Fluid Motor Patents (Class 137/625.66)
  • Patent number: 6837145
    Abstract: A three position fluid powered actuator having a piston reciprocally positioned within a cylindrical chamber in a body. The piston has a socket in communication with an axial opening through the piston. A piston shaft has a first end passing through the axial opening and into the socket and has a second end passing through a spring chamber in the body. A compression spring surrounds the piston shaft in the spring chamber. A pair of fluid passageways extend into the cylindrical chamber, whereby fluid pressure in a first passageway will move the piston in a first direction and fluid pressure in a second passageway will move the piston in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Air Power Systems Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William Earl McBride, Kenneth E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6834676
    Abstract: A pneumatic slide valve includes a valve housing made of injection-molded plastic material and having a valve bore and a plurality of external ports. The valve housing has an outer housing portion, made of reinforced plastic and determinative for a geometric outer dimension of the valve housing, and an inner housing portion made of non-reinforced plastic and extending continuously in the valve housing. The inner housing portion defines several pressure fluid compartments in fluid communication with the ports and the valve bore at least in a region which is positioned in the area of the pressure fluid compartments, wherein the outer housing portion is molded around the inner housing portion. A slide member is accommodated in the valve bore of the valve housing for displacement in the direction of the axis, for regulating a flow of compressed air between the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventor: Erwin Kulmann
  • Publication number: 20040256013
    Abstract: A first normally open solenoid valve “A” is connected to passageway (32). A second normally open solenoid valve “B” is connected to a passageway (36). A latching valve (24) includes a valve spool chamber (26) and a valve spool (50) within the chamber. An air-delivery conduit (20) delivers pressurized air to both a first passageway (32) and a second passageway (36). Passageway (32) is connected to one end of the valve spool chamber (26). Passageway (36) is connected to the opposite end of the valve spool chamber (26). The valve spool (50) has two positions. In the first position, passageway (32) is connected with a passageway (40) that extends to an air-operated device (44). Flow through the valve (24) to and from passageway (36) is blocked. In the second position, flow from passageway (32) to passageway (40) is blocked. Also, flow through the valve (24) to and from passageway (36) is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Gabe Fasolino, Alan K. Forsythe, John M. Morris
  • Patent number: 6832632
    Abstract: A direct replacement boost valve assembly for use in combination with a pressure regulator valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The boost valve assembly functions to boost line pressure during high load conditions in response to torque signal fluid pressure, which is proportional to engine torque. The present boost valve assembly is comprised of hard-anodized aluminum valve pistons, which are disposed within a wear resistant aluminum sleeve for maximum service longevity. Annular lubrication grooves formed in the valve pistons which comprise the boost valve assembly retain a lubricating film of transmission fluid to center the valve pistons within the sleeve ensuring accurate operation and reducing mechanical wear. The present valve sleeve features a fluid inlet port system, which increases the delivery of torque signal fluid pressure to the boost valve in order to restore its function to original factory boost ratios and specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6814098
    Abstract: A support structure for a C-ring includes a pair of circumferentially spaced holding members on catch plates. The holding members may be moved individually into the C-ring after the C-ring is mounted within an outer housing. The two holding members thus provide support to an inner periphery of the C-ring. A locking plate has support structure moved between circumferential ends of the housing members, thus providing effective support for the C-ring around its entire inner periphery. In this way, the two parts secured by the C-ring need not be moved relative to each other to insert the C-ring. The clearance or ability to move one of the two parts relative to the other which has been required in the past to mount a C-ring, is not necessary. This makes the inventive C-ring particularly useful for new applications, such as holding a porting sleeve within a valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventor: Francis Marocchini
  • Publication number: 20040187940
    Abstract: There are provided a pilot switching valve apparatus capable of preventing malfunction of a switching valve, due to unintentional feeding of a pilot pressure into a valve chest of the switching valve by error, at a low cost with the adoption of a simple configuration, and a method of switching the switching valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Manaka, Koji Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6796330
