Patent ID: 6725130
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in association with an electro-mechanical distribution system characterized by at least one branch, a flowable entity for being distributed by said electro-mechanical distribution system to some degree by way of said at least one branch, at least one source of said entity, and at least one station for affecting distribution of said entity, said at least one station being in communication with said at least one branch, each said station including switching means and a pair of sensing means on both sides of said switching means; said apparatus being for isolating at least one fault condition within said electro-mechanical distribution system, said apparatus comprising at least one machine having a memory, each said machine being connected with a said station, each said machine receiving input from the corresponding pair of said sensing means, each said machine effectuating control with respect to the corresponding said switching means, each said machine containing a data representation of a stepped control logic scheme which defines said effectuating control and which relates to the corresponding pair of said sensing means and the corresponding said switching means, said stepped control logic scheme including a normal mode and a fault mode, wherein the indication of a fault condition by at least one of the corresponding pair of said sensing means at any time during said normal mode results in a change from said normal mode to said fault mode, and wherein the simultaneity of indication of a normal condition by both of the corresponding pair of said sensing means at any time during said fault mode results in a change from said fault mode to said normal mode.