Two Hand Control Patents (Class 91/424)
  • Patent number: 11242874
    Abstract: A pneumatic control device includes a functional assembly that has an interruption valve device for the selective opening or interruption of at least one main working channel used for the pneumatic control of a pneumatic actuator. The functional assembly also contains a manually actuatable valve device that is connected to the interruption valve device by means of at least one auxiliary working channel and which enables manual pneumatic control of the connected actuator, if the at least one main working channel is interrupted by the interruption valve device at the same time. A process control device can also be equipped with a control device of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: FESTO SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bodo Neef, Christoph Maile
  • Patent number: 10927865
    Abstract: A pneumatic control device includes a functional assembly that has an interruption valve device for the selective opening or interruption of at least one main working channel used for the pneumatic control of a pneumatic actuator. The functional assembly also contains a manually actuatable valve device that is connected to the interruption valve device by means of at least one auxiliary working channel and which enables manual pneumatic control of the connected actuator, if the at least one main working channel is interrupted by the interruption valve device at the same time. A process control device can also be equipped with a control device of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: FESTO SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bodo Neef, Christoph Maile
  • Patent number: 9651068
    Abstract: A double valve includes a first unitary valve assembly and a second unitary valve assembly. Each unitary valve assembly includes a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a spool. A first pilot assembly and a second pilot assembly are coupled to the first unitary valve assembly and the second unitary valve assembly, respectively. A plate is coupled to the unitary valve assemblies and includes a passage to provide a first common outlet passage that is coupled to the respective first outlet ports of the unitary valve assemblies and a second common outlet passage that is coupled to the respective second outlet ports of the unitary valve assemblies. When the spools are in a first position, fluid flows through the first common outlet passage, and when the spools are in a second position, the fluid flows through the second common outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: José Carlos Bento, Eric Oden Cummings
  • Patent number: 8794123
    Abstract: A double valve includes a first unitary valve assembly and a second unitary valve assembly. Each unitary valve assembly includes a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a spool. A first pilot assembly and a second pilot assembly are coupled to the first unitary valve assembly and the second unitary valve assembly, respectively. A plate is coupled to the unitary valve assemblies and includes a passage to provide a first common outlet passage that is coupled to the respective first outlet ports of the unitary valve assemblies and a second common outlet passage that is coupled to the respective second outlet ports of the unitary valve assemblies. When the spools are in a first position, fluid flows through the first common outlet passage, and when the spools are in a second position, the fluid flows through the second common outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: José Carlos Bento, Eric Oden Cummings
  • Patent number: 8028717
    Abstract: A double valve having inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports maintains an outlet pressure below one percent of inlet pressure during a faulted state while maintaining a relatively small exhaust for reduced overall valve size. Crossover passages receive inlet pressure through main crossover poppets when the respective valve units are not in a deactuated position. When the valve units are in a deactuated position, then the crossover passages receive inlet pressure through respective bypass passages whose flow rate can be controlled independently from the size of the crossover poppets. The use of bypass passages provides particular benefits for double valves for non-press applications which have a ratio of exhaust flow coefficient to inlet flow coefficient that is less than about 2.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Joseph E. Foster, Richard Schnell, Deborah Schnell, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7481149
    Abstract: In a control valve for use in both-hand operation provided with an AND valve (20) and a shuttle valve (21) connected to a main input ports (11a and 11b), a main switching valve (23) connected between the AND valve (20) and a main output port (12), and a tank (30) connected to an output port (21b) of the shuttle valve (21) through an aperture (26) in a valve body (10), valve holes of the AND valve (20), the shuttle valve (21), and the main switching valve (23) are pierced from an upper surface of the valve body (10), and a plate (33) for closing end portions of the valve holes and a cover (31) for forming the tank (30) are fixed in an airtight manner at the upper surface of the valve body (10), and continuous holes (33a and 33b) necessary for connecting the tank (30), the main switching valve (23), and the aperture (26) are pierced in the plate (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hanne
  • Patent number: 7322270
    Abstract: A safety circuit for media-operated consumers, such as steam turbines or gas turbines, includes at least one first solenoid valve (1.1) which acts on a fluid circuit. An actuating device (9) can be connected to the fluid circuit, and acts at the same time on the operating behavior of the consumer. At least one other solenoid valve (1.2, 1.3) is connected at least to one of the other solenoid valves (1.1) such that only with simultaneous triggering of at least two solenoid valves (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) does at least one control valve (2.1), connected to the fluid circuit (10) act on the actuating device (9). Permanent verifiability can occur with simultaneous implementation of the safety function. A process for operating the safety circuit is also involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hydac System GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schmieding
