Fiber optic linked fluid block system

• US 5,687,950 A
• Filed: 10/30/1995
• Issued: 11/18/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jeffery Woodcock
• Original Assignee: Jeffery Woodcock
• Inventors: Woodcock, Jeffery
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, KEVIN L
• Application Number:
  US08/550,026
• Time in Patent Office: 750 Days
• Field of Search: 251/129.2, 251/129.15, 251/129.04, 251/230, 251/129.11, 251/248, 251/288
• US Class Current: 251/129.2
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/105 for rotating valves

Abstract

A fiber-optic linked anti-tamper fluid block system is disclosed. The device comprises a fluid blocking means, disposable within the fluid flow path of a fluid line, and a control means for control of the fluid blocking means. The control means electronically communicates with the fluid blocking means via a fiber optic link. The control means has an input means, such as a magnetic strip card reader, computer chip key, electronic key switch, electronic alpha-numeric keypad, voice recognition module, or other similar appliance, for receiving an authorized signal from the user to permit device operation. The control means prevents the fluid line bearing apparatus from operating when the device is activated and also prevents device activation when the apparatus is operational.

Claims

1. A fiber-optic linked fluid block apparatus comprising:

a fluid chamber disposed in the fluid flow path of the fluid line;

a block valve means, disposed within the fluid chamber, for permitting fluid flow and blocking fluid flow through the fluid chamber;

a ratchet gear, having four evenly spaced apart teeth, connected to the block valve means;

a solenoid having a shaft and return spring;

a first ratchet arm, having a first end attached to the shaft, a second end, and a tooth located therebetween;

a second ratchet arm, having a first end attached to the shaft, a second end, and a tooth located therebetween;

a spring attached between the second end of the first ratchet arm and the second end of the second ratchet arm;

a control means for electronic control of the solenoid; and

a fiber optic means for electronically linking the solenoid with the control means.

2. The device as in claim 1 wherein each tooth of the ratchet has a rounded edge.

3. The device as in claim 1 wherein the control means comprises:

a slotted disk, having one or more spaced apart articulating members and a limit switch pin, connected to the block valve means;

a first limit switch and a second limit switch, located in close proximity to the slotted disk;

a reversible motor;

a drive member, having a pin thereon, driven by the motor; and

wherein when the motor is energized the drive member is rotated such that the pin engages one of the articulating members and the motor continues rotating until the limit switch pin contacts one of the limit switches.

4. The device as in claim 3 to further include a gear reduction disposed between the drive member and the motor.

5. The device as in claim 3 to further include:

a plurality of spaced apart radius cuts located on the outer circumference of the slotted disk;

a raised arc section, dimensioned to snugly fit within one of the spaced apart radius cuts, located on the top surface of the drive member; and

wherein when the reversible motor is not energized, the raised arc section is received within one of the radius cuts.

6. The device as in claim 1 to further include an input signal means for receiving input signals, used to control the control means, from a user.

7. The device as in claim 6 wherein the input signal means comprises a keypad.

8. The device as in claim 6 wherein the input signal means comprises a voice recognition module.

9. The device as in claim 6 wherein the input signal means comprises a magnetic strip card reader.

10. The device as in claim 6 wherein the input signal means comprises a computer key chip.

11. The device as in claim 6 wherein the input signal means comprises a electronic key switch.

12. A fiber-optic linked fluid block apparatus for selectively interrupting fluid flow through a fluid line comprising:

a fluid chamber, disposed in the fluid flow path of the fluid line;

a block valve means, disposed within the fluid chamber, for selectively interrupting the fluid flow through the fluid chamber;

a valve control means comprising ratchet gear, having four evenly spaced apart teeth, connected to the block valve means;

a solenoid having a shaft and return spring;

a first ratchet arm, having a first end attached to the shaft, a second end, and a tooth located therebetween;

a second ratchet arm, having a first end attached to the shaft, a second end, and a tooth located therebetween;

a spring attached between the second end of the first ratchet arm and the second end of the second ratchet arm;

an electronic control means for electronically controlling operation of the valve control means;

a fiber optic means for electronically linking the valve control means with the electronic control means; and

wherein when the solenoid is energized, the shaft is retracted such that the tooth of the second arm engages and translates one of the teeth of the ratchet gear and when the solenoid is deenergized, the return spring causes the shaft to be pushed outwardly such that the tooth of the first arm engages and translates one of the teeth of the ratchet gear.

13. The device as in claim 12 wherein each tooth of the ratchet gear has a rounded edge.

14. The device as in claim 12 to further include an input signal means for receiving input signals, used to control the control means, from a user.

15. The device as in claim 14 wherein the input signal means comprises a keypad.

16. The device as in claim 14 wherein the input signal means comprises a voice recognition module.

17. The device as in claim 14 wherein the input signal means comprises a magnetic card strip reader.

18. The device as in claim 14 wherein the input signal means comprises a computer key chip.

19. The device as in claim 14 wherein the input signal means comprises a electronic key switch.