Patents Assigned to Custom Controls LLC
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Patent number: 9016662Abstract: A powered valve actuator assembly converts a manually operated valve without removal of the valve handle for automated valve operation in response to detection of a preselected condition. The design incorporates a motor, motor control circuit, drive shaft, valve handle engaging member and anti-rotation member. The motor is supported by its drive shaft, which is mounted on the valve handle via an adaptor. The motor, when operated, applies rotational torque to the drive shaft, and is secured from counter rotation about the drive shaft by the anti-rotation member, which extends between the motor and a fixed reference point with respect to the valve body such as the conduit or an extension thereof. The control circuit may incorporate a monitoring sub-circuit and power regulator, which operates at reduced power levels depending on the sensed state of the sensor or sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Custom Controls, LLCInventors: Donald Staffiere, Don L Drinkwater, David Staffiere, Dana St. James, Jay M Prager
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Patent number: 8931755Abstract: An apparatus and method for automating the operation of a manual control valve upon the occurrence of a specified condition includes a valve handle engaging member mounted on an operating shaft turned by a motor held by a housing or support which is mountable to the manual valve body or associated conduit. The motor is operated by a motor control circuit when a sensor detects the condition. The structure and method of mounting may include a quick disconnect mechanism. The control circuit may operate at different power levels depending on the state of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Custom Controls, LLCInventors: Donald Staffiere, Don Drinkwater, David Staffiere, Dana St. James, Jay Prager
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Publication number: 20140001383Abstract: A powered valve actuator assembly converts a manually operated valve without removal of the valve handle for automated valve operation in response to detection of a preselected condition. The design incorporates a motor, motor control circuit, drive shaft, valve handle engaging member and anti-rotation member. The motor is supported by its drive shaft, which is mounted on the valve handle via an adaptor. The motor, when operated, applies rotational torque to the drive shaft, and is secured from counter rotation about the drive shaft by the anti-rotation member, which extends between the motor and a fixed reference point with respect to the valve body such as the conduit or an extension thereof. The control circuit may incorporate a monitoring sub-circuit and power regulator, which operates at reduced power levels depending on the sensed state of the sensor or sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Custom Controls, LLCInventors: Donald Staffiere, Don L. Drinkwater, David Staffiere, Dana St. James, Jay M. Prager
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Patent number: 8256742Abstract: A sensor and powered valve actuator assembly adaptable to fit on and operate a manual valve, the sensor for detecting a valve operating trigger event such as a fluid leak, the actuator for automatically operating the manual valve in response to the triggering event. The assembly includes a motor, motor control circuit, operating shaft, and manual valve engaging member, in a housing mountable to a manual valve body. A sensor which may be remote to the housing is connected to the motor control circuit. When mounted, the valve engaging members extend from the shaft into flexible, rotational engagement with the manual valve shaft, such as with tines spanning or piercing the valve handle. The control circuit controls the motor based on a signal from the sensor, or other control means, such that the motor can actuate valve operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Custom Controls LLCInventors: Donald Staffiere, Don L Drinkwater, David Staffiere, Dana St. James
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Publication number: 20120132838Abstract: An apparatus and method for automating the operation of a manual control valve upon the occurrence of a specified condition includes a valve handle engaging member mounted on an operating shaft turned by a motor held by a housing or support which is mountable to the manual valve body or associated conduit. The motor is operated by a motor control circuit when a sensor detects the condition. The structure and method of mounting may include a quick disconnect mechanism. The control circuit may operate at different power levels depending on the state of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: CUSTOM CONTROLS, LLCInventors: Donald Staffiere, Don Drinkwater, David Staffiere, Dana St. James, Jay Prager
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Publication number: 20080054209Abstract: A sensor and powered valve actuator assembly adaptable to fit on and operate a manual valve, the sensor for detecting a valve operating trigger event such as a fluid leak, the actuator for automatically operating the manual valve in response to the triggering event. The assembly includes a motor, motor control circuit, operating shaft, and manual valve engaging member, in a housing mountable to a manual valve body. A sensor which may be remote to the housing is connected to the motor control circuit. When mounted, the valve engaging members extend from the shaft into flexible, rotational engagement with the manual valve shaft, such as with tines spanning or piercing the valve handle. The control circuit controls the motor based on a signal from the sensor, or other control means, such that the motor can actuate valve operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: CUSTOM CONTROLS, LLC.Inventors: Don L. Drinkwater, Donald Staffiere, David Staffiere, Dana St. James