Distribution valve monitor and distribution valve incorporating same

• US 20060032536A1
• Filed: 05/04/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Iain A.F. Galloway, Kelly A. Galloway
• Original Assignee: Iain A.F. Galloway, Kelly A. Galloway
• Inventors: Galloway, Kelly A., Galloway, Iain A.F.
• Granted Patent: US 7,735,509 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/554
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0041 for measuring valve parameters F16K37/0033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0083 by measuring valve parameters
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0091 by measuring fluid parameters
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/268 Responsive to pressure or flow interruption
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8175 Plural
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8242 Electrical
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86413 Self-cycling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86501 Sequential distributor or collector type

Abstract

A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve.

Claims

1. A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprising:

a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about said distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions; and

a controller communicating with the sensors and recording data representing the operation of the valve, said recorded data being examined to detect improper operation of said distribution valve.

2. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 1 wherein said controller generates an alarm signal when the operation of said distribution valve is determined to have been significantly compromised.

3. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 2 wherein said controller generates said alarm signal when said distribution valve jams or skips.

4. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 1 wherein said sensors are hall effect sensors that detect the presence of magnets disposed within the distribution valve as the magnets move during cycling of the valve.

5. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 4 wherein said sensors include a plunger sensor to sense reciprocation of a plunger within said distribution valve and rotation sensors to sense rotation of a plate that is coupled to said plunger within said distribution valve, one magnet being disposed on said plunger and another magnet being disposed on said plate.

6. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 1 wherein said sensors and controller are accommodated within an enclosure.

7. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 6 wherein said enclosure is shaped to receive said distribution valve.

8. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 7 wherein said sensors are hall effect sensors that detect the presence of magnets disposed within the distribution valve as the magnets move during cycling of the valve.

9. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 8 wherein said sensors include a plunger sensor to sense reciprocation of a plunger within said distribution valve and rotation sensors to sense rotation of a plate that is coupled to said plunger within said distribution valve, one magnet being disposed on said plunger and another magnet being disposed on said plate.

10. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 3 further comprising a user interface including a display to enable recorded data and/or distribution valve operation data to be visually presented.

11. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 10 wherein said controller compares recorded data with desired distribution valve operating data to detect improper distribution valve operation.

12. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 11 wherein said desired distribution valve operating data is programmable.

13. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 1 further comprising an interface to enable recorded distribution valve operation data to be downloaded to a remote location.

14. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 13 further comprising a user interface including a display to enable recorded data and/or distribution valve operation data to be visually presented.

15. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 14 wherein said controller compares recorded data with desired distribution valve operating data to detect improper distribution valve operation.

16. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 15 wherein said desired distribution valve operating data is programmable.

17. A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having at least one inlet, a plurality of outlets, and a valve mechanism coupling the outlets to the inlet in succession in response to changes in inlet fluid pressure, comprising:

a plurality of sensors disposed at spaced locations about said distribution valve sensing different valve operating conditions; and

a controller communicating with the sensors and processing sensor output to detect operation of said distribution valve deviating from desired distribution valve operation.

18. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 17 further comprising memory storing desired distribution valve operation data, said controller comparing sensor output with the desired distribution valve operation data to detect deviant distribution valve operation.

19. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 18 wherein said desired distribution valve operation data is programmable.

20. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 18 wherein said controller generates an alarm signal when the operation of said distribution valve is determined to have been significantly compromised.

21. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 20 wherein said controller generates said alarm signal when said distribution valve jams or skips.

22. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 18 wherein said sensors and controller are accommodated within an enclosure.

23. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 22 wherein said enclosure is shaped to receive said distribution valve.

24. A distribution valve monitor according to claim 18 further comprising a user interface including a display to enable recorded data and/or distribution valve operation data to be visually presented.

25. A distribution valve comprising:

an inlet receiving fluid from a fluid source;

a plurality of outlets to deliver fluid to be distributed;

a valve mechanism actuable to connect said outlets to said inlet in a desired sequence; and

a monitor monitoring operation of said valve mechanism and generating an alarm signal when said valve mechanism malfunctions.

26. A distribution valve according to claim 25 wherein said monitor generates said alarm signal upon jamming or skipping of said valve mechanism.

27. A distribution valve according to claim 26 wherein said valve mechanism includes a plurality of spaced magnets therein, said monitor detecting the presence/absence of said magnets to determine the operation of said valve mechanism.

28. A distribution valve according to claim 25 wherein said monitor comprises memory storing desired distribution valve operation data and a controller comparing the sensor output with the desired distribution valve operation data to detect deviant valve mechanism operation.

29. A distribution valve according to claim 30 wherein said desired distribution valve operation data is programmable.

30. A distribution valve according to claim 28 further comprising a user interface including a display to enable recorded data and/or distribution valve operation data to be visually presented.

31. A distribution valve according to claim 30 further comprising an interface to enable recorded distribution valve operation data to be downloaded to a remote location.