Dresser, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150337977 | DEVICE TO PROVIDE FAILSAFE MECHANISM ON A VALVE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY - Embodiments of a safety device that provides a failsafe mechanism on valve actuator assemblies. This failsafe mechanism operates in the event of power loss, or other problems and/or failures, that prevent operation of the drive components. In one embodiment, the safety device is configured to couple the drive components with the valve stem. During normal operation, this configuration changes the position of the valve stem in response to motive action of the drive components. In the event of power loss, the safety device is configured to operate independent of the drive components to change the position of the valve stem and, thus, move the valve to a closed or “safe” position. | 11-26-2015 |
20150300550 | Devices and Methods for Heating Fuel Hoses and Nozzles - Various exemplary devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles are provided. In general, the devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles can be configured to heat fluid dispensable by a user into a fuel tank or other type of container. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a first passageway configured to pass fluid therethrough and can include a second passageway configured to pass heated air therethrough. The heated air passing through the second passageway can be configured to heat the fluid passing through the first passageway. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a single hose configured to pass fluid and heated air through separate passageways therein, and the device can include a manifold configured to facilitate passage of the fluid and the heated air from separate sources into the single hose. | 10-22-2015 |
20150298961 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEATING FUEL HOSES AND NOZZLES - Various exemplary devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles are provided. In general, the devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles can be configured to heat fluid dispensable by a user into a fuel tank or other type of container. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a first passageway configured to pass fluid therethrough and can include a second passageway configured to pass heated air therethrough. The heated air passing through the second passageway can be configured to heat the fluid passing through the first passageway. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a single hose configured to pass fluid and heated air through separate passageways therein, and the device can include a manifold configured to facilitate passage of the fluid and the heated air from separate sources into the single hose. | 10-22-2015 |
20150176722 | METHODS TO IMPROVE ONLINE DIAGNOSTICS OF VALVE ASSEMBLIES ON A PROCESS LINE AND IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF - Embodiments of a method and a system, which is configured to implement the method, to process data from one or more valve assemblies found e.g., on a process line. These embodiments can generate a listing that identifies how network/system bandwidth is allocated for the collection of data from the valve assemblies. The embodiments can also process the data to re-arrange the valve assemblies in the listing to better allocate the network/system bandwidth to certain ones of the valve assemblies that require more data to properly assess the operation of the valve assembly. In this way, further diagnostics using the data can identify any changes in operation of the valve assemblies that might be detrimental to the valve assembly and/or the process line in general. | 06-25-2015 |
20150176721 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING DATA USEFUL FOR VALVE DIAGNOSTICS - Embodiments of systems and methods that can facilitate data collection for valve diagnostics. The systems can include a valve assembly with a valve and a sampling device that is configured to access a repository with a first buffer and a second buffer. During operation, the valve assembly is configured to read data representing operating variables for the valve into the first buffer. The valve assembly is also configure to determine a quality measure for a first sample set of data from the first buffer, the quality measure indicating the usefulness of the first sample set of data for predicting performance of the valve relative to a second sample set of data from the second buffer. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is further configured to read data from the first buffer into the second buffer in response to the quality measure indicating that the first sample set of data is relatively more useful than the second sample set of data. | 06-25-2015 |
20150136247 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MONITOR CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OPERATING FLUID IN A PROCESS LINE - A system that provides localized monitoring of characteristics of instrument gas that a valve assembly uses to modulate the flow of a working fluid. The system includes components that generate an output in response to, for example, particulates, humidity, temperature, and other characteristics of the instrument gas. Processing of data and information in the output can help to diagnose changes in the characteristics of the instrument gas. This diagnosis is useful to predict a time frame during which the valve assembly and components associated therewith might fail and/or require maintenance before the valve assembly manifests significant problem that are detrimental to a process line. | 05-21-2015 |
