US 12,135,096 B2
Portable valve operating device for use in exercising valves
Kenneth R. Pierce, Arlington Heights, IL (US); and Michael W. Gearhart, Schaumburg, IL (US)
Assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed by ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed on Feb. 12, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/175,022.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/976,425, filed on Feb. 14, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/976,848, filed on Feb. 14, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/976,405, filed on Feb. 14, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0254746 A1, Aug. 19, 2021
Int. Cl. F16K 31/04 (2006.01); B25B 21/00 (2006.01); B25B 23/147 (2006.01); F16K 37/00 (2006.01); G06F 3/04847 (2022.01); H02K 7/116 (2006.01); H02P 23/24 (2016.01); F16H 1/28 (2006.01); F16H 57/02 (2012.01)
CPC F16K 31/048 (2013.01) [B25B 21/002 (2013.01); B25B 23/147 (2013.01); F16K 37/0075 (2013.01); F16K 37/0083 (2013.01); G06F 3/04847 (2013.01); H02K 7/116 (2013.01); H02P 23/24 (2016.02); F16H 1/28 (2013.01); F16H 57/02 (2013.01); F16H 2057/02034 (2013.01); F16H 2057/02073 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve operating device comprising:
a base defining a central axis extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof;
a housing on the base;
a motor disposed within the housing, the motor having a motor output shaft configured to drive a planetary gearbox disposed within the housing, the planetary gearbox configured to rotate a key extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis to engage a valve;
a motor controller unit configured to drive the motor in either a forward or reverse direction at a set motor speed to deliver up to a torque limit;
a user interface comprising a motor activation switch and a display device configured to provide a graphical user interface comprising screen images including display buttons, wherein the user interface is configured to display a save button, and, in response to detecting a press of the save button, saving valve operation data acquired for the valve, verifying that data for a valve identification for the valve is valid, and storing data for the valve identification of the valve; and
a human machine interface controller configured to receive user inputs via the display buttons and the motor activation switch, and to perform valve exercise functions corresponding to the display buttons, the valve exercise functions including setting a motor speed, setting a torque limit, turning the motor on or off, and storing valve operation data.