Guided flow valve assembly and system incorporating same

A valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising:

• a body, the body comprising an inlet and an outlet, a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet;
• a seat located in the flow path;
• a closure member configured to engage the seat and obstruct the flow path;
• an actuator assembly coupled to the closure member to move the closure member from a closed state which obstructs the flow path to an open state which permits fluid flow;
• a radial flow guide located in the flow path;
• and
• a longitudinal axis extending through the seat, the closure member, and the radial flow guide.

A valve assembly for use with a system for processing articles, the valve assembly comprising:

• a body, comprising:
• an inlet;
• an outlet;
• and
• a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet;
• a seat defining a part of the flow path;
• a closure member, comprising:
• a diaphragm;
• and
• a needle attached to the diaphragm, the needle comprising:
• a top end;
• a bottom end;
• an ungrooved portion;
• and
• a grooved portion intermediate the bottom end and the ungrooved portion, wherein the grooved portion comprises a plurality of grooves;
• an actuator operable to move the closure member between a closed state in which the ungrooved portion of the needle sealingly engages the seat and obstructs the flow path and an open state in which the ungrooved portion of the needle is disengaged from the seat;
• and
• a radial flow guide comprising a plurality of radial openings that define a part of the flow path.

A valve assembly for use with a system for processing articles, the valve assembly comprising:

• a body, comprising:
• an inlet;
• an outlet;
• and
• a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet;
• a seat comprising a seat aperture that defines a part of the flow path;
• a closure element, comprising:
• a seal;
• and
• a valve element extending from the seal, wherein the valve element comprises a first portion and a grooved portion;
• an actuator operable to move the closure element between a closed state in which the first portion of the valve element is sealingly engaged with the seat and obstructs the flow path and an open state in which the grooved portion of the valve element is positioned relative to the seat such that a gas can flow through the seat aperture;
• and
• a radial flow guide comprising a plurality of radial openings that define a part of the flow path.