20150102252 | APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND VERIFYING SET POINT ON A VALVE ASSEMBLY - Embodiments of an apparatus that provide functions to set and to verify the set point of a valve assembly in a single device. These embodiments forgo the need to use of two separate devices, one each to accomplish the tasks to set the set point and to verify the set point. Rather, the apparatus incorporates components that can assume different configurations including a first configuration that facilitates the task for setting the set point and a second configuration that facilitates the task of verifying the set point. | 04-16-2015 |
20150052512 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPDATING FIRMWARE ACROSS DEVICES IN A PROCESS FACILITY - Embodiments of a system and method to update firmware across multiple devices in a process facility using a single domain of a FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocol. In one embodiment, the system has a receiving device that couples with a pair of target devices, e.g., a first target device and a second target device. The receiving device includes operating instructions that can process an input and generate an output. The input comprises data comprising a first firmware component and a second firmware component for, respectively, the first target device and the second target device. The receiving device can direct the firmware component to the appropriate target device; generating a first output and a second output that distribute the firmware components to complete the upgrade process. | 02-19-2015 |
20150041000 | SYSTEM TO MONITOR PERFORMANCE OF PACKING MATERIAL IN A SEAL - Embodiments of a system that can detect leaks that occur in seals, and in one example, to seals found in a valve. In one embodiment, the system utilizes sensors that measure fluid properties of a sample volume proximate to the seal. The system can compare data from these measurements with data from a sample of a reference fluid (e.g., ambient air) to indicate the presence of working fluid in the sample volume. This result may indicate problems with the seal, e.g., degradation of the seal that is meant to prohibit the working fluid from migrating out of the valve. | 02-12-2015 |
20150032270 | SPECTRAL ANALYSIS BASED DETECTOR FOR A CONTROL VALVE - Systems and methods for diagnosing components of a control system are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the spectral content of various signals originating from a control valve is used to detect periodic patterns that can correspond to valve problems. | 01-29-2015 |
20150020905 | VALVE ASSEMBLY HAVING DUAL FUNCTIONALITY FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF A PISTON ON A FLUID ACTUATED DEVICE - Embodiments of a directional valve assembly that provides a single device with functionality of a two-position design for automated operation and functionality of a three-position design for manual operation. The embodiments can include a housing with a piston chamber and a spool member that transits in the housing to regulate the flow of a working fluid to a cylinder. The embodiments can also have one or more pilot operators that regulate the flow of pilot air into the piston chamber to move the spool member between two positions, i.e., two open positions. The embodiments can also have a manual operator (e.g., a lever) that can move the spool to the open positions and to a closed position. In one embodiment, the spool member is configured to remain in either a first position, a second position, or a third position in the absence of an outside stimulus on the pilot operators. | 01-22-2015 |
20150013786 | VALVE POSITIONER HAVING BYPASS COMPONENT AND CONTROL VALVE COMPRISED THEREOF - Embodiments of a valve positioner that can maintain operation of the control valve despite failures in one or more components. These embodiments reduce downtime by allowing in-situ repair to occur on the valve positioner. In one embodiment, the valve positioner incorporates a by-pass component, which can utilize control input signals (e.g., a 4-20 mA signal) to energize one or more components (e.g., a current-to-pressure converter) to cause the control valve to modulate fluid flow without the digital microprocessor and/or related components. | 01-15-2015 |
20140322019 | ROTARY ELEMENT AND COMPRESSOR DEVICE COMPRISED THEREOF - This disclosure describes new construction for rotary elements that find use in compressor devices, e.g., centrifugal compressors and blowers. This construction utilizes composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber composites) that require less machine time and reduce the weight of the rotary element, while meeting the operational characteristics of compressor devices for use in a wide range of industrial applications. In one embodiment, the rotary element has a bi-furcated material design, which uses a first material (e.g., carbon fiber) to form blades and other features of an impeller and a second material (e.g., metal) to form a sleeve with properties that can securely affix the impeller to a drive shaft of the compressor device. | 10-30-2014 |
20140294645 | ROTARY ELEMENT AND ROTARY DISPLACEMENT DEVICE COMPRISED THEREOF - This disclosure describes new construction for rotary elements that find use in rotary displacement devices, e.g., positive displacement pumps and meters. The proposed construction may incorporate fibers, e.g., carbon fibers, disposed in a resin matrix. This construction can reduce the need to perform secondary processes that are necessary to utilize many rotary elements of conventional design. Moreover, examples of the rotary elements can improve operation of the displacement devices, e.g., by reducing resonance and allowing the displacement device to operate at increased speed. | 10-02-2014 |
