For Plural Lines Patents (Class 137/625.23)
  • Patent number: 11958336
    Abstract: A multi-port rotary disc valve includes a valve housing having chamber walls that segregate an internal space of the housing into subchambers that each provide a portion of one or more fluid paths through the valve housing. The valve housing includes valve ports, where each valve port communicates with a subchamber and is an axially-extending through hole that resides in a plane that is common to all valve ports. The valve also includes a diverter assembly that is disposed in one of the subchambers and is configured to control fluid flow through the valve housing. The valve also includes seal assemblies disposed in the chamber so as to be aligned with the diverter assembly along a rotational axis of the diverter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Chapman
  • Patent number: 11787261
    Abstract: A multiport rotary disc valve includes a valve housing having chamber walls that segregate an internal space of the housing into subchambers that each provide a portion of a fluid path through the valve housing. The valve includes a diverter assembly disposed in a cylindrical first subchamber, the diverter assembly controlling fluid flow through the valve housing. A second subchamber is disposed radially outward with respect to the first subchamber. In some rotational orientations of the diverter assembly, a fluid path between valve ports of the valve housing includes a first path portion that is disposed in the first subchamber and extends axially through the diverter assembly and a second path portion that is disposed in the second subchamber. The valve also includes seal assemblies disposed in housing so as to be aligned with the diverter assembly along a rotational axis of the diverter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Chapman
  • Patent number: 11125345
    Abstract: A flow control device for a heat exchange system. The device includes a housing, a valve core and a transmission element. The housing is formed with an accommodating portion, a first port and a second port, the valve core being at least partially accommodated in the accommodating portion. The housing includes fixing elements and an outer housing, the fixing elements being located on a circumferential inner side of the outer housing, the outer housing and the fixing elements are arranged in a relatively sealing manner, and the valve core and the fixing elements are arranged in a relatively sealing manner. The valve core at least has a first flowing passage. The transmission element drives the valve core to open or close at least one of the first and second ports, thereby improving an internal sealing performance of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Long Lin, Yumin Yu, Zhi Wu, Junchao Zhang
  • Patent number: 10723378
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (8) connected to a main flow path (2) and a tank port (5) connected to a tank flow path (3), a working port arrangement having a left working port (L) connected to a left working flow path (4) and a right working port (R) connected to a right working flow path (5), a variable first left orifice (A2L) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the left working flow path (4), a variable first right orifice (A2R) connected to the main flow path (2) and to the right working flow path (5), a variable second left orifice (A3L) connected to the left working flow path (4) and to the tank flow path (3), and a variable second right orifice (A3R) connected to the right working flow path (5) and to the tank flow path (3). Such a steering unit should allow comfortable steering. To this end a measuring motor (15) is arranged in one of the working flow parts (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventors: Niels Arbjerg, Charles Anthony Bates, Poul Ennemark, Mogens Frederiksen, Casper Mikael Olesen
  • Patent number: 10458475
    Abstract: An oil mist management system includes a machine tool, an oil mist concentration measuring apparatus for measuring concentration of oil mist, and a flow meter for detecting the flow rate of coolant, in each of a plurality of areas. A data processing apparatus determines whether distribution of the oil mist in the plurality of areas is normal or abnormal on an area-by-area basis, based on the concentration of the oil mist and the flow rate of coolant in each of the plurality of areas, and identifies an abnormal area. Further, the oil mist management system notifies a user of the abnormal area by an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 10443630
    Abstract: A method for producing a manifold is disclosed, wherein an additive manufacturing process is used to produce the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BLAGDON ACTUATION RESEARCH LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew John Collins
  • Patent number: 10351031
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a vehicle seatback includes a plurality of air bladders defining a lumbar support and a pneumatic cylinder that has a sealed head slidably disposed within a cylindrical cavity coupled defining an outlet. A selection device operably engages the outlet with a select one of the plurality of air bladders for inflating the select one of the plurality of air bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Adam Sachs, Marc Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Jason Nisbett, Mandeep Singh Sidhu
  • Patent number: 10161425
