Abstract: A steam turbine system and method of operating a steam turbine system including a steam generator coupled to a high pressure section and a low pressure section. The steam turbine system may further include to a first portion of a drive shaft coupled to the high pressure section and a clutching device for releasably coupling to a power generator coupled to the first portion of the drive shaft. The steam turbine system may also include a second portion of the drive shaft for coupling to the power generator coupled to the low pressure section. The method may be implemented using a controller of the steam turbine system.

Abstract: A method to rotate crankshaft of an engine via a pneumatic system is disclosed herein. The engine includes a plurality of engine cylinders. The pneumatic system has an air compressor and a plurality of valves. The method includes monitoring angular orientation of the crankshaft and determining the position of the piston of the plurality of engine cylinders. An engine cylinder amongst the plurality of engine cylinders is selected with the piston in one of a power stroke or a compression stroke. A valve corresponding to the engine cylinder is activated. Upon activation of the valve, compressed air is supplied to the engine cylinder by the air compressor. The valve is then deactivated as the piston attains completion of one power stroke or one compression stroke. The activation, supply, and deactivation are sequentially repeated for each of the plurality of engine cylinders, based on predetermined firing order of the engine.

Abstract: A drive system for hydraulically driven working mechanisms of a working machine includes an axial piston pump, the pump capacity and flow direction of which is varied by changing the pivot angle of the axial piston pump. The drive system includes a hydraulic motor connected via a line to the axial piston pump and drivably connected to the working mechanisms, a control unit operated to set the pump capacity of the axial piston pump to zero and a control valve arrangement that is actuated by the control unit to actuate a limiting device such that the pivot angle of the axial piston pump can be mechanically set to zero degrees (0°).

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system includes a pump configured to pressurize a fluid, and a swing motor selectively driven by pressurized fluid from the pump. The swing motor is configured to move a part of the machine. The hydraulic control system also includes a controller in communication with the pump. The controller is configured to receive an input indicative of a difference between a desired speed and an actual speed of the swing motor, and determine if the swing motor is accelerating, decelerating, or operating at neutral mode. The controller is configured to determine an amount of return fluid from an actuator of the machine that is available as makeup fluid for the swing motor if the swing motor is operating at neutral mode. The controller is configured to control the pump based on at least the amount of return fluid.

Abstract: A method of operating a driveline including a powersplit transmission is provided. The driveline may be operated in a hydrostatic power transmission mode and a blended hydrostatic/mechanical power transmission mode. The method comprises the steps of providing a hydrostatic circuit, detecting a rapid deceleration of the vehicle, and adjusting a threshold of at least one pressure relief valve forming a portion of the hydrostatic circuit in response to the sudden deceleration. The at least one pressure relief valve facilitates quickly changing the driveline from the blended hydrostatic/mechanical power transmission mode to the hydrostatic power transmission mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a hydraulic pump of a wheel loader, and more particularly, to a method for controlling a hydraulic pump in order to improve acceleration performance of the wheel loader in a situation in which an injection amount of fuel is limited during an acceleration process of the wheel loader in accordance with stricter regulations on exhaust gas.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a first actuator fluidly coupled to a first rotating group in a first closed-loop circuit, a flow control module fluidly coupled to the first closed-loop circuit via a first conduit, a second actuator fluidly coupled to the flow control module via a second conduit, a second rotating group in selective fluid communication with the first conduit and the second conduit via the flow control module, and a controller operatively coupled to the flow control module. The controller is configured to operate the flow control module in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode effects fluid communication between the second rotating group and the first closed-loop circuit via the first conduit, and blocks fluid communication between the second rotating group and the second actuator via the second conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator arrangement 100 comprising a hydraulic actuator 110, a hydraulic fluid supply line 120 connected to the actuator for supplying hydraulic fluid to the actuator, and a bleed port 124 for enabling air in the hydraulic actuator arrangement to be bled out, wherein the hydraulic actuator arrangement further comprises a bleed line 130 connected to the bleed port to enable any hydraulic fluid bled through the bleed port to be conveyed along the bleed line.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The system includes an actuator configured to move a portion of the machine, a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid to the actuator, an accumulator fluidly coupled to the actuator, a valve arrangement configured to selectively direct the fluid discharged from the actuator to the accumulator for storage and to selectively direct the stored fluid from the accumulator to the actuator, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an accumulator pressure, an actuator pressure, and an operational parameter associated with an implement system. Further, the controller is configured to determine an accumulator control mode. The controller determines an accumulator pressure leakage rate when the accumulator control mode is neutral.

