Valve with smart handle

A method for tracking the use of gas for medical treatments, comprising the steps of:

• mounting a valve on a gas container including a handle for opening and closing the valve manually;
• providing a sensor on said valve which senses when the valve is opened and closed;
• providing a timer on said valve including a calendar timer and an event timer;
• providing an electronic memory device on said valve in communication with said sensor and said timer;
• entering patient identification information into said electronic memory device, said sensor, said timer and said electronic memory device being located in an assembly on said valve handle;
• creating electronic usage data based on the length of time the valve is open and storing that usage data in said electronic memory device;
• electronically communicating the associated patient information and usage data stored in the memory device to a remote computer;
• and
• using the associated patient information and usage data to generate an invoice.

A valve handle assembly for mounting on a valve stem to open and close a valve, said assembly comprising:

• a valve handle body, defining a receptacle for receiving the valve stem;
• a sensor on said valve handle body, for sensing the opening and closing of the valve, said sensor including a proximity switch;
• a timer on said valve handle body, including a calendar timer and an event timer;
• and
• an electronic storage device mounted on said valve handle body, in communication with said sensor and said timer, wherein said storage device records the date and time of opening and closing of the valve and the duration of time that said valve is open.

A valve with a smart handle assembly, comprising:

• a valve body for controlling the dispensing of a fluid through said valve;
• a valve stem projecting from said valve body;
• a valve handle assembly mounted on said valve stem for opening and closing said valve, said valve assembly comprising:
• a sensor on said valve handle, which senses the opening and closing of said valve, said sensor including a proximity switch;
• a timer on said valve handle, including a calendar timer and an event timer;
• and
• an electronic storage device mounted on said valve handle, in communication with said sensor and said timer, wherein said storage device records the opening and closing of said valve and the time of said opening and closing events.