Fluid flow control valve and actuating mechanism

Abstract

A fluid flow control valve is provided comprising a valve seat inside a housing for defining a passage opening in the housing and a valve seal positioned against the valve seat for closing off fluid flow. A push rod extends from the valve seal and through the passage opening. The push rod is moveable for moving the valve seal off the seat to open the valve. The valve seal is restricted to substantially axial movement, preferably by a spring biasing the valve seal against the valve seat which spring is sized so as to engage the walls of the passage. A cam shaft rotatably mounted in the housing is provided for moving the push rod upon rotation of the cam shaft. A handle is non-rotatably connected to the shaft for rotating the cam shaft. A latch may be provided for releasably locking the handle in a position where the valve is open. A safety may also be provided on the latch arm so as to prevent the handle from being moved accidentally. A manipulator accessible through an opening in the handle operates to both effect engagement of the latch and release the safety. The valve is configured for maximizing fluid flow by allowing fluid to flow around the outside rather than through the inside of the valve assembly. Moreover, a substantial portion of the cam shaft is positioned out of the passage to maximize fluid flow around the shaft when the valve is open.