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Single Acting Pneumatics

The original pneumatic elements, introduced in 1984, used a single acting pneumatic pump and cylinder.

Pneumatic pump:

The pneumatic pump consisted of a spring-loaded piston and a cylinder with a single port. Pressing down on the piston sent air into the system and pulling the piston up pulled air out of the system, creating suction.

Distribution block:

The distribution block separated the pressure from the suction. Air movement into the center port was routed through 2 separate one-way check valves. Pressure on the system closed the left valve and opened the right valve, allowing air to blow out the right port. Suction on the system did the opposite, the left valve opened, the right valve closed and air was sucked into the left port.

Pneumatic switch:

The pneumatic switch controlled airflow. When the switch was in the center both the pressure and suction port was blocked. When the switch was moved to either side it would open one of the 2 ports and complete either the pressure or suction circuit.

Pneumatic cylinder:

The pneumatic cylinder consisted of a piston and a cylinder with a single port. It was exactly the same as the pneumatic pump without the spring. When the piston on the pump was pushed down the piston on the cylinder would move up.


Double Acting Pneumatics

This system replaced the original pneumatics in 1989. The pneumatic cylinder now had 2 ports, which resulted in simpler circuits. This system has been expanded over time to include compressor pumps and air tanks.

Pneumatic pump:

The pneumatic pump consisted of a spring-loaded piston and a cylinder with a single port. Pressing down on the pump sent air into the system. The pump also had a one-way check valve that allowed air only to leave the pump.

Pneumatic switch:

The pneumatic was identical to the one used in the earlier pneumatics. When the switch was in the center both ports were blocked. When the switch was moved to either side it would open one of the 2 ports and complete 1 of the 2 circuits. Additionally moving the switch from either extreme to closed would also allow for air exhaust.

Pneumatic cylinder:

The pneumatic cylinder consisted of a piston and a cylinder with 2 ports. Air entering the top port would push down the piston and air entering the bottom port would raise the piston.