Patents by Inventor Bernd Zahe

Bernd Zahe has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240035586
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a first port; a second port; a third port; a poppet configured to be subjected to (i) a first fluid force by fluid of the first port acting on the poppet in a proximal direction toward a poppet seat, and (ii) a second fluid force by fluid of the second port acting on the poppet in a distal direction; a pilot piston configured to be subjected to a pilot fluid force by a pilot fluid signal received at the third port; a check spring applying a spring force on the poppet in the proximal direction; and pilot spring applying a pilot spring force on the pilot piston in the proximal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Publication number: 20230243325
    Abstract: An example valve includes a piston configured to block fluid flow from a first port of the valve to a second port of the valve when the valve is in a closed position; a relief mode spring applying a first biasing force on the piston in a distal direction; a reverse flow spring applying a second biasing force on the piston in a proximal direction, wherein the reverse flow spring is weaker than the relief mode spring; and a pressure setting spring applying a third biasing force on a check element in the distal direction, causing the check element to be seated when the valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11680589
    Abstract: An example valve includes a valve piston configured to block fluid flow from a first port of the valve to a second port of the valve when the valve is in a closed position; a forward flow spring applying a first biasing force on the valve piston in a distal direction; a reverse flow spring applying a second biasing force on the valve piston in a proximal direction; and a pressure setting spring applying a third biasing force on a check element in the distal direction, wherein fluid from the first port applies a fluid force on the check element in the proximal direction, and fluid from a pilot port applies a respective fluid force on the check element in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11680551
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a pressure compensation spool configured to be subjected to a first fluid force of fluid received at a first port acting in a proximal direction; a pressure compensation spring disposed in a pressure compensation chamber and applying a biasing force on the pressure compensation spool in a distal direction; a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flows through the valve; and a flow area configured to throttle fluid flow from the first port to the pressure compensation chamber, wherein fluid in the pressure compensation chamber applies a second fluid force on the pressure compensation spool in the distal direction, such that the pressure compensation spool moves to a particular axial position based on force equilibrium between the first fluid force, the second fluid force, and the biasing force to throttle fluid flow from the pressure compensation chamber to a second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11598353
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a first port, a second port, and a load-sense port; a valve piston configured to block fluid flow from the first port to the second port when the valve piston is in a neutral position; a reverse flow spring applying a first biasing force on the valve piston in a proximal direction; and a pressure compensation spring disposed in a spring chamber and applying a second biasing force on the valve piston in a distal direction, wherein when pressure level of fluid at the second port is higher than pressure level of fluid at the load-sense port, fluid flows from the second port to the spring chamber and the load-sense port, and wherein when pressure level of fluid at the load-sense port is higher than pressure level of fluid at the second port, fluid of the load-sense port is provided to the spring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Publication number: 20220397439
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a plurality of ports comprising: a first port, a second port, and a third port; a spool configured to block fluid flow from the first port to the third port while allowing fluid flow from the third port to the second port when the valve is in an unactuated state; a spring applying a biasing force on the spool in a proximal direction, wherein when the valve is actuated, the spool moves in a distal direction against the spring, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first port to the third port while blocking fluid flow from the third port to the second port; and a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flows from the first port to the third port when the valve is in an actuated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Publication number: 20220397089
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a seat member; a spool configured to be seated on the seat member to block fluid flow from a first port to a second port when the valve is in a closed state, wherein fluid at the first port applies a fluid force on the spool; a spring applying a biasing force on the spool toward the seat member, wherein as the fluid force overcomes the biasing force, the spool moves in the proximal direction off the seat member, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first port to the second port through a flow area formed between the spool and the seat member; a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flowing through the flow area flows downstream across the turbine; and an electric generator coupled to the turbine, such that rotation of the turbine causes the electric generator to generate electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Bernd Zähe, Steven J. Meislahn, Hailee Morgan
