Abstract: A method of monitoring the status of a plurality of steam traps includes sensing with a monitor at least one process condition in each of a plurality of steam traps, transmitting radio frequency signals responsive to the sensed process condition of each steam trap with transmitters associated with the steam traps, and receiving the signals generated by the transmitters with a receiver. In one embodiment of the invention, the signals from at least some steam traps are received and retransmitted by a repeater positioned between the steam traps and the receiver.

Abstract: A flow control valve employing a step motor includes a valve housing having liquid inlet and outlet passageways, and a guide space which is communicated with the liquid inlet and outlet passageways, a spool which is connected to be movable up and down to the guide space of the valve housing so as to control an openness of the outlet passageway, a spool guide which is accommodated in an upper portion of the guide space so as to flow a refrigerant liquid downward by being moved together with the spool, an elastic support which elastically supports the spool guide in one direction, a seal member which is connected to a lower end portion of the valve housing, wrapping around a lower portion of the spool, so as to prevent a leakage of the refrigerant liquid, and a driving mechanism having a step motor to move the spool up and down, in which employing a dilatant liquid and a diaphram is eliminated and a proportional control is enabled, to thereby enhance the flow control performance and a durability of the valve.

Abstract: An automatic faucet device capable of cleaning and sterilizing a human body of a user with no stress given to the user. The device includes: a water supply head; a first solenoid valve interposed in the course of a pipe connecting the water supply head to a pre-cleaning water source; a second solenoid valve interposed in the course of a pipe connecting the water supply head to an ozone-water source; and a sensor for detecting the presence of a substance such as a hand of a human body under a discharge port of the water supply head. The first solenoid valve is opened for a specific period of time A in response to a signal detected by the sensor, and the second solenoid valve is opened for a specific period of time C after an elapse of a specific period of time B since starting of the opening of the first solenoid valve.

Abstract: A valve control and monitoring assembly is mounted substantially alongside the upwardly extending auxiliary shaft of a rotary valve actuator, rather than directly above the auxiliary shaft. This valve control and monitoring assembly includes a targeting device and LEDs that provide for immediate visual indication as to the position of the driven valve, and may also include a pneumatic valve for effectuating opening and closing of the driven valve.

Abstract: A method and a valve apparatus for surveying the condition of a control valve. The position of the valve (101) is adjusted by means of an actuator (103) controlled by an electropneumatic positioner (104) and operated by means of pressure medium. The operation of the valve is monitored by sensors (109, 110, 107) that read the readings from the control signal, the input pressure of the positioner, the difference between the input and output pressure of the actuator, and the position of the valve. A fault causing a deviating reading will be located by using the readings given by the sensors and deduction rules stored in the microprocessor of the actuator. In an initial situation, when the valve is in balance state, the readings given by the sensors are stored at least from the control signal, valve position and the difference between the input and output pressure of the actuator. When the operation is continued, the readings given by the sensors are compared with the readings of the initial situation.

Abstract: A system for regulating flow of fluid through a flow line, such as a supply line, the line having a flow controller such as a valve, the system having a sensor for generating a signal in response to a parameter, a transmitter for transmitting a corresponding signal to a receiver at a remote location, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, an actuator for operating a regulator in response to the signal received by the actuator for operating the valve or other flow regulator.

Abstract: A fixing unit has a crown-shaped resilient member comprising an annular cylindrical member and a flange extending integrally from an upper end of the annular cylindrical member. The annular cylindrical member has a first tooth, and the flange has a second curved portion. The first tooth engages in an annular groove defined in the outer circumferential surface of an upper end of the housing, and the second curved portion presses a step on the outer circumferential surface of a lower portion of a sensor case, for fixing the sensor case and the housing to each other. A first support has a first flange supported on a step on an inner wall surface of the housing, and a second support has a first flange supported on another step on the inner wall surface of the housing. A coil is sandwiched and held between the first and second supports. The sensor case is directly held against the first support. The lower surface of the sensor case and the upper end of the housing are spaced a given distance from each other.

Abstract: An automatic control system for providing pneumatic purging protection for a sealed enclosure containing electrical equipment in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standards. The system supplies a purge gas under a pre-ordained pressure to an enclosure residing in a hazardous location. The system monitors the gas pressure to maintain the pressure within desired limits. In the event that the integrity of the sealed enclosure is disrupted, the control system disables the electrical equipment and executes a rapid-response purge cycle to re-enable the electrical equipment as quickly as possible.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method for monitoring operation of a solenoid actuated gaseous fuel admission valve is provided by measuring the resistance across a movable metering plate and a stationary plate in the valve. The plates are constructed with electro-conductive material and the plates comprise a variable resistor. The resistance value across the plates changes as a function as to whether the plates are contacting, not contacting, or there is contamination between them. A converter circuit produces a resistive signal that is indicative of the resistance value of the variable resistor. Processing means receives the resistive signal and responsively determines whether the valve is operating within predetermined performance parameters. A signal may be produced to drive an indicator to show whether the valve is functioning properly.

Abstract: A flapper-type gas valve automatically closable by accelerations characteristic of earthquakes. The arm is held up in the "valve open" position by a magnet attracting a soft ferromagnetic armature. The armature can be displaced to release the flapper to close the valve, either by seismic accelerations or manually by novel magnetic means--the latter for testing or for non-seismic emergencies. The latter employ movable permanent magnets or electromagnets. Additional magnets are provided to hold the valve closed. Indicating means on the flapper shaft can be viewed through a window to see the valve status--open or closed. The electromagnetic modification provides remote status indication via a magnetically-actuated switch.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing chemical products to a plurality of utilization points utilizes a multi-port valve to selectively deliver use dilutions from a mixing apparatus to selected utilization points. The multi-port valve utilizes a position sensor to provide positive proof-of-delivery by detecting the angular position of a rotor relative to a stator in the valve. The position sensor includes opposing annular arrangements of detectable elements and proximity detectors which rotate relative to one another about a common axis in response to rotation of the rotor such that detectable elements are oriented in proximity to a unique combination of proximity detectors at each of a plurality of predetermined angular positions. As a result, unique codes are output from the proximity detectors to positively identify positioning of the rotor at the predetermined angular positions.

Abstract: A pump including a first enclosure (10) and a second enclosure (20), a pumping mechanism (3) and an electromotive means (11,23) operable to drive the pumping mechanism (3). The electromotive means (11,23) includes a solenoid assembly (11) having a solenoid coil (13), and an armature assembly (23), the solenoid coil (13) being sealed within the first enclosure (10). The pump mechanism (3) is supported within the second enclosure (20), the armature assembly (23) being in operational relationship with the pumping mechanism (3). A diagnostic sensor (19) is sealed within the first enclosure (10) for detecting flow through a flow path (22) in the second enclosure (20). A flow responsive member (28) is supported within the flow path (22), the diagnostic sensor (19) detecting displacement of the flow responsive member (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing indication of valve position of a manual valve is disclosed for a valve having a rotary, operating assembly journaled in a housing, the operating assembly comprising a handwheel, a bushing fastened to the handwheel, and a spindle threadedly engaged to the bushing to cause translation of the spindle in response to rotation of the handwheel and the bushing, the apparatus for enclosure in the housing comprising a hub coupled to the bushing for transmitting rotary motion in response to rotation of the bushing; translation means for translating the rotary motion into an electrical signal; and circuitry means responsive to the electrical signal for indicating position of the valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed an actuator for a rotary valve, such as a butterfly valve which rotates a quarter of a turn between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a drive mechanism releasably attachable to the stem of the valve for rotating it in response to operation of a reversible electric motor.

