Valve operating device having a movable arm for operating a valve

Abstract

A valve operating device is disclosed, including a first pivot and a second pivot, a first arm extending between the first pivot and the second pivot, a second arm extending from the second pivot, a valve operating machine on the second arm, and an actuator connected between the first pivot and the first arm. The first arm can rotate around a first vertical axis defined by the first pivot, and can pivot around a horizontal axis defined by the first pivot. The second arm can rotate around a second vertical axis defined by the second pivot. The actuator causes the first and second arms, the second pivot, and the valve operating machine to pivot upward and downward relative to the first pivot around the horizontal axis.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims domestic benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 793,750, filed on January 17, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to pilot valves. Background Art

[0004] Municipalities and the like have extensive pipe networks to control the flow of water from storage and pumping stations to users. The pipe network includes many valves so that parts of the network can be shut down for maintenance as needed while the rest of the network remains operational. The sizes of pipes required for such a network can range from as small as 3 or 4 inches in diameter to as large as 3 feet in diameter. Furthermore, the valves of the system are often left open or closed for very long periods of time.

[0005] The valve of a municipal water supply system is located below ground level, wherein an access rod extends from the valve stem to a surface through which an elongated key extends to rotate the valve stem. Such valves typically include a spiral structure that requires 100 or more turns to fully open or fully close the valve. Moreover, over time, underground valves experience a certain degree of degradation, and the valve is often frozen or locked into its current position due to contamination on the surface of the spiral structure or degradation of the parts. As a result, the large amount of torque required to open and close such valves is provided by a motorized valve turning machine. Such machines are cumbersome and inconvenient, and when operated, a large torque is applied to the key (which is transmitted downward along the access rod to the valve stem) for rotating the valve. Therefore, in order to facilitate the operation of such valve turning machines, such valve turning machines are often mounted on arms attached to a vehicle (e.g., a truck or trailer).

[0006] One such mounting device mounts a valve turning machine on a horizontal slide that allows the machine to move horizontally from a first position on a truck stand to a second position spaced from the side of the truck. This slidable mounting structure provides rigid support for the valve turning machine while it operates the valve. However, this longitudinally slidable structure has limited mobility relative to the vehicle. In situations where the valve is set between various obstacles (such as buildings, curbs, boulders, trees, etc.), the truck may not be able to reach a certain position: in such a position, the valve turning machine can be set directly above the shaft leading to the valve. In addition, the ground may be uneven; this longitudinally slidable structure does not provide vertical movement of the mounting device to adapt to uneven ground.

[0007] Efforts have been made to attach a valve turning machine to a manipulator arm connected to a truck. Such an apparatus includes a multi-articulated arm configured as a backhoe, wherein the inner end of the arm is connected to the vehicle and the outer end is connected to the valve turning machine. The arm is pivotable about a horizontal axis, typically allowing a 180 degree rotation of the apparatus, wherein the articulated elbow of the backhoe arm permits the free end of the arm to move radially outwardly from the vehicle by 8 to 12 feet. The articulated elbow includes one or more spring-loaded compensating structures for applying a vertical upward force to the free end of the arm to compensate for the weight of the valve turning machine. With the aid of the spring-loaded compensating device, the free end of the arm can be manipulated into a position that is directly above the valve access rod and that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

[0008] It has been found that a valve turning machine mounted on an arm of this type, with a key attached to the valve and torque applied to the key by the machine, will shake and vibrate violently when the valve is manipulated. The shaking and vibration are due to the uneven torque applied to the key as the turning spiral structure encounters areas of foreign matter contamination and areas of deterioration of the moving parts. The shaking and vibration of the machine includes a vertical force component that causes the key to be pulled out of the valve stem, thereby interrupting the valve turning operation and possibly causing damage to the machine or the valve. In order to keep the machine and the key in their desired orientation relative to the valve stem while the valve is manipulated, it is necessary for the operator to grasp the machine with his / her arms and use his / her body weight to hold the machine in the desired orientation.

