Abstract: A drive mechanism for the positioning of an actuator, such as a valve, containing an actuating component that can be coupled with an actuating element of the actuator is described. A driving force unit is provided which provides an actuation in accordance with the operation to the actuating component and a housing in which a part of the actuating component is accommodated. The housing has a passage through which the actuating component extends out of the housing to the actuator for transmitting the actuation. Within the housing, a position sensor is accommodated for recording the position of the actuating component and for generating an electric positioning signal for transmission to a control and/or regulating device.

Abstract: A functional test apparatus for a field device, particularly for a quick-acting gate valve for an emergency system, preferably of a chemical installation, of a gas burner or the like, with the field device configured to change or to be changed to a specific operating mode, particularly a safety or emergency operating mode, in case there is no power supply, comprises at least one device for detection of operating data for the field device, and at least one non-volatile memory for saving the detected operating data, at least one electrical energy buffer is provided which acts on the device for detention of operating data and on the non-volatile memory for supplying them with power, such that the operating data of the field device is detected and is saved in a non-volatile manner at least while the field device is making a transition to the specific operating mode.

Abstract: A method and a device test the operating safety of a process control device with a control element and an actuator to move the control element, as well as a position controller in a safety circuit. A control unit is connected with the position controller and is coupled to the actuator such that the actuator can be operated to move the control element from an initial condition to a final condition in the event of an incident with the aid of a controlling of the actuator by the control unit. A measurement device acquires measurement signals indicating movement of the control element from the initial condition. The position controller comprises a control signal generator to generate a control signal for partial movement of the control element in a test cycle for the process control device, and to transmit the control signal via a signal connection from the position controller to the control unit.