Abstract: A system and method for converting pressure differentials to electricity is disclosed. Initially, a first chamber is empty and a second chamber holds compressed air/fluid. When the device is disposed in the large bodies of water, due to pressure difference inside the first chamber and the ambient pressure, water fills the first chamber. As the water passes through the first chamber, it turns the turbine or creates pressure difference in transducer to produce electricity. The device descends itself in the deeper water column due to added water in first chamber. When the device obtains equilibrium, the compressed air/fluid from second chamber is allowed to flow to the first chamber to evacuate the filled water. The evacuating water again turns the turbine or creates pressure difference in transducer to produce electricity. After evacuation of water, the device will ascend itself to a shallower depth and the process repeats.

Abstract: A hydraulic fan circuit is provided. The hydraulic fan circuit includes a tank, a motor having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a pump to draw fluid at a low pressure from the tank and discharge the fluid at elevated pressures to the motor via the fluid inlet. The hydraulic fan circuit further includes a directional control valve disposed between the fluid outlet of the motor and the tank. The directional control valve is operable to move between a flow blocking position and a flow passing position. Further, the directional control valve is configured to reduce a positive speed of the motor below a lowest positive speed attainable through control of pump output. Furthermore, the hydraulic fan circuit includes a pressure control circuit configured to provide a pilot fluid flow at varying pressure to move the directional control valve.

Abstract: Method for the operation of an assembly of a vehicle, whereas the assembly is transferable from an unactuated position into an actuated position by a pressure medium-actuated actuator, if two redundant pressure medium valves both occupy a pressure supply position, whereas, for the functional test of one of the redundant pressure medium valves, a first pressure medium valve is controlled in such a manner that the same occupies the pressure supply position, whereas a second pressure medium valve is controlled in such a manner that the same does not occupy the pressure supply position, and whereas if, upon this control of the two pressure medium valves at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure medium-actuated actuator, no reaction is detected, there is a closing at a proper second pressure medium valve, whereas if, despite this control of the two pressure medium valves at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure mediu

Abstract: In order to avoid cavitation in a boom cylinder head end at the beginning of a dig cycle, fluid from an alternate source is supplied to the head end before or in addition to fluid supplied by the main boom-up hydraulic circuit. In one embodiment, an electronic hydraulic valve, related sensors, and control system determines the beginning of a dig operation and uses fluid at an intermediate pressure to rapidly provide fluid to a boom head end cylinder to prevent voiding or cavitation before fluid under high pressure from the main pump can be brought to the cylinder. An on/off fluid switch is activated early in a dig operation to address low pressure at the boom cylinder head end and provide an alternate path for fluid into the cylinder in reaction to the boom being lifted by a motion of the stick and bucket in contact with the work surface.

Abstract: In order to provide a forklift capable of performing an inching control suitable for a specific work and a running operation of the forklift and an inching control method of the forklift, an inching ratio calculating unit calculates an inching ratio, a target engine speed calculating unit calculates a target engine speed, a modulation control unit sets a time constant of the inching ratio in response to a speed difference between the target engine speed and outputs a correction inching ratio having the time constant set thereto, a multiplication unit outputs a correction absorption torque obtained by multiplying the correction inching ratio by a target absorption torque, and a HST pump electromagnetic proportional control output current converting unit outputs a current instruction value to a pump capacity setting unit.

Abstract: The Liquid Nitrogen Conventional Generator operates by using electrical energy from an existing power plant to collect, cool, store and utilize Nitrogen from the atmosphere to generate power, in any form required, to provide continuous, augmented, supplemental or alternate output of power in any predetermined form, including but not limited to electrical, mechanical and/or hydraulic, which may be produced individually or in any combination. Nitrogen is extracted from the atmosphere, condensed and cooled, stored in liquid form and then expanded to be applied to the generation unit which is selected to provide the type of power needed, allowing reduction of size of the conventional plant supplying power to this system while maintaining the output of said plant. And recycling the expanded Nitrogen gas within the system to provide increased efficiency.

