PLANETARY ^' GEAR SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application cla ms priority back to U.S. Patent Application No. 13/356,628 hied on January 23. 2012, aad U.S. Patent Application No, 13/310,733 tiled on

December 3, 201. L The c nten s of these applications; are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure,

BACKGROUND OE THE INVENTION

1 . Fie d of the invention.

The present invention relates generally to the field of valves a d, more spedikally. to a rotary valve ada te assembly with a planetary gear system.

2. Desert tion of the Related Art,

A number of patent applications ha e been filed for valve actuators that .mitigate mm leakage through the use of a magnetic interlock. These ae uetor chambers either enclose the dynamic seas thai is present in every valve around the stem of the valves, or t ey eliminate the need for the seal entirely, ^' This dynamic seal is known as a packing or ntecbanloal seal. The magnetic interlock is employed to transmit force horn outside of the actuator chamber to the inside, thus avoiding the penetration of the chamber wall by a mechanical stem actuator. Penetration of the chamber wall would nullity the purpose tbr the chamber In the -first place to enclose the dynamic seal around the stem and. prevent leakage from the seal.

Use problem, with the various magnetic actuators proposed, is that the amount of force transmitted by the magnets is not adequate to ensure the proper function, of the valve, if an actuator is designed to provide adequate force to open and close the valve, the magnet coupling is so large as to make it impractical, Even with the use of modem ram-earth magnets such as AeodynEum tx>n- loron and SamarkmoCobaii, the ability to transmit ade ua e force to the val ve stem is still difficult The forces rovided by the magnets am only a traction (usually less than 20%) of the force that a rnecbarecal stem actuator can provide This does not give the valve operator the eonl ^' kienec that his valve cars be opened, or closed under situations here high force is required, such s high fluid pressure, dry s als, or debris in the fluid ath,

Rather than increasing force by building ever larger magnetic couplings, the present invention incorporates a set of planetary gears to take the force supplied by the inner ma ne ic coupling and magnify it many times over through gear speed, reduction (7 g.. the use of reducing gears), for example, through t ^' hs u e of a planetary gear assembly, the rotational movement supplied by the inner magnetic cartridge is reduced diree-a ld, while at. the same time the force suppl ied by the inner magnetic cartridge is magnified three-fold, This means that by using a planetary gear assembly with a 12: 1 ratio (be,, the outer magnetic cartridge rotates twelve times for ever one rotation of the Internal, thread ring), one can either gain twelve times as much force for the valve stent, or else the strength required of the magnetic coupling can be reduced by twelve times. A reduction in the strength requirement leads to a corresponding reduction In si e or mass of the magnetic eouphng. This reduction in size is desirable because the magnetic coupling is the most expensive component of the actuator, and its size is generally proportional to its cost.

Through the incorporation of a. planetary gear assem ly, the present invention previ .es a magnetically activated valve actuator that can be used in the harshest conditions. Magnetic actuation Is no longer appropriate for light applications only, Rather, it is a robust alternative that provides rotational force to the stem that is equivalent to that of dynamically sealed stemmed, valves, This innovation Is most needed, in places like chemical plants, refineries, paint factories, paper mills, ere, where valves are the central workhorses o the plant Itself

In addition to increasing, force and/or decreasing the size of the magnetic coupling, the present invention has the advantage of completely containing an leakage of fluids from the valve bonnet. The present invention is intended to be coupled to valves that, are used In hazardous fluid or chemical applications, where stem leakage poses a pollution threat to the outside etwironment or a safety threat to personnel working nearby, At the very least, leakage from stem packings results in the loss of product, which can be costly. Fugitive emissions account for over 125, Odd metric tones of lost product per year \n the United States alone. Of this amount, the percentage of fugitive emissions that coma from valve stems is estimated to he between 60% and 8S¾. L 2]

The threat posed io the environment by leaking valve stems is great, particularly when, the product that. Is leaked is a fugitive emission, that _f a . leaked or spilled product that cannot be collected back, .(mm die environment. An example of a fugitive mission would be methane leaking from a valve on a pipeline or i.a a .rellneryq which ease the methane immediately goes into the atmosphere and cannot be recaptured. Another esamp!e would be crude oil leakage from a vaive on an offshore rig, here the oil is carried away by ocean currents and can not be brought back,

Safety requirements are becoming more stringent with each passing ear.

Personnel who are required to work nea hazardous chemiea!s such as operators in a petrochemical plant are subject to injury Pom leaking valve s ems, especially from reciprocating stems where the hazardous material inside the valve is transported to the outside environment vis the stem as h retracts from tlte valve body. or example, if the valve is handling chlorine, a leaking stem transports it to the outside environment, where It becomes hydrochloric acid when it reacts with moisture in the air. This acid corrodes tire stem, which makes it even more difficult to seal as time goes by,

I he abo ve examples illustrate the need tor leak-dree valves. The magnetic actuator of the present invention, described more fully below, is capable of addressing this need by safely enclosing the dynamic (stem) seal of stemmed rotary val ves,

BRIEF SUMMARY OF FEE INVENTION

The present invention Is a rotary valve adapter assembly comprising; an adapter plate configured to attach to a rotary valve body; a or ue multiplier assembly comprising one or more planetary gear subassemblies, each of which comprises a sun gear, a ring gear, and a plurality of planetary gears; a magnetic actuator assembly comprising two sets of masmeticaiiy coupled magnets: and a shaft comprising two ends; wherein the magnetic actuator asseanbly interfaces with the torque multiplier assembly such thai when the magnets of the maguetk acUcnor asseanbly restate, i lwy cause the sen gear of a l a st planetary gear subassembly to rotate, thereby causing the planetary gears to walk on the ring gear; wherein the planetary gears of each planetary gear su assembly are situated within r on a carrier, and wh n die planetary gears walk on the ring gear, they eaa.se the carrier to rotate; wherein when the carrier of die first planetary gear subassembly rotates, it causes the su gear of a second planetary gear subassembly to rotate; and wherein one end of the shad extends into the earner of the second planetary par subassembly saoh i at w¾en the carrier of the second planetary gear subassembly rotates, the shaft also roiaies, u aeby causing the verve io open ami close,

in a preferred embodiment the invention feather comprises a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure containing the planetary gear subassembly! iesy the top enclosure containing a firs? part of the magnetic actuator assembly and fitting inside of a driver bousing, and the driver housing containing a second part of the magnetic actuator assembly. Preferably, the top enclosure has a bottom disc, arid the driver housing has a bottom pan that rotates on top of the bottom disc of the top enclosure. The driver housing preferably has a top, and the invention further comprises a driver cap that is affixed to the ton of the driver bousing,

In a preferred embodiment the invention Ptrtb.e eompri.ses an actuator wheel thai, is connected to the driver housing by actuator spokes such thai when the actuator wheel is turned, the driver housing rotates. Preferably, the magnetic actuator assemble comprises a follower support containing a plurality of Inner magnets and tiding Into the top enoiosam and a driver support containing a plurality of outer magnets that are

magnetically coupled with the inner magnets such that when the (inter magnets in the driver support rotate, the inner magnets in the tbllower support also rotate, and the driver housing encloses ihe dri er support. A portion of the top enclosure is preferably situated between the inner and outer magnets,

In a. preferred embodiment, the invention bather comprises a first planetary adapter wi th t wo end s, one end of which extends into the follower support and the other end of which extends into the son gear of the first planetary gear subassembly,

Preierablyy the invention further comprises a second planetary adapter with two ends, one end of which extends into the carrier of ihe first planetary gear subassembly and the other end of which extends duo the su?i gear of the seeo ad planetary gear subassembly. The ring gear of each planetary gear subassembly is preferably held stationary within the bottom enclosure. a preferred embodiment the invention further comprises a ring seal around the shaft and the ring seas is felly enclosed by the top and bottom enclosures. Prefera ly the invention further comprises a valve-adapter plate seal between the valve body mid the adapter plate. The magnetic actuator assembly preferably comprises a motor actuator assembly.

