OPERATOR FEEDBACK OF VALVES
This invention relates to a system and method for providing operator feedback. In
particular, this invention relates to a system and method for providing operator
feedback for manual operation of valves, in particular, but not exclusively, to valves for
controlling, charging, discharging and/or regulating the flow of powders, liquids,
slurries, tablets and/or fluids.
Valves, such as split butterfly valves, are available in many designs and used widely for
processes where product containment is required to prevent product exposure to the
environment and to personnel working in close proximity to the product. Split butterfly
valve designs allow the valve to be split open into two units, commonly known as active
and passive units. The valve design is such that when split, the two halves keep the
contents on either side sealed and contained.
In the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biological material and food,
effective containment is essential for the safe and hygienic handling of such
compounds and materials. At each stage of the manufacturing process, handling must
be controlled and managed to provide optimum protection for the operator and for
maintaining the integrity of the product.
The material being handled is often hazardous to health, owing to the increasing
potency of many new pharmaceutical ingredients. Pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing
products are often manufactured under strict controls against product
contamination. This is because the products are often for human consumption and the
industries are heavily regulated by bodies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
in the United States and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
Agency) in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical products, such as
active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or subsequently diluted powders, may in
sufficient quantities be hazardous to the health of an operator. It is therefore necessary
to avoid direct contact between an operator and the potentially hazardous material.
Owing to such stringent requirements for there to be a good seal between the active
and passive units of the split valve to prevent product exposure to the environment and
to personnel working in close proximity of the product, manufacture of the elements of
the valve are under stringent conditions to ensure that the dimensions of the elements
are precisely manufactured to ensure stringent tolerances are met.
It is important when operating the valve to ensure that the valve is opened and closed
in a recommended or predetermined manner as prescribed by the operator manual
accompanying the valve. However, poor communication and training, sometimes
coupled with a lack of operator attentiveness, can often mean that the valve is operated
in an incorrect manner, which significantly increases the risk of critical failure, misuse
or unplanned maintenance.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the
problems associated with the operation of valves in the prior art.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing
operator feedback in response to opening or closing of a valve or coupling.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises:
data storage means for storing at least one recommended opening or closing
event of the valve;
sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling; and
2
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
processing means for comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling
against the recommended opening or closing event of the valve or coupling in real-time
or near real-time, and outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the
comparison.
Further preferably, the valve or coupling is a powder transfer valve.
In use, the valve or coupling may be selected from the group consisting of split butterfly
valve, split sliding gate valve, split ball valve, twin valve, rapid transfer port and alpha
beta port.
Preferably, operator actuation of the valve or coupling is selected from the group
consisting of manually-operable actuation, pneumatic actuation and electrical
actuation.
Further preferably, the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or
coupling is selected from the group consisting of multi-axis accelerometer, rotational
encoder and on/off sensor.
In use, the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling may
sense the rotational position of a valve closure member relative to a valve housing.
Preferably, the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling is
positioned on an actuator.
3
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
Preferably, the actuator comprises an elongate handle having an elongate shaft; one
end of the shaft being dimensioned to form a knob; the other end of the shaft being
dimensioned to form a central hub.
Further preferably, the central hub comprises a first face for connection to the valve or
coupling and an opposite second face that is visible to the operator.
In use, the first face of the central hub may comprise a socket dimensioned to connect
with a square spigot on the valve or coupling.
Preferably, the central hub defines a generally circular body into which a printed circuit
board, battery and liquid crystal display which is visible through the second face is
contained.
Further preferably, the central hub defines a sealed, ingress protected enclosure.
In use, the data storage means, sensing means and processing means may be located
on the printed circuit board.
Preferably, the data storage means and processing means are implemented in a low
power microcontroller.
Further preferably, the processing means receives a wake-up signal from user input
buttons and/or from the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or
coupling and/or from one or more sensors embedded on or remote to the printed circuit
board.
4
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
In use, the processing means may receive a wake-up signal from input stimuli including
rotation, pulse, shock, impact and/or vibration detected by the sensing means for
sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling.
Preferably, at least one operator feedback signal is selected from the group consisting
of audio-visual, alphanumeric and haptic feedback.
Further preferably, at least one operator feedback signal is an alarm signal.
In use, at least one operator feedback signal may be displayed on a colour display
means.
