CA1235024A - Flag-type pig-sig - Google Patents
Flag-type pig-sigInfo
- Publication number
- CA1235024A CA1235024A CA000460940A CA460940A CA1235024A CA 1235024 A CA1235024 A CA 1235024A CA 000460940 A CA000460940 A CA 000460940A CA 460940 A CA460940 A CA 460940A CA 1235024 A CA1235024 A CA 1235024A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- pipeline
- arm
- actuator plate
- plunger rod
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
- F16L55/48—Indicating the position of the pig or mole in the pipe or conduit
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
- Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for mounting on a pipeline to signal the passage of a pipeline pig through the pipeline. A tubular body is mounted on the pipeline.
A flag arm is hinged to the body member and pivotal between a set and an act-uated position. A plunger rod is slideably supported on the body and engages the flag arm when both are in the set position. A connecting linkage displaces the plunger rod upon the rotation of a shaft within the body and an engagement member pivotal extends from the lower end of the body into the pipeline for displacement as a pig moves through the pipeline. The engagement members serves to rotate the shaft when it is displaced to thereby withdraw the plunger rod to permit the flag arm to move to the actuated position, indicating the passage of the pipeline pig.
An apparatus for mounting on a pipeline to signal the passage of a pipeline pig through the pipeline. A tubular body is mounted on the pipeline.
A flag arm is hinged to the body member and pivotal between a set and an act-uated position. A plunger rod is slideably supported on the body and engages the flag arm when both are in the set position. A connecting linkage displaces the plunger rod upon the rotation of a shaft within the body and an engagement member pivotal extends from the lower end of the body into the pipeline for displacement as a pig moves through the pipeline. The engagement members serves to rotate the shaft when it is displaced to thereby withdraw the plunger rod to permit the flag arm to move to the actuated position, indicating the passage of the pipeline pig.
Description
I
Much of the liquid and gas utilized in the world, and particularly hydrocarbon liquids and gases, are transmitted from areas of production to areas of consumption through pipelines. To keep -the interior of -the peppiness clean, -to separate different components and to perform surveying functions, devices known as pylon pigs are frequently used. Since the pipeline pigs may move at various speeds in -the pipeline depending upon the velocity of fluid flow and other factors, it is sometimes difficult for the opercltor of a pipeline to know the location of a pipeline pig or to know when a pipeline pig has passed a certain point in a pipeline.
The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting on a pipeline to signal the passage of a pipeline pig or similar physical apparatus through the pipeline, which apparatus is not dependent on the availability of electrical energy, the pipeline having an opening therein, comprising: a -tubular body member for mounting on the pipeline encompassing the opening therein; a vertical shaft extending sealable within and partially exteriorly of said body member; a flag arm pivotal secured -to said body member and pivotal about a horizontal axis between a set and an I actuated position; means to urge said flag arm -to the actuated position; an actuator plate slid ably supported -to said body member in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of said shut, the actuator plate being slide able between a set and an actuated post-t-ion, said actuator plate having an elongated slot -therein; a cam arm extending radially of said shaft; and a pin means extending from said cam arm and received in said actuator plate slot, where-by -the rotation of said cam arm displaces said actuator plate by the engagement of said pin means in said actuator slot; a plunger pi rod slide ably affixed -to said actuator plate and being slide able relative to said -tubular body member between a set and an actuated position, said plunger rod engaging said flag arm when both are in -the set position to retain said flag arm in the set position; shaft actuator means extending from said body member into the pipeline to cause the rotation of said shaft when engaged by a pipeline pig or the like passing through the pipeline, to thereby slide ably displace said plunger rod to -the actuated position, releasing said flag arm to pivot to the actuated position signaling the passage of Lo a pipeline pig or -the like.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention shown partially cut away. Figure 1 shows a pipeline in cross-section, the body member of the signaling apparatus being secured to the pipeline. In Figure 1 the device is shown in the set position.
Figure 2 is a top view of the apparatus for signaling the passage of a pipeline pig, shown partially cut away to reveal the interior arrangement.
Figure 3 is an elevation Al view, shown partially in cross-section of the apparatus.