In a preferred, embodiment, the motor actuator assembl comprises a. clutch, a motor gear, a motor mounting bracket., a motor ri g gear, and a motor, and the motor turns Ore motor gear, which engages with die mote ring gear; causing it to rotate.

Preferahly, the motor ring gear is attached to a driver housing eo.utami.ng enter magnets such that when the motor ring gear rotates, it also c uses the driver housing to rotate, a preferred embodiment, the magnetic actuator assembly comprises a plurality of radiai driver magnets held by a radial driver magnet support and a giarabty of radial follower magnets held by a radial Mower mapet support. Preferably, the radial driver magnets in the radiai driver magnet support and the radial .follower magnets in the radial follower mae.net support arc arranged linearly within, a top enclosure with a portion of the top enclosure between them, and the radial driver magnets are magnetically coupled to the radial follower magnets. The radial driver magnet support is preferably inserted Into a ton part of the top enclosure, and the radial follower magnet support is preferably inserted Into a bottom part of the top enclosure.

In. a preferred embodiment, the inventiun further comprises a radial driver magnet cap that is situated on top of the top enclosure, and a wheel actuator is attached to the radial driver magnet cap by actuator spokes such that when the wheel actuator is turned, It causes the radial driver magnets nd the radial follower magnets to rotate. Preferably, the invention farther .comprises a planetary adapter with two ends, one end of which extends into the radial fo lower -magnet support and the other end of which extends into the sun gear of a first planetary gear subassembly. The magnetic actuator assembly preferably comprises a motor actuator assembly,

la a preferred embodiment, the motor actuator assembly comprises a motor, a dutch, a ad a motor coupler, Use motor causes the motor coupler to rotate, dm motor coupler Is attached to a radial driver magnet cap such that when the motor coupler rotates. It causes the radial, driver magnet cap to rotate at. the same rate as the .motor, the radiai driver magnet cap Is attached to a top n losur , and the top enclosure cont n the radial driver magnets and radial follower magnets,

in a preferred embodiment the Invention is a rotary valve adapter assembly comprising: an adapter plate configured to attach to a rotary valve body; a torque multiplier assembly comprising a planetary gear su assembly having sua gear, a ring gear, and a plurality of planetary gears; a magnetic actuator assembly comprising two sets of niaonetically coupled, magnets; and a. shah comprising two cads; the magnetic actuator assembly interfaces with the torqoe multiplier ss mbl such that when the magnets of the magnetic actuator assembly rotate, they cause the sun gear of the planetary gear subassembly to rotate, thereby causin the planetary gears to walk on the ring gear; the planetary gears of the planetary gear subassembly are situated within or on a carrier, and when the planetary gears walk on the ring gear, they cause the carrier to rotate; and one ettd of the shatt. extends into the carrier of the planetary gear subassembly such that when the carrier to toe planetary gear subassembly rotates, the shaft also rotates, thereby causing the valve to open and elose. _:

Irs a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure containing the planetary gear su ass mbly, the top enclosure containing a. first part of the magnetic actuator assembly and hitting inside of a driver housing, and the driver housing containing a second pan of die magnetic actuator assembly.

Preferably; the top enclosure has a bottom disc, and the driver bousing has bottom pari that rotates on top of the bottom disc of the top enclosure. Toe driver housing profoundly has a top, and the invention hmher comprises a driver eap that is affixed to the top of the driver housing,

in a pretenvd embodiment, the invention further comprises an actuator wheel that is connected to the driver housing by actuator spokets such that when the actuator wheel is na'ned, the driver housing rotates. Preferably, she magnetic actuator assembly comprises a follower support eomal.ni.og a plurality of i nner magnets and ilti.bg into the top enclosure and a driver support containing a plurality of outer magnets that are

magneticall coupled with the inner snagnets soeh that when the uter rro¾neis io the driver support folate, the inner magnets in the follower support also rotate, and the driver bousing encl ses th driver support, A portion of ihe top enclosure is preferably situated between the inner and outer mapets.

in a preferred embodiment, the invention ihrther comprises a first planetary adapter with two ends, one end of which te di; into the follower su ort and the other end of which extends into the sun gear of the planetary gear subassembly, Preferably, the ring gear of ihe planetary gear subass mbl is held stat ona within the bottom enclosure,

hi a preferred, embodiment, the invention bather comprises a ring seal around the shaft., and the ring seal is folly enclosed by the top and bottom enclosures. Preferably, the invention bather comprises a valve-adapter late seal between the valve body and the ahapter pbue. The magnetic actuator assembly preferably comprises a motor actuator assembly.

In a p ef rre , en odimeop the motor actuator assembly comprises a clutch, a motor gear,, a motor mounting braekep a motor ring, gear, and a motor, and the motor turns the motor gea , which engages with the motor ring gear, causi it to rotate.

Preferably, the motor ring gear is attached a driver bousing containing outer magnets such that when the motor ring gear rotates, it also causes hie driver housing to rotate.

!rs a prepared nihodaoe . the magnetic actuator assembly comprises a plurality of radial driver magnets held by a radial driver magnet support and a plurality of ull a 1 follower magnets held by a radial follower magnet support. Preferably, the radial driver magnets in the radial driver magaoi support and ihe radial o er magnets In the radial follower magnet, support are arranged linearly within a top e l sure with a portion of the top enclosure between them, and the radial driver magnets are magnetically coupled to the radial ^' follower magnets. The radial driver magnet support is preferably inserted into a top part of the top enclosure, and the radial follower magnet support is preferably Inserted into a bottom part of the ton enclosure,

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a radial driver magnet cap that is situated ou top of the top enclosure, and a wheel actuator Is attached to the radial driver magnet cap by actuator spokes aueh that when the wheel actuator Is turned., it causes the radial driver magnets and the radial follower magnets to rotate. Preiemb!y, the invention further comprises a pk neinry adapter with two ends, one end of which extends Into the radial follower ma net su or and the oilier end. of which extends into the sun gear of the p anetar gear subassembly. The magnetic actuator assembly prdembly comprises a motor actuator assembly.

