Locks – Special application – For control and machine elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-07
2001-03-27
Gall, Lloyd A. (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For control and machine elements
C070S189000, C070S218000, C070S223000, C070S422000, C137S385000, C192S069810, C192S11400R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205827
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to regulators, and more specifically relates to a torque isolation system for use in regulators.
2. Background Art
Tagout procedures for valves and other types of regulators are required when an individual must leave a valve or regulator, but the valve or regulator must remain open, closed, or partially open for safety reasons. The procedures require the individual to leave a “tag” on the regulator indicating that others should not tamper with the regulator in the individual's absence. Tags must be attached to the regulator in a conspicuous manner so that others will recognize the tag and avoid tampering with the valve or regulator.
In lockout-tagout procedures, a user locks the regulator in a set position to prevent its actuation, and places a tag on it as in tagout procedures. Although tagout procedures are usually effective, lockout-tagout procedures provide additional safety by preventing actuation of the regulator. Moreover, OSHA regulations do not require training of employees to be as extensive for lockout-tagout procedures as for tagout procedures alone. By using lockout-tagout procedures rather than tagout procedures alone, employers can avoid the costs and disruptions to normal business that result from extensive training requirements.
Prior lockout devices have not been convenient to use. One example of such a device is a shell that covers the regulator handle. By covering the handle, the shell prevents actuation of the regulator. Accordingly, if the regulator is partially open, the shell will prevent it from being further opened or further closed. Such a shell does not allow the regulator to be closed, while preventing it from being opened at the same time. Also, the shell cannot be used on regulators that are in tight spaces, such as regulators used in the microelectronics industry, or on regulators with large handles.
Other valves have lockout devices, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,388 to Pruim and U.S. Pat. No. 1,545,712 to Toy, that are locked and unlocked using a single key. Such lockout devices are not useful in lockout-tagout procedures. In lockout-tagout procedures the user who locks the regulator should be the only one who can unlock the regulator. If all users have the same key, then any user can unlock the regulator.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a regulator lockout system that may be fitted on a variety of different regulators and that each user can use to lock the regulator and prevent other users from unlocking it.
Sometimes it is desirable to allow others to move a valve or regulator in one direction, but not the other. For example, an individual may leave a valve partially open, and safety concerns may require that the valve not be opened farther, but safety concerns may also dictate that others should be able to close the valve if the need arises. Tagout procedures would provide that in such a situation a different tag should be left on the valve, indicating the valve may be closed, but may not be opened farther. Accordingly, it may be desirable to have a lockout system that is capable of preventing actuation of a regulator in one direction, but allowing actuation of the regulator in the other direction.
According to the present invention, a torque isolation system includes a torque isolator that is moveable between a first position, wherein the torque isolator transmits either of two possible directions of torque from a handle to a rotatable regulator stem, and a second position, wherein the torque isolator transmits only one or neither of the two possible directions of torque from the handle to the regulator stem. The torque isolation system also includes a lock that secures the torque isolator in a selected position. The second position may be a decoupled position wherein the torque isolator transmits neither of the two possible directions of torque from the handle to the regulator stem. However, the second position may be a ratchet position, wherein the torque isolator does not transmit a first direction of torque from the handle to the regulator stem, but the torque isolator does transmit a second direction of torque from the handle to the regulator stem.
In one embodiment, the torque isolator is moveable between the coupled position wherein the torque isolator is coupled to the handle, the decoupled position wherein the torque isolator is decoupled from the handle, and the ratchet position wherein the torque isolator is decoupled from the handle if the handle is rotated in a first direction, but the torque isolator is coupled to the handle if the handle is rotated in a second direction. The torque isolation system may also include a stem adapter coupled to the torque isolator, such that the stem adapter transmits either of two possible directions of torque from the torque isolator to the regulator stem. Moreover, the torque isolation system may include a bias member that biases the torque isolator into the coupled position and a lock opposing the biasing of the bias member.
The invention also includes a method of decoupling a handle from a rotatable regulator stem, which includes moving a torque isolator from a first position, wherein the torque isolator transmits either of two possible directions of torque from the handle to a rotatable regulator stem, to a second position, wherein the torque isolator transmits only one or neither of the two possible directions of torque from the handle to the regulator stem. The method also includes locking the torque isolator in the second position.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 617648 (1899-01-01), Fergusson et al.
patent: 1037601 (1912-09-01), Davis
patent: 1545712 (1925-07-01), Toy
patent: 1729505 (1929-09-01), Darby
patent: 4026397 (1977-05-01), Raus
patent: 4073168 (1978-02-01), Takada
patent: 4624445 (1986-11-01), Putnam
patent: 4696320 (1987-09-01), Bull
patent: 4762144 (1988-08-01), Ford
patent: 4848724 (1989-07-01), Pettinaroli
patent: 4881388 (1989-11-01), Pruim
patent: 5039062 (1991-08-01), England et al.
patent: 5188335 (1993-02-01), Pettinaroli
patent: 5214982 (1993-06-01), Shieh
patent: 5365759 (1994-11-01), Bonomi
patent: 5492145 (1996-02-01), Stowers
patent: 5664447 (1997-09-01), Neeley
patent: 5727590 (1998-03-01), Julicher et al.
patent: 6070442 (2000-06-01), Neeley et al.
patent: 27877 (1921-06-01), None
patent: 288323 (1928-10-01), None
Gall Lloyd A.
Safety Valve Systems, LLC
Schmeiser Olsen & Watts
LandOfFree
Regulator torque isolation system and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Regulator torque isolation system and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Regulator torque isolation system and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2495567