Abstract: A pneumatic control valve (10) including a valve body (12) with fixed aperture plate (14), a movable redirector (18) and a force motor (26). The force motor (26) supports the redirector (18) adjacent to the aperture surface (16) of the fixed aperture plate (14) and is operable to move the redirector (18) back and forth along a line (28) without contacting the aperture surface. The aperture surface (16) has a plurality of apertures (70,72,74,76,78) with metering edges (124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138). The redirector (18) has redirector cavities (102,104,106,108) with metering edges (140,142,144,146). The force motor (26) deflects the redirector (18) to positions in which one or more of the cavities in the redirector connect two or more of the apertures (70,72,74,76,78) and direct fluid from some apertures and into other apertures. The location, length and shape of the metering edges can be varied as required to obtain desired fluid flow characteristics.

Abstract: Electrohydraulic servovalve structure and method. The servovalve structure has minimum oil passage length and oil volume and a high response force motor with a light weight armature and a stiff flexible tube and includes a second stage pilot valve having an axially movable metering spool therein and a non contacting, electromagnetic, proximity type sensor positioned adjacent one end of the spool for converting axial spool position to an electrical signal. In modifications, a quartz or ceramic window is placed between the one end of the spool and sensor and electronics are placed on the servovalve adjacent the sensor for providing a low impedance spool position output signal from the servovalve. In accordance with the method of the invention, the axial position of the spool is sensed by the eddy current sensor and an electrical signal is provided representative of the position of the spool for use in controlling the electrohydraulic servovalve.

Abstract: A Poppet valve is disclosed of the type in which a valve member located in a flow passage is biased to the closed position on a valve seat, and in which an electrical indication is provided, when the valve seats or unseats, by an indicator circuit which includes a current path through the valve and valve seat which is opened and closed by seating and unseating respectively of the valve. The valve construction includes a conductive rubber seal which insures a positive seal while allowing the passage of electric current for activating the indicator circuit. In one embodiment, a thin metal contact washer is used in conjunction with the rubber seal to enhance its conductivity, the configuration of the contact washer allowing good sealing contact while greatly improving the contact conductivity.The indicator circuit activates an indicator device such as a panel light in response to the making or breaking of the current path caused by seating or unseating of the valve.