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering system (1) is provided having a steering device (2) and a symmetrically acting steering motor (3), said steering device (2) comprising a supply port arrangement having a high pressure port (P) and a low pressure port (T), a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a control valve (14), two working lines (18, 19) each connecting said control valve (14) with one of said working ports (L, R), and a measuring motor (23). Such a hydraulic steering system should show a comfortable steering behavior. To this end said measuring motor (23) is arranged in one of said working lines (18, 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventors: Soeren Liljenberg, Tom Rudolph, Jens Vester, Tom Tychsen, Poul Ennemark
  • Patent number: 9926840
    Abstract: A turbine (32) section of a turbocharger (30) includes a turbine wheel (37) disposed in a turbine housing (33), the turbine housing (33) defining a gas inlet (34), a volute configured to direct gas from the inlet (34) to the turbine (32) wheel, and a gas outlet. A rotary diverter valve (100, 200) is disposed in the gas inlet (34) upstream of the volute, and provides three modes of controlling exhaust gas flow about the turbocharger (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: James Mawer, Kiumars Shoghi, Steve Birnie, Sean Rylance
  • Patent number: 9876264
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a guided wave switch that selectively aligns an end of the first dielectric core of a first conductorless guided wave cable with an end of a selected one of a plurality of second dielectric cores of at least one second conductorless guided wave cable to facilitate coupling of the first guided waves from the first dielectric core to a selected one of the plurality of second dielectric cores. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, LP
    Inventors: Donald J Barnickel, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Paul Shala Henry, Henry Kafka, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 9856987
    Abstract: A dispensing valve for fastening to a water faucet disposed over a drain and to a reverse osmosis water filtering unit for controllably dispensing tap water, for providing feed water to the reverse osmosis water filtering unit, for providing squeeze water to the reverse osmosis water filtering unit and dispensing product water received therefrom, and to block all water flow. The dispensing valve may also dispense tap water in a spray, and provide for waste water disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Topper Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Allen Beall
  • Patent number: 9784392
    Abstract: A device for transferring fluids between two elements arranged concentrically within one another, wherein there is a sleeve-shaped hollow-cylindrical first component arranged between the two elements having at least one through-hole for the fluid, wherein the first component is made of steel and sits in a first element, wherein the first component is prevented from turning around a symmetry axis of the first component by at least one safety element engaging form-fittingly in the first element, wherein the first element is at least partially made of a material having a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the steel material, characterized by the fact that between the first component and the first element, a second hollow-cylindrical component is arranged concentric to the first component and that the second component is secured from turning around the symmetry axis by a safety element on the first element and the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heidi Pscherer, Jochen Schaufler, Georg Draser
  • Patent number: 9702478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a servo valve, in particular a two-stage or multistage electrohydraulic servo valve, having a first stage which works as a pilot stage, and a second stage which works as a power stage, wherein the second stage has a valve block and a control slide valve sleeve arranged therein and having a jacket surface (18), wherein the jacket surface and/or another region of the control slide valve sleeve is preferably provided with at least one flow passage for transferring control flow and/or volume flow, and wherein a control slide valve is movably arranged in the control slide valve sleeve, wherein at least one of the flow passages is formed by a groove which is arranged in the surface of the control slide valve sleeve and which does not extend sectionally or overall in the peripheral direction of the control slide valve sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventors: Joern Frick, Anton Gaile, Franz Weixler
  • Patent number: 9689285
    Abstract: A solenoid valve 30 includes a spool 41 moving within a valve housing 40 in a direction of an axis thereof to adjust a fed or discarded amount of a working fluid flowing via ports 43 to 47 formed in the valve housing 40 according to an amount of the movement, and including lands 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d and recessed portions 41e, 41f, and 41g for connecting the lands with one another, and a solenoid unit 50 containing a moving member of a magnetic circuit for driving the spool 41. In edge portions 41b? and 41c? of the lands 41b and 41c or in hole edge portions of the valve housing corresponding to the edge portions 41b? and 41c?, notch portions 60 or taper grooves 61, or penetrating holes 62 for adjusting the amount of the working fluid which is close to a central current value are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirofumi Hase
  • Patent number: 9665099
