Abstract: A self-position estimation accuracy verification method includes a step of moving a mobile object to a first check point, a step of acquiring first check information, a step of starting a self-position estimation using the first check information as an initial value, a step of moving the mobile object to a second check point while continuing the self-position estimation, a step of acquiring second check information, and a step of calculating a deviation between a position and a posture of the mobile object on the map estimated by the self-position estimation at the second check point and a position and a posture of the mobile object on the map indicated in the second check information, and verifying the accuracy of the self-position estimation based on the deviation.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system can include, a moveable component configured to move between one or more positions, a biasing member operatively connected on a first side to bias the moveable component to a respective one of the one or more positions, and a preload member operatively connected to provide a force to a second side of the biasing member. An actuator can be operatively connected to move the preload member in response to a signal from a controller.

Abstract: It is described an in-line safe pressure test system and method for detecting leaks in a pressure safety valve PSV (100), the valve including an inlet (P1), outlet (P2) and valve seat controlling fluid flow between said inlet and outlet. The system includes a Safety Controller SC (110) with a test fluid source, at least one Abnormal Condition Detector ACD unit, controller, data storage unit, and communication means for sending and receiving signals from/to the SC and an external safety system, wherein the SC is adapted to apply a test pressure to the inlet side of the PSV until the test pressure exceeds a set opening pressure of the PSV and the valve seat starts lifting, detect the sound caused by vibrations from the first small leak past the valve seat, record and store the value of said test pressure and/or report said test pressure via said communication means.

Abstract: A valve monitoring system for a coaxial dual-safety valve of a gas valve unit that controls a gas request of a gas burner occurring in the course of a heat request. The valve monitoring system including at least the coaxial dual-safety valve and a control valve arranged fluidically connected downstream of the dual-safety valve for controlling the gas quantity.

Abstract: A method for verifying the operation of a safety valve having a valve member and a positioner for controlling the position of the valve member is proposed. The safety valve is part of a plant on which a process with a process medium runs. The plant has a sensor for monitoring the state of the plant, the process and the process medium. A sensor's measured value is used to determine a point in time during ongoing plant operation at which the operability of the valve can be verified in the context of a partial stroke test. The test can also be monitored with the sensor and the stroke range traversed therein can be dynamically adapted to the state. The test can thus be performed safely during operation and with an optimized stroke range. The method enables more frequent testing of and more reliable statements about the operability of the safety valve.

Abstract: A spring-operated relief valve can include an adjustable main spring to bias the valve closed and a load cell that is configured to measure a force exerted by the main spring. Measurements from the load cell can be used to determine a set or crack pressure in the spring-operated relief valve, and to monitor operation of the spring-operated relief valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring operating parameters of an actuator (10), wherein the method comprises: providing the actuator (10), providing at least two detection units (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) which are designed to detect different operating parameters of the actuator (10), detecting operating parameters of the actuator (10) via the detection units (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), outputting data relating to the measured operating parameters to an evaluation unit, combining the measured operating parameters into a state information, which indicates whether or not the technical state of the actuator (10) is in a predetermined standard state.

Abstract: A pressure calibration system includes a manual pump and pressure adjustment subsystem. The pump outputs pressurized fluid to the adjustment subsystem in response to manual actuation. The adjustment subsystem is configured to automatically adjust the pressure in fine increments after the manual pump pressurizes the fluid within a tolerance range of a pressure set point. A user interface is further configured generate annunciations regarding the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A subsea high integrity pipeline protection system including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a first barrier valve connected between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a second barrier valve connected between the first barrier valve and the fluid outlet, and a bypass circuit which allows fluid to circumvent the barrier valves when closed, wherein the bypass circuit includes first and second bypass valves connected in series, and a third bypass valve connected in parallel to the second bypass valve.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a distributed optimization framework and technology for the control of aggregated propulsion system components that iteratively operates until a commanded propulsion-related profile is produced by aggregated components of the propulsion system. Some embodiments use a distributed iterative solution in which each component solves a local optimization problem with local constraints and states, while using global variables that are based upon information from each other component. The global variables may be determined via a distributed transaction system using component-specific information obtained from each component at each iteration. The global variables may be broadcast to the components for each new iteration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe both mechanically-operated and electrically-operated, locally-actuated partial stroke testing devices and systems for testing operation of an emergency isolation valve.