Abstract: A turbine system that can be releasably anchored in a flow of liquid, like a waterfall, and generate power from the flow includes a runner operable to receive some or all of the flow of liquid and rotate to generate power, a penstock operable to direct some or all of the flow toward the runner, and an intake operable to direct some or all of the flow into the penstock. The runner may be coupled to a generator to generate electric power. The penstock has a length that is adjustable to accommodate changes in the height of the liquid drop or waterfall, which may be desirable if the distance between the top and bottom of the drop fluctuates like an ocean's tide. The turbine system also includes a valve operable to modify the flow of the liquid flowing into the runner, and a control circuit operable to determine an amount of liquid entering the penstock and, in response to the determined amount, move the valve to increase or decrease the flow of liquid into the runner.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor drive system is disclosed. The hydraulic motor drive system includes a pump, a flow control module fluidly coupled to a discharge of the pump via a first conduit, and a hydraulic motor fluidly coupled to the flow control module via a second conduit and a third conduit, and a controller operatively coupled to the flow control module. The controller is configured to operate the flow control module in a first mode, such that the flow control module blocks fluid communication between the pump and the hydraulic motor via the second conduit, and effects fluid communication between the pump and the hydraulic motor via the third conduit, and operate the flow control module in a second mode, such that the flow control module effects fluid communication between the pump and the hydraulic motor via the second conduit.

Abstract: Energy is stored by injecting fluid into a hydraulic fracture in the earth and producing the fluid back while recovering power and/or desalinating water. The method is particularly adapted to storage of large amounts of energy such as in grid-scale electric energy systems. The hydraulic fracture may be formed and treated with resin so as to limit fluid loss and to increase propagation pressure. The fluid may be water containing a dissolved salt or fresh water and a portion or all of the water may be desalinated using pressure in the water when it is produced.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic machine for pressuring the hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic circuit for delivering the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic machine being configured to receive the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuator and a kinetic energy storage device for storing energy in a kinetic form, the kinetic energy storage device being operably coupled to the hydraulic machine, the system being configured such that the hydraulic machine is operable to transfer energy from the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic actuator to the kinetic energy storage device.

Abstract: A portable, hand-operated rescue tool is provided for rescue and extreme duty operations where an object needs to be cut, crushed, pierced and separated, or lifted. The rescue tool includes a body, a support handle and articulating jaw force members used to impart high forces on an object. The tool includes a manually-operated, pivoting actuation handle connected to a high pressure fluid displacement system to pivotally rotate the jaw force arms in a selected direction or mode of operation to suit the situation.

Abstract: A method to recover energy in a reversible hydraulic motor system during a motor reverse event is disclosed. A swashplate of a hydraulic motor is pivoted over a center position when the hydraulic motor rotates in a first direction and is due to receiving a pressurized fluid from a pump. Thereafter, by de-stroking the pump a pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor is restricted. Then, a valve is moved to a charge position to store the pressurized fluid into an accumulator. Next, the stored pressurized fluid of the accumulator is discharged to the hydraulic motor as the hydraulic motor begins rotation in an opposite, second direction. Subsequently, the valve is moved to a block position to inhibit flow of the pressurized fluid into or out of the accumulator. By up-stroking the pump, a continuous rotation of the hydraulic motor in the opposite, second direction is maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving vacuum within a vehicle is described. In one example, vacuum is conserved via limiting volume expansion of a brake booster working chamber.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus, a power generation method, a decomposition-gas boiler, and a decomposition-gas turbine with which nitrous oxide may be used as an environmentally friendly energy source. A fuel gas including nitrous oxide (N2O) is supplied to a decomposition reactor (22) in which a catalyst (21) for decomposing nitrous oxide is disposed. Steam is generated by a decomposition-gas boiler by heat recovery from decomposition gas (N2, O2) generated by decomposing the nitrous oxide, the steam generated by the decomposition-gas boiler is used to drive the rotation of a steam turbine to obtain motive power, and the motive power is subsequently used to drive a generator to obtain electrical power. Alternatively, the decomposition gas (N2, O2) generated by decomposing the nitrous oxide is used to drive the rotation of a decomposition-gas turbine to obtain motive power.

Abstract: A method for predefining a rotational speed of a drive machine of a drive system is disclosed. The method involves at least the drive machine and a hydrostatic drive unit, wherein the rotational speed which is to be predefined for the drive machine is determined as a function of an instantaneous system state and a predicted system state of the drive system.

Abstract: A new power generation process where thermal energy can be taken from the air, bodies of water or other heat sources and converted to mechanical energy without generating environmentally harmful emissions is disclosed. This process is based on the use of turbo-expanders, compressors, wet working gases and liquid heat sinks. This process does not employ the Rankine cycle; it does not require the use of a boiler, evaporator or condenser. This process can be practiced from a fixed location or while mobile.

