Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the operating condition of a check valve directs sound waves into the valve chamber of a check valve assembly and utilizes the collected signals of the reflected sound waves to generate various time lapse data corresponding to the valve disk position and movement, such time lapse data providing an analysis of the condition of the valve assembly.

Abstract: Integrated check valve testing system includes a method and apparatus for non-intrusively testing a check valve which includes using an ultrasonic transducer externally connected to the check valve to direct ultrasonic sound waves through the check valve casting and through the transported fluid to the check valve disk to then detect the ultrasonic sound waves reflected off of the check valve disk. An ultrasonic controller controls the ultrasonic transducer and generates location signals based on the amount of time between each direction of an ultrasonic sound wave and the resulting reception of a reflected ultrasonic sound wave. A system controller analyzes the movement of the check valve disk and calculates certain test data which is compared to previously obtained baseline data. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes using two accelerometers externally connected to the check valve to monitor acoustic emissions generated by the check valve.

Abstract: A load measuring apparatus is, in preferred embodiments, pre-assembled in a ready-to-use, portable assembly and comprises a load bearing body providing a deformable link between a shaft housing (such as a valve operator) and a shaft which moves relative to the housing, and which deformable, load bearing body functions as the support for a shaft engaging element of the invented device; and also comprises strain gauges measuring the deformation of the load bearing body, which deformation is related to the thrust of the shaft; load measuring apparatus operating in association with a signal conditioning device and display/recording device by which measurements are conveyed and interpreted; in the preferred embodiment, the load measuring apparatus includes an overload shear washer incorporated to prevent damage to the shaft housing by shearing away and allowing continued, unblocked movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the operating condition of a check valve directs sound waves into the valve chamber of a check valve assembly and utilizes the collected signals of the reflected sound waves to generate various time lapse data corresponding to the valve disk position and movement, such time lapse data providing an analysis of the condition of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A Strain Follower comprises cantilevered beams mounted by gripping means on opposite sides of an object to be loaded, which beams are deflected in relationship to the deformation of the object by axial forces, and strain gages mounted on the beams and electrically within a wheatstone bridge circuit for providing an output representative of the axial deformation of the loaded object, while minimizing the impact, on the output by bending and torsional forces acting on the object.

Abstract: A stem load determining system comprises a method and apparatus for determining the load developed on a threaded stem, including a valve stem driven by a valve operator. An integral component of the apparatus is a stem strain transducer uniquely designed to girp a threaded stem to define a guage length on the threaded stem and to detect and measure deformation of the stem at the guage length when subjected to a compressive or tensile load.

Abstract: A load measuring apparatus is, in preferred embodiments, preassembled in a ready-to-use, portable assembly and comprises a load bearing body providing a deformable link between a shaft housing (such as a valve operator) and a shaft which moves relative to the housing, and which deformable, load bearing body functions as the support for a shaft engaging element of the invented device; and also comprises strain gauges measuring the deformation of the load bearing body, which deformation is related to the thrust of the shaft; load measuring apparatus operating in association with a signal conditioning device and display/recording device by which measurements are conveyed and interpreted; in the preferred embodiment, the load measuring apparatus includes an overload shear washer incorporated to prevent damage to the shaft housing by shearing away and allowing continued, unblocked movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A unique apparatus and method are used to detect and measure movement of a valve spring pack and worm through monitoring rotation of the torque switch control post. A device for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. The apparatus provides devices for statically calibrating the operator relative to the imposed valve load and provides a device for recording traces of the improved load and associated parameters during dynamic conditions as related to the operation of the operator and valve combined. The apparatus is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving variable observation angles by a single transducer rotationally and pivotally mounted with a housing; and for utilizing the variable angle transducer to detect and trace the distance of unseen objects within a casing from the transducer by moving the transducer within its housing which is held stationary against the casing; and for determining the angle of observation between the transducer and the observed object; and thereby accurately determining the relative position and orientation of the object within the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring, measuring and recording rotational forces and torque within a valve actuator comprises a load cell supported between two arm members, one arm member being mounted stationary to the housing of the valve actuator and the other arm being interfaced for rotation with a worm gear within the actuator. The resulting connection between the two arm members, through the load cells, results in blocked rotation of the worm gear and development of torque within the actuator, which torque is monitored through measurement of the rotational force at the load cell and knowledge of the moment arm of the force at the load cell. A time related trace of the torque is provided and comparison and correlation is made to time traces of other system parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving variable observations angles by a single transducer rotationally and pivotally mounted with a housing; and for utilizing the variable angle transducer to detect and trace and distance of unseen objects within a casing from the transducer by moving the transducer within its housing which is held stationary against the casing; and for determining the angle of observation between the transducer and the observed object; and thereby accurately determining the relative position and orientation of the object within the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating certain rotating components within the operator and valve systems and artificially loading those rotating shafts to create and measure torque developed within the valve operator system; and for using the torque measurements to correlate and analyze torque in relation to other valve systems parameters.

Abstract: A continuous flow weighing apparatus including a support frame, a weighing drum rotatably mounted to an axle and having a plurality of weighing compartments each having an eccentric center of gravity. A balance beam is rotatably mounted on each side of the weighing drum to the support frame. One end of the balance beam is fixedly mounted to the drum axle while the other end is adapted to receive a counterweight. A releasable stop means is provided comprising a drum stop mounted to the exterior side of each weighing compartment. A fixed latch bar and a pivotal latch bar are attached to the support frame and are so configured as to form a notch for receiving the drum stops. The drum stops and the sides of the fixed and pivotal latch bars have inclined mating surfaces which form an angle from the horizontal to give a horizontal resultant force. A horizontal resultant force reduces weighing errors by stabilizing the center of gravity.

Abstract: A unique apparatus and method are used to detect and measure movement of a valve spring pack and worm through monitoring rotation of the torque switch control post. A device for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. The apparatus provides devices for statically calibrating the operator relative to the imposed valve load and provides a device for recording traces of the imposed load and associated parameters during dynamic conditions as related to the operation of the operator and valve combined. The apparatus is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: A system for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. A unique device and method are used to detect and measure movement of a valve operator spring pack to which access is had from the side of the spring pack. The invention provides initial dynamic traces after initial assembly, maintenance and/or periodic testing of the operator and valve. The invention is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: A nut cracking machine particularly for cracking pecans enables faster and more reliable nut cracking with fewer machine adjustments and longer machine life. Air spring activation of the hammer mechanism and a cam operated hammer cocking and release mechanism render the machine more efficient and reliable. The structure facilitates manufacturing with economy.

Abstract: A stem load determining system comprises a method and apparatus for determining the load developed on a threaded stem, including a valve stem driven by a valve operator. An integral component of the apparatus is a stem strain transducer uniquely designed to girp a threaded stem to define a guage length on the threaded stem and to detect and measure deformation of the stem at the guage length when subjected to a compressive or tensile load.