Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an arrangement for diagnosis of a final control element, which is actuated by a pneumatically operated actuating mechanism under the control of a control device, and which emits acoustic signals during conventional use. It is proposed to detect acoustic signals fed back into the pneumatic system of the actuating mechanism, and to derive from them the status data of the final control element. For this purpose, an acoustic sensor is arranged in the pneumatic-fluid supply line of the actuating mechanism, with the acoustic sensor being electrically connected to an analysis device. A pressure sensor is used as the acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A pump has a body and a pressurizing barrel. The body has an outlet tube and a magnetic check valve mounted in the outlet tube to prevent a back-flow current from damaging an impeller mounted inside the body. When closed, the magnetic check valve actuates a magnetic switch to signal external devices. The pressurizing barrel has a tank containing liquid for compensating a pressure in the body and a casing. The casing is externally mounted on the pressurizing barrel, defines a notch for receiving a circuit board and has a detachable cap to facilitate maintenance of the circuit board. Accordingly, the pump effectively prevents impeller and motor damage due to the back-flow current. Moreover, the casing facilitates maintenance of the circuit board.

Abstract: In a method for communicating electrical positioning information of an actuator-positioned final control element such as a valve element, the positioning information resulting from continually sensing the position of the final control element, a binary signal is formed or received signalling a condition 0 (zero) when the final control element has attained a predefined position and a condition 1 (one) when the final control element has not attained the predefined position or the predefined position range. For forming a positioning signal, the corresponding signal condition of the binary signal and the associated continually sensed positioning information are combined such that the corresponding signal condition of the binary signal or the positioning information or both can be optionally invoked from the positioning signal.

Abstract: A valve is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The valve comprises a piston (104), a housing (106) surrounding the piston (104), an inlet (108) capable of allowing fluid into the valve, an exhaust (110) capable of allowing fluid out of the valve, a light source (112) capable of emitting light directed at the piston (104), and a light sensor (114) capable of measuring an intensity of the light received from the light source (112), said intensity varying based on the position of the piston (104) within the housing (106). A piston assembly is also provided according to an embodiment of the invention, in which a light source 608 and a light sensor 610 may be used to determine the position of the piston. A system is provided for obtaining and analyzing operational status information is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. An action may be automatically taken depending on the analyzed operational status.

Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator utilizes a magnet keyed to a shaft, and a magnetic field sensor mounted beside the magnet, to indicate the angular position of the shaft. A magnetic pole sensor detects the initial polarity of the magnet during setup to determine how to correlate the output readings of the magnetic field sensor with the position of the valve. The sensors are located so they permit the shaft to extend through to a mechanical visual indicator.

Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member at a valve seat thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, and an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member. The bathroom flusher includes one of several novel sensors and is controlled by one of several novel controllers, as described. The controller may execute a novel control algorithm.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid controller for controlling a machine, e.g. for steering a vehicle. The controller comprises a housing defining an inlet port connected to the source and an outlet port connected to the pressure operated device. The flow rate is controlled by movement of a valve member within the housing, and a processor provides a reference which is indicative of a desired position of the valve member relative to the housing. The fluid controller comprises a fault detection system based on an observer. The observer calculates a theoretically correct position of the valve member relative to the housing for a given reference, and compares this position to an obtained position of the valve member relative to the housing. The difference between the positions is compared with a threshold value. In order to dynamically change the sensitivity of the system, the threshold value is scaled based on a gradient of the reference.

Abstract: An interlock monitoring system includes a magnetic proximity sensor within a poppet valve type coupler to detect whether the poppet valve is opened or closed. An open poppet valve indicates a proper connection. The sensor consists of dedicated electronics that prevent cheating, or bypassing, by either shorting out or opening the contacts to the sensor. In addition, a ferrous metal proximity switch is used to provide a redundant confirmation of proper connection of the coupler. The ferrous magnetic proximity switch will indicate whether or not the coupler is actually in contact with an appropriate connection. Each of the magnetic proximity sensor and the ferrous magnetic proximity switch must indicate a respective proper condition in order to determine a valid interlock condition.

Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting a leak within a duplex valve assembly is disclosed. The duplex valve assembly includes a first valve, a second valve and an intermediate fluid flow passageway fluidly interconnecting the first valve to the second valve. The leak detection system includes a means for indicating whether the first valve is maintained in a closed position or an open position, a means for indicating whether the second valve is maintained in a closed position or an open position, and a pressure change detector within the intermediate fluid flow passageway. The pressure change sensing means is at least partially positioned within the intermediate fluid flow passageway for detecting a pressure change within the intermediate fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A sensor unit detects an open vacuum interface valve coupled to a gravity sump that is pneumatically coupled to an air relief tube of a vacuum sewage system. The sensor unit includes an open valve sensor, a communication device, a processor and a power source. The open valve sensor is affixed to the air relief tube. The processor is in electronic communication with the open valve sensor and the communication device. The processor is configured to read a sensed value from the open valve sensor and cause the communication device to transmit an alarm signal when the sensed value meets predefined criteria. The power source provides power to the open valve sensor and to the communication device.

Abstract: A non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve under the control of a controller comprising a motor in rotational communication with a lead screw. The lead screw advances or retracts a valve stem connected to a valve stem cap. The valve stem cap has a valve stem cap passage. A valve end cap having a valve seat is provided and receives the valve stem cap such that the valve stem cap can contact the valve seat. A pressure relief device or shuttle assembly is positioned internal to the valve stem cap. The shuttle assembly is used for venting build-up downstream pressure through the non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve outlet, through the valve stem cap passage, around the shuttle assembly, through passages, into a pressure chamber, and to the nonmagnetic latching servo actuated valve exit where the fluid vents until the system is in balance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic distributor (2) of a servo-control (1) of an aircraft, the hydraulic distributor comprising main distributor member (10) and emergency distributor member (20) that are coaxial, said emergency distributor member (20) being caused to move by said main distributor member (10) in the event of said main distributor member (10) seizing, said hydraulic distributor being provided with a detector device (60) for detecting said seizing. The detector device (60) is provided with a reed switch (66) and with amplification means (62, 69, 68) for amplifying said movement of the emergency distributor member, said amplification means comprising a lever (62) having a magnetized free end (62?) that activates said reed switch (66) in the event of said emergency distributor member (20) moving.

Abstract: A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve.

Abstract: An automatic lubrication system where grease is dispensed to injectors from a pump having a grease piston (42) reciprocated by a connecting rod from an oil piston (43) driven by alternating hydraulic pressure, is provided with air purge valves (41) associated with each injector. The air purge valves detect abnormal operation of the piston movement due to air in the grease by way of indicators (45) and (46) communicating with chambers in the pump, and open the air purge valve to dump air laden grease into a recovery reservoir (48). A sensor in the air purge valve warns the operator of purge valve operation, alerting the operator to a possible system malfunction.

Abstract: An electronically controlled actuator in a plumbed water line within a water conditioning management system, having an at least one valve with a valve stem in a plumbed water line within the water conditioning management system, an at least one actuator, an at least one actuator housing, an at least one electronic controller in communication with the actuator, an at least one shaft coupled to the actuator and said valve; an at least one shaft encoding device; and an at least one user interface with multiple indicator elements indicating the position of valve.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic unit for activating a plurality of discharge valves of a turbomachine, the pneumatic unit having activation outlets corresponding to the number of discharge valves forming said plurality of discharge valves, and a single control input receiving a single control signal from an electronic control unit, the control signal serving to act on a control winding of a manifold means having outlets that form said activation outlets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for sensing the opening degree of a valve, which can easily determine the upper and lower limits without using upper and lower limit switches so that, besides simplifying the mechanical structure, the device can be easily installed, maintained, and repaired. The device can avoid basic errors and improve the opening degree sensing performance without using upper and lower limit switches, cams, and a spline so that, by simplifying the mechanical structure, the device can be manufactured, installed, maintained, and repaired at a low cost, and its long-term durability is improved. The device has a main gear adapted to disengage from the meter gear when the main gear is rotated excessively so that any damage to the meter gear and potentiometer, which may occur during installation or use, is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a network system for monitoring valves in a facility, which comprises: (a) a plurality of valve monitoring devices—VMDs, each monitoring device is affixed to a valve, and comprises: (a.1) a sensor for sensing the status of the valve; (a.2) short range wireless communication unit for transmitting the status as sensed by said sensor, and for transmitting the status as sensed, together with an identification of said device, to one or more Valve Device Readers—VDRs located within said short range; (a.3) mechanism for affixing the device to the monitored valve in a manner which does not disturb the normal operation of the valve; and (a.4) one or more VDRs for receiving the transmission of the valve status and VMD identification from said VMDs, and for forwarding the same to a server by Ethernet communication.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a valve body, a valve spool that is movable relative to the valve body for controlling fluid flow through the valve body, and a spool return assembly for biasing the valve spool into a centered position relative to the valve body. The hydraulic valve further includes a position sensor assembly having a sensor portion affixed relative to the valve body and a movable portion that is movable relative to the sensor portion in response to movement of the valve spool. The sensor portion is responsive to a position of the movable portion for outputting a signal indicative of the position of the valve spool relative to the valve body. The movable portion of the position sensor assembly is biased into engagement with the spool return assembly.

