Patents by Inventor James E. Frew

James E. Frew has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5704392
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for cycling a valve having a valve operator for rotationally operating the valve. The apparatus includes a rotary actuator having an output shaft for developing a rotational force and a torque-sensing release clutch for transferring the rotational force to the valve operator. The torque-sensing release clutch decouples the rotational force from the valve operator upon sensing torque at least as great as a preset torque limit. In a preferred embodiment, an adaptive mounting assembly mounts the apparatus to the valve, providing three-dimensional adjustment of the clutch position relative to the valve operator. A counter counts turns of the valve operator to measure and indicate position of the valve, and a switch disables the rotary actuator when the clutch decouples the rotational force from the valve operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Valve Management Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Frew