20140196443 | FUEL DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH HEATING SYSTEM - Embodiments of a heating system maintains the temperature of a fuel additive (e.g., AUS32) at and/or above freezing temperature to avoid crystallization. The heating system can form a fluid circuit with one or more coaxially arranged sleeves disposed about hoses that transport the additives. The fluid circuit can also include a central compartment that encloses a flow meter. A fluid heater couples with the fluid circuit to provide heating fluid, e.g., to the central compartment. The heating fluid disperses throughout the heating compartment and into the sleeves, thereby direction heating fluid in thermal proximity to the hoses and other components that handle the fuel additive. | 07-17-2014 |
20140137957 | PRESSURE BALANCED SPRING LOADED OVERTRAVEL SEALING APPARATUS - An apparatus includes a cage and a main plug disposed in the cage. The main plug is movable between a main plug closed position and a main plug open position. A seal assembly disposed on the main plug, the seal assembly having a seal that is configured to contact the cage when the main plug is in the main plug closed position, and configured to reduce contact with the cage when a pressure differential across the seal is reduced. The apparatus includes a pressure balancing assembly movable between a closed position, an overtravel position and an open position. The pressure balancing assembly is configured to balance the pressure differential across the seal when in the overtravel and open position. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137947 | Apparatus and Method for Reducing Actuator Thrust Requirements in a Control Valve - A trim assembly is provided with a cage with an internal surface and a cage port. A plug having an external surface is disposed in the cage and is operable between a closed position, a pressure balancing position and an open position. The trim assembly also includes a low friction flow restrictor disposed between the cage and the plug and a pressure energized seal disposed between the cage and the plug. A seal balancing volume defined by the internal surface of the cage, the external surface of the plug, the low friction flow restrictor and the pressure energized seal is provided. The seal balancing volume is in fluid communication with the cage port through the low friction flow restrictor and is maintained at a seal balancing volume pressure. The trim assembly further includes a pressure control assembly configured to vent the seal balancing volume. | 05-22-2014 |
20140136001 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING POWER AT A REMOTE PUMPING SYSTEM - Embodiments of devices and methods distribute power in a remote pumping system to avoid charge imbalances in energy storage devices of an array. These embodiments identify certain energy storage devices in the array in which the output voltage is less than or equal to a threshold value. In one example, power from a plurality of power sources is directed to the non-performing energy storage devices to expedite re-charging of these energy storage devices. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131386 | SHIELDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FROM LIQUID - Shielding liquid from electronic components may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. A shielding device may include a substantially vertical channel mounted to a fuel dispenser component; an airflow inlet; a plurality of arrays of angled protrusions; and a plurality of substantially vertical protrusions. The channel is adapted to guide an airflow. The plurality of arrays of angled protrusions are, disposed within the channel and are substantially parallel in arrangement within each array. The angled protrusions within each array are angularly offset in arrangement relative to the angled protrusions within adjacent arrays. The arrays of angled protrusions are adapted to form a tortuous path for the airflow through the channel. The plurality of substantially vertical protrusions are disposed within the channel and are located between the airflow inlet and the plurality of arrays. The vertical protrusions are adapted to substantially straighten the airflow within the channel. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130917 | VALVE DEVICE AND FLUID COUPLING COMPRISED THEREOF - Embodiments of a valve device that reduces noise and vibration that may occur during low flow conditions in fluid couplings (e.g., valves and flow regulators). These embodiments utilize a plug and seat arrangement with geometry to prevent pressure differentials that cause the plug element to open and close in a cyclic pattern. In one embodiment, the valve device includes a seat element with an aperture and a plug element with a boss that extends into the aperture when the plug element contacts the seat element. The boss has an outer surface that forms a gap, which defines an annular area proximate the point of contact between the seat element and the plug element that is sized to reduce Venturi flow effects that cause the cyclic pattern to occur. | 05-15-2014 |
20140100692 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROCESS TRANSACTIONS AT RETAIL FUELING STATIONS USING A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of processing a transaction includes receiving a site location code. Site configuration information corresponding to the received site location code is received from a database. That information includes more product record(s), each corresponding to a reservable product or a non-reservable product. A selection of one or more of the product records in the retrieved information is received. If any selected product record corresponds to a reservable product, a reservation command is produced. That command requests reservation of selected reservable product(s). A method of selecting a product includes receiving a location input and determining a site location code with it. The site location code is transmitted and one or more product records are received. Representations of one or more of the received product records are presented and a selection of products is received. An indication of the selection is transmitted. | 04-10-2014 |
