Abstract: A device (10) for detecting irregular operation in a pressurized fluid vessel, such as leaks in a pipeline (20), includes a transducer (21) for measuring pipeline (20) instantaneous pressure, a microcomputer (23) and a wake-up timer (29). Microcomputer (23) performs several different tests upon the collected pressure data to reliably ascertain if a leak or break in pipeline (20) has occurred. The first test involves a comparison of rates of change of pressure at successive preselected timed intervals, referred to as timed interval comparisons. If any test is failed, an alarm (30) and/or actuator (31) for valve or system shut-down are operated. Once the timed intervals and testing are concluded, microprocessor (23) reverts to a powerdown mode to conserve power. Wake-up timer (29) resets microcomputer (23) at preselected intervals for additional pressure data collection and testing.

Abstract: A hydraulic pipeline valve operating system (10) includes a tank (12) which holds a quantity of unpressurized hydraulic fluid. A pump (14) provides that fluid under pressure to a valve actuator (11). The valve actuator has an actuator cylinder (40) having a piston (42) which is operatively connected to the pipeline valve (28). The fluid under pressure moves the piston (42) of the cylinder (40) to compress a spring (35) to open the valve (28). When the piston (42) of the cylinder (40) ceases movement, continued pumping moves a piston (53), of a smaller diameter than the piston (42), which also acts against the spring (35). An indicator rod (60) gives a visual indication of the position of the piston (53) and when it is at approximately its midstroke location, pumping of the fluid is terminated and the actuator (11) is set. Should ambient temperature conditions change, the piston (53) moves to accommodate such changes thereby leaving the piston (42) unaffected.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring torque characteristics of devices (20, 73) includes a first shaft (19) having torque applied thereto by a first device (20) and a second shaft (41) having torque applied thereto by a second device (73). Sensing elements (31) are provided which detect the forces generated by the torque of the first and second shafts (19, 41) and produce electrical signals proportional to the forces detected. A first coupling device (25) transfers the forces generated by the torque from the first and second shafts (19, 41) to the sensing elements (31). A suspension mechanism (57) permits the second device (73) to move laterally independent in two spatial dimensions with respect to the first device (20) so as to minimize any effects from mechanical misalignment and the structural support frame (10). The apparatus can be adapted to measure frictional characteristics of devices (20, 73) by providing an actuator (93) for applying a torque to a third shaft (92).

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument wherein the pressure or flow of a fluid in a pipeline is monitored with a voltage proportional thereto being electronically differentiated to determine whether any rate of change of pressure exists, which is often indicative of a leak in the pipeline. If a rate of pressure change of a predetermined extent exists for a predetermined period of time and if a total pressure change exceeds a predetermined value, an output signal can close a valve in the pipeline or can sound an alarm. In addition, in situations where a liquid is involved, a surge develops upon a line break, that is, a large rate of instantaneous pressure drop, and such surge can also be detected and appropriate remedial measures taken. The instrument is also capable of shutting down the pipeline in instances of inordinately low or high pressure conditions.

Abstract: A hand pump system which allows normal automatic operation of a fluid motor operator for a pipeline valve by pipeline pressure, and also provides a stand-by hand pump while may be manually connected to a pressure fluid storage in the system for operating the fluid motor operator in either direction. The hand pump is connected into the system in such manner as to prevent accidental actuation of the pump handle by a pressure surge in the pipeline.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument wherein the pressure or flow of a fluid in a pipeline is monitored with a voltage proportional thereto being electronically differentiated to determine whether any rate of change of pressure exists, which is often indicative of a leak in the pipeline. If a rate of pressure change of a predetermined extent exists for a predetermined period of time and if a total pressure change exceeds a predetermined value, an output signal can close a valve in the pipeline or can sound an alarm. In addition, in situations where a liquid is involved, a surge develops upon a line break, that is, a large rate of instantaneous pressure drop, and such surge can also be detected and appropriate remedial measures taken. The instrument is also capable of shutting down the pipeline in instances of inordinately low or high pressure conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument wherein the pressure or flow of a fluid in a pipeline is monitored with a voltage proportional thereto being electronically differentiated to determine whether any rate of change of pressure exists, which is often indicative of a leak in the pipeline. If a rate of pressure change of a predetermined extent exists for a predetermined period of time and if a total pressure change exceeds a predetermined value, an output signal can close a valve in the pipeline or can sound an alarm. In addition, in situations where a liquid is involved, a surge develops upon a line break, that is, a large rate of instantaneous pressure drop, and such surge can also be detected and appropriate remedial measures taken. The instrument is also capable of shutting down the pipeline in instances of inordinately low or high pressure conditions.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic motor valve operator having a rotor shaft with diametrically opposite vanes operating between diametrically opposite stops forming two pairs of fluid chambers, one chamber of each pair being connected through the top plate of the motor housing with a conduit which alternates as a supply or an exhaust conduit. Annular cross-over grooves at different levels in the top plate around the rotor shaft are connected one to the opposite chambers of each pair.