Actuator for converting linear to rotary motion

Abstract

An actuator is provided for converting linear to rotary motion to manipulate a valve. Preferably, the actuator has a rotor which is rotatable about an axis and is operably associatable with the valve member. A pair of motors, preferably actuated by pressure fluid, each includes a reciprocal push rod assembly. Flexible means are coupled between the push rod assemblies of the motors and spaced apart points on the rotor such that when one of the motors is actuated, the respective one of the push rod assemblies is moved linearly in a direction to transmit torque to the rotor, thus causing the rotor to rotate about its axis in one direction and manipulate the valve member to one of open and closed positions, and when the other of the motors is actuated, the other of the push rod assemblies is moved linearly in an opposing direction to transmit torque to the rotor whereby the rotor is rotated about its axis in an opposite direction to manipulate the valve to the other of open and closed positions. The flexible means provides a constant torque output and transmits a force to the rotor which is equal to and opposite of the resistance of the valve member. A rotational stop element is provided for transmission of excess piston force for each of the rod assemblies. The rod assemblies also eliminates side loading forces to each of the pistons.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.