Memory stop

A memory stop includes: a cover plate; a memory bracket secured to the cover plate, the memory bracket defining a plurality of stopper positions; and a stopper attached to the memory bracket at a one of the plurality of stopper positions. A method of using a memory stop includes: moving a stopper of the memory stop to a memory position, the memory stop including a cover plate, a memory bracket secured to the cover plate and defining a plurality of stopper positions, and the stopper attached to the memory bracket; and securing the stopper to the memory bracket at the memory position, wherein the memory position is at one of the plurality of stopper positions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to gear operators. More specifically, this disclosure relates to memory stops for gear operators.

BACKGROUND

Valves are used to regulate or control the movement of a fluid in a fluid system by opening and closing various passageways within the fluid system. For example, a balancing valve is a type of valve designed for balancing hot and cold water in a fluid system. Such a fluid system can be installed in structures such as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and a variety of other facilities that use hot or chilled water for heating or cooling or both. In some fluid systems, the valve may be opened or closed to various positions to achieve various fluid flow rates through the fluid system.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a memory stop including: a cover plate; a memory bracket secured to the cover plate, the memory bracket defining a plurality of stopper positions; and a stopper attached to the memory bracket at a one of the plurality of stopper positions.

Also disclosed is a system including: a gearbox; and a memory stop including a cover plate secured to the gearbox, the memory stop further including a memory bracket secured to the cover plate, the memory bracket defining a plurality of stopper positions, and a stopper attached to the memory bracket at one of the plurality of stopper positions.

Also disclosed is a method of using a memory stop including: moving a stopper of the memory stop to a memory position, the memory stop including a cover plate, a memory bracket secured to the cover plate and defining a plurality of stopper positions, and the stopper attached to the memory bracket; and securing the stopper to the memory bracket at the memory position, wherein the memory position is at one of the plurality of stopper positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a memory stop and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The memory stop includes a cover plate, an indicator plate, and a memory bracket. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed memory stop is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One embodiment of a memory stop100is disclosed and described inFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1, the memory stop100includes a cover plate102, an indicator plate104, and a memory bracket106. In the present embodiment, the memory bracket106is graduated.FIGS. 1 and 2show the memory stop100mounted on a gearbox108, which is mounted on a valve assembly110of a fluid system in various embodiments. In various embodiments, it is beneficial to be able to open or close a valve (not shown) of the valve assembly110to the exact same position with each use to maintain a desired flow through a fluid system. In various embodiments, such as with a balancing valve, it is beneficial to open the valve of the valve assembly110to a balance point, which is a position between a fully opened position and a fully closed position, to obtain a particular balance of hot and cold water within the fluid system.

The valve assembly110includes a body112with an interior114that is substantially continuous through the body112from an inlet118defined at a first end116to an outlet (not shown) defined at a second end120. As shown inFIG. 1, in various embodiments, first end116includes a first end flange134and the second end120includes a second end flange136; however, in various other embodiments, the first end116may not include the first end flange134or the second end120may not include the second end flange136. The interior114defines a fluid bore122having a valve cavity138. The valve cavity138and fluid bore122allow fluid flow through the valve assembly110such that in operation, fluid enters the valve assembly110at the inlet118, flows through the fluid bore122and valve cavity138, and exits the valve assembly110at the outlet.

In the current embodiment, the valve assembly110is a plug valve; however, the disclosure of the plug valve should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, the valve assembly110may be any desired type of valve assembly such as a ball valve, a butterfly valve, gate valve, a cone valve, or various other valve types suitable for controlling fluid flow through the body112. In the current embodiment, the valve assembly110includes a plug (not shown) in various embodiments within the valve cavity138of the body112. In various embodiments, the plug is a half-moon shape. In various embodiments, the plug is a component of the valve assembly110that is rotated to open and close the valve cavity138and either prevents or permits fluid flow through the valve cavity138. A valve stem200(shown inFIG. 2) is connected to the plug such that movement of the valve stem200moves the plug. Depending on a position of the plug within the valve cavity138, the plug may either permit or prevent fluid flow through the body112. When the plug is in an open position, fluid is allowed to flow through the interior114of the body112from the inlet118to the outlet. In a fully open position, the plug provides little to no obstruction of the flow path of the fluid through the body112. When the plug is in a fully closed position, the plug blocks or prevents fluid flow through the body112from the inlet118to the outlet.