Abstract: A direct drive servovalve device includes (i) a servovalve motor having a stator and a rotor assembly configured to rotate relative to the stator, (ii) a valve member coupled to the rotor assembly, and (iii) a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes an interface configured to couple to a controller that controls the servovalve motor, a set of programmable Hall sensors coupled to the interface, and a support. The support (e.g., a ring-shaped collar or sleeve) supports the set of Hall sensors at an installation location which is (i) adjacent to the rotor assembly and (ii) fixed relative to the stator. The set of programmable Hall sensors is configured to provide a set of position signals to the controller through the interface. The set of position signals identifies a rotational position of the rotor assembly relative to the stator.

Abstract: A motor-driven airflow control device is provided wherein an inductance-based non-contact rotation angle sensor is compactly formed at an end of a throttle shaft. An exciting conductor is attached at an end of a rotating shaft to which a throttle valve is attached, a window hole is provided on a gear cover, a stationary substrate with energizing and signal-generating conductors formed thereon is attached to the gear cover so as to face the exciting conductor on the rotating shaft side through the window hole, and the window hole of the gear cover is covered by a thin shield member. The energizing and signal-generating conductors can be shielded from a space where the exciting conductor of the rotary member is arranged, making it possible to obtain a highly reliable motor-driven airflow control device including an inductance-based non-contact rotation angle sensor which is not affected by environments on the rotary member side.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a main body defining a fluid flow passage, and a valve member moveable between an unconnected state and a connected state. The coupling device also includes a magnet coupled to the valve member, and a sensor coupled to the main body, the sensor being configured to sense a change in a magnetic flux of the magnet as the valve member moves between the unconnected state and the connected state to determine a connection state of the coupling device.

Abstract: A system for indicating the status of a valve may include an encapsulation with electronic circuitry disposed at least partially therein, a communication sub-system, a sensor, an indicator and a power source. The encapsulation may be zero volume, and the indicator may include a color changing skin. A method of indicating the status of a valve may include providing a valve, providing a status indicating system, changing a status of the valve, sensing a status of the valve, and indicating a status of the valve. A method of encapsulating a status indicating system may include providing an encapsulant and coupling at least a portion of the system with the encapsulant.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for measuring a position of a linear type valve which is open/shut by operation of a hydraulic cylinder. More particularly, the apparatus more accurately measures a valve position by outputting a rotation angle of a rotation sleeve which rotates by being operatively connected to a hydraulic cylinder which moves linearly, and by calculating a vertical movement distance of a valve gate which changes in proportion to the rotation angle. Further, since the structure of the apparatus is very simple, the cost of production is significantly reduced. In addition, for use, the apparatus is installed on the hydraulic cylinder by a simple method.