Figure 4 is an elevation Al view of the device shown in the actuated position with the tubular body portion not being shown.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of -the upper portion of the pig signaling device.
Figure 6 is a top view as shown in Figure 2, somewhat enlarged, and showing an alternative embodiment of -the invention.
Referring now to the drawings and fist -to Figure 1 an I
embodiment of the pig signaling device of this invention is shown.
A pipeline is indicated by the numeral 10. An opening 12 is formed in the wall of the pipeline. The pipeline 10 may be of the type used for transporting liquids or gases and through which a pipeline pig or other physical object is periodically passed. The purpose of -this invention is -to provide means for indicating when a pig or such physical object has passed through the pipeline.
- pa -so The pig signaling device is indicated generally by the numeral 14.
The device includes a tubular housing 16~ the lower end AYE of which is welded to the pipeline 10 to encompass opening 12.
As shown in Figure 3 the upper end of the tubular housing its threaded at 16B and receives an internally threaded housing cap member 18 which has aft opening AYE. Secured to the upper end of the housing cap member 18 is u llori~ontal plate 20 with an opening AYE therein in alignment with opening AYE.
'I've tubular housing 16 is provided with internal threads 16C which ill receive a tubular shaft retainer 22. As previously stated, housing 16 is designed to be welded to pipe 10. Since welding can cause distortion of the housing, the device is constructed so that all of the other elements of the pig signaling apparatus are independently and separately secured to the housing after it is welded in position.
The tubular shaft retainer 22 has a groove 24 in the upper end receiving an 0-ring gasket 26 so that the interior of the tubular housing 16 is sealed.
Rotatable received within tubular shut retainer 22 is a lower shaft 28. Secured to the lower end owe the shaft 28 is a beveled gear 30. eye lower I shan't 28 is supported by bearings 32 and 34.
Rotatable received in the upper interior of the tubular shut rottener 22 its a sleeve 36. The lower end of sleeve 36 has a square cross-suctioned opening which telescopically receives the square upper end of lower shut 28. The upper interior portion of sleeve 36 has a hexagonal interior configuration.
Positioned within the opening AYE in the cap member 18 and the opening AYE of plate 20 are bushings 40 and 42. Received in these bushings I
is an upper shaft I, The lower end portion of the upper shaft receives a spacer sleeve I The lower end of shaft is provided with an enlarged portion AYE having a hexagonal configuration which is telescopically received within the hexagonal upper recess Fiji sleeve 36. Thus the upper shaft I is ro-t.ltably locked to lower shaft 28 by means owe sleeve 36, Positioned within sleeve 36 is a spring 38 which provides tension to the shaft I, It can be seen that the apparatus can be assembled in this way, First the tubular housing 16 its welded to pipe 10, Second, the tubular shaft retainer 22 is screwed into pOsitioll, which rotatable supports lower shaft LO 28, sleeve 36 end spring 38, Next, the cap member 38 is threaded onto the tubular housing 16, causing upper shaft I to be coupled to the lower shaft 28 by the engagement of slot AYE of the sleeve with one end of spring 38, The tubular shaft retainer 22 has a reduced diameter downwardly extending integral portion AYE having a slot I therein, Slot I is in a plane parallel to the plane of the drawing of Figure 3, Received in slot I is a beveled drive gear member 50 which is rotated about shaft 52. Drive gear 50 engages beveled gear 30, Attached to and downwardly extending from the beveled drive gear member 50 is an elongated engagement member I When a prig or other physical object passes through the interior of pipeline 10 it contacts the engagement member I moving the beveled drive gear member 50 about axis 52, This rotates the lower shaft 28 and, by means owe spring 38, the upper shaft I, Axed -to the upper end of shaft is a cam arm 56, In the illustrated arrangement the cam arm 56 includes an integral upwardly extending tubular portion AYE which is closed at the upper end and is provided with a slot 58, This is best seen in Figures 1 and 2 in conjunction with Figure 3, I
Secured to the upper surface of plate 20 is a bearing block 60. The bearing block has first and second horizontal openings AYE and 60B there through.