Preferably, at least one operator feedback signal displays the angle the valve closure
member makes relative to a valve housing or a percentage representative of the
position of the valve closure member between fully-open and fully-closed.
Further preferably, at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve
defines opening or closing the valve closure member over a predetermined timescale,
and/or or closing the valve closure member to a predetermined first position then
opening the valve closure member to at least a second position before fully-closing the
valve closure member, and/or opening the valve closure member to a predetermined
first position then closing the valve closure member to at least a second position before
fully-opening the valve closure member.
In use, at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve may define
moving the valve closure member to a predetermined maintenance, cleaning or
sterilisation position or sequence.
5
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
Preferably, at least one recommended closing event of the valve defines an overrotation
of the valve closure member beyond 90° with respect to the plane of the valve
housing.
Further preferably, the at least one recommended opening or closing event of the
valve, the sensed operator actuation of the valve or coupling and/or at least one
operator feedback signal is recorded displayed for local or remote access.
In use, the at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve, the
sensed operator actuation of the valve or coupling and/or at least one operator
feedback signal may be transmitted back to a remote server using a wired or wireless
communications unit.
Preferably, the processing means includes a GPS location module which records the
location of the valve or coupling.
Further preferably, the processing means includes a unique product identifier.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of providing opening
or closing feedback in a valve or coupling, comprising:
storing at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve;
sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling;
comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling against the
recommended opening or closing event of the valve or coupling in real-time or near
real-time; and
outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison.
6
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
Further according to the present invention there is provided a computer program
product for providing opening or closing feedback in a valve or coupling, comprising:
computer program product means for storing at least one recommended
opening or closing event of the valve;
computer program product means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or
coupling;
computer program product means for comparing the sensed actuation of the
valve or coupling against the recommended opening or closing event of the valve or
coupling in real-time or near real-time; and
computer program product means for outputting at least one operator feedback
signal based on the comparison.
It is believed that a system and method for providing opening and/or closing feedback
to an operator of a valve or coupling in accordance with the present invention at least
addresses the problems outlined above. The advantages of the present invention are
that a system and method is provided which ensures that a manual valve or coupling is
operated in a safe and efficient manner, and which allows for the transfer of a product
from one container or process vessel to another whilst minimising the levels of dust
emission to the operating environment. Providing opening and/or closing feedback to
the operator advantageously reduces the occurrences of critical valve failure, and may
reduce excessive wear on viscoelastic valve components and seats, and thus reducing
both planned downtime and unforeseen failure of valve components.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are
possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as
specifically described herein.
7
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
Specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cut-away side perspective view of the present invention embodied in a
valve-actuating handle for manual operation of a valve in accordance with the present
invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the valve-actuating handle shown in Figure 1;
Figures 3 and 4 show how the valve-actuating handle of Figures 1 and 2 can be
connected to a valve or coupling for manual operation; and
Figure 5 is a high-level schematic diagram showing how the present invention is
implemented in a microcontroller.
Referring now to the drawings, a system for providing opening and/or closing feedback
to an operator of a valve or coupling is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2
show how the present invention can be embodied in a valve-actuating handle 10 for
manual operation of split valve assemblies.
As shown in Figure 1, the valve-actuating handle 10 is formed having a solid handle
shaft or arm 22; one end of which forms a knob 24. The other end of the handle shaft
or arm 22 is secured to a hub 20 which is formed as a unitary, machined part. As best
illustrated in Figure 1, the rear face of the hub 20, i.e. the face that is placed in contact
with the split valve assembly 50, defines a socket 48 which is dimensioned to connect
with a square spigot 52 on the split valve assembly 50, as best illustrated in Figure 3.
8
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
The front face of the hub 20, i.e. the face that is visible to the operator, is generally
circular in shape.
As best shown in Figure 2, the hub 20 includes a generally annular housing 36 into
which a printed circuit board (PCB) 30 and power source or battery 32 is secured via
fixing screws 34. A colour liquid crystal display (LCD) 38 is positioned inside the
aperture in the housing 36, opposite the PCB 30. The colour LCD display 38 is then
secured in a screen sub-assembly 40 which includes a protective, transparent screen
or window 42 at its centre and operation or function buttons 44 positioned around the
radius of the screen sub-assembly 40 for ease of access. The buttons 44 include a
power on/off button, standby and/or one or more function buttons.
