Axial three-way modulating valve

A valve assembly comprising:

• a valve body defining a cylindrical passage therein disposed about a longitudinal axis of the valve body;
• an inlet port defined in the valve body;
• a plurality of outlet ports defined in the valve body;
• and
• a cylindrical valve spool positioned within, and sealingly engaged with, the cylindrical passage, 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 a first outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports but not a second outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports,
• 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, and
• wherein the valve spool includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and wherein at least one of the first end and/or the second end includes a number of tapered notches defined therein.

A refrigeration system including a valve assembly comprising:

• a valve body defining a cylindrical passage therein disposed about a longitudinal axis of the valve body;
• an inlet port defined in the valve body;
• a plurality of outlet ports defined in the valve body;
• and
• a cylindrical valve spool positioned within, and sealingly engaged with, the cylindrical passage, 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 a first outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports but not a second outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports,
• 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, and
• wherein:
• as the valve spool moves into the first position the valve spool slidingly circumferentially engages a circumferential seal arrangement forming a seal between the valve spool and the valve body;
• and
• as the valve spool moves out of the first position the valve spool slidingly circumferentially disengages the circumferential seal arrangement.