Slide ably received in openings AYE is a plunger rod 62. The inner end of the pllmger rod is secured to an actuator plate 64 which has a longitudinal slot AYE therein, the length of the slot being perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the plunger rod 62. At the outer end of cam arm 56 is a perpendicularly extending pin 66 which is received in the slot I
Secured to the top of plate 20, to either end of the assaulter plate 64, are guide blocks AYE and 68B. When upper shaft 44 is rotated, thereby LO rotating the cam arm 56, the actuator plate and plunger rod 62 are slide ably rearwardly withdrawn. This occurs regardless of the direction of the rotation of the upper shaft I
Rotatable received in opening 60B in the bearing block is a flag arm shaft 70. Rotatable received on the shaft 70 is a sheave 72 and extending from this sheave is a flag arm 74 having a flag member 76 affixed at the outer end. Received about the sheave 72 is a coiled spring 78. One end AYE of the spring engages a pin 80 while the other end 78B engages the flag arm 74. The spring its configured to apply a counter-clockwise torque to the flag arm as viewed in Figure 1 to normally cause the flag arm and the Elan member to extend in an upright position, as shown in figure 4. This is the actuated position. figures 1 and 2 show the flag arm in a set position in which it is hc~lcl:in place by the extending plunger rod 62.
A cover 82 is secured to the upper end of plate 20 to protect the operating mechanism. The cover 82 has an opening AYE which rotatable receives the tubular extension AYE of the cam arm so as to expose to view the slot 58.
[n addition, the cover has openings for receiving the plunger rod 62 and tag arm shaft 70.
~35~
en it is desired to put the pig signaling device in the set position the operator can retract the plunger rod 62 by inserting a screw driver into slot 58 in the upper end of the cam arm. By rotating the cam arm the actuator plate and plunger rod are withdrawn. The flag arm 74 may be -rotated downwardly to the set position and the torque on the cam arm released, allowing the plunger pin to extend outwardly to hold the -flag arm in the set position. one a pig or any physical object passes through the pipeline, in either direction, it contacts the engagement member 54, displacing it, causing rotation of the lower shaft 28 and thereby the upper shaft 44, rotating the Lo call arm and thereby the actuator plate, retracting the plunger rod 62.
Spring 78 then moves the flag arm into the upright position indicating that the pig has passed through the pipeline. The flag arm stays in this upright, actuated position, until reset by an operator. The downwardly extending engagement member 54 is freely pivotal in any direction by a pig passing through the line and does not interfere with the passage of the pig whether the signaling device is in the set or the actuated position.
figures 4, 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment. The lower portion is not shown since it may be substantially as indicated with reference to the embodiment of figures l, 2 and 3.
I As seen best in figure 6, the actuator plate 84 has two spaced apart pins AYE and 86B. These are opposed by pins AYE and 88B extending upwardly from plate 20. Springs AYE and 90B extending between -the pairs of pins and urge the actuator plate 84 in the direction towards the flag arm 74. The slot 92 formed in actuator plate 84 has a perpendicularly extending portion AYE.
Ellis permits the actuator plate I to be inwardly depressed without movement of the upper shaft 4~1.
~35~
As seen best in Figure 5, the outer end AYE of the plunger rod 62 is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod. This permits the signaling device to be moved to the set position without requiring that the plunger be withdrawn since the downward movement of the actuator arm 74 will cause the plunger rod and thereby the actuator plate to be inwardly depressed, the slot AYE receiving pin 66.
In the alternative embodiment, the cam arm 94 extends in both directions from the upper shaft 44. opposite the pin 66 is a second pin 96.
wormed around the upwardly extending end portion AYE of the upper shaft is a coiled spring 98 having opposed arms AYE and 98B, the arms extending to either side of pin 66. A cam stop pin 100 is secured to upper plate 20. spring 98 thereby serves to retain the upper shaft AYE in the central or non-actuated position. Thus, as the shaft 44 is rotated in either direction, it is biased to return to the preselected rotational position as established by spring 98.
This thereby keeps the engagement member 94, as shown in Figures 1 through 3, in the downwardly extending position while, nevertheless, allowing the engagement member to be displaced in either direction by a pig passing through the pipeline.