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a sleeve having a plurality of sleeve openings; a first conduit configured to be in hydraulic communication with a first chamber, where a first pressure sensor is disposed in the first conduit and configured to measure a pressure level of fluid in the first chamber; a second conduit configured to be in hydraulic communication with a second chamber, where a second pressure sensor is disposed in the second conduit and configured to measure a pressure level of fluid in the second chamber; a spool rotatable within the sleeve, wherein the spool includes a plurality of spool openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of sleeve openings; a rotary actuator coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool within the sleeve in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions; and a controller configured to cause the spool to rotate to one of a plurality of rotary positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: John Aaron Saunders, Malik Hansen, Jan Komsta
  • Patent number: 9605765
    Abstract: A rotary hydraulic valve contains a valve body in which an accommodation space is defined to accommodate a valve core having an axial post. The valve body includes an inlet, a first working orifice, a second working orifice, a first returning orifice, and a second returning orifice. The axial post has a first oil return portion, a second oil return portion, and an oil inflow portion. The first oil return portion has a first trench, the second oil return portion has a second trench formed, and the oil inflow portion has a peripheral groove. Between the oil inflow portion and the first oil return portion is defined a first work portion, and between the oil inflow portion and the second oil return portion is defined a second work portion. Furthermore, the valve core rotates to at least three angles relative to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jui-Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 9435446
    Abstract: An example valve includes a sleeve having a plurality of openings configured along a length of the sleeve. A spool is rotatable within the sleeve and includes a respective plurality of openings along a length of the spool corresponding to the plurality of openings of the sleeve. A rotary actuator coupled to the spool is configured for rotating the spool within the sleeve. The rotary actuator can rotate the spool to a given rotary position in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction to cause at least a partial alignment between a subset of the respective plurality of openings of the spool and a subset of the plurality of openings of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: John Aaron Saunders, Steven D. Potter
  • Patent number: 9377020
    Abstract: Methods for controlling the net-displacement of a rotary fluid pressure device are disclosed. One of the net-displacement control methods (47) includes obtaining a desired input parameter (23) and a relative position (21) of a first member (43) and a second member (35) of a fluid displacement mechanism. A determination of a first and second output value is then made for each of a plurality of volume chambers (45) when the volume chambers (45) are supplied with fluid at fluid inlet and fluid outlet conditions, respectively. A total output value is then computed for each of a plurality of control valve configurations (63) and compared to the desired input parameter (23). The control valve configuration (63) with the total output value most similar to the desired input parameter (23) is then selected. A plurality of control valves (15) are then actuated in accordance with the selected control valve configuration (63).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Armstrong, Qinghui Yuan
  • Patent number: 9032999
    Abstract: A rotary distributor device for a hydraulic power steering, which receives oil from a pump and sends the oil selectively to a discharge or to an actuator of the steering in a desired direction, comprises a jacket, a slide, sealedly rotating in the jacket, a series of openings that cross the wall of the jacket, located in front of a series of corresponding openings which cross the wall of the slide, elastic member located between the jacket and the slide configured to maintain the openings of the jacket at the openings of the slide, in which each opening in the jacket includes, in succession starting from the outside, at least one radial hole, a slot lying in a radial plane, arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the hole, the width being smaller than the diameter of the hole, and the depth being such as to intersect the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: OGNIBENE POWER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Ognibene
  • Publication number: 20150083256
    Abstract: A rotary valve comprises a bushing and a cylindrical spool rotatably received by the bushing. The rotary valve avoids redundant control edge pairs by having exactly one first supply edge pair (P-C1) for controlling a first fluid supply path, exactly one second supply edge pair (P-C2) for controlling a second fluid supply path, exactly one first return edge pair (C2-R1) for controlling a first fluid return path, and exactly one second return edge pair (C1-R2) for controlling a second fluid return path. A first angle between the first supply edge pair and the first return edge pair, and a second angle between the second supply edge pair and the second return edge pair, are each greater than or equal to 120 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Geometric simplicity is achieved by tolerating a limited degree of force imbalance in valve operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Bruce Weber