In various embodiments, the valve assembly110includes an inlet pressure tap124defined in the body112proximate to the inlet118at the first end116. The valve assembly110also includes an outlet pressure tap126defined in the body112proximate to the outlet at the second end120in various embodiments. A differential pressure meter (not shown) may be connected to the pressure taps124,126to measure the pressure drop across the valve assembly110. The pressure drop across the valve assembly110is related to a velocity of a fluid through the valve assembly110, a flow rate of the fluid through the valve assembly110, and a position of the plug as shown in the chart ofFIG. 19. Accordingly, the position of the plug may be adjusted to adjust the pressure drop across the valve assembly110, the velocity of fluid, and the flow of fluid through the valve assembly110.

An input shaft130may be connected to a gear202(shown inFIG. 2) housed in a body128of the gearbox108in various embodiments. In the present embodiment, a hand wheel132is mounted on the input shaft130and is adapted to rotate the input shaft130. In various embodiments, the gear202is engaged with a quad gear segment204(shown inFIG. 2). The hand wheel132is thereby connected to the quad gear segment204through the input shaft130and the gear202. The hand wheel132is utilized to rotate the quad gear segment204through the gear202. The quad gear segment204is engaged with the valve stem200and is adapted to rotate the valve stem200as the gear202rotates the quad gear segment204. The disclosure of the gearbox108having the body128, gear202, and quad gear segment204should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any suitable gearbox or actuating mechanism for rotating the valve stem200may be utilized. The actuation mechanism may be selected from the group including, but not limited to, the hand wheel132, a rod, a lever, a motor, or various other mechanisms suitable for at least indirectly rotating the valve stem200.

In various embodiments, the hand wheel132is secured to the input shaft130through a securing pin214(shown inFIG. 2) secured in a pin bore300(shown inFIG. 2); however in various other embodiments, any suitable securing mechanism, such as pins (including cotter pins and roller pins), screws, nuts and bolts, keys or splines, weldments, or various other suitable securing mechanisms may be utilized to secure the hand wheel132to the input shaft130. The disclosure of the hand wheel132should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, various other mechanisms such as a rod, lever, motor, or various other mechanisms suitable for rotating the input shaft130may be utilized.

As previously described, rotation of the input shaft130causes rotation of the quad gear segment204through the gear202. Accordingly, rotation of the quad gear segment204rotates the valve stem200and moves the plug between the open and closed position. The memory stop100is adapted to indicate the position of the plug within the body112as the plug is moved and positioned between the open and closed position. The disclosure of the valve gearbox108should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various embodiments, any desired type of gearbox108may be utilized.

FIG. 2shows a partially-exploded view of the memory stop100, gearbox108, and valve assembly110. As shown inFIG. 2, in various embodiments, the valve stem200defines a stem notch206dimensioned to accept a key208within the notch206. The valve stem200may be connected to the quad gear segment204of the gearbox108through the key208such that the quad gear segment204rotates the valve stem200and actuates the plug between the open and closed positions.

In various embodiments, four securing bolts216are utilized to secure the gearbox108to the valve assembly110; however, the number of securing bolts216should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In addition, in various other embodiments, screws, pins, hooks, nuts and bolts, weldments, or various other securing mechanisms may be utilized to secure the gearbox108to the valve assembly110. In various embodiments, the securing bolts216are positioned through securing bores (not shown) defined in the gearbox108to engage valve securing bores218on a mounting collar220of the valve assembly110. In various embodiments, a riser ring260, which is a spacer, is positioned around the valve stem200between the mounting collar220and the gearbox108. In various embodiments, the securing bolts216are also positioned through riser bores222of the riser ring260. In various embodiments, the riser ring260is annular shaped and defines a riser ring opening262; however, the disclosure of the shape of the riser ring260should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, the riser ring260may have any desired shape. The disclosure of the riser ring260should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