[0009] Since the shaking and vibration of the machine is caused by contamination and deterioration below the ground and is not visible to the operator, the movement of the machine is unpredictable and may also cause injury to the operator. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an extendable arm for supporting the valve turning machine on the valve stem located away from the vehicle, which arm will hold the machine in place against all forces applied to the end of the arm due to the frequent and rapid changes in torque applied to the valve. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

[0011] In one aspect, a movable arm for operating a valve is provided.

[0012] In one aspect, a valve operating device having a movable arm for operating a valve is provided.

[0013] In another aspect, a valve operating device having a movable arm for operating a valve and mounted on a vehicle is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve operating device according to the present disclosure, the valve operating device having a movable arm for operating a valve, shown mounted on a stand of a vehicle;

[0016] Figure 2 is an elevational side view of a valve operating device according to the present disclosure, the valve operating device being in a stowed orientation and shown mounted on a stand of a vehicle;

[0017] Figure 3 is an elevational side view of a valve operating device according to the present disclosure, the valve operating device being in an operational orientation, shown mounted on a stand of a vehicle and shown operating a valve;

[0018] Figure 4 is an elevational side view of the valve operating device in a lowered, extended orientation;

[0019] Figure 5 is an elevational side view of the valve operating device in a raised, extended orientation;

[0020] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve operating device showing the internal components of its pivot;

[0021] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a valve operating device; and

[0022] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electronic controller for operating a valve operating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an example of a vehicle 20 is shown and the vehicle 20 is equipped with an example of a valve operating device 22 for operating a valve 24, which in some examples can be an underground valve. The valve operating device 22 is attached to a stable portion of the vehicle 20 (such as a trailer coupled to a truck or other transportable vehicle) that maintains a horizontal plane generally parallel to the ground 26 below. Although the valve operating device 22 is shown and described as being mounted on the example of the vehicle 20 shown, the valve operating device 22 can be mounted on any stable surface of any type of vehicle during operation. For example, the valve operating device 22 can be coupled to a truck stand, a front bumper or a rear bumper of a truck, or any other stable surface associated with the vehicle 20 or other portable machine.

[0024] The valve operating device 22 has a mounting portion 28 attached to the vehicle 20 or other stable surface, an arm 30 extending from the mounting portion 28 and movable relative to the mounting portion 28, an actuator 32 for achieving movement of the arm 30 relative to the mounting portion 28, and a valve turning machine 34 attached to the arm 30. The arm 30 is rotatable about two vertical axes 36, 38 and a horizontal axis 40 so that the valve turning machine 34 can be set in a desired orientation relative to the valve 24 and the ground 26. Rotation about the vertical axes 36, 38 allows the valve turning machine 34 to be set directly above the valve 24. Rotation about the horizontal axis 40 allows the valve turning machine 34 to be set vertically upward or downward to accommodate uneven ground 26, so that the valve turning machine 34 can be set directly above the valve 24. The valve turning machine 34 is used to adjust the valve turning machine 34 by means of an elongated key 42 (see Figure 3 and Figure 8 ) to control valve 24.

[0025] Continue to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and further reference Figure 6 The mounting portion 28 may include a planar mounting plate 44 attached to the vehicle 20 or other stable surface, and an upright mounting member 46 extending vertically upward from the mounting plate 44. The mounting plate 44 may have a plurality of mounting holes therein for attachment to the vehicle 20 or other stable surface by fasteners.

[0026] Reference now Figures 1 to 5 The arm 30 includes a first pivot 48 attached to the mounting plate 44, a first elongated arm portion 50 having a first end attached to the first pivot 48, a second pivot 52 attached to an opposite second end of the first arm portion 50, and a second elongated arm portion 54 having a first end attached to the second pivot 52.

