Patent Publication Number: US-2023133673-A1

Title: Impact driver valve systems

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/275,790 filed Nov. 4, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to valve systems and more particularly is related to valve systems for use with electrically-powered tools. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Industrial valves are used to regulate the flow of liquids, gases, and slurries through pipes in a number of applications, including mining, oil and gas processing, factory operations, and the like. A typical valve consists of a disc, wedge, globe, ball or pinch mechanism connected by a valve stem to a handwheel. Handwheels are designed for human operation and must be turned by hand in order to reduce or increase flow. Throughout the service life of the valve, it can become increasingly difficult to operate the handwheel due to wearing of the component materials or accumulation of debris around the moving parts. Furthermore, valves can be located at remote or hard-to-reach areas, making timely operation in the event of an emergency very difficult. 
     Valves that operate with powered tools, such as impact drivers, are known. However, the design of the valve stems can make operation difficult due to movement of the valve stems during operation. Additionally, due to the remote locations of these valves, it is not always practical to use corded power tools that rely on electrical outlets to operate. Moreover, these valves often do not operate with handwheels, forcing a choice between manual and tool-driven operation. 
     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a knife gate valve apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A knife gate valve includes a shutoff apparatus and a valve stem in communication with the shutoff apparatus. The valve stem includes a threaded portion and a journaled portion above the threaded portion. The journaled portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion. A head portion sized and shaped to engage with a powered rotational tool. A yoke has a journal cutout through which the journaled portion of the valve stem is positioned. A vertical position of the valve stem is maintained by the yoke. The valve stem is rotatable within the yoke to operate the shutoff apparatus. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a handwheel apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A handwheel includes an outer handle and a center plate having a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion is sized and shaped to engage with a shaft or a valve stem. The top portion is sized and shaped to engage with a rotational socket. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a stemmed valve apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A stemmed valve apparatus includes a shutoff apparatus and a first valve stem in communication with the shutoff apparatus. A rotational transfer system is in communication with the first valve stem. A second valve stem is in communication with the rotational transfer system. The second valve stem has an end sized to engage with a powered rotational tool. Rotation of the second valve stem within the rotational transfer system causes the first valve stem to rotate. The rotation of the first and second valve stems operates the shutoff apparatus to open and close. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing an impact-driven valve apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. An impact driven valve apparatus includes a shutoff apparatus and a valve stem in communication with the shutoff apparatus. The valve stem has a threaded portion and a head portion sized and shaped to engage with a powered rotational tool. 
     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG.  1    is a side view illustration of a knife gate valve in partial cross section, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view illustration of the yoke of the knife gate valve, in accordance with first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a top view illustration of the yoke of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view illustration of the yoke having a journal cutout sized and shaped to receive a flanged ball bearing, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 C  is a side view illustration of a single-piece yoke having a journal cutout sized and shaped to receive a circular ball bearing, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 D  is a side view illustration of the single-piece yoke having a journal cutout sized and shaped to receive an external flange bearing, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a side view illustration of the valve stem of the knife gate valve, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a top view illustration of the valve stem of the knife gate valve, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a diagrammatic illustration of a knife gate in use with the knife gate valve, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view illustration of a handwheel, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom view illustration of the handwheel, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  are bottom view illustrations of alternative bottom portion shapes, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view illustration of the handwheel in operation with a valve stem, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a side view illustration of the handwheel with a bolt, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  are side view illustrations of the knife gate valve in operation, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a diagrammatic illustration of a stemmed valve, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a diagrammatic illustration of a handwheel for use with the stemmed valve of  FIG.  12   , in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a diagrammatic illustration of exemplary valve stem head and socket shapes, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a side view illustration of a knife gate valve  100  in partial cross section, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The knife gate valve  100  includes a shutoff apparatus  110  and a valve stem  120  in communication with the shutoff apparatus  110 . The valve stem  120  includes a threaded portion  122  and a journaled portion  124  above the threaded portion  122 . The journaled portion  124  has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion  122 . A head portion  126  is sized and shaped to engage with a powered rotational tool. A yoke  130  has a journaled cutout through which the journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120  is positioned. A vertical position of the valve stem  120  is maintained by the yoke  130 . The valve stem  120  is rotatable within the yoke  130  to operate the shutoff apparatus  110 . 
     The knife gate valve  100  may be used in operation with a pipe  10 . The pipe  10  is shown in  FIG.  1    in cross-section. The pipe  10  may be any pipe or similar apparatus carrying any suitable type of material. The shutoff apparatus  110  may operate within a section of the pipe  10  to block or allow the flow of the material within the pipe  10 . A valve body  20  may house the shutoff apparatus  110 . Any combination of components typically used together with pipes and valve apparatuses may be used, including packing boxes, bushings, couplings, and the like. 
