Emergency shut-off safety device with operating feedback system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly for an emergency shut-off safety device and an emergency shut-off safety device. The assembly comprises a reset pin and a valve disc operably connected to the reset pin, the reset pin and the valve disc being movable between a first position in which the valve disc is adapted to be spaced apart from an emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device and a second position in which the valve disc is adapted to engage the emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device. The assembly further comprises a reset pin assembly comprising a reset lever operably connected to the reset pin and a reset sleeve arranged to support an end portion of the reset lever. The assembly further comprises a feedback system arranged in close proximity to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Generally, the present disclosure relates to emergency shut-off safety devices, and more particularly, to emergency shut-off safety devices having a feedback system that allows an operator of the emergency shut-off safety device to easily but safely monitor the operating status of the emergency shut-off safety device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Gas distribution systems, such as systems for distributing natural gas, typically transport gas from producers to consumers along a series of pipelines and through a series of valves. Each gas distribution system can include one or more regulating valves that control the pressure of the gas within the distribution system. Typically, the gas is transmitted through the system at a high pressure. However, the gas pressure must be reduced before it is ultimately distributed to consumers. This reduction in pressure is typically accomplished at a pressure reduction station within the local network.

[0003] Typically, these pressure reduction stations include one or more pressure regulating valves, and some safety device for shutting off the flow of gas in the event of failure of the pressure regulating valve. Most commonly, an emergency shut-off safety valve is used for this purpose. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,134,421 discloses an emergency shut-off safety valve that provides overpressure protection in a pipeline. Another example of an emergency shut-off safety valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,225,812. The emergency shut-off valve is typically positioned upstream of the pressure regulating valve, such that the emergency shut-off valve can prevent gas from reaching the pressure regulating valve in the event that the pressure regulating valve has failed. The emergency shut-off safety valve monitors the pressure of the gas downstream of the pressure regulating valve for maximum and minimum pressure tolerances. If the downstream pressure exceeds the maximum or minimum pressure tolerance, the emergency shut-off safety valve closes, shutting off the flow of gas to the pressure regulating valve and preventing an uncontrolled gas leak due to failure of the pressure regulating valve. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure includes an assembly for an emergency shut-off safety device. The assembly includes a reset pin and a valve disc operably connected to the reset pin, the reset pin and the valve disc movable between a first position in which the valve disc is adapted to be spaced apart from an emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device and a second position in which the valve disc is adapted to engage the emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device. The assembly further includes a reset pin assembly including a reset stem operably connected to the reset pin and a reset sleeve arranged to support an end of the reset stem. The assembly further includes a feedback system arranged proximate to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position. The feedback system includes a magnet carried by the reset stem and a magnetically responsive switch arranged proximate to the reset sleeve such that the magnetically responsive switch detects the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and does not detect the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an assembly for an emergency shut-off safety device. The assembly includes a reset pin and a valve disc operably connected to the reset pin, the reset pin and the valve disc movable between a first position in which the valve disc is adapted to be spaced apart from an emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device and a second position in which the valve disc is adapted to engage the emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device. The assembly further includes a reset pin assembly including a reset stem operably connected to the reset pin and a reset sleeve arranged to support an end of the reset stem. The assembly further includes a feedback system arranged proximate to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position. The feedback system includes a magnet carried by the reset stem and a magnetically responsive switch arranged proximate to the reset sleeve such that the magnetically responsive switch detects the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and does not detect the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an emergency shut-off safety device. The emergency shut-off safety device includes a valve body, a reset pin, and a valve disc. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet, and defines a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes an emergency shut-off valve seat surrounding an orifice disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The valve disc is disposed within the valve body and is movable along an emergency shut-off axis between an open first position in which the valve disc is spaced apart from the emergency shut-off valve seat and a closed second position in which the valve disc seats against the emergency shut-off valve seat. The reset pin is operably coupled to the valve disc and is movable relative to the valve body along the emergency shut-off axis between an untripped position that places the valve disc in the open first position and a tripped position that places the valve disc in the closed second position, the reset pin being arranged to be moved from the untripped position toward the tripped position in response to an actuator of the emergency shut-off safety device. The emergency shut-off safety device further includes a reset pin assembly including a reset rod that is operably connected to the reset pin and a reset sleeve arranged to support an end of the reset rod. The emergency shut-off safety device further includes a feedback system arranged proximate to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position. The feedback system includes a magnet carried by the reset rod and a magnetically responsive switch arranged proximate to the reset sleeve such that the magnetically responsive switch detects the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and does not detect the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position.