  • Publication number: 20220397211
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a pressure compensation spool configured to be subjected to a first fluid force of fluid received at a first port acting in a proximal direction; a pressure compensation spring disposed in a pressure compensation chamber and applying a biasing force on the pressure compensation spool in a distal direction; a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flows through the valve; and a flow area configured to throttle fluid flow from the first port to the pressure compensation chamber, wherein fluid in the pressure compensation chamber applies a second fluid force on the pressure compensation spool in the distal direction, such that the pressure compensation spool moves to a particular axial position based on force equilibrium between the first fluid force, the second fluid force, and the biasing force to throttle fluid flow from the pressure compensation chamber to a second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11384857
    Abstract: An example valve includes a seat element; an outer piston configured to be seated against the seat element at when the valve is in a closed position to block fluid flow from a first port of the valve to a second port of the valve; an inner piston disposed partially within the outer piston and configured to be seated against the outer piston when the valve is in the closed position to block fluid flow from the second port to the first port; and a setting spring applying a biasing force on the inner piston in a distal direction. The valve can operate in: (i) a first mode of operation wherein fluid is received at the first port and relieved to the second port, and (ii) a second mode of operation, wherein fluid is received at the second port and relieved to the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11353127
    Abstract: An example counterbalance valve includes: a poppet configured to be subjected to a fluid force by fluid received at a first port, and a fluid force by a pilot pressure fluid signal received at a pilot port; a first setting spring disposed in a first chamber and applying a first biasing force on the poppet; and a second setting spring disposed in a second chamber and applying a second biasing force on the poppet, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are vented to an external environment of the counterbalance valve, wherein the second setting spring is in parallel with the first setting spring such that an equivalent biasing force acting on the poppet in the distal direction comprises a sum of the first biasing force and the second biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11274752
    Abstract: An example valve includes a first port fluidly coupled to a source of fluid, a second port fluidly coupled to an actuator, a third port fluidly coupled to a reservoir, and a fourth port configured to export a load-sense (LS) fluid signal. The valve can operate in: a neutral state, wherein fluid is allowed to flow from the second port to the third port, while the first port and the fourth port are blocked; a first actuated state, wherein fluid flow is throttled from the second port to the third port, while the first port and the fourth port remain blocked; or a second actuated state, wherein fluid flow from the second port to the third port is blocked, while fluid flow is allowed from the first port to the second port and from the second port to the fourth port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Publication number: 20210332901
    Abstract: An example counterbalance valve includes: a poppet configured to be subjected to a fluid force by fluid received at a first port, and a fluid force by a pilot pressure fluid signal received at a pilot port, and a fluid force by fluid of a second port; a first setting spring disposed in a first chamber and applying a first biasing force on the poppet; and a second setting spring disposed in a second chamber and applying a second biasing force on the poppet, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidly coupled to the second port of the counterbalance valve, wherein the second setting spring is in parallel with the first setting spring such that an equivalent biasing force acting on the poppet in the distal direction comprises a sum of the first biasing force and the second biasing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Publication number: 20210332899
    Abstract: An example counterbalance valve includes: a poppet configured to be subjected to a fluid force by fluid received at a first port, and a fluid force by a pilot pressure fluid signal received at a pilot port; a first setting spring disposed in a first chamber and applying a first biasing force on the poppet; and a second setting spring disposed in a second chamber and applying a second biasing force on the poppet, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are vented to an external environment of the counterbalance valve, wherein the second setting spring is in parallel with the first setting spring such that an equivalent biasing force acting on the poppet in the distal direction comprises a sum of the first biasing force and the second biasing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11125339
    Abstract: An example valve includes: an external component having a longitudinal cavity therein, wherein the external component comprises a first annular groove disposed on an interior peripheral surface of the external component, and wherein the first annular groove is bounded by two annular surfaces; an internal component disposed, at least partially, in the longitudinal cavity of the external component, wherein the internal component comprises a second annular groove disposed on an exterior peripheral surface of the internal component, wherein the second annular groove is bounded by two respective annular surfaces, wherein the second annular groove is aligned with the first annular groove, such that the first annular groove and the second annular groove form an annular space therebetween; and a retention O-ring disposed in the annular space formed between the first annular groove and the second annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Lampton, Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11105433
