GB2539451A

GB2539451A - Valve Assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2539451A
Application number: GB1510564.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Jenkins David
Original assignee: ADELPHI MASTERFIL Ltd
Current assignee: ADELPHI MASTERFIL Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-16
Filing date: 2015-06-16
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-16
Also published as: GB2539451B; GB201510564D0

Abstract

A valve assembly for a filling machine, the valve assembly comprising a valve body (2, fig 1) comprising at least one valve (3A, fig 1), the or each valve comprising a valve controller (4A, fig 1) for selectively opening and closing one or more flow channels 5 within the or each valve. The valve controller comprises (i) a shaft (7, 5A) positionable through a shaft channel (8, fig 6A) in the valve body; (ii) an actuator (9, Fig 3) provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of the valve body; and (iii) a cover 11 provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of the valve body. The shaft is (a) moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with the second side 13 of the valve body, and (b) rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position allowing the flow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in the valve body, said second position preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flow channel in the valve body. Also described is a valve controller, a cover and a filling machine.

Description

VALVE ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a valve assembly, in particular to a valve assembly for use in a filling machine, for example a container or bottle filling machine.

Filling machines are available in a variety of sizes and configurations and can be used for filling a wide-variety of containers, for example bottles. However, they generally suffer from similar problems.

For example, it is often difficult to clean those parts of a filling machine which come into contact with the dispensed liquid and/or solid. Often, a machine must be shut down for extended periods of time whilst parts of the machine are dismantled, cleaned and then put back together.

There is a particular problem with cleaning parts of a filling machine which comprises a valve assembly configured to firstly allow intake of liquid and/or solid from a reservoir through an inlet into an intermediate chamber, such as a piston, and then allow output of the liquid and/or solid, from the intermediate chamber, via an outlet from which it is directed to a nozzle assembly and then dispensed into a container.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve assembly for a filling machine, the valve assembly comprising a valve body comprising at least one valve, the or each valve comprising a valve controller for selectively opening and closing one or more flow channels within the or each valve, wherein the valve controller comprises:- (i) a shaft positionable through a shaft channel in the valve body; (ii) an actuator provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of the valve body; and (iii) a cover provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of the valve body, wherein the shaft is (a) moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with the second side of the valve body, and (b) rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position allowing the flow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in the valve body, said second position preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flow channel in the valve body.

Preferably, the cover is provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft.

Preferably, the cover blocks the flow channel when in the second position.

Preferably, the cover is solid, for example a solid disc.

Preferably, the cover comprises an erodible material.

Preferably, the cover comprises a plastics material.

Preferably, the cover comprises nylon.

Alternatively, the cover comprises one or more apertures, wherein when the cover is in the first position the aperture is in alignment with a flow channel and the cover allows the flow of liquid and/or solid through the flow channel, and when the cover is in the second position, the aperture is not in alignment with the flow channel and the cover prevents flow of liquid and/or solid through the flow channel.

Preferably, the or each valve comprises a plurality of flow channels, most preferably two flow channels.

Preferably, the or each valve comprises an inlet flow channel and an outlet flow channel.

Preferably, the or each valve comprises first and second flow channels and the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, wherein when the cover is in the first position the cover allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel, and when the cover is in the second position, the cover prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through a second flow channel.

Preferably, the or each valve comprises first and second flow channels and the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, wherein when the cover is in the first position the aperture is in alignment with the first flow channel and the cover prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel, and when the cover is in the second position, the aperture is in alignment with the second flow channel and the cover allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel.

Preferably, the or each valve comprises first and second flow channels and the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, wherein when the cover is in the first position the cover blocks the second flow channel but not the first flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel, and when the cover is in the second position, the cover blocks the first flow channel but not the second flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel.

Preferably, the first flow channel is an inlet flow channel.

Preferably, the second flow channel is an outlet flow channel.

Preferably, the actuator is moveable away from the valve body from a locking position to a loose position, wherein when the actuator is in the locking position, the cover is in abutment with the second side of the valve body, and when the actuator is in the loose position, the cover is not in abutment with the second side of the valve body.

Preferably, when the actuator is in the loose position, it is removable from the shaft.

Preferably, when the actuator is in the loose position, it is slideably removable from the shaft.