    Abstract: A pressure control apparatus is disposed in a pressure control system for a transmission to set pressure control at a torque-transmitting mechanism. The pressure control apparatus includes a torque-transmitting mechanism control valve, which distributes pressure from a high pressure source to the torque-transmitting mechanism. Also within the pressure control apparatus is a boost valve mechanism, which is effective to control feedback pressure on the torque transmitting mechanism pressure regulator valve thereby controlling the pressure rise at the torque-transmitting mechanism and also permitting a boost pressure to be distributed to the torque-transmitting mechanism when full engagement thereof is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Patent number: 6789570
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve with a position sensor is described. According to various implementations, the valve has a cage with a set of radial holes, a spool assembly slideable within the cage, and a sensor, which may be a Hall effect sensor, that reacts to the movement of the spool assembly. In other implementations, the spool comprises one or more of the following: a spool, a pin that is mechanically coupled to the spool, a dampener, which may be a spring, having a first and a second end, the first end being in contact with the pin and the second end being in contact with the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: HydraForce, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Beyrak, James C. Shader
  • Patent number: 6776736
    Abstract: A self-regulating reverse boost valve assembly for installation within the hydraulic pump of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present reverse boost valve assembly operates in conjunction with the pressure regulator valve to control line pressure generated by the hydraulic pump boosting line pressure in relation to engine torque. The present reverse boost valve assembly includes an internal check valve mechanism that is actuated whenever torque signal fluid pressure (proportional to engine torque) exceeds a predetermined level. When the internal check valve mechanism is actuated, the excess torque signal fluid pressure is diverted via an internal exhaust channel to the transmission sump. Thus, any drastic rise in main line hydraulic pressure or high line pressure in reverse gear, which can result in broken direct clutch drums and/or broken transmission cases, is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Maura Jane Stafford, Scott C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6761186
    Abstract: A seated-type valve S provided for the double-acted cylinder Z of an electric disconnector TS, comprises a housing G containing a slider closure element 7 and a separating actuating force generator C1 and a switch-on actuating force generator C2 for the slider closure element 7, respectively. At least the separating actuating force generator C1 is equipped with a piston D1 contained in an interior bore 23 of the slider closure element 7, which piston D1 abuts in the housing G without generating lateral forces for the slider element 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Heilmeier & Weinlein Fabrik f. Oel-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Heusser, Georg Jemuller
  • Publication number: 20040099320
    Abstract: It is sought to provide a spool valve arrangement, which can solve such problem as leaks of a pressure medium which may occur in the case of using synthetic resin for forming various spool valve component parts, can be manufactured at low cost, is richly durable and readily permits spool valve operation rate increase. A cylinder is fitted by clearance fit in a cylinder bore in a housing. Each 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 by 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: IWAKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiki Oniduka, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Tsutomu Sawada
  • Patent number: 6722385
    Abstract: A hydraulic spool valve repair kit comprising a cylindrical valve cap and a replacement spring retainer plate and a method of use of these components for increasing the service longevity of such a hydraulic spool valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present valve cap is a cylindrical steel construction having a longitudinal bore, which is radially disposed about a terminal end of the aluminum valve piston to provide a more durable contact surface and to substantially reduce mechanical wear between the dissimilar materials of the original components. The replacement spring retainer plate, which inadvertently contacts the valve piston under some operating conditions, is reconfigured to include resilient leg members for retention of the spring retainer plate within the valve body and also provides a stable spring seat for the compression spring that actuates the spool valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Bolaski
  • Publication number: 20030221730
    Abstract: Disclosed is system for controlling a dynamic hydraulic component, such as a hydraulic actuator or motor. The system allows for either zero, restricted or full fluid flow to the hydraulic component. This enables either no movement, slow, precise movements, or rapid, major movements of the component. The-functionality of the system is accomplished using a multi-pilot system acting on a spool valve that has a pilot piston and at least one stop piston. The stop piston(s) can move to limit the movement of the pilot piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Don B. Porter
  • Patent number: 6644351
    Abstract: A booster pilot valve operable at ultra low power levels is provided. The booster valve includes a moveable spool capable of directing a fluid flow to at least two different paths. The booster valve may be coupled to a piezotronic three-way valve, which controls the movement of the spool by redirecting a main fluid flow along different paths to create a force on the spool. The piezotronic valve is capable of actuation at very low power levels such as might be provided by a Profibus PA or other Bus system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ASCO Controls, LP
    Inventors: Drew LaMarca, Gregory J. Volz
  • Publication number: 20030168113
    Abstract: A proportional hydraulic valve has a primary control spool with a force feedback actuator attached to one end, wherein the control spool meters flow of fluid to a work port. The force feedback actuator includes a piston coupled to the control spool and defining a first control chamber and a second control chamber on opposite sides of the piston. The surface of the piston has a depression with a first tapered section and a second tapered section. The force feedback actuator includes first electrohydraulic valve with a valve element that meters pressurized fluid selectively to the first and second control chambers to move the piston in opposite directions and produce motion of the control spool. A solenoid exerts a first force that on the valve element. A pilot pin engages the piston and the valve element, whereby, movement of the pilot pin on the first and second tapered sections of the piston applies a second force to the valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy A. Post
  • Patent number: 6609539
    Abstract: In the directional control valve (10) for support mechanisms in underground mining, the valve piston (16) is guided seal free in the valve seat carrier (15) between the high pressure connection (P) and a sealing ring (22) and thus permits an overflow of high pressure fluid from the high pressure connection (P) to the return flow connection (T) on opening the valve (10). The valve (10) thus achieves an opening and closing characteristic with negative overlapping and so provides gentle switching processes, so that switching impacts with high pressure peaks do not arise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Reinelt, Michael Dettmers, Wolfgang Kobow
  • Patent number: 6598622
    Abstract: A directional control valve which has a movable control piston (5) which separates two pressure chambers (6, 8) from each other in the valve housing interior, which pressure chambers can be subjected to control pressure in order to move the control piston (5) into axial positions corresponding to relevant switch positions of the valve in accordance with the difference in pressure prevailing between the control chambers (6, 8). An arrangement (29) acts on the control piston (5), produces an actuating force and prestresses the control piston for movement into an axial position corresponding to a desired predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Werner Reith, Binh Nguyen Xuan
  • Patent number: 6585004
    Abstract: Disclosed is system for controlling a dynamic hydraulic component, such as a hydraulic actuator or motor. The system allows for either zero, restricted or full fluid flow to the hydraulic component. This enables either no movement, slow, precise movements, or rapid, major movements of the component. The functionality of the system is accomplished using a multi-pilot system acting on a spool valve that has a pilot piston and at least one stop piston. The stop piston(s) can move to limit the movement of the pilot piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Don B. Porter
  • Patent number: 6575187
    Abstract: A 3-way valve for controlling the flow between first and second ports and a common port. The 3-way valve comprising a valve body having an integral flow portion and a valve stem having first and second valve members. The valve stem is pressfit assembled into the flow portion of the valve body where at least one of the first valve member and the flow portion momentarily deforms. The valve stem operates between a first position where fluid is allowed to flow between the common port and the second port and a second position where fluid is allowed to flow between the common port and the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Entergris, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Leys, Michael Stoick
  • Publication number: 20030079785
    Abstract: A seated-type valve S provided for the double-acted cylinder Z of an electric disconnector TS, comprises a housing G containing a slider closure element 7 and a separating actuating force generator C1 and a switch-on actuating force generator C2 for the slider closure element 7, respectively. At least the separating actuating force generator C1 is equipped with a piston D1 contained in an interior bore 23 of the slider closure element 7, which piston D1 abuts in the housing G without generating lateral forces for the slider closure element 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Heusser, Georg Jemuller
  • Patent number: 6554014
    Abstract: A proportional, pilot-operated directional valve has a sleeve with at least four sets of radial holes, and a spool disposed within the sleeve, with a channel being defined between the spool and the sleeve. The spool has at least two sets of radial holes, and the exterior surface of the spool has annular protrusions, each being in at least partial contact with the inner wall of the sleeve. When the valve is in an open position, the first set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with one of the two sets of radial holes of the spool, the second and third sets of radial holes of the sleeve are each at least in partial communication with the channel, and the fourth set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with the other of the two sets of radial holes of the spool. The spool may be kept in an open position by pressure from a flow of fluid that is provided at one end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: HydraForce, Inc.
    Inventor: Yakov Beyrak
  • Publication number: 20030047223
    Abstract: A spool valve may be used in a subsea system with a single upstream pilot valve to control the spool valve. The spool valve opens and closes a main valve in response to fluid signals from the pilot valve. The main valve is connected to a source of pressurized supply fluid, which is selectively directed to a downstream apparatus. The spool valve and the main valve can be produced in an integrated design with a single body. In an alternative embodiment, the spool valve and main valve are separate with separate bodies. The spool valve may also be used in non-subsea systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Richard R. Watson
  • Patent number: 6497251
    Abstract: A hydraulic latching spool valve has at movable piston and valve cage defining two seats. In the valve cage, a moveable piston is operable to move the valve into open and closed positions. A spring positioned in a pilot close chamber urges the piston to close. A pulse of fluid pressure at a pilot open chamber causes the piston to open. A latching chamber is formed on the interior of the piston, the latching chamber being exposed to supply pressure when the piston is in the open position. Accordingly, in the open position, supply fluid in the latching chamber generates sufficient latching force to overcome opposing forces generated by the sprig. The supply pressure holds the piston in the open position until a pulse of fluid pressure is applied to the pilot close chamber, thereby causing the valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard R. Watson
  • Patent number: 6484754
    Abstract: A valve means (1) containing a switching element in the form of a switching rocker member (13). The rocking arms (18 and 18′) placed on either side of the pivotal portion (15) of the switching rocker member (13) are respectively engaged by a respective actuating diaphragm (35 and 35′) and adjacent thereto there is a closure portion (27 and 27′) associated with a duct opening (24 and 25). A valve means designed in this manner renders possible a particularly flat, planar structure with compact dimensions and a small dead volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Andreas Muth, Peter Waiblinger
  • Patent number: 6474362
    Abstract: The normally closed, two-position, three-way latching hydroseal valve can be used in subsea applications in connection with the production of oil and natural gas. The latching hydroseal valve can be operated by remote pilot valves to open and close the latching hydroseal valve or in an alternative embodiment attached solenoid pilot valves can be used. The seal carrier has pistons of different diameters to latch the valve open after the pilot fluid is vented to atmosphere. The main seal assembly includes a bi-directional seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, Thomas W. Neugebauer, Rick Whorton
  • Patent number: 6463959
    Abstract: A pressure control valve under the control of a pilot pressure generates a working pressure for a pressure-actuated apparatus. The valve has a control piston with two piston elements of different diameter. A working-pressure chamber is confined between the two piston elements, and a pilot-pressure chamber is confined between one of the control-piston elements and an additional piston. The additional piston takes a position dependent on a momentarily existing difference between the working pressure and the pilot pressure and, through an elastic force-coupler device, applies a position-dependent force to the control piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Eugen Kremer
  • Patent number: 6460561
    Abstract: Pressurised medium apparatus with a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Ebinger
  • Patent number: 6450202
    Abstract: A valve having a control means for the control of a fluid flow, such control means being able to be caused to move in two opposite switching directions. In order to render possible delay-free switching over after long periods of inactivity, a drive means is provided, which has spring means, which are tensioned when the control means is moved into a terminal switching position. The energy then stored is available for increasing the force during the next switching movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Grzegorz Bogdanowicz
  • Patent number: 6446668
    Abstract: A multiway valve for switching the fluid flow of a pressure medium comprising a valve housing (1) with several ports (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) for the pressure medium which are connected with an inner valve hole (5) in which a valve spool (6) for switching the fluid flow between said ports (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) is slidely disposed, and which comprises at least one cap element (7a, 7b) for sealing said valve hole (5) on at least one end side, at least one piston (11) for axially moving said valve spool (6) in a desired switching position which corresponds with a drive chamber (12) formed in the end section of the valve hole (5) to and from which a control fluid is supplied and ejected respectively in order to move said piston (11), wherein said at least one cap element (7a, 7b) comprises at least one through bore (18a, 18b; 25) which in the mounted state of the cap element (7a, 7b) is substantially disposed in a right angle to the axis of the valve hole (6), and wherein said through bore (18a, 18b; 25) corre
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: AB Rexroth Mecman
    Inventor: Staffan Hedlund
  • Patent number: 6431957
    Abstract: A valve particularly for use within a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) system for controlling the supply of slurry and de-ionized water streams while allowing for the constant recirculation of those streams. The valve includes a body having a bore with first and second inlet and outlet port openings for the slurry and water streams, and a third outlet port opening selectably couplable with the first and second inlet ports. A spool or other valve element is slidably received within the bore for axial movement therein, and is positionable within the bore in a null orientation closing the third outlet port to the first and second inlet ports. The spool is movable from the null orientation to a first operating orientation opening the third outlet port path to the first inlet port, and to a second operating orientation opening the third outlet port to the second inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Charles F Lefky
  • Patent number: 6427720
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a simply constructed pilot operated directional control valve having a position detecting function, capable of detecting, utilizing a light sensor, operating positions of a valve member such as a spool. To achieve this, an object to be detected 21 is formed on the end face adjacent to a breathing chamber 9, of a piston 2a; there is formed a recess 22 in which the object to be detected 21 is fit and which is disposed in the wall surface of the breathing chamber 9, in a casing 4; and an optical sensor 25 is mounted on a position facing the recess 22 in the casing 4 for projecting and receiving light relative to the object to be detected 21 through a through hole 23, whereby operating positions of the piston 12a, or the spool 6 are detected based on the light reflected from the object to be detected 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6412392
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve having a kinked characteristic curve is provided for a hydraulic consumer of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Ebinger Günter, Homm Manfred
  • Publication number: 20020069920
    Abstract: In the directional control valve (10) for support mechanisms in underground mining, the valve piston (16) is guided seal free in the valve seat carrier (15) between the high pressure connection (P) and a sealing ring (22) and thus permits an overflow of high pressure fluid from the high pressure connection (P) to the return flow connection (T) on opening the valve (10). The valve (10) thus achieves an opening and closing characteristic with negative overlapping and so provides gentle switching processes, so that switching impacts with high pressure peaks do not arise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Werner Reinelt, Michael Dettmers, Wolfgang Kobow
  • Patent number: 6382248
    Abstract: An improved and self-diagnosing shift pressure regulator apparatus for an automatic shift transmission provides a diagnostic output that reliably and timely detects initiation and cessation of fluid supply to a friction element. The regulator apparatus includes a pressure regulator valve responsive to an electronically developed pilot pressure, and a diagnostic switch. The pilot pressure positions the pressure regulator valve in one of three states—ON, TRIM, and OFF—and the diagnostic switch is continuously activated by a control pressure whenever the pressure regulator valve is in the TRIM or ON states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Francis Long, Michael Leo Duhaime, Martin Robert Dadel
  • Publication number: 20020043287
    Abstract: A proportional, pilot-operated directional valve has a sleeve with at least four sets of radial holes, and a spool disposed within the sleeve, with a channel being defined between the spool and the sleeve. The spool has at least two sets of radial holes, and the exterior surface of the spool has annular protrusions, each being in at least partial contact with the inner wall of the sleeve. When the valve is in an open position, the first set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with one of the two sets of radial holes of the spool, the second and third sets of radial holes of the sleeve are each at least in partial communication with the channel, and the fourth set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with the other of the two sets of radial holes of the spool. The spool may be kept in an open position by pressure from a flow of fluid that is provided at one end of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Yakov Beyrak
  • Publication number: 20020036017
    Abstract: A 3-way valve for controlling the flow between first and second ports and a common port. The 3-way valve comprising a valve body having an integral flow portion and a valve stem having first and second valve members. The valve stem is pressfit assembled into the flow portion of the valve body where at least one of the first valve member and the flow portion momentarily deforms. The valve stem operates between a first position where fluid is allowed to flow between the common port and the second port and a second position where fluid is allowed to flow between the common port and the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: John A. Leys, Michael Stoick
  • Publication number: 20010047832
    Abstract: A multiway valve for switching the fluid flow of a pressure medium comprising a valve housing (1) with several ports (2a,2b,3a,3b,4a,4b) for the pressure medium which are connected with an inner valve hole (5) in which a valve spool (6) for switching the fluid flow between said ports (2a,2b,3a,3b,4a,4b) is slidely disposed, and which comprises at least one cap element (7a,7b) for sealing said valve hole (5) on at least one end side, at least one piston (11) for axially moving said valve spool (6) in a desired switching position which corresponds with a drive chamber (12) formed in the end section of the valve hole (5) to and from which a control fluid is supplied and ejected respectively in order to move said piston (11), wherein said at least one cap element (7a,7b) comprises at least one through bore (18a,18b;25) which in the mounted state of the cap element (7a,7b) is substantially disposed in a right angle to the axis of the valve hole (6), and wherein said through bore (18a,18b;25) corresponds with a sec
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Staffan Hedlund
  • Patent number: 6325102
    Abstract: A pilot-type solenoid valve capable of driving a valve member by increasing a pilot fluid pressure from a pilot valve and reliably switching valve member. The pilot-type solenoid valve includes a main valve portion having a valve member capable of sliding in a valve hole to which ports P, A, B, EA and EB in a valve body are opened, a pilot driving mechanism for applying a pilot fluid pressure to a pushing member which pushes one end of the valve member, and a returning mechanism for applying a returning force to the valve member. The pushing member includes a first piston for applying the pilot fluid pressure, and a second piston which is pushed by the first piston and which pushes the valve member. A shaft of the first piston passes through a partition wall in a sealing manner and abuts against the second piston. The shaft is provided therein with a guide hole for guiding the pilot fluid pressure to a pressure chamber of the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Misumi, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6308793
    Abstract: A proportional load transfer valve is disclosed to shift a predetermined ratio of approximately fifty percent (50%) of the weight on a tag axle to the drive axle. The load transfer valve acts in response to a pneumatic signal indicative of a traction event. The valve alters the ratio of supply port pressure associated with the air suspension bags of the drive axle that is forwarded to the delivery port associated with the air bag suspension assembly of the tag axle. As the weight imposed on the drive axle approaches a predetermined maximum, the load transfer valve transfers less weight so that the drive axle is not overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Truck Brake Systems Co.
    Inventor: Charles E. Eberling
  • Patent number: 6296019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure medium system with at least one valve and one pressure medium supply, whereby a differential pressure can be purposely controlled in a positive and negative pressure area, especially for controlling a torque converter lockup clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Müller, Manfred Homm
  • Publication number: 20010015229
    Abstract: A pressure control valve under the control of a pilot pressure generates a working pressure for a pressure-actuated apparatus. The valve has a control piston with two piston elements of different diameter. A working-pressure chamber is confined between the two piston elements, and a pilot-pressure chamber is confined between one of the control-piston elements and an additional piston. The additional piston takes a position dependent on a momentarily existing difference between the working pressure and the pilot pressure and, through an elastic force-coupler device, applies a position-dependent force to the control piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Kremer
  • Patent number: 6276396
    Abstract: A directional control valve comprises a spool which is movable in a chamber and which carries shear seals urged against a respective wall of the chamber, the spool being movable between a first position in which a fluid supply inlet is in communication with a functional outlet and a second position in which the fluid supply inlet is cut off from the functional outlet, and a safety piston which is spring-loaded towards engagement with the spool in a sense to move the spool to the second position. An intermediate piston is interposed between the spool and the safety piston so that the intermediate piston can allow relative movement between itself and the spool. The chamber includes a port coupled to a pressure transducer which can monitor the position of the valve spool or the function line pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Mandeville Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Douglas F Kirkman
  • Patent number: 6237617
    Abstract: Herein is provided an improved proportional fluid control valve. The proportional valve includes a fluid valve that controls the flowrate of an output fluid. The fluid valve is coupled to a pressure chamber of the control valve. The position of the fluid valve, and the corresponding flowrate of the output fluid, can be varied by changing the pressure of a working fluid within the pressure chamber. The pressure within the pressure chamber can be increased by a piston that pumps working fluid from a reservoir to the chamber. The piston is coupled to a first solenoid and a spring that move the piston in a reciprocating pumping motion. The pressure of the working fluid within the pressure chamber can be decreased by opening a bleeder valve that allows working fluid to flow from the pressure chamber back to the reservoir. The bleeder valve is coupled to a second solenoid and a spring that open and close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Sturman BG, LLC
    Inventors: Oded E. Sturman, Benjamin Grill
  • Patent number: 6186045
    Abstract: A latching valve, useable in a multiplexed fluid control system, is switchable between two positions to control working output fluid flow to a corresponding actuator. The valve is latched by deriving a holding force from the working output flow. The latching valve may reside in one of the channels of the multiplexed fluid control system and eliminates the required modulations to hold position and reduces system wear of modulating and multiplexing components. The latching valve includes a working output port coupled with an associated actuator and a control chamber connected to a 3-way multiplexing valve to receive fluid signals. To provide a latching force, the valve includes bleed conduit that bleeds a controlled amount of fluid between the working output port and the control chamber to maintain the pressure in the control chamber. The last position of the latching valve is held until the next selective fluid signal from the modulating valve and multiplexer is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Brian E. Hoemke
  • Patent number: 6186175
    Abstract: A rocker valve with pneumatic pre-control includes a housing (G) with the pressure means connections (P, A, R, Ps), at least one rocker in the housing which is movable between two final positions about an axis and works together with at least one sealing surface for at least two pressure means connections, where one handle of the rocker can be impacted with a pre-control pressure via a pre-control connection and the rocker in one final position connects one working connection (A) with the supply connection (P) and in the other final position with the ventilation connection (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hygrama AG
    Inventors: Herbert Frisch, Josef Vollmer
  • Patent number: 6167909
    Abstract: A slide valve containing a ceramic apertured slide block slidably supported upon a pair of ceramic shear seals so that the slide can reciprocate between an operative and an inoperative position. A roof block also formed of a ceramic material is mounted over the slide block and a roller unit is positioned between opposing surfaces of the two blocks. Control pistons are mounted in cylinders on either side of the slide block. Control circuits are arranged to bring pilot fluid in a selected one of the cylinders to extend the piston housed therein against the slide thus changing the slide position. The control circuits are isolated from other circuits within the valve to prevent contaminants from adversely effecting poppet valves operatively associated with the control circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Tactair Fluid Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Davis