초록 ▼

The present invention is a bi-directional valve actuator with a ratchet mechanism for use in combination with a control valve which includes a stem which, when turned, adjusts the flow through the control valve. The bi-directional valve actuator includes a frame which is mechanically coupled to the

The present invention is a bi-directional valve actuator with a ratchet mechanism for use in combination with a control valve which includes a stem which, when turned, adjusts the flow through the control valve. The bi-directional valve actuator includes a frame which is mechanically coupled to the control valve adjacent to the other end of the stem of the control valve. The valve actuator also includes a shaft which is disposed within the frame and which is rotatably coupled thereto with the shaft being mechanically coupled to the stem of the control valve so it can turn the stem thereof, a first ratchet wheel and a second ratchet wheel. Each ratchet wheel is coaxially aligned with the shaft and is fixedly coupled thereto. The valve actuator further includes a pair of pawls, each of which is coupled to one of the ratchet wheels so that when the pawl is driven forward it becomes coupled to the teeth of one of the ratchet wheels and when the pawl is pulled backward it becomes uncoupled from the teeth of one of the ratchet wheels. Each pawl is mechanically coupled to and driven forward by a hydraulic cylinder with a piston, which is fixedly coupled to the pawl and it is also mechanically coupled to and driven backward by a pair of springs mechanically coupled to the frame. The pawl is coupled to the wheel of the ratchet wheel by a collar which is disposed about the peripheral edge of the ratchet wheel and which has a slot and a radially disposed hole with a pin and spring assembly therein. The pin and spring assembly is mechanically coupled to the pawl by a pin.

대표청구항 ▼

A bi-directional valve actuator with a ratchet mechanism for use in combination with a control valve which includes a stem which, when turned, adjusts the flow through the control valve, said bi-directional valve actuator comprising: a. a frame which is mechanically coupled to the control valve adja

A bi-directional valve actuator with a ratchet mechanism for use in combination with a control valve which includes a stem which, when turned, adjusts the flow through the control valve, said bi-directional valve actuator comprising: a. a frame which is mechanically coupled to the control valve adjacent to the outer end of the stem thereof; b. a shaft disposed within said frame and rotatably coupled thereto, said shaft is mechanically coupled to the stem of the control valve so that it can turn the stem thereof; c. a first ratchet wheel which is coaxially aligned with said shaft and which is fixedly coupled thereto; d. a second ratchet wheel which is coaxially aligned with said shaft and which is fixedly coupled thereto; e. a first pawl having a first end and a second end; f. coupling means for coupling said first end of said first pawl to said first ratchet wheel during a forward stroke of said first pawl and for uncoupling said first end of said first pawl from said first ratchet wheel during a backward stroke of said first pawl; g. a first hydraulic cylinder which is mechanically coupled to said frame and which has a piston which is mechanically coupled to said second end of said first pawl in order to drive it forward; h. a first elongated member with two arms which is mechanically coupled to said piston of said first hydraulic cylinder adjacent to said first pawl and which is disposed orthogonally to said piston and aligned coaxially therewith; i. a first pair of springs which are disposed parallelly to said first hydraulic cylinder and each of which is mechanically coupled to said frame and to one of said two arms of said first elongated member whereby said piston of said first hydraulic cylinder and said first pair of springs interact to provide a reciprocal and incremental force on said first pawl in order to drive said first pawl; j. a second pawl having a first end and a second end; k. coupling means for coupling said first end of said second pawl to said second ratchet wheel during a forward stroke of said second pawl and for uncoupling said first end of said second pawl from said second ratchet wheel during a backward stroke of said second pawl; l. a second hydraulic cylinder which is mechanically coupled to said frame and which has a piston which is mechanically coupled to said second end of said second pawl in order to drive it forward; m. a second elongated member with two arms which is mechanically coupled to said piston of said second hydraulic cylinder adjacent to said second pawl and which is disposed orthogonally to said piston and aligned coaxially therewith; and n. a second pair of springs which are disposed parallelly to said second hydraulic cylinder and each of which is mechanically coupled to said frame and to one of said two arms of said second elongated member whereby said piston of said second hydraulic cylinder and said second pair of springs interact to provide a reciprocal and incremental force on said second pawl in order to drive said second pawl.