Abstract: A tri-modal—energy storage mode, fail-safe mode, and operating mode—fail-safe actuator with low overall power consumption and specifically low fail-safe power consumption due to energy storage pawling mechanisms. Stored energy is discharged at a controlled rate in fail-safe mode. The actuator's sequencing through its three modes is enabled by a dual-cam/clutch system which is powered separately from the operational (shaft control) system.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic throttle control assembly includes a position controlling device that automatically returns the throttle assembly components to a home position. A generally arcuate spring interacts with a plate portion supported on a shaft that is associated with the throttle blade portion. The natural bias of the spring biases the shaft and blade portion into a home position. The position controlling device accommodates situations where the electric motor assembly of the throttle control arrangement fails to operate as desired or does not receive proper power or command signals, for example.

Abstract: An engine coolant valve has a valve body with rotatable valve member thereon with a cylindrical configuration cross ported for rotary sealing against an arcuately shaped elastomeric face seal. A torque motor is attached to the valve body and has the motor rotor drivingly engaging a hub on the valve member.

Abstract: The subject invention is a throttle return mechanism for an electronically controlled throttle that provides for the precise setting of a limp home throttle blade position. The throttle return mechanism includes a return spring with two legs attached to a fixed shaft, and a bracket attached to a drive mechanism. The bracket includes stops that engage the return spring as the bracket rotates about the fixed shaft. Each stop is cam shaped and rotatable to provide for adjustment of the limp home throttle blade setting. When the drive mechanism is disabled the legs of the return spring will engage the stops on the bracket and rotate the throttle blade to the limp home position. The second leg of the return spring will rotate and hold the throttle valve in a limp home throttle position to allow a driver to maneuver the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A motorized servo actuator has an output shaft rotated by a sector gear driven by a worm. The worm has a co-axially disposed torsion spring which is wound as the worm rotates. The worm is driven by a motor and gear train. In the event of motor failure during rotation of the sector gear in a given direction from an initial position, the wound torsion spring has sufficient stored energy to rotate the worm to return the sector gear to the initial position.

Abstract: A valve has a valve body having a passage including a hole in which gas flows. A valve disc is provided for closing the hole, and an actuator is provided for operating the valve disc. An emergency cutoff device is provided so that the valve disc closes the hole in an emergency when electric power supply is cut off.

Abstract: A rotary diverter valve assembly having a low voltage low current drive motor driving the rotating valve shaft through a differential planetary gear train. The motor drives the sun gear which engages a first pitch diameter set of teeth on the carrier mounted orbiting planetary gears, the first set of planetary gear teeth also is engaged by a fixed outer ring gear. A second lesser pitch diameter set of coaxial teeth are provided on the planetary gears which engage an output ring gear attached to the rotary valve shaft. A torsion spring has one end attached to the planetary carrier and is wound up by the relative rotation of the carrier with respect to the sun gear during motor operation. In the event of motor failure during operation, the stored energy of the wound spring applies a torque to back rotate the carrier and effect rotation of the valve member to its initial position.

Abstract: An valve actuator in a hydronic heating and cooling system includes a motor for changing the position of a valve, a switch for switching power to the motor, and a sensor for detecting the arrival of the valve at a desired position and for stopping the motor without using a mechanical stop. The motor's power source includes a capacitive power source which can be used to drive the motor under low-power conditions. A worm gear is used in the drive train, and combined with a clutch assembly to permit the valve to be operated manually.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing with a motor, throttle valve, gear mechanism, and fail-safe mechanism. A spring member attached to a gear member and default lever, and which is biased when the throttle valve is in its fully open and closed positions, operates to open the throttle valve in the event of an electric failure, thus allowing the vehicle to limp home.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly changing the state of a device from an active state to an inactive state. The apparatus includes an inner member slidably contained in an outer member. The member is connected to an actuator and the other to a control for changing the state of a device. A latch mechanism normally holds the two members locked together so that the control means responds to the actuator. When a potentially dangerous situation is sensed, the latch mechanism is opened and the two members are rapidly forced apart by a heavy release spring thus rapidly changing the state of the device from an active state to an inactive state.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing with a motor, throttle valve, gear mechanism, and fail-safe mechanism. A spring member attached to a gear member and default lever, and which is biased when the throttle valve is in its fully open and closed positions, operates to open the throttle valve in the event of an electric failure, thus allowing the vehicle to limp home. An adjustable pin member is used to adjust the position of the default lever and thus the throttle valve in a fail-safe situation.

