Variable Speed. Without complicated controls, you can vary the torque and speed of an air motor from 10,000 RPM to as low as 300 RPM by simply manipulating the air supply. Because the starting torque of an air motor is lower than its running torque, it will provide smooth, non-shock starts.

Instant Reversibility. A four-way valve in the supply line enables most Gast air motors to be reversed within a few degrees of rotation, even when the air motor is running at full speed.

Non-Electrical Operation. Since these are non-electric devices, the possibility of a spark igniting flammable gasses is significantly reduced when compared to an electric motor. Air motors can operate in hot, corrosive, or wet environments without damage. Unlike an electric motor, an air motor can be stalled indefinitely without overheating.

Variable Torque. As the load increases, air motor speed normally decreases, but torque output increases to match the load until stall in reached.

Cool Running. As air expands inside the air motor, it cools the device. Air Motors can be used in ambient temperatures of up to 250°F.

There are literally hundreds of uses for air motors; applications include the mixing of paint and foodstuff, the operation of hoists and driving belt conveyors. Most models are available with foot mount, hub mount or with a NEMA 56C-mounting flange. Power ranges from 1/10th to 10 hp.

Vane type air motors are elegantly simple in design. The rotor is mounted eccentrically in the bore and the vanes slide radially in the rotor slots as it turns, sweeping the ID of the bore. Both four and eight vane models are available.

By their nature, air motors are high-speed, low torque devices. A gearmotor (as shown above on the right) incorporates an air motor and a gearbox. A gearmotor provides as much as 60 to 1 reduction in shaft speed and a consequent increase in torque.

Specification of an air motor requires consideration of the required speed and torque, air preparation and the available air supply. Detailed information about air motors is available at the TECO Pneumatic website. Please contact your TECO salesperson to see if an air motor is right for your rotary motion application.

If you need one more quick-coupling to add to the 200 or more you have on your manufacturing floor, your first concern might well be that the new fitting is compatible with the rest. In this sense, the interchangeability of quick connect couplings is very important. Rectus-Tema, the supplier of quick-couplings to TECO Pneumatic, offers a wide range of industrial interchange quick-couplings that meet both American and European standards for hydraulic, pneumatic and chemical applications.

While Rectus can probably satisfy your requirements for interchangeability, they are most valuable as a supplier when you need something special; a smaller body size with higher flow, a nonstandard material or some special feature unique to your application. These products are used widely in medical, underwater, aerospace, aggressive fluid and breathable air applications.

Among the unique offerings from Rectus are:

The Rectus micro series is the smallest single hand operated coupler in the world. The threaded coupler is only 0.47" long. Both micro and miniature quick-couplings are widely used in medical applications.

In this product series, the coupler won’t disconnect from its plug unless you push the plug in at the same time you pull back the coupler sleeve.

These USDA/FDA approved quick-couplers are made from POM and PVDF. They offer a weight and cost advantage verses similar units made from 303 or 316l stainless steel, or Titanium.

Incorrect connection is impossible with the Rectu-Key series. These quick-couplings have four different internal body shapes with a separately colored sleeve. More than 18 combinations of colors and shapes are available.

The high flow valve in Rectus Ultraflo couplings increases flow by as much as 80%, making them ideal for use with air tools.

If your application calls for single or double shut off or a dry break function, stainless or PVDF material, Viton® or EPDM seals, please consider Rectus. In fact, the further you get from needing one more interchangeable coupling, the more valuable Rectus will be as a resource. Complete information on the full range of Rectus products (including their Tema hydraulic couplings) is, of course, available at the updated TECO Pneumatic web site and on our new CD catalog.

There are many domestic and international manufacturers of high quality air preparation hardware; air filters, air pressure regulators and airline lubricators. Most of these manufacturers focus on building large quantities of their standard product line. Monnier, Inc, has been a TECO Pneumatic business partner since the 1950’s. They build more than three thousand standard products and provide very good delivery across that product range. Monnier distinguishes itself from its competitors by building more than 1000 specially engineered products annually.

One key to the flexibility of Monnier products is that their basic forms are machined from aluminum bar stock rather than die-cast from zinc. This not only means they hold precision-machined tolerances on their standard products, but also makes it relatively easy to build special ports and mounts, custom shapes and custom sizes. Monnier can supply their components anodized in eight bright colors (blue, black, clear, green, red, yellow, gold or purple) to match your color scheme. They will also laser etch your logo or part number on the unit.

A slide cam operates the stem of this air pressure regulator, which is used on a high-speed filling line in the food processing industry.

This exceptionally tough filter housing is used on bottom dump coal cars. Monniers’ housing is made of solid bar stock.

Monnier views it as their mission to supply you with what you want, the way you want it, when you want it. The next time you need a nonstandard solution to an air preparation problem, consider Monnier. Please contact your TECO Pneumatic sales person if you would like to see some examples of Monnier hardware and look on our website to access the Monnier catalog.

The double diaphragm design is remarkably reliable; we have experienced hundreds of millions of cycles in carefully monitored medical applications. There are no O -rings and no sliding seals in the valve, so lubrication is not required. The very short stroke means that operating speeds can be up to 600 CPM.

If your application calls for a reliable 1/4" orifice valve that will control liquid or gaseous fluids, perform reliably in adverse conditions and will not be damaged by sustained temperatures of 200°C and intermittent temperatures of 315°C, consider the Humphrey SS250A. These valves are normally in stock here at TECO Pneumatic.

"The wise man will want to be ever with him who is better than himself."
- Plato -

"Great geniuses have the shortest biographies."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -

"An ocean is a body of water occupying about two thirds of a world made for man – who has no gills."
- Ambrose Bierce -

For many, especially for our friends in the high tech world, 2003 has been another difficult year. At TECO Pneumatic we have experienced a definite increase in the pace of business over the past few months, which has impacted all the industries we serve. As Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays approach, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the good things in our lives; family, friends and the extraordinary luck each of us has to live in the best place in the world.

All of us at TECO wish you the very best of holiday seasons and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2004.