PATENT ABSTRACT
An HVAC device includes a housing and a conduit tube that defines a lumen into the housing. The conduit tube and/or housing are configured such that rotating the conduit tube relative to the housing changes the direction that an outlet of the conduit tube faces. This may promote easier installation and/or maintenance of the HVAC device in the field, especially in cramped and/or poorly illuminated areas.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to HVAC devices, and more particularly to conduit fittings for HVAC devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Heating, Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are commonly used to condition air within buildings and other structures. Such HVAC systems also often include a heat source such as a furnace or a boilers, a cooler such as an air conditioner, a ventilator, one or more controllers and/or other devices. In some cases, HVAC systems can include actuatable valves such as air dampers, water valves, gas valves, ventilation flaps, louvers, and/or other actuatable devices that help regulate or control the flow of fluid in the HVAC system. 
         [0003]    Many HVAC systems include devices that are located in tight spaces, such as behind industrial process equipment, within walls, crawl spaces, or attic spaces of a building or other structure. These areas are often poorly illuminated and/or cramped, leaving little room for installation and/or maintenance. Access for tools or even a second hand can often be difficult and problematic. A similar problem often exists for actuatable valves and/or other equipment used in industrial processes. 
         [0004]    Control and/or power cables are often fed through a conduit to connect to such devices. In many cases, the conduit must be connect to the device at fixed location on the device and from a fixed direction. Because of this, and in some installations, the control and/or power cables must make an immediate bend just outside of the device, which can be difficult to manage in cramp and/or poorly illuminated spaces. In some cases, the space itself may prevent sufficient access to connect a conduit to the fixed location on the device from the fixed direction. 
         [0005]    What would be desirable is a device that facilitates connecting a conduit and/or threading wires to the device from different directions, which may promote easier installation and/or maintenance in the field, especially in cramped and/or poorly illuminated areas. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure generally relates to HVAC devices, and more particularly to conduit fittings for such HVAC devices. An illustrative valve actuator assembly may include a housing and an electric motor situated in the housing. A drive train may be operatively coupled to the electric motor for rotating the actuator output. A first conduit tube defining a lumen having an inlet facing inside of the housing and an outlet facing outside of the housing may be rotatably coupled to the housing. The first conduit tube may be configured to change the direction that the outlet of the first conduit tube faces when the first conduit tube is rotated relative to the housing. 
         [0007]    An illustrative Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) device for controlling one or more HVAC components of an HVAC system of a building may comprise a housing and one or more electrical components situated in the housing. A first conduit tube defining a lumen having an inlet facing inside of the housing and an outlet facing outside of the housing may be rotatably coupled to the housing. The first conduit tube may be configured to change the direction that the outlet of the first conduit tube faces when the first conduit tube is rotated relative to the housing. 
         [0008]    An illustrative valve actuator for actuating a valve may comprise a housing, an actuator output, an electric motor situated in the housing, a drive train operatively coupled to the electric motor for rotating the actuator output, a first conduit tube, and a second conduit tube. The housing may comprise a first side and an opposing second side. The second side of the housing may comprise a first conduit receiving region that is not parallel to the first side and a second conduit receiving region that is not parallel to the first side and not parallel to the first conduit receiving region. The first conduit tube may be rotatably coupled to the first conduit receiving region of the housing and the second conduit tube may be rotatably coupled to the second conduit receiving region of the housing. 
         [0009]    The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure. The Description which follows more particularly exemplifies these embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]    The following description should be read with reference to the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative HVAC valve actuator for driving an air damper of an HVAC system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an illustrative conduit fitting of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 1  with a conduit fitting removed; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 1  with a top part of the housing removed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  is a partial perspective view of a top housing of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5B  is a partial perspective view of the bottom housing of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top view of part of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another illustrative but non-limiting valve actuator for driving an air damper of an HVAC system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an illustrative conduit fitting of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 7  with a conduit fitting removed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10A  is a partial perspective view of the top housing of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 10B  is a partial perspective view of the bottom housing of the illustrative valve actuator of  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11A-11F  are top views of an illustrative valve actuator with the conduit fittings in various configurations. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative but non-limiting valve actuator  10  for driving a valve shaft, such as a shaft of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) air damper (not explicitly shown). While the valve actuator  10  is described as driving a shaft of an HVAC air damper, it is contemplated that the valve actuator may be used to drive any suitable valve shaft including but not limited to water valves within hydronic heating and/or cooling systems, other fluid or gas valves, and/or any other actuatable valve as desired. The illustrative valve actuator  10  includes an actuator  12  and an actuator mounting assembly  14 . The actuator  12  includes a housing  16  having a top housing portion  18  and a bottom housing portion  20  that houses an electric motor (not shown) and a drive train (not shown) for rotating a drive member  22 . In the example shown, the drive member  22  is a tubular structure that extends through the housing  16  out both the top and bottom sides of the housing  16  as shown. The drive member  22  may have splines, grooves, teeth or other features that allow a shaft adapter  24  of the actuator mounting assembly  14  to engage the drive member. The shaft adapter  24  may also be configured to engage a valve shaft (not shown), and may transfer rotational movement from the drive member  22  to a valve shaft (not shown) 
         [0027]    In the example shown, the actuator  12  may include conduit tubes or fittings  26   a ,  26   b  (collectively  26 ) extending from an end thereof. While the actuator  12  is shown and described as including two conduit tubes  26 , it is contemplated that the actuator  12  may include fewer than two conduit tubes  26  or more than two conduit tubes  26 , as desired. For example, the actuator  12  may be structured to accommodate more than one conduit tube  26 , however, only a single conduit tube  26  may be necessarily. This may allow for a variety of possible configurations. Each conduit tube  26   a ,  26   b  may be the same size and shape as the other(s) but have a different spatial arrangement. As used herein, reference to a generic conduit or conduit structure may lack the “a” or “b” denotation while the “a” and “b” denotation may be used to differentiate between two conduits on the same actuator. Cables (for example, for providing power and/or control signals to the actuator) may exit the actuator  12  through an outlet opening  28   a ,  28   b  defined in an end of the conduit tube  26   a ,  26   b . In some instances, the conduit tubes  26  may be positioned such that the cables exit the actuator  12  in line with a longitudinal axis  15  of the actuator  12 . For example, the plane of the outlet opening  28  may be generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  15  of the actuator  12 . In some applications, it may be desirable for the cable and/or conduit to make an immediate bend after exiting the actuator  12  due to wiring and/or space constraints. In the example shown, the conduit tubes  26  may be rotatable or otherwise positionable to allow the user to select the direction that the cable and/or conduit exits the actuator  12 . This may allow the user to adjust the direction of the cable and/or conduit without requiring additional fittings, tools and/or adding length to the actuator  12 . The conduit tubes  26  may be individually movable such that each tube  26   a ,  26   b  may be adjusted independently of the other. For example, as will be described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 11A-11F , the openings  28   a ,  28   b  of the conduit tubes  26   a ,  26   b  may not necessarily be positioned in the same orientation. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of an example conduit tube  26 . The conduit tube  26  may be formed from a single unitary structure or may be multiple components coupled together, as desired. The conduit tube  26  may include a flange  30  and a neck region  32  extending from a body portion  36 . The neck region  32  may extend from an angled surface  34  at the first end  33  of the body portion  36 . The flange  30  may be positioned at an end of the neck region  32 . The flange  30  and neck region  32  may extend along an axis  41  that is at a non-orthogonal angle to a longitudinal axis  40  extending out of the outlet opening  28  of the conduit tube  26 . When the conduit tube  26  is coupled with the actuator  12 , the conduit tube  26  may be rotated about axis  41 , as shown at  43 , to change the orientation or direction that the outlet opening  28  faces. The edge of the conduit tube  26  between the neck region  32  and the body portion  36  may define a mating surface  34  configured to engage or generally align with a mating angled face of the actuator  12 . The mating surface  34  of the conduit tube  26  may have an angled surface that is at a generally non-orthogonal angle to the longitudinal axis  40  extending out of the outlet opening  28  of the conduit tube  26 . The angled surface  34  may allow the direction of the outlet opening  28  to be positioned in different planes as the conduit tube  26  is rotated  43  about axis  41 . It is contemplated that the mating surface  34  may be sized and shaped such that rotation of the conduit tube  26  results in a conical translation of the outlet opening  28  of the conduit tube  26 . In other words, during rotation of the conduit tube  26 , the flange  30  may remain at a generally fixed location relative to the actuator  12  while the opening  28  moves along a generally arced or circular path. A lumen  45  may extend through the conduit tube  26  from an inlet at the flange  30  to the outlet opening  28  to allow one or more cable and/wires to pass through the conduit tube  26  and into the inside of the housing  20  (e.g. to connect to an electric motor, relay, control circuit and/or the like). 
         [0029]    In some instances, a stop mechanism  38 , or protrusion may extend laterally from a first side  42  of the conduit tube. The stop mechanism  38  may be configured to engage a stop mechanism  46   a ,  46   b  (e.g. at least one stop mechanism for each conduit tube  26 ) on the actuator  12  to limit a range of rotational movement of the conduit tube  26 . For example, as the conduit tube  26  is rotated, the stop mechanism  38  may come into contact with a top portion or a bottom portion (depending on the direction of rotation) of the stop mechanism  46   a ,  46   b  on the actuator  12 . This may prevent the conduit tube  26  from being rotated beyond 360° about axis  41 . It is contemplated that rotation greater than 360° may twist or kink a cables within the conduit, which is undesirable. 