Preferably, the shaft comprises a pair of channels for receiving the actuator and for allowing movement of the actuator between the locking position and the loose position, and for allowing separation of the actuator from the shaft when in the loose position.

The ability to separate the shaft from the actuator is such that the valve controller can be easily taken apart and removed from the valve body for cleaning. In addition, with a minimal number of component parts, taking the valve controller apart and cleaning the valve controller is very straightforward.

Preferably, the channels are positioned on opposing sides of the shaft.

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Preferably, the channels comprise a closed end and an open end.

Preferably, the channels are inclined such that the distance between the closed end of the channels and the cover end of the shaft is greater than the distance between the open end of the channels and the cover end of the shaft.

Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous because it means that when the actuator is in the locking position, the actuator is biased towards the closed end of the channels and so this maintains the actuator in engagement with the shaft. However, when the actuator is in the loose position and the cover is not in abutment with the valve body, the actuator is easily removable from the channels and engagement with the shaft.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a pair of protrusions, each protrusion for engagement with one of the pair of channels of the shaft.

Preferably, the protrusions are rotatable within apertures of the actuator.

Preferably, the protrusions are rotatable with the channels.

Preferably, the protrusions comprise pivot elements and do not form an integral part of the actuator. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the valve controller comprises a pair of pivot elements positionable within the channels of the shaft and within apertures of the actuator such that the actuator is moveable between the locking position and the loose position.

It will be appreciated that the protrusions or pivot elements are preferably moveable within the channels such that they are biased towards the closed end of the channels when the actuator is in the locking position. As above, this maintains the actuator in engagement with the shaft. However, when the actuator is in the loose position and the cover is not in abutment with the valve body, the protrusions or pivot elements are easily removable from the channels to release the actuator from engagement with the shaft.

Preferably, the valve controller comprises a biasing means for biasing the cover into abutment with the valve body when the actuator is in a locking position.

This is particularly advantageous because it means that as the cover wears away through use, the cover still abuts the valve body when the actuator is in a locking position.

In addition, whilst the cover is biased into abutment with the valve body when the actuator is in the locking position, it is possible to manually pull the cover and/or the arm away from the valve body. This means that, in the event that the cover is prevented from moving between said first and second positions by an obstruction, the arm and/or the cover is able to move away from the valve body, avoid the obstruction and thus prevent jamming of the valve controller. This, in turn, prevents damage to the remainder of the valve assembly, which could occur in the event of such a jamming.

Further, with reference to embodiments also comprising a removable cover, as discussed in further detail below, if the cover is prevented from moving between said first and second positions by an obstruction, the arm is able to move away from the valve body and allow the cover to become disengaged from the arm. Again, this prevents jamming of the valve controller.

Preferably, the biasing means urges the cover into abutment with the valve body when the actuator is in a locking position, but allows movement of the cover and/or the arm away from the valve body in the event that an obstruction restricts movement of the cover between first and second positions.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises a spring.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises a deformable material.

Preferably, the biasing means is provided on or around the shaft.

Preferably, the biasing means is provided between the first end (actuator end) and second end (cover end) of the shaft.

This is advantageous because it means that the spring is less likely to become contaminated with fluid and/or solid passing through the valve.

Preferably, the biasing means is provided proximal to or at the actuator (first) end of the shaft.

Preferably, the valve controller comprises a collar positioned around the shaft wherein the collar is for improving rotational movement of the shaft within the shaft channel and/or for centrally aligning the shaft within the shaft channel.

Preferably, the shaft is rotatable within the collar.

Preferably, the collar is positioned around the biasing means. Preferably, the biasing means is provided between the collar and the shaft.

Preferably, the valve controller comprises a seal for preventing egress of fluid and/or solids into the shaft channel of the valve.

Preferably, the seal is provided on or around the shaft.

Preferably, the seal is provided toward or at the cover (second) end of the shaft.

Provision of the seal means that when the valve controller is disassembled only a small number of components need to be cleaned. In particular, the actuator and the connection between the actuator and the shaft do not come into contact with the fluid and/or solid. The arrangement of the valve controller is further beneficial in this regard by virtue of the actuator being provided on one side of the valve body and the cover being provided on the other side. When the actuator is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft can be removed via the contaminated side of the valve body meaning that the actuator does not come into contact with the fluid and/or solids.

Preferably, the shaft is integrally formed with the arm.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a lever.