Abstract: Some of the embodiments provide a method comprising: during an operation phase, operating a rotating device at a first speed; during the operation phase, monitoring a first current consumed by the rotating device to operate at the first speed; comparing the first current to a second current measured during a calibration phase while rotating the device at a second speed, wherein the first speed is substantially equal to the second speed; and based on comparing the first current and the second current, predicting a possible failure of the rotating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a group of electric motors. A controller is configured to identify a group of switching frequencies for a desired signature for the group of electric motors. The controller is further configured to control switching of a current supplied to the group of electric motors with the group of switching frequencies for the desired signature identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic methods according to the preamble of the equivalent claims 1 and 2, with which the state of a poppet valve in the course of the switching cycles and/or events thereof, such as the occurrence of pressure shocks or surges during continuous operation is/are monitored continuously, the measured signals are stored and the stored measured signals are interpreted in a targeted manner and early indication of cases of damage is carried out.

Abstract: A method estimates the health state of an aircraft pneumatic control valve through indirect measurements of available sensors. Measurements from identical valves operating under the same condition are compared. Residues are translated into estimates of individual valve degradation state. Historical degradation states can be used to predict expected time to failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for testing pressure sensors for internal combustion engines, comprising a pressure chamber, which has an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a test opening for receiving a pressure sensor to be tested, a valve for opening and closing the inlet opening, and a valve for opening and closing the outlet opening. The valve for opening and closing the inlet opening comprises a rotatably mounted roll as a closing element. The roll has a radially continuous bore hole, wherein the bore hole is in line with the inlet opening in a first rotational angle position of the roll and the roll closes the inlet opening in a second rotational angle position.

Abstract: A testing system for testing a prosthetic valve. The system includes a housing having a main channel defines a circuitous flow path for a fluid. The solid housing also includes a chamber which in turn includes a piston having an opening at the bottom end. The piston moves in a reciprocating motion within the chamber. Further, a holding mechanism, for holding a prosthetic valve, is positioned within the main channel at either or both sides of the chamber, or within the opening in the piston. A user of the device may selectively control a flow path of the fluid between 1). having the fluid flow through the prosthetic valve installed in the piston, and 2). having no fluid passing though the piston.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for controlling a metering device for metering fuel into the exhaust gas duct of a combustion engine for the regeneration of a particle filter, whereby the metering device supplies the fuel to the exhaust gas duct over a security valve, a first fuel pipe, a metering valve, a second fuel pipe and an injection check valve and whereby the pressure of the fuel is determined between the metering valve and the injection check valve in the second fuel pipe. It is thereby provided that an opening pressure of the injection check valve is determined from the pressure course between the metering valve and the injection check valve.

Abstract: A ported bushing for use with a pressure switch for monitoring the pressure of pressurized hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline is provided, the ported bushing having a main body containing a threaded opening for attaching the pressure switch, two threaded test ports for attaching testing equipment thereto and a threaded end for attaching the ported bushing to a valve attached to the pipeline. The ported bushing can include a tubular body, and can be configured to adapt to different diameters of pressure switches and valves. The ported bushing can further include flattened surfaces for use with a wrench to rotate the bushing. The ported bushing can further include a gauge and a test valve coupled to the test ports to enable the testing of the pressure switch in-situ when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A valve assembly (1) for measuring differential pressures in a fluid system where the valve assembly includes a differential pressure sensor (12) for registration of differential pressures, a first cavity (22) with a calibrating cone (10) displaceable between measuring and a zero point calibration/flushing position. The valve assembly (1) includes a valve body (7) with two connections (13, 14) and a second cavity (15) arranged with a safety valve cone (8) which protects the differential pressure sensor (12). The safety valve cone (8), by differential pressures higher than a dimensioned value, is moved in a direction towards the low pressure side and, as a result, a passage between high and low pressure side is opened, from one connection (13) to the other connection (14) via the second cavity (15) and via provided cavities (24) and recesses (25) in the safety valve cone (8), whereby a pressure equalizing occurs.

Abstract: A valve assembly (1) included in a system for measuring differential pressures in a fluid system and where the valve assembly (1) includes a valve body (7) with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for connection to the fluid system, ducts (32, 33) for communication with a differential pressure sensor (12) for registration the differential pressure, a cavity (22) including a calibration cone (10) which is movable in the cavity (22) between a measuring position and a position for zero point calibration/flushing via the valve assembly (1). In instances when the measuring position of the device does not exists, the calibration cone (10) separates the differential pressure sensor (12) from the fluid system, i.e., in its initial position, and, at the same time, the valve assembly (1), in this position, is automatic flushed so as to get rid of any enclosed air in the valve assembly (1).

