Utility valve access and performance evalutation method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for accessing, opening, or closing an in ground utility valve, comprising:
- a mobile platform, and having mounted on said mobile platform, a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access said utility valve, a valve actuator means for opening or closing said utility valve, a boom means comprising two or more arms for positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve, whereby said vacuum means can be used for removing dirt in order to provide access to said utility valve and said boom means can be used for supporting and positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and said valve actuator can open or close said utility valve when attached to said utility valve.
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Abstract
A vacuum container having a vacuum producing means, mounted on a vehicle, a trailer, or skid mounted, with options chosen from an articulating boom, a water jetter system, a liquid pressure dissipating means, a valve actuator, and a drive motor for the valve actuator being either hydraulic, air, or electric powered, a global positioning system to determine and log the position of work, service or hardware, controls and measuring devices and de-chlorinator.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for accessing, opening, or closing an in ground utility valve, comprising:
a mobile platform, and having mounted on said mobile platform, a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access said utility valve, a valve actuator means for opening or closing said utility valve, a boom means comprising two or more arms for positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve, whereby said vacuum means can be used for removing dirt in order to provide access to said utility valve and said boom means can be used for supporting and positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and said valve actuator can open or close said utility valve when attached to said utility valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 22)
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12. An apparatus for opening or closing an in ground utility valve, comprising:
a mobile platform;
a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access said utility valve;
a valve actuator wherein said valve actuator further comprises a drive motor means for opening or closing said utility valve;
a support means for positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve;
an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve;
a controller means for controlling a rotation of said drive motor; and
a Global Positioning System means for determining a location.
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14. An apparatus for rotating a valve stem of an in ground utility valve, comprising:
a mobile platform;
a valve actuator means for rotating a valve stem;
an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to said valve stem of said utility valve;
a control means for controlling a opening or closing of said utility valve;
a Global Positioning System means for determining a location;
a means for documenting a rotation of said valve stem in combination with documenting a location wherein said location is determined by said Global Positioning System means; and
a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access a valve stem of said utility valve.
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16. An apparatus for rotating a valve stem of an in ground utility valve, comprising:
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a support; a drive motor means for rotating a valve stem of said utility valve; a controller means for controlling characteristics relative to a rotation of said valve stem;
a Global Positioning System means for determining a location with respect to an operation of said drive motor; anda vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access a valve stem of said utility valve.
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19. An apparatus for opening or closing a utility valve, comprising:
- a mobile platform;
a valve actuator which comprises a drive motor means for opening and closing said utility valve;
a support means for positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve;
an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve;
a controller means for controlling a rotation of said drive motor; and
a Global Positioning System means for determining a location; and
a liquid pressure dissipating means for receiving water from a fire hydrant and said liquid pressure dissipating means comprising at least a baffle means for dissipating water pressure, a liquid inlet conduit attachment means for receiving water, and a liquid outlet means for dispensing water. - View Dependent Claims (20)
- a mobile platform;
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21. An apparatus for opening and closing an in ground utility valve, comprising:
- a mobile platform;
a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access a valve stem of said utility valve;
a valve actuator means for opening or closing said utility valve;
a support means for positioning said valve actuator relative to said valve stem and a connecting means for connecting said valve actuator to said valve stem of said utility valve;
a control means for controlling a opening or closing of said utility valve;
a Global Positioning System means for determining a location; and
a hydraulic power supply means for powering said valve actuator means and said hydraulic power supply having a hydraulic tool connection means for powering at least one portable hydraulic tool.
- a mobile platform;
Specification