Patent classifications
Y10T137/8175
Sensing events affecting liquid flow in a liquid distribution system
By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.
VENTING AND/OR BLEEDING VALVE
A venting and/or bleeding valve with a valve housing, a main valve arranged in the valve housing for rapid venting and bleeding of piping connected to the valve housing, an auxiliary valve arranged in the valve housing for operating ventilation of the piping at operating pressure, and a float arranged within the valve housing and controlling the main valve and the auxiliary valve as a function of the filling level of a fluid located in the valve housing. The venting and/or bleeding valve contains a valve position sensor for acquisition of the position of the main valve, at least one additional sensor for acquisition of the humidity and/or the pressure and/or of the temperature in an interior space of the valve housing, and an evaluation unit for acquisition of an operating state of the venting and/or bleeding valve as a function of the values acquired by the valve position sensor and any additional sensor.
VALVE METER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.
System and method for improving the accuracy of a rate of decay (ROD) measurement in a mass flow controller
A mass flow controller includes at least one conduit having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the conduit defining a flow path along which the fluid flows. The mass flow controller also includes a modified inlet block having an inlet aperture, an inlet channel, and a reservoir fluidly coupled to the inlet channel and the conduit that enhances flow through the controller and improves rate-of-decay measurements. The mass flow controller includes at least one flow sensor that generates a flow sensor signal that is proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid through the conduit. The mass flow controller includes a control subsystem coupled to a flow sensor and a valve assembly to control flow through the conduit.
Electronic pressure gauge for pressurized system with variable outlet flows
A pressure gauge system for a tank with a variable flow rate that provides a user with an indication of how much usable time is left in a pressurized gas tank given a particular selected flow rate or operational condition and what pressure of gas is left in the tank.
Hybrid flow and pressure regulation
A gauge for a hybrid pressure and flowgauge regulator includes first indicia and second indicia. The first indicia provides an indication of a flow rate of a gas exiting an outlet of the hybrid pressure and flowgauge regulator when the gas exits with a pressure below a gauge threshold pressure. The second indicia provides an indication of the pressure of the gas exiting the outlet of the hybrid pressure and flowgauge regulator when the pressure of the gas exiting the outlet is above the gauge threshold pressure.
Valve meter assembly and method
An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.
System and method for controlling a field device
A system and method for controlling a field device includes a valve coupler having a first portion configured to couple to an actuator rod of an actuator, a second portion configured to couple to a movable component of a control valve, and one or more sensors measuring one or more parameters indicative of the health and/or remaining service life of the control valve assembly and/or one or more components of the valve assembly. Further, at least one of the one or more sensor devices may generate energy from the control valve assembly and/or the operating environment of the control valve assembly for operation of the electronics.
Gas valve with communication link
This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, the valve assembly may include a valve body with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid path extending between the inlet and outlet ports, one or more valves situated about the fluid path, one or more valve actuators for selectively moving respective valves, one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters within the fluid path, and a controller secured relative to the valve body and in communication with the one or more sensors for determining one or more valve assembly conditions based on the one or more sensed parameters. Illustratively, the controller may be configured to communicate information from the valve assembly to a combustion appliance controller that is located remotely from the valve assembly through a communications interface of the controller and across a communications bus.
Valve meter assembly and method
An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.