Vapor Corp.

John Sikorcin

Richard F Malinski

A valve actuator with manual override includes an input shaft for receiving input torque. The input shaft drives an epicyclic gear train sun gear and in turn is motor driven through a non-reversible gear set. The sun gear is in driving engagement with first, second and third planetary gears that in turn engage a first ring gear. Secured to each of the first, second and third planetary gears are fourth, fifth and sixth planetary gears. A second epicyclic ring gear engages the fourth, fifth and sixth planetary gears and is secured to an output shaft that in turn is secured to a valve shaft. The first ring gear engages a worm gear that may be manually actuated to operate the driven valve. The worm gear is slideably mounted on a shaft and biased by springs such that when the output shaft reaches a limit of rotation, or excessive load torque is applied, axial movement is transferred to the worm gear. Limit switches can be located about the shaft and are actuated by the worm gear due to a predetermined amount of axial movement. Adjustable stops are provided on the output shaft to limit rotary movement of the driven shaft over a selected 90.degree. or 180.degree. nominal range. An integral output shaft position indicator may be provided adjacent the output shaft, operating independently of any functional devices such as limit switches.

Valve actuator with continuous manual override

A valve actuator utilizing a drive motor and a stored energy device to operate valves primarily in safety related applications is disclosed. The actuator operates on signal or loss of power to return a driven valve to a predetermined position. The actuator in particular utilizes unidirectional coupling between a driven shaft and an output shaft that is coupled to the driven valve. Specifically, the coupling utilizes a coiled spring having a unique diametral relationship with the driven shaft in order to insure reliable actuation and control of shaft wear. A fluid dampened device or dashpot is also utilized to provide controlled operation during the return cycle that is powered by the stored energy device.

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St. Charles, IL, United States of America

John Sikorcin