Abstract:
The invention is directed to a method to improve accuracy of a meter. The method first contemplates introducing a desired fluid into a valve assembly having an external casing with an inlet, outlet and interior side forming a chamber. Next, a desired fluid contacts a toggle stopper having a shaft, plate, and guides. A calibrated spring positioned around the shaft in contact with the plate assesses if the desired fluid meets a predetermined pressure. If the fluid meets this threshold, the calibrated spring compresses thereby toggling plate within the chamber to allow desired fluid to enter the chamber. Should the total pressure of the desired fluid and/or an undesired fluid create a pressure that fails to meet the predetermined pressure, the calibrated spring expands to seal the valve assembly. Upon such seal, there is an equalizing of both the desired and undesired fluids to the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid, causing the calibrated spring to compress and reopen.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/383,708, filed Mar. 27, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/070,994, filed Mar. 27, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is directed towards a valve assembly inter-disposed within a desired fluid to enhance accuracy of a meter, positioned proximate to the valve assembly, for purposes of measuring the volume of that desired fluid. More specifically, the invention is directed toward a valve assembly that employs pressure differentials between the desired fluid and an undesired fluid—to ensure an accurate reading of only the volume of desired fluid. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One of the hallmarks of industrialized society is the ability to move large quantities of liquid from a centralized source to a second location—often traversing large distances and complex geography. One example is municipal transport of treated, purified and potable water from a centralized facility to individual residents for consumption. A second example is transporting low temperature liquid natural gas (LNG) from centralized containers to commercial facilities to provide energy. Yet a third example is moving crude oil through various pipelines in remote and desolate areas to coastal ports for transport via tanker for refining into petroleum. 
         [0004]    In each of the aforementioned examples, it becomes crucial to accurately measure the volumetric quantity of fluid flowing through these various conduits, tubes and pipelines. This is because the volume transported and ultimately received by the consumer directly correlates to the price charged for the fluid. In most cases, this volume is gauged through a meter placed within the stream of the passing fluid—rather than measuring an end-filled reservoir. 
         [0005]    As previously discussed, access to a municipal water supply represents one of the most important examples of transport of large quantities of fluid (here, water) from a centralized source to various end users. Current statistics suggest that over three and one-half billion people throughout the world have access to a centralized water supply for domestic and commercial use. This water supply is accomplished through a series of conduits, pipes and fittings. In most cases, the centralized facility—usually a public utility—controls the supply, delivery, purification and processing of the water being delivered. Often, this water is delivered to these end users with a specific level of pressure to provide a sufficient flow rate for use in a variety of different applications. Typically, the specific water pressure delivered by most centralized municipal water generally ranges from 30 to 85 psi. 
         [0006]    Measuring and gauging the actual amount of water consumed from a municipal water authority by a residence currently is unfortunately more of an art than science. Most public utilities position individual water meters at each residential and commercial facility that draw from the centralized offerings of potable water. These water meters are measured each month either manually—or more recently through automated systems—to bill each consumer for water drawn and used from the municipal water authority. Accordingly, most measurement of water drawn by end users occurs generally at the point of delivery of the fluid. 
         [0007]    Despite advances in civil engineering, which include pre-fabricated conduits for transport of treated water, there exist several drawbacks that impede the accurate measurement of water drawn by consumers. Many of these drawbacks are due to air being introduced within the various conduits that form the water supply lines. The quantity of this air varies from small air bubbles caused by cracks, holes or breaches within the conduits, to larger air pockets resulting during repair and/or maintenance of the water supply lines. In addition, damage to the water supply lines, often caused by natural disaster, accident or similar event can also trigger introduction of quantities of air. 
         [0008]    Regardless of the cause, these air bubbles or air pockets will travel along the path of water flow within the water supply lines and will ultimately be delivered to the residential or commercial facility. As a result, the introduction of this air into the water supply line will be measured by the water meter and charged to the corresponding facility as drawn/used water. This is due to the fact that most, if not all, conventional water meters are not structured to distinguish between air flow and water flow passing there-through. Put another way, a water meter would read (and correspondingly bill) passage of five liters of water and one liter of air as six liters of water. As a result, accidents or degrading of municipal water supply lines—the root of which is ultimately the responsibility of the public utility—will lead to introduction of air, higher meter readings and unfortunately higher billings to the end user. 
