Abstract:
A method and system for securing the exposed valve actuation portion of the valve system in order to restrict the unauthorized use therefrom; including a first device keying the exposed valve actuation portion, a second device, containing the exposed portion of the keyed valve actuation, a third keyed device for locking the valve actuation portion within the second device, a fourth keyed device for actuating the pressure adjustment portion, a fifth device for maintaining ease of rotation, a sixth device for securing the third device to the existing valve system, and a seventh device for engaging and operating the first and/or third devices.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This application claims priority to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,941,274 and 6,109,292 and relates to a system for locking a value device against unauthorized usage by the public and/or terrorists. 
   2. Discussion of Background 
   In recent years, a system has been developed for liquids and/or gases at pre designated locations throughout most of the populated areas and in industry. The system utilizes piping to supply liquids and/or gases to these locations and a valve system to be used to regulate the flow when necessary. The valve system consists of a valve mechanism, an exposed valve actuation portion and a valve containment body. The valve mechanism is typically located within the valve containment body. The valve actuation portion, utilized for actuating the valve mechanism, is typically located at the top of the valve containment body and exposed for usage by authorized personnel. The valve containment body is manufactured so that pipes and/or hoses can be attached and sealed tight so that the liquid or gas is forced out of the pipe and/or hose attachment openings by pressure when the valve is opened. 
   However, the above, as well as other systems, utilize an exposed valve stem that can be operated by means of a standard wrench or any vise like apparatus when attached to the exposed sides of the valve actuation portion and rotated. The existing system in many occasions results in operation by unauthorized personnel; resulting in damage to the system and/or bodily injury. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a novel system and method for preventing accidents due to accidental and/or unauthorized actuation of the valve system. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide a novel system and method for securing the exposed valve actuation portion of the valve system. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and system for securing and/or adjusting the pressure regulation portion of the valve system. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide a novel system and method for maintaining system pressure and/or flow through restriction of unauthorized usage. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide a novel system and method for securing any valve device to avoid potential risks and subsequent damage due to unauthorized actuation of the valve device. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for modifying the existing valve systems so that unauthorized usage is deterred. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and system for securing the valve system in a fail-safe manner. 
   It is noted that one objective of the present invention is to establish a basic method and system for supplying liquid and/or gas through means of a valve system which is secured from actuation from the public. 
   The above and other objectives are achieved according to the present invention by providing a new and improved method for securing the exposed valve actuation portion and/or pressure setting portion of the valve system. 
   Accordingly a first aspect of the present invention, is to modifying an existing valve system so that the exposed valve actuation portion and/or pressure setting portion of the system is/are secured from unauthorized usage. 
   Accordingly a second aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system to act as the valve actuation portion and/or the pressure setting portion of the valve system. 
   Accordingly a third aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system to secure the exposed actuation portion of the valve system so that it can only be actuated by a keyed actuation wrench. 
   Accordingly a fourth aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system to secure the actuation portion of the valve system by means of one or a plurality of keyed locking modules which can only be actuated by a keyed actuation wrench. 
   Accordingly a fifth aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system to secure a pressure adjustment portion of the valve system. 
   Accordingly a sixth aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system to secure the pressure adjustment portion of a valve system so that it can only be actuated by a keyed actuation wrench. 
   Accordingly a seventh aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system to secure the valve system so that the locking module must be overcome before actuation of the valve can be accomplished. 
   Accordingly a eighth aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved system wherein if the keyed actuation portion is forced to rotate before the locking module is released it can only be actuated into a fail safe position. 