Abstract: Systems and processes may provide field-initiated testing and/or control of fluid regulatory systems. In one aspect, a fluid regulatory testing system may include a field test initiator and a fluid regulator control system. The field test initiator may alter control signal delivered to the fluid regulator control system upon activation of a user input device. The fluid regulator control system may receive control signals from the field test initiator and generate fluid regulator control signals. The fluid regulator control system may also detect whether a control signal has been altered, and initiate a fluid regulator testing sequence, if the control signal has been altered. The fluid regulator control system may include a latch mode. When a latch mode is commenced, generation of fluid regulator control signals based on received control signals and/or alteration of a position of a fluid regulator may be inhibited.

Abstract: A method for partially stroking an emergency valve apparatus is provided. The emergency valve apparatus comprises an actuator (103) and a valve member (101). The apparatus is movable between a first position and a second position. The method comprises the step of initiating a partial stroke movement of the apparatus from the first position towards the second position. A parameter of the fluid acting on the apparatus is measured. Once the measured parameter reaches a threshold value, the partial stroke movement is reversed.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an outflow valve on an aircraft may include determining if the aircraft has reached a predetermined cruise condition. The outflow valve may be moved until a closed position is reached, if the aircraft has reached the predetermined cruise condition. An actual position feedback value of the outflow valve may be determined while the aircraft is in the predetermined cruise condition. An offset calibration factor may be determined from the actual position feedback value of the outflow valve relative to a theoretical value.

Abstract: A control device with a valve adjusted by a control element is provided. A position sensor detects an actual position of the control element and an electro-pneumatic position controller generates a pneumatic control variable as a function of the actual and desired positions. The pneumatic control variable is supplied to the control drive via a magnetic valve activated by a supply voltage supplied by an instrumentation and control device. For carrying out a test of the magnetic valve, the magnetic valve is deactivated briefly. To initiate, monitor, and evaluate the test of the magnetic valve, the supply voltage is supplied to the magnetic valve via a controllable switch. The controllable switch is opened by a magnetic valve test signal generated by the instrumentation and control device. The magnetic valve test signal is supplied to the controllable switch via a limit switch which is opened when the control element reaches a specified position.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an electronically actuatable hydraulic valve in a work machine may include at least one supply valve and at least one drain valve to be calibrated and a bypass valve in fluid communication with a pump and a fluid source. The at least one supply valve and the at least one drain valve may be calibrated by opening the at least one supply valve and the at least one drain valve, closing the bypass valve, setting the pump to a desired flow output, determining a first current command for the at least one supply valve corresponding to a first target pressure parameter and determining a second current command for the at least one drain valve corresponding to a second target pressure parameter.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel quantity gauging system is described. The method includes utilizing redundant sensor sets at separate locations within a fuel tank to measure properties of the fuel mixture within the fuel tank, inputting the measured properties into a fuel regression equation, a separate fuel regression equation for each sensor set location, solving the multiple fuel regression equations to determine a slope and intercept and define a fuel regression curve for the fuel mixture, and utilizing the defined fuel regression curve to calculate at least a quantity of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the performance of a safety valve. The apparatus includes an accumulator including at least one electric heater for heating a predetermined amount of water in the accumulator, and storing steam produced by the electric heater, a test vessel storing the steam supplied from the accumulator, and providing steam at a test pressure to a safety valve, the steam being supplied after controlling flow rate and pressure, a condensing tank storing demineralized water to be supplied to the accumulator, and condensing and collecting the steam discharged from the safety valve, and a water-supply pump supplying the water stored in the condensing tank to the accumulator.

Abstract: The shut-off valve testing system provides for the testing of the main shut-off valve of a combustible gas supply line in such facilities as refineries, factories, or other plants utilizing such gaseous fuel. The system includes a double-ended hydraulic cylinder receiving hydraulic pressure from a suitable source, the cylinder communicating hydraulically with a hydraulic actuator for the main shut-off valve. The system provides for testing of the shut-off valve by actuating the valve through a portion of its full travel, thus confirming that the valve is free. This is accomplished by shutting off the pressure to one side of the double-ended hydraulic cylinder, and opening the hydraulic line between the cylinder and the actuator. Thus, hydraulic pressure from the actuator can bleed to the cylinder, allowing the actuator to move to the extent of the limiting spring and/or hydraulic pressure to the opposite side of the cylinder.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a pressure sensor configuration includes a pressure sensor and a switchable valve coupled to the pressure sensor. The switchable valve enables the pressure sensor to measure pressure at multiple ports of a pressurized tank.

