Automatic actuator system

• US 6,328,053 B1
• Filed: 09/01/1999
• Issued: 12/11/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Brian Scott, Sr. Whitmore
• Original Assignee: Gary Slaydon
• Inventors: Slaydon, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Walton, George L.
• Application Number:
  US09/388,059
• Time in Patent Office: 832 Days
• Field of Search: 137/312, 137/554, 137/558, 137/15.17, 137/15.18, 251/129.11, 251/129.12, 251/292, 251/129.04, 251/291
• US Class Current: 137/15.17
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 1/30 specially adapted for pressure containers
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/047 characterised by mechanical means between the motor and the valve, e.g. lost motion means reducing backlash, clutches, brakes or return means F16K31/043 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0041 for measuring valve parameters F16K37/0033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0486 Specific valve or valve element mounting or repairing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8242 Electrical

Abstract

A system for filing or discharging compressed gas or liquid cylinders mounted on the cylinder. An automatic system for filing or discharging a compressed gas cylinder, specifically chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or ammonia cylinders. The system includes an electric motor that rotates the cylinder valve system toward open or closed position without interfering with or requiring additional adapters for the filing or discharge hardware. The motor, gears, and controls are assembled as one unit to eliminate the necessity for a separate control panel or interconnecting control wires. The system has the capabilities for integral leak detection with automatic shutdown, battery backup in the event of power failure, remote control by leak detector, remote control panic button, remote low weight transmitter, remote vacuum switch for automatic switch-over systems and other remote digital signals. The system requires only a flexible power cord for trickle charge of the battery backup, which makes the assembly totally portable when not in use. Placement of the system container can be accomplished by connection to the cylinder valve, a permanent stand, or a movable stand on casters. Motor and controls are accomplished through an on-board microprocessor with integral LED displays for “CLOSED,” “ALIGN,” and “OPEN” indicators. Programming is accomplished through an integral keypad. Actual valve position is transmitted to the microprocessor from a direct-coupled potentiometer.

Claims

1. An actuator to open and close a valve of a fluid containing cylinder by rotation of the valve stem, capable of being removably installed on the valve of the cylinder wherein the valve already has one or more items installed on the cylinder valve, for preventing certain hazardous conditions, selected from the group consisting of:

a vacuum regulator;

an ejector;

a flow meter;

a rate valve; and

any other actuator, actuator component, chlorinator or combination thereof.

2. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the engagement of the valve stem is operatively connected to a motor within the actuator.

3. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator is supported by an item selected from the group consisting of a stand and mounting bracket.

4. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator is powered by a battery.

5. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the valve position is determined by a potentiometer.

6. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the valve position is determined relative to a position where the valve is at least partially open.

7. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the valve position is determined relative to a position where the valve is at least partially closed.

8. The actuator of claim 6 wherein the valve is fully open.

9. The actuator of claim 7 wherein the valve is fully closed.

10. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator further comprises a leak detector.

11. The actuator of claim 1 or 10 wherein the actuator is closed in response to a leak.

12. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the valve position is rotated by remote control.

13. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the cylinder is in a position selected from the group consisting of substantially horizontal and substantially vertical.

14. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator may be installed on the valve stem in a confined space.

15. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator is controlled by a microprocessor.

16. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator is aligned in a position wherein the valve is open.

17. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the actuator is aligned in a position wherein the valve is closed.

18. An actuator to open and close a valve of a fluid containing cylinder by rotation of the valve stem, capable of being removably installed on the valve of the cylinder comprising:

means for attaching the actuator to the valve stem of the valve when at least one of a device, for preventing certain hazardous conditions, selected from the group consisting of a vacuum regulator;

an ejector;

a flow meter;

a rate valve; and

any other actuator, actuator component, chlorinator or combination thereof, is already installed; and

means for rotating the valve stem.

19. The actuator of claim 18 further comprising means for automatically rotating the valve stem.

20. The actuator of claim 18 wherein the actuator is aligned in a position wherein the valve is closed.

21. The actuator of claim 18 wherein the actuator is aligned in a position wherein the valve is open.

22. The actuator of claim 18 wherein the valve is on a cylinder.

23. The actuator of claim 18 wherein the actuator is supported by an item selected from the group consisting of a stand and mounting bracket.

24. The actuator of claim 18 wherein the actuator is not in communication with the fluid in the fluid containing vessel.

25. The actuator of claim 18 wherein the valve is operated by remote control.

26. The actuator of claim 18 further comprising a leak detector whereby when a leak is detected, the valve stern is rotated to a closed position.

27. The actuator of claim 18 further comprising a leak detector that notifies an operator when a leak is detected.

28. A method for automatically rotating a valve stem with an actuator that is removably installed on the valve of a cylinder wherein the valve already has a device, for preventing certain hazardous conditions, selected from the group consisting of a Vacuum regulator;

an ejector;

a flow meter;

a rate valve; and

any other actuator, actuator component, chlorinator or combination thereof comprising the steps of;

installing an actuator to the valve stem of the valve; and

operating the actuator.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of operating the valve is performed remotely.

30. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of aligning the actuator when the valve is in an open position.

31. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of aligning the actuator when the valve is in a closed position.

32. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of detecting leaks.

33. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of closing the valve in response to a leak.

34. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of notifying an operator in response to a leak.

35. The method of claim 30 or 31 wherein the step of aligning the actuator is performed with a potentiometer.

36. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of supporting the actuator with a device selected from the group consisting of a mounting bracket and a stand.

37. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of closing the valve.

38. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of opening the valve.

39. A system that is removably attached to a valve for rotating a valve stem of the valve on a fluid containing cylinder that already has installed on tee valve a device, for preventing certain hazardous conditions, selected from the group consisting of a vacuum regulator;

an ejector;

a flow meter;

a rate valve; and

any other actuator, actuator component, chlorinator or combination thereof comprising;

means for attaching the actuator to the valve stem; and

means for rotating the valve stem.

40. The system of claim 39 further comprising means for determining the valve position.

41. The system of claim 39 wherein the means for rotating the valve stem is controlled via remote control.

42. The system of claim 39 further comprising a leak detector.

43. The system of claim 42 wherein the valve stem is rotated to a closed position when a leak is detected.

44. The system of claim 39 wherein the means for rotating the valve stem is aligned in a closed position.

45. The system of claim 39 wherein the means for rotating the valve stem is aligned in an open position.

46. A portable motorized controller for removable attachment to a valve stem of a valve on a cylinder that already has installed on the valve a device, for preventing certain hazardous conditions, selected from the group consisting of a vacuum regulator;

an ejector;

a flow meter;

a rate valve; and

another actuator, actuator component, chlorinator or combination thereof comprising;

means for attaching the actuator to the valve stem; and

means for rotating the valve stem.