  • Patent number: 8960228
    Abstract: A control valve comprises a first spool 22, a second spool 24 encircling at least part of the first spool 22 and angularly moveable relative thereto, and a sleeve 32 encircling at least part of the second spool 24, the second spool 24 being angularly moveable relative to the sleeve 32, the first and second spools 22, 24 having first and second series of ports 28, 30 registrable with one another, depending upon the relative angular positions of the first and second spools 22, 24, to control communication between at least a pressure line 16, a return line 18 and a control line 50 provided in or connected to the sleeve 32, the second spool 24 and the sleeve 32 having third and fourth series of ports 66, 68, axially spaced from the first and second series of ports 28, 30 and registrable with one another, depending upon the relative angular positions of the second spool 24 and the sleeve 32, to control communication between at least the control line 50 and the return line 18, and latch means 56 operable to resist
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems SAS
    Inventors: Arnauld Roger Edmond Hervieux, Laurent Patrice Donadille
  • Patent number: 8936043
    Abstract: A rotary valve includes a valve cap, a valve body, a rotary valve disk, and an actuator. The valve body includes first and second sets of fluid flow passages, with each set having a drain, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fourth passage connected to the fluid outlet passage. The rotary disk includes first and second connecting passages. The actuator and rotary disk have first and second positions in which various passages of each set of fluid flow passages aligned with and connected by the connecting passages and a third position in which the fluid outlet passage of each set of fluid flow passages is connected to the drain passage of the other set of fluid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Costin, Ray Riedel
  • Publication number: 20140373948
    Abstract: A rotary valve for an adsorption heat pump may include a cylindrical valve body, arranged rotatably about a central axis in a predetermined rotation direction with an outer covering and two front plates. A plurality of counter-directional high temperature connections may be arranged on the outer covering for connecting a high temperature heat source. A plurality of counter-directional medium temperature connections may be arranged on the outer covering for connecting a medium temperature heat sink. A plurality of sorption module connections may be arranged on the front plates for connecting a plurality of corresponding sorption modules. A duct system may pass through the valve body for directing a fluid, and a throttle, integrated into the valve body, may be included for constricting a flow cross-section at a throttle site of the duct system. The duct system may include open ducts and closed ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Roland Burk, Matthias Stripf
  • Publication number: 20140190192
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for a refrigerating machine that circulates a refrigerant, which valve device is provided with at least one condenser and at least one evaporator. The valve device comprises at least one inlet, at which the refrigerant in the condenser can be fed to the valve device, at least three outlets, through which the refrigerant in the valve device can be discharged into the evaporator, and a valve element, which is rotatably arranged about an axis (A) and can be brought into a plurality of positions (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7). In a first position (S1), the first outlet is connected to the inlet in order to convey refrigerant. In a second position (S2), the second outlet is connected to the inlet in order to convey refrigerant. In a third position (S3), the third outlet is connected to the inlet in order to convey refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Bassmann
  • Patent number: 8763640
    Abstract: A movable valve element is provided so as to rotate about a predetermined shaft center. A first valve seat and a second valve seat are respectively arranged apart from the movable valve element with predetermined clearances on both sides of the movable valve element in a direction along the shaft center. A first sealing member is arranged around a communication path so as to seal a space inside the communication path from a space defined by the clearance on a side close to the first valve seat. A second sealing member is arranged around the communication path so as to seal the space inside the communication path from a space defined by the clearance on a side close to the second valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kojima, Noriyuki Okuda, Takayuki Setoguchi
  • Patent number: 8752583
    Abstract: A multi-way valve of a fuel system of a gas turbine is provided. The multi-way valve includes a valve body provided with a cylindrical housing, the wall bounding the housing includes a plurality of openings for supplying and/or removing fluids, wherein a movably supported insert including at least one channel having two additional openings is provided in the housing, whereby two adjoining openings may be fluidically connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Carsten Bassmann, Horst Uwe Rauh, Ulrich Wagner
  • Patent number: 8712621
    Abstract: A vehicle having a power supply apparatus which is configured to supply an electric power to an external apparatus outside the vehicle, includes: a detecting unit which is configured to detect a state where a cable is pinched between an opening and closing member of the vehicle and an opening edge of an opening for the opening and closing member, the cable connecting the power supply apparatus to the external apparatus and being arranged in an interior of the vehicle; and an inhibiting unit which, when the detecting unit detects that the cable is pinched between the opening and closing member and the opening edge, is configured to inhibit running of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Saito, Hiroyasu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140076438
    Abstract: A slim profile rotary control valve capable of independently modulating fluids into a single heat exchanger from two different and distinct systems that utilize the same type of heat transfer fluid. The valve is capable of monitoring both the supply and return fluid temperatures as well as the mass flow to enable the valve controller to optimize system's energy efficiency. It eliminates the use of multiple valves currently used in a conventional changeover system and automated control of valve positioning works much superior to existing valves. The housing and inner cylinder have tapered profiles to enable rotary sealing between the inlet and outlet ports. The housing has flow characterization profiles machined into the outlet ports thus eliminating the need for characterization disks. The rotary valve has a geometry that allows for a no flow dead zone when no heat exchange is so demanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Middleton Semmes
  • Patent number: 8666605
    Abstract: A method for securing the assistance torque (15) supplied by an electric assistance motor (8) in a motor vehicle power steering system includes the steps of: estimating the force on the steering system rack from the torque exerted by the driver on the steering wheel (2), from the assistance torque (15), and optionally from other parameters such as the speed of the electric assistance motor; comparing a target assistance torque with an authorized assistance range, defined with respect to the estimated rack force (17) at any moment, and in the event the target assistance torque is maintained above predefined limits for a predefined duration, correcting and optionally interrupting the power steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Europe
    Inventors: Jocelyn Delarche, Andre Michelis, Pierre Pilaz, Christophe Ravier
  • Patent number: 8548681
    Abstract: A power steering device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a torque applying unit and an applied friction torque changing unit. The torque applying unit sets an applied friction torque applied to a steering wheel based on a real steering angle and a target steering angle, and performs a control of applying the applied friction torque to the steering wheel. The applied friction torque changing unit changes the applied friction torque based on a load condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuo Kushiro, Kimiaki Ono
  • Patent number: 8307852
    Abstract: A pinion valve body and a vehicle pinion valve assembly with the valve body are disclosed. The pinion valve body has a lower sleeve integrally formed by a sintering process along with upper splines to block an oil leakage and thus there are no needs any more for the conventional separate lower sleeve as well as the associated machining of sleeve fitting areas on the valve body and the process of press-fitting such sleeve all together, thereby effectively reducing the general manufacturing steps and their cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: Mando Corporation, Halla Stackpole Corporation
    Inventors: Byung-yun Choi, Jong-sik Byeon, Geun-soo Choi, Byung-ki Moon, Ja-moon Ku, Ji-heon Choi
  • Patent number: 8025073
    Abstract: A valve (100) includes a valve body (300), a spool assembly (600), and a pendulum assembly (700). The valve body (300) is adapted for fixed attachment to a mounting surface (260) having an orientation corresponding to the incline of a supporting surface (210. The spool assembly (600) comprises a spool (610) pivotally mounted within the valve body (300), and the pendulum assembly (700) pivots the spool (610) in gravitational response to the orientation of the valve body (300). The valve body (300), the spool assembly (600), and/or the pendulum assembly (700) include one or more elements for adjusting flow symmetry between the LIO flowpaths and the GIO flowpaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Sabin Costin
  • Patent number: 7849956
    Abstract: A method of steering a vehicle with a hydraulic steering system is disclosed. A first control signal is sent to a pilot valve. The pilot valve is operated to direct pilot fluid to a main valve in response to the first control signal. The main valve is opened to a first position in response to the pilot fluid. Fluid is directed through the main valve to a first actuator. Resistance to actuation of the first actuator is detected. The detected resistance is compared to a threshold resistance. A second control signal is sent to the pilot valve when the detected resistance exceeds the threshold resistance. The pilot valve is operated to direct pilot fluid to the main valve in response to the second control signal. The main valve is opened to a second position in response to the pilot fluid. Fluid is directed through the main valve to the first actuator and a second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Rabie E. Khalil, Xiaodong Huang, Michael J. Mientus, John James Krone
