A vacuum mechanism for flattening bowed panel samples includes a support structure with coplanar support elements and a fixture with a movable component actuated by a vacuum source. The movable component has a top surface disposed above the support elements when no vacuum is applied and is capable of being drawn to a substantially coplanar position with the support elements when actuated by the vacuum source. The top surface is fluidly connected to the vacuum source and adapted to adhere to the overlaying surface of the sample when vacuum is applied, thereby flattening the sample when the movable component is drawn in by the same vacuum source.

A radial press is provided having a first and a second ring structure extending about a press axis. Multiple press bodies are arranged about the press axis between the ring structures and are movably supported on support surfaces paired with the ring structures. The axial distance between the two ring structures can be changed using a drive system having a plurality of actuators oriented parallel to the press axis and distributed about the press axis. The support surfaces paired with one of the two ring structures are inclined relative to the press axis, and the press bodies are guided in a forced manner relative to the two ring structures in that the press bodies are equipped with guide grooves into which guide bodies engage.

A method in a press apparatus is disclosed. The press apparatus comprises a pressure vessel and a guiding passage for guiding pressure medium out of the pressure vessel to reduce pressure in the pressure vessel. The guiding passage comprises a first flow restriction comprising a flow restriction body that is movable between at least a closed position and a maximally open position, wherein when the flow restriction body is moved out of the closed position an opening is created the size of which during controlled withdrawal of pressure medium from the pressure vessel is determined by: a first force acting on the flow restriction body to urge it either towards the maximally open position or towards the closed position, generated by an actuator, a second force acting on the flow restriction body to urge it towards the maximally open position, generated by a pressure of pressure medium in the guiding passage, and a third force acting on the flow restriction body to urge it towards the closed position if the first force acts on the flow restriction body to urge it towards the maximally open position, or towards the maximally open position if the first force acts on the flow restriction body to urge it towards the closed position, the third force being generated by a counterforce mechanism. The actuator is controlled in accordance with a predetermined relationship between the second force and the first force, for the particular third force, such that the pressure of pressure medium in the guiding passage is reduced over time in accordance with a pressure reduction sequence.

A radial press is provided having a first and a second ring structure which extend around a press axis and a plurality of pressing elements, which are disposed around the press axis and are translatably supported on supporting surfaces associated with the ring structures. The axial distance of the two ring structures from each other can be changed using a hydraulic drive system, which has a plurality of hydraulic cylinder-piston units oriented parallel to and distributed around the press axis, the cylinder of each cylinder-piston unit being coupled to a first of the two ring structures and the piston rod of each cylinder-piston unit being coupled to the second ring structure. At least the supporting surfaces associated with one of the two ring structures are oriented at an inclination with respect to the press axis. An electromechanical rapid adjustment drive comprising a plurality of adjusters is also provided.

An apparatus for breaking in baseball and softball gloves comprises a chassis, a glove forming assembly, a pneumatic reciprocating platen press, and a pneumatic foot pedal valve. The glove forming assembly includes an adjustable round base for positioning the glove. The pneumatic press, installed on the chassis above the glove forming assembly, features an upper platen with an interchangeable press head for imparting a desired shape to the glove. The pneumatic foot pedal valve, operably connected to the press, actuates the upper platen to converge and apply pressure when depressed, and retract when released. The apparatus provides an efficient, consistent, and hands-free solution for breaking in gloves, accommodating various glove sizes and shapes. The interchangeable, lightweight design of the apparatus, press heads, adjustable base, and compatibility with standard air compressors make the apparatus versatile and suitable for use by players, teams, and manufacturers.