Patent ID: 6059259
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A force multiplication mechanism for a pneumatically controlled valve actuator, said force multiplication mechanism comprising:a flexible biasing member positioned between an upper fulcrum that is opposingly oriented to a lower fulcrum, said flexible biasing member being supported between two support points at a distance therebetween and said flexible biasing member having a force generating capability determined by an unsupported length of said flexible biasing member between said support points so that a magnitude of an exteriorly applicable generated force is inversely proportional to said unsupported length;said flexible biasing member having a natural spring force of specific magnitude generatable by generally opposingly directed forces applied at opposite distal ends of said flexible biasing member;said flexible biasing member being associated with said upper fulcrum so that in a loaded configuration said flexible biasing member is supported at last at said upper fulcrum and produces a generated force greater than said natural spring force of said flexible biasing member; andsaid flexible biasing member being at least one frusto-conically shaped disc spring;a force receiver associated with said flexible biasing member so that said generated force is applied to said force receiver; anda plurality of bolts extending through said at least one frusto-conically shaped disc spring, said upper fulcrum and said lower fulcrum for maintaining concentric alignment between said at least one frustoconically shaped disc spring, said upper fulcrum and said lower fulcrum.