Abstract: Without disassembling a valve stem from a valve, the valve is decoupled from a valve actuator such that the valve stem and attached valve disc or body may shift to and from a seated position without interference by the actuator. Known loads are applied to the decoupled valve stem to cause a strain gauge output which corresponds to the known load. The strain gauge is mounted to the valve stem or other force reactive components of the valve which react by changing in dimension in response to the applied known load. The relationship of the applied load to the strain gauge output is determined to thereby calibrate the valve stem. The load is removed and the valve stem is recoupled to the valve actuator for operation. From the strain gauge output during either or both static and dynamic operation of the valve, the thrust on the valve stem is directly obtained and is used to evaluate the performance of the valve and actuator.

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 method and apparatus for remotely monitoring the condition of a DC motor operated valve and/or valve operator by monitoring at a remote location, such as the Motor Control Center ("MCC"), the output torque of the DC motor which drives the valve operator comprises method and apparatus for monitoring the armature circuit of the DC motor at the remote location (I.E.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a previously unattainable yet desirable function of monitoring, at a remote location and/or in a remote (non-intrusive) manner, the condition of a valve operator to signal a need for more thorough inspection and for possible maintenance of the valve or valve operator; the method and apparatus including the relating of output power (motor load) of the valve operator motor to the valve operator stem load, setting up a threshold value for the power parameter based on a maximum allowable operator thrust depletion; and periodically monitoring actual power parameter values at a remote location for comparison to the threshold value.

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 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.