Preferably, the actuator is provided at an angle to the arm and/or cover when viewed from above.

Preferably, the actuator is provided at an angle of between about 90 degrees and about 175 degrees to the length of the arm when viewed from above, preferably between about 100 degrees and about 165 degrees, preferably between about 110 degrees and about 155 degrees, preferably between about 120 degrees and about 145 degrees, preferably between about 130 degrees and about 140 degrees, most preferably about 135 degrees.

Preferably the valve controller comprises a connector for connection to a drive shaft. This allows multiple valve controllers to be connected to a single drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft is able to cause rotational movement of all connected valve controllers causing all covers to move between said first and second positions at the same time.

Preferably the cover comprises a disc for positioning over an end of a flow channel in the valve body.

Preferably the cover comprises a valve body facing surface and a non-valve body facing surface, wherein the valve body facing surface is flat and the non-valve body facing surface is chamfered to form a narrowed edge between the valve body facing surface and the non-valve body facing surface around the circumference of the cover.

Preferably, the non-valve body facing surface is an arm facing surface, for example in embodiments wherein the cover is provided on an arm.

Preferably, the narrowed edge is a cutting edge. This allows the cover to cut through fluid and/or solids if they are hindering movement of the cover between said first and second positions. In addition, provision of a flat valve body facing surface and a chamfered non-valve body facing surface means that, as the valve body facing surface is worn away through movement between said first and second positions, the narrowed edge between the respective faces is maintained. This improves longevity of the cover and thus the valve controller.

Preferably, the cover comprises a sharp circumferential edge.

Preferably, the chamfered edge is adjacent to the valve body when the cover is in abutment therewith.

Preferably, the arm facing surface comprises a first mating part for engagement with a second mating part on the arm.

Preferably, the first mating part is a recess and the second mating part is a protrusion for engagement with the recess. Alternatively, the first mating part is a protrusion and the second mating part is a recess for receiving the protrusion.

Preferably, the arm facing surface comprises a recess for engagement with a protrusion on the arm.

Preferably, the recess is a curved recess and the protrusion is domed.

Provision of such an engagement between the cover and the arm means that the cover can be easily removed from the arm and replaced. However, because the protrusion of the arm is received with the recess of the cover, lateral movement of the cover relative to the arm is prevented and thus the arm is still able to move the cover between the first and second positions when the cover is in abutment with the valve body.

Preferably, the arm and/or the cover are positioned within a recess on the underside of the valve body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve controller for use in a valve assembly as described herein, wherein the valve controller comprises:- (i) a shaft positionable through a shaft channel in a valve body; (ii) an actuator provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of a valve body; and (iii) a cover provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of a valve body, wherein, the shaft is (a) moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with a second side of a valve body, and (b) rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position for allowing the flow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in a valve body, said second position for preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flow channel in a valve body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for use in a valve assembly as described herein.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a filling machine comprising one or more valve assemblies as described herein.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa.

Preferably, the filling machine is a container-filling machine, for example a bottle-filling machine.

It will be appreciated that reference to "one or more" includes reference to "a plurality".

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a valve assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from below of the valve assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 1; Figures 4A and 4B show views from below the valve assembly shown in Figure 1 with the arms of the valve controllers in first (Figure 4A) and second (Figure 4B) positions; Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views of the valve controller; Figure 5C shows the valve controller without a collar and cover; Figures 5D and 5E show the cover; Figure 5F shows the integrally formed shaft and arm; Figure 5G shows a plan view of the valve controller, i.e. a view from above; Figures 6A and 6B show perspective views of an end portion of the valve body corresponding to a valve without inclusion of the valve controller; and Figures 7A and 7B show a valve controller in a locking (Figure 7A) and loose (Figure 7B) position.

The present invention relates to a valve assembly for a filling machine, for example a bottle-filling machine.

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a valve assembly 1 for a filling machine (not shown). The valve assembly 1 includes a valve body 2 comprising four valves 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D. Each valve includes a valve controller 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D for selectively opening and closing a pair of flow channels 5, 6 within each valve 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D.

With particular reference to Figures 5A to 5F, each valve controller 4 includes a shaft 7 positionable through a shaft channel 8 in the valve body 2 (as shown in Figures 6A and 6B), an actuator 9 (in the form of a lever) provided at a first end of the shaft 7 and positionable at a first side of the valve body 2; and a cover (in the form of a disc) 11 provided on an arm 12 at the second end of the shaft 7 and positionable at a second side of the valve body 2.

