Abstract: A spool valve includes a pressure control portion and a pair of flow control portions. Each flow control portion is adjacent to, and on opposite sides of, the pressure control portion. A first plurality of opposed notches are formed in the pressure control portion. The first plurality of notches have a first geometry. A second plurality of opposed notches are formed in each flow control portion. The second plurality of notches include at least one notch of a second geometry, different from the first geometry, and at least one notch of a third geometry, different from the first and second geometries.

Abstract: An improved pre-detent tactile feedback assembly for a fluid control valve is provided. The pre-detent tactile feedback assembly includes an elastic member seated within an annular groove formed in the bore of a plunger valve assembly. Preferably, this elastic member is a garter type spring. When the plunger is moved from an opened to a closed position, a portion of the plunger contacts the elastic member, urging the elastic member outwardly into the groove. The additional force required to urge the elastic member into the groove provides a "feel" force to the control lever. Preferably, the groove is positioned within the bore so that this "feel" force is sensed just prior to actuation of an associated detent assembly.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a spring biased pilot pressure sub-assembly for adjustably setting an initial step pressure. The sub-assembly includes a spring seat and an axially movable spool. The spool includes a body portion having a threaded outer surface. A pair of lock nuts are threaded on the threaded body portion. A pilot spring reacts between the lock nuts and the spring seat. The magnitude of the initial step pressure is dependent upon the magnitude of the force exerted by this pilot spring. The magnitude of this force can be adjusted by changing the position of the lock nuts relative to the spring seat. Because they are threaded onto the spool, rotation of the lock nuts causes axial movement relative thereto. Thus, the position of the lock nuts on the spool can be adjusted simply by rotating them relative to the spool.