20140069851 | FILTER DEVICE AND FUEL DISPENSING SYSTEM COMPRISED THEREOF - Embodiments of a filter device for use in fuel dispensing systems can comprise an inspection element that permits visual observation of fuel that flows inside of the system. The filter device can include a body with a wall that forms a filter chamber. The wall can have one or more apertures that couple with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet to allow fuel to flow into and about the filter chamber. In one embodiment, the body includes a boss member with a bore that penetrates the wall to expose the filter chamber. The inspection element includes an optical element that fits within the bore and a retaining element that secures to the boss member to retain the optical element therein. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069737 | NOISE ATTENUATION DEVICE AND FLUID COUPLING COMPRISED THEREOF - Embodiments of a noise attenuation device comprise a plurality of stacked plates that form channels to reduce energy in a flow of working fluid that transits the noise attenuation device. In one embodiment, the stacked plates include plates having openings in different patterns. Orientation of the plates align the patterns in a housing to form the channels. In one example, the plates are disposed in a fluid coupling (e.g., a valve and/or flow regulator) that includes a throttling element. The plates are spaced apart from the throttling element, thereby permitting the working fluid to flow through all of the channels whether the throttling element is fully or partially open. | 03-13-2014 |
20140064948 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMPRESSOR DEVICE - Embodiments of a system and method manipulate the position of inlet guide vanes and the drive speed for optimizing performance of a compressor device (e.g., a centrifugal compressor). In one embodiment, the systems and methods can correlate setpoints (e.g., inlet volume flow and discharge pressure) desired for installation and/or implementation of the compressor device with reference data collected as part of in-situ performance testing. This reference data identifies, in one embodiment, a position for the inlet guide vanes and a drive speed for a number of different setpoints at a set of reference conditions (e.g., ambient temperature and ambient pressure). | 03-06-2014 |
20140064933 | DIFFUSER ASSEMBLY COMPRISING DIFFUSER VANES PIVOTING ABOUT THE LEADING EDGE - Embodiments of a diffuser assembly incorporate a diffuser vane with a trailing edge that changes position to improve flow performance of a compressor device. In one embodiment, the trailing edge rotates about the leading edge. This configuration maintains the position of the leading edge on the diffuser vanes relative to the orientation of the working fluid. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064921 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ALIGN VARIABLE DIFFUSER VANE WITH DIRECTION OF FLOW OF WORKING FLUID - Embodiments of systems and methods permit use of variable diffuser vanes in multi-stage compressor devices. These embodiments deploy a flow sensor to identify the direction of flow for a working fluid that transits the stages of the compressor device. In one embodiment, the flow sensor generates a signal, which a controller processes to align a variable diffuser vane with the direction of flow of the working fluid. This configuration pre-empts the operational difficulties of previous designs by providing independent control over the diffuser vanes in the individual stages of the multi-stage compressor device. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064920 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF A COMPRESSOR DEVICE COMPRISING VARIABLE DIFFUSER VANES - Embodiments of a system and method can modify the position of diffuser vanes to improve performance of a compressor device, e.g., a centrifugal compressor. These embodiments form a feedback loop to manage the position of the diffuser vanes relative to one or more operating parameters on the compressor device. In one embodiment, the system and method measure input power with the diffuser vanes at a first position and a second position. Changes in the input power will identify other positions for the diffuser vanes that optimize performance of the compressor device, e.g., to reduce power consumption and to achieve and maintain peak compressor efficiency within the entire operating envelope of the compressor device. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064919 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO POSITION VARIABLE DIFFUSER VANES IN A COMPRESSOR DEVICE - Embodiments of a system and method can modify the position of diffuser vanes to improve performance of a compressor device, e.g., a centrifugal compressor. These embodiments include a feedback loop to manage the position of the diffuser vanes relative to one or more operating characteristics of an actuator that imparts movement to the diffuser vanes. In one embodiment, the system and method measure the operating characteristic for the actuator with the diffuser vanes at a first position and a second position. The system can compare values for the operating characteristics, wherein changes in the operating characteristic can identify other positions for the diffuser vanes to reduce input power the actuator consumes to move and/or maintain the position of the diffuser vanes. This feature can correlate with optimal performance of the compressor device and with peak compressor efficiency within the entire operating envelope of the compressor device. | 03-06-2014 |