  • Patent number: 7185673
    Abstract: The supply of operating air or oil to a press, shears or like machine is controlled by a pair of spool valves connected in series and each operates a pair of switches. The switches connect DC current to the solenoids via external relays which open and close the valves. The external relays are standard components on the switchboard of the machine subject to control. Sharing the control between two valves allows malfunction in either valve to indicate the system needs correction while at the same time preventing supply to the machine. The switches are coupled to the DC switchboard of the machine by cables and thus can be retrofitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Murray Andrew Hodges
  • Patent number: 7114521
    Abstract: A double valve is constructed from first and second unitary valve assemblies each having a respective inlet port, a respective outlet port, a respective exhaust port, a respective first cross-mirror port, and a respective second cross-mirror port. A first plate is coupled to the first and second unitary valve assemblies and includes respective passages to provide a common inlet port coupled to the respective inlet ports of the first and second unitary valve assemblies and a common outlet port coupled to the respective outlet ports of the first and second unitary valve assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: José Carlos Bento
  • Patent number: 6840258
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Neil E. Russell, Joseph E. Foster
  • Patent number: 6840259
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Neil E. Russell, Joseph E. Foster
  • Patent number: 6758241
    Abstract: A safety valve for compressed air-operated consumers, including a valve housing having bores, and two direction control valves connected in parallel, each of the control valves having a working piston and a valve head connected to the piston. Two pilot control valves are operatively connected to the directional control valves so that each of the direction control valves is switchable by one of the pilot control valves. Each of the two valve heads is guided in a respective one of the bores in the valve housing. The housing has two cross-channels arranged to connect crosswise to each other. A first one of the pilot valves has a valve seat connected via a first pilot channel in the housing to one of the cross-channels which proceeds from the bore of one of the valve heads. A second of the pilot valves has a valve seat connected via a second pilot channel to another of the cross-channels which proceeds from the bore of another of the valve heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: IMI Norgren-Herion Fluidtronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Pfund, Günter Baldauf
  • Patent number: 6722390
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Schnell, Hubert Schaber
  • Patent number: 6604547
    Abstract: A control Valve system having a housing defining a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and an exhaust to define an intrinsically safe double valve. The double control valve system of the present invention further includes a pair of cross exhaust passages that eliminates the need for complicated timing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Jose Carlos Bento
  • Patent number: 6478049
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Jose Carlos Bento, C. Brian Wolfe, Neil E. Russell
  • Patent number: 6318396
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: David W. Haselden, Jr., Neil E. Russell, Logan H. Mathis, C. Brian Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6155293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: David W. Haselden, Jr., Neil E. Russell, Logan H. Mathis, C. Brian Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5927324
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Neil E. Russell, Logan H. Mathis, C. Brian Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5850852
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Neil E. Russell, Logan H. Mathis, C. Brian Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5799561
    Abstract: A control device for controlling and monitoring two fluid valves, wherein each fluid valve comprises a drive means which is adapted for activation by an associated control signal, and a movable valve element which is biassed toward a first position in which fluid flow through the valve is prevented and which can be driven by said drive means to a second position in which fluid is able to flow through the valve, a first switch which is actuable by the displaceable element of the first valve, a second switch which is actuable by the displaceable element of the second valve, wherein each switch is biassed towards a first position and each switch can be driven to a second position when the displaceable element of the associated valve takes its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Uwe Wetzel, Nils Svensson
  • Patent number: 5379679
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a double acting actuator having a piston movable within a cylinder, a main poppet control valve connected to a fluid pressure source, and first and second poppet valves connected in series to a rod side chamber of the cylinder. The piston is extended upon actuation of both first and second poppet valves, while allowing retraction of the piston upon release of either the first or the second poppet valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Falter, Robert Broucksou
  • Patent number: 5113907
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Neil E. Russell
  • Patent number: 4903729
