Patent ID: 7048251

Claim:
A valve assembly comprising: a valve body defining an internal passage and including a valve member for controlling flow of fluid through the passage, wherein the valve member is mounted to an operating member movably mounted to the valve body for providing movement of the valve member, wherein the operating member includes an axially extending connector portion accessible from the exterior of the valve body; an actuator assembly including a motor having an output and a drive mechanism; and a removable connection arrangement interposed between the valve body and the actuator assembly for providing removable interconnection of the actuator assembly with the valve body, wherein the removable connection arrangement includes an axial movable latch member associated with the actuator assembly, wherein the latch member is axially movable between an engaged position and a release position, and engagement structure associate with the valve body, the engagement structure of the valve body comprising a slot and wherein the latch member in its engaged position includes a locking section disposed within the slot so as to prevent removal of the actuator assembly from the valve body, the latch member further including an actuator arrangement operable to place the the latch member in its release position, in which the latch member is disengageable from the engagement structure associated with the valve body, and in its engaged position, in which the latch member is engaged with the engagement structure associated with the valve body; wherein, when the actuator assembly is connected to the valve body, the actuator assembly drive mechanism is interconnected with the connector portion of the operating member for providing movement of the operating member, and thereby movement of the valve member, in response to operation of the motor; and wherein the latch member is constructed and arranged such that, when the latch member is in its engaged position, the latch member functions to prevent engagement of the actuator assembly with the engagement structure associated with the valve body when the actuator assembly is removed from engagement with the valve body, and to prevent removal of the actuator assembly from the valve body when the actuator assembly is engaged with the valve body.