Abstract: A flow detector that can be effectively used in a clean environment (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication apparatus) and that enables the flow to be measured and regulated by an integrated apparatus. The flow detector includes a detector body having a fluid channel penetrating its interior and having a detection section of a flow sensor disposed in the fluid channel; and input and output blocks having input and output channels in communication with the fluid channel in the detector body. A flow control valve is provided in the output block. The detector body and each of the input and output blocks are joined together via seal members that seal the channels provided in the body and blocks and are fixedly connected at positions separate from the channels using screws.

Abstract: A hydraulic function-performing unit is described, having a main housing and at least one movable function-performing element, the position and/or movement of which in the main housing determines flow and/or pressure conditions and/or chamber volumes for hydraulic fluid, and having at last one sensor. It is desirable for the construction of such a function-performing unit to be simplified. To that end, the sensor is accommodated inside a sensor housing. The sensor housing and the main housing have adjoining interface faces and there is provided a transmission channel which is led through the interface face and connects a measuring point in the main housing to the sensor.

Abstract: An indicating or activating system has a follower arranged to follow the movement of a valve body. The follower swings about a pivot and moves between two positions. In one of the positions, the follower activates a switch. The switch can be connected to an indicator to indicate a state of the valve body or can be connected to another component whose state is dependent on the valve state. In essence, the device itself is an indicator of the valve state.

Abstract: A line, especially for delivery of liquefied gas at ambient temperature, has two solenoid valves connected in series with an intermediate section of the line between them. In normal operation when both valves are closed, the isolated intermediate section contains liquid which absorbs heat from the atmosphere and/or from a heater, and the resulting increase in pressure is detected by a pressure sensor. If either valve fails to close fully to shut off flow, the intermediate section is not then isolated, so the absence of a signal from the sensor (the valves being set to close fully) indicates that at least one of them has not properly closed, and an alarm is given.

Abstract: A fluid control system that includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form at least first and second passages extending continuously through the manifold and each of the bodies. A plurality of solenoid valves are each mounted on a side of an associated body with valve ports opening into the body to the fluid passage(s) that extend through the manifold. An electrical connection arrangement is mounted at one end of the manifold for receiving control signals from an external source. A plurality of circuitboards are disposed one within the second passage of each body, with each of the circuitboards including male and female connectors at opposed ends for connecting the circuitboards in series with each other to the electrical connection arrangement at the end of the manifold. A third connector on each circuitboard extends laterally from the circuitboard for connection to the solenoid valve mounted on the side of the associated manifold body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus, comprising an actuating drive and an actuator connected therewith, whereby the actuator comprises at least one valve face and a throttle element that works herewith. The throttle element can be moved relative to the valve face by means of an actuating spindle connected with the actuating drive for the execution of a rotational and/or piston motion. The actuating spindle is sealed against the valve interior chamber at a first sealing location. A second sealing location likewise seals the actuating spindle, and, between the two sealing locations. There is a test chamber that is accessible via at least one control terminal, to which chamber a pressure sensor is connected. The pressure sensor is connected with an evaluation unit for monitoring the operation of the control apparatus.

Abstract: A safety device against ruptures in gas pipes comprises a housing (11) with a cavity (12) and a plunger (13) movable to and fro in the cavity (12). The plunger (13) has parts (14, 15) in engagement with the wall of the cavity and two influencing surfaces (23, 24) of different sizes. The smaller influencing surface (23) communicates with a main pipe (25) from a gas source to a user. The larger influencing surface (24) communicates with a control pipe (28) from the main pipe (25) spaced from the device. The plunger (13) influences the gas flow in the main pipe (25) with its movement and/or indicates a pressure drop in the control pipe (28).

