Mechanical assist for pneumatic valve actuators
OwnerPaul Stephen Shirleyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A valve actuator assist system, including a first elongated generally flat portion, an aperture formed through the first generally flat portion for loosely engaging a knob member, a second generally flat portion, an axis-engaging u-section connected to first and second generally flat portions, an elongated axial rod positioned in the axis-engaging u-section, and a bracket engaged positioned adjacent the axis-engaging u-section and connected to the axial rod. The axis-engaging u-section is engaged to the axis member and the first and second generally flat portions are at an angle between 155 and 170 degrees.
Claims7
A method of assisting an operator in actuating a push-pull type pneumatic valve parking brake, comprising:
- removing a knob member from a valve actuator to expose a shaft member extending from a vehicle dash plate;
- positioning a first generally flat member around the shaft member;
- securing a pivoting axis to the vehicle dash plate;
- replacing the knob member;
- pushing downwardly on a second generally flat member connected to the first generally flat member at the pivoting axis to urge the first generally flat member upward to engage the knob member;
- wherein the first and second flat members connect to define an axis-engaging portion having a generally u-shaped cross-section;
- and
- wherein the pivoting axis is positioned in the axis-engaging portion.
A valve actuator assist system, comprising:
- a first elongated generally flat portion;
- an aperture formed through the first generally flat member for loosely engaging a knob member;
- a second generally flat portion;
- an axis-engaging u-section connected to first and second generally flat members;
- an elongated axial rod positioned in the axis-engaging u-section;
- a bracket engaged positioned adjacent the axis-engaging u-section and connected to the axial rod;
- wherein axis-engaging u-section is engaged to the axis member;
- wherein the first and second generally flat portions are disposed to define an angle between 155 and 170 degrees.
An assembly for assisting a vehicle operator with the actuation and/or deactuation of valves, comprising:
- an anchor portion having a valve shaft extending therefrom;
- a generally flat member pivotably connected to the anchor portion and further comprising:
- a first generally flat portion;
- an aperture formed through the first generally flat portion;
- a second generally flat portion;
- and
- a recessed portion having a generally U-shaped cross-section connected to the first generally flat portion and connected to the second generally flat portion;
- wherein the first and second generally flat portions define an angle of between about 155 and about 157 degrees;
- an elongated cylindrical member disposed in the recessed portion;
- a bracket connected to the elongated cylindrical member and connected to the anchor portion;
- and
- a valve cap operationally connected to the valve shaft;
- wherein the valve shaft extends through the aperture;
- wherein depression of the second generally flat portion urges the first generally flat portion into contact with the valve cap;
- and
- wherein upon depression of the second generally flat portion, the first generally flat portion urges the valve cap to travel away from the anchor portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.