초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for maintaining valves in a water distribution system is the subject matter. A description is prepared of each valve in the system. An individual identifying symbol is assigned to each valve. The identifying symbol and the valve individual description and location, is loaded i

A method and apparatus for maintaining valves in a water distribution system is the subject matter. A description is prepared of each valve in the system. An individual identifying symbol is assigned to each valve. The identifying symbol and the valve individual description and location, is loaded into a computer database. A group of valves in the system is selected to define an inspection route. A portable computer is loaded with the information regarding each valve along the inspection route. A valve turning machine is positioned adjacent to a selected valve. The valve turning machine includes an identification reader, a timer and the portable computer. A reader identifies a select valve by means of its symbol and the symbol is recorded in the portable computer. The turning machine is connected to the stem of the selected valve to turn the stem in a selected direction. The number of revolutions of the valve stem is counted and recorded in the portable computer. The lapsed time of each revolution of the valve stem is recorded in the portable computer. The condition of the selected valve is recorded in the portable computer. Each succeeding valve on the inspection route is inspected as described above. The information collected in the portable computer is downloaded into the database.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for maintaining valves in a water distribution system, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing an individual description of each known valve in the system and the location of each valve;(b) assigning an individual identifying symbol to each valve;(c) loading into a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for maintaining valves in a water distribution system, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing an individual description of each known valve in the system and the location of each valve;(b) assigning an individual identifying symbol to each valve;(c) loading into a computer database information for each valve, including the identifying symbol and the valve's individual description and location;(d) positioning each valve's individual identifying symbol in association with the valve at its location;(e) selecting a group of valves in the system to define an inspection route;(f) loading into a portable computer a record of information defining the inspection route and the identifying symbol, individual description and location for each valve on the route;(g) transporting to a location of a selected valve on the inspection route a valve turning machine, including an identification reader, a timer, and the portable computer;(h) identifying an operator of the turning machine on the record in the portable computer;(i) identifying with the identification reader the selected valve by means of the identifying symbol;(j) recording the identifying symbol in the portable computer;(k) connecting the turning machine to the stem of the selected valve;(l) turning in a selected direction the stem of the selected valve;(m) counting the number of revolutions of the valve stem in the selected direction and recording the number in the portable computer;(n) recording in the portable computer the elapsed time for each revolution of the valve stem in the selected direction;(o) placing the selected valve in the desired position for the valve in the system;(p) recording the condition of the selected valve in the portable computer;(q) inspecting each succeeding valve on the inspection route and repeating steps (h) through (p) of the inspection procedure at each valve;(r) downloading into the database the information collected at each valve inspected on the inspection route; and(s) reviewing the database to select valves for repair.