×

Actuator and zone valve

  • US 5,131,623 A
  • Filed: 02/25/1991
  • Issued: 07/21/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A zone valve assembly for a hydronic system, comprising;

  • a valve body with an inlet member and an outlet member;

    a ball valve element disposed within said valve body and in fluid communication with said inlet member and said outlet member; and

    a valve stem connected to said ball valve element, said valve stem, when rotated about 90°

    , positioning said ball valve between a closed position, in which fluid flow from said inlet member to said outlet member is blocked, and an opened position, in which fluid flow may occur; and

    an actuator mechanism coupled to said valve stem, said actuator mechanism, when activated, moving said ball valve element through a rotation of about 90 degrees from one of said closed and opened positions to the other,wherein said actuator mechanism comprises a motor coupled to said valve stem so that electrical energization of said motor rotates said ball valve element through about a 90°

    rotation, rotating said ball valve element from one of said closed and opened positions to the other of said positions,wherein said ball valve element and valve housing are configured so that a frictional torque must be overcome to rotate said ball valve element, andwherein said actuator mechanism further comprises a spring element connected so as to provide a restoring torque opposing rotation of said ball valve element by said motor, said restoring torque being sufficient for overcoming said frictional torque and returning said ball valve element to its position prior to motor energization.

View all claims
  • 8 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×