         [0009]    Another factor that further complicates this issue is that most municipalities (or in the alternative states) have enacted ordinances or other laws, which prohibit tampering or altering convention water meters. As such, end users cannot place any type of venting device to remove trapped air within the water supply line just prior to the water meter—without violating some form of local law. This is particularly frustrating as it is the underlying municipality that is often the cause of this air within the water supply lines a predicament that is ultimately paid for by the consumer. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art of water distribution for an appropriate way to eliminate the charging of under users/consumers of public utilities for the passage of air through a water meter prior to being drawn into a domestic or commercial facility. Put another way, there is a need for an effective device—placed subsequent to the water meter but prior to the underlying facility—that will reduce a conventional water meter from charging for air passing through the water supply. Moreover, such device should be robust, simply designed and which functions to enhance rather than alter the functionality of the water meter. Such a device should not solely be used for improving the accuracy of water meter readings, but could also be used to properly measure other fluid flows such as liquid natural gas, crude oil and/or petroleum passing through a conduit. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The current invention helps improve the accuracy of a meter employed to measure the volume of a desired fluid. The invention is directed to a valve assembly which helps ensure that certain undesirable fluids—such as trapped air or trace gasses—are not measured by a conventional meter. This valve assembly may be comprised of both an external casing and internal components. The external casing has an inlet, a corresponding outlet, an exterior side and a corresponding interior side. This interior side may include a first chamber, a second chamber and a wall inter-disposed between both chambers. The second chamber has an interior diameter that is larger than the first chamber. Moreover, the first chamber is located proximate the inlet while the second chamber is located proximate the outlet. 
         [0012]    The internal components of the valve assembly may include a toggle stopper having an exterior diameter proximate to the interior diameter of the second chamber of the external casing. Moreover, the toggle stopper may include a shaft, a plate having a first side and corresponding second side and one or more guides. Positioned around the shaft is a calibrated spring capable of exerting force on the first side of the plate. The shaft is affixed perpendicular to the first side of the plate. 
         [0013]    The toggle stopper may include three guides affixed perpendicular to the second side of the plate. These guides are oriented to create a shape and size sufficient to conform to the external diameter of the first chamber. In addition, the guides are of a sufficient size and dimension to fit within the internal diameter of the first chamber. Positioned proximate to the wall is an o-ring capable of effectuating a seal with the second side of the plate. 
         [0014]    The invention is further directed to a method for improving accuracy of a meter employed to measure a desired fluid—such as pressurized water emanating from a centralized facility for use by an end user (such as a residential or commercial facility). The method may first comprise the step of introducing the desired fluid into a valve assembly having an external casing which includes an inlet, a corresponding outlet, an exterior side and a corresponding interior side forming one or more chambers. The method may next contemplate contacting the desired fluid with a second side of a plate positioned within the exterior casing. Here, the plate is part of a toggle stopper also having a shaft and one or more guides. 
         [0015]    The third step may assess if the desired fluid is at or greater than a predetermined pressure through use of a calibrated spring positioned around the shaft of the toggle stopper. This calibrated spring is in contact with and capable of exerting force on a first side of the plate. In the case of pressurized water, this predetermined pressure is between 20 to 120 psi, by way of example. If the desired fluid meets or exceeds this predetermined pressure, the force of the desired fluid compresses the calibrated spring resulting in toggling the plate within the chamber and allowing the desired fluid to flow through chamber to exit the outlet. 
         [0016]    However, should the total pressure of the desired fluid and/or an undesired fluid create a pressure that fails to meet the predetermined pressure (such as trapped air having a lower pressure of 10 to 30 psi), the method contemplates expanding the calibrated spring so as to position the plate in proximity of the inlet to seal the valve assembly and prevent both the desired fluid and undesired fluid from entering. Upon creating this seal, the final step of the method contemplates equalizing both the undesired fluid and desired fluid to essentially the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid in order to reach the predetermined pressure to allow the calibrated spring to compress and re-open the valve assembly to resume flow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an elevation view illustrating one preferred placement of the valve assembly in light of the meter; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the outer casing of the valve assembly; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a cut-away perspective view of the inside of the outer casing of the valve assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the toggle stopper of the valve assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away perspective view of internal components of the valve assembly; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away direct view of the valve assembly in a closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
       Overall Functionality and Application 
       [0025]      FIG. 1 , by way of example, offers one example of the functionality and placement of the apparatus contemplated by the invention. As shown, the invention is generally directed to a valve assembly  100  in direct communication and placed in proximity to a meter  200 . A central facility  300  provides a desired fluid  500  to the meter  200 , which in turn feeds the desired fluid  500  into the valve assembly  100 . The desired fluid  500  ultimately exists the valve assembly  100  for use by an end user  400 —which here is either a residential, commercial or other facility. 
