Dual end stop actuator rotary drive and method
OwnerLeopold J. Niesseninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted.
Claims17
An assembly with a dual end stop for an actuator to operate a quarter turn valve,
- said assembly comprising:
- an actuator housing having a zone for pressure containment;
- a rotary drive having at least a portion thereof mounted for rotation within said actuator housing and having a portion thereof extending from said actuator housing,
- a first stop and a second stop surface mounted for stopping said rotary drive in a corresponding first rotational position and a second rotational position;
- a first stop member for engaging said first stop surface, said first stop member being mounted outside of said zone for pressure containment;
- and
- a second stop member for engaging said second stop surface, said second stop member being mounted outside of said zone for pressure containment;
- and
- a stop assembly housing defining an aperture therein for receiving said rotary drive, said stop assembly housing being mounted to said actuator housing, said aperture permitting said rotary drive to extend through said stop assembly housing from said actuator housing without one or more couplings in said rotary drive such that said rotary drive is substantially monolithic from said actuator housing and extending through said stop assembly housing.
A method for an actuator assembly with an adjustable dual end stop, said actuator assembly being operable for use with a quarter turn valve, said method comprising:
- providing an actuator housing defining therein a zone for pressure containment;
- mounting a rotary drive within said actuator housing;
- providing said rotary drive with a first stop surface and a second stop surface such that said first stop surface and said second stop surface are positioned outside of said zone for pressure containment;
- providing a first stop member for engaging said first stop surface to stop said rotary drive in a first rotational position;
- providing a second stop member for engaging said second stop surface to stop said rotary drive in a second rotational position;
- mounting said first stop member and said second stop member within a stop housing positioned between said actuator housing and said quarter turn valve;
- and
- mounting said stop housing to said actuator housing for receiving said rotary drive without providing a coupling in said rotary drive between said actuator housing and said stop housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.