The shaft 7 is moveable along its longitudinal axis by movement of the actuator 9 to move the cover 11 into abutment with the second side 13 of the valve body 2. The shaft 7 is also rotatable about its longitudinal axis by movement of the actuator 9 to move the cover 11 between first and second positions, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

In the example shown, when the cover 11 is in the first position (Figure 4A) the cover allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel 5 and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel 6. When the cover is in the second position (Figure 4B), the cover prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel 5 and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel 6.

In the example shown, the first flow channel 5 is an inlet flow channel and the second flow channel 6 is an outlet flow channel.

Whilst not shown in the Figures, it will be appreciated that an alternative embodiment could be provided without an arm. In this embodiment, the cover is preferably in the form of a disc directly connected to the shaft and rotatable therewith such than an aperture in the cover is moved between first and second positions. When the cover is in the first position, the aperture is in alignment with the first flow channel and the cover allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel. When the cover is in the second position, the aperture is not in alignment with the first flow channel but is in alignment with the second flow channel and so the cover prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel.

With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the actuator 9 is moveable away from the valve body 2 from a locking position to a loose position. When the actuator 9 is in the locking position, the cover 11 is in abutment with the second side 13 of the valve body 2. When the actuator 9 is in the loose position, the cover 11 is not in abutment with the second side 13 of the valve body 2.

When the actuator 9 is in the loose position, it is removable from the shaft 7. In this respect, and as shown in Figure 5F, the shaft 7 comprises a pair of channels 14A, 14B for receiving the actuator 9, and for allowing movement of the actuator 9 between the locking position and the loose position. The channels 14A, 14B also allow for separation of the actuator 9 from the shaft 7 when in the loose position.

In the example shown, the actuator 9 is connected to the shaft 7 via a pair of pivot elements 15A, 15B positioned within the channels 14A, 14B of the shaft 7 and within apertures 16A, 16B of the actuator 9 such that the actuator 9 is moveable between the locking position and the loose position.

In the example shown, the channels 14A, 14B are positioned on opposing sides of the shaft 7 and each comprise a closed end 17A and an open end 17B.

The channels 14A, 14B are inclined such that the distance between the closed end 17A of the channels 14A, 14B and the cover end of the shaft 7 is greater than the distance between the open end 17B of the channels 14A, 14B and the cover end of the shaft 7.

The pivot elements 15A, 15B are moveable within the channels 14A, 14B such that they are biased towards the closed end 17B of the channels 14A, 14B when the actuator 9 is in the locking position. This maintains the actuator 9 in engagement with the shaft 7. However, when the actuator 9 is in the loose position and the cover 11 is not in abutment with the valve body 2, the pivot elements 15A, 15B are easily removable from the channels 16A, 16B to release the actuator 9 from engagement with the shaft 7.

The valve controller 4 comprises a spring 18 for biasing the cover 11 into abutment with the valve body 2 when the actuator 9 is in a locking position.

This is particularly advantageous because it means that, as the cover 11 wears away through use, the cover 11 still abuts the valve body 2 when the actuator 9 is in a locking position.

In addition, whilst the cover 11 is biased into abutment with the valve body 2 when the actuator 9 is in the locking position, it is possible to manually pull the cover 11 and/or the arm 12 away from the valve body 2. This means that, in the event that the cover 11 is prevented from moving between said first and second positions by an obstruction, the arm 12 and/or the cover 11 is able to move away from the valve body 2 and avoid the obstruction and thus prevent jamming of the valve controller 4. This, in turn, prevents damage to the remainder of the valve assembly 1, which could occur in the event of such a jamming.

In the example shown, the spring 18 is provided proximal to the actuator (first) end of the shaft 7 which means that the spring 18 is less likely to become contaminated with fluid and/or solid passing through the valve 3.

It will be appreciated that the spring 18 could also be positioned between the actuator (first) end and cover (second) end of the shaft 7. In such a position, the spring 18 would also be less likely to become contaminated with fluid and/or solid passing through the valve 3 than if provided at the cover end of the shaft 7.

In the example shown, the valve controller 4 also comprises a collar 19 positioned around the shaft 7. The collar 19 improves rotational movement of the shaft 7 within the shaft channel 8 by virtue of the shaft 7 being rotatable within the collar 19 and centrally aligns the shaft 7 within the shaft channel 8.

