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Valve actuator

  • US 4,361,308 A
  • Filed: 04/11/1980
  • Issued: 11/30/1982
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1980
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A valve operator driven by a power source, comprising:

  • a housinga worm gear within the housing coupled to the valve;

    a drive shaft coupled to said power source including a worm portion which is capable of engaging the worm gear;

    torque sensing means responsive to axial movement of said drive shaft, the torque sensing means including a pivotable support lever biased into a first position and having a bearing portion for engagement with the drive shaft, said pivotable support lever pivoted from its first position by axial movement of the drive shaft caused by excessive torque loading on the drive shaft to terminate delivery of power to the drive shaft;

    disengagement means for disengaging the worm portion of the drive shaft from the worm gear, including a drive shaft support bracket attached to said housing for biased pivotal movement, said bracket having a bearing engaging the drive shaft while permitting rotational movement thereof, the support bracket pivotal to permit disengagement of the worm portion of the drive shaft from the worm gear, the disengagement means including manually operated means for pivoting the bracket; and

    means for actuating a switch means responsive to movement of the valve to control the degree of opening or closing thereof, including a lead screw operatively connected to the drive shaft, a traveler threadably engaging the lead screw for movement parallel to the lead screw and engageable with said switch means and adjustable means for positioning the switch at positions parallel to the axis of the lead screw.

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