Abstract: There are described an apparatus, a system and a method for the reduction of a pressure of a gaseous operating medium by expansion means which are arranged parallel with pressure reduction means, a portion of the gaseous operating medium being directed through the expansion means, the expansion means being configured to transform at least a portion of the energy released during the pressure reduction into mechanical energy by expansion of the gaseous operating medium, and for the transformation of at least a portion of the energy released during the pressure reduction into mechanical energy by the expansion means during the expansion of the portion of the gaseous operating medium which is directed through the expansion means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy recovering system having a first pump for pumping a fluid from a first lower level at a first lower potential energy to a second higher level corresponding to a second higher potential energy, and a turbine being located at a third level corresponding to a third potential energy being smaller than said second higher potential energy, wherein the turbine is fluidly connected to the first pump by a connecting pipe such that the fluid can be fed by the first pump via the connecting pipe from the first lower level and via the second higher level to the turbine located at the third level, where the turbine is connected to the first pump in such a way that a recovery-energy recovered from the fluid by passing through the turbine (T) is used for a drive of the concurrently operating first pump.

Abstract: A method of controlling a float function of a cylinder 25 having a first side and a second side includes connecting the second side of the cylinder to a reservoir 15; connecting the first side of the cylinder to an output of a pump 20 and to the reservoir; and supplying an amount of flow from a pump less than an amount supplied by the pump under loaded conditions. A three-position directional control valve 30 having a pump port, a reservoir port, a first cylinder port, and a second cylinder port may be provided to effectuate aspects of this method.

Abstract: A system comprising a discharge valve that allows some of the fluid generated by a fluid generating source and intended for a drive torque generating member for a rotary element of a mechanical device to be removed so as to limit the corresponding rotational speed, this being done for a length of time that allows a thermal gradient to be reduced sufficiently that a phenomenon of deformation of said rotary element can be prevented.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a pump (22) that draws fluid from a reservoir (24) and an actuator (26) having a first port and a second port. A metering valve arrangement (28) controls fluid flow through the actuator and includes a meter-in valve (30a, 30d) positioned between the pump and the first port and a meter-out valve (30b, 30c) positioned between the second port and the reservoir. A controller (34) controls operation of the metering valve arrangement. In a meter-in mode, the controller controls a fluid flow rate through the actuator by controlling an orifice size of the meter-in valve. In a meter-out mode, the controller controls a fluid flow rate through the actuator by controlling an orifice size of the meter-out valve. The controller determines the fluid flow rate through the actuator based on data derived from the meter-out valve in both the meter-in mode and the meter-out mode.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an accumulator is filled to a predetermined level with a hydraulic fluid includes commanding a current to a solenoid, providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the accumulator, setting a timer to an initial value, incrementing the timer, determining if the timer is greater than a timer threshold value, measuring a current to the solenoid if the timer is greater than the timer threshold value, calculating a modified current as a function of the measured current, the timer value, and the commanded current, comparing the modified current to a threshold, and determining that the accumulator is filled to the predetermined level if the modified current is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system for a machine is provided. The hydrostatic drive system includes a first hydraulic circuit, and a second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit includes a first pump and a first hydraulic motor configured to selectively receive a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first pump at a first pressure. The second hydraulic circuit includes a second pump and a second hydraulic motor configured to selectively receive the flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second pump at a second pressure. The hydrostatic drive system further includes a controller configured to maintain a pressure balance between the first and the second hydraulic circuits based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprising a turbine for capturing wind energy; a plurality of driven devices which can be coupled to the turbine to be driven thereby; and a controller adapted to monitor a parameter relating to the energy output of the turbine and selectively load or unload one or more of the plurality of driven devices to maximise the efficiency of the turbine and maximise efficient power transfer from the turbine to one or more of the driven devices. The present invention efficiently power matches the available turbine energy with the energy capacity of the driven devices to thereby ensure the turbine and driven devices operate within an optimum range to minimise energy wastage and increase energy transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A fluid operated actuator (103) is provided that includes an actuator housing (104) and a piston assembly (109) including a piston (106) and a piston rod (108) movable within the actuator housing (104). The fluid operated actuator (103) further includes a plurality of detents (210) unified with the piston rod (108) and a lock (209) configured to move between a first and a second position. The lock engages the plurality of detents (210) when the lock (209) is in the first position or the second position to prevent the piston assembly (109) from moving with respect to the actuator housing (104). The lock further disengages from the plurality of detents (210) when the lock (209) is between the first and second positions to allow the piston assembly (109) to move with respect to the actuator housing (104).

