Method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9182052
APP PUB NO 20140225014A1
SERIAL NO

14193505

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Abstract

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The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SENSUS USA INC8537 SIX FORKS ROAD SUITE 400 RALEIGH NC 27615

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Peace, Daniel W Punxsatawney, US 9 60
Scott, Tim Lawrenceville, US 27 301
Steckmann, Dirk Cary, US 7 37
Vargas, Doug DuBois, US 3 30

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