Abstract: An actuator for an HVAC system includes a motor coupled by an electrically operated clutch to a gear train which drives an output connector. A spring is connected to the transmission to drive the output connector to a normal position in the event of a power failure. A control apparatus is connected to the transmission and provides the combined functions of a magnetic eddy current brake and a motion sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting actuation of a device. The device has a home position and a set position and the apparatus returns the device to the home position upon loss of power to the apparatus. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a drive motor for providing a driving force to a drive shaft, and a bias member having a cocking mechanism and a release mechanism. The bias member provides a bias force to a bias shaft when the cocking mechanism is cocked and the release mechanism is released; the release mechanism is released when power is lost to the actuator. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus further includes a drive member which delivers an actuating force to an actuating shaft in response to forces received on an input shaft. Still further, the apparatus preferably includes a transmission mechanism coupled with the drive shaft, with the bias shaft, and with the input shaft.

Abstract: A valve actuator preferably driven by an electric motor is disclosed. The valve actuator is useful with surface safety valves and uses power input from an electric motor to position the valve in its normal position. A mechanism is provided to allow the valve to shift positions to a failsafe position upon failure of electrical power to the motor connected to the actuator. A screw drive is provided with the motor, with a latch mechanism holding a nut against rotation. The nut can advance longitudinally upon rotation of the drive to move a valve stem. Upon failure of electrical power, the latch mechanism releases the nut from a coupling in the actuator which is connected to the valve stem, and the main return springs in the actuator allow the nut to rotate with respect to the screw drive so that the valve can assume its failed position. Normal applications allow the valve to fail closed; however, the valve can be configured so that failure results in opening of the valve if the application requires it.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator maintains an external device to which the actuator is connected at an operating position when power is applied to the actuator, and allows the external device to return to a default position when the power is removed. Included in the actuator is a housing and an output coupling rotatably mounted thereon. The output coupling is configured to be connected to the external device and displaces the external device between the operating position and the default position. A driving device is mounted in the housing for providing a torque to the output coupling to displace the external device between the default position and the operating position when the driving device is energized. Also provided is a torque transmitting device for transmitting and changing the torque from the driving device to the output coupling. The torque transmitting device is cooperatively engaged to and is located between the driving device and the output coupling.

Abstract: A two stage motorized servo-actuator having a worm driven high reduction gear train providing a rotary output. The motor shaft has a worm and co-axially therewith, a beveled pinion. The motor worm is continuously engaged with a first stage gear. The first stage gear has an input sector gear disposed co-axially and rotatable therewith. The input sector gear intermittently engages an output gear. The output gear has a beveled output sector gear disposed co-axially and rotatably therewith. Upon disengagement of the input sector gear with the output gear, the beveled pinion engages the beveled output sector gear to drive the output gear directly. Once the input sector gear is disengaged from the output gear, a return spring on the output gear can reverse drive the motor through the beveled pinion to return the output gear to a desired position in the event of motor failure in operation.

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.