As previously described, in various embodiments, the gearbox108houses the gear202engaged to the quad gear segment204in the body128of the gearbox108. The quad gear segment204defines a gear bore210with bore notches212. In the present embodiment, the gear bore210includes four bore notches212; however the number of bore notches212should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any desired number of bore notches212, including no bore notches212, may be included. In addition, the shape of the bore notches212should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various embodiments, the quad gear segment204is adapted to receive the valve stem200in the gear bore210and adapted to receive the key208in one of the bore notches212. In this manner, the key208engages both the quad gear segment204and the valve stem200, and rotation of the quad gear segment204rotates the valve stem200through the key208. The disclosure of the key208should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, various other engagement mechanisms, such as a pin, bolt, hook, clasp, rod, or various other engagement mechanisms suitable for engaging the quad gear segment204with the valve stem200may be utilized such that the quad gear segment204rotates the valve stem200.

The cover plate102of the memory stop100includes a top side224and a bottom side226. In various embodiments, the cover plate102defines nine connecting bores228extending from the top side224to the bottom side226of the cover plate102; however, the number of connecting bores228should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any desired number of connecting bores228may be utilized.

In various embodiments, the cover plate102is secured to the gearbox108with seven securing bolts230positioned in the connecting bores228of the cover plate102and through cover bores232defined in the body128of the gearbox108. The number of securing bolts230should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In addition, the disclosure of securing bolts230as the securing mechanism should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any securing mechanism may be utilized suitable for securing the cover plate102to the gearbox108, including, but not limited to, pins, screws, hooks, and various other mechanisms. In various other embodiments, the cover plate102is integral with the body128of the gearbox108such that the cover plate102is integral or monolithically formed with the side walls of the body128. For example, in various other embodiments, the gearbox108includes a removable plate at a back of the body128opposite the side of the body128to which the memory stop100is attached.

The cover plate102also defines four retaining bores234a,b,c,din various embodiments. The cover plate102includes four bosses1502a,b,c,d(shown inFIG. 15) on a cavity bottom surface1606(shown inFIG. 15) of the cover plate102at locations corresponding to the locations of the retaining bores234a,b,c,d, respectively. However, the number of retaining bores234or bosses1502should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any desired number of retaining bores234or bosses1502may be utilized. In various embodiments, the retaining bores234are blind holes that extend from the top side224partially into the cover plate102. The retaining bores234extend partially through the cover plate102to protect the gear202from external elements, such as dust or water, which may otherwise enter the gearbox108through the retaining bores234if they were to extend fully through the cover plate102. The retaining bores234are adapted to receive retaining bolts236, respectively, and secure the memory bracket106to the cover plate102. In various embodiments, the retaining bolts236may be used with spacers238are to secure the memory bracket106to the cover plate102. In the present embodiment, two retaining bolts236and two spacers238are utilized to secure the memory bracket106to the cover plate102; however, the number of retaining bolts236or spacers238should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In addition, the disclosure of retaining bolts236and spacers238as the retaining mechanism should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any retaining mechanism may be utilized suitable for securing the memory bracket106to the cover plate102, including, but not limited to, pins, screws, hooks, and various other mechanisms.

In various embodiments, the cover plate102includes more retaining bores234than are required to secure the memory bracket106to the cover plate102. In these embodiments, the orientation of the memory bracket106relative to the cover plate102may be varied depending on which retaining bores234are utilized to retain the memory bracket106on the cover plate102. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the memory bracket106may be retained on the cover plate102opposite from the side where the input shaft130is connected to the gearbox108. As illustrated inFIG. 1, when the input shaft130is connected to a left side of the gearbox108, the retaining bores234a,bmay be utilized to retain the memory bracket106to the cover plate102such that the memory bracket106is over a right portion of the top side224. In various embodiments when the input shaft130is connected to a right side of the gearbox108(not shown), the retaining bores234c,dmay be utilized to retain to memory bracket106to the cover plate102such that the memory bracket106is over a left portion of the top side224.