In a preferred embo iment, the motor actuator assembly comprises a motor, a clutch, and a motor coupler, the motor causes the motor coupler to rotate, the motor couple? is attached to a radial driver magnet cap such that when the motor coupler rotates, it causes the radial driver magnet cap its rotate at the same rate as the motor, the radial driver magnet cap is attached to a top enclosure, and the top enclosure contains the radial driver aurgnets and radial follower magnets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure i is a perspective view of the present invention in a Mly assembled state. Figure 2 is a side v ew of the present invention .in a u!iy assembled state.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a section view of he adapter plate assembl of the present invention. Figure 5 is art exploded vie of the adapter plate assembly of the present invention.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the actuator assembly of the present invention. Figure 7 Is a section view of the actuator assembly of the present invention.

Figure 8 is an exploded view of the torque multi lier assembly of the present invention.

Figure 9 Is art exploded view of the planetary gear subassembly of the torque .multiplier assembly of the present invention,

f igure 10 is a. section view of the planetary gear su ass m ly of the torque multiplier assembly of the present invention.

Figure 1.1 is & detail perspective view of two planetary gear subassemblies and the planetary adapter of the torque multiplier assembly of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the inner a nets, follo e support, planetary adapters, planetary gear subassembly, shaft, ;. v:.l ball of e present, l uwru ivu .

Figure 13 is a seetton view of the actuator assembly and torque multiplier assembly of the present invention. figure 14 s a. cropped section view of toe present invention in a fully as em led st te,

Figure 15 is a detail, perspective view of the top enclosu e bottom, nclosure, o~ rin s, valve body, ting seal, val e-adapter plate seal, shaft, and adapter plate of die present invention,

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the shaft with a positi ve stop and adapter plate w h a positive stop,

f igure 17 is a detail perspective view of the shaft with a positive stop and adapter plate with a positive stop with the valve in an open position.

Figure I S is a detail perspective view of the shaft with a positive sto and adapter plate with, a positive stop with the valve in. a closed position.

Figure i is a perspeed ve view of the present invention shown with a motor actuator assembly.

Figure 2d is an exploded view of the motor actuator assembly of the present invention.

Figur 21 is a section, vie w of the motor actuator assembly of the present invention,

f igure 22 is a pei pocFw view of the present invendon shown attached to a baderfty valve.

Figure 23 is a perspecti ve cut-away view of die present invention shown a ached to a pitrg valve,

f igure 24 is a perspective view of the present invention shown with a radial map.net actuation system.

Figure 25 is a perspective cut-away view of the radial magnet actua on system,

Figure 26 is an exploded view of the present invention shown with a radial magnet actuation system,

Figure 27 Is a section view of the present invention shown with a radial magnet actuation system.

Figure 2ts is a perspective view of the present invemioa on a Putter dp valve, shown with a radial magnet actuation system, Figure 29 is a perspective view of the present, Invention m a plug val e* shown with a. radial magn t actuation s ¾te L

Figme 3d is a perspective view of the presetu invention shown with a radial magnet actuation system and a motor aciuator assembly.

Figure 31 is an exploded view of the resent invention shown with a radial magnet actuation system and. a motor ac u to assembly.

Figure 32 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a pressure equalization, t m.

Figure 33 is an exploded view of the pressure eq alizat on system of the present inve rnon,

Figure 34 is a perspective cut-away view of the pressure equalization system of the present invention,

Figure 35 is a perspective cut-away view of an alternate embodiment of the pressure equalization, sysiern. com risin a spring washer stack.

Figure 36 is a perspective cut-away view of an alternate embodiment of the pressure equalisation system comprising a pressure equalization enclosure and a pressure equal i nation lid,

Figure 37 is a perspective ciu-away view of an alternate embodiment of the pressure equalization system in which the pressure equalisation lid is omitted.

Figure 38 is an exploded view of the pressure equalisation system shown in Figure 36.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Valve body

2 Left iiange

3 Right Hange

4 Truorhon cover

5 Ba i

6 Shalt

ha Shalt rceess

6b Shah driver 7 Trunnion

8 Adapter pkue

8s Cutout ; i n adapter plate)

Sb Protrusion (into cutout m adapter plate)

9 Bottom enclosure

¾ dges ( of bottom enclosure)

10 Top enclosure

10a Bottom disc (of top enclosure -

! I Dr ver housing

1 I a. Bottom part (of driver housing)

1 2 Driver support

13 Driver can

14 Ou ter magnet

1 Follower support

1.5a Socket (of follower support )

6 Inner magnet

1? Carrier

].?a Socket (of carrier}

I ?b Aperture (t)i esnler)

18 Planetary plate

1.8a. Aperture (in planetary plate)

18b Center aperture (in planetar piutet

19 planetary adapter

20 Planetary gear

20a Axle {of planetary gear)

21 Son gear

22 Ring gear

22a Internal thread ton ring gear)

2b Channel (on ring gear)

22 Seat

24 Rubber spring gasket 5 King seal

6 Vibvc-adaraer plate seas

7 Actuator s oke

8 Actuator wheel

9 GiUeb.

0 Motor gear

1 Motor raoeotiag bracket

2 Mot nog gear

3 Motor

3a Motor drive shaft (correspond ng to motor 33}

4 Bolt

5 Hex nut.

? (bring

9 Driver cap

0 Stud

1 Adaptor plate ssembl

2 T orqoe multiplier assem l

3 Cylindrical magsmi wheel actuator assembly

4 Planetary gear subassembly

5 Butterfly valve assembly

6 Flog valve assembly

? Cylindrical .mag et motor actuator assembly

8 Radial magnet wheel actuator assembly

9 Radial άή ver magnet

0 Radial follower magnet

1 Top ciiciosare (alternate embodiment with radial magnets)2 Butierflv valve bodv

3 Butterfly disc

4 Biuterfly val ve cover

5 Plug valve body

6 Plug 57 Plug alve cover

58 Radial driver magnet support

59 Radial driver magnet cap

60 Radial follower magnet support

61 Radial magnet motor actuator assembly

62 Motor (ahernate em d m with radial magnets)

62a Motor drive shaft (corresponding to motor 62}

63 Motor Enclosure

64 Top Enclosure (alternate mbodiment for radial ma ne s with motor actuator)

65 Motor coupler

66 Set Screw

6? Clutch (alternate embodiment lor radial magnets with motor actuator)

6§ Piston

68a Top face (o piston)

6£b Center aperture (in. piston)

6 Piston spring

70 Adapter plate (first alternate embodiment)

?0a Ceiling (of adapter plate)

72 Adapter plate (third alternate embodiment)

73 Grease lining

74 Spring washer stack

75 Enclosure

76 Pressure equalization enclosure

76a U (of pressure equalization enclosure)