   Accordingly a ninth aspect of the present invention, is to provide a new and improved valve mechanism for securing a valve device to prevent unauthorized actuation by the unauthorized personnel such as utilized in the biological industry, chemical industry, petrochemical industry, nuclear industry, hydroelectric industry, refinery industry, etc. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the intended advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed descriptions when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a sectional view through an existing valve system; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional view of the modified valve system configuration according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of the stages of assembly of the modified valve system configuration according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a sectional view of a standard pressure reducing valve system; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view the modified pressure reducing valve system configuration according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view the modified pressure reducing valve system configuration according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the component parts of the pressure reducing valve system configuration according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the component parts of the standard valve system configuration according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the keyed actuation wrench according to the present invention; 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical on corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to  FIG. 1  thereof there is illustrated a standard valve system. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a sectional view of the standard valve system is illustrated depicting a rotational actuation portion  10 , valve containment body  20 , supply flow  01 , supply flow connection  011 , and a flow control portion  30 . When the rotational actuation portion  10  is rotated by means of the rotational actuation portion, it opens the flow control portion, pressurizing valve containment body  20  thereby controlling supply flow  01 , forcing the liquid and/or gas to the connection portions  011 . Wherein a rotational force applied to the rotational actuation portion  10  shall actuate the supply/flow  01  of liquid and/or gas. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2A , a sectional view of the standard valve system has been modified utilizing a keyed actuation module  80  fit to the existing rotational activating portion  10 , a keyed rotational locking module  60 , a bearing system  50  &amp;  70  allowing unrestricted rotation, a non rotatable closure module  40 , and tamperproof attachment  45  for securing the non rotatable closure module to the valve containment body  20 . Wherein a rotational force applied to the keyed actuation module  80  shall actuate the supply/flow  01  of liquid and/or gas, and a second rotational force applied to the keyed rotational locking module  60  shall actuate the means of engaging the existing rotational actuation portion  10  and the non rotatable closure module  40 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2B , an exploded assembly view of the standard valve system has been modified utilizing the keyed actuation module  80 , having a first keyed portion  81  and a second keyed portion  82  to fit over and around the rotational actuation portion  10 , a keyed rotational locking module  60 , having a first keyed portion  61  and a means for engaging a closure module  40 , an opening  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , an opening  63  for receiving the rotational actuation portion  10 , a tapered portion  65  to act as a compression stop, a non rotatable closure module  40 , having an opening  41  for receiving the keyed rotational locking module  60  and an opening  42  for receiving a portion of the valve containment body  20 , a means of attachment  45 , a weep system  44 . Wherein a rotational force can only be applied by means of a keyed wrench system; by means of applying a rotational force to the keyed opening portion  81 , a second means of security is provided by means of a separate rotational force applied to the keyed locking portion  61  engaging the adjustment portions  43  and  63  adjusting the pressure on the tapered portion  65  thereby limiting and/or allowing actuation of the rotatable actuation portion  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3A , section of a modified standard valve system has been depicted illustrating the non rotatable closure module  40  engaged with the containment body  20 , and the keyed actuation module  80  engaged with the rotational actuation portion  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3B , section of a modified valve system has been depicted illustrating the non rotatable closure module  40  engaged with the containment body  20 , and the keyed locking portion  60  engaged with the non rotatable closure module  40  thereby engaging and limiting actuation of the rotational actuation portion  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4A , a sectional view of a typical pressure reducing valve is depicted indicating a rotational actuation portion  10 , a valve containment body  20 , a flow restriction means  31 , a supply flow adjustment screw  32 , a means of engagement and adjustment means with the valve containment body portion  21 , a locking portion  33 . Wherein a rotational force applied to the supply flow adjustment screw  32  dictates pressure of flow, and a rotational force applied to the rotational actuation portion  10  regulates volume of flow. Wherein a rotational force applied to the rotational actuation portion  10  shall actuate the supply/flow  01  of liquid and/or gas, and a second rotational force applied to the supply flow adjustment screw  32  shall actuate the flow restriction means  31 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4B , a sectional view of a typical pressure reducing valve is depicted in a stripped down view before application indicating a flow restriction means  31  an engagement and adjustment means with the valve containment body portion  21 , and a rotational actuation portion  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5A , a sectional view of a typical pressure reducing valve system has been modified utilizing a keyed actuation module  80  fit to the existing rotational activating portion  10 , a second keyed rotational locking module  60 , and adjustment screw  32 , a bearing system  50  &amp;  70  allowing unrestricted rotation, a closure module  40 , and tamperproof attachment  45  for securing the non rotatable closure module to the valve containment body  20 , a means of engagement  21  between the adjustment screw  32  and the containment module  20 , a means of restricting flow of  31 . Wherein a rotational force can only be applied by means of a keyed wrench system; the rotational force applied to the keyed actuation module  80  shall actuate the flow of Liquid and/or gas, and the second rotational force applied to the keyed rotational locking module  60  shall actuate the means of restricting flow  31 