Also provided is a seal 20 for preventing egress of fluid and/or solids into the shaft channel 8 of the valve 3. The seal 20 is provided around the shaft 7 at the cover (second) end of the shaft 7.

Provision of the seal 20 means that when the valve controller 4 is disassembled only a small number of components need to be cleaned. In particular, the actuator 9 and the connection between the actuator 9 and the shaft 7 do not come into contact with the fluid and/or solid. The arrangement of the valve controller 4 is further beneficial in this regard by virtue of the actuator 9 being provided on one side of the valve body 2 and the cover 11 being provided on the other side of the valve body 2. When the actuator 9 is disengaged from the shaft 7, the shaft 7 can be removed via the contaminated side of the valve 3 meaning that the actuator 9 does not come into contact with the fluid and/or solids.

As shown in Figure 5F, the shaft 7 is integrally formed with the arm 12.

With reference to Figure 5G, the actuator 9 is provided at an angle to the arm 12 cover when viewed from above. In the example shown, the actuator 9 is provided at an angle of about 135 degrees to the arm 12.

The valve controller 4 includes a connector 21 for connection to a drive shaft (not shown). This allows each of the valve controllers 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D to be connected to a single drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft is able to cause rotational movement of all connected valve controllers 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D causing all covers 11 to move between said first and second positions at the same time.

With reference to Figures 5D and 5E, the cover 11 comprises a valve body facing surface 22 and a non-valve body facing surface 23. The valve body facing surface 22 is flat and the non-valve body facing surface 23 is chamfered to form a narrowed edge 24 between the valve body facing surface 22 and the non-valve body facing surface 23 around the circumference of the cover 11.

Preferably, the narrowed edge 24 is a cutting edge. This allows the cover 11 to cut through fluid and/or solids if they are hindering movement of the cover 11 between said first and second positions. In addition, provision of a flat valve body facing surface 22 and a chamfered non-valve facing surface 23 means that as the valve body facing surface 22 is worn away through movement between said first and second positions, the narrowed edge 24 between the respective faces 22, 23 is maintained. This improves longevity of the cover 11 and thus the valve controller 4.

The non-valve facing surface 23, also referred to as an arm facing surface, comprises a first mating part 25, in the form of a recess 25, for engagement with a second mating part 26, in the form of a protrusion 26, on the arm 12.

As a result, the cover 11 can be easily removed from the arm 12 and replaced. However, because the protrusion 26 of the arm 12 is received with the recess 25 of the cover 11, lateral movement of the cover 11 relative to the arm 12 is prevented and thus the arm 12 is still able to move the cover 11 between the first and second positions when the cover 11 is in abutment with the valve body 2.

