Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for damping incipient oscillation in a linkage such as a backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the two supply lines that provide hydraulic fluid to a linkage actuator such as a boom swing hydraulic cylinder. The crossover valve is configured to open in response to the deceleration of the backhoe assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the ride of a load carrying vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor, a controller, and an adjustable accumulator assembly. The sensor measures a load on a load holding hydraulic circuit. The controller is operatively connected to the adjustable accumulator assembly. The controller is capable of adjusting the precharge pressure in the accumulator in response to the load measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A system for damping incipient oscillation in a linkage such as a backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the two supply lines that provide hydraulic fluid to a linkage actuator such as a boom swing hydraulic cylinder. The crossover valve is configured to open in response to the deceleration of the backhoe assembly.

Abstract: A work vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle including first and second hydraulic circuits provided with first and second fluids, wherein the fluids are to be is kept apart; at least one fluid cooler for cooling at least one of the fluids; and a means for transferring heat from the hotter fluid to the cooler fluid. Also disclosed is a fluid cooling apparatus for a work vehicle, the work vehicle including a transmission with a first fluid and a hydraulic circuit with a second fluid. The cooling apparatus includes at least one fluid cooler for cooling at least one of the fluids, and an apparatus for transferring heat from the hotter fluid to the other fluid. Also disclosed is a method of cooling fluids of a work vehicle provided with a first hydraulic circuit including a first fluid and a second hydraulic circuit including a second fluid, the fluids to be kept separate. At least one of the hydraulic circuits includes a fluid cooler and a pump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control circuit for automatically bringing a hydraulically operated work arm into a particular position without having to manually reverse the direction of the hydraulic operating system.

Abstract: A construction machine, e.g., a backhoe, has a chassis and a digging tool mounted for movement, e.g., swinging movement, with respect to such chassis. A machine hydraulic circuit includes a pump, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the tool for tool movement, and a directional valve between the pump and the actuator. In several specific embodiments, the circuit includes first and second flow restrictors coupled between the pump and the actuator. There is also a valve device for selectively disabling the second flow restrictor, thereby configuring the circuit to provide either of two maximum rates of tool movement. In other embodiments, the circuit uses a variable delivery, fluid-pumping power source and a load-sensing line coupled between the pump and the actuator. The valve device is in series with the load-sensing line and includes a restriction-free path and a flow-restricted path therethrough, thereby configuring the circuit to provide either of two maximum rates of tool movement.

Abstract: A system for supplying an implement with hydraulic fluid includes a first hydraulic pump generating a first flow, a second hydraulic pump generating a second flow and a valve assembly adapted to be coupled to the implement and coupled to the first and second flows. The valve assembly couples the first flow to the implement. The valve assembly also selectively adds the second flow to the first flow to provide a low flow or a high flow. The valve assembly couples the first flow to the implement via a first coupling in response to a first signal and via a second coupling in response to a second signal. The system further includes a manually operable control coupled to the valve assembly and movable between the first position which the first signal is generated, a second position in which the second signal is generated and a third position in which a third signal is generated. The system also includes a foot pedal control coupled to the manually operable control and to the valve assembly.

Abstract: A variable flow hydraulic system including a fixed displacement pump and a variable displacement pump for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid in a machine is disclosed herein. Along with the dual pumps, the system includes a reservoir, a flow sensitive unloading valve, and a conduit system for distributing fluid flow between the system components. The reservoir stores fluid for use in a work circuit with an actuator for performing work in response to applied fluid flow. The fixed and variable displacement pumps are driven by a power source (e.g., an engine) to provide a fixed and a variable fluid flow, respectively. The variable flow is applied to the work circuit. As for the fixed flow, the unloading valve switches the fixed flow to either bypass or be applied to the work circuit in response to a flow signal, which depends upon the fluid flow being applied to the work circuit.

Abstract: A new creeper drive system has a hydraulic motor with first and second flow lines connected thereto. A directional valve apparatus is connected in the flow lines and the system has a flow control valve operable independently of the directional valve apparatus. The creeper drive system is particularly useful on a mobile construction machine. The machine hydraulic circuit needs but a single pump for powering the creeper drive motor and an auxiliary attachment motor and creeper direction and speed functions are independently adjustable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic system for a machine having a pump, a steering circuit and first and second hydraulic implements, e.g., a hydraulic loader and a backhoe, powered by first and second valve sections, respectively. In the improvement, the system includes a priority valve receiving fluid from the pump and configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the priority valve flows fluid to the steering circuit and to the second valve section and in the second position, the priority valve flows fluid to the both valve sections which are connected in series.

Abstract: A hydraulic system suited for use with a backhoe apparatus and which is configured to automatically direct a priority flow of actuating fluid from an actuating fluid source to hydraulic motors used to swing the backhoe apparatus into a desired swing position independently of other backhoe operations and the corresponding loads thereof. The hydraulic system of the present invention includes a priority valve which is connected to the fluid source and has priority and secondary hydraulic circuitry extending therefrom. The priority valve is positioned under the influence of fluid pressure differentials applied against it. In response to operator desires to swing the backhoe apparatus from one position to another, the priority valve automatically directs a dedicated flow of actuating fluid through the priority circuit to the swing motors used to swing the backhoe apparatus into the desired swing position.

Abstract: In general, an auxiliary system for steering a vehicle includes a power steering unit coupled to the vehicle steering wheel so that the steering unit is thereby made capable of being manually powered by a vehicle operator for providing a supply of fluid at a first pressure. Valve means is connected between the steering unit and a pressure intensification device for selectively providing motive power to the device. Actuator means is connected between the device and the steering linkage of a vehicle for steering movement of the wheels. The intensification device is powered for rotation by the fluid at the first pressure when the steering unit is manually operated. The intensification device thereby delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator means at a second pressure for steering the vehicle during auxiliary conditions.

Abstract: The hydraulic circuit of the present invention allows flotation of the header without extensive use of accumulators and is readily adaptable to present open center hydraulic systems. The present invention is also adaptable to closed center hydraulic systems with or without flow compensation. The hydraulic system has a pump selectively connected with the header cylinder. Pressure within the header cylinders is automatically maintained at a constant level by fluid addition to the cylinder or by extracting fluid from the cylinders.

Abstract: Modulated hydraulic clutch pack engagement is provided in a single valve body which includes a drive direction selector spool, a dump valve, a pressure modulating spool, a downstream system pressure regulator and a provision for continuous flow to a downstream torque converter. The modulator spool interrupts communication between a first and second chamber. Fluid pressure develops in the first chamber in response to selector spool initiation of clutch pack fill line pressure. A pressure differential is generated between the first and second chambers resulting in modulator spool displacement allowing equalization of chamber pressures. Metered flow to the back side of the modulator spool generates pressure that reseats the spool with the aid of spring pressure. Pressure then builds in the first chamber. The modulation is repeated rapidly resulting in the clutch pack being fully pressurized, however, the modulator will continue to regulate fluid to be supplied to the torque converter.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump arrangement and control circuit for supplying fluid at high volume and a high pressure to a work circuit. The system utilizes a fixed displacement pump, a variable displcement pump, a dual pressure compensator, and an unloading valve working together to provide high pressure fluid delivery while reducing the horsepower requirements of the fixed displacement pump and the variable displacement pump. High flow is provided through the utilization of the combined pumps and high pressure is attained through the unloading of the fixed displacement pump through the unloading valve and destroking of the variable displacement pump in response to signals provided by the dual pressure compensator.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump arrangement and control circuit for supplying fluid at high volume and a high pressure to a work circuit. The system utilizes a fixed displacement pump, a variable displacement pump, a dual pressure compensator, and an unloading valve working together to provide high pressure fluid delivery while reducing the horsepower requirements of the fixed displacement pump and the variable displacement pump. High flow is provided through the utilization of the combined pumps and high pressure is attained through the unloading of the fixed displacement pump through the unloading valve and destroking of the variable displacement pump in response to signals provided by the dual pressure compensator.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump arrangement and control circuit for supplying fluid at high volume and high pressure to a work circuit. The system utilizes a fixed displacement pump, a variable displacement pump with a compensator, and a relief valve at a pressure setting higher than the variable displacement pump's compensator setting.