In various embodiments, an operator may change the orientation of the memory bracket106relative to the cover plate102to control whether clock-wise rotation of the input shaft130opens the valve assembly110and counter-clockwise rotation of the input shaft130closes the valve assembly110, or vice versa, as described in greater detail below. Additionally, in various embodiments, because the orientation of the valve assembly110may be different in different installations, the operator may orient the memory bracket106to the most convenient orientation for the operator relative to the valve assembly110.

As shown inFIG. 2, the cover plate102defines a segment bore240in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the cover plate102includes a segment collar242surrounding the segment bore240at the top side224. The cover plate102may also include position indicators (not shown), such as “OPEN” or “CLOSED,” imprinted on the top side224in various embodiments. In various other embodiments, the position indicators may be any desired position indicators such as words, text, colors, or various other types of position indicators. In addition, in various embodiments, the position indicators may be defined in the cover plate102or may be attached to the cover plate102through various connecting mechanisms such as adhesives, glues, welding, hooks, pins, nuts and bolts, or various other connecting mechanisms.

The indicator plate104includes a hub244and an indicator arm246. In various embodiments, the hub244is positioned over the segment bore240of the cover plate102such that the hub244covers the segment bore240. In various embodiments, the hub244contacts the segment collar242. In various embodiments, the indicator plate104defines indicator plate bores248extending through the hub244. In various embodiments, securing bolts250are positioned through the indicator plate bores248and the segment bore240to engage securing bores252defined in the quad gear segment204. In this manner, the indicator plate104is secured to the quad gear segment204such that as the quad gear segment204rotates, the indicator plate104likewise rotates. The number of indicator plate bores248, securing bolts250, and securing bores252should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, and desired number of indicator plate bores248, securing bolts250, and securing bores252may be utilized.

The memory bracket106includes a bracket body256. In various embodiments, the memory bracket106defines a plurality of stopper positions, which may be positions in a channel, a series of holes, or a series of notches or other position indicators that a stopper302can be positioned at. In various embodiments, the bracket body256defines a stopper channel258. As previously described, the memory bracket106is secured to the cover plate102through the retaining bolts236with the spacers238in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the stopper302is retained within the stopper channel258, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 3shows the memory stop100attached to the gearbox108.FIG. 4shows a partially exploded view of the memory stop100and the gearbox108. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, in various embodiments, in addition to the securing bolts230securing the cover plate102to the gearbox108, the cover plate102may also include lifting eye bolts324. In various embodiments, the lifting eye bolts324are secured in the connecting bores228of the cover plate102and attached to the body128of the gearbox108. In various embodiments, the lifting eye bolts324may be utilized to lift the memory stop100or the memory stop100mounted on the gearbox108through lifting mechanisms such as the operator's hand or hands, ropes, chains, or various other suitable lifting mechanisms. In the present embodiment, the cover plate102includes two lifting eye bolts324. The number of lifting eye bolts324should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any desired number of lifting eye bolts324, including zero lifting eye bolts324, may be utilized.

The bracket body256of the memory bracket106includes a top side304and a bottom side306. The bracket body256includes a first end310and a second end312. As shown inFIG. 3, in various embodiments, the bracket body256is arcuate between the first end310and the second end312. The shape of the bracket body256should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various embodiments, the stopper channel258is arcuate between a first stopper channel end316and a second stopper channel end318such that the stopper channel258defines an arcuate path for the stopper302to move along for easy radial positioning of the stopper302. In various other embodiments, the stopper channel258may have other shapes defining a path for the stopper302to move along.

In the present embodiment, the memory bracket106includes two bracket legs308a,b; however, the number of bracket legs308should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any desired number of bracket legs308may be utilized. As shown inFIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the bracket leg308ais attached to the bracket body256at the first end310and the bracket leg308bis attached to the bracket body256at the second end312.