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5B , an exploded assembly view of the pressure reducing valve system has been modified utilizing the keyed actuation module  80 , having a first keyed portion  81  and a second keyed portion  82  to fit over and around the rotational actuation portion  10 , a keyed rotational locking module  60 , having a first keyed portion  61  and a second keyed portion  66 , an opening  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , an opening  63  for receiving the rotational actuation portion  10 , the second keyed portion  66  shaped for receiving and engaging a keyed portion  67  of the adjusting screw  32  having an opening for receiving the rotational actuation portion  10  and a means for engagement  64  of the valve containment body portion  21  thereby adjusting the flow restriction means  31 , a closure module  40  having an opening  41  for receiving the keyed locking portion  60  and an opening for receiving the valve containment body  20 , a weep system  44  and a means of attachment  45  to the valve containment body portion  20 . Wherein a rotational force can only be applied by means of a keyed wrench system; the rotational force applied to the keyed actuation module  80  shall actuate the flow of Liquid and/or gas, and the second rotational force applied to the keyed rotational locking module  60  shall actuate the means of restricting flow. Wherein a rotational force can only be applied by means of a keyed wrench system; the rotational force applied to the keyed actuation module  80  shall actuate the flow of Liquid and/or gas, and the second rotational force applied to the keyed rotational locking module  60  shall engage a keyed portion  67  of the adjusting screw  32  thereby actuating the means of restricting flow  31 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6A , an exploded assembly view of the typical pressure reducing valve system has been modified utilizing the keyed actuation module  80 , having a first keyed portion  81  and a second keyed portion  82  to fit over and around the rotational actuation portion  10 , a keyed rotational locking module  60 , having a first keyed portion  61  and a second keyed portion  66 , an opening  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , an opening  63  for receiving the rotational actuation portion  10 , the second keyed portion  66  shaped for receiving and engaging a keyed adjustment screw  32  having an opening for receiving the rotational actuation portion  10  and a means for engagement of the valve containment body portion  21  thereby adjusting the flow restriction means  31 , a closure module  40  having an opening  41  for receiving the keyed locking portion  60  and an opening  42  for receiving the valve containment body  20 , a weep system  44  and a means of attachment  45  to the valve containment body portion  20 . Wherein a rotational force can only be applied by means of a keyed wrench system; the rotational force applied to the keyed actuation module  80  shall actuate the flow of Liquid and/or gas, and the second rotational force applied to the keyed rotational locking module  60  shall engage a keyed portion  65  of the keyed rotational locking module  60  thereby engaging the adjusting screw  32  and actuating the means of restricting flow  31 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6B , an exploded assembly view of the typical pressure reducing valve system has been modified utilizing the keyed actuation module  80 , having a first keyed portion  81  and a second keyed portion  82  to fit over and around the rotational actuation portion  10 , a keyed rotational locking module  60 , having a first keyed portion  61 , an opening  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , an opening  63  for receiving the rotational actuation portion  10 , whereby adjustment screw  32  has been monolithically incorporated into the keyed rotational locking module  60  providing a means for engagement of the valve containment body portion  21  thereby adjusting the flow restriction means  31 , a closure module  40  having an opening  41  for receiving the keyed rotational locking module  60  and an opening  42  for receiving the valve containment body  20 , a weep system  44  and a means of attachment  45  to the valve containment body portion  20 . Wherein a rotational force can only be applied by means of a keyed wrench system; the rotational force applied to the keyed actuation module  80  shall actuate the flow of Liquid and/or gas, and the second rotational force applied to the keyed rotational locking module  60  shall actuate the means of restricting flow  31 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7A , a keyed actuation module  80  is depicted in Elevation, Section depicting keyed portions  81  and  82 , Top View depicting keyed portion  81 , and Bottom View depicting keyed portion  82 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7B , a keyed rotatable locking module  60  is depicted in Elevation indicating a keyed portion  61 , Section depicting the keyed portions  61  and  66 ,a recessed portion for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , Top View depicting the keyed rotatable locking portion  61 , the recessed portion  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , Bottom View depicting the keyed portion  66 , and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7C , a non rotatable closure module  40  is depicted in Elevation, Section depicting a recess  42  for attachment to a valve containment Body  20 , a recess  41  for receiving the keyed rotatable locking module  60 , a engagement portion  43 , a weep system  44 , a means of attachment  45  to the valve containment body  20 , Top View depicting the a recess  41  for receiving the keyed rotatable locking module  60 , Bottom View depicting the a recess  42  for attachment to a valve containment Body  20 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7D , a keyed adjustment screw is depicted in Elevation indicating a means of adjusting  64  and a keyed portion  67 , Section depicting the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , Top View depicting the keyed portion  67  and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , Bottom View depicting the keyed portion  67 , the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10  and the means of adjusting  64 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8A , a keyed actuation module  80  is depicted in Elevation, Section depicting keyed portions  81  and  82 , Top View depicting keyed portion  81 , and Bottom View depicting keyed portion  82 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8B , a keyed rotatable locking module  60  is depicted in Elevation indicating a keyed portion  61 , a means of adjusting  64 , a removed area  68  to allow for compression, Section depicting the keyed portions  61 ,a recessed portion  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , a tapered portion  65  to allow for compression, and a means of adjusting  64 , Top View depicting the keyed rotatable locking portion  61 , the recessed portion  62  for receiving the keyed actuation module  80 , and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , Bottom View depicting the tapered portion  