Abstract: A fluid flow regulator for fluids containing fine solids in suspension, such as paint, has a sharp-edged orifice to meter fluid in accordance with pressure across the orifice. The pressure is determined by throttling action of a main poppet valve carried by a spool and controlled by three diaphragms. Valve opening pressures on the diaphragms are downstream fluid pressure, and pilot air pressure while valve closing diaphragm forces are applied by the regulated fluid pressure downstream of the poppet. This regulator is fully pressure-compensated for variations in downstream pressure. Valve leakage is positively prevented by applying pilot air pressure in a manner to seat the poppet valve. Valve flushing at a high flow rate is permitted by a second poppet which carries the sharp-edged orifice and opens to allow a bypass of the orifice during flushing. Flushing action is actuated by high pilot air pressure forcing the main poppet valve to full open position.

Abstract: A pressure compensating flow control valve assembly for providing a constant flow rate for fluids having a high solids content is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a housing comprising first and second housing members having an inlet and an outlet, respectively, a deflectable diaphragm clamped between the housing members and which divides the housing into first and second chambers, and a control valve means carried by the diaphragm which includes a fixed control orifice in communication with the second chamber and outlet and a poppet valve for throttling flow of fluids from the inlet to the first chamber. The control valve means is constructed such that the fluid is caused to be moved in a tortuous path through the valve assembly so as to prevent or minimize solids in the fluid from settling out.

Abstract: A recirculating paint apparatus comprising a main body provided with a plurality of radially extending openings in communication with a main axially extending delivery channel, and a plurality of selectively operable valve assemblies for controlling communication between different color paints and the delivery channel is disclosed. Each paint is recirculated through its associated valve assembly right up to its valve for controlling flow through an orifice in communication with the common delivery channel so that all areas are subject to recirculating flow and any settling out of pigments or solids in the paint is prevented or minimized.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for a paint color change system for directing paint to spray guns from either of two supply lines selectively while connecting the other line to exhaust, and simultaneously controlling the paint pressure as a function of pilot air pressure. A valve block contains two pairs of poppet valves, each pair having a common inlet chamber connected to one of the paint supply lines and containing a pair of poppets each biased toward a seat for controlling flow to an outlet chamber, and a pilot air operated diaphragm in each outlet chamber coupled with a poppet for regulating the position of the poppet in accordance with the paint pressure in the outlet chamber and pilot air pressure.

Abstract: A color change system for supplying paint to a remote spray head uses a paint manifold and suitable valving for supplying paint to either of two supply lines extending to the spray head to enable one supply line to be flushed with cleaning fluid and filled with paint of a new color while the other line is supplying paint of another color. Part of the necessary valving is located at the spray head and that valving includes pressure regulating valves controlled by air pilot pressure to accurately regulate the paint pressure and thus the paint flow rate to paint spray devices.

Abstract: Predominately hydraulic controls with an optional electrical feedback loop for a compression molding press is provided for a press having the main force provided by four hydraulic cylinders one at each corner of the ram and a fifth cylinder at its center. A hydromechanical servo valve at each corner of the press each in conjunction with a position gauge rod controls the adjacent cylinder to keep the ram parallel with the bed and an averaging valve applies the average pressure of the corner cylinders to the central cylinder. A servo controlled position motor synchronously moves each of the hydromechanical valves with respect to the ram to affect position and velocity control of the ram. A force comparator samples the average cylinder pressure to establish a maximum pressure and to override the position control when that maximum pressure is approached. The electrical control senses the position of the servo controller to compare press position to a preset program and to control the servo accordingly.