Abstract: A pressure adjustment apparatus comprising a compartment (15) and a valve arrangement (10) for controlling the pressure of the compartment (15). The valve arrangement (10) comprises an inlet (12), for connecting the valve arrangement to a pressurised fluid source (13), and an inlet valve (14), for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid source (13) into the valve arrangement (10); an outlet (16), for releasing fluid from the valve arrangement 34 (10), and an outlet valve (18), for controlling the flow of fluid out of the valve arrangement (10); a compartment port (20) by which the compartment (15) is connected to the valve arrangement (10); and a compartment valve (22) for controlling the flow of fluid into and/or out of the compartment (15).

Abstract: A proportional actuator valve (110) adapted for position control and position adjustment is provided. The proportional actuator valve (110) includes a valve housing (112) having at least two chambers (324, 325). The chambers are separated by one or more sealing members (322). A valve slider (113) is provided that is movable in the valve housing (112). One or more grooves (329) are formed in the valve slider (113). The one or more grooves (329) pneumatically communicate with the two chambers (324, 325) of the valve housing (112). One or more bores (327, 328) are also formed in the valve slider (113). The one or more bores (327, 328) pneumatically communicate with the one or more grooves (329). Movement of the valve slider (113) relative to the valve housing (112) provides a pneumatic valve action.

Abstract: A locking piston assembly (100) is provided according to the invention. The locking piston assembly (100) includes a piston chamber (107), a piston rod (106) configured to be substantially extended from and substantially retracted into the piston chamber (107), and a piston head (108) coupled to the piston rod (106) and configured to move reciprocally in the piston chamber (107). The locking piston assembly (100) further includes at least one lock (120) configured to mechanically lock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in at least a substantially fully extended position. The lock (120) is configured to unlock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in a presence of a pressurized fluid provided to retract the piston rod ( 106). The pressurized fluid is introduced into the piston chamber (107) and the piston rod (106) is retracted only after the lock (120) is unlocked.

Abstract: A proportional actuator valve (110) adapted for position control and position adjustment is provided. The proportional actuator valve (110) includes a valve housing (112) having at least two chambers (324, 325). The chambers are separated by one or more sealing members (322). A valve slider (113) is provided that is movable in the valve housing (112). One or more grooves (329) are formed in the valve slider (113). The one or more grooves (329) pneumatically communicate with the two chambers (324, 325) of the valve housing (112). One or more bores (327, 328) are also formed in the valve slider (113). The one or more bores (327, 328) pneumatically communicate with the one or more grooves (329). Movement of the valve slider (113) relative to the valve housing (112) provides a pneumatic valve action.

Abstract: A locking piston assembly (100) is provided according to the invention. The locking piston assembly (100) includes a piston chamber (107), a piston rod (106) configured to be substantially extended from and substantially retracted into the piston chamber (107), and a piston head (108) coupled to the piston rod (106) and configured to move reciprocally in the piston chamber (107). The locking piston assembly (100) further includes at least one lock (120) configured to mechanically lock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in at least a substantially fully extended position. The lock (120) is configured to unlock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in a presence of a pressurized fluid provided to retract the piston rod ( 106). The pressurized fluid is introduced into the piston chamber (107) and the piston rod (106) is retracted only after the lock (120) is unlocked.