?? Pressure equalisation lid DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Figure 1 i a perspective i w of he present invention in a fully assembled state. This Cipro shows die valve body E the sett Ihmee 2 _f the right flange 3, and the trunnion cover 4. The let! and right flanges 2, 3 arc bolted so the valve body I and allo the valve io be contac ed to piping (not shown _. ). The trunnion cover 4 houses the trunnion ? (not showns. The present Invention comprises an adapter plate 8, which is bolted to the bottom enclosure 9, as well as the valve body 1 (see Figure 2). Note that the adapter plate 8 may also be integral with He,, the same pan as) the bottom enclosure 9 ratber than a separate pari As shown in subsequent figures, the bottom enclosure 9 contains the planehay gear subassemblies 44,

The bottom enclosure o in tarn is boiled to the top enclosure 10, which contains part of die cylindrical magnet wheel aciaator ssem l 43 (not shown), In an alternate embodiment, the bottom and top enclosures 9, 10 are a single part. The top enclosure 10 bits inside of toe driver housing 1 1 (see Figures 6 and i.4g and the bottom part 1 la of the dri ver bousing 1 1 rotates on top of the bottom disc 10a of the top enclosure 10, The driver cap 13 is aiuxed to tire top of the driver housing I i and seals the top of the driver housing i 1 so that no d irt or debris conies into contact with the outer .magnets 14 (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the valve is actuated by an actuator wheel 2ih Actuator spokes 2? connect the actuator wheel 2b to the driver housing 1 1 , Various bobs 34, hex nuts 33 and studs 40, all of which serve to connect various parts together, are also shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 2 is a side vie of the present invention in. a fully assem led state. This figure shows die three main assemblies or the present invention: the adapter plate assembly 4 the torque multiplier assembly 42, and die cylindrical magnet wheel actuator assembly 43, T hese various assemblies wbi be broken down and discussed in. connection wit subsequent figures,

Figure 3 Ls art exploded view of the es n invention, This figure s ows the adapter plate assembly 4 b the torque multi lier assembly 42. a d the cylindrical magnet wheel actuator a sembl 43. As shown in this figure, these: three assemblies are bolted together when the invention Is Italy assembled, Figure 4 is a section vi w of the adapter plate ass m ly of the present invention, l a figure shows the valve body i . iett flange 2. right linage .3 and trunnion cover 4. It also shows ite bail 5. shall ( trunnion 7 aad adapter piste K, Although this figure is shown w th a bah valve S, as will be explained below, the present invention Is designed to work with an type of rotary valve. One end of the shaft 6 extends into the bail 5 and causes the ball to rotate, in a preferred embodime t, the ball 5 rotates abou t the trunnion 7, which is stationary in die rranmon cover 4, Alternately, the bail 4 and trunnion 7 could rotate together in the trunnion cover ,

A all seat 23 lies on either side of the all 5. Hie purpose of the ball seats 23 is in seal can fluid between the hall 5 and the tight and leu flanges 2, 3. A rubber spring gasket 24 surrounds each seat 33 and provides a seal between the flanges 2, 3 and the seat 23. The rubber spring gasket 24 also provides positive pressure between t ie seat. 23 and toe bail 3. A ring seel 25 surrounds the shad b and is situated between vbe al e body 1 and the adapter plate 8. The purpose of the ring seal 25 is to prevent fluid from exiling the valve hody 1 and coming into on act with the torque multiplier assembly 42 (not show p. ^' five ring seal 25 also acts to eqotdke pressure between fluid inside of the valve body i and fluid insid of the top m d bottom enclosures 9, id. The valve-adapter plate seal 26 provides s static seal between the valve body I and the adapter plate at An o-r!ng 37 lies inside of a recess in the adapter plate B rid sets as a static seal between the adapter plate 8 a d the bottom enclosure , Bolts 34, box nuts 35 ami studs 40 serve to scour c die various parts together.

Figure 5 i a a exploded view of the adapter plate assembly o the present invention. The figure shows the same parts as in Figure 4, namely, the left flange 2, right flange 3, trunnion cover 5, ball 3 _: . sha 6 and trunnion 7. h also shows the seats 23 on ei ther side id the ball 5, the rubbe spring gaaketa 24, the ring seal 25. ana the vsive- adapter plate seal 26. Eohs 34.. hex nuts 35 and studs 40 serve to secure the various parts together.

Figure 6 is an exploded vtew at the magnetic actuator axsemhly of the present invention. This figure shews the top enclosure 1 , the driver housing 1 1 , and the driver ca 1 3. h also shows the follower support 15. which carries a. plurality of in er magnets 16, ihe follower support 1 5 (with inner magnets 16) fits into the top enclosure 10, .bieh su turn tits into the driver housing 1 I , ! his hgirv also shows the actuator spokes 2?. which are connected to the actuator wheel 28. When the invention is fully assembled, the actuator s ok s 27 are boiled into the driver housing i I sr* that, when the actuator wheel 25 is turned, [he driver housing 11. also rotates. As shown in die next figure, outer magnets 14 are housed within the driver housing 1 1 and are magnetically coupled with the inner magnets lb in die follower support 15, The ton enclosure 10 acts as a physical barrier between the inner and outer magnets l b, 14 hut does not i-event them tout being magnetically coupled,

Thus, as the driver bousing 1 1 is rotated by the actuator wheel 21 the magnetic coupling between the outer magnets 14 in the driver housing 1 1 and the inner magnets 1.6 in the khiower support 1 cause the follower support 1.5 to rotate at the same rate as the driver housing 1.1. , 1 he top enclosure 19 is bolted to the boitooi enclosure 9,

Figure 7 is a section view of the magnetic actuator assembl of the present invention. T his figure shows ihe top enclosure l ib the driver housing 1 1 , and the driver support 1 . The driver bousing 1 1 contains ihe outer magnets 14 and the driver support 2> Figure 7 also shows the outer magnets 14, the follower support 1 5, and the inner magnets lb. This hgure shows how ihe inner magnets t o are arrayed within the ioilower support 15 and ihe outer magnets 14 are arrayed within, the dri er support 1 , It also shows how the top enclosure 10 acts as a physical barrier between the inner 16 and outer 14 magnets and how the driver housing 1 1 encloses the driver support 12 and outer magnets 1 .

Figure 8 is an exploded view of ihe torque mukipiier assembly of the present invention. The torque multiplier assembly 42 includes the notions enclosure 9 _; which houses the planetary gear subassemblies 44. An o-ring 37 is situated in a recess In the top of the bottom enclosure 9 to provide a static seal between the bottom and top enclosures 9, 10, In tills figure, two planetar gear subassemblies 44 arc shown, but the present invention is not iinuied to any particular number of planetary gear subassemblies, In fact, it is contemplated b the inventors thai a preferred embodiment could comprise anywhere From one in ten planetary gear :wU ww;obmw The aomlwr of planetary gear

subassemblies included will depend on die torque and space requirements for the particular valve application. The planetary ada ter 1 is inserted into- ihc center of di ph eiary ear subassembly 44. As shown in Figure 8. each planetary par subassennbiy has a planetary adapter 1.9. The function of the planetary adapter will, be disc ssed more fully in connection with figure 1 i .

