Abstract: A hydraulic valve device, especially in the form of at least one load sensing valve, includes a valve housing (10), a control slide (12) longitudinally movable in the housing and controlling a fluid connection arrangement (14). The fluid connection arrangement includes at least one control pressure line (PST) and at least one supply pressure line (Y). At least for a load sensing connection (LS), a pocket-type channel (18) is arranged between the valve housing (10) and the control slide (12), as well as for a control pressure line (PST) and a supply pressure line (Y). This arrangement enables the available ring channel of the load sensing message chain to be used on axial point of the control slide axle, reducing cost and space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-regulator servo-valve comprising a body having a utilization port, a pressure feed port, and a return port, a distributor spool movably mounted in the body to put the utilization port into communication either with the feed port or with the return port, the spool co-operating with the body to define at least one pilot chamber connected to a nozzle that is arranged to open out into a cavity connected to the return port, a vane extending in the cavity facing the nozzle and being mounted to be moved in controlled manner. According to the invention, the pilot chamber is connected to the utilization port.

Abstract: A regulator valve is structured such that hydraulic pressure to be output from a regulated pressure output port is regulated according to urging forces, i.e., line pressure to be regulated, throttle pressure, spring force from a compression coil spring, and operating force from a plunger, which are applied to a valve spool. The plunger has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion, both of which are axially displaceably retained in a spring receiving sleeve. The small diameter portion is urged in one axial direction at one end of the plunger that protrudes into a spring chamber and faces the valve spool, while the large diameter portion is urged in the other axial direction by range pressure at the other end of the plunger which is isolated from the small diameter portion located in the spring chamber.

Abstract: A solenoid valve device includes a solenoid valve that has a solenoid portion, a valve element that drivingly slides using electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid portion and regulates and outputs fluid pressure supplied from a fluid pressure source, a spring that biases the valve element in the sliding direction, and a spring chamber that accommodates the spring; an accumulating portion that accumulates operation fluid; an intake check valve that permits the flow of operation fluid from the accumulating portion to the spring chamber; and a discharge check valve that permits the flow of operation fluid from the spring chamber to an operation destination different from the accumulating portion.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a sliding valve positioned within the housing and movable between a first position, and a second position. The sliding valve includes a first piston that defines a first piston first surface and a first piston second surface, and a second piston that defines a second piston first surface and a second piston second surface. The first piston second surface faces the second piston first surface. A pilot system includes a first pilot passage in fluid communication with the first piston second surface to selectively actuate the sliding valve toward the first position, and a second pilot passage in fluid communication with the second piston first surface to selectively actuate the sliding valve toward the second position.

Abstract: A fluid control device is disclosed that is configured to vent pilot volume through an exhaust port or exhaust passageway (140) integrated into the fluid control device. The fluid control device has a fluidic switch (112) configured to switch a pilot volume into the exhaust port or exhaust passageway (140) when a signal port or signal passageway (114) is de-pressurized. The fluidic switch (112) couples the signal port or signal passageway (114) to the pilot volume when the signal port or signal passageway (114) is pressurized.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over one or more well tools coupled to one or more corresponding control modules. Actuation of the control modules and the well tools may be achieved with three control lines connected to the one or more control modules. Transitioning of the control modules to sequential stages and the consequent actuation of the corresponding well tools is achieved by applying a single pressure level selectively through the three control lines.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device such as a volume booster has an inlet, an outlet and an exhaust port all for an operating fluid. A pilot inlet receives a pilot pressure signal which operates a valve stem actuator via a diaphragm assembly. The valve stem is operable to open a supply valve between the inlet and outlet and, separately and independently, to open an exhaust valve disposed between the outlet and the exhaust. In a further position both the valves are closed. Movement of the stem in a reciprocal manner by the diaphragm assembly causes a respective annular shoulder to engage a respective valve and lift it off a valve seat against the force of a biasing spring. A first fluid leak path is provided between the valve stem and the supply valve for allowing fluid to leak through the supply valve chamber when the supply valve is open and a second fluid leak path is defined by the exhaust valve for allowing fluid to leak through the exhaust valve chamber.

