Abstract: A child proof handle for a bathtub faucet includes a substantially cylindrical inner handle member having a centrally located bore for receiving the faucet valve stem and a pair of diametrically opposed passageways. The device also includes an outer handle member having an open end in communication with a hollow portion and a substantially centrally disposed bore. Received within the bores on the inner and outer handle members is an elongated bolt that secures the handle members to the valve stem. A spring is disposed between the inner and outer handle members for biasing the outer handle member away from the inner handle member. The outer handle member further includes a pair of diametrically opposed pins received within the hollow portion spaced and dimensioned to be received within the passageways on the inner handle member.

Abstract: A device for actuating a valve including a body having a slot therein. A pin is positioned within the slot, and the pin is attachable to a valve stem of a valve, whereby when the valve stem is attached to the pin and the pin is moved within the slot, the valve stem moves therewith and actuates the valve. There is also a rotary actuator assembly including a rotary actuator, a body having a chamber therein attached to the actuator, and a valve associated therewith. A slot is provided in part of the chamber, and a pin extends through the slot for guiding movement of the valve stem of the valve when the valve stem is attached to the pin and the rotary actuator is actuated. The slot may be configured as a helical slot. A piston may be provided between the valve stem and the pin. The configuration of the slot may be varied for changing the length of movement of the pin, so as to change the length of movement of a valve stem attached thereto.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel faucet with a non-circular slider assembly to which a resilient seat-washer is attached. In a preferable embodiment of the invention the slider assembly has a hexagonal cross-section. In embodiments of the invention the slider assembly is driven by a rotatory stem operated with a handle. The rotatory stem is provided with a helical groove mating with a faucet body of a complementary shape so that upon rotation of the stem the slider assembly is advanced towards or withdrawn from a sealing seat. Thus, when the handle of the stem is rotated by a user, the stem and the hexagonal slider assembly associated with it, are moved by the interacting force generated between the pair of helical threads, towards or away from the seat depending on the rotation direction.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator for fluid control valves having improved actuator linkage matching the torque requirements of most rotary shaft valves. A link member is pivotally interconnected to a linear movable actuating member and to a rotatable lever. The link member enables a high actuator torque to be developed and provided during the times when the valve requires a high torque, and a low actuator torque during other times when the valve only requires a lower torque. A high-low-high actuator torque is provided matching the high-low-high torque requirements of most rotary valves.

Abstract: A gate valve has a manual actuator that includes a crank having a direct pivotal connection with a slidable valve plate. The valve plate has a teardrop configuration that enables the valve plate to swing around the pivot connection as the plate slides along guide slot edge surfaces, between a closed position and an open position. Only a relatively small manual force is required to operate the valve.

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater allows shear to be adjusted without taking the process off-line to relieve pressure within the heater. A stud is mounted to an adjustable combining tube within the heater. The stud extends through an opening in the heater body into a sealed housing. An adjusting mechanism exerts force on the combining tube stud within the sealed housing to move the combining tube longitudinally within the body to adjust the shear within the heater. The position of the combining tube is indicated by an analog revolution counter. The adjusting mechanism can be driven manually or by a motor. The motorized embodiment of the invention can be used with feedback control to automatically optimize shear.

Abstract: A flap valve for a heating and/or air conditioning installation for a motor vehicle has a valve flap which is operated by a control device between an open position and a closed position. The control device comprises a driving lever which is coupled, through a link, to a driven lever fixed to the valve flap. The driving lever is rotated about its axis between an open position and a closed position of the driving lever, during which it passes through an intermediate position near to the closed position. The valve flap is closed when the driving lever reaches its intermediate position, so that the travel of the latter between its intermediate and closed positions is dead travel during which the valve is in the closed position of the valve and the link is in compression so as to change its effective length.