[0007] Any of the above aspects of the present disclosure can include any one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0008] In one preferred form, the feedback system further includes a display device communicatively coupled to the magnetically responsive switch, the display device being configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position.

[0009] In another preferred form, the feedback system further includes an intrinsically safe barrier communicatively coupled to the magnetically responsive switch, the intrinsically safe barrier configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position. The intrinsically safe barrier can be configured to emit light when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and not emit light when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position.

[0010] In another preferred form, a fastener secures the magnet to the reset lever proximate the end of the reset lever.

[0011] In another preferred form, the magnet and the magnetically responsive switch are separated by a first distance when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, and wherein the magnet and the magnetically responsive switch are separated by a second distance when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position, the second distance being less than the first distance.

[0012] In another preferred form, the magnetically responsive switch includes a reed switch. The reed switch includes a first reed, a second reed movable relative to the first reed in response to movement of the magnet, and a circuit that completes or interrupts based on a position of the second reed. When the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the second reed can be spaced apart from the first reed, thereby interrupting the circuit. When the reset pin and the valve disc move from the first position to the second position, a magnetic field of the magnet causes the flexible reed to move toward and into contact with the second reed, thereby completing the circuit.

[0013] In another preferred form, the reset pin and the reset lever are movably disposed in first and second holes of the emergency shut-off body, respectively, wherein the magnetically responsive switch includes a housing coupled to the emergency shut-off body proximate the end of the reset lever.

[0014] Additional optional aspects, arrangements, examples, and features that can be arranged in any functionally appropriate manner, individually or in any functionally feasible combination, consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure are disclosed. Other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1is a first perspective view of an emergency shut-off safety device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the emergency safety device including a feedback system that allows an operator of the emergency safety device to easily but safely monitor the operating status of the emergency safety device;

[0016] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a second perspective view of the emergency shut-off safety device of

[0017] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the emergency shut-off safety device of showing the valve disc and reset pin of the emergency shut-off safety device in an open position;

[0018] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 but showing the valve disc and reset pin in a closed position;

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of one example of a magnetically responsive switch that can be used in the feedback system;

[0020] Figure 6 is a top view of one example of an isolation safety barrier that can be used in the feedback system to limit the current supplied to the magnetically responsive switch and provide data indicative of the operating status of the emergency shut-off safety device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure relates to emergency shut-off safety devices configured to provide a safety shut-off capability and at the same time equipped with a feedback system configured to provide data to an operator of the safety device indicative of the operating status of the emergency shut-off safety device. The feedback system may, for example, provide the operator with a visual and / or tactile indication (e.g., a light or other electrical signal) as to whether the emergency safety device is on (i.e., providing a safety shut-off) or off (i.e., not providing a safety shut-off). In this way, the operator of the emergency safety device can easily but safely determine the operating status of the emergency shut-off safety device.

[0022] Figures 1-6 One example of an emergency shut-off safety device 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. As noted above, the emergency shut-off safety device 100 is configured for attachment to a master regulator (not shown) in a gas distribution system to provide a safety shut-off capability in the event of master regulator failure. The emergency shut-off safety device 100 in this example generally includes a valve portion 104 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4), an emergency shut-off portion 108 coupled to the valve portion 104, and an actuator 112 coupled to the emergency shut-off portion 108. However, in other examples, the emergency shut-off safety device 100 can include more, fewer, or different components. For example, the emergency shut-off safety device 100 can not include the valve portion 104 or can include a different valve portion 104.