Abstract: A valve positioner for controlling a valve closure element is provided. The positioner includes a positioner housing with a plurality of fluid flow passageways in fluid communication with a fluid supply source and the valve closure element. The positioner housing is configured to receive a detachable spool manifold assembly. The spool manifold assembly is positioned adjacent the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a reciprocally moveable spool configured to selectively port fluid flow from the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a diaphragm connected to the spool via a flexible shaft. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with a transducer for receiving a fluid causing the diaphragm to expand or contract and thereby displacing the spool. The flexible shaft is radially elastic in order to minimize axial backlash between the diaphragm and the spool. The flexible shaft configuration minimizes the spool stroke.

Abstract: A microvalve device is disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a bore formed therein. A pilot-operated main valve spool supported by the body is movably disposed in the bore for opening and closing ports formed in the body. A pilot microvalve is operable for controlling movement of the pilot-operated main valve. The pilot microvalve may include a movable valve element that controls the cross-sectional area of two variable orifices in series. When the pilot microvalve is at rest, one orifice is closed and the other is open. Upon actuating the pilot microvalve, the closed orifice may begin to open and the open orifice may begin to close. Pressure between the orifices is used as a command pressure, which is utilized to position the pressure control valve to control load pressure. A method of operating a microvalve device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic servo drive device for driving a slide mechanism of a variable geometry turbocharger includes a servo piston connected to a driveshaft of the slide mechanism and a pilot spool that is accommodated in a center hole of the servo piton and slides by pilot pressure. A first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber to and from which pressure oil flows are provided in a housing. The servo piston separately includes a pressure port for introducing pressure oil from an outside, a first piston port for intercommunicating the center hole and the first hydraulic chamber, a second piston port for intercommunicating the center hole and the second hydraulic chamber, and a return port for exiting pressure oil.

Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow includes a body defining a chamber having first and second ends. The first end is in communication with a source of command pressure. The second end in communication with a source of load pressure. A micromachined spool valve is disposed in the chamber between the first and second ends for sliding movement by differential pressure across the spool between a first position in which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a source of supply pressure and a second position which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a pressure vent. The spool valve has a closed position intermediate the first position and the second position which restricts fluid flow between the source of load pressure and both the source of supply pressure and the pressure vent. The spool valve is moveably connected to the body.

Abstract: A percussive device and method having, inside a machine housing (3), a reciprocally moveable percussive piston (2), the movement of which is controlled by a control valve (5), which is arranged to alternatively connect a chamber to a pressure source and to low pressure in dependence on a signal corresponding to the axial position of the percussive piston, and a valve (16) arranged to allow adjustment of the axial position of the percussive piston at which the signal is transmitted, by opening and blocking of a connection between one or more control channels (10, 11, 12, 13) and the control valve.

Abstract: An air operated double diaphragm includes an air valve, air chambers, a center section between the air chambers, pump chambers and diaphragms between the air and pump chambers harnessed together with a piston rod. The air valve includes a statically dissipative body having a bore therein with a statically insulative liner in the bore. The statically insulative liner is fully enclosed within the statically dissipative body. A valve element is slidably positioned in the liner. The liner includes annular tenons to mate with annular mortises in the statically dissipative body and an end cap is used to close the valve cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid controller for controlling a machine, e.g. for steering a vehicle. The controller comprises a housing defining an inlet port connected to the source and an outlet port connected to the pressure operated device. The flow rate is controlled by movement of a valve member within the housing, and a processor provides a reference which is indicative of a desired position of the valve member relative to the housing. The fluid controller comprises a fault detection system based on an observer. The observer calculates a theoretically correct position of the valve member relative to the housing for a given reference, and compares this position to an obtained position of the valve member relative to the housing. The difference between the positions is compared with a threshold value. In order to dynamically change the sensitivity of the system, the threshold value is scaled based on a gradient of the reference.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary valve having a first valve member that may include at least one orifice, and which is moveable between a first position and a second position, and a second valve member that includes at least one orifice, and which is moveable relative to the first valve member between a first position, in which the at least one orifice of the second valve member is fluidly disconnected from the at least one orifice of the first valve member, and a second position, in which the at least one orifice of the second valve member is fluidly connected to the at least one orifice of the first valve member. The exemplary valve may also include first and second actuators for moving the first and second valve members between their respective first and second positions.