Abstract: A drive device for controlling the position of an actuator includes an electric motor for actuating the drive device. The motor is coupled to a gear mechanism and adapted to control the position of the actuator by selective operation thereof. A gear mechanism operatively coupled to the motor and to the actuator has a restoring spring and an auxiliary spring, each of which is tightenable to store energy therein by operation of the motor upon startup. In the event of a power loss to the motor, the gear mechanism operates to use the stored energy of the restoring spring to move the actuator to a preselected position. The stored energy of the auxiliary spring is used to counteract against moment of the motor at rest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat treatment apparatus, specifically a valve device for use in an exhaust system of a low pressure heat treatment furnace, which comprises urging device for urging a valve body in a valve closing direction, and a drive unit for opening/closing the valve body against an urging force of the urging device. An interconnection releasing mechanism is provided between the driving unit and the valve rod of the valve body, the interconnection releasing mechanism connecting both with each other, and releasing their connection in an emergency. Thus, an exhaust system of the low pressure heat treatment furnace is instantaneously shut off in an emergency to prevent reverse flow of exhaust gas into the furnace. An evacuation fine adjustment gap is defined between the periphery of the valve body and that of the valve casing for facilitating evacuation control.

Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a stem extending through the actuator body for coupling to a valve such that axial movement of the stem opens and closes the valve. An outer shaft is arranged coaxially around, and in threaded engagement with the stem and is coupled to an electric motor for conveying rotational drive to the shaft and thus axial movement of the shaft relative to the stem against a spring bias. The shaft is releasably retained in a predetermined position by a solenoid-actuated latching mechanism with the spring in a compressed state, such that further rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the stem relative to the shaft to actuate the valve. Deactuation of the mechanism releases the shaft to allow axial movement of both the shaft and the stem, under action of the spring in order to close the valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure reducing valve wherein a spool is driven axially by a first plunger which moves according to the magnetization state of a first solenoid, and a control port is connected to a supply port and a tank port according to the axial position of this spool. The pressure of the control port acts on the spool in the opposite direction to that of the plunger via a feedback passage, and the pressure increases or decreases according to the current flowing through the first solenoid. According to this invention, a second plunger is arranged in series with the first plunger, and a spring tends to push the second plunger toward the first plunger. A second magnetized solenoid however keeps the second plunger held back against the restoring force of the spring so that it is not in contact with the first plunger, and releases the second plunger so that it pushes the first plunger when the current fails.

Abstract: An electric motor acts through a gear train to rotate an output shaft in one direction while a torsion spring rotates the shaft in the opposite direction when the motor is de-energized. When the output shaft stops abruptly at a limit position after being rotated by the spring, a lost-motion drive connection permits the output gear of the drive train to rotate relative to the shaft in order to dissipate kinetic energy through the gear train and to avoid impact loading of the gear train and the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic fueling of automotive vehicles, comprising a robot which includes a fueling pistol and which is operative, to move the fueling pistol automatically from a rest position to a vehicle fueling location. The invention is characterized in that the fueling pistol (16) includes a rigid, first tubular element (20), which is intended to be moved by the robot (1) towards a receiving plate (21) provided with a hole and forming part of the vehicle fueling location. A flexible second tube (26), is arranged within the first, rigid tube (20) for movement from a first terminal position, in which the outer free end (27) of the second tube (26) is located within the first tube (20), to a second terminal position in which the second tube projects from the first tube. A pipe connector is provided between the hole and the fuel pipe of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power operated linear actuator for remote operation of a machine. A cylinder frame containing a motor and a step-down gear train, a push-pull rod connected with a threaded nut movable along a high-pitch screw threaded shaft in the cylinder frame and an electromagnet clutch between the gear train and the screw shaft.

Abstract: A rotary actuator uses a two degree of freedom gear train with three torque members to provide torque to the output element from a first torque member. The torque is supplied to a second torque member from a drive motor. A torsion spring on the third torque member is normally wound tight and held wound by a brake which locks the third torque member during normal operation when electrical power is available for the drive motor. When power is lost, the brake releases the third torque member, allowing the spring to apply torque to the third torque member to drive the output element through the first torque member to a return position. This allows loads such as valves to be returned to a safety condition upon loss of electrical power to the system of which the load and the actuator are a part.

