Abstract: A fluid flow control device for improving, for example, valve operation by reducing “error forces” occurring due to fluid communication between ports of a valve having two or more ports. Incremental pressure drop passages bleed incrementally the flow of fluid between first an second ports as the valve spool is moving between the first and second positions to decrease the pressure differential generated force exerted on the spool whereby the energy required to be applied to the spool for moving the spool between the first and second positions is decreased.

Abstract: Illustrated is a cartridge type solenoid valve with a coil-actuator structure which employs O-ring seals to inhibit harsh environment entry into the coil-actuator and allows for metal to metal contact with the frame to increase the flux density and path for flux when the valve is in operation. A plastic over mould is encapsulated over the metal frame (in one embodiment a sleeve) which is shaped to provide efficient magnetic flux carrying capability, as well as abut a flux connector, e.g. a disc adapted to capture an O-ring. The O-ring is in sealing contact with a capture element, e.g. a nut on the projecting extended end of an insertable cartridge having an internal plug, environmentally sealing the coil. When the capture nut is assembled on to the plug, in sealing engagement with the O-ring and simultaneously engaging the plug, an increased efficiency flux path is created. The lead wire termination version includes cold forming or latched caps over lead wires to provide environmental (or dunk) sealing.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controlling the orientation of a material handling unit on a lift boom. The control system includes a flow divider/combiner valve operative in a boom-raise, unit-leveling mode to pass a portion of the fluid displaced from the rod end of the boom cylinder to the base end of the unit cylinder, and operative in a boom-lower, unit-leveling mode, to combine the fluid stream displaced from the base end unit cylinder in a preset ratio with pressurized fluid, and pass the combined stream to the rod end of the boom cylinder. A modulating valve controls flow to and from the base end of the boom cylinder and is pilot actuated to inhibit descent of the boom until the pressure in the unit cylinder reaches a level at which the unit cylinder initiates levelling of the unit.

Abstract: A control system for a lift boom pivotable with respect to a vehicle by a boom cylinder and material handling unit pivotable with respect to the boom by a unit cylinder when the control of a boom control valve and a unit control valve. The control system includes a flow divider/combiner valve and operative in a boom-raise, unit-leveling mode to pass a preset portion of the fluid displaced from the rod end of the boom cylinder to the base end of the unit cylinder. The flow divider-combiner valve is operative in a boom-lower, unit-leveling mode, to combine the fluid stream displaced from the base end unit cylinder in a preset ratio with pressurized fluid, and pass the combined stream to the rod end of the boom cylinder. The control system can be disengaged from the automatic leveling mode to enable the boom unit to be operated manually under the control of the boom and unit control valves.