Ken Korane • Contributing Editor Researchers are taking advantage of light, yet powerful pneumatics to improve life for pediatric patients. The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP), a network of researchers, educators, students and industry experts, is helping advance hydraulic and pneumatic technology and developing fluid-power systems that are smaller, lighter and better-performing […]
Air springs prove excellent actuators for agriculture applications
Don Foulke, Industrial Sales Manager, Firestone Industrial Products Compressed-air bellows have long been major players on farm equipment, but now they’re showing they can help in force control, too. In 1900, many farms dotted the American landscape. They were small and diverse, and according to a report issued by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, employed […]
Valve system helps nimble giant put out fires
Edited by: Mike Santora • Associate Editor Frankfurt airport. An engine catches fire during a passenger aircraft landing. The alarm goes off in the fire station. Firefighters spring into action, hit the big green button in the crew room and run to their vehicles. Downstairs, they are greeted by airport crash tenders, 12 m long […]
Food safety and compressed air
Deepak Vetal, Product Marketing Manager, U.S. Oil Free Air Div. Atlas Copco Compressors Compressed air is a safe, reliable and essential power source for countless manufacturers. However, compressed air quality—gaged by the quantity of particulates, water and oil the air contains—can vary widely, depending on the application. In packaging, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing […]
Pneumatic system guidelines for success
Pat Phillips • Product Manager • Fluid Power & Mechanical Products • AutomationDirect Following these design rules will ensure a successful machine automation application. Pneumatic cylinders are a popular way to clamp, position and transfer parts in automated equipment. They also offer one of the simplest ways to achieve mechanical motion and fixturing of parts […]
Pneumatic actuators ensure ballast function in emergencies
Depending on the weight and distribution of the load in the hull, ballast tank systems either flood or empty the distributed tanks. This “trimming” generates counterweights on demand, keeping the ship stable on water. The special challenge: “The system has to continue functioning even in the event of power failure and if the valves are […]