As the valve-actuating handle 10 is intended to be used in environmentally-challenging
conditions, including containing, regulating and controlling hazardous powders, dust,
granular and semi-solid ingredients, the housing 36 and screen sub-assembly 40 are
secured together using assembly screws 46 and internal O-ring seals 28 which secure
the housing 36 and screen sub-assembly 40 to the hub 20 against a circumferential
seal 26.
To provide opening and/or closing feedback to the operator of the split valve assembly
50, the PCB 30 includes various hardware, software, sensors and components, as best
illustrated schematically and described in detail in relation to Figure 5.
Figures 1 and 2 show how the present invention can be embodied in a valve-actuating
handle 10 for manual operation of a valve or coupling, and particularly a split valve
assembly 50 for containing, regulating and controlling hazardous powders, dust,
9
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
granular and semi-solid ingredients. In use, the rear face of the hub 20, i.e. the face
that is placed in contact with the split valve assembly 50, includes a socket 48 which is
dimensioned to connect with the square spigot 52 on the split valve assembly 50, as
shown in Figures 3 and 4. Operator rotation of the valve-actuating handle 10 controls
respective pivotally-mounted valve closure members (not shown) inside the split valve
assembly 50.
In an alternative embodiment, the hub 20 would be secured to the split valve assembly
50, with the valve-actuating handle 10 being rotatable within the body of the hub 20 to
rotate socket 48. In this manner, the LCD display 38, and the operation and/or function
buttons 44 positioned around the radius of the screen sub-assembly 40, are positioned
in a fixed orientation for the user.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the split valve assembly 50 comprises two valve portions,
an upper, passive valve portion 56 and a lower, active valve portion 54. The passive
valve portion 56 defines a valve housing 57 which is generally annular in shape. The
active valve portion 54 defines a valve housing 55 which is also generally annular in
shape. The two valve portions 54, 56 are complementarily shaped such that one can
sealingly engage and co-operate with the other to allow the movement of material
therethrough. Although not shown in Figures 3 and 4, each valve potion includes valve
closure members which are pivotally-mounted within the housings 55, 57. Each valve
closure member is in the form of an annular disc, and each is provided with spindles by
means of which each valve closure member is pivotally rotatable.
Although not shown in Figures 3 and 4, the spindle of the lower, active valve portion 54
is connected to, or is integrally formed with, spigot 52. Thus, rotation of the spindle is
moved by rotation of the spigot 52. The spindle of the upper, passive valve portion 56
10
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
is connected to spigot 52. A mechanical safety interlock ensures the safe operation of
the split valve assembly 50. When the two valve portions are correctly docked, the
mechanical interlock pin 60 on the active valve portion 54 releases the profiled release
pin 62 on the active valve portion 54 which allows the valve disc to be opened by
rotation of the spigot 52.
The valve closure members are seated on annular valve seats (not shown) defined
inside the valve housings 55, 57. The valve seats are resiliently deformable and are
generally located in respective recesses for receipt of the seat which, in use, is adapted
to engage against a solid portion of the valve housings 55, 57.
The valve closure members are adapted to be pivotable through 90° or beyond, thus
when in its fully open position the profile of the face of the valve closure members
corresponds with the profile of the through bore of the valve housings 55, 57, and
thereby provides minimalrestrictions for the flow of fluid or other material.
Figures 3 and 4 also show that the two valve portions 54, 56 of the split valve assembly
50 are able to be locked and unlocked via rotation of a handle 58. This can only occur
when the split valve assembly 50 is in a closed configuration.
The two valve portions 54, 56 of the split valve assembly 50 are mountable on a vessel
(not shown) for containing material, conveyance means, such as a hose, for conveying
material and/or other process equipment known to the art. The means for mounting the
valve portions may comprise any means known to the art, such as for example a screw
thread, interference fit, bayonet attachment etc. Alternatively, the valve portions 54, 56
may be integrally formed with a vessel or conveyance means.
11
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
Whilst the foregoing describes how the present invention can be embodied in a valveactuating
handle 10 for manual operation of a valve or coupling, and particularly a split
butterfly valve assembly 50, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention can be
implemented in any manner of transfer valve or coupling, such as, for example, split
sliding gate valves, split ball valves, twin valves, rapid transfer ports and alpha beta
ports.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing how the system and method for providing
opening and/or closing feedback to an operator of a valve or coupling is implemented
in a small, self-powered unit that includes a low power microcontroller 100. As shown
in Figure 5, the microcontroller 100 receives a number of inputs generally indicated in
the right hand side of this figure.