In various embodiments, the memory stop100defines an indicator channel314between the bottom side306of the memory bracket106, the top side224of the cover plate102, the bracket leg308a, and the bracket leg308b. As shown inFIG. 3, the indicator arm246of the indicator plate104is positioned within the indicator channel314. The indicator arm246is adapted to move within the indicator channel314between the bracket legs308a,bas the quad gear segment204connected to the indicator plate104and valve stem200is rotated.

The indicator arm246may engage the bracket legs308a,bwithin the indicator channel314. A distance between the bracket legs308a,bdefines a maximum rotational motion of the indicator arm246. Because the indicator arm246of the indicator plate104is connected to the valve stem200through the quad gear segment204, the distance between the bracket legs308a,balso defines a maximum rotational motion of the quad gear segment204and the valve stem200. In this manner, the rotation of the indicator arm246directly correlates to rotation of the valve stem200at a 1:1 ratio in the current embodiment because both are connected to the quad gear segment204. Accordingly, a position of the indicator arm246directly indicates a position of the valve stem200and thereby a position of the plug.

As described above, in various embodiments, the operator may change the orientation of the memory bracket106relative to the cover plate102to control whether clockwise rotation of the input shaft130moves the plug of the valve assembly110to the open position and counter-clockwise rotation of the input shaft130moves the plug of the valve assembly110to the closed position, or vice versa. In various embodiments, when the indicator arm246is positioned within the indicator channel314proximate to or engaging the bracket leg308b, the plug is in the fully opened position, and when the indicator arm246is positioned within the indicator channel314proximate to or engaging the bracket leg308a, the plug is in the fully closed position. In various other embodiments, when the indicator arm246is positioned within the indicator channel314proximate to or engaging the bracket leg308b, the plug is in the fully closed position, and when the indicator arm246is positioned within the indicator channel314proximate to or engaging the bracket leg308a, the plug of the valve assembly110is in the fully open position.

As shown inFIG. 3, in various embodiments, the memory bracket106is graduated and includes a plurality of graduation marks320. In the present embodiment, the graduation marks320of the memory bracket106are spaced in 10° increments between 0° and 90°; however, in various other embodiments, the graduation marks320of the memory bracket106may be spaced at various other increments and in a range other than between 0° and 90°. In various other embodiments, the graduation marks320may be spaced at increments corresponding to various percentages of a characteristic of the fluid flowing through the valve assembly110, as described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 19. For example, in various embodiments, the graduation marks320may be spaced at various percentages of flow through the valve assembly110, various head loss pressures across the valve assembly110, various velocities of fluid through the valve assembly110, or various other characteristics of the fluid flowing through the valve assembly110. The graduation marks320may be spaced at 5 percentage increments, 10 percentage increments, 25 percentage increments, or any other desired increments.

As shown inFIG. 3, the memory stop100includes the stopper302positioned within the stopper channel258of the memory bracket106. In various embodiments, the stopper302extends through the stopper channel258and into the indicator channel314such that the stopper302engages the indicator arm246. The stopper302is adapted to be moved within the stopper channel258of the memory bracket106and secured to the bracket body256at various locations along the stopper channel258between the first stopper channel end316and the second stopper channel end318.

FIG. 4discloses the stopper302including a bolt400, a first washer402, a second washer406, and a nut404. In various embodiments, the bolt400extends through the stopper channel258and into the indicator channel314. The first washer402contacts the top side304of the bracket body256of the memory bracket106and the second washer406contacts the bottom side306of the bracket body256of the memory bracket106. In various embodiments, the bolt400includes threading that the nut404engages to secure the bolt400within the stopper channel258at a desired position. The nut404may be unsecured such that the bolt400and therefore stopper302may be moved and secured at various locations within the stopper channel258. The disclosure of the bolt400, the first washer402, the second washer406, and the nut404should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, the stopper302may include any components that may be moved within the stopper channel258and selectively secured to the memory bracket106at various locations along the stopper channel258.

In various embodiments, the position at which the stopper302is secured within the stopper channel258defines a memory position. In various embodiments, the stopper302is secured within the stopper channel258at one of the graduation marks320on the bracket body256. In various embodiments, the graduation marks320correspond directly with the degree to which the plug of the valve assembly110is angled open or closed. As described in greater detail below, the degree to which the plug of the valve assembly110is angled open or closed is related to head loss pressure within the valve assembly110, velocity of a fluid through the valve assembly110, and flow through the valve assembly110. In this manner, the position of the stopper302within the stopper channel258may be varied to control the head loss pressure within the valve assembly110, velocity of a fluid through the valve assembly110, and flow through the valve assembly110.

In various embodiments, the indicator arm246engages the stopper302at the memory position. The stopper302at the memory position limits the rotational motion of the indicator arm246to between the bracket leg308aand stopper302within the indicator channel314or between the bracket leg308band the stopper302within the indicator channel314. As the quad gear segment204rotates the indicator plate104and the indicator arm246, the memory bracket106and cover plate102remain stationary relative to the quad gear segment204and indicator plate104and do not move as the quad gear segment204and indicator plate104are rotated.

FIG. 5shows a top view of the memory stop100mounted on the gearbox108.FIG. 6shows a side view of the memory stop100mounted on the gearbox108.

FIGS. 7-10show the memory bracket106. As shown inFIG. 7, the memory bracket106includes the bracket body256defining the stopper channel258and having the bracket legs308a,b. In various embodiments, each bracket leg308a,bincludes a leg tab700a,b, respectively. Each leg tab700a,bdefines a tab bore702a,b, respectively. In various embodiments, the tab bores702a,bare dimensioned to receive the retaining bolts236through the leg tabs700a,b, respectively, to secure the memory bracket106to the cover plate102. Depending on the orientation of the memory bracket106, the tab bores702a,bmay be aligned with the retaining bores234a,b, respectively, or may be aligned with the retaining bores234c,d, respectively. In various embodiments, the leg tabs700a,bare orthogonal to the bracket legs308a,b, respectively and the bracket legs308a,bare orthogonal to the bracket body256. However, the orientation of the leg tabs700a,brelative to the bracket legs308a,bor the orientation of the bracket legs308a,brelative to the bracket body256should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 7, the top side304of the memory bracket106defines a top side surface704. In various embodiments, the graduation marks320are defined in the top side surface704. In various other embodiments, the graduation marks320are attached to the top side surface704. In various embodiments, the graduation marks320are decals or other indicators attachable to the memory bracket106. In various other embodiments, the graduation marks320may be molded, cast, stamped, cut, painted, or applied to the memory bracket106through any other suitable mechanism.

As shown inFIG. 8, in various embodiments, the bottom side306includes a bottom side surface800and a recessed surface802. In various embodiments, a thickness of the bracket body256between the top side surface704and the bottom side surface800is greater than a thickness of the bracket body256between the top side surface704and the recessed surface802. As shown inFIG. 8, the stopper channel258is defined through the body256from the top side surface704to the bottom side surface800. In various embodiments, as shown inFIG. 10, a thickness W1from the top side surface704to the bottom side surface800is greater than a thickness W2from the top side surface704to the recessed surface802. Because the body256is thicker between the top side surface704and the bottom side surface800, the body256may more securely support the stopper302within the stopper channel258.

As shown inFIG. 9, in various embodiments, two adjacent graduation marks320are spaced by an angular distance of θ. In the present embodiment, θ is 10°; however, in various other embodiments, θ may be any other desired angle. In various other embodiments, the angular distance between two adjacent graduation marks320may be different from an angular distance between another two adjacent graduation marks320.

FIGS. 11-13show the indicator plate104. The indicator plate104includes the hub244and the indicator arm246. In various embodiments, the hub244and indicator arm246are monolithically formed. In various other embodiments, the indicator arm246is attached to the hub244through attachment mechanisms such as welding, adhesives, glues, nuts and bolts, pins, or various other attachment mechanisms.

