Abstract: A brake system for a machine, where an operator brake valve is controllable by an operator input device and an automatic brake valve is controllable by a control system. A control valve is connected to a brake and the operator and automatic brake valves and operated by the control system between an operator brake configuration fluidly connecting the operator brake valve to the brake and an automatic brake configuration fluidly connecting the automatic brake valve to the brake in an operator braking mode, the control valve provides that the brake is controllable in response to an input to the operator input device. In an automatic braking mode the control valve provides that the brake is controllable in response to a control signal from the control system.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a process by which a weight of a material in a dump body of a machine is computed. The method includes acquiring first values correspondingly from one or more strain sensors in an unladen state of the dump body; activating an actuator to push the dump body against the strain sensors to simulate one or more forces exertable by one or more payloads in a laden state of the dump body; and acquiring second values correspondingly from the strain sensors when the actuator is activated to simulate the forces. Further, the method includes using the first values and the second values to calibrate the process.

Abstract: A retarding control assembly for a brake valve may include a bleed line configured for arrangement between a spring chamber of a brake command assembly and a tank line. The bleed line may include a check valve configured to allow fluid flow from the spring chamber to the tank and a check valve bypass configured to allow fluid flow from the tank line to the spring chamber passed the check valve and defining a restricted pathway.

Abstract: A steering system for an articulated truck. The articulated truck is formed of a tractor and a trailer and an articulation joint. The steering system includes a hydraulic cylinder, with a cylinder barrel and a piston. The steering system provides for changes in angle between the tractor and the trailer. The hydraulic cylinder includes a snubbing tube projecting into the cylinder barrel. A hydraulic fluid passage opens into the cylinder barrel within the snubbing tube. The snubbing tube includes a main slot and a plurality of channels each extending between an interior and an exterior of the snubbing tube. The plurality of channels have a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of the main slot. When the articulated truck is steered, the piston moves in the cylinder barrel and the snubbing tube dampens the movement to prevent forces generated by the piston damaging the articulated truck.

Abstract: A retarding control assembly for a brake valve may include a bleed line configured for arrangement between a spring chamber of a brake command assembly and a tank line. The bleed line may include a check valve configured to allow fluid flow from the spring chamber to the tank and a check valve bypass configured to allow fluid flow from the tank line to the spring chamber passed the check valve and defining a restricted pathway.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid in a machine is provided. The system includes a pump, a first valve disposed downstream of the pump, a check valve disposed downstream of the first valve, at least one accumulator disposed downstream of the check valve, and an auxiliary system disposed upstream of the check valve. The system further includes a control unit configured to receive a signal indicative of a fluid demand from the auxiliary system. The control unit is also configured to selectively control the first valve in a first position to limit flow of the fluid from the pump to the auxiliary system, and in a second position to allow flow of the fluid from the pump to the auxiliary system based, at least in part, on the received signal. The check valve limits flow of a fluid from the at least one accumulator to the auxiliary system.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle in which the first and second brake valves are arranged in a parallel configuration. The pressure inlet of the first and second brake valves are connected to a source of hydraulic fluid and the exhaust outlets of the first and second brake valves are connected to the first and second brakes, respectively. The control inlets of the first and second brake valves are directly responsive to a braking signal from an operator of the vehicle. First and second control valves are configured to selectively provide hydraulic fluid to the control inlet of the first and second brake valves, respectively.

Abstract: An emergency steering pump system for a primary pump providing a standby pressure via a primary output line includes a load sense line that is configured to branch-off from the primary output line. The load sense line has a first orifice disposed therein. A secondary pump is included for providing a margin pressure via a secondary output line that is coupled to the primary output line at a point downstream of the load sense line. A communication line is coupled to the primary output line at a point upstream of the load sense line. The communication line has a pressure control mechanism disposed therein. An output of the pressure control mechanism is coupled with an unloader valve of the secondary pump such that the pressure control mechanism is configured to bring about the margin pressure from the secondary pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle in which the first and second brake valves are arranged in a parallel configuration. The pressure inlet of the first and second brake valves are connected to a source of hydraulic fluid and the exhaust outlets of the first and second brake valves are connected to the first and second brakes, respectively. The control inlets of the first and second brake valves are directly responsive to a braking signal from an operator of the vehicle. First and second control valves are configured to selectively provide hydraulic fluid to the control inlet of the first and second brake valves, respectively.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid in a machine is provided. The system includes a pump, a first valve disposed downstream of the pump, a check valve disposed downstream of the first valve, at least one accumulator disposed downstream of the check valve, and an auxiliary system disposed upstream of the check valve. The system further includes a control unit configured to receive a signal indicative of a fluid demand from the auxiliary system. The control unit is also configured to selectively control the first valve in a first position to limit flow of the fluid from the pump to the auxiliary system, and in a second position to allow flow of the fluid from the pump to the auxiliary system based, at least in part, on the received signal. The check valve limits flow of a fluid from the at least one accumulator to the auxiliary system.

Abstract: A hydraulic driven fan system includes at least one first fan motor and a second fan motor connected in series with each other. The system also includes a fixed displacement pump configured to supply a pressurized flow of a hydraulic fluid to the at least one first and second fan motors. The system includes a proportional flow control valve in fluid communication with the at least one first fan motor and configured to allow a regulated amount of the pressurized flow of the hydraulic fluid there through to the corresponding at least one first fan motor. The system includes a pressure compensator disposed parallel to the proportional flow control valve and configured to maintain a pressure difference across the proportional flow control valve. The system further includes a proportional pressure relief valve disposed parallel to the second fan motor and configured to control a pressure difference across the second fan motor.

Abstract: An emergency steering pump system for a primary pump providing a standby pressure via a primary output line includes a load sense line that is configured to branch-off from the primary output line. The load sense line has a first orifice disposed therein. A secondary pump is included for providing a margin pressure via a secondary output line that is coupled to the primary output line at a point downstream of the load sense line. A communication line is coupled to the primary output line at a point upstream of the load sense line. The communication line has a pressure control mechanism disposed therein. An output of the pressure control mechanism is coupled with an unloader valve of the secondary pump such that the pressure control mechanism is configured to bring about the margin pressure from the secondary pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic driven fan system includes at least one first fan motor and a second fan motor connected in series with each other. The system also includes a fixed displacement pump configured to supply a pressurized flow of a hydraulic fluid to the at least one first and second fan motors. The system includes a proportional flow control valve in fluid communication with the at least one first fan motor and configured to allow a regulated amount of the pressurized flow of the hydraulic fluid there through to the corresponding at least one first fan motor. The system includes a pressure compensator disposed parallel to the proportional flow control valve and configured to maintain a pressure difference across the proportional flow control valve. The system further includes a proportional pressure relief valve disposed parallel to the second fan motor and configured to control a pressure difference across the second fan motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for avoiding hydrate formation during a shutdown of a deep-water floating production, storage and offloading unit with a long distance tie back. In one embodiment the system is configured such that during a shutdown at least a portion of fluids in the production flow loop are delivered to the one or more wash tanks in the hull. Advantageously, this may allow one to avoid having to oversize the expensive top-side equipment.