Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator. The capacity of one of the machines is limited in a motoring mode to determine a maximum rate of efflux from one of the chambers. The pressure of fluid supplied to the other of said chambers is maintained at a predetermined level to provide motive force. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store surplus energy.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a prime mover and a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes an accumulator to store energy and supplement that available from the prime mover. A control monitors torque imposed on the prime mover and utilizes energy stored in the accumulator to offload the prime mover when its operating conditions are to be changed. Effecting a change under reduced load conditions mitigates inefficient operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator. The capacity of one of the machines is limited in a motoring mode to determine a maximum rate of efflux from one of the chambers. The pressure of fluid supplied to the other of said chambers is maintained at a predetermined level to provide motive force. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store surplus energy.

Abstract: A variable capacity hydraulic machine has a rotating group located within a casing and a control housing secured to the casing to extend across and seal an opening in the casing. The control housing accommodates a control circuit and a pair of sensors to sense change in parameters associated with the rotating group. One of the sensors is positioned adjacent the barrel on the rotating group to sense rotational speed and the other senses displacement of the swashplate. The control housing accommodates a control valve and accumulator to supply fluid to the control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator. The capacity of one of the machines is limited in a motoring mode to determine a maximum rate of efflux from one of the chambers. The pressure of fluid supplied to the other of said chambers is maintained at a predetermined level to provide motive force. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store surplus energy.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a prime mover and a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes an accumulator to store energy and supplement that available from the prime mover. A control monitors torque imposed on the prime mover and utilises energy stored in the accumulator to offload the prime mover when its operating conditions are to be changed. Effecting a change under reduced load conditions mitigates inefficient operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A variable capacity hydraulic machine has a rotating group located within a casing and a control housing secured to the casing to extend across and seal an opening in the casing. The control housing accommodates a control circuit and a pair of sensors to sense change in parameters associated with the rotating group. One of the sensors is positioned adjacent the barrel on the rotating group to sense rotational speed and the other senses displacement of the swashplate. The control housing accommodates a control valve and accumulator to supply fluid to the control valve.

Abstract: A variable capacity hydraulic machine has a rotating group located within a casing and a control housing secured to the casing to extend across and seal an opening in the casing. The control housing accommodates a control circuit and a pair of sensors to sense change in parameters associated with the rotating group. One of the sensors is positioned adjacent the barrel on the rotating group to sense rotational speed and the other senses displacement of the swashplate. The control housing accommodates a control valve and accumulator to supply fluid to the control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator system designed to inwardly contain major portions of its control system. The system includes a unique non-vented and air tight sealed reservoir with expandable bladder. This inward control system and non-vented reservoir optimize space saving advantages and eliminate the need for external elements typically used in a hydraulic system, while extending fluid life, reducing cavitation and fluid oxidation, and increasing performance in the hydraulic system. The system configurations can work for both a single or dual acting linear actuator and further can involve a motor, hydraulic pump, and electro-hydraulic valve circuit used to control fluid throughout the system.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine-has a rotating group located within a housing and a port plate to control flow from the barrel of the rotating group to inlet and outlet ports. The port plate is sealed against one of the housing or barrel and sleeves extend between the other of the housing or barrel to accommodate misalignment between the barrel and housing as the barrel rotates.

Abstract: A variable capacity hydraulic machine has a rotating group located within a casing and a control housing secured to the casing to extend across and seal an opening in the casing. The control housing accommodates a control circuit and a pair of sensors to sense change in parameters associated with the rotating group. One of the sensors is positioned adjacent the barrel on the rotating group to sense rotational speed and the other senses displacement of the swashplate. The control housing accommodates a control valve and accumulator to supply fluid to the control valve.

Abstract: An actuator has a position encoder provided by a helical groove formed in the piston rod. The groove is filled with a material of different magnetic characteristics to provide a smooth exterior surface and a varying discernible signal as the rod moves relative to the cylinder. An array of Hall effect sensors is provided around the rod to provide phase shifted signals as the rod moves so that the signal of one sensor may be correlated by the signals of other sensors.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a hydraulic machine is formed with a part spherical cavity in the piston to receive a spherical bearing of a slipper assembly. The spherical bearing is secured in the cavity by swaging the walls of the piston and subsequently working the wall to provide a clearance to allow relative rotation.