The microcontroller 100 can be considered a self-contained system with a processor,
memory and peripherals and can be used to provide opening and/or closing feedback
to the operator via a number of outputs generally indicated in the left hand side of this
figure.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram and, in order to aid clarification, many other circuit
elements are not shown. For example, although not shown in Figure 5, the analogue
signal received from one or more environmental sensors 104 embedded on the printer
circuit board 30 is first converted to a digital form by any suitable type of analogue-todigital
convertor (ADC) available in the art. Equally, one or more of the digital outputs
of the microprocessor 100 can be converted to analogue form using any form of digitalto-
analogue convertor (DAC) available in the art. For example, such an analogue
output signal could be used to energise an audible output 116.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
In operation, a set of instructions or algorithm written in software in the microcontroller
100 are configured to program the microcontroller 100. The microcontroller 100,
including the processor, memory and peripherals, are firstly placed in a low power,
standby mode, awaiting a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal can be received from
the user input buttons 102 and/or from one or more environmental sensors 104
embedded on the printer circuit board 30 and/or from one or more equipment sensors
106. In its most basic mode of operation, the microcontroller 100 can be effectively
woken-up from standby mode by the operator pressing the on/off or standby button 102
located on the screen sub-assembly 40.
In addition or alternatively, the microcontroller 100 could effectively be woken-up from
low power standby mode by the operator simply grasping the handle shaft 22 or knob
24. In a preferred embodiment, one of the equipment sensors 106 located on the
printed circuit board 30 is a positional sensor which senses the rotational position of the
handle 22 relative to the split valve assembly 50. In use, the positional sensor is a
three-axis accelerometer, and which is receptive to small input stimuli including
rotation, pulse, shock, impact and/or vibration to firstly awaken the microcontroller 100.
When the microcontroller 100 has been woken-up, it then senses the output of the
three-axis accelerometer to determine the orientation and position of the rotation of the
valve-actuating handle 10. Since the position of the valve-actuating handle 10 controls
the position of the pivotally-mounted valve closure members inside the split valve
assembly 50, the microcontroller 100 is able to determine the position of the pivotallymounted
valve closure members inside the split valve assembly 50 in real-time or near
real-time.
13
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
In a basic mode of operation, the LCD display 38 can be used to display actions,
movements or commands to the user, e.g. by displaying the words "OPEN" or
"CLOSE". In addition, or alternatively, as opposed to displaying actions, movements or
commands to the user, the state of the valve can be displayed. For example, the
display 38 would indicate that the valve closure members are fully open by displaying
the word "OPENED" or "0°", or simply displaying a green screen. Equally, if the
microcontroller 100 determines that the pivotally-mounted valve closure members are
fully-closed against their respective valve seats, the display 38 would indicate that word
"CLOSED" or "90°", or simply display a red screen.
For detection of position of the valve closure members between fully-open and fullyclosed,
the angle between 0° and 90° or beyond is displayed, if the valve closure
members are operated using an "over-rotation" method of cleaning the valve closure
members and/or valve seats (as described in the applicant's published application WO
201 2/007732 A1) is employed. Equally a percentage representative of the position of
the valve closure members, between fully-open and fully-closed, can be displayed. For
example, the display would indicate "100%" if the valve closure members are fullyopen,
and "0%" if fully-closed, and other percentages displayed for the sensed angles
therebetween.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the valve closure members
relative to some predetermined or recommended opening or closing profile of the valve
assembly is sensed, and at least one operator feedback signal is outputted based on
the comparison.
The skilled person will appreciate that when operating the valve assembly 50 for
controlling, charging, discharging and/or regulating the flow of liquids, slurries, tablets
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
and/or hazardous fluids and potentially life-threatening pharmaceutical dusts and
powders, it is imperative that a good seal is made between the valve closure member
and the valve seat on each of the valve portions 54, 56. This is achieved, in practice,
by operating the valve assembly according to a predetermined or recommended
opening and/or closing profile, which is written in software in the microcontroller 100.
