Patents Assigned to Westlock Controls Corporation
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Patent number: 10140843Abstract: An indicator device with wireless communication functionality for monitoring a position of a valve actuating device. The indicator device including a visual indication device having an outer beacon and an inner beacon received within the outer beacon and arranged to rotate relative to the outer beacon, a wireless module including at least one sensor, positioned within the inner beacon of the visual indication device, and configured to transmit a message using the wireless module, and a shaft extending through the visual indication device and coupled to the valve actuating device. Rotation of the shaft is detectable by the at least one sensor of the wireless module to indicate the position of the valve actuating device, and the indicator device is sealed to inhibit infiltration of liquid and penetration of debris to the wireless module.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Eric Jordan, Bill Tatum
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Patent number: 8967590Abstract: A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, William D. Ferraz
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Publication number: 20120313625Abstract: A device for visually indicating a change in the operational state of a proximity sensor. The device includes a transparent housing having a cavity and a magnet device for generating a magnetic field. In addition, a sleeve is attached to the housing. The magnet device is concealed within the sleeve in a first position to indicate a first operational state. When a target is positioned adjacent the sensor end, magnetic attraction occurs between the target and the magnet device due to the magnetic field to cause movement of the magnet device to a second position within the cavity wherein the magnetic field does not act on the proximity sensor to change the operational state from the first operational state to a second operational state. Further, the magnet device is visible in the second position to indicate the second operational state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: WESTLOCK CONTROLS CORPORATIONInventors: Leo Minervini, Kevin Connell
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Patent number: 8265794Abstract: A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over Nth process cycles when the valve is installed in-line.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Daniel W. Mrozinski
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Patent number: 8141583Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert Endres
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Publication number: 20110215268Abstract: A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: WESTLOCK CONTROLS CORPORATIONInventors: Leo Minervini, William D. Ferraz
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Patent number: 7819133Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert Endres
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Publication number: 20100155632Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: WESTLOCK CONTROLS CORPORATIONInventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert J. Endres
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Patent number: 7647940Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Westlock Control CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan
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Publication number: 20090088906Abstract: A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over Nth process cycles when the valve is installed in-line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: WESTLOCK CONTROLS CORPORATIONInventors: Leo Minervini, Daniel W. Mrozinski
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Publication number: 20080078462Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Applicant: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert J. Endres
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Publication number: 20060272710Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Applicant: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan
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Patent number: 6820647Abstract: A valve position monitor that provides simultaneous visual and electrical signals of valve position is disclosed. A method of monitoring the position of a valve by utilizing the valve position monitor described herein is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: John Jude Grecco, Antimo J. Martin, Leo Minervini, Franklin H. Sinclair
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Patent number: 4494565Abstract: There is disclosed a novel indicator assembly comprised of a housing member mounted to a fluid handling apparatus and an indicator member mounted for rotation within the housing member operationally associated to a moving member of the fluid handling apparatus wherein the housing member is provided with transparent sectors permitting visual observation of the indicator member and wherein the indicator member is provided with colored sectors to visually cooperate with the transparent sectors of the housing member to indicate operational modes of the fluid handling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1983Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Franklin H. Sinclair, Gary Glockner
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Patent number: 4494566Abstract: There is disclosed a novel indicator assembly comprised of a housing member mounted to a fluid handling apparatus and an indicator member mounted for rotation within the housing member operationally associated to a moving member of the fluid handling apparatus wherein the housing member is provided with transparent sectors permitting visual observation of the indicator member and wherein the indicator member is provided with colored sectors to visually cooperate with the transparent sectors of the housing member to indicate operational modes of the fluid handling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1982Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Franklin H. Sinclair, Gary Glockner