         [0026]    While the valve assembly  100  can function through placement upstream (prior to the fluid being measured) or downstream (after the fluid is measured), it is typically placed downstream and subsequent to a meter  200 . More specifically, the valve assembly  100  is placed not more than twelve inches downstream from the meter  200 . This placement is specifically contemplated to avoid violation of any protocols, agreements, laws or ordinances. 
         [0027]    As discussed in greater detail below, the valve assembly  100  helps increase the accuracy of how the meter  200  reads the desired fluid  500 —which can be either gaseous or liquid. In most applications of the valve assembly  100 , there exists an undesirable fluid  550  inter-dispersed within the desired fluid  500 . Usually, the undesired fluid  550  is introduced to the desired fluid  500  somewhere between the central facility  300  and the meter  200 . The purpose and function of the valve assembly  100  is to ensure proper measurement of this desired fluid  500 , without need to measure, pay for and/or denote existence of the second undesired fluid  550 . One important benefit of the valve assembly  100  is that it helps increase such efficiency without need to off-gas, remove or separate the desired fluid  500  from the second undesired fluid  550 . 
         [0028]    Numerous applications of the valve assembly  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  exists. However, in the description of the embodiments contained here, it is assumed purified and potable water is the desired fluid  500  while air or other trapped gasses represent the second undesired fluid  550 . Here, this pressurized water  500  is fed into valve assembly  100  at approximately 60 psi. Examples of the functionality of this valve assembly  100  described herein are also based upon use within a public utility, operated by a municipal authority, to deliver purified and potable water from a centralized source  300  to an end user  400 —which is then metered to bill/charge that end user  400 . However, other applications to more accurately measure and charge for liquid natural gas (LNG) and crude oil/petroleum are also contemplated by the invention. 
       Exterior of the Apparatus 
       [0029]      FIGS. 2 through 4  illustrate the various components of the valve assembly  100 , which may include an exterior casing  110  and various internal components  120 . First turning to  FIG. 2 , the external casing  110  is essentially cylindrical in shape and orientation, having an inlet  130  and a corresponding outlet  140 . As shown in  FIG. 3  (described in greater detail below), the external casing  110  has both an exterior side  111  and a corresponding interior side  112 . The surface area of the exterior side  111  forms the sheath  150  illustrated with reference again to  FIG. 2 . The sheath  150  includes a first end  151  and a corresponding second end  152 . The first end  151  is positioned proximate to the inlet  130  while the second end  152  is positioned proximate to the outlet  140 . Combination of the inlet  130 , outlet  140  and interior side  112  of the sheath  150  create a passageway that allows in-line communication with the meter  200  to maintain sufficient pressure and flow rate of the desired fluid  500  (pressurized water). 
         [0030]    As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the sheath  150  can include threads  160  of a sufficient size and dimension so as to engage and attach to a tube, pipe or similar conduit in which the water is flowing. More specifically, the threads  160  should be positioned at the portion of the external casing  110  where the out take pipe—which ultimately feeds to end user (either a residential or commercial facility)—would be affixed. These threads  160  are preferably positioned near the second end  152  of, the sheath  150  located near the outlet  140 . 
         [0031]    Positioned at the first end  151  of the sheath  150  is a connector  170 . The connector  170  connects an incoming pipe to the valve assembly  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the connector  170  may include an outer flange  171 , an intermediary lip  172  and a curved coupler  173 . These three portions  171 - 173  of the connector help feed the pressurized water  550  to be treated within the valve assembly  100 . Alternatively, the connector  170  can just be a flange  171 , a threaded portion, or a conned shape of sufficient size and dimension to fit into the conduit or pipe. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates the interior side  112  of the exterior casing  110 . The various portions of the interior side  112  form an interior chamber  180  in which pressurized water  500  flows. As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the valve assembly  100  preferably includes a first chamber  181  and a second chamber  182 . Both the first and second chambers  181  and  182  are in direct communication with one another. The first chamber  181  has a smaller diameter than the second chamber  182 . Accordingly, there is a step or wall  183  formed at the connecting point  184  of both chambers  181  and  182 . 
         [0033]    The external casing  110  is preferably of uni-body construction and manufactured out of a hard, resilient, water tight, air tight and corrosive-resistant material. Examples of such material include, but are certainly not limited to, metal, polymer, composite, or ceramic. Other similar materials will be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. However, lead-free brass or ABS plastic are the most common contemplated material for the external casing  110 . 
