Valve Indicator and Related Methods

Abstract

A device for indicating the position of a valve including a mechanical mechanism and output device. A related method for indicating the position of a valve including operatively connecting the device to a valve such as a manual valve. A mechanical mechanism for use with a valve is also described herein. An output device for use with a valve is also described herein.

1 . A device for indicating a position of a valve comprising:
 (A) a mechanical mechanism comprising: 
 (i) a first gear configured to operatively connect to the valve; 
 (ii)a second gear coupled to a first end portion of a first support, wherein the second gear is sized and configured so as to mate with the first gear; 
 (iii) a third gear coupled to a second end portion of the first support; 
 (iv) a fourth gear coupled to a first end portion of a second support, wherein the fourth gear mates with the third gear; and 
 (v)a support member for supporting the first support and the second support, and adapted to affix the mechanical mechanism to the valve; and 
   (B) an output device operatively connected to the mechanical mechanism, wherein the output device provides a signal that is indicative of the position of the valve.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the output device is operatively connected to a second end portion of the second support. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the output device comprises one selected from the group consisting of a rotary sensor, two limit switches, a quarter turn indicator, and any combination of two or more of the foregoing. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the output device is operatively connected to the second end portion of the second support with a coupling and a flexible shaft. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the flexible shaft has a length in the range of from about 1 to about 20 feet. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device for indicating the position of the valve is operatively coupled to a hand wheel of the valve so as to provide a signal that is indicative of the position of the valve when the valve is actuated. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a longitudinal axis of the second gear is substantially orthogonal relative to a longitudinal axis of the first gear. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein a longitudinal axis of the third gear is substantially orthogonal relative to a longitudinal axis of the fourth gear. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the output device comprises a rotary sensor coupled to the second end portion of the second support, wherein the rotary sensor has a number of turns in the range of from about 50 to about 100 turns and transmits a signal indication of a position of the manual valve. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical mechanism is positioned adjacent or below a hand wheel of the valve. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a position indicator sensor is operatively connected to the output device and receives the signal that is indicative of a position of the valve and in response to the signal provides an indication of the position of the valve. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a wireless position indicator sensor is operatively connected to the output device and receives the signal that is indicative of a position of the valve and in response to the signal provides an indication of the position of the valve. 
     
     
         13 . A method for indicating the position of a valve, the method comprising: (A) operatively connecting the device of  claim 1  to a valve having a hand wheel. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device is operatively coupled to the hand wheel of the valve and positioned adjacent to or below the hand wheel of the valve. 
     
     
         15 . A device for indicating a position of a valve comprising:
 (A) a mechanical mechanism comprising: 
 (i) a first gear configured to operatively connect to the valve; 
 (ii) a second gear operatively connected to the first gear, wherein the second gear is sized and configured so as to mate with the first gear; 
 (iii)a third gear operatively connected to the second gear; 
 (iv) a fourth gear operatively connected to the third gear; and 
 (v) a member for supporting the each of the gears, and adapted to affix the mechanical mechanism to the valve; and 
   (B) an output device operatively connected to the mechanical mechanism, wherein the output device provides a signal that is indicative of the position of the valve.   
     
     
         16 . A mechanical mechanism for use with a valve, the mechanical mechanism comprising:
 (A) a first gear configured to operatively connect to the valve;   (B) a second gear coupled to a first end portion of a first support, wherein the second gear is sized and configured so as to mate with the first gear;   (C) a third gear coupled to a second end portion of the first support;   (D) a fourth gear coupled to a first end portion of a second support, wherein the fourth gear mates with the third gear; and   (E) a support member for supporting the first support and the second support, and adapted to affix the mechanical mechanism to the valve;   wherein the mechanical mechanism is configured to be operatively connected to an output device capable of producing a signal that is indicative of the position of the valve.   
     
     
         17 . An output device for use with a valve, the output device comprising:
 (A) at least one sensor comprising a rotary sensor, two limit switches, a quarter turn indicator, position indicator sensor and any combination of two or more of the foregoing;   wherein the output device is configured to receive a mechanical input as the hand wheel of the valve is operated and in response provide a signal that is indicative of the position of the valve.   
     
     
         18 . The output device of  claim 17  further comprising a position indicator sensor that is operatively connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the position indicator sensor receives the signal that is indicative of a position of the valve and in response to the signal provides an indication of the position of the valve.