Rotary valve position indicator and method
US5579800A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8275
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved rotary valve indicator apparatus (10) and method is disclosed that includes an electronics switch housing (15), filled with epoxy or other generally elastomeric material (29) to hermetically seal, thus environmentally seal, the switch housing (15). A pair of hermetically sealed reed switches (30, 32) are employed within the electronics switch housing (15) for indicating the open and closed position of the valve (17). A pair of corresponding magnets (26, 28) are mounted within a separate magnet holder (16) that is mounted to a rotatable member (20) of a rotary valve actuator (13). Light emitting diodes (42, 44) radiate from a side portion (57) of the electronics switch housing (15) and are connected in a manner whereby they indicate not only that the respective switch (30, 32) is closed but also that it is conducting electricity. Additional electronics switch housings (15A)are stacked upon each other and additional magnet holder housings (16A) are stacked upon each other to provide for multiple circuits that may be operated at differing voltages or types of power. The electronics switch circuit (14) operates with a wide range of power or signals including alternating and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.