The operation of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 and that of Figures 4 to 6 is essentially the same. The embodiments illustrate the fact that retaining the actuator plate and the engagement member in the preselected set positions can be achieved utilizing springs placed in more than one location.
In the embodiment of figures 4, 5 and 6 the housing covering the upper operating mechanism is wormed integrally with the plate 20 with a removable top cover lug, showing that the housing also may be formed in a variety of ways.
In both embodiments of the invention the plate 20 has arcuate slots AYE and 104B, the axis of curvature of the slots being that of the upper shaft 44. Bolts 106 in the slots extend into threaded openings (not shown) in the upper end of cap member 18. When the bolts 106 are loosened the plate 20 may be rotated relative to the cap member to thereby align the operating mechanisms supported by the plate with the upper shaft 44. This permits easy adjustment of the mechanism after it is assembled so that when the engagement member 54 is extending vertically downward the pin 66 is centered within slot AYE in the actuator plate I or, with reference to the alternative embodiment, slot 92 in the actuator plate 84.
Much of the liquid and gas utilized in the world, and particularly hydrocarbon liquids and gases, are transmitted from areas of production to areas of consumption through pipelines. To keep -the interior of -the peppiness clean, -to separate different components and to perform surveying functions, devices known as pylon pigs are frequently used. Since the pipeline pigs may move at various speeds in -the pipeline depending upon the velocity of fluid flow and other factors, it is sometimes difficult for the opercltor of a pipeline to know the location of a pipeline pig or to know when a pipeline pig has passed a certain point in a pipeline.
The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting on a pipeline to signal the passage of a pipeline pig or similar physical apparatus through the pipeline, which apparatus is not dependent on the availability of electrical energy, the pipeline having an opening therein, comprising: a -tubular body member for mounting on the pipeline encompassing the opening therein; a vertical shaft extending sealable within and partially exteriorly of said body member; a flag arm pivotal secured -to said body member and pivotal about a horizontal axis between a set and an I actuated position; means to urge said flag arm -to the actuated position; an actuator plate slid ably supported -to said body member in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of said shut, the actuator plate being slide able between a set and an actuated post-t-ion, said actuator plate having an elongated slot -therein; a cam arm extending radially of said shaft; and a pin means extending from said cam arm and received in said actuator plate slot, where-by -the rotation of said cam arm displaces said actuator plate by the engagement of said pin means in said actuator slot; a plunger pi rod slide ably affixed -to said actuator plate and being slide able relative to said -tubular body member between a set and an actuated position, said plunger rod engaging said flag arm when both are in -the set position to retain said flag arm in the set position; shaft actuator means extending from said body member into the pipeline to cause the rotation of said shaft when engaged by a pipeline pig or the like passing through the pipeline, to thereby slide ably displace said plunger rod to -the actuated position, releasing said flag arm to pivot to the actuated position signaling the passage of Lo a pipeline pig or -the like.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention shown partially cut away. Figure 1 shows a pipeline in cross-section, the body member of the signaling apparatus being secured to the pipeline. In Figure 1 the device is shown in the set position.
Figure 2 is a top view of the apparatus for signaling the passage of a pipeline pig, shown partially cut away to reveal the interior arrangement.
Figure 3 is an elevation Al view, shown partially in cross-section of the apparatus.
Figure 4 is an elevation Al view of the device shown in the actuated position with the tubular body portion not being shown.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of -the upper portion of the pig signaling device.
Figure 6 is a top view as shown in Figure 2, somewhat enlarged, and showing an alternative embodiment of -the invention.
Referring now to the drawings and fist -to Figure 1 an I
embodiment of the pig signaling device of this invention is shown.
A pipeline is indicated by the numeral 10. An opening 12 is formed in the wall of the pipeline. The pipeline 10 may be of the type used for transporting liquids or gases and through which a pipeline pig or other physical object is periodically passed. The purpose of -this invention is -to provide means for indicating when a pig or such physical object has passed through the pipeline.
- pa -so The pig signaling device is indicated generally by the numeral 14.