[0023] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the valve portion 104 includes a valve body 120 and an emergency shut-off valve seat 124. The valve body 120 has a fluid inlet 128 and a fluid outlet 132 connected by a fluid passage that forms a flow path 136. The emergency shut-off valve seat 124 is disposed within the valve body 120 and defines a flow orifice 140 that forms a portion of the flow path 136. The emergency shut-off valve seat 124 can be removably or fixedly disposed in place within the valve body 120. It should be understood that fluid flowing through the valve portion 104 flows from the fluid inlet 128 to the fluid outlet 132 via or through the flow path 136 (including the flow orifice 140).

[0024] Still referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the emergency shut-off portion 108 includes an emergency shut-off body 144, a valve disc assembly 150, and a reset pin 154 coupled to the valve disc assembly 150 and slidably disposed in a first bore 156 of the emergency shut-off body 144. The valve disc assembly 150 generally includes a valve disc 158 and a valve disc support 162 coupled (e.g., attached) to the valve disc 158 such that the valve disc support 162 moves in unison with the valve disc 158 (and vice versa). When the emergency shut-off safety device 100 is in operation, the valve disc 158 and the valve disc support 162 are movable relative to the emergency shut-off valve seat 124 and the emergency shut-off body 144 to control fluid flow through the valve body 120. More specifically, the valve disc 158 and the valve disc support 162 are movable within the valve body 120 between a first position, shown in Figure 3 , and a second position, shown in Figure 4 . In the first position, the valve disc 158 is spaced apart from the emergency shut-off valve seat 124, thereby opening the fluid orifice 140 and allowing fluid flow between the fluid inlet 128 and the fluid outlet 132. In the second position, the valve disc 158 is positioned in sealing engagement with the emergency shut-off valve seat 124, thereby closing the fluid orifice 140 and preventing fluid flow between the fluid inlet 128 and the fluid outlet 132.

[0025] The reset pin 154 is operably connected to the valve disc 158 via the valve disc support 162. More specifically, the reset pin 154 has a first end 166 coupled to the valve disc support 162. In one example, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the first end 166 of the reset pin 154 is securely disposed within a hole 169 formed in the valve disc support 162. However, in other examples, the first end 166 can be coupled to the valve disc support 162 in another manner. In any case, the reset pin 154 moves with the valve disc assembly 150 relative to the valve body 120 along the emergency shut-off axis A between a retracted or locked position (also as shown in Figure 3 and an extended or unlocked position (also as shown in Figure 4 ), where, in the retracted or locked position, the valve disc assembly 150 is in its first position (and the valve disc 158 is spaced apart from the emergency shut-off valve seat 124), and, in the extended or unlocked position, the valve disc assembly 150 is in its second position (and the valve disc 158 seats against the emergency shut-off valve seat 124).

[0026] The emergency shut-off portion 108 also includes a biasing element 170. The biasing element 170, which takes the form of a spring in this example, is positioned to apply a biasing force to the valve disc 158 so as to urge the valve disc 158 and the valve disc support 162 toward the second position. In this example, the biasing element 170 has one end that bears against a portion of the valve disc support 162 and another end that bears against a spring seat 178 that is fixed within the emergency shut-off body 144 and surrounds the reset pin 154.

[0027] With continued reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the actuator 112 includes a housing 200 that encloses one or more springs 204 connected to a diaphragm 208. The diaphragm 208 is sensitive to pressure changes and generally moves within the actuator housing 200 (to the right or left in Figure 3 and Figure 3 ) in response to these pressure changes. The actuator 112 also includes a plunger 212 connected to the diaphragm 208 and moves with the diaphragm 208 within the housing 200. The plunger 212 is operably connected to a cam 216 that releasably engages a connecting ring 220 carried by the reset pin 154, thereby releasably retaining the reset pin 154 in the locked position, as shown in Figure 3 .

