Abstract: A diagnostic method for solenoid valves includes detecting, at excitation of the solenoid, a variation rate of the supply voltage of the solenoid and comparing it with a predetermined value, generating an error signal if the variation rate is lower than the predetermined value, otherwise, detecting characteristics of the waveform of the solenoid current over a time interval between a moment of excitation of the solenoid and a moment wherein the movable core reaches end-stroke position, comparing the detected characteristics with threshold values, generating an alarm signal if the detected characteristics are lower than the threshold values, otherwise calculating the value of solenoid resistance and comparing it with a minimum resistance value and a maximum resistance value when the solenoid current is in steady state, and generating an alarm signal if the solenoid resistance value is lower than the minimum resistance value or greater than the maximum resistance value.

Abstract: A method is for controlling an actuation force exerted by an actuating device having a first working chamber and a second working chamber supplied with pressurized air from a source of pressurized air by a first pressure regulator and a second pressure regulator. The method includes calculating, by an optimization algorithm based on a dynamic model of the actuating device and of the first and second pressure regulators, desired values for control signals for the first and second pressure regulators to generate an actuation force equal to a desired value for the actuation force. An estimated value for the actuation force, estimated values for pressures inside the first and second working chambers and for first derivatives of the pressures, are determined by a state observer based on a measured value for the actuation force and on measured values for the pressures in the first and second working chambers.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for diagnosing a malfunction of a solenoid valve includes: a) storing reference features of a solenoid current waveform, b) detecting features of the solenoid current waveform during operation of the solenoid valve, c) comparing the reference features with the detected features, d) comparing the pressure value of fluid entering the solenoid valve inlet orifice with a predetermined range of pressure values in the event of deviation between the value of the detected features and the value of the reference features, e) adjusting the pressure value and repeating steps b) and c) in the case of deviation of the pressure value with respect to the pressure value range, and f) generating an alarm signal due to malfunction of the solenoid valve in the event of a deviation between the value of the detected features and the value of the reference and fluid pressure features within the pressure value range.

Abstract: A valve unit for a dosing device of a fluid has a unit body having a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, and, therebetween, an obturator seat housing a ball obturator. An obturator passage is formed in the ball obturator, which is rotatable between an open position, in which the obturator passage fluidically connects the fluid inlet passage to the fluid outlet passage, and a closed position, in which the ball obturator prevents passage of fluid from the fluid inlet passage to the fluid outlet passage. A fluid-tight intake piston, slidingly housed in a piston chamber and integral in rotation with the ball obturator, fluidically communicates with the fluid inlet and outlet passages. Cam means arranged between the unit body and the fluid-tight intake piston cause translation of the fluid-tight intake piston from an advanced position to a retracted position for intaking residual fluid present in the obturator passage.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes an outlet pressure sensor, loading and unloading electromagnetic valves, and a regulator control circuit operatively connected to the loading and unloading electromagnetic valves and configured to pilot the loading and unloading electromagnetic valves to cancel an error signal given by a difference between an inlet signal corresponding to a desired outlet pressure and a feedback signal provided by the outlet pressure sensor. The pressure regulator includes an engaging current analysis circuit to detect and store reference characteristics of the engaging current of the solenoid of the loading electromagnetic valve in a stable inlet pressure condition, monitor the engaging current to detect any variation of its characteristics with respect to the corresponding reference characteristics, and, in the event of variation, provide a pilot modulation signal to at least one of the loading or unloading electromagnetic valves or a pressure variation signal to the regulator control circuit.

Abstract: A support and vacuum power device for a pneumatic prehensile member, such as a suction cup, comprises a casing and a sleeve protruding from said casing and wherein at least one recess is formed. A movable element is movable in translation in the casing and is provided with a power supply duct. The movable element comprises a stem guided in translation in the sleeve. An anti-rotation insert made in a single body is inserted into the sleeve through the recess and is provided with a through opening slidably engaged by the stem. The through opening is defined by at least one contact surface extended for an effective contact with an engagement portion of the movable element, thus achieving an anti-rotation constraint for the movable element.

Abstract: A fluid recirculation and dispenser valve unit of a fluid comprises a fluid recirculation and dispenser valve and a cartridge in which an axial valve seat is made which at least partially houses said valve. Said valve comprises a valve body and a valve rod which extends partially in said valve body and which is axially movable between a closed rearward position of the valve and an open forward position of the valve. The axial valve seat comprises a proximal recirculation portion, which communicates fluidically with a recirculation duct, and a distal dispenser portion in fluidic communication with a dispenser duct.