The arm 12 and cover 11 are positioned within a recess 27 on the underside of the valve body 2.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A valve assembly for a filling machine, the valve assembly comprising a valve body comprising at least one valve, the or each valve comprising a valve controller for selectively opening and closing one or more flow channels within the or each valve, wherein the valve controller comprises:- (i) a shaft positionable through a shaft channel in the valve body; (ii) an actuator provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of the valve body; and (iii) a cover provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of the valve body, wherein the shaft is (a) moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with the second side of the valve body, and (b) rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position allowing the flow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in the valve body, said second position preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flow channel in the valve body.
2. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover is provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft.
3. A valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each valve comprises a plurality of flow channels.
4. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each valve comprises first and second flow channels and the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, wherein when the cover is in the first position the cover allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel, and when the cover is in the second position, the cover prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through a second flow channel.
5. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is moveable away from the valve body from a locking position to a loose position, wherein when the actuator is in the locking position, the cover is in abutment with the second side of the valve body, and when the actuator is in the loose position, the cover is not in abutment with the second side of the valve body.
6. A valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein when the actuator is in the loose position, it is removable from the shaft.
7. A valve assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the shaft comprises a pair of channels for receiving the actuator and for allowing movement of the actuator between the locking position and the loose position, and for allowing separation of the actuator from the shaft when in the loose position.
8. A valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein the channels are positioned on opposing sides of the shaft.
9 A valve assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the channels comprise a closed end and an open end.
10. A valve assembly according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the channels are inclined such that the distance between the closed end of the channels and the cover end of the shaft is greater than the distance between the open end of the channels and the cover end of the shaft.
11. A valve assembly according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the actuator comprises a pair of protrusions, each protrusion for engagement with one of the pair of channels of the shaft.
12. A valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein the protrusions are rotatable within apertures of the actuator.
13. A valve assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the protrusions are rotatable with the channels.
14. A valve assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the protrusions comprise pivot elements and do not form an integral part of the actuator.
15. A valve assembly according to any of claims 7 to 14, wherein the valve controller comprises a pair of pivot elements positionable within the channels of the shaft and within apertures of the actuator such that the actuator is moveable between the locking position and the loose position.
16. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a biasing means for biasing the cover into abutment with the valve body when the actuator is in a locking position.
17. A valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein the biasing means is provided between the actuator (first) end and the cover (second) end of the shaft, and/or proximal to or at the actuator (first) end of the shaft.
18. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a collar positioned around the shaft, wherein the collar is for improving rotational movement of the shaft within the shaft channel and/or for centrally aligning the shaft within the shaft channel.
19. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a seal for preventing egress of fluid and/or solids into the shaft channel of the valve.
20. A valve assembly according to any of claims 2 to 19, wherein the shaft is integrally formed with the arm.
21. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.
22. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is provided at an angle to the arm and/or cover when viewed from above.
23. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a connector for connection to a drive shaft.
24. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a valve body facing surface and a non-valve body facing surface, wherein the valve body facing surface is flat and the non-valve body facing surface is chamfered to form a narrowed edge between the valve body facing surface and the non-valve body facing surface around the circumference of the cover.
25. A valve assembly according to claim 24 wherein the narrowed edge is a cutting edge.
26. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises an erodible material.
27. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a plastics material.
28. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover is provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft, and the arm facing surface of the cover comprises a first mating part for engagement with a second mating part on the arm.
29. A valve assembly according to claim 28, wherein (i) the first mating part is a recess and the second mating part is a protrusion for engagement with the recess, or (H) the first mating part is a protrusion and the second mating part is a recess for receiving the protrusion.
30. A valve assembly according to claim 29, wherein the arm facing surface of the cover comprises a recess for engagement with a protrusion on the arm.
31. A valve assembly according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the recess is a curved recess and the protrusion is domed.
32. A valve controller for use in a valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises:- (i) a shaft positionable through a shaft channel in a valve body; (ii) an actuator provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of a valve body; and (iii) a cover provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of a valve body, wherein, the shaft is (a) moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with a second side of a valve body, and (b) rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position for allowing the flow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in a valve body, said second position for preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flow channel in a valve body.
33. A cover for use in a valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 31.
34. A filling machine comprising one or more valve assemblies according to any of claims 1 to 31.
35. A valve assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
36. A filling machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
37. A cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