[0028] For example, when the diaphragm 208 senses an overpressure condition or an underpressure condition downstream of the main regulator (which can indicate that the main regulator has failed), the emergency shut-off safety device 100 will shut off, thereby providing a shut-off. More specifically, when the diaphragm 208 senses an overpressure condition or an underpressure condition, the diaphragm 208 moves (to the right in Figure 3 ), which in turn causes the plunger 212 to move (also to the right). The plunger 212 engages the cam 216, causing the cam 216 to rotate (in Figure 4In the clockwise direction) and releases the connecting ring 220 carried by the reset pin 154, allowing the reset pin 154 to move from its latched position to its unlatched position as shown in FIG. 6. It will be appreciated that the biasing element 170 assists in moving the reset pin 154 from its latched position to its unlatched position. As the reset pin 154 moves from the latched position to the unlatched position, the valve disc 158 moves along the emergency shut-off axis A toward the emergency shut-off valve seat 124 and into contact therewith, thereby closing the flow orifice 140 and shutting off fluid flow through the flow path 136 in the valve body 120. Figure 3 It will be appreciated that the biasing element 170 assists in moving the reset pin 154 from its latched position to its unlatched position. As the reset pin 154 moves from the latched position to the unlatched position, the valve disc 158 moves along the emergency shut-off axis A toward the emergency shut-off valve seat 124 and into contact therewith, thereby closing the flow orifice 140 and shutting off fluid flow through the flow path 136 in the valve body 120. Figure 4 It will be appreciated that the biasing element 170 assists in moving the reset pin 154 from its latched position to its unlatched position. As the reset pin 154 moves from the latched position to the unlatched position, the valve disc 158 moves along the emergency shut-off axis A toward the emergency shut-off valve seat 124 and into contact therewith, thereby closing the flow orifice 140 and shutting off fluid flow through the flow path 136 in the valve body 120.

[0029] The emergency shut-off safety device 100 can also include a reset pin assembly 230 for relatching the cam 216 (and desiring to return the reset pin 154 to its latched position and the valve disc assembly 150 to its first position) once the overpressure or underpressure condition has been corrected. As best shown in FIG. 6, the reset pin assembly 230 in this example includes a plug 234, a sleeve 238, a reset lever 242, and an end cap 246. Figure 4 Figure 4 As best shown in FIG. 6, the reset pin assembly 230 in this example includes a plug 234, a sleeve 238, a reset lever 242, and an end cap 246.

[0030] ​Plug 234 is coupled to emergency cut-off body 144 at a position generally opposite to the position of bias element 170. Sleeve 238 is coupled to plug 234 such that sleeve 238 is positioned to receive and support end 248 of reset lever 242. As shown, in this example, sleeve 238 has a first portion 250 disposed within plug 234 (and emergency cut-off body 144) and a second portion 254 disposed partially within plug 234 and partially outside plug 234 and emergency cut-off body 144. Reset lever 242 is disposed in a second hole 256 in emergency cut-off body 144 and is operatively connected to reset pin 154 via connecting ring 220. More specifically, reset lever 242 has an end 258 opposite end 248, which is located adjacent to or abutting against a second end 262 of reset pin 154 within connecting ring 220. However, in other examples, the reset lever 242 may be integrally formed with the reset pin 154 or connected to the reset pin 154 in a different manner. Additionally, the reset lever 242 is slidably disposed within the plug 234 and the sleeve 238, wherein the reset lever 242 extends through a first portion 250 of the sleeve 238 such that the end portion 248 of the reset lever 242 is movably disposed within a cavity 266 of a second portion 254 of the sleeve 238. An end cap 246 is coupled to the sleeve 238 such that when the reset pin 154 is in the locked position, the end cap 246 controls the movement of the reset lever 242 by engaging the end portion 248 of the reset lever 242. This arrangement also provides protection for the reset lever 242 by creating a seal between the interior of the sleeve 238 and the external environment, thus protecting it from water or other environmental factors.

