Abstract: A valve includes a valve body, a flux tube, and a winding. The body defines first and second passageways, and a circular opening is defined in the second passageway providing fluid communication between the passageways. The flux tube has a closed end, an open end, and a hollow armature receiving section. The open end is in fluid communication with the first passageway. A spherical armature is disposed in the armature receiving section for reciprocating movement between a closed position sealing against the circular opening to prevent communication between the passageways and an open position spaced apart from the opening permitting communication between the passageways. The winding is disposed about the flux tube for electromagnetically positioning the armature. The flux tube forms a fluid tight pressure boundary between the winding and the passageways. A spring urges the armature toward one of the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system including first and second braking circuits. The first and second braking circuits each include a wheel brake, a pressurized fluid source, and a hydraulic conduit connecting the wheel brake to the fluid source. Each of the hydraulic conduits includes a control valve that operates to selectively prevent fluid flow from the pressurized fluid source to the wheel brake. A connecting conduit connects the first and second braking circuits. A floating piston is disposed within the connecting conduit and is adapted to be displaced by the pressurized fluid provided by the pressurized fluid source in the first braking circuit when the control valve of the first braking circuit is closed. The displacement of the piston generates an additional volume of pressurized fluid in the hydraulic conduit of the second braking circuit that effectively augments the pressurized fluid provided by the second pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: A self-cleaning orifice includes a housing having a bore defined therein. The bore includes a first diameter inlet portion and a second diameter outlet portion, with a seating surface defined between the inlet and outlet portions. A movable body having a seating surface with a groove defined thereon is disposed within the outlet portion of the bore. The body is movable relative to the housing to a first position in which the seating surface of the body is seated against the seating surface of the housing and provides a restricted flow between the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the bore The body is also movable relative to the housing to a second position in which the seating surface of the body is spaced apart from the seating surface of the housing creating an unrestricted fluid flow path between the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the bore.