Figure 9 h an. exploded view of the planetary gear subassembl of the torque uruitl pher assembly of the present invention. As shown in this figure, each planetary gear subassembly 44 is comprised of a m gear 2 L a ring gear 22, and three planetary gears 20 In a pre i erred embodiment there are three planetary gears { because they represent the most efficient oonngiiranonf but the present invention is not limited to any part.ict.dar number of planetary gears, lire ring gear 22 comprises Interna; threads 22a and one or more channels 22b on the outside of the ring gear. The planetary gears 20 fit into (f a, are situated within or on) a carrier 1 7, which is boiled to a planetary plate I S. Note that the axle 20a of each planetary gear 20 has into an aperture 1 ha n sh planetary plate 1 S and an aperture 1 7b (only one of dues apertures 17b is shown) in the earner 17.

Figure 10 is a section view o f the planetary gear subassembly of the torque multiplier assembly of the present invention. Tins figure shows a single planetary gear subassembly 44 fully assembled. As shown in this llgorey the sun gear 2 is located in the center of the planetary gear subassembly, and the three planetary gears 20 are situated around and engage with the sun gear 21 so that as the sun ar 1 rotates, the planetary gears 20 also rotate. As the planetary gears 20 rotate, Utey ^" UvallA around the inside of the nag gear 22. thereby causing the carrier 1 7 to rotate (see Figure 9, which shows now the planetary gears 20 lit into the carrier 1 7). The channels 22b on the outside of the ring gear 22 correspond to ridges s½ in the bottom enclosure 0 (see Figure ep such that tire ring gear 22 is held in place (i.e. , stationary) within the bottom enclosure 9.

Figure 1 1 Is a detail perspective view of two planetary gear subassemblies and the planetary adapter of the torque multiplier assembly of the present invention. As noted above, In th embodiment shown in the figures., the tor ue multiplier assembly ( e Figure hp comprises two planetary gear subassemblies 44 and two planetary adapters 10, The pnw.TS invention is not limited to arty partkaslar au-nber of planetary gear subassemblies, however. As shown, in Figure 1 1. each planetary gear subassembly 44 comprises a. sun gear 21 , a ring gear 2, and three planetary gears 20 (see also Figures 9 and 1 ). The r n gear 22 comprises channels 22b thai all tho ring gear to ik into toe bottom enclosure 9 (see Figure by Those si nmels 22b correspond to ridges 9a the bottom enclosure 9, In this manner, the ring gear 22 is held stationary inside the bottom enclosure 9.

Bote 34 secure the carrier I ? a> the pl netary plaie 1.8 of each plaoeiary gear subassembly 44. One end of the planetary adapier 19 fits into a socket l ?a in are carrier 1 ? of the first planetary gear subassembly 44 saeb that the planetary adapter 1 recites with die carrier 1 7 The other end of the planetary adapter 1 is inserted into the center of the sail gear 21 of the second planetary gear suba sembly 44, Both ends of the planetary adapter 19 are preferably hexagon-shaped so that the sun gear 21 will not rotate on the planetary adapter 19 but rather will, rotate with it. Thus, the sua gear 21 on. the second (in Figu e 11 , the lower) planetary gear s bassembly 20 rotates si the same spaed as the planetary adapter 1 , which rotates at the same speed as the carrier 17 In hie first planetary gear subassembly 20. Note thai the a eraue i bb in the center of the planetary plate I B is not hex-shaped bra. rour i which allows the planetary plate 1.8 to rotate about the planetary adapter 1 9.

Figure 12 is a perspecti ve view of the Inner magnets, follower support, planetary adapters, planetary gear snbassenmhv. shady ami ball of the present invention. As shown In this figure, brere is a planetary adapter 1 located between the folio wer support 1 5, which houses the Inner magnets 1.6, and the first planetary gear simassembiy 44, One end of this planetary adapter 19 i ns into a socket 1 5a (sec Figure 1 3) in the .follower support 1 S such dun the planetary adapter 19 rotates with the to! loner support 1 5. The second end of das planetary adapter 19 is inserted into the center of the sun gear 21 ( no; shown) of the first, planetary gear subassembly 44 and causes d e sun gear 21 of the first planetary gear subassembly 44 to rotate at the same speed as the follower support 15,

One end of he shaft 6 is Inserted into the earner 17 (not shown) on the second (lower in Figure 12) planetary gear subassembly 44 such that the shall b rotates at the same speed as d e carrier 1 ?. The oUver end of the shad 6 is inserted into the ball 5, thereby causing the ball to rotate with the carrier 17 of die planetary gear subassembly 44 that is physically most proximate ; closest) to the ball 5 (f a , the last planetary gear subassembly 4 m tbe series of planetar gear subasseoiblies of die tor ue tonkipiier assembly 42 ·.

Due to lb;-' magnetic interlock between the oarer ami inner magaeis 1 . ] 6, the follower support 15 a ad inner magnets 1 6 rotate at the sam speed as me dr r housing 1 L driver support 1 ., driver cap 13 and outer ma n ts 14, ah of which rotate at ihe same speed as the wheel actuator 2S, T he first planetary adapter 19 rotates at the same speed as the follower support 15. The planetary adapter 19 In turn causes the sun gear 21 of the first planetary gear stbepseaauy 44 to rotate at tbe same speed as the planetary adapter 19. As noted abo ve, rotation of die sun gear 21 causes tbe planetaty gears 20 it) rotate around the haskie of tbe r ing gear 22, T he planetary gears 20 rotate about the sun gear 21 at a speed that is slower than the speed at which, the sun gear 21 rotates. This speed reduction is based on tbe ratio between the size of the sun gear 21 and the ske of the dog gear 22 tor, in. other words, oa the ize of the planetar gears 20 in relation to the sea gear 2 1 because they span tbe distance between die sun gear 21 and the ring gear 22). Torque is ioereased with the transfer of energy between the sun gear 21 and the planetary gears 20.