The device includes a tubular housing 16~ the lower end AYE of which is welded to the pipeline 10 to encompass opening 12.
As shown in Figure 3 the upper end of the tubular housing its threaded at 16B and receives an internally threaded housing cap member 18 which has aft opening AYE. Secured to the upper end of the housing cap member 18 is u llori~ontal plate 20 with an opening AYE therein in alignment with opening AYE.
'I've tubular housing 16 is provided with internal threads 16C which ill receive a tubular shaft retainer 22. As previously stated, housing 16 is designed to be welded to pipe 10. Since welding can cause distortion of the housing, the device is constructed so that all of the other elements of the pig signaling apparatus are independently and separately secured to the housing after it is welded in position.
The tubular shaft retainer 22 has a groove 24 in the upper end receiving an 0-ring gasket 26 so that the interior of the tubular housing 16 is sealed.
Rotatable received within tubular shut retainer 22 is a lower shaft 28. Secured to the lower end owe the shaft 28 is a beveled gear 30. eye lower I shan't 28 is supported by bearings 32 and 34.
Rotatable received in the upper interior of the tubular shut rottener 22 its a sleeve 36. The lower end of sleeve 36 has a square cross-suctioned opening which telescopically receives the square upper end of lower shut 28. The upper interior portion of sleeve 36 has a hexagonal interior configuration.
Positioned within the opening AYE in the cap member 18 and the opening AYE of plate 20 are bushings 40 and 42. Received in these bushings I
is an upper shaft I, The lower end portion of the upper shaft receives a spacer sleeve I The lower end of shaft is provided with an enlarged portion AYE having a hexagonal configuration which is telescopically received within the hexagonal upper recess Fiji sleeve 36. Thus the upper shaft I is ro-t.ltably locked to lower shaft 28 by means owe sleeve 36, Positioned within sleeve 36 is a spring 38 which provides tension to the shaft I, It can be seen that the apparatus can be assembled in this way, First the tubular housing 16 its welded to pipe 10, Second, the tubular shaft retainer 22 is screwed into pOsitioll, which rotatable supports lower shaft LO 28, sleeve 36 end spring 38, Next, the cap member 38 is threaded onto the tubular housing 16, causing upper shaft I to be coupled to the lower shaft 28 by the engagement of slot AYE of the sleeve with one end of spring 38, The tubular shaft retainer 22 has a reduced diameter downwardly extending integral portion AYE having a slot I therein, Slot I is in a plane parallel to the plane of the drawing of Figure 3, Received in slot I is a beveled drive gear member 50 which is rotated about shaft 52. Drive gear 50 engages beveled gear 30, Attached to and downwardly extending from the beveled drive gear member 50 is an elongated engagement member I When a prig or other physical object passes through the interior of pipeline 10 it contacts the engagement member I moving the beveled drive gear member 50 about axis 52, This rotates the lower shaft 28 and, by means owe spring 38, the upper shaft I, Axed -to the upper end of shaft is a cam arm 56, In the illustrated arrangement the cam arm 56 includes an integral upwardly extending tubular portion AYE which is closed at the upper end and is provided with a slot 58, This is best seen in Figures 1 and 2 in conjunction with Figure 3, I
Secured to the upper surface of plate 20 is a bearing block 60. The bearing block has first and second horizontal openings AYE and 60B there through.
Slide ably received in openings AYE is a plunger rod 62. The inner end of the pllmger rod is secured to an actuator plate 64 which has a longitudinal slot AYE therein, the length of the slot being perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the plunger rod 62. At the outer end of cam arm 56 is a perpendicularly extending pin 66 which is received in the slot I
Secured to the top of plate 20, to either end of the assaulter plate 64, are guide blocks AYE and 68B. When upper shaft 44 is rotated, thereby LO rotating the cam arm 56, the actuator plate and plunger rod 62 are slide ably rearwardly withdrawn. This occurs regardless of the direction of the rotation of the upper shaft I
Rotatable received in opening 60B in the bearing block is a flag arm shaft 70. Rotatable received on the shaft 70 is a sheave 72 and extending from this sheave is a flag arm 74 having a flag member 76 affixed at the outer end. Received about the sheave 72 is a coiled spring 78. One end AYE of the spring engages a pin 80 while the other end 78B engages the flag arm 74. The spring its configured to apply a counter-clockwise torque to the flag arm as viewed in Figure 1 to normally cause the flag arm and the Elan member to extend in an upright position, as shown in figure 4. This is the actuated position. figures 1 and 2 show the flag arm in a set position in which it is hc~lcl:in place by the extending plunger rod 62.