         [0030]    The stop mechanism  46   a ,  46   b  may be a protruding portion extending from an end surface  61  (see for example,  FIG. 3 ) of the actuator  12 . The end surface  61  may be positioned between a first region  51   a , or angled face, and a second region  51   b , or angled face, and may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  15  of the actuator  12  and generally parallel to the opposing side  63 . In some cases, the angled surfaces  51   a  and  51   b  may each extend along a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis  40  at an angle between about 20 and 80 degrees, between 30 and 60 degrees, about 45 degrees or any other suitable angle, as desired. In some cases, the angled surfaces  51   a  and  51   b  may each extend along a plane that intersects the end surface  61  at an angle between about 20 and 80 degrees, between 30 and 60 degrees, about 45 degrees or any other suitable angle, as desired 
         [0031]    While the stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b  are illustrated on the top housing portion  18 , it is contemplated that the stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b  may be on either or both the top housing portion  18  and/or the bottom housing portion  20 , as desired. The degree of rotation of the conduit tube  26  may be determined by the size, position and/or quantity of stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b  on the actuator  12  and/or the size, position and/or quantity of stop mechanisms  38  on the conduit tube  26 . For example, a second stop mechanism may be provided on the conduit tube  26  and spaced a distance from the first stop mechanism  38 . This is just an example. It is contemplated that any combination of shapes, sizes, and/or quantities of stop mechanisms  38 ,  46   a ,  46   b  may be used to limit rotation of the conduit tube  26  to a desired range of rotation. For example, the rotation of the conduit tube  26  may be limited to 360° or less, 345° or less, 300° or less, 270° or less, etc. In some cases, stop mechanisms may not be provided at all, and the conduit tube  26  may rotate endlessly. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the illustrative but non-limiting valve actuator  10  of  FIG. 1  with one of the conduit tubes  26   a  removed. In the example shown, the actuator  12  may have a generally rectangular prism shape, although this is not required and it is contemplated that the actuator  12  may take any shape desired. In the example shown, the actuator housing  16  includes a pair of angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  on an end thereof. The angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  may generally define first and second conduit receiving regions. The angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  may be formed on an end surface of the housing  16  such that each angled face  51   a ,  51   b  extends in plane that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  15  of the actuator  12  and thus non-parallel with the opposing side  63  of the actuator housing. The angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  may generally align with or mate with the mating surface  34  of the conduit tube  26 . It is further contemplated that the angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  may not extend in the same plane. For example, the first angled face  51   a  and the second angled face  51   b  may be mirror images of one another. As described above, the angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  may be spaced a distance from one another via an intermediate end wall  61 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , although this is not required. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the actuator housing  16  may include a wall or protruding portion  53   a ,  53   b  extending from the angled faces  51   a ,  51   b  and defining a cavity between the wall  53   a ,  53   b  and the angled faces  51   a ,  51   b , as will be described in more detail below. The protruding portions  53   a ,  53   b  may be configured to removably couple the conduits  26   a ,  26   b  to the actuator  12 . The details of protruding portions  53   a ,  53   b  will be described with respect to protruding portion  53   a . However, as can be seen in subsequent figures, protruding portion  53   b  may be a mirror image of protruding portion  53   a.    
         [0034]    A first portion  48   a  of the protruding portion  53   a  may extend from the top housing portion  18 . A semi-circular recess  52   a  may be formed in a lower region of the first portion  48   a . The recess  52   a  may be configured to generally align with a corresponding semi-circular recess  54   a  formed in an upper region of a second portion  50   a  of the protruding portion  53   a . The second portion  50   a  of the protruding portion  53   a  may extend from the bottom housing portion  20 . Together, the recesses  52   a ,  54   a  may form a first generally circular through-hole or aperture configured to receive the neck  32  of the conduit tube  26 . A second generally circular aperture  58   a  may be formed at a location interior to the protruding portion  53   a  to allow a cable to pass from an inside cavity within the housing  16  and through the lumen  45  of the conduit tube  26 . While the recesses  52   a ,  54   a  are described as having a semi-circular shape, the recesses  52   a ,  54   a  may take any suitable shape as desired. The aperture  58   a  may also take any shape desired. 
         [0035]    The mating features of the conduit tubes  26  and the housing  16  will be now be described with respect to  FIG. 4 , which illustrates a top view of the illustrative but non-limiting valve actuator  10  of  FIG. 1  with the top housing portion  18  and one of the conduit tubes  26   a  removed.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a perspective views of the top housing portion  18  and the bottom housing portion  20 , respectively, with both conduit tubes  26   a ,  26   b  removed. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the conduit tube  26   b  may be releasable coupled with the protruding portion  53   b  such that the inlet of the conduit tube  26   b  faces inside of the housing and the outlet  28   b  faces outside of the housing. While the relationship between the conduit tube  26  and the protruding portion  53  is described with respect to one of the conduit tubes  26   b , it should be understood that the other conduit tube  26   a  engages the protruding portion  53   a  in a similar manner. 
