US 12,253,186 B2
Valve stem lifter
Dave Latch, Odessa, TX (US); and Anthony Prieto, Odessa, TX (US)
Assigned to Vanzandt Controls, LLC, Odessa, TX (US)
Filed by Vanzandt Controls, LLC, Odessa, TX (US)
Filed on Nov. 2, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/979,485.
Application 17/979,485 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/387,977, filed on Jul. 28, 2021, abandoned.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/059,124, filed on Jul. 30, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0160495 A1, May 25, 2023
Int. Cl. F16K 31/50 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 31/50 (2013.01) [F16K 31/508 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve stem lifter for opening and closing a valve, comprising:
a base frame comprising at least four guide rods attached thereto, wherein the guide rods are spaced equidistant from one another around the base frame;
a riser having a body slidably mounted to the guide rods, wherein the body comprises a plurality of slots, each lined with a sleeve, through which the guide rods pass, and the body further comprises two screws extending horizontally therethrough, the two screws positioned in a circumferentially spaced relationship substantially 180 degrees apart;
a pull rod rigidly connected to the riser and configured to engage a valve element on the valve;
a shaft rotatably connected to the riser by the two screws, wherein the shaft comprises a top end having a knob; and
an electronic actuator operatively connected to the knob at the top end of the shaft, wherein the electronic actuator is configured to rotate the shaft up to about 270 degrees and, upon rotation, the shaft is configured to provide axial movement to the riser and corresponding axial movement to the pull rod to open or close the valve.