Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for engaging the stem of a valve member and for rotating the valve member about an axis, the apparatus comprising a sleeve member supported for rotation about an axis, the sleeve member having therein a cylindrical bore centered on the axis and machined by rotating the sleeve member about the axis, a spindle slideably housed within the bore for movement relative to the sleeve member along the axis, the spindle including an inner surface defining a frustoconical bore centered on the axis, the inner surface being machined by rotating the spindle in the sleeve and about the axis, a collar mounted on the sleeve member and including a second inner surface defining a second frustoconical bore centered on the axis, the second inner surface being machined by rotating the sleeve member and the collar about the axis, a first set of balls located within the bore and supported for radial movement relative to the sleeve member and for engagement with the spindle inner surface, a second set of balls located within the bore and supported for radial movement relative to sleeve member and for engagement with the second inner surface, a mechanism for moving the spindle relative to the sleeve member and along the axis so that the spindle inner surface engages the first set of balls and so that the collar inner surface engages the second set of balls, and a mechanism for rotating the spindle about the axis.

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First Claim