Magnetically actuated rising stem valve

• US 4,274,444 A
• Filed: 05/17/1979
• Issued: 06/23/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Autoclave Engineers, Inc. (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Ruyak, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rosenthal, Arnold
• Application Number:
  US06/039,899
• Time in Patent Office: 768 Days
• Field of Search: 251/65, 251/133, 403/DIG. 1, 310/156, 137/630.14, 137/630.15
• US Class Current: 137/630.14
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/047 characterised by mechanical means between the motor and the valve, e.g. lost motion means reducing backlash, clutches, brakes or return means F16K31/043 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/082 using a electromagnet and a permanent magnet
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/088 the movement of the first magnet being a rotating or pivoting movement
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 403/01 Magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86976 First valve moves second valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86984 Actuator moves both valves

Abstract

This invention relates to a rising stem valve that is magnetically actuated. A driven magnet assembly is rotatably supported in a nonmagnetic pressurizable bonnet fixed to the main valve body. The driven magnet assembly preferably comprises rare earth cobalt magnets defining an even number of north and south poles. A cylindrical holder coaxial with and surrounding said tubular bonnet is rotatably secured thereto. The holder carries driving magnets, preferably rare earth cobalt magnets with an even number of north and south poles. Rotation of the holder results in rotation of the driven magnet assembly. A valve stem is connected to the driven magnet assembly in a manner such that turning of the driven magnet assembly raises and lowers the stem which in turn opens and closes the valve.

Claims

1. A valve comprising a pressurizable valve body defining an annular valve seat, an inlet fluid passage in communication with one side of the valve seat and an outlet passage in communication with the other side of the valve seat and a valve actuator passage extending away from the valve seat,

a nonmagnetic tubular pressurizable bonnet having an extending axis passing through the space circumscribed by the annular valve seat and in direct fluid communication with the passages in said valve body,

a cylindrical holder coaxial with and surrounding said tubular bonnet, said holder mounted rotatable thereto, said holder carrying rare earth cobalt magnets defining an even number of north and south poles,

a driven magnet assembly carrying rare earth cobalt magnets defining an even number of north and south poles rotatably supported in the bonnet by thrust bearings to resist axial movement of the driven magnet assembly,

a valve stem journaled for free axial movement in the valve actuator passage threadably engaging the driven magnet assembly,

a valve closure element fixed to said valve stem which when engaged in said valve seat prevents flow between the inlet and outlet fluid passages, means for keying the valve stem to prevent rotation thereof,

whereby rotation of said drive magnet assembly in one direction raises the valve stem and rotation of said driven magnet assembly in the other direction lowers said valve stem.

2. A valve according to claim 1 further comprising a floating valve closure element arranged for restricted axial movement relative to said valve stem, said closure element having a pilot opening therethrough that is blocked by a portion of said valve stem when the valve stem carries the closure element to the valve seat and wherein the first movement of the valve stem away from the valve seat unblocks the pilot opening.

3. A valve according to claim 1 further comprising the end of the said bonnet away from the valve seat comprised of inner and outer coaxial plugs being movable relative to each other, said outer plug being threadably secured to the bonnet, a pressure seal between said plugs, and means attached to said inner plug for actuating axial movement of the valve stem by relative movement between said inner and outer plugs.

4. A valve comprising

a pressurizable valve body defining an annular valve seat, an inlet fluid passage in communication with one side of the valve seat, and an outlet fluid passage in communication with the other side of the valve seat, and a valve actuator passage extending away from the valve seat,

a nonmagnetic tubular pressurizable bonnet having an extending axis passing through the space circumscribed by the annular valve seat and in direct fluid communication with the passages in said valve body,

a cylindrical holder coaxial with and surrounding said tubular bonnet, said holder mounted rotatably thereto, said holder carrying rare earth cobalt magnets defining an even number of north and south poles,

a driven magnet assembly carrying rare earth cobalt magnets defining an even number of north and south poles rotatably supported in the bonnet,

a valve stem in the valve actuator passage,

a valve closure element fixed to said valve stem which when engaged in said valve seat prevents flow between the inlet and outlet fluid passages,

said valve stem, valve body and driven magnet assembly associated such that rotation of said driven magnet assembly in one direction raises the valve stem and rotation of said driven magnet assembly in the other direction lowers said valve stem, and

the end of the said bonnet away from the valve seat comprised of inner and outer coaxial plugs being movable relative to each other, said outer plug being threadably secured to the bonnet, a pressure seal between said plugs, and means attached to said inner plug for actuating axial movement of the valve stem by relative movement between said inner and outer plugs.