       Interior of the Apparatus 
       [0034]      FIGS. 4 through 6  illustrate the various internal components  120  of the valve assembly  100 . The internal components  120  include, but are not necessarily limited to, a toggle stopper  600 , a calibrated spring  650  which fits around the toggle stopper  600 , a perforated positioning wall  660 , and an o-ring  670  as illustrated with reference to both  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Other related or additional internal components  120  will be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4 and 5  both illustrate, by way of example, one embodiment of a toggle stopper  600 . The toggle stopper  600  includes a shaft  610 , a plate  620  and a plurality of guides  630 . The shaft  610  includes a first portion  611 , a corresponding second portion  612  and a cylindrical surface  613 . The plate  620  is affixed to the second portion  612  of the shaft  610 . Correspondingly, the first portion  611  may include a tip  614  having a sufficient size and dimension to be positioned and rest within the perforated positioning wall  660 . 
         [0036]    The plate  620  is positioned essentially perpendicular with the shaft  610 . The outer diameter of the plate  620  corresponds to the internal diameter of the second chamber  182  of the exterior casing  110 . As further shown in  FIG. 5 , the plate  620  is essentially flat having a first side  611  and a corresponding second side  612 . Positioned between the wall  183  and second side  612  of the plate  620  is an o-ring  670 . The o-ring  670  helps effectuate a water-tight seal to prevent pressurized water  500  from entering the second chamber  182  when the valve assembly  100  is in a closed position. 
         [0037]    As further shown in  FIG. 5 , there are a plurality of guides  630  affixed to the second side  612  of the plate  620 . Each of the guides is essentially perpendicular to the plate  630  and are oriented and positioned to form the shape of a circle. There are preferably three more guides  630  to form such a circle. This circle of guides  630  functions to direct the toggle stopper  600  into the first chamber  181  to effectuate a seal with the internal components  120 . The seal is caused by the o-ring  670  contacting both the second side  612  of the toggle stopper  600  and the wall  183 , which results in closing the valve assembly  100  to prevent pressurized water  500  from entering the apparatus. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  further illustrates the functionality and structure of the perforated positioning member  660 . As shown, the positioning member  660  is essentially a flat disk having a first side  661 , a corresponding second side  662  and one or more flow-through perforations  662 . These flow-through perforations  662  allow pressurized water  500  to leave the valve assembly  100  for use by the end user  400 . Positioned in the middle of the positioning member  660  is an opening  663 . The opening  663  is of a sufficient size and dimension to allow the tip  614  of the first portion  611  of the shaft  610  to slide and toggle back-and-forth. Moreover, the opening  663  provides overall stability and support for the toggle stopper  600  (in addition to how the guides  630  are positioned within the first chamber  181 ). 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates how the positioning member  660  is secured to the outer casing  110  of the valve assembly  110 . As shown, one way to affix the positioning member  660  is through a recess  664  positioned near the outlet  140 . A securing ring  665  can be placed and fitted within the recess  664 . The securing ring  665  provides a fixed surface in which the first side  661  of the positioning member  660  can rest. Alternatively, the positioning member  660  can simply be pressed, glued or welded onto the first chamber  181  of the outer casing  110 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  also shows the positioning and location of the calibrated spring  650 . The calibrated spring  650  fits around the shaft  610  of the toggle stopper  600  and includes a first portion  651  and corresponding second portion  652 . The first portion  651  rests on the second side  662  of the positioning member  660 . Correspondingly, the second portion  652  of the calibrated spring  650  rests upon the first side  621  of the plate  620 . 
         [0041]    For the embodiment herein described in greater detail below by way of example, the calibrated spring  650  is designed to compress (and accordingly open) when there is between 20 and 120 psi of pressurized water  500 . However, if there is a sufficient amount of undesired fluid  550  (i.e., trapped air and trace gasses) present at lower pressure, the calibrated spring  650  will expand and cause the toggle stopper  600  to close. Moreover, the calibrated spring  650  can be adjusted based upon the nature of the pressure differential desired—which is based upon the likely total pressure of both the desired and undesired fluids contemplated to pass through the valve assembly  100  while desired fluid (here water) is being drawn from the centralized source to the end user. 
       Preferred Method 
       [0042]    Apart from an apparatus, the invention is further directed to a method to improve the accuracy of a meter  200  through use of a valve assembly  100 . The method contemplates that the valve assembly  100  is in-line with both a first conduit and corresponding second conduit. More specifically, the method contemplates that pressurized water  500  is measured by the meter  200  and then transported through the first conduit into the inlet  130 . After employing the valve assembly  100 , this pressurized water  500  then flows out of the outlet  140  and into the second conduit. 