[0027] like Figure 6 As shown, the first pivot 48 includes a base 56, which may be formed of a tubular member, fixedly attached to the mounting plate 44, and a mounting cup 58, which may be formed of a tubular member, surrounding the base 56 and rotatably mounted on the base 56 by a bearing 60 disposed between the base 56 and the mounting cup 58. The first pivot 48 defines a vertical axis 36 passing through the center of the base 56. The first pivot 48 further includes a bracket 64, which may take the form of a plate, extending outwardly from the mounting cup 58 and rigidly attached to the mounting cup. The bracket 64 includes a plurality of apertures 66 therethrough, and the first end of the first arm 50 is mounted to the apertures by a pivot pin 68 defining the horizontal axis 40.

[0028] like Figure 6As shown, the second pivot 52 includes a base 70, which can be formed by a tubular member and fixedly attached to the second arm 54, and a mounting cup 72, which can be formed by a tubular member and surround the base 70. The base 70 is rotatably mounted in the mounting cup 72 by a bearing 74 positioned between the base 70 and the mounting cup 72. The base 70 extends outwardly from the mounting cup 72. As shown, the base 70 extends upwardly from the mounting cup 72. The second pivot 52 defines a vertical axis 38 passing through the center of the base 70. The second pivot 52 further includes a bracket 76, which can take the form of a plate, which extends outwardly from the mounting cup 72 and is rigidly attached to the mounting cup. The bracket 76 includes a plurality of apertures 78 extending therethrough, and the second end of the first arm 50 is mounted to the apertures by a pivot pin 80. The brackets 64 and 76 are coplanar with each other. The vertical axes 36 and 38 are parallel to each other. The mounting cup 72 maintains the axis of rotation of the bearing 74 about the base 70 parallel to the axis of rotation of the bearing 60 about the base 56. Thus, the second arm 54 will rotate about the axis 38 defined by the base 70 with its length parallel to the vehicle 20 or other stable surface and the second end of the second arm 54 moves in a plane parallel to the vehicle 20 or other stable surface and parallel to the ground 26 below.

[0029] The first arm 50 rotates about the pivot pin 68 and, therefore, about the horizontal axis 40 relative to the first pivot 48, the mounting portion 28, and the vehicle 20 or other stable surface. The first arm 50 also rotates about the pivot pin 80 relative to the second pivot 52. Thus, the first arm 50 can pivot relative to the first pivot 48 and the second pivot 52 to raise or lower the second arm 54.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 50 is formed by two elongated members 50a, 50b that are parallel to each other, and member 50a is vertically lower than member 50b. The elongated members 50a, 50b can be formed by tubes. Each elongated member 50a, 50b has a first end attached to the bracket 64 at the pivot pin 68, and an opposite second end attached to the bracket 76 at the pivot pin 80.

[0031] like Figure 7 As best shown in the drawings, the actuator 32 is disposed between the bracket 64 and the first arm 50 and is used to rotate the arm 30 about the horizontal axis 40. As shown, the actuator 32 is disposed between the bracket 64 and the lower member 50a. The first end of the actuator 32 is pivotally attached to the bracket 64 at a pivot 82, which may be formed by a pin extending from the actuator 32 and extending through an aperture in the bracket 64 (see FIG. Figure 6). The pivot 82 is vertically lower than the pivot pin 68. The second end of the actuator 32 is pivotally attached to the first arm 50 at a pivot 84, which can be formed by a pin extending from the actuator 32, which extends through an aperture in the first arm 50. In an example, the second end of the actuator 32 is pivotally attached to the lower member 50a. In one example, the actuator 32 is an electric cylinder. In one example, the actuator 32 is a linear actuator. In one example, the actuator 32 is a hydraulic cylinder. It should be understood that the actuator 32 can be any type of actuator that is configured to apply the necessary force to the arm in order to move the arm in a desired manner to ensure proper operation of the arm, and all such actuators and their equivalents are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Reference now Figure 6 , the first end of the second arm 54 is fixedly attached to the base 70 of the second pivot 52. As a result, the second arm 54 rotates about the vertical axis 38 relative to the first arm 50 and the vehicle 20 or other stable surface. Because the first arm 50 is attached to the bracket 64, which is fixedly attached to the mounting cup 58, the first arm 50, and therefore the second arm 54, rotates about the vertical axis 36. When the arm 30 is rotated about the vertical axes 36, 38 using only the first pivot 48 and the second pivot 52, the second end of the second arm 54 always moves in the same plane, regardless of whether such movement results from rotation of the first pivot 48 or the second pivot 52.