Abstract: In this combustion gas control device, an electromechanical control is provided for automatically controlling the supply of the gas to the pilot burner when it is being ignited and subsequently to the main burner. The device has a main chamber, a pilot chamber and an outlet chamber. A spring-biassed valve is provided between the main chamber and the pilot chamber to close communication between the main chamber and pilot and outlet chambers. The spring-biassed valve is opened when a solenoid is actuated to allow gas from the main chamber to flow into the pilot chamber to the pilot outlet for lighting the pilot light. A diaphragm cover is provided between the pilot chamber and outlet chamber while the pilot is lighted to prevent gas from entering the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A plug assembly (2) which can be used in a drain, sink or bath (5). The plug (2) is of the pop up type being spring biassed into an open position. The plug (2) includes inter-engaging means for engagement of the plug (2) with a waste pipe (3) and means to permit the movement of the plug (2) relative to the pipe (3), both of which are circumferentially situated so that there is no impediment to fluid moving through the plug (2) and into the pipe (3). The means to bias the plug (2) to the open position includes a spring (18) which is arranged between the exterior of the plug (2) side and the interior of the waste pipe (3), and shoulders (6, 19) formed in each, such that said fluid flowing through the pipe (3) does not contact the spring (18). The plug (2) can be manually operated or operated remotely.

Abstract: A child-resistant handle to be mounted to a valve stem to which is affixed a cogwheel adapter by a shoulder screw. The shoulder screw rotatably mounts the freely rotatable handle to the valve stem. The handle has an inverted cup shape that extends over and covers the cogwheel adapter. A clutch member connected to the handle with a resilient member engaging the clutch to normally keep the clutch member out of engagement with the cogwheel adapter. The clutch member linearly shiftable to engage the cogwheel adapter whereby rotation of the handle will cause a like rotation of the valve stem.

Abstract: A remote valve control device is provided, comprising first and second perpendicularly oriented shafts connected by a linkage comprising either a universal joint or a pair of bevel gears. The linkage converts rotational movement of the first shaft about a first axis to rotational movement of the second shaft about a second axis. A valve attachment, connected to the end of the second shaft opposite the linkage, converts rotational movement of the second shaft about the second axis to rotational movement about a third axis of rotation generally parallel to the second axis, so that rotation of the first shaft about the first axis of rotation rotates the valve attachment about the third axis of rotation to open and close the valve. A handle attached to the end of the first shaft opposite the linkage provides means to manually control the operation of the remote valve control device.

Abstract: A needle valve in which the needle is moved with respect to its valve seat. The distal end of the needle has a length of a constant, uniform diameter that allows the flow to reach a maximum flow and not change while that finite length is moving within the valve seat. This allows a less critical placement of a stop that prevents further movement of the needle away from its valve seat.

Abstract: A water flow control device including a control valve mounted in a casing and controlled by a control rod through an actuating rod to close/open the water discharging port, the control valve including a valve flap having a center hole and a plurality of axial ribs axially downwardly extended from the periphery of the center hole and being moved to close/open the water discharging port of the upright tube of the casing, an axle having a bottom end inserted through the center hole of the valve flap and a top end vertically slidably inserted into a downward bottom hole in the cup-shaped holder of the cup-like casing mounting base, a valve element fixedly mounted around the axle in the middle and moved with it to open/close the center hole of the valve flap, and a stem fixedly connected to the bottom end of the axle and moved by the actuating rod to lift the valve flap from the upright tube of the casing.

Abstract: A drink dispenser includes a body of a head of the device having a cavity that defines a three-way passageway, the cavity containing a tubular element which is slidably movable along an axial direction of the tubular element between a first and second end run position. The tubular element includes a lateral wall that is placed against the first passageway so that the drink can flow from the second passageway into a third passageway. The tubular element is mechanically interconnected by rack-and-pinion links contained in the body to a drink intercept valve having an obturator and a valve seat, with the obturator being rotatable relative to the valve seat so that the drink can flow between the third passageway and into a drink delivery line.

Abstract: A noiseless valve includes a leading spiral spindle (4) having a thread (8) at one end by which it is screwed into a spiral (8') of a piston holder (10). The piston holder (10) has a cylindrical shape and is placed into a valve body (1). The leading spiral spindle is secured by the key (13) in axial direction. A piston (12) is attached to an upper part (12) of the holder (10). The piston (16) has an edge rim with two teeth (18) cooperating with grooves (22) furnished on posts (21) of a rubber seal holder (19). The rubber seal holder (19) is attached to the valve body (1) at an end where the piston (16) stands out. The piston (16) is pressed against a rubber seal (23) placed in the rubber seal holder when the valve is closed. Two spiral teeth (6', 10'), disposed diametrically opposed and mutually shifted by 90.degree., are provided on a bottom head surface of the piston holder (10) and on a rim (6) of the leading spiral spindle (4).