The ring gear 22 does not rotate; however, the carrier 17 rotates at the same speed, at which the planetary gears 20 rotate about tbe sun. gear 2 b Thus, the carrier i 7 rotates at a speed slow than that of the SOP gear 21 . ^' The planetary adapter 19 between Ihe first and second planetary gear subassemblies 44 rotaies at the same speed as the earner I ? of the first planetary gear subassembly 44 and causes the sun gear 21 of the second pia.neta.ry gear subassembly 44 to rotate at lias same rate. (The sun gear 2 1 of tbe second planetary gear subassembly 44 rotates more slowl than the sun gear 21 of the first planetary gear subassembly 4 due to the speed reduction provided by the planetary gears 20 of the fast planetary gear subassembly 44. This is true for each planetary gear subassembly 44 in the torque multiplier assembly 42. ) in turn, the planetary gears 20 of the second planetary gear subassembly 44 eaase the carrier 1 7 on the second planetary gear subassembly 44 to rotate at a. speed that is slower than that of the planetary adapter 1 9 her wee a the two planetary gear suhassetnbiios 44 (and slower than that of the carrier 1 on s he In si planetary gear subassembly), As x lained above, ihe torque increases with ihe transfer of energy irons ihe sun gear 21 to the planeiaty gears 20 of the second planetary gear subassembly 44, In a preferred embodiment, the torque multiplier tor each planetary gear subassembly is roughl 3.5: 1 . With two planetary gear s bassemblies the torque multiplier from the vvheei actuator 28 in ihe bail 5 is roughly 12.25 t ri e., 3.5 times 3,5 y The speed red ti n is equal to the increase in torque; lor exam le, if the torque increase is 12.25, the the speed reduction is also 12.25,

Figure 13 is a section . view of the acinaUir assembly and torque multiplier assembly of die present invention. I he actuator wheel 28 is connected via actuator snokes 27 (not shown) to the driver housing 1 1 , which contains th driver support 1 2, which in turn houses the outer magnets 14 (see Figure 7). The top enclosure 10 is situated between the outer and inner magnets 14, 1 of The planetary adapter 1 of the first planetary gear subassembly 44 fas into a socket 1.5a in. the follower support 1 5. The lower half of Figure 13 shows the two planetary gear subassemblies 44 installed imo the bottom enclosure 9. also show ^: s hew ds.e two plaaetary adapters 1 are linearly aligned with one another, The shaft 6 (not shown) is inserted into die socket 17a in the carrier 17 of the second planetar pear subassembly 44.

As used herein, the t rm "ilrst planetary peat subassembly ^" refers to the planetary gear subassembly that interlaces directly (via the planetary adapter 19) with the follower support, and the term "second planetary gear subassembly ^{^} refers to the planetary gear subassembly that interfaces directly via ihe shaft) with the bail 5, here may be any number of planetary gear subassemblies, and each would interface with the Cither in the manner shown in Figure 13 the , via a planeiary adapter 1 , one cud of which Is inserted into the carrier ef the previous planetary gear subassembly and the other end of whkb. Is insened into ihe sun gear of the next lan ar gear subassembly). As claimed in claim 1 , (he rotation of the earner i the first planetary gear subassembly causes the sun gear of ihe second planetary gear sub ssembl to rotete- -either directly ia the planetar adapte between t first and second planetary gear subassemblies or indirectly via the othe planetary gear subassemblies and their pkmet&ry adapter regardless of how ^: many other planetary gear subassemblies there are between the nrsi and second planetary gear subassemblies or whether there are none at all, Figure 14 is a cropped section view of the esent invention in a holy ass mbled state. All of the parts shown in this figure have been mentioned and/or described hi connection with prev ous figures.

f igure 15 is a derail perspectiv e view of die top enelosure, bottom enclosure, o- dogs, veive body., ring seal, valve -adapter plate seal shaft, and adapter plate of the present invention, All of the parts shown I ts this figure have been, mentioned and/or described in connection with previous figure-. T his figure clearly shows the ridges 9a hi the bottom enclosure 9 that hold the ring gear 22 in place (the ridges 9a ha into the channels 22b its the ring gear 22). It also shows the end of the shaft 6 that tits into the earner 1 7 on the second planetary gear subassembly 44 (not shown). This figure provides a detail view id the ring seal 25 and adapter-plate seal 26, Because the shaft 6 is rotating, the ring seal 25 is a dynamic seal; however, it is also fully enclosed because the top ami bottom enclosures , 10 prevent any emissions from, escaping to the outside environment. The ring seal 25 is the onl dynamic seai in the present Invention.

Fig r ; 6 is a perspective view of the shah with a positive sto and adapter plate with a positive stop. As shown in this figure, the adapte plate 8 lias a eutom Ha in the center of the adapter plate 8 through which the shaft 6 i s inserted (see also Figure 1 5), In a preferred embodiment, this cutout S comprises a protrusion 8 b that interacts with a recess 6a on on end of the shaft b. This interaction between the shah recess 6a and adapter plate protrusion 8b ensures that the ball 5 (not shown) will not rotate more than ninety (901 degrees. T he dri ver oh on the same end of the shaft 6 as the recess 6a extends into the carrier 1 ? of the second planetary gear subass mbly 44 (see Figure 1 ).

Rgnre 1.7 Is a detail perspective view of the shaft with a positive stop and adapter plate with a positive stop with the val e in an open position. Figure 1 8 Is a detail perspective view of the shaft with a positive stop and adapter plate with a positive stop with the valve in a elosed position. These two figures show the positive stop fi , the shaft recess 6a and adapter plate protrusion 8a) la operation.

Figure 19 is a perspecti view of the present invention shown with a motor aetw:aor ssembl , tu is embodiment, the aeinatnr wheel 2 I is replaced w b a cylindrical magnet motor actuator assembly 47 comprising a clutch 29, a motor gear 3b\ a motor tn.oum.iag bracket 31 , a motor ring gear 32, and a motor 33. The purpose of the clutch. 29 s to conditionally attach the motor 3 to the motor gear 30, The purpose of the motor mo rning bracket 31 is to seems the motor 33 to the to top enclosure 10 and to ensure proper positioning of the motor gear 30 in relation to the m t r ting gear 32, The motor 33 turns the motor gear 30, which, engages with the motor ring gear 32. causing it to rotate.

Figure 20 is an exploded view of the motor actuator assembly of the present invention. As shown in tins figure, the motor ring gear 32 i preferably bolted to Ore bottom pari. 1 1a of the driver h using 1.1 , The magnetic coupling between the outer magnets 14 (not shown hut located inside of the driver housing 1 1 } are! the inner magnets Id (no shown but located inside the top enclosure 1 0) is the same as described above, fa this embodiment, the ring gear 32 causes the driver housing 1 1 (and, therefore, the outer magnets 1 ) to rotate. The driver cap 30 is specie Need in form {namel , it has a rel t el large hole in the center) to allow the motor .mounting bracket i to be bolted dheetiy to the ton enclosure 1 (h as shown In Figures 10 and 20,

Figure 21 is a section view of the motor actuator assembly of ^' he present onvemion, Note that the bolts 34 securing the motor bracket 3 1 to the top enclosure 10 do em penetrate through to the interior of the top enclosure lo> T he purpose of the tog enclosure 10 is to contain any emissions from the dynamic seal at the shaft o (described above); therefore, puncturing the top enclosure 10 is something that should be avoided.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the present invention shown attached m u butterfly valve, and Figure 23 is a perspective cut-away view of the present invention shown attached to a plug valve. The ertmodiments previously described are all shown with a hell valve; however, the present invention amy be used with any kind of ro ar valve, as noted above, i Figure 22, the res nt invention is shown with a buttorfly valve assembly 45. The butterfly valve assembly comprises a butterfly valve body 52. a butter % disc 53, and a butterfly valve cover 34, in Figure 2.3, tk ^> present imamiion is show with a plug valve assenmiy 40, The plug val e assembly 46 comprises a. plug valve body 55, a plug 50, and a plug valve cover 57. The res n invention, is not limited to any particular typo of rotary valve,

