Abstract: A pump system has a piston pump. The piston pump has a cylinder block with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a plurality of cylinders. Each cylinder in the plurality of cylinders is connected to the inlet port by an inlet passage and to the outlet port by an outlet passage. The piston pump has a plurality of pistons disposed in the plurality of cylinders. A drive shaft drives the pistons within the cylinders. A throttle member independently throttles flow in each inlet passage. The pump system has an electrohydraulic actuator governing movement of the throttle member.

Abstract: A pump system has a piston pump. The piston pump has a cylinder block with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a plurality of cylinders. Each cylinder in the plurality of cylinders is connected to the inlet port by an inlet passage and to the outlet port by an outlet passage. The piston pump has a plurality of pistons disposed in the plurality of cylinders. A drive shaft drives the pistons within the cylinders. A throttle member independently throttles flow in each inlet passage. The pump system has an electrohydraulic actuator governing movement of the throttle member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preserving human red blood cells including the acts of cryogenically freezing a number of human red blood cells suspended in a fluid at a rate of 20° C. to 100° C. per second, maintaining a predetermined thickness of the fluid between a pair of plates during freezing of the plurality of red blood cells, and warming the cryogenically frozen red blood cells to an ambient temperature to recover at least some of the red blood cells.

Abstract: A suspension system, connected between two members of a vehicle, includes a cylinder having first and second chambers separated by a moveable piston. The piston has a larger surface area in the first chamber than in the second chamber. A first proportional valve connects the first chamber selectively to a source of pressurized fluid or a tank, and a second proportional valve connects the second chamber selectively to the source or the tank. A controller electrically operates the first and second proportional valves. A pilot-operated valve opens when pressure in the second chamber exceeds a predefined level, thereby providing a path through which fluid flows from the first chamber to the tank. Thus when fluid from the source is applied to the second chamber, both the second proportional valve and the pilot-operated valve open to convey a greater amount of fluid from the first chamber to the tank.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for an active of semi-active vehicle suspension system has a cylinder with a piston therein. A piston rod is attached to the piston and extends out of the cylinder. First and second chambers are formed on opposites sides of the piston enabling the piston to be driven in a manner that counteracts vibrations in the vehicle, A third chamber is provided in the cylinder for connection to a load leveling apparatus. A novel structure reduces the overall length of the hydraulic actuator. A displacement sensor is incorporated into the hydraulic actuator to provide an electrical signal that indicated how far the piston rod extends from the cylinder.

Abstract: An active suspension system isolates a first member from vibration in a second member. A hydraulic actuator is connected between the first and second members and includes a cylinder having a second chamber and a first chamber defined on opposite sides of a piston in the cylinder. A rod is attached to the piston with a first end extending out of the cylinder and a second end within the third chamber. A valve arrangement controlling flow of fluid between the first and second chambers and a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a tank which control applies force to the piston that counteracts the transmission of vibration between the first and second members. A load leveling valve assembly connects the third cylinder chamber selectively to the source or the tank to maintain the piston centered in the cylinder under static load conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle has an axle connected to a frame by at least one hydraulic cylinder with two chambers separated by a piston. A hydraulic circuit controls flow of fluid between two cylinder chambers and between the chambers and an accumulator to dampen motion of the frame relative to the axle. The hydraulic circuit includes a control valve and a pair of check valves arranged so that the single control valve is able to lock-out the cylinder to emulate a rigid connection of the frame to the axle, as needed.