Abstract: A control valve apparatus couples pressurized fluid to first and second actuators using first and second double valves. The first double valve includes first and second crossover passages and first and second pilots. The second double valve includes third and fourth crossover passages and third and fourth pilots. A first interconnection couples the first crossover passage with the third pilot fluid inlet. A second interconnection couples the second crossover passage with the fourth pilot fluid inlet. A third interconnection couples the third crossover passage with the first pilot fluid inlet. A fourth interconnection couples the fourth crossover passage with the second pilot fluid inlet. Thus, operation of each pilot depends upon receiving pressurized fluid from the other double valve which is only present when the other double valve is not in a fault condition.

Abstract: A double valve is reset when a source of pressurized fluid is connected to a reset port. When the source of pressurized fluid is removed from the reset port, a first reset piston is retracted so that a second pilot chamber receives pressurized fluid while a first pilot chamber continues to be vented. A second reset piston is retracted after a predetermined delay time following retraction of the first reset piston, the predetermined delay time being sufficient to allow the second pilot chamber to become substantially pressurized. If a second pilot valve is actuated when the second reset piston is retracted, then the pressurized fluid in the second pilot chamber drives the second movable valve unit out of a deactuated position during a time that pressurized fluid in the first pilot chamber is insufficient to drive the first movable valve unit out of a deactuated position.

Abstract: A double valve for controlling a machine tool has a memory such that when the valve is in its normal deactuated state and the inlet air supply is cycled (e.g., turned from on to off or from off to on), then the valve remains in the deactuated (i.e., ready to run) state. When the valve is in a faulted state (e.g., intermediate position) and the inlet air supply is cycled, then the valve remains in the faulted state. The memory is achieved by a balanced condition of the movable valve elements when in the normal deactuated position and an unbalanced or latched condition when in the intermediate or faulted position.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system is provided for selectively controlling movement of a pneumatically-operated device between first and second working positions. The pneumatically-operated device includes a working portion and a pneumatic-control portion. The pneumatic-control portion is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and includes a series of valves for selectively manipulating the working portion between the first and second working positions. The pneumatic-control portion further includes a sensing system for holding the working portion in a static mode by selectively applying system pressure to the working portion. In this manner, a more energy efficient system is provided by eliminating the need for continuous application of full line pressure.

Abstract: A control valve system having a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and an exhaust. A first passage extends between the inlet and the outlet and a second passage extends between the outlet and the exhaust. The control valve system includes a first valve disposed within the first passage. The first valve is movable between a closed position and an opened position. Similarly, the control valve system includes a second valve disposed within the second passage. The second valve is movable between a closed position and an opened position. Furthermore, the control valve system includes a regulator circuit operably coupled to the housing, which outputs a pilot pressure in response to an inlet pressure. An actuating member is slidably disposed within the housing and moveable in response to a pressure differential between the outlet and the pilot pressure. The actuating member independently actuates the first valve and the second valve to provide a quick pressure and exhaust feature.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a freight car having a brake pipe, auxiliary and emergency reservoirs normally charged with pressurized fluid from the brake pipe, a fluid pressure activated brake cylinder device and an exhaust including an electronic controller, at least one pressure sensor, an electrically operated supply valve controlled by the electronic controller selectively communicating the brake cylinder with one of the reservoirs to perform a brake application, an exhaust valve selectively communicating the brake cylinder with the atmosphere thereby performing a brake release function, and an electronically operated exhaust latching valve controlled by the electronic controller to selectively signal the exhaust valve to connect the brake cylinder to the exhaust.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a freight car having a brake pipe, auxiliary and emergency reservoirs normally charged with pressurized fluid from the brake pipe, a fluid pressure activated brake cylinder device and an exhaust including an electronic controller, at least one pressure sensor, an electrically operated supply valve controlled by the electronic controller selectively communicating the brake cylinder with one of the reservoirs to perform a brake application, an exhaust valve selectively communicating the brake cylinder with the atmosphere thereby performing a brake release function, and an electronically operated exhaust latching valve controlled by the electronic controller to selectively signal the exhaust valve to connect the brake cylinder to the exhaust.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system is provided for selectively controlling movement of a pneumatically-operated device between first and second working positions. The pneumatically-operated device includes a working portion and a pneumatic-control portion. The pneumatic-control portion is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and includes a series of valves for selectively manipulating the working portion between the first and second working positions. The pneumatic-control portion further includes a sensing system for holding the working portion in a static mode by selectively applying system pressure to the working portion. In this manner, a more energy efficient system is provided by eliminating the need for continuous application of full line pressure.

