Abstract: A proportional flow control valve having at least one pinch jaw that is movable between open and closed positions for engaging a fluid flow line passing through the valve. The valve includes a valve actuator generally formed from a shape memory alloy that engages and moves at least one movable pinch jaw. As an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy exerts a moving force on the pinch jaw so as to move the pinch jaw into or out of engagement with a flow tube for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A serial bus control system for an automatic sewing station for attaching a series of work pieces includes a serial bus cable connected to a power supply and a system controller. A program module is plugged into the serial bus cable and is programmed with an operations program or set of command instructions that are accessed and run by the system controller for controlling the automatic sewing station. A series of input modules are removably connected to the serial bus cable and receive inputs from various detectors monitoring the position and movement of the work pieces along a sewing path through the automatic sewing station.