         [0036]    The second portion  50   a ,  50   b  of the protruding portion  53   a ,  53   b  may have a wall  55   a ,  55   b  defining a cavity or recess  60   a ,  60   b  therein. The cavity  60   b  may be sized and shaped to receiving the flange  30   b  of the conduit tube  26   b . As described above, the neck  32   b  of the conduit tube  26   b  may rest in the recess  54   b  formed in the wall  55   b  of the protruding portion  53   b . The recess  54   b  in combination with recess  52   b  may be similar in size (e.g. have a diameter) to an outer dimension of the neck  32   b  or may be slightly larger. It is contemplated that the recess  54   b  in combination with recess  52   b  may form an aperture having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the flange  30   b . This may secure the flange  30   b  within the recess  60   b  when the top housing portion  18  is secured or coupled to the bottom housing portion  20 . For example, the flange  30   b  may be sized to prevent the conduit tube  26   b  from being removed from the recess  60   b  when the housing  16  is assembled while still allowing for rotational movement  43   b  of the conduit tube  26   b  about axis  41   b.    
         [0037]    The bottom housing portion  20  may further include an interior wall  70 . The interior wall  70  may extend around an entire interior inner perimeter of the bottom housing portion  20  or only a portion of the inner perimeter, as desired. The interior wall  70  may include a pair of semi-circular recesses  62   a ,  62   b  formed therein. The recesses  62   a ,  62   b  may be configured to mate with corresponding recesses  66   a ,  66   b  (see, for example,  FIG. 5A ) formed in top housing portion  18 . 
         [0038]    When the top housing portion  18  and the bottom housing portion  20  are assembled, recess  62   a  may generally align with recess  66   a  to form aperture  58   a , as shown in  FIG. 3 . While not explicitly shown, recess  62   b  and recess  66   b  may generally align to form a similar aperture for allowing a cable to pass from an interior cavity  71  of the housing  16  to a location external to the housing  16  through the lumen  45  of the conduit tube  26 . In some embodiments, an intermediate wall  72   a ,  72   b  (see, for example,  FIG. 5B ) may be provided between the exterior wall  55 ,  55   b  and the interior wall  70 . The intermediate wall  72   a ,  72   b  may limit longitudinal movement of the conduit tube  26  along the axis of rotation  41 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective bottom view of the top housing portion  18  with both conduit tubes  26   a ,  26   b  removed. The first portion  48   a ,  48   b  of the protruding portion  53   a ,  53   b  may have a wall  57   a ,  57   b  defining a cavity or recess  64   a ,  64   b  therein. The cavities  64   a ,  64   b  may be sized and shaped to receiving the flanges  30   a ,  30   b  of the conduit tubes  26   a ,  26   b . As described above, the neck  32   a ,  32   b  of the conduit tube  26   a ,  26   b  may rest or be disposed within the recess  52   a ,  52   b  formed in the wall  57   a ,  57   b  of the protruding portion  53   a ,  53   b . The recess  52   a ,  52   b  in combination with recess  54   a ,  54   b  may be similar in size (e.g. have a diameter) to an outer dimension of the neck  32   a ,  32   b  or may be slightly larger. It is contemplated that the recess  52   a ,  52   b  in combination with recess  54   a ,  54   b  may form an aperture having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the flange  30   a ,  30   b . This may secure the flange  30   a ,  30   b  within the recess  64   a ,  64   b  when the top housing portion  18  is secured or coupled to the bottom housing portion  20 . The recesses  60   a ,  60   b  in the bottom housing portion  20  and the recesses  64   a ,  64   b  in the top housing portion  18  may generally align to form two larger recesses (e.g. one for each conduit tube  26   a ,  26   b ) sized and shaped to receive the flange  30   a ,  30   b . For example, the flange  30   a ,  30   b  may be sized to prevent the conduit tube  26   a ,  26   b  from being removed from the recess  64   a ,  64   b  when the housing  16  is assembled while still allowing for rotational movement of the conduit tube  26   a ,  26   b  about an axis thereof. 
         [0040]    The top housing portion  18  may further include an interior wall  68 . The interior wall  68  may extend around an entire interior inner perimeter of the top housing portion  18  or only a portion of the inner perimeter, as desired. The interior wall  68  may include a pair of semi-circular recesses  66   a ,  66   b  formed therein. The recesses  66   a ,  66   b  may be configured to mate with corresponding recesses  62   a ,  62   b  (see, for example,  FIG. 5 b   ) formed in bottom housing portion  20 . When the top housing portion  18  and the bottom housing portion  20  are assembled, recess  66   a  may generally align with recess  62   a  to form aperture  58   a , as shown in  FIG. 3 . While not explicitly shown, recess  62   b  and recess  66   b  may generally align to form a similar aperture for allowing a cable to pass from an interior cavity  71  of the housing  16  to a location external to the housing  16  through the lumen  45  of the conduit tube  26 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates a partial top view of the actuator  10 . The stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b  are shown extending from an end of the top housing portion  18 . As described above, the stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b  may alternatively, or additionally, extend from the bottom housing portion  20 . As can be seen, the protruding portions  38   a ,  38   b  of the conduit tubes  26   a ,  26   b  extend laterally beyond the stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b . This may prevent continued or continuous rotation of the conduit tubes  26   a ,  26   b . Conduit tube  26   a  may be rotated as shown at  43   a  in a clockwise direction about axis  41   a  until the protruding portion  38   a  abuts or contacts a lower edge or surface of the stop mechanism  46   a  on the housing  16 . At the point of contact between the lower edge of the stop mechanism  46   a  and the protruding portion  38   a  of the conduit tube  26   a , the conduit tube  26   a  resists further rotation in the clockwise direction. The direction of rotation  43   a  of the conduit tube  26   a  may be reversed (e.g. the conduit tube  