Abstract: A method for testing the operability of a tank shutoff valve of a fuel tank system which is controlled by valves includes performing defined triggering of the tank shutoff valve and simultaneous introduction of an overpressure or partial vacuum into the fuel tank system via a pressure source, and the operability of the tank shutoff valve is determined on the basis of a variable which characterizes the introduction of the overpressure or partial vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of automatically calibrating a valve in a fluid flow path of a blown-film extrusion apparatus. The calibration process detects and measures a first and second pressure drop in the flow characteristic, as well as the valve position and time. The process further detects time required to achieve a steady-state in the flow characteristics. These measurements are recorded and used in calculating appropriate valve positions.

Abstract: A Self-Testing and Self-Setting residential fire pump system for residential fire protection. The system is designed to boost pressure into a residential sprinkler system when water supply is insufficient to meet the sprinkler system's design requirements. The system comprises an in-line vertical multi-stage, centrifugal pump connected to an electric motor with horsepower ranges from ¾ to 10, a flow rate range of 15 gpm-200 gpm, and pressure ranges of 20 psi-238 psi. The system also comprises a controller assembly which is programmed to Self-Test and Self-Calibrate to most residential fire sprinkler systems with the push of a button, and a manifold made from brass or stainless steel pipe fittings connected to the pump's suction and discharge ports, allowing water to flow from an existing water supply through the pump to either the test loop or existing residential fire sprinkler system. The pump and controller can be mounted on an ABS base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring paravalvular leakage from a prosthetic heart valve in vitro. The apparatus has a pulse chamber pressure vessel and a pulsatile pump. The sewing ring of a prosthetic heart valve is mounted to a mounting member which is affixed to the pressure chamber, and paravalvular leakage from the heart valve is collected and measured.

Abstract: A valve controller may have inputs that can be programmably set to one of several functions. A first function is for use as a event monitor, whereby a signal at the inputs may cause the valve controller to report an alert or send an alarm. A second function is to activate a self-calibration routine in the valve controller responsive to the signal where the valve controller tests and records the limits of valve travel. An optional pressure range calibration and performance tuner may also be activated in conjunction with the valve travel calibration. While the self-calibration routine is running, applying the signal a second time may cancel the self-calibration routine and restore system variables and modes to their state prior to initiating the self-calibration.

Abstract: A method for resetting a calibration of a sensor operating out-of-range in a hydraulic actuation system is provided. The hydraulic actuation system includes a pump, a reservoir, a plurality of work-ports, a plurality of sensors, and a valve system, and a controller for regulating the hydraulic actuation system based on fluid flow demand and sensed pressures. The method includes detecting the sensor operating out-of-range, opening all work-ports to the reservoir, resetting all sensors to reservoir pressure, supplying all sensors with fluid at maximum pump pressure, and sensing the maximum pump pressure at each sensor. Additionally, the method includes determining an average pressure value across all sensors, assigning the determined average pressure value to the sensor that is operating out-of-range, and resetting the calibration of the sensor that is operating out-of-range based on the reservoir pressure and the average pressure values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of automatically calibrating a valve in a fluid flow path of a blown-film extrusion apparatus. The calibration process detects and measures a first and second pressure drop in the flow characteristic, as well as the valve position and time. The process further detects time required to achieve a steady-state in the flow characteristics. These measurements are recorded and used in calculating appropriate valve positions.

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: Partial Stroke Testing (PST) equipment and methodologies provide PST data for one or more valves by withholding or applying power to the one or more valves for periodic time periods that increase by an incremental amount until the one or more valves partially stroke or a maximum test period expires.

Abstract: A testing device is provided which is able to distribute a liquid sample to a plurality of reaction sections by a simple operation without using a tip dispenser, and also achieves individually independent reaction systems without causing reaction sections to be in communication with each other due to a liquid sample. The testing device has a transparent molded body which includes: a storage chamber for injecting/holding a liquid sample; a reaction chamber for causing a reaction of the sample; a receiving chamber for sucking and receiving the sample, with the storage chamber and the reaction chamber being in communication with each other via a distributing flow path, and the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber being in communication with each other via a sucking flow path; and a liquid reservoir between the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber.

