Patent ID: 7832327
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. An actuator for a fluid process control device, comprising: a housing comprising a first housing component and a second housing component; a diaphragm comprising an outer radial portion and an inner radial portion, the outer radial portion of the diaphragm carried between the first and second housing components; a stem operatively coupled to the diaphragm for controlling the fluid process control device; a plate assembly comprising a first plate and a second plate connecting the stem and the diaphragm, the plate assembly applying a compressive load to the inner radial portion of the diaphragm; and a tensile load generated by the first and second plates urging themselves in opposite directions away from each other, the tensile load applied to the stem at a location between the first plate and the second plate to provide a fluid tight seal between the plate assembly and the stem.