26   a  may be rotated in the counter-clockwise direction) to position the opening  28   a  in the desired orientation. It is contemplated that the conduit tube  26   a  may be rotated  43   a  in a counter-clockwise direction about axis  41   a  until the protruding portion  38   a  abuts or contacts an upper edge or surface of the stop mechanism  46   a  on the housing  16 . Conduit tube  26   b  may have a reverse configuration. For example, clockwise rotation of conduit tube  26   b  about axis  41   b  may bring the protruding portion  38   b  into contact with the upper edge or surface of the stop mechanism  46   b  while counter-clockwise rotation of conduit tube  26   b  about axis  41   b  may bring the protruding portion  38   b  into contact with the lower edge or surface of the stop mechanism  46   b . These are just examples of some illustrative configurations that may be used to prevent or reduce continuous rotation. It is contemplated that the stop mechanisms  46   a ,  46   b  and/or protruding portions  38   a ,  38   b  may be arranged in any configuration desired. For example, it is contemplated that the stop features may be provided on the neck  32  and/or flange  30  of the conduit tube  26  and/or at a point internal to the housing  16  (for example, at any point on or along recesses  52   a ,  52   b ,  54   a ,  54   b ,  60   a ,  60   b ,  62   a ,  62   b ). 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another illustrative but non-limiting valve actuator  100  for driving a valve shaft, such as a shaft of an HVAC air damper (not explicitly shown). While the valve actuator  100  is described as driving a shaft of an HVAC air damper, it is contemplated that the valve actuator may be used to drive any suitable valve shaft including but not limited to water valves within hydronic heating and/or cooling systems, other fluid or gas valves, and/or any other actuatable valve as desired. The illustrative valve actuator  100  includes an actuator  102 . While not explicitly shown, the actuator  102  may include an actuator mounting assembly, a drive member and/or a shaft adaptor similar in form and function to those described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . In the example shown, the actuator  102  includes a housing  103  having a top housing portion  104  and a bottom housing portion  106  that contains an electric motor (not shown) and in some cases as drive train (not shown) for rotating a drive member (also not shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0043]    The actuator  102  may include conduit tubes or fittings  108   a ,  108   b  (collectively  108 ) extending from an end thereof. While the actuator  102  is shown and described as including two conduit tubes  108 , it is contemplated that the actuator  102  may include fewer than two conduit tubes  108  or more than two conduit tubes  108 , as desired. Each conduit tube  108   a ,  108   b  may be the same size and shape as the other but have a different spatial arrangement. For example, conduit  108   a  is positioned in an arrangement that is approximately 180° opposite that of conduit  108   b  (or in mirror image). As used herein, reference to a generic conduit or conduit structure may lack the “a” or “b” denotation while the “a” and “b” denotation may be used to differentiate between two conduits on the same actuator. Cables (for example, for providing power and/or control commands to the actuator) may exit the actuator  102  through an opening  110   a ,  110   b  defined in an end of the conduit tube  108   a ,  108   b . In some instances, the conduit tubes  108  may be positioned such that the cables exit the actuator  102  in line with (i.e. parallel with) a longitudinal axis  1126  of the actuator  102 . For example, the plane of the outlet opening  110  may be generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  1126  of the actuator  102 . In some applications, it may be desirable for the cable and/or conduit to make an immediate bend after exiting the actuator  102  due to wiring and/or space constraints. The conduit tubes  108  may be rotatable or otherwise positionable to allow the user to select the direction that the cable and/or conduit exits the actuator  102 . This may allow the user to adjust the direction of the cable and/or conduit without requiring additional fittings, tools and/or adding length to the actuator  102 . The conduit tubes  108  may be individually movable such that each tube  108   a ,  108   b  may be adjusted independently of the other. For example, as will be described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 11A-11F , the outlet openings  110   a ,  110   b  of the conduit tubes  108   a ,  108   b  may not necessarily be positioned in the same orientation. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an example conduit tube  108 . The conduit tube  108  may include a flange  116  and a neck region  118  extending form a body portion  124 . The flange  116  and neck region  118  may extend along an axis  150  that is at a non-orthogonal angle to a longitudinal axis  126  of the conduit tube  108 . When the conduit tube  108  is coupled with the actuator  102 , the conduit tube  108  may be rotated about axis  150 , as shown at  152 , to change the orientation or direction of the opening  110 . The edge of the conduit tube  108  between the neck region  118  and the body portion  124  may define a mating surface  120  configured to engage or generally align with a mating angled face of the actuator  102 . The mating surface  120  of the conduit tube  108  may have an angled surface that is at a generally non-orthogonal angle to the longitudinal axis  126  of the conduit tube  108 . The angled surface  120  may allow the direction of the opening  110  to be positioned in different planes as the conduit tube  108  is rotated about axis  150 . It is contemplated that the mating surface  120  may be sized and shaped such that rotation of the conduit tube  108  results in a conical translation of the opening  110  of the conduit tube  108 . In other words, during rotation of the conduit tube  108 , the flange  116  may remain at a generally fixed location relative to the actuator  102  while the outlet opening  110  moves along a generally arced or circular path. A lumen  158  may extend through the conduit tube  108  from an inlet at the flange  116  to the outlet opening  110  to allow one or more cable and/wires to pass through the conduit tube  108  and into the inside of the housing  103  (e.g. to connect to an electric motor, relay, control circuit and/or the like). 
         [0045]    While not explicitly shown, the conduit tube  108  may be provided with a protrusion, or other stop feature, configured to engage a corresponding feature on the housing  103  to limit rotational movement of the conduit tube  108 . The stop features may be similar in form and function to the stop mechanisms  38   a ,  38   b ,  46   a ,  46   b  described above. This may prevent the conduit tube  108  from being rotated beyond 360° about axis  150 . It is contemplated that rotation greater than 360° may twist or kink a cables within the conduit, which is undesirable. The range of rotation of the conduit tube  108  may be determined by the size, position and/or quantity of stop mechanisms on the actuator  102  and/or the size, position and/or quantity of stop mechanisms on the conduit tube  108 . It is contemplated that any combination of shapes, sizes, and/or quantities of stop mechanisms may be used to limit rotation of the conduit tube  108  to the desired amount. For example, the rotation of the conduit tube  108  may be limited to 360° or less, 345° or less, 300° or less, 270° or less, etc. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the illustrative but non-limiting valve actuator  100  of  FIG. 7  with one of the conduit tubes  108   a  removed. The actuator  102  may have a generally rectangular prism shape, although this is not required and it is contemplated that the actuator  100  may take any shape desired. In the example shown, the actuator housing  103  includes a pair of angled faces  164   a ,  164   b  on an end thereof. The angled faces  164   a ,  164   b  may generally align or mate with the mating surface  120  of the conduit tube  108 . The angled faces  164   a ,  164   b  will be described with respect to angled face  164   a . However, as can be seen in subsequent figures, angled face  164   b  may be a mirror image of angled face  164   a.    
         [0047]    A first portion  130   a  of the angled face  164   a  may be formed by the top housing portion  104  and a second portion  112   a  of the angled face  164   a  may be formed by the bottom housing portion  106 . A semi-circular recess  132   a  may be formed in a lower region of the first portion  130   a . The recess  132   a  may be configured to generally align with a corresponding semi-circular recess  114   a  formed in an upper region of the second portion  112   a  of the angled face  164   a . Together, the recesses  132   a ,  114   a  may form a first generally circular aperture configured to receive the neck  118   a  of the conduit tube  108   a . For example, the neck  118   a  may rest on surface  166   a.    
         [0048]    The mating features of the conduit tubes  108  and the housing  103  will be now be described with respect to  FIGS. 10A and 10B  which illustrate a perspective views of the top housing portion  104  and the bottom housing portion  106 , respectively, with both conduit tubes  108   a ,  108   b  removed.  FIG. 10A  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the top housing portion  104  with both conduit tubes  108   a ,  108   b  removed. As described above, the angled faces  164   a ,  164   b  may include a first portion  130   a ,  130   b  formed by the top housing portion  104 . A semi-circular recess  132   a ,  132   b  may be formed in a lower region of the first portion  130   a ,  130   b.    
         [0049]    While the recesses  132   a ,  132   b  are described as having a semi-circular shape, the recesses  132   a ,  132   b  may take any shape desired. 
         [0050]    The top housing portion  104  may include an interior wall  168 . The interior wall  168  may extend around an entire interior inner perimeter of the top housing portion  104  or only a portion of the inner perimeter, as desired. The interior wall  168  may include a pair of semi-circular recesses  172   a ,  172   b  formed therein. In some embodiments, the recesses  172   a ,  172   b  may be larger than recesses  132   a ,  132   b . For example, recesses  172   a ,  172   b  may be sized and shaped to receive flanges  116   a ,  116   b  while recesses  132   a ,  132   b  may be sized and shaped to receive the necks  118   a ,  118   b  of the conduit fittings  108   a ,  108   b . This is just an example. In other embodiments, the recesses  172   a ,  172   b  may be similar in size and shape to recesses. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the first portion  130   a ,  130   b  of the angled faces  164   a ,  164   b  may have a region  170   a ,  170   b  of increased wall thickness near the recesses  132   a ,  132   b , although this is not required. The outer recesses  132   a ,  132   b  of the top housing portion  104  in combination with the outer recesses  114   a ,  114   b  of the bottom housing portion  106  may be similar in size (e.g. have a diameter) to an outer dimension of the neck  118   a ,  118   b  or may be slightly larger. The inner recesses  172   a ,  172   b  of the top housing portion  104  in combination with the inner recesses  136   a ,  136   b  of the bottom housing portion  106  may be similar in size (e.g. have a diameter) to an outer dimension of the flange  116   a ,  116   b  or may be slightly larger. 
