The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 29, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 06, 1998
Gary Dennis Hodapp, Mankato, MN (US);
Semor David Tofte, Mankato, MN (US);
Micro-Trak Systems, Inc., Eagle Lake, MN (US);
Abstract
A valve actuating apparatus is provided for operating a valve between an open and closed position. The valve actuating apparatus includes an actuator having an output member with the actuator providing reciprocating motion to the output member upon energization of the actuator. A guide member having a detent therein is connected to the output member of the actuator. The apparatus includes a clutch assembly having a housing, an electromagnet assembly, an engagement member, and a housing opening with the engagement member disposed in the housing between the electromagnet assembly, and the housing opening. The housing opening is adapted to receive the guide member therein such that the clutch assembly and a portion of the guide member are slidably connected. The electromagnet assembly is selectively energized to force the engagement member against the guide member disposed in the housing opening. A valve control arm is adapted for engagement with the valve to operate the valve between the open and closed positions and is connected to the clutch assembly. A spring is connected to the valve control arm or the clutch assembly for normally biasing the clutch assembly to a first position along the guide member such that the valve control arm is in the closed position. Upon interruption of power to the electromagnet assembly, the spring forces the engagement member of the clutch assembly out of engagement with the detent in the guide member and the spring forces the clutch assembly to slide back along the guide member to the first position and rotates the valve control arm to the closed position.