second
parts of the housing to
pivotally mount each obturator element to the cavity of the housing. Each
element 505 can be
CA 02892194 2015-05-22
integral with each obturator element or it can be coupled or affixed to each
obturator element
separately.
[0044] Figures 5A and 5B also illustrate walled protrusions 150 that define
a curved and
substantially rectangular shaped bar protruding substantially perpendicularly
outward from the
flat surface 125. The walled protrusions provide a surface against which the
side surface of each
obturator element can slide when the obturator elements move between the open
and closed
positons.
[0045] In the present embodiment, three obturator elements are communally
disposable
between an open position and a closed position. As shown in Figure 5A, in the
fully open
position, each of the plurality of the obturator elements are positioned such
that the central
opening or aperture 120 is not obstructed allowing fluids, gases or bodies to
flow through the
opening. As forces act tangential to the actuator ring, the actuator ring
rotates within the cavity
defined by the housing. This causes each pivot arm to move the side surface of
each obturator
element against each of the walled protrusions causing each obturator element
to slide or glide
along each of the walled protrusions. The obturator elements will continue to
slide along the
walled protrusions 150, 153 until each of the obturator elements contact an
adjacent obturator
element so as to securely void any aperture within the inside circumference of
the actuator ring.
When in the fully closed position, the tongue 401 of each tongue and groove
element 400 of each
obturator element mates with the groove 403 of an adjacent obturator element
(see Fig. 4C).
Additionally, each hook element 405 of each obturator element contacts with
the hook element
of an adjacent obturator element forming a seal.
[0046] Figure 5B illustrates the shutter valve in a closed position. To
open the shutter
valve from a closed position, tangential forces (opposite to those applied for
closing the shutter
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valve) are applied to the actuator ring such that the actuator ring is rotated
within the housing.
This causes the pivot arm to pull each obturator element causing each
obturator element to
disengage from the adjacent obturator elements. As a result, the side surface
of each obturator
element slides or glides against the walled protrusions and away from the
central aperture. As
mentioned above, when in the fully open position, the central aperture 120 is
not blocked by any
portion of the obturator elements. The shutter valve can be positioned in a
partially open or
partially closed position for regulating pressure and for controlling fluid
flow. Additionally,
additional gaskets, 0-rings or seals may also be utilized within the cavity to
accomplish a fluid
tight seal if required.
[0047] Figure 5A also illustrates a plurality of wiper 502 and elongated
elements 503.
Each elongated element and wiper may be composed of seal material. Or, each
elongated
element and wiper may be composed of material more malleable than the material
of which the
obturator element is composed. A pair of wipers are disposed on a top surface
and a bottom
surface of each obturator element. When the valve is assembled, the wipers
contact the flat
surfaces 125, 128 of parts 105, 107 of the housing and consequently form a
seal with the flat
surfaces 125, 128. Thus, this creates a seal such that fluid cannot pass
through the seal between
the wipers and the flat surfaces 125, 128. This limits the travel of the fluid
within the cavity
created by the housing.
[0048] Further, in the present embodiment, three elongated elements 503 are
disposed
within the cavity. Each elongated element abuts each walled protrusion 150,
153 proximate to
each obturator element. Each elongated element may be composed of seal
material. When the
valve is assembled, each elongated element contacts the flat surfaces 125, 128
of parts 105, 107
of the housing and consequently form a seal with the flat surfaces 125, 128.
Thus, this creates a
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seal such that fluid cannot pass through the seal between the elongated
elements and the flat
surfaces 125, 128. This also limits the travel of the fluid within the cavity
created by the housing.
[0049] When the shutter valve is in an open position (as in Fig. 5A), the
wipers and
elongated elements are positioned such that adjacent wipers and elongated
elements contact one
another to from an enclosed area. That ,is, in the open position, there is a
perimeter defined by a
chain of wipers and elongated elements, wherein the perimeter forms a seal
beyond which fluid
cannot pass. The enclosed area defined by the perimeter forms a seal
preventing fluids or gases
from entering, into a portion of the cavity of housing. Thus, in the open
position, the valve allows
the fluid travelling through the lumen to stay within a small area of the
cavity of the housing.
[0050] Figure 5B illustrates the shutter valve in the closed position. When
in the closed
position, adjacent wipers and elongated elements contact one another to from a
smaller enclosed
area. That is, in the closed position, there is a smaller perimeter defined by
a chain of wipers and
elongated elements, wherein the smaller perimeter forms a seal beyond which
fluid cannot pass.
The smaller enclosed area forms a seal preventing fluids or gases from
entering into a substantial
portion of the cavity of housing. Said smaller perimeter is substantially the
same as the circular
area defined by the lumen 120. Thus, in the closed position, the valve only
allows the fluid
travelling through the lumen to stay within substantially the lumen and
prevents it from entering
into the cavity of the housing. When moving from the open position to the
closed position, the
valve expels any fluid located within the cavity of the housing into
substantially the lumen area.
[0051] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific
to structural =
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in the
appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above.
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Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as
example forms of
implementing the claims.
[0052] We claim:
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