Valve operator
DCFirst Claim
1. A valve operating machine comprising in combination:
- drive means for turning the stem of a valve;
means for connecting and disconnecting said drive means to the stem of a first valve or a second valve;
motor means for rotating said drive means;
control means for controlling the application of torque by said motor means to said drive means;
first sensor means for measuring torque applied by said motor means to said drive means; and
computer means responsive to said first sensor means for controlling said control means to limit the application of torque to the valve stem of the connected valve such that the torque applied to the connected valve is limited to a predetermined value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A valve operating machine has a reversable motor and a drive assembly for turning the stem of a valve, and a sensor for determining the torque applied to the valve stem. The amount of torque applied to the valve stem is regulated so as not to exceed the torque limits of the valve. The machine will gradually apply greater amounts of torque in opposite directions until the valve has become unfrozen. Thereafter, the valve will be rotated until the opening or closing cycle has been completed. When an increase in torque is detected, the machine will reverse to unjam a valve, and where such reversal does not result in further forward movement, the machine will terminate the cycle.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A valve operating machine comprising in combination:
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drive means for turning the stem of a valve; means for connecting and disconnecting said drive means to the stem of a first valve or a second valve; motor means for rotating said drive means; control means for controlling the application of torque by said motor means to said drive means; first sensor means for measuring torque applied by said motor means to said drive means; and computer means responsive to said first sensor means for controlling said control means to limit the application of torque to the valve stem of the connected valve such that the torque applied to the connected valve is limited to a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A valve operating machine comprising in combination:
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drive means for turning the stem of a valve; means for connecting and disconnecting said drive means to the stem of a first valve or a second valve; motor means for rotating said drive means; sensor means for measuring the rotation of said drive means; control means for controlling said motor means to rotate a stem of a connected valve in a first direction, and computer means responsive to said sensor means for directing said control means to rotate a stem of a connected valve a predetermined angular distance in said first direction. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification