Abstract: A hydraulic piston system includes a housing that defines a piston pocket and a fluid inlet. A piston with a peripheral region and an end is movable within the piston pocket of the housing. The end of the piston has peripheral defined channels and a portion structured and arranged to engage the housing to limit travel of the piston. Further, a seal is configured to seal the peripheral region of the piston against the piston pocket. The seal is structured and arranged to receive fluid pressure when the piston is positioned with the portion of the piston is in engagement with the housing and fluid communication exists between the fluid inlet and the seal through the peripheral defined channels.

Abstract: A fluid control valve capable of rapidly opening and closing. The valve includes a housing with an annular-shaped spool cavity that contains an annular-shaped spool capable of axial movement within the spool cavity between first and second spool positions. The spool has axially-spaced circumferential spool sealing features and optionally radial passages therethrough. The housing has axially-spaced circumferential housing sealing features configured and disposed within the spool cavity so that, with the spool in the first spool position, fluid flow is enabled through the spool cavity axially between the spool sealing features and the housing sealing features, which provide axial force balancing of the spool. With the spool in the second spool position, the spool sealing features and the housing sealing features cooperate to substantially prevent fluid flow through the spool cavity.