Abstract: A control valve system having housing defining an inlet, an outlet and an exhaust. A first passage extends between the inlet and the outlet and a second passage extends between the outlet and the exhaust. A first plurality of valves are disposed within the first passage, each being selectively actuated to close, open, or partially open the first passage. A second plurality of valves are disposed within the second passage, each being selectively actuated to close, open, or partially open the second passage. A plurality of reset members are selectively engageable with the first plurality of valves and are operable to actuate the first plurality of valves when a pressure is applied to the plurality of reset members. The plurality of reset members each have an anti-tiedown stem extending therefrom to prevent operation of the control valve system if any of the plurality of reset members is tied down.

Abstract: A control valve system having a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and an exhaust. A first passage extends between the inlet and the outlet and a second passage extends between the outlet and the exhaust. The control valve system includes a first valve disposed within the first passage. The first valve is movable between a closed position and an opened position. Similarly, the control valve system includes a second valve disposed within the second passage. The second valve is movable between a closed position and an opened position. Furthermore, the control valve system includes a regulator circuit operably coupled to the housing, which outputs a pilot pressure in response to an inlet pressure. An actuating member is slidably disposed within the housing and moveable in response to a pressure differential between the outlet and the pilot pressure. The actuating member independently actuates the first valve and the second valve to provide a quick pressure and exhaust feature.

Abstract: A control valve system having a housing defining an inlet, an outlet and an exhaust. A first passage extends between the inlet and the outlet and a second passage extends between the outlet and the exhaust. A first plurality of valves are disposed within the first passage, wherein each of the first plurality of valves are movable between a deactuated position where the first passage is closed, an actuated position where the first passage is open, and an intermediate position where the first passage is partially open. A second plurality of valves are disposed within the second passage, wherein each of the second plurality of valves are movable between a deactuated position where the second passage is open, an actuated position where the second passage is closed, and an intermediate position where the second passage is partially open. A plurality of reset members are selectively engageable with the first plurality of valves.

Abstract: A control valve system has two valve trains each of which has a series of valves which dynamically move between a deactuated position and an actuated position. An inlet of the valve system is connected to an outlet of the valve system when all of the valves are actuated and the outlet of the valve system is connected to an exhaust when all of the valves are deactuated. Each valve train includes a solenoid valve which when actuated moves the remaining valve members to their actuated position. The various valves of each valve train are interconnected with the valve of the other valve train such that actuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the inlet of the valve system to the outlet of the valve system and deactuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the outlet to the exhaust.

Abstract: A control valve system has two valve trains each of which has a series of valves which dynamically move between a deactuated position and an actuated position. An inlet of the valve system is connected to an outlet of the valve system when all of the valves are actuated and the outlet of the valve system is connected to an exhaust when all of the valves are deactuated. Each valve train includes a solenoid valve which when actuated moves the remaining valve members to their actuated position. The various valves of each valve train are interconnected with the valve of the other valve train such that actuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the inlet of the valve system to the outlet of the valve system and deactuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the outlet to the exhaust.

Abstract: A control valve system has two valve trains each of which has a series of valves which dynamically move between a deactuated position and an actuated position. An inlet of the valve system is connected to an outlet of the valve system when all of the valves are actuated and the outlet of the valve system is connected to an exhaust when all of the valves are deactuated. Each valve train includes a solenoid valve which when actuated moves the remaining valve members to their actuated position. The various valves of each valve train are interconnected with the valve of the other valve train such that actuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the inlet of the valve system to the outlet of the valve system and deactuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the outlet to the exhaust.

Abstract: A control valve system has two valve trains each of which has a series of valves which dynamically move between a deactuated position and an actuated position. An inlet of the valve system is connected to an outlet of the valve system when all of the valves are actuated and the outlet of the valve system is connected to an exhaust when all of the valves are deactuated. Each valve train includes a solenoid valve which when actuated moves the remaining valve members to their actuated position. The various valves of each valve train are interconnected with the valve of the other valve train such that actuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the inlet of the valve system to the outlet of the valve system and deactuation of all of the valves in a substantially simultaneous manner will connect the outlet to the exhaust.

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: A double valve of the safety type for the control of equipment such as the clutch/brake of a press. The double valve comprises two four-way valves each having two supply and two working ports and an exhaust port. The valves are shiftable by fluid controlled means through a shuttle check valve. The arrangement is such that when either main valve is faulted, pressure will be removed from the clutch/brake motor and the fluid controlled shifting means will be disenabled due to the lack of synchronism between the main valves. This self monitoring function will prevent repressurization of the clutch/brake motor regardless of whether the unfaulted main valve continues to operate. The main valves are of the open center crossover type to prevent trapping of air at the working port for the clutch/brake motor in intermediate positions of the valves.