Abstract: A cooling water temperature controlling apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a butterfly valve placed in a cooling water passage for the internal combustion engine at a position between the inlet port of a radiator and the inlet port of a radiator bypass pipe, and a stepper motor connected to the butterfly valve through a reduction gear having a worm gear wheel so as to adjust a degree of opening of the butterfly valve depending on the temperature of cooling water.

Abstract: A fast valve is disclosed that can close on the order of 7 milliseconds. It is closed by the force of a compressed air spring with the moving parts of the valve designed to be of very light weight and the valve gate being of wedge shaped with O-ring sealed faces to provide sealing contact without metal to metal contact. The combination of the O-ring seal and an air cushion create a soft final movement of the valve closure to prevent the fast air acting valve from having a harsh closing.

Abstract: There is provided an electromotive drive for a control element, the overall drive is without self-inhibition, for which purpose its screw transmission has rolling elements in the thread, and the drive motor is a rotating field magnet. Provision is made for a freewheel clutch disposed between the drive motor and the screw transmission. A non-inhibiting reduction gear may be arranged between the freewheel clutch and the drive motor.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator for moving a shaft axially has a motor driving a gear assembly giving a mechanical advantage of at least 30:1, preferably 50 to 150:1. The assembly drives an internally screw threaded sleeve on external screw threads of the shaft so that rotation of the sleeve moves the shaft axially. A stop connected to a gear of the gear assembly for the sleeve ensures that it is the shaft that moves.The actuator is suitable for all valves, chokes and control mechanisms for oil or gas production, particularly sub-sea production and the motor is preferably a reversible DC electric motor. The mechanical advantage allows heavily loaded shafts to be moved with low power input.When applied to spring loaded fail-safe valves the stop for the sleeve may be one or more moveable locking dogs actuated by the gear assembly. The gear assembly acts as a differential transmitting torque either to the gear wheel actuating the stop of the gear wheel rotating the sleeve.

Abstract: A load return mechanism is provided having an actuator for driving a load, a load adapted to be driven by the actuator, a first lever driven by the actuator, a second lever attached to the load, and an apparatus for locking the two levers together so that the load can be driven by the actuator and for unlocking the two levers to return the load to a predetermined position upon power interruption.

Abstract: An actuator for a valve has an output shaft adapted to be connected directly to a rotary shaft of the body of a valve, the shaft being pivotally supported in a casing, a gear rotated in one direction only by a motor, an internal gear having outer peripheral teeth meshed with the first-mentioned gear, the internal gear being rotatable independently from the output shaft and pivotally supported thereby, a further gear meshed with the inner peripheral teeth of the internal gear and with a still further gear secured to the output shaft, a yet further gear for pivotally supporting the further gear at a shaft, the yet further gear being pivotally supported by the output shaft such that it is rotatable independently therefrom, a power spring to be wound by the rotation of the output shaft in the valve opening direction, and an electromagnetic device for preventing the yet further gear from being rotated while power is supplied, and permitting it to be rotated when power is shut off.

Abstract: A pinch valve employing first and second linear solenoids in series so that the first solenoid closes a flexible tube when powered, and the second solenoid is positioned to be pushed by a spring, to in-turn push the driving member of the first solenoid in a loss-of-power condition, and is positioned to be moved away from the first solenoid when powered so that the first solenoid is free to selectively close or open the tube.

Abstract: A decoupling and speed governing mechanism is disclosed for a spring returned drive train driven by a stepper motor. A pinion assembly in the drive train is rotatably coupled to the rotor by dogs on the assembly which engage spokes in a rotor in the motor when the assembly is in a first position along the axis of the rotor. The pinion assembly also includes weighted shoes which move outwardly when the assembly rotates at greater than a predetermined speed to frictionally engage an internal drum surface in the rotor to govern the drive train speed when the assembly is in a second axial position relative to the rotor.

