Valve tester suspension assembly

摘要

A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

主权项

1. A valve testing assembly comprising:
a mobile base; an articulated arm assembly coupled to the mobile base, the articulated arm assembly including a horizontally adjustable arm having distal and proximal ends, the proximal end of the horizontally-adjustable arm coupled to the mobile base, and the horizontally adjustable arm being extendable and retractable with respect to the mobile base, a second arm coupled to a pivot connection coupled to the distal end of the horizontally adjustable arm, the second arm pivoting about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the horizontally adjustable arm; and a valve testing assembly coupled to the second arm, the valve testing assembly comprising a valve tester having a control assembly, the control assembly including a rotating assembly, an indicating display, and a torque adjustment mechanism effective for adjusting torque loads so that a valve to which the rotating assembly is coupled will not be damaged, the rotating assembly including a rotating shaft which is effective for connection to the valve, and the rotating assembly being vertically adjustable to engage the valve.