In various embodiments, the hub244includes a top side1100, a bottom side1102, and a lateral side1104. The hub244defines a top side surface1116at the top side1100. As shown inFIG. 11, in various embodiments, the hub244defines a tapered edge1106between the top side1100and the lateral side1104. In various embodiments, the lateral side1104has a circular profile; however the profile of the hub244should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, the hub244may have any desired shape profile.

The indicator arm246is on the top side1100of the hub244and includes a body1114having a first end1110and a second end1112. In various embodiments, the body1114projects upwards from the top side surface1116of the hub244. The first end1110extends away from the hub244such that the first end1110is positioned beyond the lateral side1104of the hub244. In various embodiments, the indicator arm246includes a position indicator1108. The position indicator1108may be defined in the indicator arm246or may be attached to the indicator arm246. In various embodiments, the position indicator1108may be omitted.

FIG. 12shows a top view of the indicator plate104.FIG. 13shows a bottom view of the indicator plate104. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the indicator plate bores248extend through the hub244from the top side1100to the bottom side1102, respectively. As shown inFIG. 13, the bottom side1102of the indicator plate104defines a bottom side surface1306. In various embodiments, the hub244includes a hub cavity1300at the bottom side1102. In various embodiments, the hub cavity1300includes a cavity side surface1302and a cavity bottom surface1304. In various embodiments, the hub cavity1300covers the gear bore210of the quad gear segment204when the indicator plate104is secured to the quad gear segment204.

FIGS. 14-16show the cover plate102. The cover plate102includes the top side224and the bottom side226. The cover plate102also includes the connecting bores228, retaining bores234, and the segment bore240. The segment collar242is positioned on the top side224surrounding the segment bore240. The cover plate102may also include position indicators (not shown) defined on the top side224in various embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 14, the cover plate102includes a lateral side1400. In various embodiments, the cover plate102includes a tapered edge1402between the lateral side1400and the top side224. The lateral side1400defines a profile shape of the cover plate102. In various embodiments, the cover plate102has a shape which matches a profile shape of the gearbox108to which the cover plate102is secured. The shape of the cover plate102or the gearbox108should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as the cover plate102or gearbox108may have any desired shape in various embodiments.

FIG. 15shows a bottom view of the cover plate102.FIG. 16shows a top view of the cover plate102. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, the connecting bores228and the segment bore240are defined through the cover plate102and extend from the top side224to the bottom side226, respectively. In various embodiments, the retaining bores234are defined in the cover plate102and extend into the cover plate102from the top side224. In various embodiments, the retaining bores234are blind holes and do not extend from the top side224to the bottom side226, though the retaining bores234may be through holes in various other embodiments. In the present embodiment, the lifting bolts324are attached in two of the connecting bores228and securing bolts230are attached in the remaining connecting bores228. In various embodiments, the bottom side226of the cover plate102defines a bottom side surface1600. In various embodiments, the cover plate102includes a cover cavity1602at the bottom side226. As shown inFIG. 15, cover cavity1602includes a cavity side surface1604and the cavity bottom surface1606.

FIG. 17shows another embodiment of a memory stop100′ including a cover plate102′, the memory bracket106, and the indicator plate104mounted on a gearbox108′. As shown inFIG. 17, the cover plate102′ includes a top side224′, a bottom side226′, and a lateral side1400′. The lateral side1400′ defines a profile shape of the cover plate102′ when viewed from a direction normal to the top side224′, which may be dimensioned to match a shape of the gearbox108′ when viewed from the same perspective. Each of the shape of the cover plate102′ and the shape of the gearbox108′ is different from the shape of the cover plate102and the shape of the gearbox108′, respectively. None of the shape of the cover plate102′, the shape of the cover plate102, the shape of the gearbox108′, or the shape of the gearbox108should be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

The gearbox108′ may be similar to the gearbox108and may include the input shaft130connected to a gear (not shown) housed in a body128′ of the gearbox108′. In various embodiments, the gear is engaged with a quad gear segment (not shown), which may be engaged with a valve stem (not shown). The cover plate102′ is secured to the gearbox108′ through the securing bolts230. In the present embodiment, the memory stop100′ includes ten securing bolts230; however the number of securing bolts230should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The disclosure of the gearbox108′ having the body128′, gear, and quad gear segment should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any suitable gearbox or actuating mechanism may be utilized.