A cover 82 is secured to the upper end of plate 20 to protect the operating mechanism. The cover 82 has an opening AYE which rotatable receives the tubular extension AYE of the cam arm so as to expose to view the slot 58.
[n addition, the cover has openings for receiving the plunger rod 62 and tag arm shaft 70.
~35~
en it is desired to put the pig signaling device in the set position the operator can retract the plunger rod 62 by inserting a screw driver into slot 58 in the upper end of the cam arm. By rotating the cam arm the actuator plate and plunger rod are withdrawn. The flag arm 74 may be -rotated downwardly to the set position and the torque on the cam arm released, allowing the plunger pin to extend outwardly to hold the -flag arm in the set position. one a pig or any physical object passes through the pipeline, in either direction, it contacts the engagement member 54, displacing it, causing rotation of the lower shaft 28 and thereby the upper shaft 44, rotating the Lo call arm and thereby the actuator plate, retracting the plunger rod 62.
Spring 78 then moves the flag arm into the upright position indicating that the pig has passed through the pipeline. The flag arm stays in this upright, actuated position, until reset by an operator. The downwardly extending engagement member 54 is freely pivotal in any direction by a pig passing through the line and does not interfere with the passage of the pig whether the signaling device is in the set or the actuated position.
figures 4, 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment. The lower portion is not shown since it may be substantially as indicated with reference to the embodiment of figures l, 2 and 3.
I As seen best in figure 6, the actuator plate 84 has two spaced apart pins AYE and 86B. These are opposed by pins AYE and 88B extending upwardly from plate 20. Springs AYE and 90B extending between -the pairs of pins and urge the actuator plate 84 in the direction towards the flag arm 74. The slot 92 formed in actuator plate 84 has a perpendicularly extending portion AYE.
Ellis permits the actuator plate I to be inwardly depressed without movement of the upper shaft 4~1.
~35~
As seen best in Figure 5, the outer end AYE of the plunger rod 62 is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod. This permits the signaling device to be moved to the set position without requiring that the plunger be withdrawn since the downward movement of the actuator arm 74 will cause the plunger rod and thereby the actuator plate to be inwardly depressed, the slot AYE receiving pin 66.
In the alternative embodiment, the cam arm 94 extends in both directions from the upper shaft 44. opposite the pin 66 is a second pin 96.
wormed around the upwardly extending end portion AYE of the upper shaft is a coiled spring 98 having opposed arms AYE and 98B, the arms extending to either side of pin 66. A cam stop pin 100 is secured to upper plate 20. spring 98 thereby serves to retain the upper shaft AYE in the central or non-actuated position. Thus, as the shaft 44 is rotated in either direction, it is biased to return to the preselected rotational position as established by spring 98.
This thereby keeps the engagement member 94, as shown in Figures 1 through 3, in the downwardly extending position while, nevertheless, allowing the engagement member to be displaced in either direction by a pig passing through the pipeline.
The operation of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 and that of Figures 4 to 6 is essentially the same. The embodiments illustrate the fact that retaining the actuator plate and the engagement member in the preselected set positions can be achieved utilizing springs placed in more than one location.
In the embodiment of figures 4, 5 and 6 the housing covering the upper operating mechanism is wormed integrally with the plate 20 with a removable top cover lug, showing that the housing also may be formed in a variety of ways.