         [0052]    The bottom housing portion  106  may include an interior wall  134 . The interior wall  134  may extend around an entire interior inner perimeter of the bottom housing portion  106  or only a portion of the inner perimeter, as desired. The interior wall  134  may include a pair of semi-circular recesses  136   a ,  136   b  formed therein. In some embodiments, the recesses  136   a ,  136   b  may be larger than recesses  114   a ,  114   b . For example, recesses  136   a ,  136   b  may be sized and shaped to receive flanges  116   a ,  116   b  while recesses  114   a ,  114   b  may be sized and shaped to receive the necks  118   a ,  118   b  of the conduit fittings  108   a ,  108   b . This is just an example. In other embodiments, the recesses  136   a ,  136   b  may be similar in size and shape to recesses  114   a ,  114   b.    
         [0053]    In some embodiments, the second portion  112   a ,  112   b  of the angled faces  164   a ,  164   b  may have a region  176   a ,  176   b  of increased wall thickness near the recesses  114   a ,  114   b , although this is not required. The outer recesses  114   a ,  114   b  of the bottom housing portion  106  in combination with the outer recesses  132   a ,  132   b  of the top housing portion  104  may be similar in size (e.g. have a diameter) to an outer dimension of the neck  118   a ,  118   b  or may be slightly larger. The inner recesses the inner recesses  136   a ,  136   b  of the bottom housing portion  106  in combination with the inner recesses  172   a ,  172   b  of the top housing portion  104  may be similar in size (e.g. have a diameter) to an outer dimension of the flange  116   a ,  116   b  or may be slightly larger. 
         [0054]    It is contemplated that the aperture formed by the outer recesses  132   a ,  132   b  of the top housing portion  104  and the outer recesses  114   a ,  114   b  may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the flange  116   a ,  116   b . This may secure the flange  116   a ,  116   b  within a cavity  174  of the housing  103 . For example, the flange  116   a ,  116   b  may be sized to prevent the conduit tube  108   a ,  108   b  from being removed the assembled housing  103  while still allowing for rotational movement of the conduit tube  108   a ,  108   b  about an axis thereof. In some instances, a side surface of the flange  116   a ,  116   b  may rest against an interior surface (e.g. surface facing the cavity  174 ) of the interior wall  168 , although this is not required. In other instances, an outer perimeter edge of the flange  116   a ,  116   b  may rest on a surface of the interior walls  168 ,  134  (e.g. on recesses  172   a ,  172   b ,  136   a ,  136   b ). 
         [0055]      FIGS. 11A-11F  show illustrative configurations of the conduit tubes  108   a ,  108   b . These are not intended to be limiting, but rather, illustrate some possible configurations. It should be understood that while the various configurations are illustrated with respect to the actuator  102  of  FIG. 7 , the actuator  12  of  FIG. 1  may be configured in a similar manner.  FIG. 11A  illustrates a first configuration of the conduit tubes  108   a ,  108   b . As can be seen in  FIG. 11A , the conduit tubes  108   a ,  108   b  may both be positioned such that the opening  110   a ,  100   b  opens in line with (e.g. parallel with) a longitudinal axis  140  of the valve actuator  100 . This may allow the cables  142   a ,  142   b  to exit the actuator  102  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  140 . In  FIG. 11B , the second conduit tube  108   b  has been rotated about axis  150   b  such that the opening  110   b  opens or faces a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  140  of the device  100 . This may allow the cable  142   b  to exit the actuator  102  in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  140 , while the first cable  142   a  exits the actuator  102  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  140 . 
         [0056]    In  FIG. 11C , the first conduit tube  108   a  and the second conduit tube  108   b  have been rotated about their respective axis  150   a ,  150   b  such that the openings  110   a ,  110   b  both open or face a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  140 . However, the openings  110   a ,  110   b  may face in opposite directions from one another. For example, the first cable  142   a  may exit the actuator  102  in a first lateral direction and the second cable  142   b  may exit the actuator  102  in a second lateral direction, opposite the first lateral direction. In  FIG. 11D , the first conduit tube  108   a  and the second conduit tube  108   b  have been rotated about their respective axis  150   a ,  150   b  such that the openings  110   a ,  110   b  open or face a non-orthogonal direction to the longitudinal axis  140 . In  FIG. 11E , the first conduit tube  108   a  and the second conduit tube  108   b  have been rotated about their respective axis  150   a ,  150   b  such that the first opening  110   a  opens or faces a non-orthogonal direction to the longitudinal axis  140  and the second opening  110   b  opens or faces a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  140 . In  FIG. 11F , the first conduit tube  108   a  and the second conduit tube  108   b  have been rotated about their respective axis  150   a ,  150   b  such that the openings  110   a ,  110   b  open or face a non-orthogonal direction to the longitudinal axis  140 . However, the openings  110   a ,  110   b  may face in opposite directions from one another. 