[0031] When the overvoltage or undervoltage condition has been corrected and shut-off is no longer necessary, the emergency shut-off safety device 100 can be activated. When the diaphragm 208 senses that the overvoltage or undervoltage condition has been resolved, the diaphragm 208 (in...) Figure 3 The piston moves to the left, which in turn causes the plunger 212 to also move to the left. This moves the plunger 212 away from the cam 216 so that the cam 216 (in the center) moves away from the cam 216. Figure 4 Rotate clockwise. Therefore, when the reset pin 154 and / or reset lever 242 are actuated (e.g., by an operator) away from the valve body 120 and towards... Figure 3 When the locked position direction is returned, cam 216 is positioned to releasably engage again the connecting ring 220 carried by reset pin 154. Actuation of reset pin 154 and / or reset lever 242 will also move valve disc 158 away from emergency shut-off valve seat 124 along emergency shut-off axis A, moving valve disc assembly 150 from its second position ( Figure 3 ) Move back to its first position ( Figure 4 ).

[0032] Throughout operation of the emergency shutdown safety device 100, an operator of the device 100 can wish to monitor or observe the operational status of the device 100. In other words, the operator of the device 100 can wish to monitor whether the device 100 provides a safe shutdown (i.e., respectively opens or closes) at a point in time or at different points in time. To this end, the emergency shutdown safety device 100 includes a feedback system 300 configured to provide data indicative of the operational status of the device 100 to the operator. For example, the feedback system 300 can provide a visual indication of the operational status of the device (e.g., by emitting light when the device 100 is open, by emitting one type of light when the device 100 is open and another type of light when the device 100 is closed) and / or a tactile indication of the operational status of the device 100 to the operator. The feedback system 300 is generally configured to provide this indication to an operator in close proximity to the device 100, although the feedback system 300 can alternatively or additionally be configured to provide this indication to an operator located remotely from the device 100 (e.g., via a remotely located display device).

[0033] The feedback system 300 generally includes a magnet, a magnetically responsive switch arranged to selectively respond to a magnetic field generated by the magnet so as to facilitate determining the operational status of the device 100, and one or more display devices that locally and / or remotely provide (e.g., output) data indicative of the operational status of the device 100. In some cases, the switch provides a signal only when the magnet is detected (and the switch does not provide a signal when the magnet is outside the range and not detected). In other cases, the switch provides a first signal when the magnet is detected and a second signal when the magnet is outside the range and not detected. The feedback system 300 can also, but need not, include a portable tool (e.g., an isolation safety barrier, a multimeter) or other tool for verifying that the magnetically responsive switch is operating as intended.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the feedback system 300 includes a magnet 304, a magnetically responsive switch in the form of a reed switch 308, and a portable tool in the form of an isolation safety barrier 312 communicatively connected to the reed switch 308 and serving both as an intrinsic safety component (limiting voltage and current supplied to the reed switch 308 that can be in a hazardous area) and as a localized display device for locally providing data indicative of the operational status of the device 100. Although not shown, the feedback system 300 can also include one or more remotely located display devices for providing data indicative of the operational status of the device to an operator located remotely from the device 100.

[0035] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As best shown, in this example the magnet 304 is a permanent magnet carried by the reset lever 242 at a location proximate the end 248 of the reset lever 242 such that the magnet 304 is movably disposed within the sleeve 238. The magnet 304 can be secured to the reset lever 242 via fasteners 314 (as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) or can be coupled to the reset lever 242 in a different manner. In any case, it will be appreciated that the magnet 304 is movably disposed within the sleeve 238 as the reset pin 154 (to which the reset lever 242 is operatively connected) moves between a locked position as shown in Figure 3 and an unlocked position as shown in Figure 4 . When the reset pin 154 is in the locked position as shown in Figures 1-4 , the magnet 304 is partially disposed in the first portion 250 of the sleeve 238 and partially disposed in the second portion 254 of the sleeve 238. When the reset pin 154 is in the unlocked position as shown in Figure 4 , the magnet 304 is completely disposed in the first portion 250 of the sleeve 238 such that the magnet 304 is positioned closer to the valve body 120. In both positions, the end cap 246 is positioned to prevent the magnet 304 from being exposed to the external environment (which can damage the magnet 304) and to prevent the magnet 304 from dislodging from the reset lever 242.