In both embodiments of the invention the plate 20 has arcuate slots AYE and 104B, the axis of curvature of the slots being that of the upper shaft 44. Bolts 106 in the slots extend into threaded openings (not shown) in the upper end of cap member 18. When the bolts 106 are loosened the plate 20 may be rotated relative to the cap member to thereby align the operating mechanisms supported by the plate with the upper shaft 44. This permits easy adjustment of the mechanism after it is assembled so that when the engagement member 54 is extending vertically downward the pin 66 is centered within slot AYE in the actuator plate I or, with reference to the alternative embodiment, slot 92 in the actuator plate 84.
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for mounting on a pipeline to signal the passage of a pipeline pig or similar physical apparatus through the pipeline, which apparatus is not dependent on the availability of electrical energy, the pipeline having an opening therein, com-prising:
a tubular body member for mounting on the pipeline encompassing the opening therein;
a vertical shaft extending sealably within and partially exteriorally of said body member;
a flag arm pivotally secured to said body member and pivotal about a horizontal axis between a set and an actuated position;
means to urge said flag arm to the actuated position;
an actuator plate slidably supported to said body member in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of said shaft, the actuator plate being slideable between a set and an actuated posi-tion, said actuator plate having an elongated slot therein;
a cam arm extending radially of said shaft; and a pin means extending from said cam arm and received in said actuator plate slot, whereby the rotation of said cam arm dis-places said actuator plate by the engagement of said pin means in said actuator slot;
a plunger rod slideably affixed to said actuator plate and being slideable relative to said tubular body member between a set and an actuated position, said plunger rod engaging said flag arm when both are in the set position to retain said flag arm in the set position;
shaft actuator means extending from said body member into the pipeline to cause the rotation of said shaft when engaged by a pipeline pig or the like passing through the pipeline, to thereby slideably displace said plunger rod to the actuated posi-tion, releasing said flag arm to pivot to the actuated position signaling the passage of a pipeline pig or the like.
a tubular body member for mounting on the pipeline encompassing the opening therein;
a vertical shaft extending sealably within and partially exteriorally of said body member;
a flag arm pivotally secured to said body member and pivotal about a horizontal axis between a set and an actuated position;
means to urge said flag arm to the actuated position;
an actuator plate slidably supported to said body member in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of said shaft, the actuator plate being slideable between a set and an actuated posi-tion, said actuator plate having an elongated slot therein;
a cam arm extending radially of said shaft; and a pin means extending from said cam arm and received in said actuator plate slot, whereby the rotation of said cam arm dis-places said actuator plate by the engagement of said pin means in said actuator slot;
a plunger rod slideably affixed to said actuator plate and being slideable relative to said tubular body member between a set and an actuated position, said plunger rod engaging said flag arm when both are in the set position to retain said flag arm in the set position;
shaft actuator means extending from said body member into the pipeline to cause the rotation of said shaft when engaged by a pipeline pig or the like passing through the pipeline, to thereby slideably displace said plunger rod to the actuated posi-tion, releasing said flag arm to pivot to the actuated position signaling the passage of a pipeline pig or the like.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means to urge said flag arm to the actuated position includes spring means.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 including:
a beveled shaft gear affixed coaxially to said shaft;
a beveled drive gear rotatably supported to said body about an axis perpendicular said shaft rotational axis and engaging said shaft gear; and an elongated engagement member affixed to said drive gear and extending within the pipeline whereby a pipeline pig or the like passing through the pipeline displaces said engagement member, rotating said drive gear and thereby said shaft to displace said plunger rod to release said flag arm to the actuated position.
a beveled shaft gear affixed coaxially to said shaft;
a beveled drive gear rotatably supported to said body about an axis perpendicular said shaft rotational axis and engaging said shaft gear; and an elongated engagement member affixed to said drive gear and extending within the pipeline whereby a pipeline pig or the like passing through the pipeline displaces said engagement member, rotating said drive gear and thereby said shaft to displace said plunger rod to release said flag arm to the actuated position.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 including:
a spring means received about said shaft to urge said shaft to the position in which said actuator member is extending generally radially into the pipeline and said plunger rod is in the set position.
a spring means received about said shaft to urge said shaft to the position in which said actuator member is extending generally radially into the pipeline and said plunger rod is in the set position.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 including:
spring means urging said actuator plate and thereby said plunger rod towards the set position.