F igures 24-2? illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a dbio-vw magnetic conhguraaon than the embodiments previously shown, These figures show Che radial magnet wheel actuator assembly 48. fa ss embcKiuReftt, rath r han the inner ma net 16 being contained within a foll wer support 15 that tits ^' into a top enclosure 1.0, which in tarn tits Into a driver housing 1 1 that houses a driver support 12 containing the outer magnets I 4 (i.e. , the array of moor magnets is basically ^' located inside oh the array of oute magnets), radial driver magnets 49 held by a radial driver magnet support SS and radial follower magn ts 50 held by a radial .follower magnet support 60 are stacked. (f it , arranged linearly within the top enclosure 51) with a portion of the top enclosure 51 ^' between them.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the present inversion shown with a radial magnet actuates system, in tills embodiment, the mnial driver magnet cap 59 replaces the driver cap 1 of the previous emhodimer.t. In addition, the top enclos re 51 replaces the top enclosure 10 previously shown.

Figure 25 is a. perspective onHwvay view of the radial magnet actuation system. As shown in this figure, the radial driver magnets 49 m coniai.ned wiih.in a radial driver magnet support 58. The radial driver magnet support § is inserted into the fo part of the ton enclosure 1. · Note that this top enclosure 1. is shaped dirterentiy than the top enclosure Hs described in connection w th previous embodiments.) The radial follower magnets 50 are contained, within a. radial follower magnet support.60, The radial toikr er magnet support 00 Is inserted, into the bottom part of the top enclosure S Is however, pan of the top enclosure 51 provides a physical harrier between the Inner and enter radial ma nets 49, 50 (see Figure 2?),

With this embodiment, the wheel ctus tor 2S is attached to the radial driver magnet cap 59 by the actuator spokes 27, As the wheel actuator 2£ is turned, the radial dr ver magnet cap 59 rotates, causing the radial driver magnets 49 in. the .radial driver magnet support 55 to rotate as wel l. Due to the magnetic coupling between the radial driver magnets and the radial .follower magnets, the radial follower magnet support 00 rotates as ^' well. One end of the planetary adapter 19 extending from the first planetary gear subassembly 44 is inserted into a socket (not shown) in the radial follower magnet su ort 60, and the other end of the planetary adapter ; 9 ·\ inserted Into the sun gear 21 (not shown) of the first planetary gear subassembly t see Figure 27). In tills manner, as the radial Mower magnet support 60 rotates, so does the sun gear 21 of the first ea subassembly 44. A!J other cts of the invention are as reviously described.

Figure 26 is an exploded view of the present invention shown with a radial magnet actuation system. As shown hi. this figure, the top enclosure 51 is ol ed to the bottom enclosure 9. The top and bottom enclosures 51, are stationary. Tire wheel actuator 28, actuator spokes 2?, radial dr ver magnet cap 59, radial driver magnet support 5 radial dri ver magnets 49, radial follower magnet support 60, and radial ower magnets 50 are the onl parts that rotate? within the actuator assembly, Figure 27 is a section view of the present invention shown with a radial magnet actuation system.

Figure 28 is a perspecti ve view of the present invention, with the radial magnet actuation system described above, shown attached to a butterfly valve. Figure 29 is a perspective cut-swa view of the present invention, with the radial magnet actuation system described above, shown attached to a plug valve. As stated above, any of the em bod; arc; as of the present invention may be used with any type of rotary valve.

Figures 31) and. 31 show the radial magnet actuation system with a motor actuator assembly. The radial magnet motor actuator assembly 61 shown in f igures 50 and 31 is different than the cylindrical magnet .motor actuator assembly 4? shown In Figures 19-21 because it has been specifically designed ho work with the radial magnets, In Figures 30 and 51 , the motor drive shaft 62a is connected to the radial driver magnets 40

eorKutio.aaiiy through the clutch 67. in Figures 1 -21 > on the other hand, the motor drive shaft 33a is connected to the other magnets 14 through the clutch 59 and a set of gears 3d. 32. In Figures 30 and 3 1 , the motor 62 i attached to the clutch 6? with bolts 34, and m clutch 6? is attached to the .motor coupler 65 by a set screw 66. The motor coupler 65 is attached, to the radial driver magnet cap 59 by bolts 34, Because the radial driver magnets 49 are contained within the top enclosure 64. which Is bolted to the radial driver magnet cap 59. they rotate at the same speed as the motor 02, The motor enclosure 63 ensures that the motor -s protected Font dirt and debris, etc,, and it also provides a.

mounting point for the motor and clinch.

The embodiment, shown l, Figures 30 and 3 1 namely, tire radial magnet actuation system coupled with the motor actuator assembly ;s a preferred embodiment because the motor i coupled directly to the radial driver numnetv thereby eliminating the n ed for the type of nog gear 32 shown in Figure 20. The latter embodiment is more costly t¾e a use it entail s an extra sat of gears on the outside of the actuator; In addit n, because the ring gear 32 is exposed to the outside envb ^' onment It needs to be protected in some marmer form corrosion, dust and debris (this eonsidemtioo is not present in the em odiment shown In Figures 30 and 3 l i

Figure 32 Is a se tion view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a pressure equalization system. In this embodiment, the adapter, plate 70 is expende longltudinallY to aeeommodate a piston 6§ and piston spring 69 inside of the adapter plate 70, The top and bottom enclosures 9. 10 shown In previous embodiments have been combined into a. single enclosure 75 to seduce weight and eliminate the need to provide a seal between the top and bom an enclosures: however, tbe pressure equalisation system shown in this figure could also be used w t separate to and bottom enclosures. The enclosure 75 comprises a grease fitting 73 through which grease is injected for lubrication purposes.

When tbe valve i In use fluid will fee ilowmg through the valve body h and the piston 68 acts as an internal dynamic seal between fluid hi the valve body 1 and fluid in. tbe enclosure 75, T he piston 68 is preferably located, between the torque m l i lier assembly 42 (not labeled in this hgure) and the valve body 1 so that only clean fluid If a . fluid injected via tbe grease lu in 73) comes into contact with the planetary gear subassemblies 44· of the torque multiplier assembly.

The piston OS surrounds the sha t 6 and is showed to move longitudinall along the length of the shaft so that as fluid pressure in the enclosure 75 increases, the piston OS moves closer to the valve body 1 , thereby compressing tbe piston spring 69. Conversely, as fluid ress re in the enclosure 75 decreases and the force of the compressed piston spring 60 o vereom.es dm pressure of tbe fluid in tbe enclosure 75 against the piston 68, the piston moves in the opposition direction away from ihe valve body (he,., along the shah, in the direction of the planetary gear subassemblies 44). in this man er, the piston 6h is allowed to ^oar between the val ve body I and the top (or ceding? of the adapter piate 70. t ere acting as a pressure equaiiaer between tbe fluid in the valve body 1 arid the ibid in. the enclosure 75. Figure 33 is an exploded view of the pressure equalization s st m of the un eat invention, As shown in this figure, the adapter plate 70 bolts a.; the valve body b The shad 6 is attached to ihe bail 5 (not shown) and extends through the valve body I and adapter plate 70 and into are earner 17 of the planetary gear st sssembiy 44 closest to ihe shaft (see Figures 12, 1 and I 5). As described above, die piston spring 69 surrounds the shaft 6 and is situated be e n the piston OS and ihe calve body i . The ston 68 is pretetably shaped like a disc with an aperture in the center tor the shad 6.

Two Goings 37 ib. bun recesses lit the perimeter of the piston 3a\ as shown, In a, preferred embodiment the ptsion spring 69 is engineered so as > ensure thai, the fluid pressure is always higher on the clean side (f a , in the enclosure 75) than on the dirty side (i.e. , in the valve body l ip ideally, the piston 68 will prevent any leakage of field from, the enclosure 75 Into ihe valve body i and viae versa; however, the fact that the piston spring da rnah.vi.ains a ^' higher bald pressure in the enclosure 7$ than In the valve body 1 n ures that if there ever is any leakage, it will occur from ihe enclosure 75 into the valve body 1 (clean oil into dirty oil s and not vice versa, The goal is to prevent any dirty oil itbav is, oil from the flo path) front coaling Into contact with the planetary gear subassemblies 44 and to keep the piston seals (Owings 37) covered in. clean oil, which will Increase the die of the seals and decrease service costs.

Figure 4 is a perspective cut-away view of the pressure equaliaaiion sys m of the present Invention, This figure shows the same components as In Figure 33 hut billy assembled.

Figure 35 is a perspective e seawa view of an alternate embodiment of the pressure equalization system comprising ¾ spring washer stack. In this embodiment, ihe piston spring 69 is replaced, with a spring washer stack 74 (fa., stack of spring washers) that functions similarly to the piston, spring 69 by biasing the piston 68 in. dm direction of the adapter plate ceiling 70a. Inst as with the piston example, as fluid pressure In the enclosure 75 increases, thereby applying presswe to the top ike 68a of the piston, the pi sum 6b moves towurd the valve body I and compresses the spring washer stack 74. When the pressure m the compressed spring washer stack 74 overcomes the fluid pressure on. the u ^; p face 68a of the piston, oven the spring washer stack 74 pushes the piston 68 back toward the ceiling 70a of the adapter plate. In this manner, the piston 68 and spring w she stack 74 act as pressure equalization ystem, just as the iste? 68 and piston spring 69 s own in figure 34 do.

Although a piston spring 69 and spriug washer stack 74 are shown as two examples of mechanisms for biasing the piston 6 inward ihe adapter plate ceiling 70 A, the present invention is not limited to any particular bias ng mechanism at; long as it performs the same function as the piston spring 69 and spring washer stack 74.

Figure 36 is a perspective cut-away view- of an alternate embodiment of the pressure equallznrion system comprising a pressure equalization enclosure and pressure equalisation lid. In this embodiment, the adapter plate 72 is bolted to the enclosure 75, and the piston 6B is enclosed, within a pressure equalization enclosure 763 which in rum is bolted, to a pressure equalization lid 77, Thus, rather than biasing the piston spring 611 toward the ceiling 70a of the adapter plate 70 (as la the embodiment shown in f igure 34), th piston spring 60 biases he piston 68 toward the pressure equalization lid 77, One advantage of this embodiment is that the piston and. piston spring are contained within ihe pressure equalisation enc osure 76, which has a lip 76a, T he piston 6K. piston spring 69 and pressure equalization enclosure 76 may be removed as a single unit by disengaging the enclosure 75 from the adapter plate 73. removing the enclosure 75. and then removing the pressure equalization enclosure 76 (together with the lid 77), B ca se the -pis n spring 69 rests on top of the lip ?6a, the piston spring 69 and piston $ will also be removed at the same time, Additional ly, with this embodiment, the adapter plate does not need to be removed to service the piston 6 P. piston seals (O-rings 37 a and piston spring 69.

figure 37 is a perspective cat-away view of an alternate embodiment of the r ss re equalization system in which the piston diameter is maaimized. In this embodiment, the pressure equalisation enclosure 76 and pressure equalization lid 77 have bee omitted, and the outside diameter of the ist n 6§ has been ex: eased so that it is roughl equal to the inside diameter of the enclosure 76 and the outside diameter of the ring gear 22 of the torque multiplier assembly. This embodiment utilizes a. relatively fiat adaptor plate 72 without s top portion 70b (sec f !gure 34), and. th p toa spring 69 is s uated on top of the adapter plate 2 rath r than directly on top of the valve body k a>; shown in figure 34; however, the piston soring 69 could also sit directly on top of the valve body 1. The ma n ad anta e of this embodiment is that the size of the piston is max imized, thereby increasing the su f ce area of the piston so that it Poos not ha ve to travel as far kmgiitmhnaliy to equalize the fluid pressure in the valve body 1 and enclosure 75. libs in tarn allows the osemll valve size to be shorter than in other embodiments here the piston is smaller in diameter.

Rather than surrou.tKti.ng the top portion ?0h of the adapter plate 70 (see Figures 32 and 34}. th reside wall of the enclosun. ⁵ 75 is in direet contact with the piston 68 ( id, more specifically, the (Vrings .37 in the perimeter of the piston 68j, In this embodiment the piston 68 floats between the carrier 1 //ring gear 22 of the torque rrmltiptier assembly and the adaptor plate 72. Although a piston spring 69 is shown in Figure 36 and 37, the piston spring 69 ma be replaced with a spring washer stack 74 or similar mechanism.

Figure 3g n exploded view of the pressure equalization system shoe, si In Figure d As shown in this figure, the inside diameter of live pressure equaLization enclosure 76 is roughly the same as the outside diameter of the piston as, and the outside diameter of the pressure equalization lid 77 Is e u l to be.- outsid diameter of the pressure e uah atioti nclosu e 76. The inside diameter of the aperture 68b located at the center of rive piston 6k is ro ghl equal to the outside diameter of the shall 6 (see Figure 36). Note that the center aperture hi the pressure equalization lid 77 is slightl larger In diameter than the center apern.ee in the piston 68 because the center aperture la the piston needs to -eel with the shaft a. whereas the center aperture irt the pressure equalization lid 77 needs to be siigfahy larger to allow grease to How etween the pressure equalization lid 77 and the shaft 6.

Although tire pre.ter.red embo im nt of h present invention has been shown and described, It will be ^pparem to those skilled in the art thai many changes and

modilkailons may be .made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore in ended to cover all snob changes and modifications as lab within the true spire and scope of the invention.

REFliRHNCES

1 . Shaw, h . _: Valve World.. Vol. 5, Issue 4 (2000) 32-35.

2. Hathaway, ,, Veiee World, Vol. 2, Issue 1 ( 1997) 4b