65 , and the opening  63  for receiving the rotatable actuation portion  10 , and the means of adjusting  64 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8C , a non rotatable closure module  40  is depicted in Elevation, Section depicting a recess  42  for attachment to a valve containment Body  20 , a recess  41  for receiving the keyed rotatable locking module  60 , a engagement portion  43 , a weep system  44 , a means of attachment  45  to the valve containment body  20 , Top View depicting the a recess  41  for receiving the keyed rotatable locking module  60  and the engagement portion  43 , Bottom View depicting the a recess  42  for attachment to a valve containment Body  20  and the engagement portion  43 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9A , a sectional view of a keyed valve wrench has been depicted indicating a first keyed opening extension  81  identical to the keyed opening in the keyed rotatable actuation module ( FIG. 2 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 5 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 6 , details  1  and  2 ,  FIG. 7 , detail  1 , and  FIG. 8 , detail  1 ), a second keyed opening extension  61  identical to the keyed opening in the keyed rotatable locking module ( FIG. 2 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 5 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 6 , details  1  and  2 ,  FIG. 7 , detail  2 , and  FIG. 8 , detail  2 ), a wrench body  83 , with an integral wrench handle  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9B , a plan view of a keyed valve wrench has been depicted indicating the first keyed opening extension  81  identical to the keyed opening in the keyed rotatable actuation module ( FIG. 2 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 5 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 6 , details  1  and  2 ,  FIG. 7 , detail  1 , and  FIG. 8 , detail  1 ), a keyed opening extension a wrench body  83 , with an integral wrench handle  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9C , a plan view of a keyed valve wrench has been depicted indicating the first keyed opening a second keyed opening extension  61  identical to the keyed opening in the keyed rotatable locking module ( FIG. 2 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 5 , detail  2 ,  FIG. 6 , details  1  and  2 ,  FIG. 7 , detail  2 , and  FIG. 8 , detail  2 ), a keyed opening extension a wrench body  83 , with an integral wrench handle  90 . 
   The present invention may be implemented using existing valve systems with minor modifications according to the teachings of the present specification, as will be apparent to those skilled in the manufacture of valve systems. Appropriate hardware can readily be prepared by those skilled in the art based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the manufacturing and assembly arts. The invention may also be implemented by the preparation of application specific integrated manufacturing as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of utilizing a bearing system between the keyed actuation module, the keyed rotatable locking module, and the non rotatable closure module; the ability to rotate either/or the keyed actuation module or the keyed rotatable locking module independently while the closure module is in place could be accomplished by utilizing a specific clearance between the moving parts and/or complimentary offsets between the moving parts to guard against removing either module as would be apparent to those skilled in the art of mechanical engineering. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of an irregular recess to act as a key opening on the actuation module and a recessed and/or projected portion to key the opening of the rotatable locking module; the key openings could be any recessed or projected shape capable of withstanding the stress and sheer forces exerted upon the keyed valve wrench opening extensions and keyed actuation module opening and/or keyed rotatable locking module opening during rotation to actuate the valve as would be apparent to those skilled in the art of mechanical and structural engineering. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of a keyed valve wrench with key opening extensions, wrench body, and integral wrench handle; the key opening extension could be manufactured as a set typical wrench socket, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of the Keyed rotatable locking module actuating a flow restricting portion, additional keyed rotatable locking portions could be utilized to secure the rotatable actuation portion as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of the Keyed rotatable locking module actuating a flow restricting portion, the keyed rotatable locking portion could act to actuate other rotatable portions of the valve system as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of a manual keyed valve wrench with key opening extensions; the keyed valve wrench socket set with key opening extensions could be operated by means of a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, etc. socket driver as would be apparent to those skilled in the arts. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of attaching the non rotatable closure module to the existing valve containment body by means of tamperproof attachments; the attachment could be accomplished by means of welding, riveting, epoxies, etc. as would be apparent to those skilled in the arts. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of pre assembling the keyed actuation module, the keyed rotatable locking module, the non rotatable closure module, and bearing system and then attaching the system to an existing valve containment body; the system could be assembled and installed at the location of the valve containment body to be modified as would be apparent to those skilled in the arts. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of fitting the keyed actuation module over the rotatable actuation portion; the keyed actuation module could be mechanically fastened to the existing rotatable actuation portion by means of welding, riveting, screwing, epoxies, etc. as would be apparent to those skilled in the arts. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of a single keyed rotatable locking module, a plurality of keyed, rotatable locking modules could be incorporated to lock the valve rotatable actuation portion of the valve system as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
   The method and system of the present invention is functional because it limits the ability to open the supply/ flow portion independently of the flow restriction portion to only those personnel who poses the appropriate keyed valve wrenches, it is reliable because the working parts require very little maintenance beyond what is already necessary in the existing system, it is effective because the rotational actuation portion and the pressure adjustment portions and operation therefrom is not readily accessible to any member of the public wishing to engage the supply/flow and/or the flow restriction; therefore reducing the possibility of accidental actuation of either part of the valve system by avoiding public negligence. 
   Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.