Abstract: An actuator has a fail-safe mechanism operable by a spring. The spring is normally held inoperable by electrical means so that the fail-safe mechanism is independent of the normal operation of the actuator. The fail-safe mechanism is rendered operative by failure of the electrical supply so that the spring rotates a cam plate which is coupled with the switch plate so as to move the output shaft to a predetermined fail-safe position by the stored energy of the spring force.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A closing device with a valve having a high speed reaction. A dome shaped valve is forced open by applying pressure to a piston which is attached to the dome. The opening pressure is provided by an electromagnetic jack and is transmitted through a lock which has a releasing threshhold. The displacement of the piston biases a return spring into a compressed state. Force applied to the lock by a solenoid counteracts the force of the return spring so as to keep the lock locked and thus keep the dome open. When enough force is applied to the dome so as to overcome the threshhold of the lock, or if the lock is intentionally released, the piston is freed and the return spring quickly forces the dome to a closed position.

Abstract: A monitor-actuator pilot valve operable to close a safety valve in a fluid flow system reponsive to low line pressure or electrical failure. The safety valve is held open by pressure supplied into an actuator cylinder from the line protected by the safety valve. The pilot valve includes a first flow passage communicating with line pressure, a second flow passage communicating with the safety valve actuator cylinder, a third exhaust flow passage to the atmosphere, and a fourth flow passage to a fluid pressure reset. A valve assembly in the pilot valve responds to a low pressure in the first passage or electrical failure to connect the second and third passages for exhausting control pressure from the safety valve actuator cylinder to close the safety valve. An electromagnet on the pilot valve releases the valve assembly in response to a power failure allowing the safety valve to close. A reset assembly in the valve body manually or hydraulically operates the valve assembly reopening the pilot valve.

Abstract: A motor driven actuator, providing continuous positioning of an output shaft, and employing energy storage which allows the shaft to return to a predetermined position on failure of the input power source or other predetermined occurrence. Drive motor torque requirements are minimized through sequential application of input torque to the energy storage and actuator load. This arrangement insures that adequate energy storage for return of the output shaft is continuously available during normal actuator operation including alternate output shaft positioning.When utilized to operate a fluid control valve, the valve actuator combination provides a fail-safe valve which under emergency or other prescribed conditions provides return of the valve to a safe condition from any normal operating position throughout the limit of the valve travel.

Abstract: A valve actuator employs a torsion spring type clutch to engage and disengage a drive motor and an output shaft. The torsion spring normally engages and is connected to a gear which may be engaged by a dog to cause disengagement of the clutch. The output shaft carries a pinion which is engaged with a rack carried on a piston which is slidable in a closed fluid containing cylinder. The piston includes an axial passageway with a metering orifice therein which smoothes the operation of the actuator and provides positive stops for the output shaft with a minimization of impact between the piston and the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: In a safety valve actuating mechanism there is included a valve operating means, a biasing means, a lever means, a support means, a cam follower means, a first cam member and a second cam member. The valve operating means is movable between a first position and a second position while being biased toward the second position by the biasing means. The lever means is operably connected to the valve operating means and movable at least between a first fulcrum point and a second fulcrum point. The support means releasably supports the lever means at the first fulcrum point. The first and second cam members are spaced adjacent to the cam follower means which is operably connected to the lever means. The first and second cam members and the cam follower means are adapted to control the movement of the valve operating means with the lever means positioned at either the first fulcrum point or the second fulcrum point.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a movable valve member which is spring biased toward a first valve position. A cable is coupled at one portion thereof to the movable valve member and is wound about a drum on another portion thereof. The drum winds the cable thereon and moves the valve to a second valve position. The drum is released to permit the valve member to move under the action of the biasing spring to the first valve position.

Abstract: An electrically operated fail-safe valve actuator employs a spring which is wound to store energy during operation of the electric drive motor, an electric clutch operable to disengage the drive motor from the actuator output shaft in response to loss of power from the electrical supply whereby the spring drives the valve in the opposite direction.