Abstract: A valve safety handle having a handle slidably attached to a valve stem. The handle incorporates a handle female spline sized to engage a valve stem male spline. The handle female spline is urged out of engagement with the valve stem male spline by means of a spring trapped between the handle and valve stem. The valve stem also has a valve stem key sized to slide into a handle lower recess keyway. Thus the handle may engage with the valve stem only after the handle has been rotated relative to the valve stem until the valve stem key aligns with the handle lower recess keyway, and the handle has then been translated relative to the valve stem against the spring until the handle female spline is engaged with the valve stem male spline. An alternate embodiment incorporates an adapter having an adapter female spline sized to engage a standard plumbing valve stem male spline.

Abstract: A valve handle is provided with a hand rotated valve skirt containing a notch which in one position permits valve operation when the notch is aligned with the valve and in a second spring biased position the skirt interferes with the valve body to prevent accidental operation, the skirt further providing a dust cover for the valve operating mechanism.

Abstract: A water flow control device which includes a cup-like mounting base fastened to the water discharging pipe of a water supply system, a casing fastened to the cup-like mounting base, a valve stem mounted inside the cup-like mounting base and the casing and moved to open/close the waster passage between the cup-like mounting base and the casing, a control rod mounted in the casing for moving by hand, a rotary actuating rod coupled between the valve stem and the control rod and moved by the control rod to force the valve stem into the open position or the close position, and a locating mechanism made on the inside of an upright inside tube inside the casing for holding the control rod and the rotary actuating rod in place.

Abstract: A device used in an actuator for locking in place a spring module while under load, the device including a spring return cylinder carrying a spring under compression when under load, a spring guide, a pull rod linked to a piston in a power cylinder, and a connection linking the pull rod and the spring guide, the connection being disengageable when said spring is not under compression, but not so when under compression.

Abstract: A bistable solenoid valve with an armature in the form of a movable core disposed within a core guide tube. The armature is resettable by a spring force with one single electromagnetic winding surrounding the tube. The movable core is mechanically coupled with a locking mechanism which is alternately engageable and releasable. A second locking member is longitudinally displaceable against a first member and, in its lifted position, is rotatable through a preset angle. The two locking members, as well as the spring and the movable core, are supported within the core guide tube and surrounded by the fluid medium. The core guide tube is open at one end facing the valve chamber and closed at the other end.

Abstract: The present invention entails a safety control knob for actuating a valve stem of a water valve such as typically found in a hot water line. The safety control knob includes a control knob rotatively journaled on a valve stem and movable thereon between an inoperative and an operative position. In the inoperative position the control knob is effective to simply free-wheel around the valve stem without actually turning the valve stem. In an operative position, the control knob assumes a position engaged with a collar or other member that is keyed to the valve stem. In the engaged position, the control knob is operative to turn and actuate the valve stem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-supply valve of a washing machine in which the consumption of electric power can be minimized in opening and closing the valve to supply water into and block off the water supply from a washing tub of the washing machine. In the water-supply valve, an actuator rod is elevated against downward biasing force of a spring by a magnetic force of the solenoid generated by applying a voltage thereto, and then is retained at its uppermost position by a stopper. The stopper has a guide groove of an inverted-heart shape formed therein, which has four guide surfaces.

Abstract: A valve and fitting apparatus to control flow of fluid. The apparatus includes a main line to allow fluid flow therethrough and a branch line in fluid communication with the main line to allow fluid flow through the branch line in a single direction. A plate is pivotally operable to move between an open position and a closed position at an acute angle to the flow in the branch line. A stem assembly mechanism pivots the plate between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A rotary flow control valve including a valve spool which is rotated back and forth to move a port in the valve spool into and out of alignment with the main fluid passageway of the valve to selectively open and close the valve. The spool has a pinion gear at each end of the spool and each pinion gear is engaged by a pair of racks with the racks in a pair moving at any given time in opposite directions. Each rack is constituted by spaced rack teeth formed in the side wall of a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder bore in the valve body, and the rotation of the valve spool is achieved by selective routing of pressurized fluid to the cylinder bores containing the pistons defining the racks.