Abstract: A valve member position sensor for continuously monitoring the position of the valve member of a flow-control valve in a dry-cleaning apparatus using CO.sub.2 as the cleaning fluid. The valve member position sensor includes a potentiometer with its shaft connected to the drive shaft of the valve such the resistance of the potentiometer changes with the valve member position. The resistance value of the potentiometer is detected by passing a constant current through the potentiometer to produce a voltage drop across the potentiometer. The voltage drop is measured by a controller to determine the valve position.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically verifying the function of pressure and vacuum relief valves for low-pressure storage vessels and tanks, which can be remotely operator actuated to insure venting when emergencies occur, allows for on-line verification of the relief valve functionality and proper operation. The system periodically checks the set pressure of the valve by attempting to lift its pallet and measures the deviation from a set point. It also indicates unplanned occurrence of valve lifting, as a result of unforeseen upset in storage vessel pressure. This apparatus is electrically operated and controlled and relies on electromagnetic means for tractive or pull-force, as well as for detecting valve lifting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the recognition of the state of a solenoid valve supplies an on/off control switching current to the coil of the solenoid valve. A high level of current is caused to flow through the coil for switching the device on, and a reduced level of current is applied to the coil for holding the solenoid armature in its on position. If the armature should be caused to drop off from its on position by a mechanical shock, an increase in the frequency of the switching current occurs, due to the decrease in magnetic circuit inductance. This frequency increase is detected and compared to a predetermined threshold value. If the detected frequency exceeds the threshold value, it is recognized as an armature drop off, and corrective action can be taken immediately.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a base (10), a handle (18) and a spindle (14) connected to the handle (18) at one end and adapted at the opposite end for opening and closing the valve. The spindle (14) extends from the base (10) to the handle (18) and is adapted such that rotation thereof results in opening and closing of the valve respectively. The base (10) is provided with two or more first indication means (R,B,G) and the handle is provided with two or more second indication means (20,21,22;RR,BB,GG). At least one of the indication means on either or both of the base (10) and handle (18) is independently positionable on the base (10) or handle (18) relative to the other indication means and is alignable with a corresponding indication means on the handle or base respectively such that two or more respective predetermined degrees of rotation of the handle can be recorded.

Abstract: The invention deals with a magnetically actuatable valve, in particular a hydraulic valve, with a piston guided inside of a body for establishing at least one flow-through connection, with the piston being effectively connected with two electromagnets with electric junctions and disposed on both sides of the basic body, and with the electric connection of the electromagnets being established by a sole central junction plug which is electrically connected and mechanically fixed with contact pins disposed on the electromagnets.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser and control system includes a base member having an intake cavity with an axis for orientation in an upward direction, the intake cavity being sealingly mateable with a mouth opening of a replaceable liquid container which, when mated with the intake cavity, is in an inverted position for draining liquid through the mouth opening into the intake cavity. The intake cavity includes a sump into which liquid from the container can drain by gravity. The vent tube assembly has an intake end connectable to atmosphere or a source of gas, the vent tube assembly extending from the base member through the intake cavity, and has a venting end for positioning inside the container. A passageway extends through a portion of the base member, the passageway having an entry end and an exit end, the entry end connected to the sump, through which liquid from the sump can drain into the passageway.

Abstract: A device for providing remote indication of the opening of a weighted pallet type tank vent in which a permanent magnet is attached to the end of the pallet guide shaft distal to the pallet. A magnetic induction sensor is secured to the outside of the shaft guide to sense movement of the magnetic field produced by the magnet and produce an electrical signal which may be transmitted to a remote location to indicate that the pallet has opened and relieved pressure in the tank.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a GDCS of a nuclear reactor and having a motor driven disk including a rotatable armature for rotating the check valve disk over its entire range of motion is described. In one embodiment, the check valve includes a valve body having a coolant flow channel extending therethrough. The coolant flow channel includes an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve body seat is located on an inner surface of the valve body. The check valve further includes a disk assembly, sometimes referred to as the motor driven disc, having a counterweight and a disk shaped valve. The disk valve includes a disk base having a seat for seating with the valve body seat. The disk assembly further includes a first hinge pin member which extends at least partially through the disk assembly and is engaged to the disk. The disk valve is rotatable relative to the first hinge pin member. The check valve also includes a motor having a stator frame with a stator bore therein.

