US 5,116,018 A · Lockout modules

Abstract

A lockout module is adapted to be mounted between an actuator-to-valve mounting kit and a valve actuator, and is operable to lock the valve in either an opened position or a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the lockout module comprises a housing, a spindle, a lockout pin, and a lockout tab. The lockout pin is inserted in the housing for selective engagement and blocking of the spindle or for releasing the spindle. A padlock is locked through a lockout wheel on the lockout pin and the lockout tab, the lockout tab engaging a groove within an appendage of the housing to prevent pin and valve movement. In an alternative embodiment, the lockout module comprises a housing, a spindle, a pair of lockout pins, and a pair of pull pins. The lockout pins are inserted in the housing for selective engagement and blocking of the spindle or for releasing the spindle. The pull pins are inserted through the housing and the lockout pins, and padlocks are locked through bores in the ends of the pull pins to secure them, the lockout pins, the spindle and hence the valve.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A valve actuator and lockout system of the type including an actuator for operating a valve and a mounting kit for mounting said actuator to one of a plurality of different valves, the improvement comprising:

a lockout means structurally independent of said mounting kit but operably interconnected between said actuator and said mounting kit for selectively transferring valve operating force from said actuator to said valve and for locking said valve against operation.

Valve lockout apparatus comprising in combination:

a valve means for controlling fluid flow and having at least two operating positions,
a valve actuator means for actuating said valve between said positions,
an actuator-to-valve mounting kit, and
a lockout module means;
said actuator-to-valve mounting kit being adapted for operable mounting on said valve;
said lockout module means being structurally independent of said mounting kit and operably mounted between said actuator-to-valve mounting kit and said actuator to selectively lock said valve in one of said positions, and to accommodate valve operation by said actuator when said lockout module does not lock said valve.

3 more elements

Valve lockout apparatus comprising in combination:

a valve means for controlling fluid flow and having at least two operating positions,
a valve actuator means for actuating said valve between said positions,
an actuator-to-valve mounting kit, and
a lockout module means;
said actuator-to-valve mounting kit being adapted for operable mounting on said valve,
said lockout module means being operably mounted between said actuator-to-valve mounting kit and said actuator and being operable to selectively lock said valve in one of said positions, and to accommodate valve operation by said actuator when said lockout module does not lock said valve,
said lockout module means comprising:
a housing,
a spindle disposed in said housing,
a lockout pin, and
a lockout tab means,
said housing having a lockout pin bore therethrough for receiving said lockout pin disposed therein,
said spindle having one end adapted to be connected to said actuator-to-valve mounting kit and another end adapted to be connected to said actuator, said spindle further including recess means for receiving said lockout pin to block rotation of said spindle,
said lockout tab means being engagable with said lockout pin and said housing,
wherein when said lockout pin is advanced through said lockout pin bore in said housing, said lockout pin blocks rotation of said spindle, and wherein said lockout tab means is selectively operable to block removal of said lockout pin from said housing.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Lockout modules

Life of this patent

Lockout modules

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25