         [0043]    The primary goal of the method is to increase accuracy of the true amount of volume of pressurized water  500  (or any desired fluid) is measured by the meter  200 . As previously discussed, upon leaving a centralized facility  300 , various undesired fluids  550  can be introduced into the pressurized water  500 . This included, but is certainly not limited to, air and other trace gasses. Causes of this introduction of undesired fluid  550  includes breaches in the line, construction and normal wear and tear on traditional municipal water systems. 
         [0044]    When measuring pressured water  500 , conventional meters  200  essentially measure these undesired fluids  500  as pressurized water  500 —thus leading to an inaccurate reading. The result is larger bills for the end user  200 , because the meter  200  registers the same regardless of whether pressurized water  500  or undesired fluid  550  passes through the meter  200 . 
         [0045]    The contemplated method helps improve the accuracy of the meter  200  to ensure it provides a more true reading of the actual volume of pressurized water  500  that passes through the meter  200 . This method takes advantage of the natural properties of incompressible liquids in comparison to more compressible gases—such as air. More specifically, most centralized water authorities (i.e., centralized facilities  300 ) provide pressurized water at between 30 and 85 psi. In comparison, most trapped undesirable fluids  550  exist at between 0 to 15 psi. The method employs this pressure differential in aiding accuracy of the meter  200 . 
         [0046]    The first step of the method is to determine whether pressurized water  500  is entering the inlet  130  at or greater than a predetermined pressure. Such determination is made based upon the calibrated spring  650 , shown in  FIG. 6 , which is part of the internal components  120  of the valve assembly  100 . As illustrated, the calibrated spring  650  fits around the shaft  610  of the toggle stopper  600  and is secured tightly between the positioning member  660  and the first side  621  of the plate  620 . 
         [0047]    The calibrated spring  650  is designed to flex when there is at least 20 psi of force exerted on the second side  622  of the plate  620 . If such pressure indeed exists, the calibrated spring  650  compresses. Accordingly, the toggle stopper  600  internally pivots based upon the force of the pressurized water  500  as it enters from the inlet  130  into the first chamber  181 . Moreover, this desired fluid  500  flows around the plate  620 , into the second chamber  182  and then exits the valve assembly  110  through the outlet  140 . 
         [0048]    The method next contemplates expanding the calibrated spring  650  and closing the toggle stopper  620  if there is a total pressure drop between both the desired fluid  500  and the undesired fluid  550  evidencing a significant amount of lower pressure undesirable fluid  550 —such as air or other trace gases. When such pressure drop occurs, the calibrated spring  650  will expand and thus create force upon the first side  621  of the plate  620 . This will in turn cause the toggle stopper  600  to pivot back and rest upon the wall  183 —creating a seal between the second side  622  of the plate  620  and the o-ring  670 . The plate  620  is properly positioned on the o-ring  670  through assistance of the guides  630  as they slide and become positioned within the first chamber  181 . The result is the valve assembly  100  entering a closed position. 
         [0049]    Once the valve assembly  100  is in a closed position, undesirable fluid  550  becomes squeezed before the meter  200  and the valve assembly  100  within the first conduit. Pressurized water  500 , exiting the meter  200  at between 20 to 120 psi, naturally exerts force on trapped undesirable fluid  550 . This pressure differential results in the decreasing the volume of this undesirable fluid  500 , which in turn causes its pressure to increase. At some point, the pressure of the undesirable fluid  550  will equalize with the pressurized water  500 . Such equalizing will cause the calibrated spring  500  to open the toggle stopper  600  to allow both fluids to enter the valve assembly  100 —this placing it in an open position. 
         [0050]    When the valve assembly  100  is placed in a closed position—in order to equalize the undesirable fluid  550  to that of the pressurized water  500 —there exists a deceleration of the meter  200 . Based upon the quick transition from the open position to the closed position of the valve assembly  100 , the flow rate is quickly reduced. However, based upon the function of the valve assembly  100  to reduce the volume of the undesirable fluid  550 , the result is the seeping of a finite amount of pressurized water  500  through the meter. 
         [0051]    This seeping of pressurized water  500  is roughly the same or somewhat less than the volume of the undesirable fluid  500  which passed through and was read by the meter  500 . However, based upon the acceleration differential, this seeping of pressurized water  500  through the meter  200  at a lower velocity in comparison to normal flow, is not read by the meter  200 . Because the volume of seeped pressurized water  500  is equal or slightly less than the volume of undesirable fluid  550 , the result is a more accurate reading of the true volume of pressurized water  500  that flows through the meter  200  for use by the end user  400 .