Abstract: The method includes providing a portable self-contained calibration device to an electrofusion controller. The calibration device includes internal or external dummy loads to simulate real fittings to be fused and instructs the electrofusion controller to apply electricity to these dummy load. Then, the calibration device uses a measurement sub-system to measure a pre-determined parameter. A microcontroller sub-system determines if there is a difference between the measured values and the expected values. If there is a difference, the calibration device adjusts the electrofusion controller's memory. The calibration device repeats the measurement with a second independent measurement device to ensure accuracy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 15, 2009
Date of Patent:
November 3, 2015
Assignee:
EF Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
William E. Groft, David W. Groft, Michael W. Groft
Abstract: An apparatus and method for portable calibration of electrofusion controllers. The method includes providing a portable self-contained calibration device to an electrofusion controller. The calibration device includes internal or external dummy loads to simulate real fittings to be fused and instructs the electrofusion controller to apply electricity to these dummy load. Then, the calibration device uses a measurement sub-system to measure a pre-determined parameter. A microcontroller sub-system determines if there is a difference between the measured values and the expected values. If there is a difference, the calibration device adjusts the electrofusion controller's memory. The calibration device repeats the measurement with a second independent measurement device to ensure accuracy.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 15, 2009
Publication date:
November 18, 2010
Applicant:
EF Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
William E. Groft, David W. Groft, Michael W. Groft
Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically heat welding a thermoplastic electrofusion fitting having an electrically resistive element disposed therein, whereby a regulated quantity of electric power is supplied to the resistive element during the welding process and the making of a high quality weld is ensured. In accordance with the method, electric power is supplied to the resistive element of the fitting. The resistance of the electrically resistive element is measured with low voltage electric power, and the size of the fitting to be welded is determined from a data table that can be loaded and modified by the user and sorted according to previously-fused fittings. The method includes the steps of generating a alternating current voltage from a direct current power supply and transmitting the alternating current voltage to the electrically resistive element.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2000
Date of Patent:
August 27, 2002
Assignee:
EF Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
William E. Groft, David W. Groft, Michael W. Groft