Abstract: A self-cleaning filter for use in a valve is disclosed. The valve can include a bore, an orifice disposed in the bore for accommodating a fluid flow therethrough, and a filter disposed in the bore between the input port of the fluid flow being filtered and the orifice being protected. The filter can include an entrance head in predetermined spaced relationship with the bore of the valve to define a filter entrance and a body portion. The entrance head can be configured to prevent particles of a predetermined size from entering the filter entrance. The body portion can include at least a portion that has a different shape than the entrance head which cooperates with the bore to define a fluid passage. The fluid passage can have an exit port which is communicable with the orifice to send filtered fluid to the orifice. The filter can include an offset portion which extends beyond an end face of the bore which is useful to develop pressure gradients which provide for a self-cleaning function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve having one or more ports. The valve comprises a spool slidably disposed within the valve and a generally circular retainer disposed so as to prevent the spool from moving along an axis of the valve. The retainer is capable of opening so as to permit the spool to move along the axis of the valve.

Abstract: A proportional, pilot-operated directional valve has a sleeve with at least four sets of radial holes, and a spool disposed within the sleeve, with a channel being defined between the spool and the sleeve. The spool has at least two sets of radial holes, and the exterior surface of the spool has annular protrusions, each being in at least partial contact with the inner wall of the sleeve. When the valve is in an open position, the first set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with one of the two sets of radial holes of the spool, the second and third sets of radial holes of the sleeve are each at least in partial communication with the channel, and the fourth set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with the other of the two sets of radial holes of the spool. The spool may be kept in an open position by pressure from a flow of fluid that is provided at one end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A valve having a mechanism for stabilizing the flow of fluid, such as in response to a nonlinear force, is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment of the valve, a tube is anchored within a retainer, and a solenoid mounted on the tube. A pole piece is fixed within the tube, and an armature is slidably disposed within the tube adjacent to the pole piece. A generally frustoconical gap is defined between the pole piece and the armature. A flexible, non-magnetic washer is disposed within the conical gap. The flexible washer counteracts the effect of a non-linear magnetic force by providing a non-linear force in opposition. The result is that the flow of fluid though the valve as well as the valve pressure is stabilized, in contrast with the prior art.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow control valve includes a two-port housing, and a hollow cage within the housing. The hollow cage has rows of cross-sectional holes that communicate with the ports. A hollow compensating spool is slidably arranged within the hollow cage between the cross-sectional holes. Pressure differential between the ports induces movement in the compensating spool. This movement causes the compensating spool to reduce the opening of one row of cross-sectional holes and increase the opening of the other. In this manner, the valve provides consistent flow control characteristics in each flow direction.

Abstract: An inventive priority flow regulator comprises a valve assembly which is supported by a housing at one end and confines an electro-magnetic actuator at the other end. The housing has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a regulated port. The valve assembly includes a hollow cage that cooperates with a cavity formed in the housing to define a plurality of internal chambers, a hollow compensating spool slidably arranged within the cage between rows of cross-sectional holes formed in the cage, a hollow guide member slidably arranged within the compensating spool and having cross-holes formed therein, and regulating and dampening spools slidably arranged within the guide member at opposite ends thereof. The internal chambers of the housing communicate with respective ports formed in the housing to provide a priority flow configuration as well as a reverse flow configuration.