       EXAMPLES 
       [0057]    In a first example, a valve actuator assembly for actuating an actuator output to drive an input shaft of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) air damper may comprise a housing, an electric motor situated in the housing, and a drive train operatively coupled to the electric motor for rotating the actuator output. A first conduit tube defining a lumen having an inlet facing inside of the housing and an outlet facing outside of the housing may be coupled to the housing. The first conduit tube may be configured to change a direction that the outlet of the first conduit tube faces when the first conduit tube is rotated relative to the housing. 
         [0058]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the housing may comprise first side and an opposing second side, wherein the actuator output extends out through the first side. The housing may further comprise a top side and an opposing bottom side extending between the first side and the second side. The bottom side may comprise a first region that is generally parallel to the top side and a second region that is not parallel to the top side, wherein the first conduit tube may be rotatably coupled to the second region of the housing. 
         [0059]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the second region may intersect the first region at an angle of between 20 and 80 degrees. 
         [0060]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the second region may intersect the first region at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees. 
         [0061]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first conduit tube may be configured such that the direction that the outlet faces is not orthogonal to the second region. 
         [0062]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the valve actuator assembly may further comprise a second conduit tube rotatably coupled to the housing at a location spaced from the first conduit tube. The second conduit tube may define a lumen having an inlet facing inside of the housing and an outlet facing outside of the housing. The second conduit tube may be configured to change the direction that the outlet of the second conduit tube faces when the second conduit tube is rotated relative to the housing. 
         [0063]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first conduit tube and the second conduit tube may be configured to be rotatable independent of one another. 
         [0064]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the housing may comprise a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the actuator output extends out through the first side. The housing may further comprise a top side and an opposing bottom side extending between the first side and the second side. The bottom side may comprise a first region that is generally parallel to the top side, a second region that is not parallel to the top side, wherein the first conduit tube is rotatably coupled to the second region of the housing; and a third region that is not parallel to the top side and not parallel to the second region, wherein the second conduit tube is rotatably coupled to the third region of the housing. 
         [0065]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the housing may comprise a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the actuator output extends out through the first side. The housing may further comprise a top side and an opposing bottom side extending between the first side and the second side. The bottom side may comprise a first conduit receiving region that is not parallel to the top side, wherein the first conduit tube is rotatably coupled to the first conduit receiving region of the housing and a second conduit receiving region that is not parallel to the top side and not parallel to the first conduit receiving region, wherein the second conduit tube is rotatably coupled to the second conduit receiving region of the housing. 
         [0066]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first conduit tube may comprise a flange, a body, and a neck extending between the flange and the body, wherein the flange is situated inside of the housing, the neck extends through an aperture in the housing, and the body is situated outside of the housing. 
         [0067]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the valve actuator assembly may further comprise a stop mechanism for limiting a range of rotation of the first conduit tube relative to the housing. 
         [0068]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the stop mechanism may be configured to limiting the range of rotation of the first conduit tube relative to the housing to 360° or less. 
         [0069]    In another example, a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) device for controlling one or more HVAC components of an HVAC system of a building may comprise a housing, one or more electrical components situated in the housing, and a first conduit tube rotatably coupled to the housing. The first conduit tube may define a lumen having an inlet facing inside of the housing and an outlet facing outside of the housing, wherein the first conduit tube is configured to change a direction that the outlet of the first conduit tube faces when the first conduit tube is rotated relative to the housing. 
         [0070]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the housing may comprise a first side and an opposing second side, a top side and an opposing bottom side extending between the first side and the second side. The bottom side may comprise a first region that is generally parallel to the top side and a second region that is not parallel to the top side. The first conduit tube may be rotatably coupled to the second region of the housing. 
         [0071]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the second region may intersect the first region at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees. 
         [0072]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first conduit tube may be configured such that the direction that the outlet faces is not orthogonal to the second region. 
         [0073]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the HVAC device may further comprise a second conduit tube rotatably coupled to the housing at a location spaced from the first conduit tube, the second conduit tube defining a lumen having an inlet facing inside of the housing and an outlet facing outside of the housing, wherein the second conduit tube is configured to change the direction that the outlet of the second conduit tube faces when the second conduit tube is rotated relative to the housing. 
         [0074]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the HVAC device may further comprise a stop mechanism for limiting a range of rotation of the first conduit tube relative to the housing. 
         [0075]    In another example, a valve actuator for actuating a valve may comprise a housing, an actuator output, an electric motor situated in the housing, a drive train operatively coupled to the electric motor for rotating the actuator output, a first conduit tube, and a second conduit tube. The housing may comprise a first side and an opposing second side. The second side may comprise a first conduit receiving region that is not parallel to the first side and a second conduit receiving region that is not parallel to the first side and not parallel to the first conduit receiving region. The first conduit tube may be rotatably coupled to the first conduit receiving region of the housing and the second conduit tube may be rotatably coupled to the second conduit receiving region of the housing. 
         [0076]    Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the valve actuator may further comprise a stop mechanism for limiting a range of rotation of the first conduit tube relative to the housing. 
         [0077]    It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. The various individual elements discussed above may be arranged or configured in any combination thereof without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure&#39;s scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.