Abstract: A flow sensing valve includes a valve housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a plurality of flow sensing ports. A valve member, located within the valve housing, is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The valve member allows fuel flow between the inlet port and outlet port in the open position, and blocks fuel flow between the inlet port and the outlet port in the closed position. A position sensor, operably coupled to the valve member, is configured to determine a valve position of the flow sensing valve. The valve position is indicative of a valve open port area. A metered flow rate of pressurized fuel through the flow sensing valve in a upstream manifold is proportional to the valve open port area because the flow sensing valve maintains a nearly constant differential pressure across the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A valve monitoring system including at least one valve having a movable handle with an activator therein mounted adjacent to a support panel on which are disposed a plurality of sensor devices responsive to the activator and a separate indicator panel for displaying the position of the valve handle. The activator at the handle and the sensor devices interact to selectively indicate operational conditions of the valve. In addition, a motor can be used to move the handle, and reconfigure the valve, as desired.

Abstract: A metering valve assembly is provided for metering a fluid. The metering valve assembly includes a position sensor, metering valve, and a thermal compensation mechanism. The metering valve includes a valve housing having a flow passage therethrough, and a valve element movably mounted within the valve housing. The thermal compensation mechanism is coupled between the position sensor and the valve element and configured to adjust the displacement of the position sensor relative to the valve element as a function of fluid temperature.

Abstract: A method and a valve arrangement are provided for electronic wear state determination of the valve arrangement for controlling a process medium flow. A valve element, which is arranged so as to move axially within a valve housing, is moved via electrically drivable linear drive means on the basis of positioning regulation. The valve element has an essentially constant drive force applied to it, and a position speed profile over the switching travel of the valve element is determined by detecting the speed as a function of the current position of the valve element. A change profile is created by comparing the determined speed profile with previous position speed profiles, as a measure of the position-dependent wear state of the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A faucet assembly including a base defining a water delivery passageway, a valve member received in the base and movable between a closed position wherein flow through the water delivery passageway is blocked and an opened position wherein flow through the water delivery passageway is permitted, a magnet secured to the valve member such that, when the valve member is rotated to the opened position, the magnet is aligned with a sensor bore of the base, and when the valve member is rotated to the closed position, the magnet is unaligned with the sensor bore, a metal rod positioned in the sensor bore, and a Hall effect sensor positioned below the base in alignment with the sensor bore and adapted to switch on when the magnet is aligned with the sensor bore and switch off when the magnet is unaligned with the sensor bore.

Abstract: A method and valve arrangement are provided for controlling the flow of a process medium through a pipeline. A pneumatic actuator moves a valve element, which is accommodated in a valve housing, and switches the flow of the process medium, in accordance with a positioning control system by means of a control piston, to at least one side of which control pressure is applied in a drive chamber. An electronic evaluation unit connected to the positioning control system monitors the operating state. A pressure sensor measures the pressure in the drive chamber, and the evaluation unit analyzes the measured pressure value with respect to a pressure p and the pressure change dp(t) over time to determine the flow into/from the drive chamber and/or the ratio (V/A) of the drive chamber volume to the effective opening cross section of the valve arrangement as a measure of the operating state of the valve arrangement.

Abstract: A valve system both controls fuel flow by means of a valve and senses the condition of the valve. The valve is actuated by an actuator via a rotatable shaft. Light is transmitted by a laser diode, via a polarising filter (which is mounted to rotate with the shaft), down the shaft, and is reflected by a mirror which directs the light back up the shaft via the filter to a receiver, which is able to detect different directions of polarisation of the light received. The polarisation of the light received by the receiver indicates whether the valve is open or shut. If no light is received a fault is deemed present. Thus, the condition of the valve is checked directly by means of an apparatus remote from the valve and the fuel.

Abstract: A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve.

Abstract: A valve (1) comprises: a body (2); a bushing (3) slidably mounted on said body; a valve spool (4) slidably mounted on said bushing; said bushing and spool having respective control edges (5) that are adapted to cooperate with one another as a function of the relative position between said bushing and spool to vary the size of a control opening therebetween; a first drive (11) operatively arranged to controllably move one of said bushing and spool relative to said body; and a second drive (12) operatively arranged to controllably move the other of said bushing and spool relative to said body; whereby said first and second drives may be selectively operated to move said bushing and spool simultaneously in opposite directions to increase the dynamic response of said valve.

Abstract: Remotely readable valve position indicators and related methods are described. An example valve position indicator includes a wireless identifier device coupled to a valve stem or shaft to move with the valve stem or shaft. The wireless identifier device is to convey information indicative of the position of the valve stem or shaft to a remote wireless electronic reader. The example valve position indicator also includes a shielding body to prevent the wireless identifier device from conveying the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a first position and to permit the wireless identifier device to convey the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a second position.

Abstract: A motorized fluid control valve includes a valve unit having a fluid inlet and outlet provided in a tube for controlling fluid flow, wherein the valve unit is adapted to operate between an opened and closed position. The motorized fluid control valve includes a motor and a driving pin providing a rotational power, a cam including a cam body rotatably mounted in such a manner that the motor is arrange to drive the cam body to rotate to operate the valve unit and to produce a valve signal showing a corresponding position of the valve unit. The motorized fluid control valve includes a valve safety arrangement having two fingers. When the valve unit is stuck, the driving pin will break the two fingers to disengage the cam from the motor, thus stopping any further rotation of the cam and provide a true signal regarding the position of the valve unit.

Abstract: A fluid flow tester for measuring minute volumes of fluid and for calibrating medical devices, such as intravenous infusion pumps, includes a plurality of valves and associated conduits which direct fluid from the device being tested to a transparent vertical column. A plurality of sensors, each including a light emitting diode and a light detector, are arranged along the axial length of the column at a predetermined spacing between adjacent sensors. Fluid from the device being tested is directed through the flow tester by the valves and associated conduits into the column where it rises. The meniscus of the fluid rising in the column is detected by the sensors. The sensors provide signals to a microcontroller which calculates the time that it takes for the fluid to pass each sensor. Knowing this timing and the volume of the column, the flow rate of the fluid may be calculated by the microcontroller.

Abstract: A method for checking the functionality of an actuator is provided. A control valve is adjusted by an actuating drive by a manipulating element engaging the control valve, a position encoder captures the actual position of the manipulating element, and an electro-pneumatic position controller generates a pneumatic actuating variable as a function of the actual position and a target position. The actuating variable is applied to the actuating drive by an activated magnetic valve that is deactivated to vent the actuating drive. The magnetic valve is briefly deactivated so that it may be tested, such that the manipulating element moves through only a part of its adjustment path. The magnetic valve test is evaluated as successful if the manipulating element has moved at least a prescribed minimum distance.

Abstract: An emergency isolation valve has a valve plug in a valve body connected to a pipeline. The valve plug is connected to a valve shaft around which a sector gear is provided and engaged with a rack of a piston rod in a cylinder. The piston rod has a piston at one end and is connected to a compression spring at the other end. The piston is moved by air supplied into a cylinder from a compressed air source via a fluid control and a solenoid selector valve. Air supply stops and a discharge hole of the cylinder is opened, so that air is discharged to the outside. The piston is returned by the compression spring to close the discharge hole. At the same time stop of the piston rod is detected by a sensor thereby checking whether to actuate the valve plug normally even during operation.

Abstract: A valve body has an elongated bore in communication with an inlet port and an outlet port. A valve element is movable within the bore between deactuated and actuated positions. A valve sensor generates a sensor signal indicative of an instantaneous parameter of the valve that changes between the deactuated and actuated positions. A logic unit receives the sensor signal and a pilot command signal that actuates the valve. A predetermined change in the pilot command signal causes the logic unit to determine a cycle parameter responsive to a time period between two predetermined events. At least the beginning or end of the time period corresponds to a predetermined value of the sensor signal. The individual determinations of the cycle parameter are accumulated to obtain an expected cycle parameter. The logic unit generates an indication signal when the cycle parameter exhibits a predetermined variance from the expected cycle parameter.

Abstract: A gas valve may include a valve body and a valve member disposed within the valve body. A resilient sealing ring may be disposed within the valve body such that the valve member achieves a closed position when the valve member contacts the resilient sealing ring. In some instances, a gas valve may include both an upper resilient sealing ring and a lower resilient sealing ring. The upper resilient sealing ring and the lower resilient sealing ring may both permit overtravel.