Abstract: A method of performing a pump check for a brake system comprises determining a first position of a pump with a pump position sensor upon ignition of a vehicle. A pump motor is powered based upon a preselected operating condition. A second position of the pump is determined with the pump position sensor. The first position of the pump and the second position of the pump are compared. The pump motor is confirmed as operational when the second position of the pump is different from the first position of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave-power aggregate and a method of extracting energy from wave motion in a liquid by means of a wave-power aggregate. The wave-power aggregate comprises a container which is situated at least partially in the liquid and also comprises an inflow and an outflow. The container is arranged to, under the influence of said wave motion, to let a first part of the container arrange itself in a first position and a second part of the container in a second position, where the first and second position corresponds to different potential energy states. The method comprises the steps of: alternately supplying the container with at least a first and a second fluid respectively via the inflow, where the density of the fluids differs. at least during an initial stage of the method controlling a flow resistance in at least one of the first and second fluids through the container.

Abstract: A method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a thermodynamic cycle includes placing a thermal energy source in thermal communication with a heat exchanger arranged in a working fluid circuit containing a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) and having a high pressure side and a low pressure side. The method also includes regulating an amount of working fluid within the working fluid circuit via a mass management system having a working fluid vessel, pumping the working fluid through the working fluid circuit, and expanding the working fluid to generate mechanical energy. The method further includes directing the working fluid away from the expander through the working fluid circuit, controlling a flow of the working fluid in a supercritical state from the high pressure side to the working fluid vessel, and controlling a flow of the working fluid from the working fluid vessel to the low pressure side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic hybrid drive system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising driven wheels (2), which have friction brakes (3) for applying a friction braking torque to the driven wheels (2), and a continuously adjustable hydraulic transmission (4), which has a motor-side hydraulic machine (5) and a wheel-side hydraulic machine (6) having a direct fluid connection to the motor-side hydraulic machine, wherein the hydraulic machines (5, 6) are connected in series and to the driven wheels (2) of the motor vehicle in regard to driving, such that the hydraulic machines (5, 6) can be operated both as hydraulic pumps and as hydraulic motors, and at least one hydraulic fluid energy storage device (7), which is connected to the hydraulic transmission (4) in regard to fluid flow, wherein the motor-side hydraulic machine (5) is connected to the wheel-side hydraulic machine (6) in regard to fluid flow by means of a high-pressure hydraulic line (8) and a low-pressure hydraulic line (9).

Abstract: According to a method for operating a clutch transmission, especially a dual clutch transmission, which includes a hydraulic circuit having at least one pump for delivering hydraulic medium and at least one pressure accumulator for accommodating and making available a hydraulic medium under pressure, the pump associated with an electric motor is operated depending on a charge requirement of the pressure accumulator. To determine the charge requirement, the pump is driven by the electric motor, and the current consumed by the electric motor in the process is detected to determine the charge requirement.

Abstract: A regeneration circuit includes an oil collection passage that collects return oil from a hydraulic motor to which pressure oil discharged from a hydraulic pump is supplied, a regeneration system that recovers energy from the collected return oil, and an oil resupply passage that resupplies pressure oil from the regeneration system to the hydraulic motor. The regeneration system includes a pressure oil inflow part that converts pressure energy of the collected return oil into mechanical energy, a pressure oil outflow part that outputs low pressure oil with a pressure lower than a pressure of the collected return oil to the oil resupply passage when the pressure energy of the collected return oil is converted into the mechanical energy, and a regeneration part that accumulates the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A compressed gas energy storage and release (CGESR) system and method. The system has a gas compressor, a container for storing compressed gas, a pressure engine, and an underground high temperature region. Conduits connect the gas compressor, the container and the pressure engine. The compressed gas drives the pressure engine. An electrical power generating means is operatively connected to said pressure engine to generate electricity. The system further comprises a means to heat at least a portion of one of the conduits utilizing heat from the underground high temperature region to heat the compressed gas therein prior to driving the pressure engine.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a hydraulic mechanism, an operation lever, and a pump, a hydraulic control valve unit, a lever operation detector, an internal combustion engine controller, and a valve controller that controls the hydraulic control valve unit. When the lever operation detector detects the operation of the operation lever under a situation in which a speed of the internal combustion engine is less than or equal to a predetermined speed, the valve controller operates the hydraulic control valve unit to discharge the hydraulic oil without supplying the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic mechanism and instructs the internal combustion engine controller to increase the speed of the internal combustion engine, and subsequently operates the hydraulic control valve unit to supply the hydraulic mechanism with the hydraulic oil.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of avoiding insufficient flow being supplied to the hydraulic actuator and speed becoming insufficient during light loads in hydraulic machinery such as hydraulic shovels when the engine rotation speed is set low during normal work. The solution is to increase the discharge flow of the hydraulic pump (2) by increasing the rotation speed of the engine (1) above the target rotation speed set by the engine rotation speed-setting means (14) when the hydraulic pump (2) discharge pressure is at the light load pump discharge pressure, the hydraulic pump (2) inclination angle is at the maximum inclination angle, and the negative control signal pressure is at the signal pressure when the hydraulic actuator-operating means (7) is at full operation.