20140000728 | PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE | 01-02-2014 |
20130319535 | PROCESS FLUID ACTUATED PILOT OPERATED CONTROL VALVE - A flow control system includes a pilot driven valve having a pilot assembly and a main valve assembly; a displacement measurement component coupled to the main valve assembly indicating displacement of the main valve assembly; and a proportional solenoid responsive to a signal from the displacement measurement component that displaces the pilot assembly in proportion to the changes in displacement of the main valve assembly. The valve is controlled by sensing a displacement of the main valve assembly; and modulating the proportional solenoid in response to the displacement of the main valve assembly. | 12-05-2013 |
20130218502 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - A pressure transducer includes a sensor, a memory component, and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, a correction algorithm and set of compensation coefficients are provided and stored in the memory. The algorithm applies the compensation coefficients to determine a compensated pressure value. The pressure transducer may store the correction algorithm and the compensation coefficients for use in the field. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218501 | Temperature Compensated Digital Pressure Transducer - A digital pressure transducer includes a sensor, a memory component and a microprocessor. A correction algorithm and set of correction coefficients are provided and stored in the memory. An application applies the correction coefficients to convert digitized values to pressure values. The transducer may include a read/write port adapted to communicate with a computer terminal; and at least one read-only port adapted to communicate with a host device. A method of calibrating a digital pressure transducer includes storing a correction algorithm and correction coefficients in the digital pressure transducer separate from a host device. | 08-22-2013 |
20130193680 | HOSE CONNNECTION - The invention relates to a hose connection for a fuel dispensing unit. The hose connection comprises a pipe for transporting fuel from a fuel reservoir, a hose for transporting fuel to a motor vehicle, an intermediate member adapted to connect said hose with said pipe, and a locking device fixed to said fuel dispensing unit adapted to interlock said pipe and said intermediate member. The hose connection is secured in relation to said fuel dispensing unit. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit comprising such hose connection. | 08-01-2013 |
20130105714 | Apparatus For A Pneumatic Relay Venting Pressure Dynamic Feedback Compensator | 05-02-2013 |
20130056490 | Fluid Meter With Pressure Protection - A fluid meter is described having certain elastically displaceable wall portions arranged to be elastically displaced in response to a pressure variation propagating into the measurement volume. | 03-07-2013 |
20130032238 | Line Stop Flange - A locking mechanism for a stop flange is provided with a screw having a head with at least one circumferential channel, and a screw gasket disposed on the at least one circumferential channel. A bushing receives the head in a cavity that forms a housing for the head and screw gasket. The bushing may be provided with a lip that engages a shoulder on a radial bore in a stop flange. | 02-07-2013 |
20120145939 | Fluid Control Valve - A valve includes a body, a throttling ball, and a shoe. The body includes an upstream flow passage and a downstream flow passage in fluid communication with an interior cavity of the body. The throttling ball is rotatable within the interior cavity on an axis to adjust the valve from a closed position to an open position and includes a fluid conduit extending through the throttling ball, where the fluid conduit is alignable with the upstream flow passage and the downstream flow passage. The shoe is disposed in the cavity abutting an interior surface of the cavity and includes a fluid passage there through having an inlet being alignable with the flow conduit of the throttling ball and an outlet being alignable with the downstream flow passage of the body. The interior surface of the shoe is disposed adjacent to and tracking an external surface of the throttling ball. | 06-14-2012 |
20120000281 | Meter Devices and Methods - Some embodiments of a meter device for measuring volume flow of gas can include bearings and the timing gears may each include a least one component comprising a ceramic material that enhances the wearability of the bearing and the timing gears. Accordingly, the gas flow meter can operate in a manner that reduces or eliminates the need for external oil lubrication of the bearings and the timing gears (e.g., the external oil lubrication conventionally provided by the oil bath compartment), and thus reduces the likelihood of failure of the gas flow meter due to leaks or failures of the oil bath compartment. | 01-05-2012 |
20110321173 | Multimode Retail System - A multimode system for receiving data in a retail environment includes: a secure input module for receiving high security input and low security input from a customer, the high security input to be communicated by the secure input module in cipher text, and the low security input to be communicated by the secure input module in plaintext. The multimode system is adapted to operate in a high security mode and a low security mode. The multimode system is adapted to enter the low security mode upon detection by the multimode system of a security breach condition. In the high security mode, the secure input module accepts low security input and high security input. In the low security mode, the secure input module accepts the low security input and does not accept the high security input. | 12-29-2011 |