    Abstract: A hydraulic safety valve which is controlled by two electromagnetically actuatable pilot valves is provided with two valve bodies movable in opposite direction towards each other and including control pistons for regulating the connection between one pump port, two working ports and two tank ports. Upon occurrence of a faulty switching, the valve bodies move into a hydraulically locked end position. One of both pilot valves is designed as a proportional pressure differential valve and the control pistons associated therewith are provided with fine control notches so that the valve can be proportionally controlled to thereby allow a control of the pressure buildup, the speed and direction of motion of a consumer which is connected to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Herion-Werke KG
    Inventor: Helmut Motzer
  • Patent number: 4903728
    Abstract: A hydraulic safety valve which is controlled by electromagnetically actuated pilot valves includes two valve bodies movable in opposite direction towards each other for regulating the connections between a pump port, two working ports and two tank ports. Upon occurrence of a faulty switching, both valve bodies are moved in a hydraulically locked end position so that the safety valve can be operated again only after eliminating the malfunction. By coupling the safety valve with a proportional pressure reducing valve, the pressure buildup and the speed of a consumer which is connected to the safety valve can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Herion-Werke KG
    Inventor: Helmut Motzer
  • Patent number: 4903727
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated safety valve includes two electromagnetically actuable pilot valves and is provided with two coaxial valve bodies movable in opposite direction towards each other. One of both pilot valves is designed as a proportional pressure differential valve and one of both valve bodies is provided with fine control notches. Thus, upon suitable actuation of the proportional pressure differential valve, the fine control notches clear a respective cross-section between the pump port and the working port and between the working port and the tank port to thereby allow a control of the speed and pressure buildup of a consumer such as e.g. a cylinder or a motor which is connected to the working port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Herion-Werke KG
    Inventor: Helmut Motzer
  • Patent number: 4779418
    Abstract: A hydraulic operated control system for remotely operating a walk-behind soil compactor. A remotely operated three-position valve is connected to the pressure line of the hydraulic system of the soil compactor and serves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to opposite ends of a hydraulic cylinder unit that is operably connected to a hydraulic pump which operates the speed and direction control for the compactor. The cylinder unit includes a piston that is slidable within the cylinder and the piston is biased to a neutral position by springs. Through remote operation of the valve, hydraulic fluid will be directed to either end of the cylinder to provide direction and speed control for the compactor. A deadman switch is located on the remote control panel and manual release of the deadman switch will open the hydraulic circuit between the opposite ends of the cylinder to prevent fluid from being directed to the cylinder and will enable the springs to return the cylinder to a neutral no speed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: M-B-W Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Artzberger
  • Patent number: 4733691
    Abstract: A solenoid valve including two valve members which are operable independently each other, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port may communicate only when both valve members are operated. The solenoid valve further includes annular opening and closing members slidably fitted around the respective first valve bodies of the two valve members and the synchronizing members. The synchronizing members are movable synchronized with each valve member and are coupled to the annular opening and closing member of other valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Konan Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsufumi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 4706548
    Abstract: A two hand safety control mechanism for a consumer actuated by pressure medium includes a safety valve blocking the supply of pressure medium during a faulty switching and venting the consumer. For maintaining a working position of the consumer, a plurality of control valves are provided which are dynamically self-regulating. By actuating a further control valve, the automatic retention can be cancelled in order to allow the consumer to return in its idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Herion Werke KG
    Inventors: Gunter Baldauf, Helmut Ott
  • Patent number: 4542767
    Abstract: A safety monitor for a dual valve of the type that provides a malfunction signal when one of the valve members of the dual valve is not in its intended position. The monitor comprises a simple pressure sensing device that senses the pressure downstream of the inlet valve element of each of the valve members for sensing when a pressure exists downstream of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Douglas M. Thornton, Logan H. Mathis
  • Patent number: 4376450
    Abstract: A valve position monitoring and control system incorporates a proximity sensor positioned near a movable valve element to detect the operational position of the valve and includes circuit means coupled to a valve actuating solenoid for deactivating the solenoid in the event the valve fails to respond to command signals for positioning the valve in a predetermined position. In one embodiment, the system incorporates a pair of series connected valves used in presses which valves in turn are operated by solenoid actuated pilot valves. In the event either one of the valves do not operate either by opening within a predetermined time after actuation or closing within a predetermined time after their deactuation, the system of the present invention will not permit further operation of the valves until the system has been manually reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Scovill Manufacturing Co. - Scovill, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Fayfield, Kenneth B. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 4353392
