Abstract: A pneumatic control system for selectively controlling a pneumatically-operated device for controlling movement of a variable load, such as a material handling device or lifting and lowering device, is capable of automatically sensing the load exerted on the pneumatically-operated device and automatically self-compensating for varying loads in order to selectively maintain the load in a static condition. The system further allows for ease of manual manipulation of the load to a new static condition and automatically self-compensates in order to maintain the load at such new static condition. The system preferably accomplishes this by automatically detecting the outlet pneumatic pressure necessary to maintain the load in a first static condition and for automatically self-adjusting the outlet pneumatic pressure to maintain the load in a second static condition.

Abstract: A control device for controlling and monitoring two fluid valves, wherein each fluid valve comprises a drive means which is adapted for activation by an associated control signal, and a movable valve element which is biassed toward a first position in which fluid flow through the valve is prevented and which can be driven by said drive means to a second position in which fluid is able to flow through the valve, a first switch which is actuable by the displaceable element of the first valve, a second switch which is actuable by the displaceable element of the second valve, wherein each switch is biassed towards a first position and each switch can be driven to a second position when the displaceable element of the associated valve takes its second position.

Abstract: A control device contains two electromagnets (61, 62) in a respective current supply circuit (41, 44; 42, 44) which includes a biassed switch (20, 21) having first and second output terminals (2, 4), wherein the switches are biassed towards the first output terminal (2). When the magnets are moved to an active state against a biassing force, the switch in one circuit switches from its first (2) to its second terminal (4) to which the magnet is connected. The first and second terminals (2, 4) of the two switches (20, 21) are connected crosswise, so that a control signal (S1, S2) to the first circuit will initially energize the magnet of the second circuit, and vice versa, wherein the magnet remains in an active state if switching of the switches takes place within the time period taken for one of the magnets to leave its activated state after deactivation, i.e. when the two control signals (S1, S2) are both applied within this time period.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic control system is selectively deactuable and actuable for controlling movement of the armature of a pneumatically-operated device between first and second working positions and includes a timing subsystem that enhances the efficiency of the overall system by stabilizing the control system at a pressure necessary to maintain certain static conditions in the pneumatically-operated device, while still providing for full control air pressure when dynamic operations are required. In addition, such a control system compensates for system leakage in an efficient manner by using full control air pressure only when needed for proper operating functions of the overall system.

Abstract: A safety monitoring system is provided for a pneumatic control system having a double safety valve arrangement. The monitoring system is adapted for preventing further operation of the control system in response to a malfunction of either the double safety valve or the monitoring system itself. The monitoring system preferably includes constantly dynamic monitor valves, and also preferably includes a damper feature for substantially preventing premature, undesired shutdowns of the control system in accordance with predetermined system parameters.

Abstract: An improved safety valve includes piston-actuated provisions for gradually pressurizing a fluid-actuated motor during start-up of the system, preferably by way of a changeable flow restriction. In addition such improved safety valve preferably includes a floating exhaust valve actuating apparatus movable in an exhaust closure chamber and that operates in response to the presence or absence of line pressure in the exhaust closure chamber for respectively blocking off or opening fluid communication between the safety valve's outlet port and exhaust port. A pilot operator is also included for selectively permitting or cutting off line pressure flow to actuate the piston actuator and the exhaust valve actuating apparatus. The preferred safety valve also includes a check valve for preventing back-flow from the safety valve's outlet port back to the piston actuator and back to the exhaust valve actuating apparatus.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed of an automatic shutoff valve apparatus for permitting removal, repair, or replacement of a control valve from a mounting base without deactivating a complete system. In addition, a redundancy arrangement is disclosed wherein the shutoff valve apparatus and at least two control valves are employed in parallel so that the device activated by the control valves can be maintained operative when one control valve malfunctions or is removed, repaired, or replaced.

Abstract: A multi-port, self-regulating, proportional control valve preferably uses a load output feedback system to produce working fluid load output pressures that are proportional to pilot control fluid pressures. In some embodiments, the control valve is programmable and capable of different load output pressures selected either prior to, or during, operation. The control valve apparatus according to the present invention is capable of a center-off or neutral condition that requires substantially no pilot control flow when there in no control valve output flow.

Abstract: A safety monitor for a dual valve of the type that provides a malfunction signal when one of the valve members of the dual valve is not in its intended position. The monitor comprises a simple pressure sensing device that senses the pressure downstream of the inlet valve element of each of the valve members for sensing when a pressure exists downstream of the valve element.

Abstract: A flow control for base mounted valves having a number of ports that extend through it and valve elements that are positioned for directly controlling the flow through at least certain of the ports. The valve elements include operators that are accessible at one end of the valve block for controlling the valve elements.

Abstract: A safety brake for use on presses that provides a positive stop which is positioned so that its braking surfaces will be engaged if the press overtravels its normal home position due to failure of the standard clutch and brake system of the press. The braking surfaces of the emergency brake are moved to a released position when the press is energized to begin a cycle of its operation. Once the released braking surfaces have passed by each other during the normal cycle of press operation, they are returned to their braking positions so as to preclude overtravel of the press past its home position to any substantial degree if the conventional brake of the press should fail.

Abstract: A construction for the housing of a unit which has a pair of male supply terminals and a differently oriented male ground terminal, which precludes improper mating and potential shock hazard. The construction comprises a shroud surrounding the housing surface from which the terminals protrude and which corresponds to the female outlet housing contour and thus permits insertion of the terminals in only the correct position.

Abstract: Means for sensing a discrepant position between two normally closed valves of a double valve assembly used to control an industrial machine such as an air-operated press clutch and brake. The indicating means comprises switch means responsive to the movement of each of the valves and so positioned that the switch means is actuated very close to the closed position of each valve. The switch means controls power to solenoid-operated pilot valves for the two main control valves of the double valve assembly. By controlling the switch means immediately adjacent the closed valve positions, the safe or closed part of the cycle is monitored for these valves, which are in themselves stable because of their normally closed nature. The switch means may be either cam-operated mechanical switches, proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, or contacts directly engageable by the inlet valve elements and utilizing the valve body itself as part of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A muffler assembly particularly adapted to silence the exhaust air from an air valve of an air system. The muffler is constructed so as to permit effective silencing without significantly increasing valve and/or system response times. In addition, the design provides long life by permitting the retention of foreign matter in the exhaust air without significantly increasing the restriction to flow or decreasing the performance of the muffler. The muffler includes an inlet, an expansion chamber, a packing of woven material and an exhaust opening in that sequence.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a pressurized fluid line controlling a clutch and brake made up of a pair of valves having movable valve members with separate actuators, each of the valve members having inlet ports and outlet ports, the inlet ports being connected in series and the outlet ports being connected effectively in parallel so that both valves must be activated to pass the pressurized fluid to the control line and so that upon unwanted sticking of one of the valve members in activated position, pressure fluid to the control line is cut off and exhaust fluid from the line is promptly and directly vented.