Abstract: A device for controlling a hydraulic actuator comprises two servo loops having in common a fluid pressure operated main valve and an electrically operated pilot valve for controlling the main valve. One of the servo loops is for flow control and contains a flow transducer for producing an electrical feedback signal responsively to fluid flow to the actuator and a comparator for comparing the flow feedback signal with a first electrical input signal. The other servo loop is for force control and contains pressure transducing means for producing an electrical feedback signal responsively to the pressure drop across the actuator and a second comparator for comparing the force feedback signal with a second electrical input signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including a compensator connected between the service ports of the control valve and the load and arranged to restrict the flow in one or both of the service lines so as to maintain a constant pressure difference between the supply pressure and the pressure at the valve service port supplying fluid to the load. The compensator may be connected in both service lines and arranged to restrict the flow equally in each of them. Alternatively a single-sided compensator may be used, and if the load is liable to over-run it must be connected in the service line which is downstream of the load when over-running.