[0036] In this example, the reed switch 308 is manufactured by, for example, SECATEC GmbH. The reed switch 308 includes a housing 316, a first reed (not shown) disposed in the housing 316, a second reed (not shown) disposed in the housing 316 and movable relative to the first reed in response to a magnetic field, and an electrical circuit (also not shown) also disposed in the housing 316 and which is completed or interrupted depending on the position of the second reed.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3 , the housing 316 of the reed switch is coupled to the outer surface of the emergency shut-off body 144 via a plurality of fasteners 318. Thus, the housing 316 is disposed outside of the emergency shut-off body 144 but proximate the location of the plug 234, the sleeve 238 and the reset lever 242, and more particularly, the magnet 304 carried by the reset lever 242. Thus, when the reset pin 154 is in the unlocked position and the magnet 304 is positioned as shown in Figure 4 , the reed switch 308 is arranged to detect and respond to the magnetic field generated by the magnet 304, but when the reset pin 154 is in the locked position and the magnet 304 is positioned as shown in Figure 3 , the reed switch 308 does not detect and respond to the magnetic field generated by the magnet 304. In other words, when the reset pin 154 is in the unlocked position ( Figure 5When the reed switch and magnet 304 are separated by a first distance, this first distance allows the reed switch to detect the magnetic field of magnet 104, but when the reset pin 154 is in the locked position ( Figure 4 When the reed switch and magnet 304 are separated by a second distance, which is greater than the first distance and sufficient to magnetically isolate the reed switch 308 from the magnetic field of magnet 304.

[0038] like Figure 3 As best illustrated, in this example, the intrinsically safe barrier 312 is an isolating switch amplifier manufactured, for example, by TURCK, and has a housing 320 including a plurality of input terminals 324, a plurality of output terminals 328, a first light-emitting diode (LED) indicator 332, and a second light-emitting diode (LED) indicator 336. The intrinsically safe barrier 312 is communicatively connected to a reed switch 308 via the input terminals 324 and the output terminals 328 in a known manner. The first LED indicator 332 is configured to illuminate when the intrinsically safe barrier 312 is supplied with power. The second LED indicator 336 is configured to illuminate when current flows from the reed switch 308 to the barrier 312 / from the barrier 312 to the reed switch 308 via the input terminals 324 and the output terminals 328, indicating that the circuitry of the reed switch 308 is turned on. Conversely, when current does not flow from reed switch 308 to safety barrier 312 or from safety barrier 312 to reed switch 308, the second LED indicator 336 does not light up, indicating that the circuit of reed switch 308 is interrupted.

[0039] In operation, in this example, the safety barrier 312 outputs data indicating whether current flows through the reed switch 308 (in this case, light or no light), it itself indicates whether the reed switch 308 has detected or not detected the presence of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 304, and it itself indicates that the reset pin 154 is in the locked position. Figure 4 It is still in the loose position. Figure 3 All of these generally indicate whether device 100 is on (i.e., not providing cut-off capability) or off (i.e., providing cut-off capability). The operator of device 100 can then quickly and safely determine the operating status of device 100 based on the data output by safety barrier 312.

[0040] For example, when reset pin 154 is in such a position Figure 4In the locked position (which corresponds to the valve disc assembly 150 being in the open position), the magnet 304 is separated from the reed switch 308 by a first distance. Positioned in this manner, the reed switch 308 cannot detect the presence of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 304 (i.e., the magnetic field is outside the detection range of the reed switch 308). As such, the second reed of the reed switch 308 is positioned apart from the first reed of the reed switch 308 such that the circuit of the reed switch 308 is interrupted (i.e., not completed). In turn, no current flows between the reed switch 308 and the safety barrier 312 such that the second LED indicator 336 does not emit any light. This provides the operator of the device 100 with a visual indication that the device 100 is open and not providing any shut-off to the remainder of the system.

[0041] On the other hand, when the reset pin 154 is in the unlocked position ​ In the unlocked position (which corresponds to the valve disc assembly 150 being in the closed position), the magnet 304 is separated from the reed switch 308 by a second distance (which is less than the first distance discussed in the preceding paragraph). Positioned in this manner, the reed switch 308 detects the presence of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 304 (i.e., the magnetic field is within the detection range of the reed switch 308). As such, the second reed of the reed switch 308 moves toward and contacts the first reed of the reed switch 308, completing the circuit of the reed switch 308. In turn, current flows between the reed switch 308 and the safety barrier 312 such that the second LED indicator 336 emits light. This provides the operator of the device 100 with a visual indication that the device 100 is providing a shut-off (i.e., closed).

