Abstract: A single-acting, full return clamp (10) holds first and second objects, such as mold portions, in a compressive clamping relationship. A body (12), for attachment to the first object, has a housing (22) with first and second end plates (16, 18). A shaft (26) moves axially in the body and rotates about an axis of the body. A shaft end (32) outside of the housing bears against the second object in a first condition and disengages from the second object in a second condition, where the shaft end is lifts away from the body, and rotates relative to the axis. A spring (40) in the housing applies compressive force on the shaft in the first condition. A piston (74), in the housing near the first end plate when the device is in the first condition, moves axially against the spring force to move the shaft while in the second condition.

Abstract: A flow control device (10) operates on digital instruction from a controller, especially in association with a tire curing press. A valve body (42) has a flow conduit, along which a seat (52) is formed. A valve stem (48) has a valve seal (50) positioned in the flow conduit and an end that extends out of the valve body at a valve bonnet (54). The seal moves toward and away from the valve seat. A smart motor (20) in bi-directional communication (300) with the controller (500) sets the position of the seal by rotating an output shaft (22) to a predetermined position. An actuator (7) arranged between the stepper motor and the valve body translates rotation of the outlet shaft into axial movement of the valve stem. A spring (76) in the actuator moves the valve stem to a predetermined default position in the event of loss of power.

Abstract: A flow control device (10) operates on digital instruction from a controller, especially in association with a tire curing press. A valve body (42) has a flow conduit, along which a seat (52) is formed. A valve stem (48) has a valve seal (50) positioned in the flow conduit and an end that extends out of the valve body at a valve bonnet (54). The seal move toward and away from the valve seat. A smart motor (20) in bi-directional communication with the controller sets the position of the seal by rotating an output shaft (22) to a predetermined position. An actuator (7) arranged between the stepper motor and the valve body translates rotation of the outlet shaft into axial movement of the valve stem. A spring (76) in the actuator moves the valve stem to a predetermined default position in the event of loss of power.

Abstract: An in-line vacuum device for pulling a vacuum includes an inlet and outlet in-line with a drain conduit. The vacuum device further includes a jet inlet and jet hoses and jet nozzles. The jet nozzles point downstream toward the outlet of the vacuum device, and by introducing fluid through the jet inlet, jet hoses, and jet nozzles, a vacuum is created at the inlet side of the device, thus drawing the contents of the drain conduit donwstream and creating a vacuum upstream. The in-line vacuum valve finds particular application in draining the bladder in a tire press.