     The shutoff apparatus  110  may include any suitable type and size of shutoff apparatuses for stopping, regulating, and allowing the flow of material through a pipe  10 , including wedge gates, knife gates, discs, pinch mechanisms, and the like.  FIG.  1    shows a cross-section of a knife shutoff apparatus  110  in use with the knife gate valve  100 . Wedge gates may include a bonnet and sealing arrangement to maintain the position of the wedge, rather than the yoke  130 . In the example shown in  FIG.  1   , the shutoff apparatus  110  may be lifted out of the flow path of the pipe  10  to allow the flow of material, and lowered into the flow path of the pipe  10  to reduce the flow of material.  FIG.  1    shows a simplified illustration of the shutoff apparatus  110  for ease of understanding the operation of the subject disclosure. However, those familiar with the art will understand that the shutoff apparatus  110  may operate in conjunction with any suitable additional components not illustrated, including bonnets, packing boxes, housings, and the like. In one example, a packing box, may contain several layers of wax rope or different types of sealing materials. When bolts or other fasteners are tightened to the packing box, it may create a seal against the shutoff apparatus  110  and the valve body. 
     A valve stem  120  may be in communication with the shutoff apparatus  110 . In one example, the valve stem  120  and the shutoff apparatus  110  may be connected in a way that allows the shutoff apparatus  110  to travel up and down the threaded portion  122  of the valve stem  120 , for instance by internal threading  112  along a portion of the shutoff apparatus  110  or a threaded portion affixed to the shutoff apparatus  110 . The valve stem  120  may include a threaded portion  122 , a journaled portion  124 , and a head portion  126 . The threaded portion  122  may have external threading along a lower aspect of the valve stem  120 . In one example, the threaded portion  122  may extend at least partially between a bottom end of the valve stem  120  and the journaled portion  124 . For instance, the threaded portion  122  may extend completely between the bottom end and the journaled portion  124 . In another example, the threaded portion  122  may extend from the bottom end of the valve stem  120 . In another example, the threaded portion  122  may extend from the journaled portion  124 . The external threading and the internal threading  122  may be sized to operate together, i.e., may have the same diameter, pitch, and thread density. 
     The journaled portion  124  may be a portion of the valve stem  120  located above the threaded portion  122 . A diameter of the journaled portion  124  may be smaller than the diameter of the threaded portion  122 . This is shown in more detail relative to  FIG.  4 A , below. The journaled portion  124  may provide a cutout volume around which the yoke  130  may fit to maintain a vertical position of the valve stem  120  within the yoke  130 . This is discussed in greater detail relative to  FIGS.  2 - 4 A , below. 
     The head portion  126  may be a portion of the valve stem  120  located above the journaled portion  124 . The head portion  126  may include the upper aspect of the valve stem  120 , i.e., may be the top of the valve stem  120 . The head portion  126  may be shaped and sized to engage with a powered rotational tool. In one example, the head portion  126  may be at least partially shaped as a hexagonal head for operation with a hexagonal socket. Other shapes may include 12-point, spline, Torx, and similar shapes used in rotational connections. In operation, depending on design, the head portion  126  may be in mechanical communication with the yoke  130  in a number of different ways. Examples are illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 4 A  which include the use of single-piece yokes, multiple-piece yokes, ball bearings, flange bearings, and the like. For simplicity of discussion, the majority of the disclosure will refer to the example illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3 A and  4 A . However, it should be understood that this is intended to be illustrative only, and that the examples shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D  may be included interchangeably within the full scope and operation of this disclosure as described therein. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the head portion  126  may include a lip  128  located at the base of the head portion  126  and directly above the journaled portion  124 . The lip  128  may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the journaled portion  124 . In one example, the diameter of the lip  128  may be larger than a diameter of the top of the head portion  126 , i.e., the portion that operates with a powered rotational tool. In another example, the diameter of the lip  128  may be greater than a diameter of the journal cutout of the yoke  130 . The larger diameter of the lip  128  may allow the valve stem  120  to sit on and against the top of the yoke  130  when in operation. This may maintain the vertical position of the valve stem  120  relative to the yoke  130 . 
     The yoke  130  may include a single, fixed-piece yoke or a multi-piece yoke with a removable portion. These are described relative to  FIGS.  1 - 3 D  and may be used within the full scope and operation of this disclosure and with any of the other figures herein. For simplicity of discussion, the majority of the disclosure will refer to the example illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3 A . However, it should be understood that this is exemplary only, and that the single, fixed-piece yoke may be used in operation with the invention as described. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the yoke  130  has a fixed portion  132  and a removable portion (not shown in this view). These are shown in greater detail relative to  FIG.  2 - 3 A , below. In  FIG.  1   , the fixed portion  132  is shown facing out of the page, and the removable portion facing into the page; however, any suitable orientation may be considered within the scope of this disclosure. The yoke  130  may include a plurality of posts  136  connecting the fixed portion  132  with an exterior of the valve body  20 . The posts  136  may extend between the fixed portion  132  and the valve body  20  to maintain the fixed portion  132  at a height above the valve body  20 . In one example, the yoke  130  may include four posts  136  supporting the fixed portion  132  above the valve body  20 . The posts  136  may extend through holes in the fixed portion  132  and may be fastened using any suitable fastener, such as nuts, screws, rivets, and the like. 
       FIG.  2    is a side view illustration of the yoke  130  of the knife gate valve  100 , in accordance with first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fixed portion  132  is shown fixed and mounted atop a plurality of posts  136 . A removable portion  134  is shown secured to a rear side of the fixed portion  132 . The removable portion  134  may be removably secured to the fixed portion  132  about the journaled portion of the valve stem  120 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . The removable portion  134  may have the same vertical thickness as the fixed portion  132  and may be secured along a horizontal plane common to the fixed portion  132  and the removable portion  134 . In one example, a length of the removable portion  134  may be smaller than a length of the fixed portion  132 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the length of each portion  132 ,  134  may be the distance measured between the left and right ends of the portions  132 ,  134 . 
     The posts  136  may be located toward the left and right ends of the fixed portion  132 .  FIG.  2    shows the fixed portion  132  being secured to the posts  136  by a fastener such as a nut  138 . The nuts  138  may thread into ,the posts  136  to secure the fixed portion  132  to the posts  136 . 
       FIG.  3 A  is a top view illustration of the yoke  130  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fixed portion  132  and the removable portion  134  are shown in an expanded view to illustrate the separation and removal of the removable portion  134  from the fixed portion  132 . In operation, the removable portion  134  may be secured to the fixed portion  132  by a plurality of fasteners such as bolts  336 , illustrated in broken lines in  FIG.  3   . The bolts  336  may extend through the removable portion  134  and into the fixed portion  132  to secure the fixed portion  132  and removable portion  134  together. In one example, any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners may be used. For instance, screws, cotters, pins, tongue and groove systems, locking mechanisms, and the like may be used. In one example, the fasteners may be removable, enabling the removable portion  134  to be transitioned between being secured to the fixed portion  132  and being separated from the fixed portion  132 . In the example shown in  FIG.  3   , the bolts  336  may be threaded and may engage with internal threading within corresponding bolt holes in the fixed and removable portions  132 ,  134 . The bolts  336  may be removable by turning the bolt heads  338  to loosen the bolts  336 . 
     The fixed and removable portions  132 ,  134  may each have a journal cutout  332 ,  334  located at an adjoining edge of each portion  322 ,  324 . The journal cutout  332  for the fixed portion  132  may be an area where a volume of the fixed portion  132  has been removed away from the adjoining edge  322  of the fixed portion  132 . The journal cutout  334  for the removable portion  134  may be an area where a volume of the removable portion  134  has been removed away from the adjoining edge  324  of the removable portion  134 . In one example, the journal cutouts  332 ,  334  individually may be formed as semi-circles, and together may form a circle. This shape and size may correspond to the shape and size of the journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120 . This may allow the journaled portion  124  to be placed within the journal cutouts  332 ,  334  when the removable portion  134  is secured to the fixed portion  132  of the yoke  130 . 
     In one example, the yoke  130  may include bearings  340  to reduce friction, wear, and tear along the cutouts. The fixed and removable portions  132 ,  134  may each have a semi-circular bearing half. In one example, the bearings  340  may be replaceable and may be removed from the yoke  130  when they have worn out. The semi-circular bearing halves  340  may be received in the journal cutouts  332 ,  334 . In another example, the yoke  130  may include a grease insert  342  or grease zerk to allow lubricant to be fed through the removable portion  134  and into the journal cutouts  332 ,  334  to lubricate the valve stem  120  and the yoke  130  in operation. The grease insert  342  may be any suitable type and number of inserts at any desired location on the yoke  130 . 
     It should be understood that any number of circular ball bearings may be used to secure the valve stem  120  to the yoke  130 , and that any suitable method of retaining the circular ball bearings inside of the yoke  130  may be used herein. In one example, this may include pressing the bearings into a shaft or heating the bearings and attaching them to the shaft, then pressing the shaft into the yoke  130 . Once the bearings are secured to the yoke  130 , plates may be installed over the bearings to prevented them from being dislodged and to deter unwanted debris. 
       FIGS.  3 B- 3 D  are illustrated as exploded side view drawings. In operation, all of the components will be placed together and/or received within one another as described herein. For ease of illustration, the journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120  is only partially shown. 
       FIG.  3 B  is a side view illustration of yoke  130  having a journal cutout  360  sized and shaped to receive a flanged ball bearing  350 . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the yoke  130  may include a fixed portion  132  and a removable portion  134 . A journal cutout  360 , which may comprise two volumes of material removed from each of the fixed portion  132  and the removable portion  134 , may be located in the same position as the journal cutouts  332 ,  334  of  FIG.  3 A , above. Since  FIG.  3 B  shows the yoke  130  in an assembled state, the journal cutout  360  herein is referred to as a single cutout, rather than two halves of a cutout. However, it should be understood that each of the yoke pieces  132 ,  134  may have a volume of material which has been removed, and which forms a desired volume when assembled together. In the case of  FIG.  3 B , the volume of material removed may correspond to a flanged ball bearing  350 ; i.e., the journal cutout  360  may be sized and shaped to receive and hold a flanged ball bearing  350  for operation therein. In one example, the journal cutout  360  may include one or more horizontal lips  362  corresponding with flanges  352  extending horizontally and radially away from the center of the flanged ball bearing  350 . The lips  362  may provide a shelf upon which the flanged ball bearing  350  may rest and may maintain its vertical position in operation within the yoke  130 . In one example, the flange or flanges  352  may have a diameter greater than an interior diameter of a portion of the journal cutout  360  to allow this fit. The flanged ball bearing  350  may include any type and number of suitable flanged ball bearings, having any suitable diameter, length, thickness, number and type of bearings, and the like. The flanges  352  may extend from one or more portions of the flanged ball bearing  350 , depending on the design. The valve stem  120  may be sized and shaped to extend through a central hole (not shown in this view) in the flanged ball bearing  350  such that the valve stem  130  may be positioned through the flanged ball bearing  350  and the yoke  130  in operation. Specifically, when the removable portion  134  of the yoke  130  is separated from the fixed portion  132 , the valve stem  120  may be positioned through the flanged ball bearing  350 ; the valve stem  120  and flanged ball bearing  350  together may be placed within the journal cutout  360 ; and the removable portion  134  of the yoke  130  may be placed together with the fixed portion  132 . In operation, the valve stem  120  may rotate within the flanged ball bearing  350  as the flanged ball bearing  350  maintains the vertical position of the valve stem  120  within the yoke  130 . In one example, the journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120  may be the portion of the valve stem  120  positioned within the central hole in the flanged ball bearing  350 . 
     With respect to any of the examples described relative to  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D , in one example, a portion of the valve stem  120  may have a diameter equal to or greater than the central hole of the bearing  350 ,  354 ,  390  so that the valve stem  120  may maintain a friction fit with the bearings  350 ,  354 ,  390 . For instance, this may include a tapering of the journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120  such that an upper portion of the journaled portion  124  has a diameter equal to or greater than the central hole, and a lower portion of the journaled portion  124  has a diameter less than the central hole. In another example, this may include a step change in diameter. In another example, the entire diameter of the journaled portion  124  may be equal to the diameter of the central hole. The tapering, stepped, and constant diameter examples are shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D , and one of skill in the art will understand how all of these examples are used in implementation. 
     The journal cutout  370  of the yoke  130  may be created in any suitable manner, including machining, forming, punching, forging, and the like. 
       FIG.  3 C  is a side view illustration of a single-piece yoke  370  having a journal cutout  372  sized and shaped to receive a circular ball bearing  354 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example shown in  FIG.  3 C , the single-piece yoke  370  is a unitary yoke that does not have removable portions as shown above. Within the yoke  370 , at the same position described relative to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , may be journal cutout  372 . The journal cutout  372  may be a generally cylindrical volume of removed material having at least two different internal diameters. The volume of material removed within the first diameter may correspond with a circular ball bearing  354 , which may have a cylindrical or puck shape generally. The volume of material removed within the second diameter may correspond to a portion of the valve stem  120 , including particularly the journaled portion  124 . In other words, the journal cutout  372  may be sized and shaped to receive a circular ball bearing and a portion of a valve stem  120  within the journal cutout  372 . The circular ball bearing  354  may include any suitable type of circular ball bearings, and may include a central hole (not shown in this view) through which the valve stem  120  may be positioned. In operation, the circular ball bearing  354  may be placed within the journal cutout  372 . The circular ball bearing  354  may rest against a lip  374  or ledge created by the difference between the first and second diameters. In this manner, the first diameter may be greater than the second diameter in order to create the lip  374 . The valve stem  120  may be positioned through the central hole of the circular ball bearing  354  until it maintains a vertical position against the circular ball bearing  354 . The valve stem  120  may then be rotated as described herein while maintaining the vertical position of the valve stem  120 . 
       FIG.  3 D  is a side view illustration of the single-piece yoke  370  having a journal cutout  382  sized and shaped to receive an external flange bearing  390 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example shown in  FIG.  3 D , the journal cutout  382  may be a cylindrical volume of material removed from the singular piece of the yoke  370  at the same location and position as described relative to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , above. In one example, the cylinder shape of the journal cutout  382  may have a constant diameter throughout the entire yoke  372 . This diameter may correspond to a portion of the valve stem  120 , for instance, the journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120 . The external flange bearing  390  may not be received within the journal cutout  382 , or may be received only partially within the journal cutout  382  in one example. For instance, the external flange bearing  390  may be positioned on a top surface of the yoke  372  and may be secured to the yoke using any suitable fastening method. In one example, bolts may be attached through bolt holes  394  within a base  398  of the external flange bearing  390  and into the yoke  372  itself. These are only partially illustrated for simplicity in the drawing, but can be understood with reference to  FIG.  3 A , for example. In one example, a lower portion of the external flange bearing  390  may be sized to fit within a portion of the journal cutout  382  to stabilize the external flange bearing  390  on the yoke  372 . The external flange bearing  390  may include any suitable type of external flange bearings with components necessary for providing rotational motion and securing the valve stem therein. For instance, the external flange bearing  390  may include a bushing  392  containing a screw or bolt against which the valve stem  120  may be secured. The bushing  392  and valve stem  120  may be placed within the bearings  396 , having a central hole therethrough (not shown in this view), which may allow the valve stem  120  to rotate within the external flange bearing  390  while maintaining the vertical position of the valve stem  120 . 
     It should be understood that the posts  136  and fasteners  138  illustrated and described relative to  FIG.  2   , above, may be used in operation with any of the yoke embodiments illustrated relative to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D . 
       FIG.  4 A  is a side view illustration of the valve stem  120  of the knife gate valve  100 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The valve stem  120  may include a threaded portion  122 , a journaled portion  124 , and a head portion  126  having a lip  128 . As shown in  FIG.  4 A , a diameter of the journaled portion  124  is smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion  122 . The diameter of the lip  128  may be larger than the diameter of the journaled portion  124 . This may allow the journaled portion  124  to be placed within the journal cutouts  332 ,  334  of the yoke  130  shown in  FIG.  3   , and may allow the valve stem  120  to be maintained at a constant vertical position while in operation. 
     In one example, the diameter of the lip  128  may be larger than a diameter of the threaded portion  122 . In another example, the diameter of the lip  128  may be larger than the diameter of the portion of the head portion  126  that can interface with a hexagonal socket. 
     In one example, the valve stem  120  may be used with any suitable valve type and retaining or sealing arrangement. For instance, the valve stem  120  may be used with a gate valve such as a wedge valve having a bonnet and wiper ring retaining system. In another example, the valve stem  120  may be used with a globe valve or pinch valve having a bonnet and stem retaining system. The valve stem  120  may enable these types of valves to be operated manually or using a power rotational tool, with a socket or directly mated, as shown below. 
       FIG.  4 B  is a top view illustration of the valve stem  120  of the knife gate valve  100 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one example, the head portion  126  may include a cut-out  129  through the top of the head portion  126  and extending along a portion of the length of the valve stem  120 . The cut-out  129  may be formed by machining, such as by broaching, or by other processes such as casting. The cut-out  129  may be sized and shaped to allow direct mating of a powered rotational tool to the head portion  126   without the need for sockets or other mating hardware. In one example, the cut-out  129  may have a square shape to mate with a powered impact driver. In another example, the shape and depth of the cut-out  129  may be different to mate with other tools or devices. For instance, the cut-out  129  may be shaped as a hexagonal, Torx, cross, or other shape. 
     Operating Example 
     An operating example of the knife gate valve  100  is described with reference to  FIGS.  1 -  4 B . To assemble the knife gate valve  100 , the pipe  10  may be assembled along with the valve body  20 . The posts  136  may be fed through and/or threaded through the fixed portion  132  of the yoke  130 . The posts  136  may be attached to the valve body  20  and fastened with the fixed portion  132 . The valve stem  120  may be connected with the shutoff apparatus  110 , for instance, by threading the shutoff apparatus  110  into the threaded portion  122  of the valve stem  120 . The shutoff apparatus  110  and the valve stem  120  may be positioned within the valve body  20  with the valve stem  120  oriented orthogonal to the direction of flow within the pipe  10 . The journaled portion  124  of the valve stem  120  may be positioned within the volume of the journal cutout  332  of the fixed portion  132 . The removable portion  134  of the yolk  130  may be secured to the fixed portion  132  by positioning the removable portion  134  along the adjoining edge  322  and inserting and tightening the bolts  336  through the fixed and removable portions  132 ,  134 . The journaled portion  124  may be positioned within the journal cutouts  332 ,  334 . 
     In operation, a powered rotational tool with a compatible socket may be mated with the head portion  126  of the valve stem  120 , as shown in  FIG.  11 B . The powered rotational tool may be driven in one direction, causing the valve stem  120  to rotate within the yoke  130 , and driving the shutoff apparatus  110  out of the valve body  20  by the movement of the internal threading  112  against the threaded portion  122 . The vertical position of the valve stem  120  may be maintained by the lip  128 , which may press against and rotate against the fixed portion  132  while the valve stem  120  is being driven. The powered rotational tool may be driven in the opposite direction, causing the valve stem  120  to rotate within the yoke  130 , and driving the shutoff apparatus  110  back into the valve body  20  by the movement of the internal threading  112  against the threaded portion  122 . This operational process may be performed a number of times and to the extent desired by the operator. For instance, the shutoff apparatus  110  may be opened or closed as often as desired, and the extent of opening or closing may be determined by the operator as desired. 
     It should be understood that the relative directions and orientations described herein, such as “vertical”, “above”, “below”, “left”, “right”, and the like may be applied relative to any actual orientation of the components in operation. Accordingly, the shutoff apparatus  110 , valve stem  120 , and yoke  130  may be oriented vertically, horizontally, or at any angle, and the relative directions and orientations may be applied accordingly. The directional descriptions should not be understood to limit the invention to any particular orientation, and are illustrative only. 
       FIG.  5    is a diagrammatic illustration of a knife gate  510  in use with the knife gate valve  100 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  5    may be understood with reference to  FIGS.  1 -  4 B , above. The knife gate  510  may be a thinner gate than a wedge shutoff apparatus, and may have a substantially planar shape. The knife gate  510  may be positioned orthogonal to a directional flow of the pipe  10  such that the planar surface of the knife gate  510  opposes the flow when the knife gate  510  is in the flow path. The knife gate  510  may attach to the threaded portion  122  of the valve stem  120  by way of an internally-threaded attachment  512 , which may be located on an exterior side of a top portion of the knife gate  510 . The knife gate  510  may be driven according to the operating example described above. 
     In one example, the internally-threaded attachment  512  may include a grease insert  542  or grease zerk to allow lubricant to be fed into the internally-threaded attachment  512  to lubricate the threaded portion  122  in operation. The grease insert  542  may be any suitable type and number of inserts at any desired location on the internally-threaded attachment  512 . 
       FIG.  6    is a top view illustration of a handwheel  600 , in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The handwheel  600  may include an outer handle  610  and a center plate  620  having a bottom portion (shown in  FIG.  7   ) and a top portion  622 . The bottom portion is sized and shaped to engage with a shaft or valve stem. The top portion  622  is sized and shaped to engage with a rotational socket. Rotational sockets may include hexagonal, 12-point, spline, Torx, and similar socket shapes. For ease of illustration,  FIGS.  6 - 11 B  show a hexagonal rotational shape. 
     The outer handle  610  may have any suitable size and shape for manual operation with a valve stem. In one example, the shape of the outer handle  610  may be a wheel having circular, elliptical, or similar shapes. In another example, the outer handle  610  may include levers, arms, multiple arm configurations, knob and wheel configurations, and similar elongate-member elements extending from the center plate  620 . For ease of illustration, a circular wheel embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS.  6 - 11 A . However, it should be understood that the other handle embodiments described herein are included within the scope of this disclosure. In one example, a diameter of the outer handle  610  may be smaller than a human arm span to allow an operator to manually engage the outer handle. The outer handle  610  may be sized to allow a human hand to grip any portion of the outer handle  610  in operation. 
     The center plate  620  may be smaller in diameter than the outer handle  610 . The top portion  622  may be a volume arising out of the center plate  620  and shaped to engage with a rotational socket. This is shown in side view in  FIG.  9   , below. In practice, the top portion  622  may be a hexagonal or other-shaped extrusion or member extending above the center plate  620 . In one example, the top portion  622  may be manufactured integral with the center plate  620 . In another example, the top portion  622  may be affixed to the center plate  620  by welding, adhesive, mechanical fixture, or other method. 
     In one example, the outer handle  610  may be formed integral with or affixed to the center plate  620 , as in the case of knob-and-wheel configurations, levers, arms, and the like. In another example, a plurality of wheel arms  612  or spokes may extend between the outer handle  610  and the center plate  620 . The wheel arms  612  may be lengthwise members that provide structural support for the outer handle  610  when it is being operated to turn the handwheel  600  and the valve stem. In one example, the wheel arms  612  may be formed integral with the outer handle  610  and the center plate  620 . In another example, the wheel arms  612  may be fixed to the outer handle  610  and center plate  620  by welding, adhesive, mechanical fixture, or the like. In the example shown in  FIG.  6   , four wheel arms  612  are present and are equally-spaced radially about the center plate  620 . However, any suitable number and distribution of wheel arms  612  may be used. For instance, six wheel arms  612  may be used at even spacing about the center plate  620 . In another example, four wheel arms  612  may be used, but with some of the arms positioned more closely to one another than to others. In one example, the wheel arms  612  may be essentially planar or cylindrical, having a straight length between the outer handle  610  and the center plate  620 . In another example, the wheel arms  612  may extend in a curved or non-linear manner between the outer handle  610  and the center plate  620 . For instance, the outer handle  610  may be positioned at a distance above the center plate  620  to make the outer handle  610  more easily accessible, and the wheel arms  612  may curve or bend from the outer handle  610  to reach the center plate  620 . In another example, the width of the wheel arms  612  may vary across the length of the wheel arms  612 . For instance, the wheel arms  612  may be wider at the outer handle  610  and thinner at the center plate  620 . In another example, the width of the wheel arms  612  may be constant, as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     The outer handle  610 , center plate  620 , and wheel arms  612  may be formed from any suitable materials. In one example, all of the components  610 ,  620 ,  612  may be formed from metal, such as steel, galvanized steel, iron, and the like. In another example, all of the components  610 ,  620 ,  612  may be formed or cast integral with one another, i.e., manufactured as a single, monolithic piece. In another example, one or more of the components  610 ,  620 ,  612  may be manufactured separately from the others. Any one or more of the components  610 ,  620 ,  612  may include coatings or other materials to improve grip (friction), reduce strain on the user’s hands, repel dirt and other materials, and the like. 
     A fastener  602  may be used to fasten the handwheel  600  to the valve stem in operation. The fastener  602  may be any suitable mechanical fastener, such as a screw, bolt, pin, cotter, rivet, and the like. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  6   , a threaded screw  602  is shown. The screw  602  may be inserted into a threaded hole within the bottom portion to secure the handwheel  600  against the valve stem. An alternative example is illustrated in  FIG.  10   , showing a screw threaded into the top portion  622  to secure the handwheel  600  against the valve stem. 
     The top portion  622  may extend above the center plate  620  at a length sufficient to allow a powered rotational tool such as an impact driver to engage with the top portion  622 . In operation, the powered rotational tool may be powered to drive the handwheel  600  rotationally in one direction or another, thereby turning the handwheel through powered operation. A user may operate the handwheel  600  manually or with a powered rotational tool as desired. 
     In one example, the top portion  622  may include a cut-out  629  through the top of the top portion  622  and extending along a portion of the length of the top portion. The cut-out  629  may be sized and shaped to allow direct mating of a powered rotational tool to the top portion  622  without the need for sockets or other mating hardware. The cut-out  629  may be made as described relative to the cut-out  129  in  FIG.  4 B , above. 
       FIG.  7    is a bottom view illustration of the handwheel  600 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The handwheel  600  is shown having the outer handle  610 , center plate  620 , wheel arms  612 , and bottom portion  632 . The bottom portion  632  is sized and shaped to engage with a shaft or a valve stem. The shape of the bottom portion  632  may be a socket having an open volume that may be placed over the valve stem. The shape may be any suitable shape for engaging with the valve stem. In the example shown in  FIG.  7   , this may include a round shape with a keyway slot to align the handwheel  600  and the valve stem. At least a portion of the valve stem may have a shape corresponding to the bottom portion  632 . In one example, the bottom portion  632  may extend below the top portion  622  of the center plate  620 . In other words, the socket and open volume may extend at least partially below the outer handle  610 , the wheel arms  612 , or the center plate  620 . In another example, the socket and open volume may extend up through the bottom portion  632  toward the top portion  622 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  are bottom view illustrations of alternative bottom portion shapes, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  8 A  shows a handwheel  801  having a round-shaped socket  831  for engaging with a compatible valve stem.  FIG.  8 B  shows a handwheel  802  having a hexagonal-shaped socket  832  for engaging with a compatible valve stem.  FIG.  8 C  shows a handwheel  803  having a square-shaped socket  833  for engaging with a compatible valve stem. The examples shown in  FIGS.  7 - 8 C  are intended as examples only, and are not meant to limit the subject disclosure. Any other suitable shape, configuration, or combination thereof is included within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIG.  9    is a side view illustration of the handwheel  600  in operation with a valve stem  920 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer handle  610  is shown about the center plate  620  having a top portion  622  and a bottom portion  632 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the bottom portion  632  is engaged with the valve stem  920  by the insertion of the head portion of the valve stem  920  within the socket of the bottom portion  632 . The top portion  622  is oriented to allow engagement with a rotational socket. 
       FIG.  10    is a side view illustration of the handwheel  600  with a bolt  1002 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The bolt  1002  may have an external threading allowing it to engage with internal threading within the top portion  622  and, in some example, the valve stem  920  shown in  FIG.  9   . The threaded bolt  1002  may be inserted into the top portion  622  and tightened until the handwheel  600  is suitably fastened to the valve stem  920 . This may secure the handwheel  600  in operation. 
       FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  are side view illustrations of the knife gate valve  100  in operation, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  may be understood with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 10   , above. For clarity of illustration, reference characters are not shown for every component illustrated, but may be understood to correspond to similar components shown in  FIGS.  1 - 10   . 
       FIG.  11 A  shows the knife gate valve  100  in operation with a handwheel. As an illustrative example, the handwheel shown is the handwheel  600  described relative to  FIGS.  6 - 10   . However, it may be understood that any suitable handwheel may be used with the knife gate valve  100 . In operation, the knife gate valve  100  may be assembled on and within the pipe  10  as described above. The handwheel  600  may be placed over the head portion  126  of the valve stem  120 , and may be secured to the valve stem  120  using a fastener  602 . The handwheel  600  may be turned in one direction, causing the valve stem  120  to rotate in place and while maintaining its vertical position, thereby causing the shutoff apparatus  110  to raise. The handwheel  600  may be turned in the opposite direction, causing the valve stem  120  to rotate in place and while maintaining its vertical position, thereby causing the shutoff apparatus  110  to lower. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11 A , the manual operation of the knife gate valve  100  does not preclude operation with a powered rotational tool. In the example shown, the top portion  622  of the handwheel  600  remains available to accept a socket attached to the end of such a tool. Thus, the knife gate valve  100  may be operated manually or by powered rotational tool when in use with a handwheel. 
       FIG.  11 B  shows the knife gate valve  100  in operation with a powered rotational tool  1100 . The tool pictured is a cordless impact driver, which may be powered using a battery  1102  or other cordless energy source. This may allow the knife gate valve  100  to be operated without need for electrical outlets or localized power supplies; battery-powered rotational tools  1100  may be used in remote locations and away from fixed electrical sources. The powered rotational tool  1100  may be equipped with a socket  1104  sized and shaped to engage with the head portion  126  of the valve stem  120 . The socket  1104  may be placed over and engage with the head portion  126 , causing the valve stem  120  to rotate when the powered rotational tool  1100  is operated. In another example, the powered rotational tool  1100  may be directly engaged with the head portion  126  by mating with a cut-out  129  as described relative to  FIG.  4 B . 
       FIG.  12    is a diagrammatic illustration of a stemmed valve apparatus  1200 , in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The stemmed valve apparatus  1200  may include a shutoff apparatus  1210  and a first valve stem  1220  in communication with the shutoff apparatus  1210 . A rotational transfer system  1230  is in communication with the first valve stem  1220 . A second valve stem  1222  is in communication with the rotational transfer system  1230 . The second valve stem  1222  has an end sized to engage with a powered rotational tool. Rotation of the second valve stem  1222  within the rotational transfer system  1230  causes the first valve stem  1220  to rotate. The rotation of the first and second valve stems  1220 ,  1222  operates the shutoff apparatus  1210  to open and close. 
     A valve  1211  may include the shutoff apparatus  1210  and may be any suitable type of valve, including multi-turn and partial-turn valves. Multi-turn valves may include wedge gate, knife gate, plug, globe, pinch valves, and the like. Partial-turn valves may include butterfly valves, ball valves, and the like. As an example,  FIG.  12    shows a butterfly valve. The shutoff apparatus  1210  may be in communication with a pipe  10  to control the flow of material through the pipe  10  as described relative to  FIG.  1   , above. 
     The first valve stem  1220  may be in communication with the shutoff apparatus  1210  in a manner suitable and known for the particular type of valve  1211 . For instance, in the butterfly valve example shown in  FIG.  12   , the first valve stem  1220  may extend into the shutoff apparatus  1210  and may be secured by pins or other fasteners. The first valve stem  1220  may include a shaft extending between the shutoff apparatus  1210  and the rotational transfer system  1230 . 