Abstract: An apparatus detects a position of an armature within a solenoid coil by superimposing a fixed frequency sensing signal onto the coil driver signal. The combined signal is applied to the solenoid coil and an alternating current component varies with changes in inductance of the solenoid coil that result from position changes of the armature. A current sensor produces an output signal indicating a level of current flowing through the solenoid coil and a filter extracts the alternating component of that output signal that results from the sensing signal. A position circuit determines the position of the armature from an output from the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic motion control or pilot valve and lever assembly for controlling the transmission and steering of a work vehicle such as a crawler tractor, articulated wheel loader or like construction vehicle. The motion control valve and lever assembly is a compact assembly that employs a single lever mounted directly to a valve in order to control the forward and reverse motion of the vehicle, the steering of the vehicle in a left, right or straight direction, and the speed or gear selection of the vehicle. The valve assembly is provided with eight hydraulic signal ports, at least one reservoir port, and at least one pressure supply port. The assembly further has four control spools positioned in respective control spool chambers spaced approximately ninety degrees apart and a fifth control spool positioned in a fifth, central spool chamber.

Abstract: This application discloses apparatus for logging the operation of a valve (10) of the type having a spindle (16) rotatable by a key (20) to effect opening and closing thereof, the apparatus including operative means (36) which are in use carried on a key (20), the operative means being operable independently of any other apparatus or electronic equipment to detect rotary motion of the key during operation of the valve. Preferably, the operative means includes sensor means (40, 42) sensitive to the earth's magnetic field, and is operative to determine rotation of the key by analysis of signals generated by the sensor means. By detecting valve operation with operative means on a key, the expense of providing detection apparatus for each valve is avoided (the total number of keys being much less than the total number of valves), as is the need to provide potentially delicate equipment in the hostile environs of the valves.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a gate valve incorporates an eddy current proximity sensor to detect a displaceable stem cap made of ferromagnetic material. The stem cap is mounted on one end of an actuating stem. The other end of the stem is coupled to a plunger having a cammed tip which meets a cam attached to the piston. The camming action moves the stem cap from a position out of proximity to a position in proximity to the eddy current proximity sensor when the piston is at the end of its stroke. The proximity sensor is mechanically coupled to the stem housing by means of a housing cap, a barrel and a sensor cap, all made of non-magnetic material. The barrel is threaded at both ends with opposing threads so the barrel can be screwed onto the housing and sensor caps at the same time, thereby drawing the housing and end caps toward each other without sensor rotation. This feature allows the proximity sensor to be positioned at the correct distance from the stem cap without damage to the sensor connector wires.

Abstract: This directional valve comprises a closing element (1) rotatively mounted in a fixed sleeve (5) disposed in a body (2) with interposition of an annular element (4) between the closing element and the sleeve. Means are provided for locking the annular element against rotation in normal use and for permitting the driving of the annular element by the closing element in the event of a seizing of the closing element in the annular element. These locking means comprise a device (12) having a push member (13) mounted laterally on the body at one end of the closing element (1) and extending in a direction perpendicular to the closing element (1), resilient means (15) being provided for biasing the push member against a rocker (30) inside the body, the thrust of which is applied to locking balls (21) which project from recesses (24) provided in an end of the annular element (4).

Abstract: A method of detecting a fault of an electromagnetically-actuated intake/exhaust valve is disclosed. A valve body is supported in neutral position by the energizing force of an elastic member, and the electromagnetic force generated by supplying a current to the coils arranged on the two sides of a plunger is applied to the plunger thereby to operate the valve. A fault is detected based on a change of the current flowing in one coil attracting and holding the plunger with the inductance change of the same coil when the plunger is switched from the position of the same coil to the position of the other coil. This method improves the fault detection accuracy for the electromagnetically-actuated intake/exhaust valve over the prior art.