    Abstract: A safety valve assembly includes a pair of parallel-connected directional control valves controlled by solenoid-operated preliminary control valves; each directional control valve has a working piston and a valve member movable in a separate bore; the bores are interconnected by crossing passages and each passage is branched into a preliminary control channel communicating via a valve seat of the preliminary control valve with the working piston to admit sufficient amount of pressure medium against the working piston to switch the same over when the preliminary control valves are simultaneously operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Technomatic AG
    Inventors: Erich Ruchser, Helmut Ott
  • Patent number: 4345620
    Abstract: A safety valve assembly for pressurized medium-operated devices has a housing with a supply inlet, a consumer outlet, and a return outlet, two valves operating in parallel with one another, and each having a working piston and a valve member guided in chambers of the housing and operative for establishing and interrupting the communication between the inlet and outlets via two cross-passages wherein a pressure sensing element is provided having two opposite sides each communicating with a respective one of the cross-passages and displaceable in the event of malfunctions from its inoperative to its operative position so as to act in the latter position upon an actuating member arranged to turn off a consumer in response to the displacement of the pressure sensing element to its operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Technomatic AG
    Inventors: Erich Ruchser, Helmut Ott, Gunter Baldauf
  • Patent number: 4330013
    Abstract: Means for sensing a discrepant position between two normally closed valves of a double valve assembly used to control an industrial machine such as an air-operated press clutch and brake. The indicating means comprises switch means responsive to the movement of each of the valves and so positioned that the switch means is actuated very close to the closed position of each valve. The switch means controls power to solenoid-operated pilot valves for the two main control valves of the double valve assembly. By controlling the switch means immediately adjacent the closed valve positions, the safe or closed part of the cycle is monitored for these valves, which are in themselves stable because of their normally closed nature. The switch means may be either cam-operated mechanical switches, proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, or contacts directly engageable by the inlet valve elements and utilizing the valve body itself as part of the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Russell J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4306588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security pneumatic control apparatus comprising an OR cell, an AND cell, a capacitor, connected to the OR cell by means of a debit regulator, and a priority cell connected to the capacitor and to the AND cell. The AND cell comprises a valve member, for engaging two seats, and a diaphragm, for moving the valve member onto one of the two seats. The cross-sections of the diaphragm and of the last mentioned seat of the AND cell are S'.sub.3 and S'.sub.2 respectively. The priority cell comprises a valve member, for engaging two seats, and a diaphragm, for moving the valve member onto one of the two seats. The cross-sections of the diaphragm and of the last mentioned seat of the prioritary cell are S.sub.3 and S.sub.1 respectively. In the invention,S'.sub.3 /S'.sub.2 <S.sub.3 /S.sub.1.When the supply pressures at the OR cell and AND cell are not equal, the security remains guaranteed for the control of dangerous machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Crouzet
    Inventors: Claude Guidot, Pierre Le Torrivellec
  • Patent number: 4269225
    Abstract: A safety valve assembly for pressurized medium-operated devices has two valves operating in parallel with one another and each having a working piston and a valve member. The assembly has a housing provided with a supply inlet, a consumer outlet and a discharge outlet. The valve members of the valves are guided in chambers provided in the housing and communicating with one another by passages which crosswise connect the chambers. The valve members in the chambers establish or interrupt communication between the inlet and outlets. When a malfunction occurs, at least one valve member blocks the cross passages so that the consumer outlet does not communicate with the inlet but, instead, is vented through the discharge outlet so that no residual pressure develops in the consumer outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Technomatic AG
    Inventors: Erich Ruchser, Helmut Ott
  • Patent number: 4257455
    Abstract: A double safety valve for stamping presses and the like having a monitor responsive to asynchronous pressures, to disenable a press. The assembly comprises two valve stems each being radially supported by a piston at one end and by an outboard bearing at the other end. Each valve stem carries an inlet poppet valve adjacent one end, a spool valve on an intermediate portion and an exhaust valve adjacent the other end. Cross passages connect the inlet poppet valve of each valve stem in series with the spool valve of the other valve stem. A common outlet chamber receives pressurized fluid from both spool valves, this outlet chamber being connected in parallel to both exhaust valves. The assembly thus has the advantages of a double safety valve in which the inlet valves are in series and the exhaust valves in parallel, but is capable of being monitored by a monitor responsive to asynchronous pressures or movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Russell J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4237930