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a plurality of ports comprising: (i) a first port, (ii) a second port configured to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir, and (iii) a third port configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of fluid; a spool slidably accommodated in a sleeve; an annular chamber formed between the spool and the sleeve, wherein the annular chamber is fluidly coupled to the first port, and wherein a first flow area is formed between the spool and the sleeve to fluidly couple the annular chamber to the second port via the first flow area; and a solenoid coil, wherein when the solenoid coil is energized, a solenoid force the spool, thereby causing the spool to move, forming a second flow area between the spool and the sleeve to fluidly couple the third port to the annular chamber via the second flow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Zähe, Andy Borja
  • Publication number: 20210207725
    Abstract: An example valve includes a first port fluidly coupled to a source of fluid, a second port fluidly coupled to an actuator, a third port fluidly coupled to a reservoir, and a fourth port configured to export a load-sense (LS) fluid signal. The valve can operate in: a neutral state, wherein fluid is allowed to flow from the second port to the third port, while the first port and the fourth port are blocked; a first actuated state, wherein fluid flow is throttled from the second port to the third port, while the first port and the fourth port remain blocked; or a second actuated state, wherein fluid flow from the second port to the third port is blocked, while fluid flow is allowed from the first port to the second port and from the second port to the fourth port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11047401
    Abstract: An example valve includes: (i) a pilot seat member comprising: (a) one or more channels fluidly coupled to a first port of the valve, (b) a pilot seat, and (c) a pilot sleeve portion comprising a pilot chamber and a cross-hole disposed in an exterior peripheral surface of the pilot sleeve portion; (ii) a pilot check member disposed in the pilot chamber and subjected to a biasing force of a setting spring disposed in the pilot chamber to seat the pilot check member at the pilot seat; and (iii) a solenoid actuator sleeve slidably accommodated about the exterior peripheral surface of the pilot sleeve portion of the pilot seat member, wherein the solenoid actuator sleeve includes a cross-hole disposed in an exterior peripheral surface of the solenoid actuator sleeve, wherein the cross-hole of the solenoid actuator sleeve is fluidly coupled to a second port of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 11009896
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a first port fluidly coupled to a chamber of an actuator; a second port fluidly coupled to a reservoir; a third port configured to provide an output pilot fluid signal and receive an input pilot fluid signal; a fourth port fluidly coupled to a source of fluid; a main poppet configured to be subjected to a first fluid force of fluid received at the first port acting on the main poppet in a proximal direction to cause the main poppet to be seated at a main poppet seat to block fluid flow to and from the first port; a piston configured to move axially to contact the main poppet; and a spool that is axially movable between a first position and a second position to operate the valve in either a pilot-operated check valve mode of operation or a proportional flow control mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Zähe, Andy Borja
  • Publication number: 20210116044
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a plurality of ports comprising: (i) a first port, (ii) a second port configured to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir, and (iii) a third port configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of fluid; a spool slidably accommodated in a sleeve; an annular chamber formed between the spool and the sleeve, wherein the annular chamber is fluidly coupled to the first port, and wherein a first flow area is formed between the spool and the sleeve to fluidly couple the annular chamber to the second port via the first flow area; and a solenoid coil, wherein when the solenoid coil is energized, a solenoid force the spool, thereby causing the spool to move, forming a second flow area between the spool and the sleeve to fluidly couple the third port to the annular chamber via the second flow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Bernd Zähe, Andy Borja
  • Patent number: 10969801
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a first port configured to be fluidly coupled to an actuator; a second port configured to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir; a third port configured to provide an output pilot fluid signal and receive an input pilot fluid signal; a fourth port configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of fluid; a pilot poppet configured to be subjected to a first fluid force of fluid received at the first port and configured to be subjected to a second fluid force of the input pilot fluid signal; a solenoid actuator sleeve that is axially movable between an unactuated state and an actuated state; and at least one setting spring configured to apply a biasing force on the pilot poppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe