Patent ID: 8418990

Claim:
A container filling machine having a valve actuator assembly, the valve actuator assembly comprising: a shaft that is pivotable on its longitudinal axis; a linkage connected to the shaft to pivot therewith; and a follower arm coupled by a magnetic coupling to the shaft such that pivoting of the follower arm causes pivoting of the shaft, and thus pivoting of the linkage; wherein the follower arm is pivotable by a driver of the container filling machine; and wherein the linkage assists in controlling movement of a valve assembly of the container filling machine; wherein the magnetic coupling comprises: a first set of magnets comprising an outwardly positioned magnet and an inwardly positioned magnet, wherein the outwardly positioned magnet is linked to the follower arm to pivot therewith, and the inwardly positioned magnet is linked to the shaft to pivot therewith; and a stationary housing positioned between the outwardly positioned and inwardly positioned magnets; wherein the stationary housing extends around the shaft, and there is a second set of magnets comprising a guide magnet and two docking magnets, wherein the guide magnet is positioned outward of the housing and pivots with the follower arm, and said two docking magnets are positioned on the stationary housing in circumferentially spaced fashion, and the guide magnet is attracted to one of the docking magnets of the second set of magnets when pivoted adjacent thereto.