초록 ▼

A valve actuator apparatus is provided, which further comprises a linkage mechanism, which can convert rotational force into translational force. This linkage mechanism also imparts a much greater degree of mechanical advantage than typical rack-and-pinion linkages allowing either for greater closin

A valve actuator apparatus is provided, which further comprises a linkage mechanism, which can convert rotational force into translational force. This linkage mechanism also imparts a much greater degree of mechanical advantage than typical rack-and-pinion linkages allowing either for greater closing force on the valve or for the use of smaller drive motors to actuate the valve. Furthermore, this linkage mechanism can lock the valve closed, with full seating force, even when no torque is provided by a drive motor.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A valve actuator linkage apparatus, the linkage apparatus comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a rotatable shaft; a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second member is

What is claimed is: 1. A valve actuator linkage apparatus, the linkage apparatus comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a rotatable shaft; a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second member is pivotally attached to the second end of the first member; a third member having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of the third member is pivotally attached to the second end of the second member and the second end of the third member is pivotally attached to a stationary point; and a fourth member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth member is pivotally attached to a mid-section of the third member and the second end of the fourth member is pivotally attached to a valve stem wherein the apparatus is capable of being set in a locked position, preventing movement of the valve stem, when the first member and second member are brought into alignment and the aligned first and second members substantially form a ninety degree angle with the third member. 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by an electric motor. 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by a pneumatic motor. 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by a hydraulic motor. 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by a hand crank. 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a valve that comprises a valve plug connected to the valve stem. 7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a valve that comprises a valve plug connected to the valve stem. 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein when the apparatus is in the locked position, material is prevented from passing through the valve. 9. The valve actuator apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the actuator apparatus further comprises a base support, the base support comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side, wherein the first member further comprises a valve mount; a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second member is securely and perpendicularly connected to the first end and first side of the first member; a third member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third member is securely and perpendicularly connected to the second end and first side of the first member. 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the second member of the base support comprises a yoke at its second end. 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the third member of the base support comprises a mount for a rotatable shaft and an actuating mechanism at its second end. 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by an electric motor. 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by a pneumatic motor. 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by a hydraulic motor. 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the rotatable shaft is actuated by a hand crank. 16. A method to open and close a control valve, the method comprising: rotating a shaft attached to a first member, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the rotating shaft; the first member actuating a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second member is pivotally attached to the second end of the first member; the second member actuating a third member having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of the third member is pivotally attached to the second end of the second member and the second end of the third member is pivotally attached to a stationary point; the third member actuating a fourth member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth member is pivotally attached to a mid-section of the third member and the second end of the fourth member is pivotally attached to a valve stem; and the fourth member actuating a valve stem, opening or closing the valve locking the apparatus by preventing movement of the valve stem, by bringing the first member and second member into alignment such that the aligned first and second members substantially form a ninety degree angle with the third member.