364 of the actuator rod 310 while the lower sloped walls 336 346 engage the undercut 368 of the valve stem 314 as the sloped walls 334 336 344 346 engage the undercuts 364 368 the actuator rod 310 and the valve stem 314 become coupled and ultimately the first mating surface 366 of the actuator rod 310 at least partially contacts the first substantially flat surface 340 of the first wedge 338 similarly the second mating surface 370 of the valve stem 314 at least partially contacts the second substantially flat surface 352 of the second wedge 348 the actuator rod 310 and the valve stem 314 may vary in length based on manufacturing tolerances the wedges 338 348 in the valve stem connector assembly 328 accommodate varying lengths of actuator rods and valve stems without requiring additional or separate components so the valve 300 will function properly for example if one or both of the actuator rod 310 and or the valve stem 314 are on the longer side of the manufacturing tolerances the angled surfaces 342 350 engage each other less i e have a smaller engagement or contact surface area and the connector portions 330 332 do not need to be tightened as much to create a secure connection if one or both of the actuator rod 310 and or the valve stem 314 are on the shorter side the angled surfaces 342 350 engage each other more and the connector portions 330 332 are tightened closer to one other for a secure connection accordingly the valve stem connector 328 can accommodate a variety of lengths of actuator rods 310 and or valve stems 314 by in effect lengthening or shortening the overall length of the actuator rod 310 and or.