Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to an improved driver for operatively connecting an actuator to a rotatable valve member disposed in the fluid path of a valve housing. The improved driver of the present invention comprises a drive shaft for connection at one end with an actuator and having a yoke connected to the other end of the drive shaft. The yoke preferably comprises two arms extending on opposite sides of the fluid path through the valve housing. Each arm includes a contact member, e.g., a dog or set screw extending from the arm, for engaging and turning the rotatable valve member while not rigidly connecting the arm with the valve member. In a preferred embodiment, the arms of the yoke extend around the fluid path and are joined together with a trunnion to aid in centering the driver and rotatable valve member. The valve driver of the present invention may be used with ball, plug and hemi-wedge valves to achieve both the sealing advantage of a floating rotatable valve member and the centering advantage of a valve member rigidly connected to the actuator.

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First Claim