Abstract: A variable pressure drop proportional motor controlled directional valve comprising a valve body, a bore in the body, and a cylindrical spool slideable in the bore. A force motor is operatively connected to the spool for moving the spool. The body has a pressure inlet port extending to the bore and spaced outlet ports extending to the bore on opposite sides of said pressure port. The spool has an axial passage and generally radial passages such that when the spool is moved, the radial passages will provide communication between the pressure inlet port and one of the outlet ports. A member is adjustably positioned in the spool for varying the orifice area to at least one of the radial passages so that the pressure drop between the axial passage and the radial passage can be adjustably varied.

Abstract: A variable gain servo solenoid controlled directional valve comprising a valve body having an elongated bore, a sleeve in the bore, a spool reciprocable in the sleeve and a force motor for reciprocating the spool and/or sleeve. The valve body has an inlet pressure port and outlet pressure ports to the interior of the sleeve. The spool controls the flow through the sleeve and is movable from a null position to selective positions permitting flow to the outlets of the body. The sleeve includes a bypass channel formed on the periphery thereof. Upon shifting of the spool fluid flow is under the control of the spool to one of the outlets in the body. Upon continued movement of the spool the sleeve is moved axially so additional fluid will flow from the inlet port in the body through the bypass channel to the selected output port of the body without passing through the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: A magnetic detent housed in an end cap adapted for mounting to a hydaulic control valve having a reciprocally actuated spool movable from a neutral to a detented position. The magnetic detent including a spool extension formed with a detent groove and slidably supported in a retainer mounting a plurality of radially movable balls. A centering spring exerting a biasing force for urging the extension to the neutral position. A clapper movably mounted on and in driving contact with the balls and spaced from a magnet member generating a magnetic force. A spring member exerting a relatively light pre-load force for urging the balls against the periphery of the extension and driving the clapper into magnetically held contact with the magnet member. The pre-load and magnetic forces combining to form a detenting force locking the balls against the biasing force of the centering spring. The biasing and pre-load forces combining to form a shifting force resisting movement of the extension from the neutral position.