FIG. 18shows the cover plate102′. Similar to the cover plate102, the cover plate102′ includes the top side224′ and the bottom side226′. The cover plate102′ also includes the connecting bores228and the segment bore240defined through the cover plate102′ and extending from the top side224′ to the bottom side226′. The cover plate102′ also includes the retaining bores234defined in the cover plate102′ and extending from the top side224′ into the cover plate102′. In the present embodiment, the retaining bores234are blind holes; however, in various other embodiments, the retaining bores234may be through holes.

In the present embodiment, the cover plate102′ includes eleven connecting bores228; however, the number of connecting bores228should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any desired number of connecting bores228may be utilized. In the present embodiment, the cover plate102′ includes four retaining bores234; however, the number of retaining bores234should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The segment collar242is positioned on the top side224′ surrounding the segment bore240. The cover plate102′ may also include position indicators (not shown) defined on the top side224′ in various embodiments.

FIG. 19is a chart showing the relationship between a head loss pressure across the valve assembly110in pounds per square inch (psi), a velocity of a fluid through the valve assembly110in feet per second (ft/s), a position of a plug of the valve assembly110(in degrees open where “Full” is 90 degrees or completely open), and flow through the valve assembly110in gallons per minute (gpm). In various embodiments, the operator may use the chart shown inFIG. 19or another similar chart to determine the position to which the plug should be opened to obtain a desired fluid velocity, flow, and head loss pressure within the valve assembly110. In various embodiments, the operator may use the chart shown inFIG. 19with the memory stop100and set the stopper302at the desired open angle, indicated by the graduation marks320, within the stopper channel258, to more accurately and efficiently achieve a desired head loss pressure, velocity of fluid, or flow through the valve assembly110.

A method of using the memory stop100is also disclosed. It should be noted that any of the steps of any of the methods described herein may be performed in any order or could be performed in sub-steps that are done in any order or that are separated in time from each other by other steps or sub-steps, and the disclosure of a particular order of steps should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The memory stop100including the cover plate102, indicator plate104, and memory bracket106is mounted on the gearbox108of the valve assembly110.

The stopper302is positioned and secured at a desired location in the stopper channel258of the memory bracket106. In various embodiments, the stopper302is positioned within the stopper channel258between the first stopper channel end316and the second stopper channel end318. The stopper302extends through the stopper channel258and into the indicator channel314. The position at which the stopper302is secured in the stopper channel258is the memory position. In various embodiments, the operator determines the memory position by consulting flow charts, such as those shown inFIG. 19, to get the desired balance of fluid velocity, fluid flow, and head loss pressure within the valve assembly110.

The operator actuates the gear202and quad gear segment204of the gearbox108through the hand wheel132or other similar mechanism. The operator rotates the hand wheel132such that the gear202actuates the quad gear segment204, which thereby rotates the valve stem200connected to the quad gear segment204, which moves the plug of the valve assembly110between the closed position and memory position or between the open position and the memory position.

Because the indicator plate104is secured to the quad gear segment204, as the quad gear segment204rotates, the indicator arm246of the indicator plate104is moved within the indicator channel314between the bracket leg308aand the stopper302. Alternatively, the indicator arm246may move within the indicator channel314between the bracket leg308band the stopper302, depending on the orientation of the memory stop100. The stopper302engages the indicator arm246at the memory position and prevents further movement within the indicator channel314past the stopper302. Engagement of the indicator arm246with the stopper302prevents the operator from opening or closing the plug through the hand wheel132past the memory position.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. Additionally, directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” and “corners,” among others are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.