[0033] In one example, the second arm 54 includes an elongated first member 54a, which forms a first section of the second arm 54, and the second arm has an elongated second member 54b, which forms a second section of the second arm 54, which extends outward from the first member 54a. The first member 54a and the second member 54b can each be formed by a generally hollow tube with a rectangular cross-section. In one example, the second member 54b has an outer dimension that is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the first member 54a, so that the second member 54b is seated in the first member 54a and will not rotate axially relative to the first member 54a. The first end of the first member 54a is fixedly attached to the base 70 of the second pivot 52 and rotates with the base 70, and therefore rotates relative to the first pivot 48, the mounting portion 28, and the vehicle 20 or other stable surface around the vertical axis 38 of the second pivot 52. A mechanical lock 86 is provided, which, when engaged, prevents the second member 54b from moving relative to the first member 54a. In the example shown, the lock 86 is an adjustable screw having an enlarged head in the shape of a handle, which is screwed into a complementary threaded hole (not shown) on the wall of the first member 54a and abuts against the surface of the second member 54b. When the screw is tightened against the second member 54b, the first member 54a and the second member 54b are longitudinally locked to each other; and when the screw is loosened, the second member 54b can move longitudinally relative to the first member 54a. It should be understood that the first member 54a can also be located within the second member 54b, so that the first member 54a has an outer dimension that is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the second member 54b, whereby the first member 54a will not rotate axially relative to the second member 54b. When the arm 30 is rotated about the vertical axes 36, 38 using only the first pivot 48 and the second pivot 52, the second end of the second arm portion 54 always moves in the same plane, regardless of whether such movement is caused by the rotation of the first pivot 48 or the second pivot 52, or by the longitudinal extension or retraction of the second arm portion 54 caused by the first member 54a and the second member 54b sliding telescopically. Although the second arm portion 54 is shown and described as two telescopic members 54a, 54b, the second arm portion 54 can also be formed by a single slender member.

[0034] The valve turning machine 34 is rigidly attached to the second end of the second arm 54. Figure 8As shown, the valve turning machine 34 includes a hydraulic motor 88 and an electronic controller 90. The electronic controller 90 may be detachable from the valve turning machine 34 but communicates with the valve turning machine 34 via wires (not shown) or via wireless technology. The electronic controller 90 includes a microprocessor having a memory for storing information about the valve 24 to be controlled (such as the direction of rotation for opening the valve 24, the number of turns for moving the valve 24 from a fully closed position to a fully open position, the maximum torque that can be applied to the valve stem of the valve 24, the current position of the valve 24 (open or closed), and the date the valve 24 was last manipulated). Using input from an operator (which may be provided by Fig. 9 Based on the information provided by the interface 92 schematically shown in FIG. 1 and the information in the memory, the electronic controller 90 operates a series of valves (not shown) to direct the flow of Fig. 9 88 is operated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by hydraulic fluid from a pump 94 schematically shown in FIG. 8 through a plurality of hoses. The motor 88 drives a rectangular sleeve 96 on the valve turning machine 34 into which a key 42 is inserted, the lower end of which fits on the valve stem of the valve 24 for rotating the valve 24. The key 42 may be polygonal and fit through a polygonal opening in the sleeve 96. The valve turning machine 34 is a valve turning machine of a type known in the art, and such a machine is further described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,996, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] Fig. 9 The first detent assembly 98 schematically shown in the figure can be configured to lock the first pivot 48 in place once a desired orientation for operating the valve 24 is achieved so that the first arm 50 does not rotate about the vertical axis 36. This prevents the first arm 50 from rotating about the vertical axis 36 relative to the mounting portion 28 and the vehicle 20 or other stable surface. Fig. 9 The second brake assembly 100 schematically shown in the figure can be arranged to lock the second pivot 52 in place once the desired position for operating the valve 24 is reached so that the second arm portion 54 cannot rotate about the vertical axis 38. This prevents the second arm portion 54 from rotating about the vertical axis 38 relative to the mounting portion 28 and the vehicle 20 or other stable surface. Each brake assembly 98, 100 can be controlled by the electronic controller 90. The bearing sets 60, 74 ensure that the second end of the second arm portion 54 can only move in a plane parallel to the vehicle 20 or other stable surface and therefore parallel to the ground 26 below, and when the two brake assemblies 98, 100 are disengaged, allow the operator to manipulate the arm 30 with only one hand.