The predetermined or recommended opening and/or closing condition or event can
involve, for example, fully closing or opening the valve closure member over a certain
timescale, e.g. 10 seconds, or closing the valve closure member to a certain
predetermined first angle then opening the valve closure member to a second angle
before fully-closing the valve closure member. This operation has the effect of
removing excess powder from the valve closure members. Equally, performing an
over-rotation of the valve closure member beyond 90° with respect to the plane of the
valve seat can help to ensure that a good seal is made. The over-rotation beyond 90°
allows the valve closure member to scrape off any residual material, such as powder,
that may be disposed at the sealing surface of the valve seat to ensure that when the
valve closure member is subsequently in its closed configuration, perpendicular to the
valve seat, there is a good seal therebetween. Further detail of performing an overrotation
of the valve closure member beyond 90° can be found in the applicant's earlier
publication WO 201 2/007732 A 1.
Split valve assemblies 50 can be sterilised or decontaminated via a number of known
methods, which include autoclaving, passing steam through the open valve, or passing
other gases, such as vapourised hydrogen peroxide, through them prior to any
pharmaceutical product coming into contact with the internal surfaces or product
contact parts. Such Steam-ln-Place (SIP) sterilisation often necessitates a
predetermined or recommended opening and/or closing condition or event of the valve.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
The skilled person will appreciate that the operator could initiate an optimised or
recommended opening or closing profile by firstly selecting an appropriate user input
button 44, for example, by selecting a simple open, close or SIP. The microcontroller
100 then compares the sensed rotational position of the valve closure member in real
time or near real-time relative to the recommended opening or closing condition or
event of the valve. The microcontroller 100 then outputs at least one operator
feedback signal based on this comparison. The operator feedback signal can include
one or any combination of, output signals to the visual display unit 118, an audible
output or alarm 116 or some form of haptic feedback 114.
In one embodiment, as the user closes or opens the valve, a simple traffic light mode is
employed whereby if the valve-actuating handle 10 is rotated at or near the
recommended opening or closing condition or event of the valve, then the at least one
operator feedback signal might be to illuminate the display 38 as green. If the operator
closes the valve either too fast or too slowly, the display 38 will shift to orange or red
indicating to the operator that valve is being operated incorrectly or carelessly.
In combination with these visual colour signals, various terms could be displayed to the
operator, such as, "SLOW DOWN", "SPEED UP", "CORRECT" etc. An audible output
116 or alarm signal can also be used where the pitch or volume changes to indicate the
comparison between the sensed rotational position of the valve closure member
relative to the recommended opening or closing condition or event of the valve. Haptic
feedback 114, e.g. vibration transmitted through the handle 22, can also be used to
indicate to the operator that the valve-actuating handle 10 is being rotated at or near
the recommended opening or closing condition or event of the valve.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
As well as the microcontroller 100 outputting at least one operator feedback signal
based on the comparison between the sensed rotational position of the valve closure
member relative to the recommended opening or closing condition or event of the
valve, it is envisaged that this information can be stored in local memory for analysis.
This feedback information can be accessed locally and/or transmitted back to a central
server (not shown) using a communications unit 112 which may be a suitable wired or
wireless communication protocol, including for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or over a
cellular network.
It is also envisaged that the microcontroller 100 could also include or has embedded
therein a GPS location module 108 which records the actual location of the valve
assembly 50, along with other environmental sensors which record conditions such as
external/internal temperature, light intensity, humidity, atmospheric pressure, force
measurement and operation time 110. These parameters can be stored in local
memory and transmitted back to a central server (not shown) using the
communications unit 112.
It is desirable that the wireless network has low power consumption, enabling several
years of operation between battery changes.
As an alternative to the wireless network described hereinbefore, transmission of the
data may occur over a WiFi network.
Also by measuring the environmental condition of the valve assembly 50, for example,
if it was subject to excessive vibration or impact, pressure from the process, solvents,
excessive forces from surrounding equipment etc., then such information can also be
17
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
used, with the operator feedback to predict and prevent critical failure or unplanned
maintenance.
The device is battery-powered and sealed to the environment (i.e. ingress protected)
and safe for used in hazardous and/or potentially explosive environments (e.g. ATEX
rated). The microcontroller 100 utilises low power components so that the system is
designed to provide a long battery life.
Various alterations and modifications may be made to the present invention without
departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although particular
embodiments refer to implementing the present invention on a split valve assembly,
this is in no way intended to be limiting as, in use, the present invention could be
implemented in any machine or equipment where operator feedback is desired. The
invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example, the
manually-operable handle may be replaced with a different actuator, such as
pneumatic, electrical or other, then their state could also be sensed to provide
guidance for maintenance or service.
