Patent · US Expired

Gate valve with position indicator

US4406303A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
4References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 4, 1981
Grant dateSep 27, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 4, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/8359
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a gate valve (10) having both visual and electrical position indicating means for signalling when the valve is in the fully open and fully closed conditions. A position indicator housing (50) on the valve body (11) receives and accommodates therein a longitudinal valve stem extension (33) of the gate element (15) as the gate element moves between the open and closed positions. The indicator housing (50) is filled with transparent oil and sealed off from fluid communication with the valve chamber (12) and a diaphragm (135) in the wall of the indicator housing accommodates movement of the gate extension (33) inwardly and outwardly of the indicator housing (50) and is exposed to the fluid environments internal and external of said housing to avoid pressure differentials across the housing wall. A pair of proximity sensors (100, 104) with sensing elements (101, 106) of the electrical impedance type are mounted in the indicator housing (50) adjacent the valve stem extension (33) of the gate element at locations corresponding to the extremities of travel of the gate (15) and extension (33) thereof. The sensors energize associated electrical circuit means (FIG. 6)…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.