[0036] refer to Figure 8, the handle 102 is disposed at the outer end of the valve turning machine 34, where it is easily grasped by the operator. A control button 104 may be disposed at the distal end of the handle 102 and provide input to the electronic controller 90. When the control button 104 is pressed, the electronic controller 90 operates to release the brake assemblies 98, 100 and enables the actuator 32 to operate and allow rotation around the pivots 48, 52. Conversely, when the control button 104 is not pressed, the electronic controller 90 operates to lock the brake assemblies 98, 100 (these brake assemblies lock the positions of the first pivot 48 and the second pivot 52 in their desired orientations), and disable the actuator 32 to lock the first arm 50 in its desired orientation. In one example, the brake assemblies 98, 100 may be hydraulic brakes and may be hydraulically actuated. In other examples, the hydraulic brake may be other types of brakes, including but not limited to disc brakes, pneumatic brakes, etc., and may include appropriate complementary components to actuate different types of brakes. Although the control button 104 is described as being at the end of the handle 102, the control button 104 may be located at any location that is convenient for the operator when manipulating the arm 30. Additionally, in some examples, multiple control buttons may be included in the valve operating device 22. In such an example, a first control button may be used to operate the first brake assembly 98, and a second control button may be used to operate the second brake assembly 100.

[0037] When the valve operating device 22 is not in use and is in the stored state (such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), the first arm 50 and the second arm 54 are vertically stacked and parallel to each other, which aligns the pivots 48, 52. The brake assemblies 98, 100 are locked so that the first arm 50 cannot rotate about the first pivot 48, and the second arm 54 cannot rotate about the second pivot 52. In addition, the actuator 32 is locked so that the first arm 50 cannot rotate about the pivot 80.

[0038] An operator using the vehicle 20 equipped with the valve operating device 22 drives the vehicle 20 to a position near the valve 24. Once the vehicle 20 is properly positioned, the operator can grasp the handle 102 with one hand, depress the control button 104 with the thumb of that hand, and manipulate the second end of the second arm 54 with the same hand until the second end is positioned directly above the valve 24 to be operated. During this movement, the first arm 50 can rotate about the vertical axis 36 defined by the first pivot 48 and thus rotate around the ground 26, the second arm 54 can rotate about the vertical axis 38 defined by the second pivot 52 and thus rotate around the ground 26, and the second arm 54 can be telescoped relative to the ground 26 in the longitudinal direction (if a telescopic second arm 54 is provided). The operator may rotate the first arm 50 about the horizontal axis 40, which causes the second arm 54 and the valve turning machine 34 to rotate about the horizontal axis 40 and be raised vertically to a higher or lower position than when in the stowed position, so that the valve turning machine 34 is properly positioned for operating the valve 24. In some cases, the valve 24 may interfere with the second arm 54 while the operator is manipulating the second end of the second arm 54 to be positioned directly above the valve 24, and the operator must rotate the first arm 50 about the horizontal axis 40 to move the valve 24 out of the way before the final positioning of the second arm 54. The continuous adjustment between the rotation of the first arm 50 and the movement of the second arm 54 may be performed in any order that the operator deems necessary to properly position the valve turning machine 34 for operating the valve 24. Of course, the operator may first rotate the first arm 50 about the horizontal axis 40 before any movement of the second arm 54. Thus, the arrangement of the arm 30 rotatable about two vertical axes 36 , 38 and one horizontal axis 40 provides the operator with great flexibility to position the valve turning machine 34 in a desired orientation relative to the valve 24 and relative to the ground 26 , especially if the ground 26 is uneven.

