Abstract: A method of determining readiness of an emergency steering pump system is provided. The method may include the steps of detecting a startup condition; determining a standby pressure provided by a primary pump and a margin pressure to be provided by a secondary pump; engaging the secondary pump for a predefined duration based on the standby pressure and the margin pressure; and determining readiness based on a cumulative pressure of the standby pressure and the margin pressure as compared to a predefined threshold corresponding to load demand.

Abstract: A piezo-electric actuated valve having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and an end chamber is disclosed. The valve also includes a main poppet disposed within the valve body. The main poppet is configured to be selectively movable between a flow blocking position substantially blocking a flow of pressurized fluid and a plurality of flow passing positions allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet chambers. The valve also includes a pilot valve configured to be selectively movable between a first position substantially blocking a flow of pressurized fluid and a plurality of second positions allowing fluid communication between the end chamber and the one of the inlet and outlet chamber exposed to a pressurized fluid having a lower pressure. The valve further includes a piezo-electric actuator configured to be selectively movable between a de-energized position and an energized position to affect the pilot valve to selectively move to at least one the plurality of second positions.