Valve actuator apparatus
US6089531A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K31/145
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve actuator apparatus and method comprises an operator housing secured to a bonnet assembly. The bonnet assembly is secured to the valve body, and includes a bonnet stem movably within a bonnet housing for moving a gate within the valve body to open and close the valve. A downstop member is fixably secured to the bonnet stem and engages removable stem spacers which are added or removed to obtain a selected bonnet stem drift setting. The operator housing connects to a base ring that surrounds the bonnet housing and rotates to allow positioning of a fluid port in the operator housing. The operator housing may removed and replaced without altering the bonnet stem drift adjustment. A top shaft extends from the operator housing and rotates with respect to the bonnet stem to prevent torque transmission from the top shaft to the bonnet stem. A replaceable sealing cartridge sealingly supports the top shaft for axial movement within the operator housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.