Abstract: A two-way, inline, hydraulic valve through which fluid can flow in reverse and in forward directions has a reverse flow passage including a check valve preventing forward direction fluid flow therethrough. Forward direction fluid flow is controlled by a movable, spring-biased, normally closed, spool valve having one end exposed to forward direction fluid pressure and an opposite end forming a piston acting in a cylindrical cavity containing a volume of fluid. Movement of the spool valve to open position in response to forward direction fluid pressure sufficient to overcome the spring bias causes the volume of fluid to be forced from the cavity through a restricted passage, thereby providing a time delay in the opening of the two-way valve for forward direction fluid flow. In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve valve mounted on the spool valve provides a by-pass permitting forward direction fluid flow under abnormally low forward direction fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regenerative hydraulic starter/speed regulator system for providing initial rotation and acceleration of a rotatable barrel cluster of a gun gas driven Gatling gun, and for controlling the speed of the barrel cluster during the firing of the gun. The hydraulic system includes a high pressure accumulator for containing a supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic motor/pump unit is connected to either drive or be driven by the barrel cluster, depending on whether the motor/pump unit is operated in either the motoring or pumping mode. Initially, a servo mechanism operates the motor/pump unit in the motoring mode wherein pressurized fluid from the accumulator is supplied to the motor/pump unit to initially rotate and accelerate the barrel cluster in a firing direction until the rotation of the barrel cluster is sustained by the gun gas drive unit.

Abstract: A flow-sensing shutoff valve connectable between upstream and downstream portions of a hydraulic system comprises a valve body having pressure entrance and return exit ports connectable to the upstream portion of the system, and pressure exit and return entrance ports connectable to the downstream portion of the system. A valve element within the valve body is movable between a normally open position in which the pressure and return entrance and exit ports are connected by separate passages in the valve body, and a closed position in which the passages are blocked. Pressure and return flowmeters are adapted to sense fluid flow in the passages between the valve element and the pressure exit port and the return exit port, respectively.