Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An example apparatus includes a cage; a plug including a seal gland; and means for sealingly engaging an inner surface of the cage at least partially positioned in the seal gland and including a first portion and a second portion, in response to a fluid acting on the first portion in a first direction, the first portion to engage, outwardly urge, and splay the second portion to sealingly engage the cage, in response to the fluid acting in a second direction, the second portion to deter the fluid from acting on the first portion, the first direction opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An example apparatus includes a cage; a plug including a seal gland; and means for sealingly engaging an inner surface of the cage at least partially positioned in the seal gland and including a first portion and a second portion, in response to a fluid acting on the first portion in a first direction, the first portion to engage, outwardly urge, and splay the second portion to sealingly engage the cage, in response to the fluid acting in a second direction, the second portion to deter the fluid from acting on the first portion, the first direction opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An apparatus includes a cage, a plug having a seal gland and a seal assembly to be at least partially positioned in the seal gland. The seal assembly includes a back-up ring having a wedge-shaped protrusion and a seal defining a wedge-shaped groove to receive the protrusion. A pressure is to act on the back-up ring to urge the protrusion into the groove. An engagement between the protrusion and the groove is to urge the seal into sealing engagement with an inner surface of the cage.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An apparatus includes a cage, a plug having a seal gland and a seal assembly to be at least partially positioned in the seal gland. The seal assembly includes a back-up ring having a wedge-shaped protrusion and a seal defining a wedge-shaped groove to receive the protrusion. A pressure is to act on the back-up ring to urge the protrusion into the groove. An engagement between the protrusion and the groove is to urge the seal into sealing engagement with an inner surface of the cage.

Abstract: An impeller and housing assembly with reduced noise and improved airflow includes a volute, a shaft, a housing, a central axis, and an inlet port located along the central axis. An outlet port is located on a second axis spaced from the central axis. An exhaust passage extends from the outlet port. The impeller is mounted on the shaft for rotation. The impeller includes a hub, and at least one blade extending from the hub. The blade has a distal surface spaced from the shaft. The impeller housing has a first plane which is approximately perpendicular to the central axis. The first plane contacts the blade distal surface. A second plane is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The second plane contacts a wall of the outlet port at a location closest to the first plane. A spacing wall is positioned between the volute and the outlet port and spaces each blade from the outlet port, thus reducing noise and increasing airflow.

Abstract: An impeller housing for a suction device with reduced noise and improved airflow. The impeller assembly comprises a shaft and a housing. The housing comprises a volute, a central axis, and an inlet port located along the central axis. An outlet port is located on a second axis spaced from the central axis. An exhaust passage extends from the outlet port. An impeller is mounted on the shaft for rotation. The impeller comprises a hub, and at least one blade extending from the hub. The blade has a distal surface spaced from the shaft. The impeller housing has a first plane which is approximately perpendicular to the central axis. The first plane contacts the blade distal surface. A second plane is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The second plane contacts a wall of the outlet port at a location closest to the first plane. The exhaust passage can increase in diameter along its length. The outlet port can be of a circular cross-section.

Abstract: A method of measuring dynamic air pressure on a ground surface beneath a negative air system which is comprised of a rotatable negative air pressure element with a deck unit having a top with side walls and an open bottom involves placing the system on an elevated horizontal platform located in spaced relation to the deck. The system is then made operative. Measurements are then made of the air pressure at a plurality of locations adjacent the platform to determine if the air pressure at such locations is such that predetermined values are met. The apparatus for performing the aforesaid method has a horizontal platform with a plurality of apertures therein. The platform is adapted to support the negative air system. A plurality of air pressure sensors are mounted in spaced locations on the platform and are located in the lower end of hollow extending tubular pressure taps.

Abstract: A method of measuring dynamic air pressure on a ground surface beneath a lawn mower system which is comprised of a rotatable horizontal blade with a deck unit having a closed top with side walls and an open bottom involves placing the mower on an elevated horizontal platform located in spaced relation to the deck. The blade is then rotated at a speed at which the blade normally would cut grass. Measurements are then made of the air pressure at a plurality of locations adjacent the platform to determine if the air pressure at such locations is such that a blade of grass at each location would be lifted or depressed with respect to the platform. The apparatus for performing the aforesaid method has a horizontal platform with a plurality of apertures therein. The platform is adapted to support a lawn mower deck with a rotatable horizontal blade mounted therein.

Abstract: A central vacuum unit having an acoustic damping system is provided. The central vacuum unit includes a canister having a sidewall forming a hollow interior and a lid closing an end of the sidewall, a vacuum motor within the canister which emits noise during operation, at least one cooling air inlet for admitting cooling air into the hollow interior, and at least one cooling air outlet in the sidewall for exhausting the cooling air from the hollow interior. Additionally, the sidewall has an exhaust port and the motor has an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust port. The acoustic damping system includes an acoustic damping tunnel, an acoustic damping canopy, and an exhaust port seal. The acoustic damping tunnel is within the hollow interior and forms a pathway between the hollow interior and the cooling air outlet. The pathway is lined with a sound absorbing material so that the tunnel reduces noise emitted from the hollow interior through the cooling outlet.