  • Publication number: 20090266424
    Abstract: The invention regards a manifold for fluids, comprising a housing (10) with a centre axis (11) and a number of fluid apertures (12,13) through the walls forming the housing (10) and a fluid diverter system (20), comprising a fluid diverter element (25) mounted in the system (20) selectively rotating around an axis, comprising an axial outlet (27) and an inlet (26) which may be positioned in connection with one fluid aperture (12,13) in the housing. The fluid diverter system (20) is axially insert able into the housing (10) and further comprises a ring element (21), with an outer configuration complementary to an inner configuration of the housing (10), which ring element (21) is positioned around the fluid diverter element (25) and connected to the fluid diverter element (25), and which ring element (21) comprises fluid apertures (22A,B) corresponding to the fluid apertures (12,13) in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Framo Engineering AS
    Inventor: Lars Seim
  • Publication number: 20090223581
    Abstract: A gear housing for a power steering system defines a valve bore, a pressure port, a plurality of orifices opening into the valve bore and a plurality of passageways interconnecting the plurality of orifices and the pressure port. The plurality of orifices direct a power steering fluid into the valve bore at multiple locations within the valve bore, thereby providing a balanced flow of the power steering fluid into the valve bore. The plurality of orifices is disposed about a bore axis, with each of the orifices angularly spaced about the bore axis relative to all of the other orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Douglas, Jens Haupt, Joel E. Birsching, Bryan W. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7578313
    Abstract: A rotary pilot valve in which a force required to operate the pilot valve is reduced and especially the pilot valve can be operated with a very small operating force as in a fingertip type, and the number of parts forming the pilot valve is reduced. In a body, a tank port, a pair of pump ports, a first output port, and a second output port are formed. In a cylindrical valve, a pair of notch grooves is formed and connected with each other by a balance hole. Variable throttles are formed on a side of the tank port and a side of the pump port of the notch groove. An open area of one of the variable throttles gradually increases while an open area of the other gradually reduces by tilting of an operating lever. Pressure oil lead into the notch groove through the variable throttle is output from the first output port as an intermediate throttle pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Komatsu Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Kozuka, Shuuji Hori
  • Publication number: 20090199915
    Abstract: A fluid controller includes a first fluid meter defining a first plurality of volume chambers and a second fluid meter defining a second plurality of volume chambers. A selector assembly, disposed between the first fluid meter and the second fluid meter, includes a selector plate defining a bore and a selector valve disposed in the bore. The selector valve is adapted for rotational movement between a first position and a second position and includes a first face and an oppositely disposed second face. The selector valve defines a plurality of thru-passages that extend axially through the first and second faces and that is adapted to provide fluid communication between the first and second volume chambers in the first position. The selector valve defines a groove disposed on the second face. The groove recirculates fluid from the second plurality of volume chambers when the selector valve is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William John Novacek, Aaron Kelly Krahn
  • Patent number: 7434653
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering system for a work machine may include a first steering actuator having a first and a second chamber. In addition, the steering system may include a second steering actuator having a third and a fourth chamber. A multi-position directional valve may include at least one low power position and at least one high power position. The low power position may be configured to direct fluid only to the first chamber during a low power turn to extend the first steering actuator. The high power position may be configured to direct fluid to the first chamber and the third chamber during a high power turn to retract the second steering actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rabie E. Khalil, Xiaodong Huang, Michael J. Mientus, John James Krone
  • Patent number: 7231940
    Abstract: A control valve for a hydraulic power steering system includes a pair of flow circuits arranged in parallel. Each flow circuit includes an upstream and downstream flow orifices arranged in series. Each set of orifices defines between the orifices an intermediate pressure zone of the valve. Both orifices close together from a centered condition of the valve and fully close substantially together at a fully closed condition of the valve. The downstream orifice is larger than the upstream orifice when open to minimize the likelihood of cavitation and noise. An equalization passage fluidly connects both intermediate pressure zones to equalize pressure despite variations in orifice size due to manufacturing tolerances. The control valve includes a bypass passage in parallel with the flow circuits. A pressure relief valve in the control valve has a normally closed valving member in the bypass passage that opens the valve in the event of overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: R.H Sheppard Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Tipton, David M. Danley, Kenneth C. Giurlando