Abstract: A pressure control valve for heavy equipment. The pressure control valve can smoothly operate a working device having a high load pressure by limiting a supply of hydraulic fluid to a working device having a low load pressure in the case of simultaneously operating a plurality of working devices in a hydraulic circuit in which a plurality of control valves (e.g., a boom control valve and a bucket control valve) are connected in parallel to a single hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism that is movable between an open position that allows access to the storage space and a closed position that inhibits access to the storage space. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a valve that is positioned within the housing and is movable between a first position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the open position, and a second position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the closed position. First, second, and third actuation systems are in communication with the valve and are operable to actuate the valve between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam. The gap difference affects the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will return the cam-nozzle gap to a distance that results in a pressure balance to return. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces.

Abstract: Actuator controller comprising a body (12) with an inlet port (14) coupled to a source of pressurised fluid and in flow communication with primary and secondary spool bores (16, 20); primary and secondary spools (60, 62); first and second cross flow ports (48, 52) communicating said primary and secondary spool bores, compression and expansion outlet ports (53, 54) for applying pressurized fluid to a return-biased actuator (110); and a venting outlet port (23); wherein return action of the working piston of the actuator is facilitated with aid of pressurized fluid already gained in the system.

Abstract: A torque motor (10) includes a support (20), a jet tube passage (42) in the support having a first end opening (43) and a second end opening (45), a jet tube (30) extending into the jet tube passage (42) through the first end opening (43) for directing a flow of fluid into a chamber (40) in fluid communication with the jet tube passage second end opening (45), and a flexible, convoluted, seal (46) hermetically connected to the jet tube passage (42) and the jet tube (30) for sealing the jet tube passage first end (43) while permitting at least a portion of the jet tube (30) to move relative to the jet tube passage (42).

Abstract: A valve (1) comprises: a body (2); a bushing (3) slidably mounted on said body; a valve spool (4) slidably mounted on said bushing; said bushing and spool having respective control edges (5) that are adapted to cooperate with one another as a function of the relative position between said bushing and spool to vary the size of a control opening therebetween; a first drive (11) operatively arranged to controllably move one of said bushing and spool relative to said body; and a second drive (12) operatively arranged to controllably move the other of said bushing and spool relative to said body; whereby said first and second drives may be selectively operated to move said bushing and spool simultaneously in opposite directions to increase the dynamic response of said valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid control system and associated methods. The fluid control system includes a source of a pressurized fluid and a first spool valve having at least two positions, wherein the first spool valve is connected in fluid communication with the source of the pressurized fluid. The fluid control system further includes a second spool valve having at least two positions, wherein the second spool valve is connected in fluid communication with the first spool valve and the source of the pressurized fluid. When the first spool valve is in a first position and the second spool valve is in a second position, a first portion of the pressurized fluid is directed from the source of the pressurized fluid to the second spool valve via the first spool valve.

Abstract: A spool valve assembly includes a spool that is moveable by differential pressure across the spool.

Abstract: A cartridge valve assembly includes a body having a pilot port, a first port, a second port, a third port fluidly connected to a central bore, and a spool positioned within the central bore and being movable between at least a first position and a second position. The spool includes a first chamber at a first end surface of the spool in fluid communication with the pilot port, a second chamber at a second end surface of the spool, and a control chamber. The area of the first end surface is greater than the area of the second end surface. A passage fluidly communicates the control chamber with the second chamber. In the first position, the first port and the second port fluidly communicate with the control chamber. In the second position, the second port and the third port fluidly communicate with the control chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.

Abstract: A pilot controlled pulse valve has a valve spool releasably held in both terminal positions by a latching device. The latching device comprise a permanent magnet holding the valve spool by magnetic force. To set the terminal or end position the permanent magnet has an abutment placed to the fore of it. In order to protect the permanent magnet against damage the abutment bears against the valve housing independently of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A fluid distribution and control valve for respiratory gas delivery systems. The valve has a body which is defined by four internal zones. Each zone is connectable to an external fluid circuit and a mobile structure. The mobile structure can move into four positions. The different positions of the mobile structure determine which of the zones are in fluid communication with each other. The valve may also be used to in a pilot's mask to supply oxygen to the pilot from a main source or from a secondary source.

Abstract: A 4-way 3-position direct acting tandem center neutral valve has two 3-way, 2-position poppet valves configured so as to provide 4-way, 3-position tandem center neutral valve functions so that it is direct acting and essentially zero leak.

Abstract: A spool valve and valve seat assembly disposed in the control module of a hot melt adhesive dispensing system is uniquely structured so as to effectively prevent fluid communication or “cross-talk” between a first dispensing outlet port and a second recirculation port, during those periods when the control module is effectively reciprocally cycling the spool valve between its oppositely disposed extreme conditions for alternatively permitting the hot melt adhesive material to be dispensed from the first outlet port or for re-routing the hot melt adhesive material through the recirculation passage so as to prevent the hot melt adhesive from being improperly dispensed as a result of being undesirably routed to the recirculation passage.

Abstract: A three-way two-position poppet valve (10) comprising a housing (12) with a generally cylindrical valve chamber (14), a first (20) and a second (16) port with coaxial 1 valve seats (26, 28) at the ends of the chamber, and a third lateral working port (18). A poppet body (36) is disposed reciprocably in the valve chamber so that in a first position of the poppet body the first valve seat (26) is sealed and the second port communicates with the working port, and in a second position the second valve seat (28) is sealed and the first port communicates with the working port. The valve is characterized in that the housing has two coaxial cylindrical passages (24, 30) adjacent the respective valve seats, while the poppet body has two coaxial cylinder parts (44, 48) slidingly and sealingly fitting the cylindrical passages, so that the poppet body is always supported in at least one of the cylindrical passages and fluid communication between the first and the second port is always prevented.

Abstract: A method and a device for flow switchover are described, the time to switch over the fluid being shortened. This is accomplished by a three-way valve, which may be provided with additional connections to the pump and the slider is designed accordingly. With the help of the connections and additional pressure storage in the slider, a corresponding pressure force is stored, which is used during the switchover process, when the connections to the fluid system and to the reservoir are closed, to superimpose over the motion of the slider, with time delay, an additional motion, which is carried out by the sliding ring positioned on the slider.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic servovalve (EHSV) (10) that includes a nozzle (16), a motor (12) operably connected to the nozzle (16) for controlling the position of the nozzle (16) based on current provided to the motor (12), a spool (18) having first and second ends (22,26) slidably mounted in a sleeve (34) having first and second ends (31,33) and a first land (21) near the first end (22), a first passage (40) extending from near the nozzle (16) to the first end (31) of the sleeve (34), a second passage (42) extending from near the nozzle (16) to the second end (33) of the sleeve (34), the spool (18) shifting to a first fail-safe position when the current is below a first predetermined level and latching in a second fail-safe position different than the first fail-safe position when the current exceeds a second predetermined level greater than the first predetermined level.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a valve body, a first movable pressure responsive element, and a second pressure responsive movable element, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a resilient biasing element and a movable third pressure responsive element, the resilient biasing element extending between the third pressure responsive element and the valve body and the third pressure responsive element being adapted to act on both the first and second pressure responsive elements to transmit the biasing force of the resilient biasing element to both the first and second pressure responsive elements.

Abstract: A valve accommodating hole (11), and each of a supply port (20), discharge ports (21 and 22), and output ports (23 and 24) connected to the valve accommodating hole are formed in a valve casing (15), and a valve shaft (12) is attached to the valve accommodating hole (11) so as to be reciprocable in the axial direction. Circular rubber elastic valve elements (51 and 52) are attached to the valve shaft (12) and used for switching between a communication state where either one of the elastic valve elements is spaced away from an inner peripheral sealing surface of the valve accommodating hole (11) such that the supply port (20) and the respective output port (23 or 24) communicate with each other and a shut-off state where either one of the elastic valve elements comes in contact with the inner peripheral sealing surface such that the communication is shut off.

Abstract: A valve for a gas-driven motor and a valve assembly and reciprocating pump incorporating the valve are provided. The valve includes a shiftable valve for alternatively supplying a motive gas through first and second supply ports to opposed first and second power pistons in opposed motive gas chambers, respectively, and for effecting alternating exhaust of said chambers. The shiftable valve has a front face with a valve projection located thereon and a rear face with a valve projection located thereon.

Abstract: The present invention A hydraulic control valve with a regeneration function, including a main body formed of a supply fluid passage to which pressurized fluid is supplied, at least one port, a tank fluid passage for discharging the pressurized fluid to an outside storage tank, and a first regeneration fluid passage; a spool movably installed inside the main body for controlling the flow of the pressurize fluid, and including a second generation fluid passage formed therein; and a regeneration valve for returning only part of the pressurized fluid of the first regeneration fluid passage to the tank fluid passage to maintain pressure of the first regeneration fluid passage at a designated value, and for supplying the pressurized fluid to the second regeneration fluid passage, and if the pressure of the supply fluid passage is higher than a predetermined pressure, changing the pressure of the first regeneration fluid passage in accordance with a change of the pressure of the supply fluid passage.

Abstract: A cartridge valve assembly includes a body having a pilot port, a first port, a second port, a third port fluidly connected to a central bore, and a spool positioned within the central bore and being movable between at least a first position and a second position. The spool includes a first chamber at a first end surface of the spool in fluid communication with the pilot port, a second chamber at a second end surface of the spool, and a control chamber. The area of the first end surface is greater than the area of the second end surface. A passage fluidly communicates the control chamber with the second chamber. In the first position, the first port and the second port fluidly communicate with the control chamber. In the second position, the second port and the third port fluidly communicate with the control chamber.

Abstract: A tandem hydraulic valve comprising first and second axially aligned valve spools, a valve guide slidably receiving said valve spools to control, in use, the connection between respective ports of the valve guide, said first and second spools being formed as separate components and being axially interconnected, to move in unison, by an axial connection component, and, the interface of said first and second spools being connected to a predefined, external, hydraulic fluid leakage path.

Abstract: A distributing valve for a speed governor of a turbine is provided, the distributing valve having a structure to reliably vent air therefrom. The distributing valve is disposed such that the direction of movement of a plunger is horizontal, with air vent valves being provided at the highest portion of each of ports of the distributing valve, to facilitate reliable venting of air out of a pressure oil system. Also provided is a structure of the distributing valve to facilitate machining or assembly of the distributing valve.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling a variable displacement compressor. The device comprises a microvalve operated control valve. A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow and a micro spool valve for use as a microvalve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A first housing member and a second housing member are divided by a dividing surface including a center axis of a valve hole. Connecting holes are formed in joint surfaces of the respective housing members at locations of the joint surfaces opposed to each other. Connecting pins are inserted into the connecting holes, the connecting holes and the connecting pins are fixed to each other through solder, thereby integrally connecting the first housing member and the second housing member to each other to form a housing.

Abstract: A reciprocating air distribution system includes a valve housing, having a cylinder therein. A valve element is slidably mounted within the cylinder. Also provided is an inlet to the cylinder, an exhaust from the cylinder and air distribution passages which are controlled by the valve element to be connected either with the intake or the exhaust. A nonmetallic gasket of thermally insulative material and thickness is between the inlet and air distribution passages on one side and the valve element and exhaust on the other. The buna elastomer has carbon black filer to make the gasket statically dissipative. The nonmetallic gasket provides channels which are part of valve control passages which are associated with a pilot valve. The valve control passages are from the inlet to both ends of the cylinder with at least one passage controlled by the pilot valve. These channels are closed by one of the components between which the gasket is located.

Abstract: A valve assembly for load pressure-independent control of consumers is disclosed, which includes a main valve having a directional element and a metering throttle part. The valve assembly includes a shut-off valve for leakage-free shutting off of a work line leading to the consumer. This shut-off valve is designed with a pilot valve whereby a pressure chamber of the shut-off valve acting in the closing direction may be relieved towards a tank or a low-pressure source. The pilot valve is, in accordance with the invention, controlled open by a main slide of the main valve.

Abstract: A valve apparatus and pneumatically driven diaphragm pump incorporating same having a valve body having a longitudinal axis and an actuator having an axis with a first end and a second end. The first and second ends have first and second diaphragms, respectively, disposed thereon and located transversely to the axis of the actuator. Upon inserting the actuator into the valve body, the first and second diaphragms define wall portions of first and second chambers at the first and second ends of the axis of the actuator, respectively, and a chamber defined between the diaphragms.

Abstract: In a valve chest of the pilot switching valve, a positive pressure chamber and a negative pressure chamber are formed on opposite sides of a valve spindle making a reciprocating motion in the valve chest due to repulsion by a return spring, and by connecting a positive pressure source for feeding a positive pilot pressure to the positive pressure chamber, and a negative pressure source for feeding a negative pilot pressure to the negative pressure chamber, the pilot switching valve has the configuration such that displacement of the valve spindle takes place against the urging of the return spring and connection among respective ports in the pilot switching valve can be switched only when pilot pressures from the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source are fed into the positive pressure chamber, and the negative pressure chamber, respectively where a malfunction of a switching valve is prevented.

Abstract: A spool valve arrangement with a cylinder is fitted with a clearance fit in a cylinder bore in a housing of the spool valve arrangement. The housing has first pressure medium ports and the cylinder has second pressure medium ports. A socket is inserted through each first pressure medium port in the housing and each second pressure medium port in the cylinder. The socket has a small diameter part, which is fitted with a clearance fit in the second pressure medium port, and a large diameter part, which is engaged with a shoulder formed in the first pressure medium port. By screwing a conduit end in the first pressure medium port, the socket is held in the mounted position, thus providing a seal of the region of this port and also providing an anti-rotation effect on the cylinder relative to the housing.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump including a pump housing, first and second pump diaphragms, an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, and an air motor. The air motor includes a spool valve having a valve housing, an insert surrounded by the valve housing, and a spool. The valve housing and the insert cooperate to at least partially define a valve chamber, and the spool is slidably positioned within the valve chamber. The spool includes a seal engaging an inner surface of the insert and delimiting the valve chamber into valve subchambers. Movement of the spool within the valve chamber selectively communicates pressurized fluid to one of the diaphragms to move the associated diaphragm, thereby pumping fluid through the pump.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump having a spool valve. The spool valve includes a housing that has a first end, a second end, and at least one housing aperture defined therethrough from the first end to the second end of the housing. The spool valve also includes end plates positioned at the first and second ends of the housing. The end plates include at least one plate aperture defined therein that is aligned with the housing aperture. The spool valve further includes at least one stiffening and retaining rod inserted through the plate apertures and the housing.

Abstract: A fastener driving device comprises a housing having a chamber constructed and arranged to contain compressed air, a cylinder disposed within the housing, a piston disposed within the cylinder and movable between upper and lower positions within the cylinder, a fastener striker connected with the piston, a main valve and trigger valve. The main valve is formed from a resilient material having a first portion thereof sealingly engaged with a first portion of the cylinder. The main valve has a second portion thereof movable between a sealing position with a second portion of the cylinder and an unsealed position as a result of flexing of the resilient material. The unsealed position permitting the compressed air to force the piston to move from the upper position to the lower position to enable the fastener striker to move through a fastener driving stroke. The trigger valve is carried by the housing.