Valve position monitor

• US 6,820,647 B1
• Filed: 05/08/2002
• Issued: 11/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation (Crane Company)
• Original Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation (Crane Company)
• Inventors: Minervini, Leo, Grecco, John Jude, Sinclair, Franklin H., Martin, Antimo J.
• Primary Examiner(s): RIVELL, JOHN A
• Application Number:
  US10/141,474
• Time in Patent Office: 930 Days
• Field of Search: 137/552, 137/553, 137/554, 137/556, 137/556.3
• US Class Current: 137/552
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/041 for rotating valves F16K31/055 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0041 for measuring valve parameters F16K37/0033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0058 Optical means, e.g. light transmission, observation ports F16K37/0075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2808 Through float-operated vent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8175 Plural
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8242 Electrical
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8275 Indicator element rigidly carried by the movable element whose position is indicated

Abstract

A valve position monitor that provides simultaneous visual and electrical signals of valve position is disclosed. A method of monitoring the position of a valve by utilizing the valve position monitor described herein is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A valve position monitor, adapted to be connected to a valve actuator having a rotatable shaft corresponding to valve position, and providing both a visual and electrical signal of valve position, comprising:

a) a body comprising;

i.) an output shaft comprising an inner core and a retainer bushing, said output shaft adapted to engage the rotatable shaft of the valve actuator

ii.) two trigger housings independently rotatable about said output shaft and axially adjustable about said output shaft, said two trigger housings having one trigger and means for interlocking with interlocking means on said output shaft, and one of said trigger housings having visual indicia thereon;

iii.) a polymeric wave spring to interlock said trigger housings with said output shaft; and

iv.) a housing adapted to be secured to the valve actuator, said housing having three opening, and

b) two limit switches that can detect the triggers and transmit electrical signals of the valve position.

2. A method for monitoring position of a valve comprising connecting the valve position monitor of claim 1 to a valve actuator and utilizing the valve position monitor of claim 1 to monitor the position of the valve.

3. The valve position monitor of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a second means for preventing buildup of fluid.

4. The valve position monitor of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a third means for preventing fluid from entering an output shaft aperture.

5. The valve position monitor of claim 1 wherein at least one of said trigger housings is divided to sections, at least on section having a first visual indicia and at least one other section having a different second visual indicia, with no two adjacent sections having identical visual indicia.