US 12,460,738 B2
Magnetically actuated pipe valve with torque-limiting clutch and position indication
David Yakos, Bozeman, MT (US); Stephen Sanford, Bozeman, MT (US); and Robert K. Burgess, Sheridan, WY (US)
Assigned to MagDrive Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, MT (US)
Filed by MagDrive Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, MT (US)
Filed on Sep. 13, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/885,048.
Application 18/885,048 is a continuation in part of application No. 18/646,183, filed on Apr. 25, 2024, granted, now 12,117,094.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/463,181, filed on May 1, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2025/0003521 A1, Jan. 2, 2025
Int. Cl. F16K 31/08 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 31/088 (2013.01) [F16K 31/086 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A magnetically actuated valve with a magnetic clutch, comprising:
an actuator stem, rotation of which is configured to actuate the valve, causing the valve to move between an open position, a closed position, and one or more semi-open positions;
a magnetic clutch, wherein the magnetic clutch includes an outer magnetic array, wherein the outer magnetic array includes a plurality of constituent magnets or a plurality of distinct magnetic domains, surrounding a segment of the actuator stem;
a valve housing, defining a pressure vessel of the valve, encapsulating the actuator stem, wherein the outer magnetic array surrounds a section of the valve housing; and
a position indicator attached to an outside surface of the valve housing configured to detect a configuration of the valve;
wherein the plurality of constituent magnets or the plurality of distinct magnetic domains in the outer magnetic array are organized as a Halbach array;
wherein the magnetic clutch is configured to slip without breaking the actuator stem;
wherein the magnetic clutch is configured to automatically reset and realign after slipping due to tight spacing of the plurality of constituent magnets or the plurality of distinct magnetic domains;
wherein actuation of the outer magnetic array applies torque, thereby actuating the actuator stem.