  • Patent number: 7152627
    Abstract: A control valve for a hydraulic power steering system includes a pair of flow circuits arranged in parallel. Each flow circuit includes an upstream and downstream flow orifices arranged in series. Each set of orifices defines between the orifices an intermediate pressure zone of the valve. Both orifices close together from a centered condition of the valve and fully close substantially together at a fully closed condition of the valve. The downstream orifice is larger than the upstream orifice when open to minimize the likelihood of cavitation and noise. An equalization passage fluidly connects both intermediate pressure zones to equalize pressure despite variations in orifice size due to manufacturing tolerances. The control valve includes a bypass passage in parallel with the flow circuits. A pressure relief valve in the control valve has a normally closed valving member in the bypass passage that opens the valve in the event of overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: David M. Danley, Kenneth C. Giurlando, Jeffrey E. Tippton
  • Patent number: 7059350
    Abstract: An airflow controlling mechanism including: a pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder body, an air chamber being formed in the cylinder body, a forward and a backward vents respectively passing through one end of the cylinder body for communicating the air chamber with outer side; an air valve having an annular body section, one end face of the air valve abutting against one end face of the cylinder body, two extension vents respectively extending through the body section, the openings of two ends of each extension vent being respectively positioned one end face of the body section and an inner circumference of the body section, the openings of the two extension vents positioned on the end face of the body section respectively communicating with the forward and backward vents; and an adjustment member having a base section coaxially accommodated in the body section, whereby the adjustment member can be turned between a clockwise position and a counterclockwise position, the circumference of the base section abut
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7025091
    Abstract: An improved structure a control valve for a power steering gear includes a valve sleeve having a plurality of lands and a valve core rotatable within the valve sleeve and having a plurality of lands. At least one land of the valve core and at least a pair of lands of the valve sleeve located on opposite sides of the land of the valve core have surfaces which cooperate with one another during rotation to produce a first constricting orifice at the beginning of rotation and a second constricting orifice at the maximum amount of rotation. The size of the second constricting orifice being greater than the size of the first constricting orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Jinbo Wang
  • Patent number: 6953450
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical liquid administration apparatus and administration method that are particularly apt for intravenous (IV) applications. More particularly, the administration apparatus and method may be employed in conjunction with the administration of liquid medication and one or more flush solutions from multi-dose sources, wherein fluid interconnections between at least one flush solution source and the administration apparatus may be established a single time at the outset of a given procedure. The administration apparatus may include a valve having a control member selectively positionable to provide any selected one of a plurality of closed flow paths through the valve, and a syringe interconnected to the control member for clockwise/counterclockwise co-rotation therewith (e.g. to establish the selected flow path).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Baxa Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Eugene Baldwin, Joseph V. Ranalletta
  • Publication number: 20040221901
    Abstract: An airflow controlling mechanism including: a pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder body, an air chamber being formed in the cylinder body, a forward and a backward vents respectively passing through one end of the cylinder body for communicating the air chamber with outer side; an air valve having an annular body section, one end face of the air valve abutting against one end face of the cylinder body, two extension vents respectively extending through the body section, the openings of two ends of each extension vent being respectively positioned one end face of the body section and an inner circumference of the body section, the openings of the two extension vents positioned on the end face of the body section respectively communicating with the forward and backward vents; and an adjustment member having a base section coaxially accommodated in the body section, whereby the adjustment member can be turned between a clockwise position and a counterclockwise position, the circumference of the base section abut
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6769451
    Abstract: An open center fluid controller (15) controls the flow from a pump (11) to a steering cylinder (17) and to a downstream auxiliary device (99) requiring a predetermined minimum flow availability. The open center fluid controller (15) includes controller valving (19) having a neutral position (N) a normal operating position (R) and a maximum displacement position (R-M). The controller defines an auxiliary fluid path providing communication between an inlet port (31) and an auxiliary or power beyond port (87), which is in communication with the auxiliary device (99). The auxiliary fluid path includes a neutral variable orifice (AN) having a decreasing flow area as the valving (19) is displaced toward the maximum displacement position (R-M). The valving defines an auxiliary flow control orifice (AA) providing communication from the inlet port to the auxiliary port (87) when the valving approaches the maximum displacement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Hjelsand
  • Publication number: 20030196711
    Abstract: An open center fluid controller (15) controls the flow from a pump (11) to a steering cylinder (17) and to a downstream auxiliary device (99) requiring a predetermined minimum flow availability. The open center fluid controller (15) includes controller valving (19) having a neutral position (N) a normal operating position (R) and a maximum displacement position (R-M). The controller defines an auxiliary fluid path providing communication between an inlet port (31) and an auxiliary or power beyond port (87), which is in communication with the auxiliary device (99). The auxiliary fluid path includes a neutral variable orifice (AN) having a decreasing flow area as the valving (19) is displaced toward the maximum displacement position (R-M). The valving defines an auxiliary flow control orifice (AA) providing communication from the inlet port to the auxiliary port (87) when the valving approaches the maximum displacement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy A. Hjelsand
  • Patent number: 6612336
    Abstract: A rotary disk valve for motor vehicle power steering systems includes rotary disk which is connected non-rotatably to a valve inlet element. A control bushing is connected non-rotatably to a valve outlet element. These two valve elements are disposed so that they are coaxially movable into one another and are rotatable by at most the amount of torsion of a dead travel coupling. The two valve elements have longitudinal control grooves, which interact with one another for controlling a pressure medium to and from two working areas of a servo motor and to a return connection for a pressure medium container. The rotary disk is connected via a torsion bar spring to the valve outlet element. The longitudinal control grooves of the radially internal valve element connected to the return connection are connected to an internal space of the radially internal valve element. The torsion bar spring is supported in this internal space via a roller bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Lenksysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Jens-Uwe Hafermalz, Peter Ertle, Karl-Heinz Urban
  • Patent number: 6508330
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for steering rear axles of vehicles comprises a distribution system (10) coupled to a wheel of the rear axle. The distribution system (10) has a core (12) encased in a casing (11) and rotatable to distribute pressurised fluid to a cylinder (40). The distribution system comprises resilient centring means in form of a sphere (22) and spring (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Armando Biondi
  • Patent number: 6481461
    Abstract: A hydraulic pilot control system having two control outputs to which a control pressure can be applied and having a hydraulic pilot controller, which has a handle which can be pivoted from a neutral position in a first direction and in a second direction, and a pressure valve that can be displaced from the neutral position by the deflection of the handle. During pivoting of the handle in the first direction and during pivoting of the handle in the second direction, the pressure valve can be adjusted with the same effect, and wherein there is a directional control valve which, depending on the pivoting direction of the handle, connects a control output of the pressure valve to the first control output or to the second control output, whereby a behavior of the pilot control pressure which is symmetrical with respect to the deflection of the control lever in the two directions is adjustable in a simple way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Heinz Habermann, Wilhelm Kastel
  • Patent number: 6470913
    Abstract: A rotory servovalve is constructed with a cylindrical annular housing and a cylindrical valve element rotatable therewithin. The valve housing has at least two inlet orifices, at least two outlet orifices, at least two first fluid transfer control orifices, and at least two second fluid transfer control orifices. At least two orifices of each type are located on opposite sides of the valve housing from each other. Preferably there is a first end orifice, a central orifice, and a second end orifice of each type. The end orifices of each type are angularly and longitudinally aligned with each other and are angularly offset 180 degrees from a central orifice of the same type. The end orifices of each type have an area equal to one-half the area of the central orifice of the same type and are equally spaced in opposite longitudinal directions from the central orifice of the same type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond D. Woodworth