38. A valve controller substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A valve assembly for a filling machine, the valve assembly comprising a valve body comprising at least one valve, the or each valve comprising a valve controller for selectively opening and closing one or more flow channels within the or each valve, wherein the valve controller comprises:- (i) a shaft positionable through a shaft channel in the valve body; (ii) an actuator provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of the valve body; and (iii) a cover provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of the valve body, wherein the shaft is moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with the second side of the valve body, and rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position allowing the flow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in the valve body, said second position preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flowCDchannel in the valve body, wherein:-CO the cover is provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft; and/or (b) the actuator is moveable away from the valve body from a locking position to a loose position, wherein when the actuator is in the locking position, the cover is in abutment with the second side of the valve body, and when the actuator is in the loose position, the cover is not in abutment with the second side of the valve body; and/or (c) the valve controller comprises a biasing means for biasing the cover into abutment with the valve body when the actuator is in a locking position; and/or (d) the cover comprises a valve body facing surface and a non-valve body facing surface, wherein the valve body facing surface is flat and the non-valve body facing surface is chamfered to form a narrowed edge between the valve body facing surface and the non-valve body facing surface around the circumference of the cover; and/or (e) the cover comprises an erodible material.2. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the or each valve comprises a plurality of flow channels.3. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each valve comprises first and second flow channels and the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, wherein when the cover is in the first position the cover allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the second flow channel, and when the cover is in the second position, the cover prevents the flow of fluid and/or solid through the first flow channel and allows the flow of fluid and/or solid through a second flow channel.4. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein when the CD actuator is in the loose position, it is removable from the shaft.CO 5. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the shaft comprises a pair of channels for receiving the actuator and for allowing movement of the actuator between the locking position and the loose position, and for allowing separation of the actuator from the shaft when in the loose position.6. A valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the channels are positioned on opposing sides of the shaft.7. A valve assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the channels comprise a closed end and an open end.8. A valve assembly according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the channels are inclined such that the distance between the closed end of the channels and the cover end of the shaft is greater than the distance between the open end of the channels and the cover end of the shaft.9. A valve assembly according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the actuator comprises a pair of protrusions, each protrusion for engagement with one of the pair of channels of the shaft.10. A valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein the protrusions are rotatable within apertures of the actuator.11. A valve assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the protrusions are rotatable with the channels.12. A valve assembly according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the protrusions comprise pivot elements and do not form an integral part of the actuator.13. A valve assembly according to any of claims 5 to 12, wherein the valve CO controller comprises a pair of pivot elements positionable within the channels of the shaft and within apertures of the actuator such that the actuator is moveable between the locking position and the loose position.14. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the biasing means is provided between the actuator (first) end and the cover (second) end of the shaft, and/or proximal to or at the actuator (first) end of the shaft.15. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a collar positioned around the shaft, wherein the collar is for improving rotational movement of the shaft within the shaft channel and/or for centrally aligning the shaft within the shaft channel.16. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a seal for preventing egress of fluid and/or solids into the shaft channel of the valve.17. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the shaft is integrally formed with the arm.18. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.19. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is provided at an angle to the arm and/or cover when viewed from above.20. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises a connector for connection to a drive shaft.21. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the narrowedCDedge is a cutting edge.CO22. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a plastics material.23. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover is provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft, and the arm facing surface of the cover comprises a first mating part for engagement with a second mating part on the arm.24. A valve assembly according to claim 23, wherein (i) the first mating part is a recess and the second mating part is a protrusion for engagement with the recess, or (H) the first mating part is a protrusion and the second mating part is a recess for receiving the protrusion.25. A valve assembly according to claim 24, wherein the arm facing surface of the cover comprises a recess for engagement with a protrusion on the arm.26. A valve assembly according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the recess is a curved recess and the protrusion is domed.27. A valve controller for use in a valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller comprises:- (i) a shaft positionable through a shaft channel in a valve body; (ii) an actuator provided at a first end of the shaft and positionable at a first side of a valve body; and (iii) a cover provided at the second end of the shaft and positionable at a second side of a valve body, wherein, the shaft is moveable along its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover into abutment with a second side of a valve body, and rotatable about its longitudinal axis under the action of the actuator to move the cover between first and second positions, said first position for allowing theCDflow of fluid and/or solid through a flow channel in a valve body, said second CO position for preventing the flow of fluid and/or solid through said flow channel in a valve body, wherein:- (a) the cover is provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft; and/or (b) the actuator is moveable away from the valve body from a locking position to a loose position, wherein when the actuator is in the locking position, the cover is in abutment with the second side of the valve body, and when the actuator is in the loose position, the cover is not in abutment with the second side of the valve body; and/or (c) the valve controller comprises a biasing means for biasing the cover into abutment with the valve body when the actuator is in a locking position; and/or (d) the cover comprises a valve body facing surface and a non-valve body facing surface, wherein the valve body facing surface is flat and the non-valve body facing surface is chamfered to form a narrowed edge between the valve body facing surface and the non-valve body facing surface around the circumference of the cover; and/or (e) the cover comprises an erodible material.28. A cover for use in a valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 26, wherein:- (a) the cover comprises a valve body facing surface and a non-valve body facing surface, wherein the valve body facing surface is flat and the non-valve body facing surface is chamfered to form a narrowed edge between the valve body facing surface and the non-valve body facing surface around the circumference of the cover; and/or (b) the cover comprises an erodible material; and/or (c) the cover is for being provided on an arm at the second end of the shaft, and the arm facing surface of the cover comprises a first mating part for engagement with a second mating part on the arm.29. A filling machine comprising one or more valve assemblies according toCDany of claims 1 to 26.CO30. A valve assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.31. A filling machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.32. A cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.33. A valve controller substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.