[0039] Once the arm 30 is properly positioned over the valve stem of the valve 24, the operator can release his grip on the control button 104, thereby locking the brake assemblies 98, 100 in their current orientation and thereby locking the actuator 32 to prevent further movement. With the first arm 50 and the second arm 54 locked, the operator can position the key 42 in the sleeve 96 of the valve turning machine 34, wherein the distal end of the key 42 fits on the valve stem of the valve 24. Once the key 42 is attached to the valve 24, the operator can then use the electronic controller 90 to operate the valve turning machine 34, thereby manipulating the valve 24, without requiring the operator to touch the valve turning machine 34 while it is being operated. Therefore, the operator does not have to use his body weight to resist the force generated by the torque applied to the valve to hold the valve turning machine 34, as is the case with machines mounted on prior art manipulator arms.

[0040] After the valve 24 has been fully actuated, the operator may remove the key 42 from the valve stem and sleeve 96, thereby disconnecting the valve turning machine 34 from the valve 24. The operator may then again grasp the handle 102 and depress the control button 104, thereby causing the brake assemblies 98, 100 to release and enabling actuation of the actuator 32. This allows the operator to easily manipulate the arm 30 and move the arm 30 to the stowed position for transport to another location.

[0041] It should be understood that the use of any orientation or directional terms herein, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "back", "left", "right", "side", etc., is not intended to imply only the only orientation of the items associated therewith, nor is it intended to limit the present disclosure in any way. The use of such orientation or directional terms is intended to aid in understanding the principles disclosed herein, and corresponds to the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The mounting portion 28 and the arm 30 are made with sufficient strength and rigidity to hold the valve turning machine 34 during operation. Specifically, the elongated arm portions 50, 54 are made strong enough, and the bearings 60, 74 of the pivots 48, 52 are large enough and rigid enough to hold the valve turning machine 34 at a fixed height against the gravitational force applied by the weight of the valve turning machine 34 and against the vertical force caused when the valve turning machine 34 applies torque to the valve stem of the valve 24. Therefore, when torque is applied to the valve 24, there will be no need for the operator to use his own body to resist the force of shaking and jerking the valve turning machine 34 to hold the valve turning machine 34.

[0043] It should also be understood that the use of numerical terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. should not be interpreted as implying an order or sequence of components or functions. Moreover, the use of these numerical terms is not intended to refer only to the components and / or functions in which they are utilized. Instead, the use of these numerical terms is only used to help the reader understand the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, a component in the specification may be referred to as a "first component", but the same component may be referred to in different ways in the claims (e.g., a second component or a third component).

[0044] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that the abstract is not used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it can be seen in the foregoing detailed description that various features are combined together in various embodiments in order to simplify the present disclosure. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as intended to indicate that the claimed embodiments require more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter includes fewer features than all the features of the disclosed individual embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently becoming a separately claimed subject matter.

[0045] Furthermore, the following examples are provided, which are numbered for ease of reference.

[0046] 1. A valve operating device, comprising: a first pivot; a second pivot;

[0047] A first arm portion, the first arm portion is between the first pivot and the second pivot, wherein the first arm portion is configured to rotate about a first vertical axis defined by the first pivot and is configured to pivot about a horizontal axis defined by the first pivot, and the first arm portion is configured to pivot relative to the second pivot; a second arm portion, the second arm portion extends from the second pivot, wherein the second arm portion is configured to rotate about a second vertical axis defined by the second pivot; a valve operating machine, the valve operating machine is attached to the second end of the second arm portion; and an actuator, the actuator is connected between the first pivot and the first arm portion and is configured to cause the first arm portion, the second pivot, the second arm portion, and the valve operating machine to pivot upward and downward about the horizontal axis relative to the first pivot.

