Abstract: The redundant valve system 10 of the preferred embodiments includes a first valve unit 12, a second valve unit 14, a third valve unit 16, a first diagnostic device 18, a second diagnostic device 20, and a control unit 22. The third valve unit has a first position that allows fluid flow toward the first valve unit and a second position that allows fluid flow toward the second valve unit. The first diagnostic device and the second diagnostic device are adapted to detect the presence of a fault in the first valve unit and the second valve unit, respectively. The control unit is coupled to the third valve unit and adapted to cycle between a first operation mode that requests the first position for the third valve unit and a second operation mode that requests the second position for the third valve unit.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes an adjustable soft start capability and pressure indicator device. The fluid control valve isolates an input port and connects an outlet port to an exhaust port when the fluid control valve is in its closed position. A system is provided for locking the fluid control valve in the closed position. The indicator device is used to provide an indication of the pressure within the outlet port to ensure safe operation.

Abstract: The redundant valve system 10 of the preferred embodiments includes a first valve unit 12, a second valve unit 14, a third valve unit 16, a first diagnostic device 18, a second diagnostic device 20, and a control unit 22. The third valve unit has a first position that allows fluid flow toward the first valve unit and a second position that allows fluid flow toward the second valve unit. The first diagnostic device and the second diagnostic device are adapted to detect the presence of a fault in the first valve unit and the second valve unit, respectively. The control unit is coupled to the third valve unit and adapted to cycle between a first operation mode that requests the first position for the third valve unit and a second operation mode that requests the second position for the third valve unit.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes an adjustable soft start capability and pressure indicator device. The fluid control valve isolates an input port and connects an outlet port to an exhaust port when the fluid control valve is in its closed position. A system is provided for locking the fluid control valve in the closed position. The indicator device is used to provide an indication of the pressure within the outlet port to ensure safe operation.

Abstract: A control valve system in which main valves are actuated and deactuated by operation of pilot valves. Actuation of pilot valves causes actuation of the main valves, which enables fluid pressure to be output from the control valve system. The main valves must shift within a predetermined time period in order to prevent an error condition. A timing chamber stores a predetermined amount of fluid to define a time period in which the main valves must shift.

Abstract: A valve system (10) that employs a piezo-electric element (38) to activate a fluid flow valve (18) so as to use a minimal amount of electrical energy. The piezo-electric element (38) activates a pilot pressure valve (36), which allows a control fluid to pass to a main control valve (44). The control fluid causes the main control valve (44) to activate a working element (16), which in turn operates the fluid flow valve (18). A switching assembly (70) is employed to activate the piezo-electric element (38). The switching assembly (70) can include various types of switching devices, such as RF switching devices, optical switching devices, infrared switching devices and low voltage electrical switching devices.

Abstract: A control valve system in which main valves are actuated and deactuated by operation of pilot valves. Actuation of pilot valves causes actuation of the main valves, which enables fluid pressure to be output from the control valve system. The main valves must shift within a predetermined time period in order to prevent an error condition. A timing chamber stores a predetermined amount of fluid to define a time period in which the main valves must shift.

Abstract: The platen of a press which is provided with multiple longitudinally running T-slots for clamping a tool such as a die or mold to the platen has a frame secured to it which supports and guides a travelling clamp so that the travelling clamp can be moved laterally to serve any one of several T-slots in the platen. In one embodiment, a face drive unit has its motor fixed relative to the frame so as to drive the travelling clamp laterally. In another embodiment, the frame supports multiple travelling clamps and each clamp is provided with its own lateral drive along a frame which extends along the face of the press slide and is common to the travelling clamps. Brake cylinders maybe provided for fixing the travelling clamp to the frame during press operation.

Abstract: A travelling clamp unit of the type for extending and retracting a T-head clamping cylinder into and out of a T-slot of a press has a main frame which supports clamping cylinder drive means and the clamping cylinder when it is in a parked position in which it is retracted from the T-slot of the press. The main frame has rails which support the clamping cylinder T-head in the parked position and which are removable from the main frame so that the T-head can be dropped out of the bottom end of the main frame for removing the clamping cylinder from the travelling clamp unit.