20110301881 | System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling Pressure Relief Valve Performance - Techniques for monitoring operation of a relief valve containing an internal flow passage with a valve seat and valve plug disposed therein. The temperature of a fluid is sensed in the internal flow passage downstream of the seat. A valve temperature signal is generated representative of the temperature. The valve temperature signal is monitored to detect a rate of change in the temperature. The internal pressure of an inlet pressure line is sensed, connected to the internal flow passage upstream of the valve seat. A line pressure signal is generated representative of the internal pressure. The line pressure signal is compared against at least one expected line pressure value to determine a line pressure status. Operational status of the pressure relief valve is determined based at least in part on the detected rate of change of the fluid temperature and at least in part on the determined line pressure status. | 12-08-2011 |
20110284092 | Pressure Relief Valve - A pressure relief valve includes a base including a fluid inlet and outlet, a nozzle, and a disc. The nozzle includes a substantially annular seat, a substantially cylindrical seat inlet, and a substantially cylindrical bore in fluid communication with the seat inlet. A ratio between a bore diameter and a seat diameter is a constraint ratio. The disc contacts the seat to seal the fluid inlet to substantially prevent fluid communication between the fluid inlet and outlet when the valve is closed. The disc and the disc holder are adapted to be urged by fluidic pressure such that contact between the disc and the seat is removed at the fluidic pressure to allow fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the cavity. Dimensions of the disc, the disc holder, and the nozzle may be functions of the seat diameter and limited by the constraint ratio. | 11-24-2011 |
20110115425 | Recharging Electric Vehicles - A charge transfer apparatus having an input and an output includes: an AC/DC converter coupled to the input of the charge transfer apparatus and configured to receive AC power at a first power level; and a charge storage device coupled to the AC/DC converter, where the charge storage device is configured to receive charge at the first power level and to transfer charge to the output of the charge transfer apparatus at a second power level, and the second power level is greater than the first power level. | 05-19-2011 |
20100312401 | Chemical Injection System - A chemical injection system includes a pump in fluid communication with a chemical reservoir and a pipeline; a motor coupled to the pump and adapted to drive the pump to transfer a chemical fluid from the reservoir to the pipeline; a motor controller electrically coupled to a power module and the motor and adapted to adjust a rotational speed of the motor; and a central controller communicably coupled to the motor controller and a remote computing device. The controller includes a translator adapted to receive a signal from the remote computing device in a first communication protocol and translate the signal from the remote computing device to a command in a second communication protocol distinct from the first communication protocol, where the command is operable to adjust the motor controller to adjust the rotational speed of the motor. | 12-09-2010 |
20100252571 | Fluid Dispensing Apparatus and Method - A fluid dispenser hose module includes a housing adapted to enclose the fluid nozzle and at least a portion of a fluid hose within an interior volume of the housing. A first door located adjacent an exterior of the housing allows removal of the fluid nozzle when the first door is adjusted from a closed position to an open position. The first door automatically returns to the closed position from the open position when the fluid nozzle is returned to the boot. A second door adjacent the exterior of the housing automatically adjusts from a shut position to a retracted position when the first door is adjusted from the closed position to the open position. The second door allows access to the fluid hose in the retracted position and automatically returns to the shut position from the retracted position when the first door returns to the closed position. | 10-07-2010 |
20100116347 | SAFETY OVERRIDE CIRCUIT FOR PNEUMATIC POSITIONER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - Systems and processes may provide improved performance for a pneumatic positioner during a safety override. In certain implementations, a system and process may include may include the ability to receive an input control signal, power control circuitry of the pneumatic positioner using the input control signal, and generate a control signal for a signal-to-pressure converter with the control circuitry based at least partially on the input control signal. The system and process may also include the ability to detect an unsafe operating condition for the pneumatic positioner based on an input signal and modify the control signal in response to detecting the unsafe operating condition, to cause the converter to transition to a safe state. The system and process may additionally include the ability to allow the control circuitry to continue being powered by the input control signal while the converter is in the safe state. | 05-13-2010 |
20100057262 | FLUID PROCESS CONTROL - A fluid regulator characterization system can characterize the flow of a fluid regulator that results in response to a received control signal. The fluid regulator characterization system can use the characterization to achieve a linear fluid regulator flow gain over a full operating range (e.g., zero percent travel to one hundred percent travel) for the fluid regulator relative to the received control signal. A linear fluid regulator flow gain can improve process control and reduce process variability. | 03-04-2010 |