[0048] 2. The valve operating device as described in Example 1, wherein the actuator is one of an electric cylinder, a linear actuator, and a hydraulic cylinder.

[0049] 3. The valve operating device of Example 1, wherein the actuator is pivotally connected to the first pivot.

[0050] 4. The valve operating device as described in Example 1 further includes a mounting member for retaining the valve operating device to a vehicle.

[0051] 5. A valve operating device as described in Example 4, wherein the first arm, the second pivot, the second arm, and the valve operating machine are capable of pivoting about the first pivot and the second pivot to vertically align the first pivot and the second pivot into a storage orientation on the vehicle.

[0052] 6. The valve operating device of example 1, wherein the first arm portion comprises an upper arm member and a lower arm member.

[0053] 7. A valve operating device as described in Example 6, wherein each pivot includes a mounting cup rotatably mounted on the base.

[0054] 8. The valve operating device of Example 7, wherein each mounting cup has a bracket extending therefrom, the first arm being attached to the bracket.

[0055] 9. The valve operating device of Example 6 further comprises a mounting member for retaining the valve operating device to a vehicle.

[0056] 10. The valve operating device of Example 6, wherein the second arm portion includes a first member and a second member that are telescopic relative to each other.

[0057] 11. The valve operating device of example 10, wherein the first member and the second member of the second arm portion are selectively lockable in position relative to each other.

[0058] 12. The valve operator of Example 1, wherein each pivot comprises a mounting cup rotatably mounted on a base.

[0059] 13. The valve operating device of Example 12, wherein each mounting cup has a bracket extending therefrom, the first arm being attached to the bracket.

[0060] 14. The valve operating device of example 1, further comprising a first brake configured to lock the first pivot shaft to a desired orientation, and a second brake configured to lock the second pivot shaft to a desired orientation.

[0061] 15. The valve operating device of example 14, wherein the first brake and the second brake are hydraulic.

[0062] 16. The valve operating device of example 14, further comprising an electronic controller configured to control operation of the first brake and the second brake.

[0063] 17. The valve operating device as described in Example 1 further includes a handle on the valve operating machine.

[0064] 18. A valve operating device, comprising: a first pivot; a mounting member for retaining the first pivot to a vehicle; a second pivot; a first arm portion, the first arm portion being between the first pivot and the second pivot, wherein the first arm portion is configured to rotate about a first vertical axis defined by the first pivot and to pivot about a horizontal axis defined by the first pivot, the first arm portion being configured to pivot relative to the second pivot, the first arm portion including an upper arm member and a lower arm member; a first brake, the first brake being configured to lock the first pivot to a desired orientation; a second arm portion, the second arm portion extending from the second pivot, wherein the second arm portion is configured The second arm comprises a first member and a second member that are telescopic relative to each other and capable of being locked in position relative to each other, causing rotation about a second vertical axis defined by the second pivot, the second arm comprising a first member and a second member that are telescopic relative to each other and capable of being locked in position relative to each other; a valve operating machine that is attached to the second end of the second arm; a second brake that is configured to lock the second pivot to a desired orientation; an actuator that is pivotally connected between the first pivot and the first arm and is configured to cause the first arm, the second pivot, the second arm, and the valve operating machine to pivot up and down relative to the first pivot about the horizontal axis; and a handle on the valve operating machine.

[0065] 19. The valve operating device of Example 18, wherein the actuator is one of an electric cylinder, a linear actuator, and a hydraulic cylinder.

[0066] 20. The valve operator of Example 18, wherein each pivot comprises a mounting cup rotatably mounted on a base, each mounting cup having a bracket extending therefrom, the first arm being attached to the bracket.

