Double-ended actuators with rods protruding on both actuator ends are used where the developed force must be equal for both piston-rod movement directions (extension and retraction). Thus actuators must be mounted with care and accuracy, to ensure that the load moves precisely parallel and in alignment with the actuator centre line. They beckon people to buy it and become comfortable with it, thus breaking the barriers in their mind. For the perceived value and willingness to buy constructs, the observation is that only a few of the multiple measures influenced the significance of the odd-even effect, possibly due to chance. It must be noted that the force due to the spring compression is progressively decreasing along its stroke. The developed force is used to move a load which may be attached either to the protruding piston rod or to the actuator housing. This type of valve is widely available and has the advantage that the weaker signal may be used as the pilot signal and the stronger signal passes through the valve. Standard type actuators are not designed to absorb piston rod side loading. Such clamping actuators are normally retracted by either an inbuilt spring or by the pre-tensioned diaphragm.

Pneumatic linear actuators are used to convert the stored (static) energy of compressed air into linear mechanical force or motion. Single acting actuators produce pneumatic force in one direction only. The non-return valve can be found as an element of the one way flow control valve, quick exhaust valve, shuttle valve and the two-pressure valve. To achieve optimal speed control it is advisable to mount the flow restrictors (speed control valves) directly onto the actuator. This check valve allows full air flow in reverse direction to achieve fast and full force break-away from the end position. The piston with the attached piston rod starts to move in linear direction as long as the reacting force is smaller. Under “Real Time Protection” move the slider bar over so that it turns off Caching and Early Load. The back pressure brought about by meter-out speed control reduces the force output of the actuator, which demands that a larger piston must be selected to move the given load.

Pneumatic end-cushioning is greatly enhanced with the air pressure cushion caused by the meter-out speed control restrictor valve. The back pressure caused by a meter-out speed control resists the advancing piston which is driven forward by the pressure on the opposite side. The remaining air in the annular cavity around the cushioning boss is now trapped and the momentum of the mass carries the piston on against the trapped air; thus compressing it to a high pressure. The first arriving signal shifts the valve element (twin poppet), and the weaker or second arriving signal finds its way to the outlet port; thus it may be said that both input signals are required. These actuators may be mounted in vertical direction, thus permitting the previously moved or lifted load to return the piston to its initial position. Figure 3.26 shows a cross-section of a pneumatic cushioning mechanism built into the end caps of pneumatic actuators.

The piston is fitted with a tapered cushioning bush (boss). These stops are usually a protruding bush which is an extended part of the end caps. When this bush enters into the air exit bore of the end cap (during the final part of the stroke), the main air exit begins to shut until it finally closes off completely. Pneumatic end-position cushioning (simply called cushioning) refers to the controlled deceleration of the mass in motion during its final part of the actuator stroke. A check valve is also built in as part of the cushioning mechanism. As the kinetic energy is dispelled, the mass is slowed down to a much reduced speed which matches the rate of air flow permitted and adjusted by the cushioning valve. See Figure 3.24 This valve connects either input 1 or input 2 to the outlet port A, but prevents any cross flow from input 1 to input 2 or vice versa.

This valve ensures that both expected input signals must be present on the valve before either of them is permitted to pass through to the outlet port. Most component manufacturers make a special purpose “OR” function valve (shuttle valve). Some component manufacturers make a special purpose “AND” function valve (two pressure valve). It’s impossible to tell whether they’ll flake after two weeks, which means you have to start all over again. It is to be noted that a T-connector must not be used to merge two pilot signal lines. A self aligning piston-rod coupling can also be used to compensate for both angular and radial misalignment, but the angular misalignment must not exceed 4 degrees in either direction and the radial alignment must not be more than 1 mm. It can happen that you find yourself unable to get into your own home simply because the lock on the front door has broken or because you have lost your keys.