Abstract: A spindle body defining a central axis and having a hydraulic motor assembly operably mounted thereon. At least a portion of the hydraulic motor assembly is rotatable relative to the spindle body about the central axis. A plurality of hydraulic passages extend within the spindle body. Each of the passages includes axial and lateral sections. The axial sections are in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor assembly and define a first centerline extending substantially parallel with the central axis. Each of the lateral sections are in fluid communication with one of the axial sections and form a port on an outer surface of the spindle body. The lateral sections also each define a second centerline wherein the second centerlines are positioned in mutually parallel planes and each of the first centerlines and the central axis are substantially parallel with each of the mutually parallel planes. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spindle body defining a central axis and having a hydraulic motor assembly operably mounted thereon. At least a portion of the hydraulic motor assembly is rotatable relative to the spindle body about the central axis. A plurality of hydraulic passages extend within the spindle body. Each of the passages includes axial and lateral sections. The axial sections are in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor assembly and define a first centerline extending substantially parallel with the central axis. Each of the lateral sections are in fluid communication with one of the axial sections and form a port on an outer surface of the spindle body. The lateral sections also each define a second centerline wherein the second centerlines are positioned in mutually parallel planes and each of the first centerlines and the central axis are substantially parallel with each of the mutually parallel planes. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly that includes a valve body defining a fluid passage. First and second ends of the fluid passage define first and second ports for fluid flow. A spring and piston are located in the fluid passage. The piston has a travel length extending between first and second positions with a third position located therebetween. The spring biases the piston from the first toward the third position and is located outside the axial piston passage. The piston at least partially defines a first, second and at least one third opening. The first opening defines a variable constriction which increases in size as the piston moves from the first to third positions. The piston end wall defines the second opening and the piston sidewall defines the third openings. Movement of the piston from the third to second position exposes the third openings increasing the area of the second port.

Abstract: A watt-hour meter cover is provided which has an optical coupler including a conduit, lens, and means for engaging an external programmer/reader. The conduit is has improved signal transmission properties. The cover may be designed to disable test mode hardware when replaced after meter servicing. A battery access hatch and module with a reset and scroll actuator is installed through the cover.

Abstract: A modular strain relief device is plugged directly into an electrical connector location in the interior of a housing assembly, according to one embodiment of this invention. The body of the strain relief connector provides a surface around which a portion of the wire conductor is wrapped for additional strain relief. Arm-like projections keep the wire conductors in close proximity to the body of the strain relief connector. An integrally molded locking structure attached to one end of the body of the strain relief connector allows it to be locked into an unused plug-in connector location inside the housing assembly. A bundle of wire conductors is secured to the flexible body of the strain relief connector with a cable tie placed through an aperture in a molded projection located at one end of the body of the strain relief device.

Abstract: A watt-hour meter cover is provided which has an optical coupler including a conduit, lens, and means for engaging an external programmer/reader. The conduit has improved signal transmission properties. The cover may be designed to disable test mode hardware when replaced after meter servicing. A battery access hatch and module with a reset and scroll actuator is installed through the cover.