Abstract: A primary piston assembly for a master brake cylinder of a braking system of a vehicle, including a first primary piston component having a first piston element to which a driver braking force is transmittable in such a way that a pressure chamber volume of a pressure chamber of a master brake cylinder of the braking system which is fillable with liquid is reducible by moving the first piston element with the aid of the driver braking force, and a second primary piston component having a second piston element to which the first braking assisting force is transmittable in such a way that the pressure chamber volume of the pressure chamber is reducible by moving the second piston element with the aid of the first braking assisting force.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic actuator, an accumulator, an accumulator charge valve, and a hydraulic transformer fluidly connected between the accumulator charge valve and the accumulator. The hydraulic transformer includes a transformer motor mechanically coupled to a transformer pump. The accumulator charge valve is fluidly connected between the transformer motor and the hydraulic actuator. The transformer pump is sized to permit a maximum flow therethrough of no more than three-quarters of a flow permitted through the transformer motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus and a method of controlling the hydraulic apparatus are disclosed. The hydraulic apparatus includes a first pump having a first fixed displacement, a second pump having a second fixed displacement, and a diverter. The diverter includes a first diverter inlet port fluidly coupled to a discharge of the second pump, a first diverter outlet port fluidly coupled to a discharge of the first pump, and a second diverter outlet port fluidly coupled to a low pressure system, the low pressure system having a fluid pressure lower than a fluid pressure of the discharge of the first pump. The diverter is operable to selectively vary fluid communication between the first diverter inlet port and either the first diverter outlet port or the second diverter outlet port based on a reference pressure.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter includes a laminated robotic actuator. The laminated robotic actuator includes a strain-limiting layer comprising a flexible, non-extensible material in the form of a sheet or thin film, a flexible inflatable layer in the form of a thin film or sheet in facing relationship with the strain-limiting layer, wherein the inflatable layer is selectively adhered to the strain-limiting layer, and wherein a portion of an un-adhered region between the strain-limiting layer and the inflatable layer defines a pressurizable channel, and at least one fluid inlet in fluid communication with the pressurizable channel. The first flexible non-extensible material has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the second flexible elastomeric material and the flexible elastomer is non-extensible under actuation conditions.

Abstract: A cushioned swing circuit provides the reduction of oscillation common in the operation of heavy equipment such as with boom members. The circuit utilizes a transfer of high pressure fluid flow (caused by the inertial of the swing during rapid deceleration) from one leg of the circuit to the other leg of the circuit or to the sump which serves as decompression for the oil that would ordinarily be trapped in the leg. These phenomena create the swing cushioning effect.

Abstract: A system for detecting a type of hydraulic device. The system includes a hydraulic device. The system also includes a power supply having an engine and a controller. The controller is configured to detect a voltage of a signal from the hydraulic device, to categorize the signal as a type of signal of multiple types of signals based on the voltage, and to control a hydraulic output based on the voltage and the type of the signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic system and method of controlling hydraulic pressure are disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a pump fluidly coupled to a reservoir that contains hydraulic fluid, a control valve fluidly coupled to the pump, the control valve being selectively movable between at least two positions, a relief valve fluidly coupled to the pump via a relief conduit, the relief valve operable to flow hydraulic fluid from an outlet of the pump to the reservoir, and a variable pressure setpoint module fluidly coupled to the relief valve and the control valve. The variable pressure setpoint module being operable to open the relief valve in response to at least two pressure setpoints depending on a position of the control valve.