Abstract: A hydraulic valve comprises a proportional piloted valve that controls pressure and includes means for restricting pilot flow through the pilot flow passage. The means for restricting pilot flow defines a restriction in the pilot flow passage when a movable spool disposed in an axial bore of the body of the valve is in a neutral position. The restriction varies as a function of spool movement such that flow of hydraulic fluid through the pilot flow passage is variably restricted as a function of the position of the spool over its range of travel.

Abstract: A method of making a solenoid actuator by laser direct metal deposition can comprise heating with a laser an outer surface of a circumferential groove of a solenoid tube blank constructed of a first material to create a heated area and depositing a second material upon the heated area to form a layer of second material. The second material can melt and then cool to thereby bond to the solenoid tube blank. A bore can be defined in the solenoid tube blank such that the bore includes an interior surface having a ring of second material disposed between a pair of portions of first material.

Abstract: A method of making a solenoid actuator by laser direct metal deposition can comprise heating with a laser an outer surface of a circumferential groove of a solenoid tube blank constructed of a first material to create a heated area and depositing a second material upon the heated area to form a layer of second material. The second material can melt and then cool to thereby bond to the solenoid tube blank. A bore can be defined in the solenoid tube blank such that the bore includes an interior surface having a ring of second material disposed between a pair of portions of first material.

Abstract: A proportional pressure control valve particularly for electro-hydraulic transmissions. The valve includes a cage having pump, clutch, and tank port openings. A spool is received within the cage for controlling flow between the clutch port and the pump and tank ports of the system. The spool has a feedback pressure surface responsive to an applied feedback fluid pressure urging the spool to move towards a first position allowing flow between the clutch and tank ports. A feedback pressure chamber is defined within the cage for developing the feedback fluid pressure. A clutch port pressure feedback passage couples the clutch port with the feedback pressure chamber for admitting flow from the clutch port into the feedback pressure chamber to develop the feedback fluid pressure. The clutch port pressure feedback passage is formed within the cage wall to couple the control pressure chamber in fluid communication with the system clutch port.