     The first valve stem  1220  may connect to the valve  1211  at a bottom portion of the valve stem  1220  (not shown). The bottom portion may be any suitable shape and style of connection to the valve  1211 , including an internally threaded attachment, flanged connectors, locking cuffs, or any known method of connecting a valve  1211  to a valve stem  1220 . 
     The rotational transfer system  1230  may be any system that transfers rotation about one axis to rotation about another axis, for instance, between two orthogonal axes. This may include gearboxes, bevel gear arrangements, and the like. As shown in  FIG.  12   , the rotational transfer system  1230  may be a gear box that transfers rotation about a horizontal axis to rotation about a vertical axis differentiated by about 90°. This may allow an operator to easily reach and/or operate the stemmed valve apparatus  1200  when placement, location, or available space are of concern. The rotational transfer system  1230  may include a housing to protect components therein. The rotational transfer system  1230  may transfer rotation between any two angles or axes. 
     The second valve stem  1222  may be a valve stem extending from within the rotational transfer system  1230 . The connection between the first valve stem  1220 , the rotational transfer system  1230  may allow the valve stems  1220 ,  1222  to rotate about their axes. In one example, each valve stem  1220 ,  1222  may terminate in a bevel gear in operational communication with one another within the rotational transfer system  1230 . In another example, the rotational transfer system  1230  may include a system of gears to provide a mechanical advantage to the second valve stem  1222 , thereby easing the operation of the shutoff apparatus  1210 . 
     The exterior aspect of the second valve stem  1222  shown in  FIG.  12    may include a shaped end. At least a portion of the second valve stem  1222  may be shaped as a hexagon, 12-point, spline, Torx, or similar shape. In one example, only an end portion may be shaped. In another example, a substantial length of the second valve stem  1222  may be shaped. In another example, an entire length of the second valve stem  1222  may be shaped. The shape may be sized to engage with a powered rotational tool. In one example, the shape of the second valve stem  1222  may engage with a corresponding socket attached to a powered drill or impact driver. This may allow the stemmed valve apparatus  1200  to be operated with corded or cordless powered rotational tools as described above. 
     In one example, the second valve stem  1222  may include a cut-out  1229  through the exterior aspect of the second valve stem  1222 . The cut-out  1229  may be sized and shaped to allow direct mating of a powered rotational tool to the second valve stem  1222  without the need for sockets or other mating hardware. The cut-out  1229  may be made as described relative to the cut-out  129  in  FIG.  4 B , above. 
     The valve stems  1220 ,  1222  and the rotational transfer system  1230  may be made from any suitable materials, including metal, alloys, plastics, or any combination thereof. 
     In operation, a user may attach a powered rotational tool to the second valve stem  1222  by engaging the shaped end with a corresponding socket. The user may cause the powered rotational tool to rotate in one direction, which may in turn cause the second valve stem  1222  to rotate in the same direction. The rotational transfer system  1230  may direct the rotation to the first valve stem  1220  about a different axis. The rotation of the first valve stem  1220  may cause the shutoff apparatus  1210  to open or close in response. 
     In one example, the rotational transfer system  1230  may include components to limit the rotation of the first or second valve stems  1220 ,  1222  to a particular range of angles. For example, in partial-turn valves, the shutoff apparatus  1210  should not rotate beyond a point, such as 90°, or the valve will begin turning in the opposite direction. 
       FIG.  13    is a diagrammatic illustration of a handwheel  1300  for use with the stemmed valve apparatus  1200  of  FIG.  12   , in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The handwheel  1300  may have similar components to the handwheel  600  of  FIGS.  6 - 10   , above, including an outer handle  1310 , a plurality of wheel arms  1312 , center plate  1320 , and fastener  1302 . The handwheel  1300  may further include a shaped cutout  1322  extending completely through the center plate  1320 . The shaped cutout  1322  may allow the handwheel  1300  to be inserted over the second valve stem  1222 . The shaped cutout  1322  may be sized and shaped to fit over the second valve stem  1222  while allowing engagement of the handwheel  1300  with the stemmed valve apparatus  1200 . 
     It should be understood that other handwheels may be used in manual operation with the stemmed valve apparatus  1200 . This may include the handwheel  600  described in  FIGS.  6 - 10   . The handwheel  600  may be engaged over the second valve stem  1322  to turn the second valve stem  1322 . The top portion  622  may allow a power rotational tool to operate the stemmed valve apparatus  1200  as desired. 
       FIG.  14    is a diagrammatic illustration of exemplary valve stem head and socket shapes, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The shapes illustrated in  FIG.  14    may be used with any of the valve stem heads  126 ,  622 ,  1222  described relative to  FIGS.  1 - 13   , above.  FIG.  14    is intended to provide illustrative examples, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the subject shapes. 
     A slotted valve stem head  1410  or socket may include a rounded or circular portion as well as a slotted portion to align and prevent movement of connected parts. A round valve stem head  1420  or socket may include a circular-shaped portion. A square valve stem head  1430  or socket may include quadrilateral shapes having right angles. A hexagonal valve stem head  1440  or socket may include an equilateral hexagonal shape. A Torx valve stem head  1450  or socket may include a six-pointed star shape. A spline valve stem head  1460  or socket may include a number of radially-spaced teeth extending outward from a central point. And a 12-point valve stem head  1470  or socket may include 12 teeth extending outward from a central point. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.