18
SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26
CLAIMS
1. An apparatus for providing operator feedback in response to opening or closing
of a valve or coupling.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
data storage means for storing at least one recommended opening or closing
event of the valve;
sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling; and
processing means for comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling
against the recommended opening or closing event of the valve or coupling in real-time
or near real-time, and outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the
comparison.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the valve or coupling is a
powder transfer valve.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve or coupling
is selected from the group consisting of split butterfly valve, split sliding gate valve, split
ball valve, twin valve, rapid transfer port and alpha beta port.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein operator actuation of
the valve or coupling is selected from the group consisting of manually-operable
actuation, pneumatic actuation and electrical actuation.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sensing means for
sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling is selected from the group
consisting of multi-axis accelerometer, rotational encoder and on/off sensor.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the sensing means for
sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling senses the rotational position of a
valve closure member relative to a valve housing.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claims 2 or 7, wherein the sensing means for
sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling is positioned on an actuator.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises an
elongate handle having an elongate shaft; one end of the shaft being dimensioned to
form a knob; the other end of the shaft being dimensioned to form a central hub.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the central hub comprises a first
face for connection to the valve or coupling and an opposite second face that is visible
to the operator.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the first face of the central
hub comprises a socket dimensioned to connect with a square spigot on the valve or
coupling.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the central hub
defines a generally circular body into which a printed circuit board, battery and liquid
crystal display which is visible through the second face is contained.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the central hub
defines a sealed, ingress protected enclosure.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data storage means, sensing
means and processing means are located on the printed circuit board.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the data storage means and
processing means are implemented in a low power microcontroller.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the processing means receives a
wake-up signal from user input buttons and/or from the sensing means for sensing
operator actuation of the valve or coupling and/or from one or more sensors embedded
on or remote to the printed circuit board.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claims 14 or 15, wherein the processing means
receives a wake-up signal from input stimuli including rotation, pulse, shock, impact
and/or vibration detected by the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the
valve or coupling.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one operator feedback
signal is selected from the group consisting of audio-visual, alphanumeric and haptic
feedback.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one operator feedback
signal is an alarm signal.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claims 18 or 19, wherein at least one operator
feedback signal is displayed on a colour display means.
2 1. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein at least one
operator feedback signal displays the angle the valve closure member makes relative
to a valve housing or a percentage representative of the position of the valve closure
member between fully-open and fully-closed.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one recommended
opening or closing event of the valve defines opening or closing the valve closure
member over a predetermined timescale, and/or or closing the valve closure member
to a predetermined first position then opening the valve closure member to at least a
second position before fully-closing the valve closure member, and/or opening the
valve closure member to a predetermined first position then closing the valve closure
member to at least a second position before fully-opening the valve closure member.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one recommended
opening or closing event of the valve defines moving the valve closure member to a
predetermined maintenance, cleaning or sterilisation position or sequence.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one recommended closing
event of the valve defines an over-rotation of the valve closure member beyond 90°
with respect to the plane of the valve housing.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one recommended
opening or closing event of the valve, the sensed operator actuation of the valve or
coupling and/or at least one operator feedback signal is recorded displayed for local or
remote access.
26. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the at least one
recommended opening or closing event of the valve, the sensed operator actuation of
the valve or coupling and/or at least one operator feedback signal is transmitted back
to a remote server using a wired or wireless communications unit.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the processing means
includes a GPS location module which records the location of the valve or coupling.
28. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the processing means
includes a unique product identifier.
29. A method of providing opening or closing feedback in a valve or coupling,
comprising:
storing at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve;
sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling;
comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling against the
recommended opening or closing event of the valve or coupling in real-time or near
real-time; and
outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison.
30. A computer program product for providing opening or closing feedback in a
valve or coupling, comprising:
computer program product means for storing at least one recommended
opening or closing event of the valve;
computer program product means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or
coupling;
computer program product means for comparing the sensed actuation of the
valve or coupling against the recommended opening or closing event of the valve or
coupling in real-time or near real-time; and
computer program product means for outputting at least one operator feedback
signal based on the comparison.
3 1. An apparatus as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the
accompanying drawings.
32. A method as hereinbefore described.
33. A computer program product as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to
5 of the accompanying drawings.