Patent ID: 6073907
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A valve assembly, comprising:a valve body defining an internal passage and including a valve member for controlling flow of fluid through the passage, wherein the valve member is mounted to an operating member movably mounted to the valve body for providing movement of the valve member, wherein the operating member includes an axially extending connector portion accessible from the exterior of the valve body;an actuator assembly including a motor having an output and a drive mechanism; anda removable connection arrangement interposed between the valve body and the actuator assembly for providing removable interconnection of the actuator mechanism with the valve body, wherein, when the actuator assembly is connected to the valve body, the actuator assembly drive mechanism is interconnected with the connector portion of the operating member for providing movement of the operating member, and thereby movement of the valve member, in response to operation of the motor; andwherein the removable connection arrangement includes releasable engagement structure provided on both the valve body and the actuator assembly for providing manual push-on connection of the actuator assembly to the valve body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the operating member connector portion, and further includes a manually engageable release member for disconnecting the actuator assembly from the valve body and enabling the actuator assembly to be manually removed from the valve body utilizing a pull-off force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the operating member connector portion.