Abstract: A valve and method for use is provided. The valve has a valve body having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defining a flow path therethrough. The valve has a closure member within the inner perimeter configured to selectively close and open the flow path. The valve has a valve seat located at least partially within the inner perimeter and configured to engage a portion of the closure member when the closure member is in a closed position. The valve has a stem configured to support the closure member within the flow path wherein a portion of the stem has an actuator offset. The valve has a bearing pedestal configured to support the stem. The valve has a closure member-stem connector configured to rotationally couple the closure member to the stem while allowing the closure member to move relative to the stem along a longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: An actuator for a valve assembly is provided. The actuator has an actuator body and at least one piston configured to travel within the actuator body. The actuator has an output shaft located at least partially within the actuator body and configured to couple to a valve stem of a valve wherein the output shaft has a plurality of teeth protruding from a pinion. The actuator has at least one rack configured to move with each of the at least one piston, the rack having a piston end and a terminal end and wherein the rack has a plurality of rack teeth configured to engage the plurality of teeth on the output shaft. The terminal end of the rack is configured to be maintained a minimum distance beyond an engagement point, wherein the engagement point is located between the rack teeth and the teeth in all operating positions.