Abstract:
A system for verifiably locking a first cylindrical component to a second cylindrical component in a safe and secure manner. The system provides a visible indication when the first component and second component are fully and effectively secured. The first cylindrical component comprises a lock cylinder fixedly attached to the first cylindrical component. The lock cylinder comprises a lock piston. The second cylindrical component comprises a channel with a guide region and a lock region. The visible portion of the lock piston provides an indication of whether or not the lock piston is secured in the lock region of the channel. The system is also capable of being operated from a control panel to operate the locks, receive signals from sensors, and to display the lock status of the system. The system offers redundant verifications to enhance safety in operating environments.
Abstract:
By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.
Abstract:
A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle.
Abstract:
A local logic solver (26) operates with a local smart valve controller (28) to control and test a local field-mounted emergency isolation valve device (40) to which provide a local indication (50) of trouble on the device, which is mounted in the field away from the facility's central control panel for the process. Accordingly, the operation of the overall system is simplified by eliminating the need for an external computer to diagnose any problems. A local control panel (12) includes an indicator light (50) substantially adjacent to or in close proximity to the device being monitored to alert personnel of detected faults. Detected faults are time-stamped locally to provide documentation and tracking of elapsed time, starting when the degraded state of the device was detected and first signaled as a problem.
Abstract:
A direct drive servovalve device includes (i) a servovalve motor having a stator and a rotor assembly configured to rotate relative to the stator, (ii) a valve member coupled to the rotor assembly, and (iii) a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes an interface configured to couple to a controller that controls the servovalve motor, a set of programmable Hall sensors coupled to the interface, and a support. The support (e.g., a ring?shaped collar or sleeve) supports the set of Hall sensors at an installation location which is (i) adjacent to the rotor assembly and (ii) fixed relative to the stator. The set of programmable Hall sensors is configured to provide a set of position signals to the controller through the interface. The set of position signals identifies a rotational position of the rotor assembly relative to the stator.
Abstract:
A system and method of monitoring a pressurized container having an auxiliary device are provided. The system includes a sensor operable to provide a signal representative of at least one operating condition of the pressurized container. The system also includes a control operable to receive the signal from the sensor and generate a warning when the sensed operating condition will impact the operation of the auxiliary device.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a drive (10) for a control valve, comprising a drive force unit (12), a yoke (14) for connecting to a valve (16) in a fixed manner, a drive spindle (18) for transmitting the movement of the drive force unit to the valve and a sensor unit (20, 22, 24) for detecting the position of the valve. The sensor unit comprises a magnetic track (20) with a recurring structure which is integrated into the drive spindle (18), a sensor (22) which is connected to the yoke of the drive in the vicinity of the magnetic track and which is suitable for detecting changing magnetic field lines and at least one permanent magnet (24) in the area of the magnetic track and the sensor, whose magnetic field lines penetrate both the magnetic track and the sensor.
Abstract:
A hydraulic function-performing unit is described, having a main housing (2) and at least one movable function-performing element (5, 9), the position and/or movement of which in the main housing (2) determines flow and/or pressure conditions and/or chamber volumes for hydraulic fluid, and having at least one sensor (21-25, 31-36). It is desirable for the construction of such a function-performing unit to be simplified. To that end, the sensor (21-25, 31-36) is accommodated inside a sensor housing (3). The sensor housing (3) and the main housing (2) have adjoining interface faces (4) and there is provided a transmission channel (26-30, 37-39) which is led through the interface face (4) and connects a measuring point in the main housing (2) to the sensor.
Abstract:
A five valve manifold for use with a pressure sensing apparatus is disclosed. It has an integral body having a first face, a second face, parallel with the first face. A peripheral wall section, spans the distance between the first and second face sections. The distance is smaller than at least one of the width and the length of the second face section. A passage system within said body and includes a plurality of mutually intercommunicating passages extending from one said face to the other. A set of five valves operates selective opening and closing of the passages. The centres of the instrument outlets at one face are suited to new type of "smart" pressure transmitters, while the inlet ports at the other correspond to the usual spacing used in the industry. The invention eliminates the use of a so-called parallel flange used by the manufacturers of pressure transmitters to accommodate the difference in the centres of connecting ports of the instrument from that previously used by the industry. The device is also provided with an arrangement which facilitates the venting of entrapped air.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for monitoring and analyzing the performance of a recirculation control system are disclosed. According to the invention, the pressure of the liquid passing through the control system is measured directly by pressure and differential pressure transducers (30, 32) at the main inlet (31), main outlet (33), and, within the regulation means of the control system. Where the means for regulating the flow of liquid to the recirculation outlet (16) comprises a piston (26) within a piston chamber, the pressure of the liquid within the regulating means is measured in the piston chamber. The pressure data is analyzed to determine valve performance.