20090259344 | Managing Information Related to Industrial Equipment - An electronics module for an industrial device is associated with an individual industrial device. Audit data for the industrial device is stored in a memory of the electronics module. The audit data includes information related to one or more steps that have been performed while making the individual industrial device. Operating instructions for the industrial device are stored in the memory of the electronics module. The operating instructions are operable to enable the electronics module to control and/or monitor one or more aspects of the flow control device operation. | 10-15-2009 |
20090216350 | CONTROL VALVE AND POSITIONER DIAGNOSTICS - Valve positioning systems may include one or more components and a controller. Components may include one or more electric-to-pressure output converters, relays, gas supplies, and/or actuators. A controller may adjust a position of a valve by sending a signal. The valve positioning system may individually monitor components and determine the condition of each component being individually monitored. The valve positioning system may determine if a component will fail prior to failure and/or determine if a problem will occur in a component prior to the problem occurring. | 08-27-2009 |
20090205326 | Recirculation of Exhaust Gas Condensate - Systems for operating on an internal combustion engine coupled to an exhaust conduit and an intake conduit include an exhaust gas recirculation conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit, a heat exchanger coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation conduit to cool at least a portion of the amount of exhaust, a liquid accumulator adapted to accumulate liquid from at least a portion of the amount of exhaust, and a condensate conduit coupled to the liquid accumulator. Methods of operating an engine include: receiving an exhaust gas recirculation stream from a main exhaust stream, cooling the exhaust gas recirculation stream, removing at least some condensate from the exhaust gas recirculation stream after cooling, and adding at least some of the condensate removed from the exhaust gas recirculation stream to the main exhaust stream and/or to an inlet charge of the engine. | 08-20-2009 |
20090188315 | INSTRUMENTS FOR FLOW METERS - Some embodiments of an instrument for a flow meter can automatically adjust in response to the rotational direction of the drive shaft of the flow meter, thereby permitting the instrument device to perform its intended function regardless of the fluid flow direction through the flow meter. In one example, the instrument may comprise a corrector instrument that includes a counter. | 07-30-2009 |
20090058641 | Detecting Component Removal - Component removal detection may be accomplished by a variety of systems and techniques. In one embodiment, a system for component movement detection may include a payment module, a fuel dispenser, and a movement detection device. The fuel dispenser may receive the payment module and enclose the payment module at a first position defined by a fixed position of the payment module relative to the fuel dispenser. The movement detection device may be communicably coupled to the payment module and may detect a first value at the first position and a second value at a second position of the payment module, where the second position may be different from the first position. Further, the movement detection device may transmit the second value to the payment module, where the payment module may activate a security measure based upon a difference in the first and second values greater than an adjustable absolute limit. | 03-05-2009 |
20090035121 | Fluid Flow Modulation and Measurement - In fluid flow measurement applications, apparatus and associated systems, computer program products, and methods may include a positive displacement fluid flow meter having an actuator to control fluid flow through the meter, and further having two or more rotating members with substantially parallel axes that rotate in response to the actuator and to fluid flow through the meter. In various implementations, the actuator may promote and/or retard a fluid flow being measured through the meter. In some examples, the fluid flow meter may operate as a pump to controllably increase a line pressure, controllably regulate a fluid flow rate by opposing rotation of the rotating members, substantially stop a fluid flow, and/or reverse a base fluid flow direction. In an illustrative example, the meter may operate to accurately monitor and control fluid flow (e.g., fluid pressure, velocity, and/or volume) before, during, and/or after a line break. | 02-05-2009 |
20080269951 | Controlling Fluid Regulation - Fluid regulation control may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one application, a fluid regulation control device may include a processor, a fluid control assembly, and a power source. The processor may be adapted to generate a command for controlling a fluid regulator and to adjust a power condition of the device, which may include a low power mode and a high power mode. The device may consume substantially less power in the low power mode than in the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may include a transducer, which may receive a control fluid and adjust it in response to the command during the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may also maintain the adjusted control fluid at a substantially constant value during the low power mode. | 10-30-2008 |
20080236679 | SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR FIELD-INITIATED FLUID REGULATION TESTING - 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. | 10-02-2008 |