• When the cage is in position, the station air supply quick coupler is connected to the Levelok connection on the cage.
• The power pack (air/oil intensifier) boosts the hydraulic pressure up to the required pressure. The pump stalls and clamp force is maintained indefinitely. This operation usually takes about 10 seconds for the pump to boost the pressure to full clamping force.
• When loading or unloading of the cage is completed, the station air supply is removed, resulting in a rapid loss of air pressure in the power pack. This starts the decompression cycle, which takes about ten seconds.
• As the oil pressure drops, the clamps release their grip at a controlled rate and the cage slides smoothly to its new position in the shaft.
• The clamp arms will then fully retract, thus allowing the cage to be moved

Interlocking of the Levelok® Cage system

When using a Levelok system it is essential that the winder driver is aware of whether the clamps are on or off, so that the winder is prevented from moving with the clamp still applied.