Abstract: A two-stage flush device for a toilet tank, comprising a cylindrical bolt having a center hole and fixed in a hole of a side wall of a toilet tank and partly exposing out of the side wall, a rotatable button having a shaft portion fitting in the center hole of the cylindrical bolt and also firmly connected with a first actauting arm connected with a low-level valve by way of chain, a rod connected to a button at an outer side and extending through the center hole of the rotatable button to operate a second actuating arm connected with a high-level valve by way of a chain, the first actuating arm lifted by the rotatable button for flushing a larger volume of water, and the rod operating the actuating arm for flushing a smaller volume of water.

Abstract: A safety faucet including a handle having an opening, a safety sliding block received in the opening on the handle, a casing, and a valve device mounted within the casing, the valve device including a cap fastened to the casing, a valve stem having one covered end with a water stopper and the other end extended out of a hole on the cap and pivotally secured to the handle, and a spring mounted around the valve stem and disposed inside the casing, when the safety sliding block is pressed with the handle to engage projecting plates of the block against the top cap, the valve stem and the water stopper can be lifted by the handle to open the water passage through the casing.

Abstract: A mechanical limit control device for adjustably halting the operation of a winch at preset points including a proportionally driven flexible cog belt providing a compact conformable configuration having projections which operate a snap action air valve to limit the deployment extent of a pneumatically operated winch.

Abstract: A fluid flow control damper assembly and associated method are characterized by a self-contained unit comprising a support base for external mounting to a side of a duct, a damper vane mounted to the support base for movement between open and closed positions, the damper vane being located inwardly of the inner side of the support base for positioning interiorly of the duct when the support base is mounted to the duct, and an actuator mounted to the support base and operatively connected to the damper vane for moving the damper between the open and closed positions, and wherein the support base functions to close an access opening in a side wall of the duct of sufficient size to permit insertion of the damper vane therethrough.

Abstract: A touch button controlled water stop mainly consists of an outer sleeve, a shaft rod, an upper toothed ring, a lower toothed ring, a spring guide bush, two springs, and a plunger; the shaft rod extending through a spring, a washer, a packing sheet, and a bushing ring and subsequently passing through the hollow cylindrical outer sleeve having a shaft support formed therein, the upper toothed ring, the lower toothed ring, the spring guide bush, and another spring and ending with the plunger secured thereon by a screw. The top end of the shaft rod can be linked with a touch button actuating means and the outer sleeve can be accommodated in a rear connector so that depressing the touch button will move the upper toothed ring to engage with the lower toothed ring. Further, raised blocks formed on the outer sleeve's inner wall confines the slide motion of the upper toothed ring and the lower toothed ring in such a way that the shaft rod will in turn dwell at two positions for each depressing.

Abstract: A manual actuator is attached to a conventional gate valve commonly used in the drainage line of a recreational vehicle. The actuator includes a handle connected to a pair of links which expand to open the valve or are folded to close the valve by turning the actuator handle.

Abstract: The direction of air flow in an air blower is controlled by a plurality of rotationally adjustable blades (vanes) extending across an air flow passage. A motor is connected to the blades for rotating the blades between passage-opening and passage-closing positions and intermediate positions therebetween. A sensor senses the angular position of the blades and supplies a signal to a controller which compares that signal to a signal representative of a selected angular position of the blades. If the blades become-displaced by a force independent of the motor, the sensor signals the controller of such displacement, whereupon the motor is actuated to return the blades to the selected position.

Abstract: In a flow rate control valve having a handle (12) for rotating a stem (9), the handle being locked to a bonnet (3) by a lock screw (14), the handle (12) comprises a handle main body (12') fixed to an upper end of the stem (9), and a tubular lock handle (12") coupled to the lower end of the handle main body (12'). The lock handle is movable in a direction orthogonal to an axial line of elongation Y of the stem 9 relative to the handle main body, with the lock handle enclosing the upper outer circumference of the bonnet (3), and the lock screw (14) being movable in the lock handle (12") in a direction nearly orthogonal to the axial line of elongation Y of the stem (9) to engage the bonnet (3).