Abstract: A valve alarm for use with a valve having an open position, a closed position, and a knob is provided. The valve alarm includes a handle having a knob seat receivable about the knob, and a body defining a volume. The knob seat is carried within the volume and moveable relative the body between an open position and a closed position. A switch is carried by the handle and changed from an Off orientation to an On orientation when the knob seat is moved to the open position, and changed from the On orientation to the Off orientation when the knob seat is moved to the closed position. A timer circuit is coupled to the switch and carried by the handle and includes a time period counted down to zero upon activation by the switch changed to the On orientation. A signaling device is carried by the handle and coupled to the timing circuit for activation upon the timer circuit time period reaching zero.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water ingress detection system (1) suitable for use in indicating the ingress of water (12) onto a pipe (2) or vessel inside a casing (3), from outside. The system (1) comprises a deflector (4) secured to the underside (7) of the pipe (2) inside the casing (3) provided thereon, a conduit (8) coupled to the deflector (4) for leading water (12) away from the pipe (2) to a water-sensing indicator device (13). The indicator device (13) has a signal output portion (17) disposed externally of the casing (3) for signalling the presence of water (11). The deflector (4) is formed and arranged for intercepting water (12) running along the exterior (7) of the pipe (2) inside the casing (3) and diverting it into the conduit (8), and the conduit (8) and water-sensing indicator device (13) are formed and arranged so that the indicator device (13) can sense substantially only water (12) intercepted by the deflector (4).

Abstract: A method of calibrating an electrically actuated hydraulic valve in a system that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder connected to a machine element operates automatically. The system includes an ultrasonic sensor providing an indication of the position of the machine element. The calibration method includes the step of automatically applying a command signal to the hydraulic valve while monitoring the ultrasonic sensor to determine the level of the command signal required to cause the hydraulic cylinder to begin to move. The calibration method includes the additional step of automatically applying in succession a plurality of command signals of increasing level to the hydraulic valve while monitoring the ultrasonic sensor to determine the speed of movement of the hydraulic cylinder resulting from each of the command signals.

Abstract: A pressure-relief valve has a flange formed with a throughgoing port. A spring plate spaced outward from the port is mounted on a rigid post fixing the spring plate relative to the flange. A valve body between the plate and the flange can shift between a closed position engaging the seal and closing the port and an open position spaced outward from the port and permitting flow through the port; A spring braced between the spring plate and the valve body urges the valve body into the closed position. A cup-shaped housing covering the valve body, spring plate, post, and springs has an end wall spaced from the flange and a side wall projecting from the end wall toward the casing and formed with a vent opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for actuating a process valve (1), for use in foodstuffs technology, that has a valve member (4), an actuating element (14) being moved upon the shifting of the valve (1), in such a way that the position of the actuating element (14) is a measure of the position of the valve member (4), the device (100) for actuating a process valve (1) having a sensor that is arranged and/or realized in such a way that its output signal is a measure of the position of the actuating element (14), the sensor being a magnetostrictive sensor (151).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a field unit (10) for mounting on an actuator (12) with a pickup device (14) in the field unit (10) to register the position of the actuator (12) and with an indicator (16) located correspondingly on a movable element (15) of the actuator (12) to indicate the position of the actuator (12), where, when the field unit (10) is mounted on the actuator (14), the pickup device (14) of the field unit (10) can be linked with the indicator (16) of the actuator (12). The invention is characterized in that the pickup device (14) of the field unit (10) is in working connection with a locking element (18), and in that the pickup device (14) can be held by this locking element (18) in a first position—the mounting position—and can be released from the mounting position by the actuation of the locking element (18).

Abstract: A valve actuator is provided that comprises a unitary housing and a piston translatably mounted within the housing. The piston comprises a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. A position sensor having a third diameter at least as large as the second diameter is fixedly coupled to the housing and to the piston for determining the position of the piston.

Abstract: A fluid control system that includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form at least first and second passages extending continuously through the manifold and each of the bodies. A plurality of solenoid valves are each mounted on a side of an associated body with valve ports opening into the body to the fluid passage(s) that extend through the manifold. An electrical connection arrangement is mounted at one end of the manifold for receiving control signals from an external source. A plurality of circuitboards are disposed one within the second passage of each body, with each of the circuitboards including male and female connectors at opposed ends for connecting the circuitboards in series with each other to the electrical connection arrangement at the end of the manifold. A third connector on each circuitboard extends laterally from the circuitboard for connection to the solenoid valve mounted on the side of the associated manifold body.