[0042] Accordingly, it should be appreciated that when the reset pin 154 is moved from the locked position ​ ) to the unlocked position ​ ), the reed switch 308 is triggered or actuated, which corresponds to the movement of the valve disc assembly 150 from its open position to its closed position. This is because movement in this manner causes the magnet 304 to move closer to the reed switch 308 such that the second reed of the reed switch 308 detects the presence of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 304, which causes the second reed of the reed switch 308 to move toward and contact the first reed of the reed switch 308, completing the circuit in the reed switch 308.

[0043] In other examples, the feedback system 300 can change and still perform the intended function. In certain examples, the feedback system 300 can include more than one magnet. In certain examples, the switch 308 can instead take the form of a Hall effect sensor (which provides a voltage that changes in response to the presence or absence of a magnetic field) or other magnetically responsive switch. In certain examples, the switch 308 can itself provide data indicative of the operating state of the device 100. In one such example, the switch 308 can include an LED indicator that emits (or does not emit) light based on the operating state of the device 100. Other variations are also possible and are contemplated.

[0044] Each of the optional arrangements described herein can be arranged in any combination or permutation of sets sufficient to provide one or more functions suggested by the description provided herein. Moreover, it should be appreciated that each of the features disclosed with respect to each example arrangement can be combined in any functional combination, such as to provide any useful functional combination that would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] While certain representative arrangements and details of the emergency shut-off device have been shown herein for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes in form and detail can be made to the disclosed device without departing from the spirit and scope of the application which is defined by the following claims and which is not to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. An assembly for emergency shut-off safety equipment, the assembly comprising: reset pin; a valve disc operably connected to the reset pin, the reset pin and the valve disc movable between a first position in which the valve disc is adapted to be spaced apart from an emergency shut valve seat of the emergency shut safety device and a second position in which the valve disc is adapted to engage the emergency shut valve seat of the emergency shut safety device; a reset pin assembly including a reset rod, a reset sleeve, and a valve plug coupled to the reset sleeve, the reset rod operably connected to the reset pin, and the reset sleeve arranged to support an end of the reset rod; and a feedback system arranged proximate to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or in the second position, the feedback system including: a magnet carried by the end of the reset rod such that the magnet is movably disposed in the reset sleeve; and a magnetically responsive switch arranged proximate to the reset sleeve such that the magnetically responsive switch detects the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position and does not detect the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, wherein when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the magnet is partially disposed in a first portion of the reset sleeve and partially disposed in a second portion of the reset sleeve, and wherein, when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position, the magnet is fully disposed in the first portion of the reset sleeve and the valve plug.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The feedback system further includes a display device communicatively coupled to the magnetically responsive switch, the display device configured to provide the data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or in the second position.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The feedback system further includes an intrinsically safe barrier communicatively coupled to the magnetically responsive switch, the intrinsically safe barrier configured to provide the data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or in the second position.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein, The intrinsically safe barrier is configured to emit light when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and not emit light when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fastener fastening the magnet to the reset rod proximate to the end of the reset rod.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The magnet and the magnetically responsive switch are separated by a first distance when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, and wherein the magnet and the magnetically responsive switch are separated by a second distance when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position, the second distance being less than the first distance.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The magnetically responsive switch includes a reed switch, and the reed switch includes a first reed, a second reed movable relative to the first reed in response to movement of the magnet, and a circuit that is closed or interrupted based on a position of the second reed.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein, When the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the second reed is spaced apart from the first reed, thereby interrupting the electrical circuit.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein, When the reset pin and the valve disc move from the first position to the second position, a magnetic field of the magnet causes the first reed to move toward and into contact with the second reed, thereby completing the electrical circuit.

10. An assembly for emergency shut-off safety equipment, the assembly comprising: a reset pin; a valve disc operably connected to the reset pin, the reset pin and the valve disc being movable between a first position in which the valve disc is adapted to be spaced apart from an emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device and a second position in which the valve disc is adapted to engage the emergency shut-off valve seat of the emergency shut-off safety device; a reset pin assembly including a reset rod, a reset sleeve, and a valve plug coupled to the reset sleeve, the reset rod being operably connected to the reset pin, and the reset sleeve being arranged to support an end of the reset rod; and a feedback system arranged proximate to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or in the second position, the feedback system including: a magnet coupled to the reset pin and proximate to the end of the reset pin, the magnet being movably disposed in the reset sleeve between a third position when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and a fourth position when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position; and a magnetically responsive switch arranged proximate to the reset sleeve, wherein movement of the magnet from the third position to the fourth position actuates the magnetically responsive switch, wherein when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the magnet is partially disposed in a first portion of the reset sleeve and partially disposed in a second portion of the reset sleeve, and wherein when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position, the magnet is fully disposed in the first portion of the reset sleeve and the valve plug.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein, The feedback system further includes an intrinsically safe barrier communicatively coupled to the magnetically responsive switch, the intrinsically safe barrier being configured to provide the data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or in the second position.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein, The intrinsically safe barrier is configured to emit light when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position and not to emit light when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position.

13. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a fastener fastening the magnet to the reset rod proximate to an end of the reset rod.

14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the magnet and the magnetically responsive switch are separated by a first distance, and wherein when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position, the magnet and the magnetically responsive switch are separated by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance.

15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein, The magnetically responsive switch includes a reed switch including a first reed, a second reed movable relative to the first reed in response to movement of the magnet, and a circuit that is completed or interrupted based on a position of the second reed.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein, When the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the second reed is spaced apart from the first reed, thereby interrupting the circuit, and wherein, when the reset pin and the valve disc are moved from the first position to the second position, a magnetic field of the magnet causes the first reed to move toward and into contact with the second reed, thereby completing the circuit.

17. An emergency shut-off safety device comprising: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and defining a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the valve body including an emergency shut-off valve seat surrounding an orifice disposed between the inlet and the outlet; a valve disc disposed within the valve body and movable along an emergency shut-off axis between an open first position in which the valve disc is spaced apart from the emergency shut-off valve seat and a closed second position in which the valve disc seats against the emergency shut-off valve seat; a reset pin operatively coupled to the valve disc and movable relative to the valve body along the emergency shut-off axis between a locked position that places the valve disc in the open first position and an unlocked position that places the valve disc in the closed second position, the reset pin arranged to be moved from the locked position toward the unlocked position in response to an actuator of the emergency shut-off safety device; a reset pin assembly including a reset rod, a reset sleeve, and a valve plug coupled to the reset sleeve, the reset rod operatively connected to the reset pin and the reset sleeve arranged to support an end of the reset rod; and a feedback system arranged proximate to the reset pin assembly and configured to provide data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position, the feedback system including a magnet carried by the end of the reset rod such that the magnet is movably disposed in the reset sleeve and a magnetically responsive switch arranged proximate to the reset sleeve such that the magnetically responsive switch detects the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position and does not detect the magnet when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, wherein, when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position, the magnet is partially disposed in a first portion of the reset sleeve and partially disposed in a second portion of the reset sleeve, and wherein, when the reset pin and the valve disc are in the second position, the magnet is fully disposed in the first portion of the reset sleeve and the valve plug.

18. The emergency shut-down safety apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The feedback system further includes an intrinsically safe barrier communicatively coupled to the magnetically responsive switch, the intrinsically safe barrier configured to provide the data indicative of whether the reset pin and the valve disc are in the first position or the second position.

19. The emergency shut-off safety apparatus of claim 17, further comprising an emergency shut-off body, the reset pin and the reset lever being movably disposed in first and second holes of the emergency shut-off body, respectively, wherein, The magnetically responsive switch includes a housing coupled to the emergency shut-off body proximate the end of the reset lever.

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