Abstract: An EGR valve useful for metering exhaust gas to the intake of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The EGR valve includes a base member through which exhaust gas passes and in which is disposed a valve member. An actuator housing is constructed with integral, hollow leg members for mounting the actuator to the base and also includes a valve stem passage which sealingly engages an opening in the base to provide a leak-free passage for the valve from the base to the actuator. A solenoid assembly disposed within the housing includes a bottom portion which is configured with openings to support fasteners which pass through the bottom and the hollow housing legs to engage corresponding faster openings in the base to fix the actuator housing to the base by placing the legs in compression thereagainst.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the position of a shaft that is rotatably displaceable about a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a magnet, first and second magnet-detecting devices that are arranged adjacent the shaft, and a third magnet-detecting device mounted on the shaft. A rotatably displaceable disk having the magnet mounted thereon is arranged to allow the magnetic field produced by the magnet to pass over and activate each of the magnet detection devices sequentially. A position-determining circuit connected to the magnet-detecting devices, measures the time interval that the magnet-detecting devices are sequentially activated by the magnetic field and applies the time so measured to a position-determining scheme. The position-determining scheme uses the time measured and the physical geometry of the apparatus to determine the position of the shaft.

Abstract: A valve which allows for two-directional flow comprises a housing defining an axial flow channel; a flow control body disposed within the axial flow channel, the flow control body having a recess for receiving flow impact surfaces which allow for two directional flow; a closure member disposed within the axial flow channel; and drive means for displacing the closure member in an axial direction for selectively sealing and unsealing the drive means on the flow control body.

Abstract: A shiftable valve spool has a plurality of distinct targets carried thereon. The targets are preferably axially spaced and located at one end of the valve spool. A detector mounted in the valve detects each target as each target enters a detection field of the detector. The detector generates a distinct output indicative of one target positioned within the detection field of the detector. A control determines, in response to the output from the detector, the exact valve spool position.

Abstract: An apparatus selectively supplies a source of pressurized fluid to a load device and selectively exhausts pressurized fluid from the load device. The apparatus includes a first housing for defining a longitudinally extending aperture communicating through first, second, and third passages with spaced first, second and third external surface portions of the first housing. A valve spool is engageable within the first aperture for longitudinal movement between a first position communicating the second passage with the third passage and a second position communicating the first passage with the second passage. The valve spool is normally biased toward the first position. Modular port members are connectable to the first, second and third spaced external surface portions for connecting the first passage to a source of pressurized fluid, the second passage to the load device, and the third passage to an exhaust port.

Abstract: A valve positioning system according to the present invention includes a force motor which responds to a command signal corresponding to a desired valve flow rate by energizing magnetic coils with a current to produce a flux force which moves the valve. Preferably two Hall effect sensors sense the actual position and provide a feedback signal to a control loop which compares the sensed position with the commanded position. The valve is positioned by adjusting the energizing current provided to the magnetic coils. The system optionally includes circuitry to compensate for the error in the actual position relative to the commanded position produced by changes in current in the magnetic coils.

Abstract: A water hydraulic proportional control valve comprising: a valve body having a supply port, a control port and a return port; a spool axially movably disposed in the valve body for changing a direction of the working fluid and a flow rate of the working fluid; a direct driving mechanism which directly converts electric signals into a driving force for moving the spool, the valve opening of the control valve is controlled by means of a proportional control of the amount of a displacement of the spool from a neutral position thereof toward one direction or another according to an input signal supplied to the direct driving mechanism; spool side chambers provided on both sides of the spool; and drain channels formed in communication to each of the spool side chambers; wherein a water is used as the working fluid, and a flow passages is provided for introducing a pressurized fluid into said spool side chambers, whereby water filling the chamber is constantly replaced by a fresh water thereby preventing generation

Abstract: A flow alarm includes a magnetic switch that is maintained open so long as catalyst flow is maintained and an air flow switch that is closed responsive to flow of air through an associated conduit. The associated conduit supplies air via a solenoid valve to a pneumatic whistle. When flow of catalyst falls below a pre-set threshhold, the magnetic switch closes completing the circuit with the solenoid valve causing the solenoid valve to open and allowing air flow to the pneumatic whistle to signal the reduction of catalyst flow.

Abstract: In a method for measuring lift of a valve needle and for adjusting the volume media flow of a valve, easily focused, high-energy radiation is used, which permits a contact-free measuring operation. The high-energy radiation is directed at the valve-closure member that is permanently joined to the valve needle in the installed valve. By performing a differential measurement, thus a measurement in both end positions of the valve needle, the lift of the valve needle can be determined and, thus, corrected. The measurement is performed on a dry valve. The method is particularly suited for electromagnetically actuated fuel-injection valves of mixture-compressing internal-combustion engines having externally supplied ignition.

Abstract: A switch mounting arrangement enables close monitoring of seat position in a single-axis double-seat valve. The switch mounting arrangement includes a switch element disposed within a longitudinal bore of a mounting block. The bore also houses a transducer element that is adjustable within the bore to permit relative placement between the switch element and the transducer element so that very slight movement of the switch element and corresponding movement of the valve seat may be detected. This arrangement may then be incorporated into a monitoring circuit and/or control system.

Abstract: An automatic fluid mixing device wherein a cylindrical supporting structure supports a first number of valves angularly spaced along a first circumference, and a second number of valves angularly spaced along a second circumference concentric with and inside the first; the valves are three-way types, and present a control rod extending axially from one end; and the mixing device presents a blade type selecting device movable angularly about an axis through the center of the circumferences, and which singly engages an end portion of the control rod to move the rod axially and so open the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for sensing movement of a fuel injector valve of a fuel injection system. The apparatus preferably includes a fuel pump for pumping fuel to flow to a combustion chamber of an engine and a first valve positioned in fluid communication with the fuel pump for allowing fuel to flow directly into the combustion chamber when in an open position. A second valve is positioned in fluid communication with the first valve and the fuel pump for allowing fuel to flow to the first valve when in an open position. A second valve actuator is positioned responsive to desired fuel injection for actuating the second valve. A sensor is positioned to sense movement of the first and second valves and the actuation of the second valve actuator. A movement differentiator is preferably positioned responsive to the sensor for differentiating a time of moving of the first valve from the time of moving of the second valve and the actuation of the second valve actuator.

Abstract: An emergency fuel shutoff device for interrupting the flow of gas or other fuel to a burner in the event of a malfunction or fire. The device uses a normally closed spring loaded fuel valve which is held open by tension along a cable. The cable has several fusible links along its length. If any of the fusible links melt, the tension in the chain is released and the spring loaded fuel valve closes, shutting off the flow of fuel to the burner. Preferably the device also has a manual shut-off station which has a pull ring which also releases the tension in the cable shutting off the flow of fuel. When the tension in the cable is released a horn or strobe light provides an audible and a visible signal that the fuel valve has been closed. The horn and light are preferably powered by standby batteries.

Abstract: A swimming pool control system automatically controls the daily maintenance functions of a swimming pool. The control system actively monitors system conditions, makes adjustments for abnormal conditions, and provides remote feedback of system problems during its daily cycle. In addition, the control system provides operator assisted manual override operation and control of additional auxiliary equipment. The system includes a novel filter valve, a novel water level system and a novel suction valve that can be run and monitored non-manually by a digital controller.

Abstract: A rotary indexing valve has an electromagnetic coil which shuttles a spoil axially. As the spool shuttles axially, it cams on axially opposed surfaces so as to rotatably index the spool. Such rotatable indexing of the spool angularly positions different sized orifices into or out of registration with one of the ports in the housing to change the cross sectional area of the flow passage between the inlet and outlet ports of the housing. One of the cam surfaces is defined by an alternating series of peaks and valleys, and the valleys are at different heights so as to change the spacing between the spool and a pole piece, which varies the inductance of the coil dependent on the angular position of the spool. The inductance of the coil can therefore be measured to provide an electrical signal indicative of the angular position of the spool.