[0067] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be limited except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve operating device, comprising: a first pivot axis defining a first vertical axis and a first horizontal axis; a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis defining a second vertical axis and a second horizontal axis; a first arm portion, the first arm portion being between the first pivot and the second pivot, wherein the first arm portion is configured to rotate about the first vertical axis defined by the first pivot and is configured to pivot about the first horizontal axis defined by the first pivot, and the first arm portion is configured to pivot about the second horizontal axis defined by the second pivot; a second arm extending from the second pivot, wherein the second arm is configured to rotate about the second vertical axis defined by the second pivot; a valve turning machine fixedly attached to an end of the second arm portion, the valve turning machine being operable to turn a key to operate a valve; and An actuator is connected between the first pivot and the first arm and is configured to pivot the first arm, the second pivot, the second arm, and the valve turning machine upward and downward relative to the first pivot about the first horizontal axis.

2. The valve operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is one of an electric cylinder, a linear actuator, and a hydraulic cylinder.

3. The valve operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is pivotably connected to the first pivot.

4. The valve operating device of claim 1, further comprising a mounting member for retaining the valve operating device to a vehicle.

5. The valve operating device according to claim 4, wherein: The first arm, the second pivot, the second arm, and the valve turning machine are pivotable about the first pivot and the second pivot to vertically align the first pivot and the second pivot in a stowed orientation on the vehicle.

6. The valve operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The first arm portion includes an upper arm member and a lower arm member.

7. The valve operating device according to claim 6, wherein: Each pivot includes a mounting cup rotatably mounted on a base frame.

8. The valve operating device according to claim 7, wherein: Each mounting cup has a bracket extending therefrom, to which the first arm is attached.

9. The valve operating device of claim 6, further comprising a mounting member for retaining the valve operating device to a vehicle.

10. The valve operating device according to claim 6, wherein: The second arm includes a first member and a second member that telescope relative to each other.

11. The valve operating device according to claim 10, wherein: The first member and the second member of the second arm are selectively lockable in position relative to each other.

12. The valve operating device according to claim 1, wherein: Each pivot includes a mounting cup rotatably mounted on a base frame.

13. The valve operating device according to claim 12, wherein: Each mounting cup has a bracket extending therefrom, to which the first arm is attached.

14. The valve operating device of claim 1, further comprising a first brake configured to lock the first pivot shaft in a desired orientation, and a second brake configured to lock the second pivot shaft in a desired orientation.

15. The valve operating device according to claim 14, wherein: The first brake and the second brake are hydraulic.

16. The valve operating device of claim 14, further comprising an electronic controller configured to control operation of the first brake and the second brake.

17. The valve operating device of claim 1, further comprising a handle on the valve turning machine.

18. A valve operating device, comprising: a first pivot axis defining a first vertical axis and a first horizontal axis; a mounting member for retaining the first pivot shaft to a vehicle; a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis defining a second vertical axis and a second horizontal axis; a first arm portion, the first arm portion being between the first pivot and the second pivot, wherein the first arm portion is configured to rotate about the first vertical axis defined by the first pivot and is configured to pivot about the first horizontal axis defined by the first pivot, the first arm portion being configured to pivot about the second horizontal axis defined by the second pivot, the first arm portion comprising an upper arm member and a lower arm member; a first brake configured to lock the first pivot shaft in a desired orientation; a second arm extending from the second pivot, wherein the second arm is configured to rotate about the second vertical axis defined by the second pivot, the second arm comprising a first member and a second member that telescope relative to each other and are lockable in position relative to each other; a valve turning machine fixedly attached to an end of the second arm portion, the valve turning machine being operable to turn a key to operate a valve; a second brake configured to lock the second pivot shaft in a desired orientation; an actuator pivotably connected between the first pivot and the first arm and configured to pivot the first arm, the second pivot, the second arm, and the valve turning machine upward and downward about the first horizontal axis relative to the first pivot; and The valve turns a handle on the machine.

19. The valve operating device according to claim 18, wherein: The actuator is one of an electric cylinder, a linear actuator, and a hydraulic cylinder.

20. The valve operating device according to claim 18, wherein: Each pivot includes a mounting cup rotatably mounted on a base frame, each mounting cup having a bracket extending therefrom, the first arm being attached to the bracket.

21. A valve operating device, comprising any one or a combination of technical features in claims 1-17.

22. A valve operating device, comprising any one or a combination of technical features in claims 18-20.

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