Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that include a mechanochromatic material (10) which changes color according to a pressure exerted on the device. As a result, the mechanochromatic material (10) functions as an indicator of pressure exerted on the device. A user can view the mechanochromatic material (10) to determine whether the pressure exerted on the device exceeds a threshold pressure, whereat a color change will occur in the mechanochromatic material (10).

Abstract: A valve is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The valve comprises a piston (104), a housing (106) surrounding the piston (104), an inlet (108) capable of allowing fluid into the valve, an exhaust (110) capable of allowing fluid out of the valve, a light source (112) capable of emitting light directed at the piston (104), and a light sensor (114) capable of measuring an intensity of the light received from the light source (112), said intensity varying based on the position of the piston (104) within the housing (106). A piston assembly is also provided according to an embodiment of the invention, in which a light source 608 and a light sensor 610 may be used to determine the position of the piston. A system is provided for obtaining and analyzing operational status information is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. An action may be automatically taken depending on the analyzed operational status.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that include a mechanochromatic material (10) which changes color according to a pressure exerted on the device. As a result, the mechanochromatic material (10) functions as an indicator of pressure exerted on the device. A user can view the mechanochromatic material (10) to determine whether the pressure exerted on the device exceeds a threshold pressure, whereat a color change will occur in the mechanochromatic material (10).

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (1) comprising at least one valve, the or each valve being controlled by an electrically-operate e actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling the actuators and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means (27), wherein the device (1) includes an electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity from the flow of fluid in the control device to operate the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28). The device does not require an external electricity supply as it generates its entire electricity requirement locally. The device (1) may also receive instructions wirelessly to control the at least one valve.

Abstract: A valve is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The valve comprises a piston (104), a housing (106) surrounding the piston (104), an inlet (108) capable of allowing fluid into the valve, an exhaust (110) capable of allowing fluid out of the valve, a light source (112) capable of emitting light directed at the piston (104), and a light sensor (114) capable of measuring an intensity of the light received from the light source (112), said intensity varying based on the position of the piston (104) within the housing (106). A piston assembly is also provided according to an embodiment of the invention, in which a light source 608 and a light sensor 610 may be used to determine the position of the piston. A system is provided for obtaining and analyzing operational status information is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. An action may be automatically taken depending on the analyzed operational status.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve system has a plurality of pairs of 3 port, 2 position (3/2) control valves (6, 6?) each valve being movable between its two positions by a pair of electrically-operable actuators (1, 2). A logic controller selectively generates electrical control signals for independently controlling operation of the pairs of 3/2 control valves, and a circuit means (11) is associated with each 3/2 control valve pair (6, 6?) to receive the control signals and provide electrical outputs to eit actuators (1, 2) of each 3/2 control valve of each pair. Variable switch means (14) forming part of the circuit means (11) pr the actuators (1, 2) to which the output is applied. Varying the switch means (14) programmes the fluid output mode of each 3/2 control valve pair to provide any one of a number of different effective valve types.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve system has a plurality of pairs of 3 port, 2 position (3/2) control valves (6, 6′) each valve being movable between its two positions by a pair of electrically-operable actuators (1, 2). A logic controller selectively generates electrical control signals for independently controlling operation of the pairs of 3/2 control valves, and a circuit means (11) is associated with each 3/2 control valve pair (6, 6′) to receive the control signals and provide electrical outputs to either of the actuators (1, 2) of each 3/2 control valve of each pair. Variable switch means (14) forming part of the circuit means (11) pre-select the actuators (1, 2) to which the output is applied. Varying the switch means (14) programmes the fluid output mode of each 3/2 control valve pair to provide any one of a number of different effective valve types.