OPERATING
BETTCHER
AIRSHIRZ
®
INSTRUCTIONS
INDUSTRIES, INC. Rev. September 24, 2016
Page 11
SECTION 3.0
FUNCTION
3.1
Machine Function
The smooth actuation of the AirShirz
®
is achieved by controlling the amount of pressurized air
delivered to both sides of the
power cylinder
. The
servo linkage
detects the positions of the
movable blade and the finger loop, and generates a command signal to open or close the blade.
This command signal is delivered to the
control valve
which then feeds or vents pressurized air to
the
power cylinder
. The
power cylinder
drives a rod which rotates the
drive link assembly
. A
roller in the
drive link assembly
engages a slot in the movable blade and causes it to pivot,
opening or closing the blades.
The AirShirz
®
has the advantage of requiring much less hand force to operate, since the actual
cutting power is supplied by air pressure. A second advantage is that it requires less movement of
the operator's hand for a given size cut. The blades will open and close 45° while the finger loop
only moves about 23°.
The AirShirz
®
is held and operated in the same way as a pair of hand scissors. There is a thumb
hole and a finger loop. The blades close like scissors as the finger loop is squeezed, and open as it
is released. The movement of the blades follows the movement of the finger loop.
A return spring moves the finger loop outward to the "blades open" position, relieving the
operator's finger muscles during this phase of the cutting cycle. Since the AirShirz
®
gets its
cutting power from the air line, the only force the operator feels during a cut is the force required
to overcome the return spring. Therefore,
the amount of exertion by the operator is constant
regardless of the difficulty of the cut
.
The basic AirShirz
®
consists of 3 parts - the Power Unit; the Blade Set; and the Filter/Coupler.
The compressed air supply line should have a standard filter and pressure regulator. A lubricator is
not required.
3.2
Safety Recommendations and Warnings
When used properly, the AirShirz
®
is safe and easy to use. However,
since this is a high powered
cutting device, it can cause serious injury if used carelessly.