    Abstract: The coupling and brake of a press receive pressurized fluid through a safety valve. The safety valve comprises two switching valves, so that if one of the switching valves fails and cannot close the other one can be closed. The safety valve is provided with a pressure-responsive switch which generates a shut-off signal commanding that the press be shut off, in response to a variety of malfunction situations, e.g., when the switching valves are closed but nevertheless a pressure build-up is occurring, or when the switching valves are open but the pressure being furnished to the coupling and brake does not reach or suddenly drops below the threshold levels to which the coupling and brake can respond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Technomatic AG
    Inventors: Erich Herion, Erich Ruchser
  • Patent number: 4227547
    Abstract: Means for sensing a discrepant position between two normally closed valves of a double valve assembly used to control an industrial machine such as an air-operated press clutch and brake. The indicating means comprises switch means responsive to the movement of each of the valves and so positioned that the switch means is actuated very close to the closed position of each valve. The switch means controls power to solenoid-operated pilot valves for the two main control valves of the double valve assembly. By controlling the switch means immediately adjacent the closed valve positions, the safe or closed part of the cycle is monitored for these valves, which are in themselves stable because of their normally closed nature. The switch means may be either cam-operated mechanical switches, proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, or contacts directly engageable by the inlet valve elements and utilizing the valve body itself as part of the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Russell J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4214601
    Abstract: A single small safety valve is furnished for use with hazardous machinery that requires simultaneous actuation and continuous pressure on two hand valves at points out of the danger zone of such machinery. Operating characteristics are achieved by a housing having an axial bore, a piston moving within that axial bore, input ports, output ports and an exhaust port located at suitable positions on the housing. The arrangement of these ports is such that open fluid communication can exist between the two input and output ports only if the input ports are pressurized within a small time interval necessary to retain the piston in a neutral position in the axial bore, and if said inputs are held to maintain pressurization during the time that it is desired to maintain pressure in the output ports. Operation of the hazardous machinery is contingent upon continuous pressurization at the output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Inventor: Nicholas Sama
  • Patent number: 4136601
    Abstract: A no tie down valve or device for the actuation of hazardous machinery. The device comprises a spool moving within a cylindrical cavity having capped ends; input ports, an output port, and an exhaust port are located at suitable positions on the cylindrical cavity wall such that a pressurized output can only be obtained if both inputs are pressurized, and subsequently held, within a small time interval determined by design parameters of the device. An equivalent construction in terms of poppet or diaphragm-type seals, which is inherently more reliable and maintainance-free than spool construction, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Inventor: Nicholas Sama
  • Patent number: 4113079
    Abstract: Logic circuitry in combination with a limit switch on a press automatically controls the operation of the press during the press cycle without visual monitoring of the cycle by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Champion International Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Wright
  • Patent number: 4098288
    Abstract: The specification discloses an air logic circuit with two, five port valves connected between an air supply and a volume chamber for supplying an output signal at an output port when both valves are activated substantially simultaneously. When both valves are in a released condition there is no output signal and the air supply is connected through the serial combination of both valves to a volume chamber. When either of the two valves is activated alone, the volume chamber is coupled to the atmosphere through an exhaust orifice. When both valves are simultaneously activated, the volume chamber is coupled to an output through the serial combination of both valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: Weber-Knapp Company
    Inventor: Warren Arthur Waxham
  • Patent number: 4041842
    Abstract: A safety control valve for pneumatically operated cyclic machines, such as power presses and press brakes, including a pair of solenoid valves connected to a pneumatic pressure source and adapted to operate as a series flow when the system is on, and a parallel exhaust when the system is off, and with either of said solenoid valves blocking communication to the pneumatically operated cyclic machine when such valve is not operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Inventor: Barry A. Stunkel
  • Patent number: RE31161
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a pressurized fluid line controlling a clutch and brake made up of a pair of valves having movable valve members with separate actuators, each of the valve members having inlet ports and outlet ports, the inlet ports being connected in series and the outlet ports being connected effectively in parallel so that both valves must be activated to pass the pressurized fluid to the control line and so that upon unwanted sticking of one of the valve members in activated position, pressure fluid to the control line is cut off and exhaust fluid from the line is promptly and directly vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Mahorney, deceased