Abstract: A valve has a valve piston, at least one coil and at least one magnetized component. An induction voltage is induced in the at least one coil, by a movement of the valve piston in the valve through a magnetic field produced by the magnetized component. A reference point is acquired, which is representative of a start of a current activation cycle of the valve. In the current activation cycle a point is determined as a function of a characteristic pattern of the induction voltage, which is representative of an end of a movement process of the valve piston in the valve. A current response time is determined as a function of the point and the reference point. At least one error condition is determined as a function of the response time. An error is identified, when the at least one error condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward pressure controllers and calibrators for setting or measuring pressures in test devices. In one embodiment, the pressure controller contains a dual reference pressure controller. The dual reference pressure controller is operable to maintain two different pressures relative to a reference pressure. The first pressure being a relatively fixed amount greater than the reference pressure and the second pressure being a relatively fixed amount less than the reference pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining an LPG fuel output characteristic of an LPG injector. The output characteristic of the LPG can be determined by calculating a total mass of LPG injected into a canister of known volume by the injector during a plurality of open/closed cycles of the injector. The pressure differential and temperature in the canister can be used in the calculation of total LPG mass along with a gas constant of the LPG and the volume of the canister. The total LPG mass can then be used to determine the mass of LPG injected by the injector during each open/closed cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the functionality of automatic air valves positioned at high points of a pipeline system are provided. The invention generally provides a testing flange and a process for performing various fluid pressure tests to determine whether automatic air valves are properly releasing and/or stabilizing air within a pipeline system.

Abstract: A reset relief valve with a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior wall partially defining an enclosed chamber, a piston disposed in the body and moveable between a first position at which the piston is disposed in fluid flow-blocking relationship between the inlet port and the outlet port of the body and a second position at which the piston is removed from that position, a piston having a head with opposed end surfaces one of which defines a portion of the enclosed chamber and at least one fluid flow passageway extending through the head and providing fluid communication between the enclosed chamber in the body, and a second chamber above a moveable disc in the piston and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid in the chambers. A preferred embodiment includes data acquisition software for monitoring data and storing pressure and other data to control the operation of the valve.

Abstract: Testing of a safety valve is described in relation to a valve stem biased relative to a valve body, and comprising a rotor mounted helically on said valve stem, and a driver adapted to rotate the rotor. Rotation of the rotor causes an axial force between the valve stem and the rotor and allows the rotor to be moved into and out of engagement. When engaged the rotor can apply a pre-load to the stem, and may provide sufficient force to achieve valve lift. Alternatively a two stage actuator system may be employed, the second stage providing lift after application of the pre-load.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method to improve accuracy of a meter. The method first contemplates introducing a desired fluid into a valve assembly having an external casing with an inlet, outlet and interior side forming a chamber. Next, a desired fluid contacts a toggle stopper having a shaft, plate, and guides. A calibrated spring positioned around the shaft in contact with the plate assesses if the desired fluid meets a predetermined pressure. If the fluid meets this threshold, the calibrated spring compresses thereby toggling plate within the chamber to allow desired fluid to enter the chamber. Should the total pressure of the desired fluid and/or an undesired fluid create a pressure that fails to meet the predetermined pressure, the calibrated spring expands to seal the valve assembly. Upon such seal, there is an equalizing of both the desired and undesired fluids to the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid, causing the calibrated spring to compress and reopen.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing a safety valve by applying a force to the valve stem and detecting the resultant motion of the valve. The actuator used is generally a hollow cylinder of piezoelectric material or other solid state actuator, which is adapted to locate concentrically about the valve stem. The concentric placement and lack of moving parts creates reliability and even force distribution while maintaining a small overall size.

Abstract: A method estimates the health state of an aircraft pneumatic control valve through indirect measurements of available sensors. Measurements from identical valves operating under the same condition are compared. Residues are translated into estimates of individual valve degradation state. Historical degradation states can be used to predict expected time to failure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring paravalvular leakage from a prosthetic heart valve in vitro. The apparatus has a pulse chamber pressure vessel and a pulsatile pump. The sewing ring of a prosthetic heart valve is mounted to a mounting member which is affixed to the pressure chamber, and paravalvular leakage from the heart valve is collected and measured.