Electronic pilot positioner
AssigneeJohnson Service Company
InventorGeorge Rudich, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A positioner for use in pneumatic systems moves a pneumatic operator. The positioner is an electronic pilot positioner or electronic to pneumatic interface which provides accurate positioning of linear actuators in response to an electronic control signal. The actuator is moved as pneumatic fluid is exhausted or supplied through the exhaust valve and supply valve. The positioner utilizes two solenoids for controlling a supply valve and an exhaust valve. The positioner includes a control circuit which receives a signal from a central controller and a signal from a feedback circuit. The control circuit compares the feedback signal and the controller signal and generates a signal for positioning the actuator.
Claims19
An electronic pilot positioner for use with a linear pneumatic actuator, the pilot positioner comprising:
- a solenoid mechanically connected to a valve which controls fluid in the actuator, the solenoid effecting the valve in response to a control signal;
- a feedback device capable of communicating with a linear output of the actuator;
- a control circuit coupled to the solenoid and the device, the control circuit receiving a first signal from the feedback device and a second signal from a central controller and generating the control signal in response to the first signal and the second signal;
- a module being separate from the actuator and housing the solenoid, the feedback device, and the control circuit;
- and
- a stroke circuit which effects the control circuit so that the control circuit generates the control signal in accordance with stroke criteria.
An electronic pilot positioner for use with a linear pneumatic actuator, the pilot positioner comprising:
- a solenoid mechanically connected to a valve which controls fluid in the actuator, the solenoid effecting the valve in response to a control signal;
- a feedback device capable of communicating with a linear output of the actuator;
- a control circuit coupled to the solenoid and the device, the control circuit receiving a first signal from the feedback device and a second signal from a central controller and generating the control signal in response to the first signal and the second signal;
- a module being separate from the actuator and housing the solenoid, the feedback device, and the control circuit;
- and
- a home circuit which effects the control circuit so that the control circuit generates the control signal in accordance with home characteristics.
A positioner, comprising:
- a pneumatic input for receiving a pneumatic fluid, the pneumatic input coupled to a supply valve;
- a pneumatic output coupled to the supply valve and an exhaust valve for use with a pneumatic actuator;
- a pneumatic exhaust coupled to the exhaust valve, the pneumatic exhaust providing a release for the fluid;
- an electronic input for use with an electric control signal;
- a feedback circuit in communication with the actuator, the circuit producing a signal representing the position of the actuator;
- wherein the positioner adjusts the position of the actuator in a first direction by opening the exhaust valve in accordance with the signal from the feedback circuit and the electric control signal and in a second direction by closing the exhaust valve and opening the supply valve in accordance with the signal from the feedback circuit and the electric control signal;
- and
- wherein the feedback circuit is coupled to a wheel mechanism including a first wheel for a first stroke distance and a second wheel for a second stroke distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.