Abstract: A gas flow valve having an internal valve chamber with an inlet and outlet passage, and a movable metallic diaphragm in the chamber, the diaphragm bonded to a valve stem projecting outside of the chamber. The diaphragm has a Teflon film coating which is engageable against at least one of the inlet and outlet passages in sealing relationship, and the valve stem has a spring-biasing member outside the chamber for urging the diaphragm away from sealing engagement with the inlet and outlet passages. A peripheral rib is formed in a chamber wall and the diaphragm is held in fixed relationship against the peripheral rib.

Abstract: A control valve having a pneumatic actuator and positioner to move the stem of a globe-type valve. The actuator has a spring-opposed piston that moves a chassis including a cam with an inclined plane. The inclination of the cam plane can be varied to precisely displace the valve stem. The amount of displacement selected, together with a specific valve plug contour, yield a specific maximum flow coefficient of the valve at that setting. The setting can be changed to accommodate moderate to very low fluid flows. A numerical display on the actuator may be used to register the flow coefficient selected.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a valve body accommodating an axial valve stem and housing a weir-type valve seat which cooperates with a diaphragm operated by a hand wheel for regulating a flow of fluid through the weir. A screw nut extends axially between the valve body and the hand wheel for limiting a closing lift of the diaphragm by impacting on the valve body. The screw nut is connected in form-fitting manner with the hand wheel so as to follow a displacement of the valve stem when turning the hand wheel for opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: An improved valve plug actuator is provided which is substantially impervious to environmental contamination and which provides greater axial transfer of seating force to an associated valve plug. The actuator uses an indexing race formed in an indexing sleeve to support a thrust bearing on one side of an operating screw collar and an enhanced retaining ring to capture an opposing thrust bearing. Lubrication containment and environmental isolation of the interactive surfaces of the actuator is maintained by o-ring seals carried by the retaining ring and by a lowermost movable component of the actuator which also is rigidly affixed to the associated valve plug.

Abstract: A spring-biased actuator lever arm (44) of a spray head assembly (10) has an actuator shaft (42) which extends into a sealed spray-head compartment (20) for sliding a cam (70) to move a cam follower (72) and thereby open a poppet valve (76) positioned inside a water supply passageway (22) for opening the poppet valve against a return spring (84) and the flow of water toward the spray-head compartment.

Abstract: A gas burner includes a single valve for adjusting the flame size. A plurality of push buttons is provided for adjusting that valve to respective positions of adjustment, so that the flame size depends upon which button is pushed.

Abstract: A fluid control valve unit particularly suited to be used as an air control valve in an overhead passenger service unit for aircraft, buses, trains and the like. This valve unit includes a non-rotatable and axially movable closure member which moves in response to rotation of an axially non-movable actuator member supported in a universally pivotable and tiltable housing. This valve has relatively few component parts and is thus easy to manufacture and assemble. A helical groove on the actuator member cooperates in a cam-like manner with a projection on the closure member to create the desired translation.

Abstract: A gate valve has a housing for a valve seat, and an attachment which extends outwardly from the housing and constitutes an extension thereof. A cap is secured to the attachment at the end of the latter remote from the housing, and a plate which traverses the attachment is held between the cap and the attachment. An externally threaded, non-rotary valve stem extends between the cap and the housing and passes through the plate. The valve stem meshes with an internally threaded, rotatable sleeve which receives the valve stem and is connected to a handwheel. The sleeve is at least partially confined by the cap and the plate, and both the cap and the plate are provided with bearing locations for the sleeve.