spring means urging said actuator plate and thereby said plunger rod towards the set position.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plunger rod is tapered on one side at its end opposite said actuator plate whereby said flag arm may be rotated from the actuated to the set position, the flag arm engaging said tapered end to inwardly dis-place said plunger rod and actuator plate as said flag arm passes to move to the set position.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 including:
a coiled spring received about said shaft and having the ends of the spring secured in relationship to said body member and said cam arm to automatically return said shaft and cam arm to the set position except when shaft is rotated by the presence of a pipeline pig or the like.
a coiled spring received about said shaft and having the ends of the spring secured in relationship to said body member and said cam arm to automatically return said shaft and cam arm to the set position except when shaft is rotated by the presence of a pipeline pig or the like.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said spring has two arms extending from a coiled portion received about said shaft, and wherein said cam arm has a pin extending therefrom parallel to and spaced from said shaft, said spring arms extending to either side of said pin, and a cam stop pin secured to said body member parallel to and spaced from said shaft and cam pin, said spring arm extending to either side of said cam stop pin.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said slot in said actuator plate provides an actuator surface engaged by said cam arm pin means as said actuator plate is displaced by the rota-tion of said cam arm, and said slot being configured to permit the inward displacement of said actuator plate to permit said flag arm to be moved from the actuated to the set position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US52311883A | 1983-08-15 | 1983-08-15 | |
| US523,118 | 1983-08-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1235024A true CA1235024A (en) | 1988-04-12 |
Family
ID=24083738
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000460940A Expired CA1235024A (en) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-08-14 | Flag-type pig-sig |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU573752B2 (en) |
| BE (1) | BE900362A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1235024A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3429782A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2550845B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2146476B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL8402461A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0333161B1 (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1994-11-02 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Gas shutoff apparatus |
| DE19654683A1 (en) * | 1996-12-31 | 1998-07-02 | Zubler Geraetebau | System for monitoring flow taking along objects especially labels in suction system |
| CN102000723A (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2011-04-06 | 肇庆市骏驰科技有限公司 | Multi-boss molding device for automotive pipeline |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2698363A (en) * | 1953-11-12 | 1954-12-28 | Shell Dev | Pipe line indicator for scrapers |
| US3058361A (en) * | 1959-04-24 | 1962-10-16 | Resonated Products Inc | Reciprocatory apparatus and energy exchangers therefor |
| US3109410A (en) * | 1959-12-24 | 1963-11-05 | Williamson Inc T | Passage indicator for pipeline scrapers and the like |
| GB974014A (en) * | 1962-07-06 | 1964-11-04 | Gen Descaling Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to pipeline pig and sphere locating devices |
| GB1044058A (en) * | 1962-07-06 | 1966-09-28 | Gen Descaling Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to pipe line pig or sphere locating devices |
| US3327677A (en) * | 1966-06-16 | 1967-06-27 | William R King | Pipeline pig signalling device |
| US3848244A (en) * | 1972-07-10 | 1974-11-12 | J Goodwin | Water skier{40 s safety device |
-
1984
- 1984-08-02 GB GB08419735A patent/GB2146476B/en not_active Expired
- 1984-08-06 AU AU31627/84A patent/AU573752B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1984-08-09 NL NL8402461A patent/NL8402461A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1984-08-13 BE BE0/213497A patent/BE900362A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1984-08-13 DE DE19843429782 patent/DE3429782A1/en active Granted
- 1984-08-14 CA CA000460940A patent/CA1235024A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-08-14 FR FR8412816A patent/FR2550845B1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2146476B (en) | 1987-01-28 |
| BE900362A (en) | 1984-12-03 |
| FR2550845B1 (en) | 1988-05-27 |
| AU573752B2 (en) | 1988-06-23 |
| NL8402461A (en) | 1985-03-01 |
| GB2146476A (en) | 1985-04-17 |
| AU3162784A (en) | 1985-02-21 |
| DE3429782A1 (en) | 1985-02-28 |
| DE3429782C2 (en) | 1992-07-02 |
| GB8419735D0 (en) | 1984-09-05 |
| FR2550845A1 (en) | 1985-02-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |