Abstract: A wheel speed sensor includes a housing having a longitudinal axis. The housing receives a speed measurement instrument and faces an exciter ring upon insertion into an opening in a sensor mounting block spaced from the excite ring such that the instrument senses rotation of the exciter ring. A plurality of springs are mounted in the housing and project radially outwardly therefrom with at least a subset of the springs engaging a surface of the opening in the sensor mounting block. Each spring has first and second ends over molded by the housing and an intermediate section between the first and second ends spaced from a radially outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A method may include reducing fluid flow between a rotor and a microfluidic device. The method may further include reducing a sealing force between the rotor and the microfluidic device. The method may also include rotating the rotor relative to the microfluidic device, at the reduced sealing force, to change a fluid pathway therebetween. The method may additionally include reestablishing the sealing force to produce a fluid tight seal between the rotor and the microfluidic device. Moreover, the method may include reestablishing the fluid flow between the rotor and the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Provided is a throttle valve assembly which reduces weight, number of manufacturing processes, and manufacturing cost thereof by coupling a throttle body formed of plastic to a reinforcement portion manufactured by a die casting method with an insert method. The throttle valve assembly includes a valve body having an intake passage, a mounting space that communicates with the intake passage, a motor accommodating space, and a mounting groove formed between the mounting space and the motor accommodating space. The valve body includes plastic. The throttle valve assembly further includes a valve plate coupled to a rotary shaft rotatably installed in the intake passage of the valve body to adjust an amount of air or a mixed gas ingested into an engine; and a reinforcement portion formed of a metal and coupled to an inside of the valve body by an insert injection method.

Abstract: A pneumatic multi-valve device includes a housing (18) having a housing main body (13) with a plurality of electromagnetic valve actuators (1), each having coil elements (2) arranged stationary in the housing (18), a core (4) arranged in the housing (18), and armature elements (15) displaceable along a displacement axis (V) in the housing (18) in relation to a pneumatic connection (12) of the housing (18). Displacement axes (V) of the armature elements (15) are oriented parallel and the pneumatic connections (12) are arranged adjacent to each other. The cores (4) each have a venting bore (5) connected to a venting collection channel (31). The venting collection channel (31) is on the side of the cores (4) facing away from the connection housing side (14), and is bounded on the housing back side (16) by a housing cover (17) fastened to the housing main body (13).

Abstract: A method of controlling a vacuum valve includes instructing an actuator to reduce an operating speed so that an amplitude falls within the first threshold value when the amplitude obtained from a vibration sensor exceeds a first threshold value and a second threshold value. The method also includes instructing the actuator to return to the operating speed when the amplitude obtained from the vibration sensor is below the second threshold value.

Abstract: A food article defect removal apparatus includes a manifold that defines one or more chambers for holding pressurized fluid. First channels extend from a first side of the manifold into fluid communication with the chambers. Second channels extend from the first side of the manifold to a second side of the manifold. Valves selectively connect corresponding first channels and second channels together to dispense the pressurized fluid from the manifold. The manifold can have an exterior wall that at least partially defines a first chamber and a second chamber, with an interior wall disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The interior wall can define the second channels. The valves can be included with a valve assembly, which includes a driver operably coupled with the valves. The valves can be pluggably coupled with the driver.

Abstract: A rotary drive for actuating a valve element of a valve fitting, having a housing, which has a drive device and a pivot-mounted driven shaft which can be driven by the drive device and which can be coupled to the valve element, and a position detection device for detecting a position of the driven shaft, wherein the position detection device has a magnet module attached to the driven shaft in a torque-proof manner and a sensor module which is fitted onto or into the housing and is designed to detect a magnetic field measurement value according to the magnetic field generated by the magnet module. The the magnet module and/or the sensor module is attached such that it can be removed from the rotary drive, and the rotary drive includes a control device, which is adapted to determine if the magnet module or the sensor module is removed from the rotary drive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for determining a valve member position. The system includes a valve having a flow passage extending therethrough. The system also includes a valve member positioned in a cavity that intersects the flow passage, the valve member coupled to a valve stem that axially translates the valve member between an open position and a closed position. The system includes an actuator coupled to the valve stem, the actuator providing a motive force to drive the axial movement of the valve member via the valve stem. The system includes a closure cap coupled to the actuator, the closure cap comprising a sensor feature arranged within an interior portion of the closure cap, the sensor feature arranged to react to an input from an actuator piston indicative of an actuator piston position within the interior portion of the closure cap.

Abstract: An actuator includes a rod, an electric motor to generate a rotational driving force on supply of electricity, an output shaft to output the rotational driving force of the electric motor to the rod, a feed screw mechanism, and a rotation prevention mechanism. The feed screw mechanism includes a female screw portion formed on one of the output shaft and the rod, and a male screw portion formed on the other to mesh with the female screw portion. The rotation prevention mechanism is configured to regulate rotation of the rod caused by the rotational driving force of the electric motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for valve position state estimation within a conduit or conduit network, comprising: acoustically coupling a plurality of acoustic sensors to a fluid disposed within the conduit or conduit network, wherein one of the plurality of acoustic sensors is disposed upstream of a valve under test and one of the plurality of acoustic sensors is disposed downstream of the valve under test; transmitting a structured acoustic signal from a transmitting acoustic sensor to a receiving acoustic sensor, wherein the structured acoustic signal passes through the valve under test between the transmitting acoustic sensor and the receiving acoustic sensor; at the transmitting acoustic sensor, receiving a reflected structured acoustic signal after the structured acoustic signal is reflected from the valve under test; and, using a two-port analysis, characterizing a flow state of the valve under test based on the structured acoustic signal received at the receiving acoustic sensor and the reflected structured

Abstract: An air flap arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises a housing having an air passage opening, at least two air flaps movably mounted on the housing, and a force- and motion-transmitting motion drive coupled to the air flaps. The air flaps are coupled by a transmission and/or linkage for mutual movement. The air flaps are movable between a closed position, in which the cross-sectional area of the air passage opening through which air can flow is reduced, and a passage position, which is different from the closed position, in which the cross-sectional area of the air passage opening through which air can flow is greater than in the closed position. At least one sensor is associated with each air flap of a plurality of air flaps, such that the position of the air flaps can be detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A housing of an exhaust valve is provided for an exhaust port communicating with a combustion chamber. The housing has a plate-shaped portion formed with a plurality of fixed slits radially extending from the central axis of the port. A valve element is provided adjacent to the plate-shaped section, is rotatable around a central axis, and has formed with a plurality of movable slits radially extending from the central axis. Due to the action of electromagnets and a permanent magnet attached to an annular member, the valve body is rotationally displaced around the central axis of the port, and the relative positional relationship between the fixed slits and the movable slits is changed to open and close the exhaust valve. The same is also true for an intake valve.

Abstract: Systems and approaches for semiconductor metrology and surface analysis using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) are disclosed. In an example, a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) system includes a sample stage. A primary ion beam is directed to the sample stage. An extraction lens is directed at the sample stage. The extraction lens is configured to provide a low extraction field for secondary ions emitted from a sample on the sample stage. A magnetic sector spectrograph is coupled to the extraction lens along an optical path of the SIMS system. The magnetic sector spectrograph includes an electrostatic analyzer (ESA) coupled to a magnetic sector analyzer (MSA).

Abstract: A shutoff valve assembly for a fluid supply system includes a shutoff valve, with a valve member movable therein to shutoff fluid flow through a fluid conduit. The shutoff valve assembly includes a sensor target assembly with a sensor target located outside of the valve housing, and a rotator structured to transmit a rotation of the valve member within the valve housing to the sensor target. A proximity sensor is located outside of the valve housing and structured to produce a valve closing signal based on rotation of the sensor target that is indicative of initiating closing the shutoff valve. The design is adapted for relatively high temperature and high vibration environments.

Abstract: An electric linear drive for a gear rack, includes a stepping motor, a holding plate, a motor output gear, and a gearbox. The holding plate, the stepping motor, and the gearbox form a drive unit which, together with a basic housing, form an overall housing. The overall housing has an opening for the insertion of the gear rack. In addition, drive electronics are preferably fixed to the holding plate, in particular integrated in the latter, specifically such that electrical connections are present on the outside of the overall housing. In addition, the stepping motor preferably has a rotor axis which is arranged parallel to the holding plate. Only a few steps are required during assembly. A rack belonging to a device to be driven can be pushed into a lateral opening of the overall housing, and the device to be driven can be connected to the overall housing.

Abstract: A self-operated regulator can be configured to control a stream of working fluid, such as of a processing plant. The self-operated regulator can include a control valve and a control actuator configured to receive supply energy for the provision of an operating force exclusively from the stream of working fluid and/or from the working fluid for operating the control valve. A magnetic field source can be coupled to the control valve such that the magnetic field source follows the movement of the control valve to determine the movement using, for example, a magnetic sensor. The position of the control valve can be detected based on the determined movement.

Abstract: A valve comprises a body having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A shuttle is shiftable between: a first position permitting communication between the first inlet and the outlet and blocking communication between the second inlet and the outlet; and a second position permitting communication between the second inlet and the outlet and blocking communication between the first inlet and the outlet. One or more permanent magnets are positioned to bias the shuttle away from a neutral position between the first position and the second position, wherein the valve further comprises: one or more electromagnets positioned to, in at least one condition of energization, counter said bias.

Abstract: An actuator includes a brushless DC motor, an output device, a reduction system coupled between the brushless DC motor and the output device, and a contactless position sensor configured to sense a position of the output device.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus for generating a physical effect, at least one attribute of which corresponds to at least one characteristic of a digital input signal sampled periodically in accordance with a sampling clock, the apparatus comprising at least one actuator device, each actuator device including an array of moving elements, wherein each individual moving element is operative to be constrained to travel alternately back and forth along a respective axis responsive to an individual first electrostatic force operative thereupon, wherein each moving element has an at-rest position and is driven away from its at rest position solely by the first electrostatic force; and at least one electrode operative to apply a controlled temporal sequence of potential differences with at least one individual moving element from among the array of moving elements thereby to selectably generate the first electrostatic force; and a controller operative to receive the digital input signal and to control at least one of the at leas

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for monitoring and indicating the sealing of a pneumatic valve. A method may comprise detecting a position of a first magnet, wherein the first magnet is fixed to a housing cover of the pneumatic valve; comparing the detected position of the first magnet with a predetermined optimum position of the first magnet, wherein the optimum position is the position of the first magnet when there is a sufficient seal between the housing cover and a housing base of the pneumatic valve; when the detected position of the first magnet is not within a threshold of the optimum position of the first magnet, indicating an insufficient seal between the housing cover and the housing base; and when the detected position of the first magnet is within a threshold of the optimum position of the first magnet, continuing normal operation of the pneumatic valve.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a needle that can move between an entirely open position and a closed position is provided with a device for identifying the position of the needle, in which an electrical circuit is closed in the two extreme positions, the needle being in electrical contact with ground, the circuit being open in any other intermediate position of the needle, the needle not being grounded.

Abstract: Provided are an emergency stop apparatus including a switch unit installed in a work space, electrically connected to a facility, and operable by pulling and a wire which is disposed in the work space so that tension is applied and of which at least one side is detachably mounted on the switch unit and an emergency stop method for quickly stopping the facility at a desired position within the work space in a manner of pulling or pushing the wire.

Abstract: A position sensing system is disclosed. The position sensing system may include a hollow sensor body. A magnet may be disposed in the hollow sensor body. The magnet may be movable within the hollow sensor body.

Abstract: A sprinkling or irrigation system includes a sprinkler controller that is capable of detecting a leak in one or more zones of the system. The system include a main valve and an adjustable valve in a bypass line around the main valve. The adjustable valve is set to a partially closed state such that a selected on of the zones produces a pressure at a selected proportion of the static pressure provided by the water source such as half the static pressure. A leak is detected when a zone, with the main valve closed and the adjustable valve in the partially closed state, produced a test pressure that is substantially lower than the selected proportion of the static pressure, as modified by a test factor.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a slit valve door assembly for sealing an opening in a chamber. A slit valve door that is pressed against the chamber to seal the slit valve opening moves with the chamber as the slit valve opening shrinks so that an o-ring pressed between the slit valve door and the chamber may move with the slit valve door and the chamber. Thus, less rubbing of the o-ring against the chamber may occur. With less rubbing, fewer particles may be generated and the o-ring lifetime may be extended. With a longer lifetime for the o-ring, substrate throughput may be increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the usage of at least one maintainable part or component of a transfer valve or coupling comprises: data storage means for storing data representative of at least one attribute of the maintainable part or component of the valve or coupling; monitoring means for monitoring usage of the valve or coupling; and processing means for comparing the monitored usage of the valve or coupling against the at least one attribute of the maintainable part or component of the valve.

Abstract: A pumping system including a plurality of pumps each having a pump fluid outlet, a drive shaft, a prime mover, and fluid displacing members operatively coupled with the drive shaft. A common fluid conduit may be fluidly coupled with each pump fluid outlet. A control system of the pumping system includes position sensors operable to generate information relating to phase and/or speed of each pump, pressure sensors operable to generate information relating to fluid pressure spikes, and a controller in communication with the position and pressure sensors. The controller is operable to cause the prime movers to adjust the phasing of the pumps with respect to each other, based on the information relating to fluid pressure spikes, and synchronize the speed of the pumps.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor arrangement for determining a position of an actuator may include a magnetic sensor to determine the position of the actuator, where the actuator may be configured to reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of an actuator housing of the actuator, such that at least a portion of the actuator may cross an end plane of the actuator housing when reciprocating along the longitudinal axis, and the magnetic sensor may sense a set of components of a magnetic field generated by a magnet, and determine, based on the sensed set of components of the magnetic field, a position of the actuator along the longitudinal axis of the actuator housing of the actuator, where the magnet may be connected to or forms part of the actuator, and where the magnetic sensor may be connected to the actuator housing, and where a portion of the magnetic sensor may be positioned at least in a first actuator position beyond the end plane of the actuator housing.

Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a pump comprises: monitoring discharge pressure time domain signals of the pump; monitoring piston position time domain signals for each piston of a plurality of pistons; filtering the monitored discharge pressure time domain signals and the monitored piston position time domain signals of each piston of the plurality of pistons via a band pass filter; determining, at each pump revolution for each piston, a sum of product of the filtered discharge pressure time domain signals and the filtered piston position time domain signals; determine, at each pump revolution for each piston, an absolute value of each sum; determining, at each pump revolution, a largest absolute value of the determined absolute values; determining a corresponding piston of the plurality of pistons associated with the largest absolute value; and determining a cylinder of the pump associated with the determined corresponding piston as leaking.

Abstract: A wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit includes a housing having a front housing and a rear housing, main air intake portions formed on the housing, a mixed air outlet formed on a lower portion of the front housing, a non-hot exchange air inlet formed on the rear housing, and an air delivery apparatus disposed inside the housing. A volute and a centrifugal fan located inside the volute are disposed inside the housing and above the air delivery apparatus. An air output portion of the volute faces the hot exchange air passage, and includes a surrounding portion extending to the air delivery apparatus and surrounding the hot exchange air passages, and air mixed cavities are formed between the surrounding portion and the hot exchange air passages.

Abstract: A blow out preventer (“BOP”) includes a vertical bore extending through the body, a ram cavity intersecting the bore, and a port located below the ram cavity. A sensor assembly is locatable in the port and is configured to monitor the position of at least one opposing ram contained in the BOP. At least one of the rams includes a detection feature on a lower surface of the ram which is distinguishable from the rest of the ram body, other features of the BOP, and any debris in the bore of the BOP. The detection feature is detectable by the sensor assembly. The detection feature may include a visual indicator.

Abstract: A valve operator system having an arm for pivotal mounting to a vehicle and a valve operator head slidingly engaged with a track on the arm. The arm may be pivoted through a wide arc to easily reach a target valve, with the valve operator head easily slid into position. The valve operator head preferably includes a series of rollers that engage longitudinal rods positioned in the opposing rails of a track mounted to the arm. A single track on top of the arm may be used, or two tracks positioned on opposing side surfaces of the arm. Pins or a locking bolt may be used to affix the valve operator head in place once moved into the desired position above the target valve and the arm can be locking into position with a drum brake or locking pins.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dockside regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are described herein. The methods include providing LNG from a LNG carrier to a regasification vessel. The LNG may be regasified on the regasification vessel. The regasified natural gas may be discharged with a high pressure arm to a dock and delivered onshore. The regasification vessel may be moored to the dock. The LNG carrier may be moored to the regasification vessel or the dock.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses for testing the blowout preventer (BOP) piping system on a drilling rig for leaks. The method and apparatuses can be used in conjunction with a pressure or volumetric method to more accurately test the BOP for integrity and to shorten the total time of testing.

Abstract: A method for replacing a controller on a process device that avoids downtime on a process line. The method may include retrieving data from a first controller on a valve assembly, the data comprising information that defines values for operating parameters on the first controller, removing the first controller from the valve assembly, coupling a second controller to the valve assembly, and storing data on the second controller, the data comprising information that defines the values for operating parameters corresponding with the first controller.

Abstract: A venting and/or bleeding valve with a valve housing, a main valve arranged in the valve housing for rapid venting and bleeding of piping connected to the valve housing, an auxiliary valve arranged in the valve housing for operating ventilation of the piping at operating pressure, and a float arranged within the valve housing and controlling the main valve and the auxiliary valve as a function of the filling level of a fluid located in the valve housing. The venting and/or bleeding valve contains a valve position sensor for acquisition of the position of the main valve, at least one additional sensor for acquisition of the humidity and/or the pressure and/or of the temperature in an interior space of the valve housing, and an evaluation unit for acquisition of an operating state of the venting and/or bleeding valve as a function of the values acquired by the valve position sensor and any additional sensor.

Abstract: A valve motion measurement assembly is provided for a cylinder valve of an internal combustion engine provided with a valve stem and with a valve head. The valve motion measurement assembly includes a valve position sensor, a supporting bracket provided with at least one sensor seat for the valve position sensor, and a sensor target element configured to be coupled to the valve stem at a distance from the valve head to follow the motion of the cylinder valve. The valve position sensor interacts with the sensor target element for determining the position of the cylinder valve.

Abstract: A valve positioner monitors a valve stem position by remotely sensing a magnet attached to a coupler shaft that does not penetrate a sealed enclosure surrounding the positioner. A torsion spring, which can be helical or spiral, concentrically surrounds the shaft and is fixed to the shaft and frictionally coupled to a fixed surface by a clutch ring that coaxially surrounds the spring and is vertically pressed against the fixed surface. The torsion spring thereby suppresses backlash, vibration, and chatter by maintaining a torsional force on the shaft. The clutch ring can include a notch or slot cooperative with a key tab rotationally fixed to the coupler shaft so as to limit a range of rotation of the coupler shaft. The positioner is rendered compact by the concentric arrangement of its elements, so that embodiments can be used in place of legacy positioners.

Abstract: A stroke detection device for detecting, along a longitudinal direction, a stroke amount of a spool arranged in a valve main body. The stroke detection device includes: a device main body attached to the valve main body; a detection rod extending along the longitudinal direction of the spool, and movably arranged along the longitudinal direction inside the device main body, in a position where a tip end portion faces an end surface of the spool; a stroke detection unit configured to output a detection signal according to the stroke amount of the detection rod with respect to the device main body; and an attracting unit arranged in the tip end portion of the detection rod, the attracting unit being attracted to the end surface of the spool by magnetic force.

Abstract: A food article defect removal apparatus includes a manifold that defines one or more chambers for holding pressurized fluid. First channels extend from a first side of the manifold into fluid communication with the chambers. Second channels extend from the first side of the manifold to a second side of the manifold. Valves selectively connect corresponding first channels and second channels together to dispense the pressurized fluid from the manifold. The manifold can have an exterior wall that at least partially defines a first chamber and a second chamber, with an interior wall disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The interior wall can define the second channels. The valves can be included with a valve assembly, which includes a driver operably coupled with the valves. The valves can be pluggably coupled with the driver.

Abstract: A system for regulating a flow of liquid coolant in an automotive cooling system includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet. A pressure operated valve member moves in response to a fluid pressure. An electrically operated valve member regulates the fluid pressure within the chamber. A sensor target is coupled to the pressure operated valve member. A position sensor is located outside of the valve body and outputs a position signal based on proximity of the sensor target. An electronic control unit calculates a target coolant flow rate based in part on a calculated target temperature for the engine and a temperature signal from a temperature sensor, determines a target position for the pressure operated valve member based on the target coolant flow rate, and controls operation of the electrically operated valve member based on the target position and the position signal.

Abstract: A valve operator assembly for a valve includes a valve body and an axially moveable valve translating member, a housing mounted on the valve, an input member rotatably mounted with respect to the housing, and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism including a translating element connected to the valve translating member and a rotating element connected to the input member. The transmission mechanism configured to convert applied rotation of the input member into axial translation of the translating element. The valve operator assembly providing a spacing element having a tubular shape defining an axial bore through which passes the valve translating member and the translating element of the transmission mechanism. The spacing element connected by intermediate fixing means on the valve body on one end and on the housing on the other end to define cooperating mounting surfaces between the spacing element.

Abstract: A valve having an over-travel spring that does not necessarily need an excessively additional force to further close the valve once its valve seal comes into contact with a valve seat. The feature may be achieved by inserting an over-travel spring between a plate or stop attached to a valve stem, and a valve seal. The valve seal may come in contact with a valve seat when the valve is closed with movement of the valve stem. The valve stem may continue to travel after contact between the valve seal and the valve seat without additional force, other than that added by compressing the over-travel spring, and with a proof-of-closure sensor indicating valve closure. The valve stem may be moved in either direction for closing and opening the valve with an assist, such as a solenoid or other mechanism.

Abstract: The engine shut-off valve system includes a housing, a gate member, a rotating lever, a locking piston assembly, and a closing piston assembly. The system is installed in fluid connection with a flow line so that air flow passes through a passageway in the housing with the gate member in the locked configuration. The air flow through the passageway stops with the gate member in the closed configuration. The gate member has an asymmetry so that the forces of the spring of the closing piston assembly and the spring of the locking piston assembly are cooperative to actuate between the closed configuration and the locked configuration, while wearing on the gate member differently so as to extend the working life of the valve system. The closing piston assembly and the locking piston assembly are separately accessible for maintenance.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is disclosed for auto-tuning a circuit associated with an upstream transducer (UPT) and a circuit associated with a downstream transducer (DNT) for reciprocal operation in an ultrasonic flowmeter. The method includes exchanging signals between the upstream transducer and the downstream transducer; comparing at least one of respective maximum amplitudes of an upstream signal and a downstream signal and respective center frequencies of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the upstream signal and the downstream signal; and responsive to determining that at least one of the respective maximum amplitudes and the respective center frequencies do not match, correcting the mismatch.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger; an input stimulus source coupled with the solenoid and configured to apply an input stimulus while a plunger drive signal is not being applied and that is sufficiently small to not cause the plunger to move; sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid; and control circuitry cooperated with the sampling circuitry to receive the one or more voltage measurements from the sampling circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the plunger is in one of the open and closed positions based on the one or more voltage measurements.

Abstract: A latching solenoid gate valve is disclosed, and includes a housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section. The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and a second solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assembly linearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a first gate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an opening therethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within the cavity between an open position with the opening aligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with the conduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the open position or the closed position.

Abstract: A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element.

Abstract: A micro-position gap sensor assembly, including a structural housing, a flexible diaphragm fixedly attached at a first end of the structural housing, and a shaft orthogonally attached to the flexible diaphragm. The micro-position gap sensor assembly may further include a first retainer coupled to the shaft, a second retainer formed as a step of the structural housing, and a plate gap sensor. The plate gap sensor may include a non-contact sensor plate biased by a compression spring so that the non-contact sensor plate is held against a portion of the second retainer. The plate gap sensor may further include a target plate positioned adjacent the non-contact sensor plate and separated therefrom by a gap. The target plate may be biased by a return spring so that the target plate is held against a portion of the first retainer. The target plate may be coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: An elevator system (10) includes an elevator hoistway (12) having a plurality of landings (14), an elevator car (16) configured to move within the elevator hoistway (12), and a position determining system (40) having a plurality of landing position indicators (48) and a plurality of dummy position indicators (50). At least one of the landing position indicators (48) is mounted proximate to each of the plurality of landings (14). Each dummy position indicator (50) is mounted within the elevator hoistway (12) at a predetermined vertical position between various of the plurality of landing position indicators (48). The position determining system (40) additionally includes a sensor (42) configured to determine when the elevator car is adjacent one of the plurality of landing position indicators (48) or one of the plurality of dummy position indicators (50). The plurality of landing position indicators (48) and the plurality of dummy position indicators (50) are positioned to form a sequence of unique patterns.