Abstract: A mechanism for multiplying rotation. The mechanism includes two armatures of differing lengths which rotate about different centers of rotation. The armatures are coupled together such that a rotation of one armature will produce a multiplied rotation in the other armature. The multiplying mechanism has particular application with a valve assembly of the type used in self-contained sanitary systems of recreational vehicles. The valve assembly includes a seal element having a sealing lip directed toward generally inward and downward of a fill opening a valve blade in the holding tank. The sealing lip terminates in a downwardly and outwardly oriented flange. The valve blade is actuatable through two movements. The first movement moves the valve blade generally vertically into and out of engagement with the seal element. The second movement moves the valve blade generally horizontally to a position out of registry with the fill opening.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having at least one valve orifice for fluid flow therethrough, and a valve member which moves between a fully closed position and a fully open position, respectively, closing and opening said valve orifice. The valve orifice has a clearance surface forming an auxiliary valve passageway selectively enabling flow communication therethrough in an intermediate position of the valve member between said fully open and fully closed positions, and in the intermediate position the valve member partially obstructs the valve orifice so that the passageway provides attenuated fluid flow communication through the valve orifice relative to fluid flow communication in the fully open position of the valve member. A manually controlled actuator enables limited displacement of the valve member between the fully closed position and the intermediate position for the attenuated flow communication through the valve orifice.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve actuator comprising a mounting bracket, a ball screw mechanism pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket and a lever pivotably mounted to the ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism includes a ball screw shaft and a ball nut. The ball nut moves axially on the ball screw shaft when the ball screw shaft is rotated. The lever converts the axial movement of the ball nut to rotary motion. In that way, rotation of the ball screw shaft will in turn actuate the rotary plug valve. An associated rotary plug valve assembly and an associated method of actuating a rotary plug valve are also provided.

Abstract: A bonnet is provided for operating a quarter turn valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve housing formed to include a fluid-conducting passage therein and a quarter turn valve moveable in the passage to regulate flow of fluid through the passage. The bonnet comprises a mechanism for moving the quarter turn valve in the passage, the moving mechanism including an elongated linkage assembly. The bonnet further includes an actuator housing containing the moving mechanism and an adapter block interposed between the valve housing and the actuator housing and configured to provide a mechanism for connecting the actuator housing to the valve housing. The adapter block includes a recess formed therein including a mechanism for receiving the elongated linkage assembly. The bonnet further includes a mechanism for coupling the actuator housing to the valve housing to trap the adapter block therebetween so that the actuator housing, adapter block, and valve housing are held together as a unit.

Abstract: The Eccentrically displaceable sleeve type shut-off valve is comprised of a housing having a central, vertical bore retaining therein a flexible, tubular sleeve whose central portion can be eccentrically motivated towards or away from a valve seat and which is located perpendicularly towards and at the center of said vertical bore, by a core element positioned inside said sleeve and which is capable of being radially displaced by a cam type mechanism following the reciprocal movements of a valve stem.

Abstract: An hopper gate valve having a valve body for connection to a hopper car with a generally elongated discharge opening is provided. A valve member is adapted to engageable and disengage the elongated discharge opening by using a control apparatus which controllably and pivotally effects the displacement of the valve member with respect to the elongated discharge opening.

Abstract: A unique valve mechanism for opening and closing inlet, outlet, and purge valves in a regenerative incinerator is disclosed. The valves are mechanically opened and closed by a cam arrangement which insures proper timing, and optimal volume flow through the valves during each cycle. Further, a method of the present invention begins the purge mode while the inlet valve is opened, and completes it after the outlet valve has opened. This reducing the required time for each cycle of operation.

Abstract: A bonnet is provided for operating a quarter turn valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve housing formed to include a fluid-conducting passage therein and a quarter turn valve moveable in the passage to regulate flow of fluid through the passage. The bonnet comprises a mechanism for moving the quarter turn valve in the passage, the moving mechanism including an elongated linkage assembly. The bonnet further includes an actuator housing containing the moving mechanism and an adapter block interposed between the valve housing and the actuator housing and configured to provide a mechanism for connecting the actuator housing to the valve housing. The adapter block includes a recess formed therein including a mechanism for receiving the elongated linkage assembly. The bonnet further includes a mechanism for coupling the actuator housing to the valve housing to trap the adapter block therebetween so that the actuator housing, adapter block, and valve housing are held together as a unit.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed actuator for a rotary valve is provided in which a valve operator is operative to move a stem axially, axial movement of the stem, in turn, producing rotation of a rotary cam member that is operatively connected to rotate a valve spindle, the axially movable stem being hermetically sealed by a bellows mechanism, thus hermetically isolating the rotary cam member from the valve operator, the maximum angular extent of rotation of the cam member being determined by the ramp cam angle and angular extent of helical slots formed in the rotary cam member and which are engaged by trunnions fast with the stem.