Abstract: An upper housing is provided between a fixed core and a housing opposite to a nozzle hole with respect to a coil. The upper housing is configured to form a magnetic circuit with the fixed core and the housing. The upper housing has a first tapered surface formed on an outer peripheral wall and a first cylindrical surface formed on an inner peripheral wall. The housing has a second tapered surface that radially faces the first tapered surface. The fixed core has a second cylindrical surface that radially faces the first cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A armature assembly for an electromagnetically actuatable 2/2 or 3/2 way valve with a tube-shaped armature outer part of a ferromagnetic material with a longitudinal axis and an armature inner part from a material with a lower density than the ferromagnetic material. The armature inner part being axially inserted in a mounting end of the armature outer part. Between the armature outer part) and the inserted armature inner part there is formed at least one axial through flow duct through the armature assembly, an axial hollow cylinder-shaped recess is formed for receiving a cylindrical spring; and a bottom) of the recess is formed by the armature inner part and/or the armature outer part as a support for an end of the spring.

Abstract: A faucet assembly including a handle that rotates about a rotational axis extending perpendicular to an angled interface for adjusting a first water parameter. A dial is supported for rotation independent of the handle for adjusting a second water parameter.

Abstract: An electric valve includes a valve seat component, a valve body component, and a valve core component. The valve core component includes a sealing portion. The valve core component is arranged in a valve chamber of the electric valve, and the valve core component includes a valve core body. The valve core body is substantially tubular, the valve core body has an integral structure, and the valve core body includes an annular thin-walled portion to abut against the sealing portion of the valve seat component. The thickness of the annular thin-walled portion is M, and 0.3 mm?M?2.0 mm.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled valve unit is specified, having a main valve for controlling a fluid flow of a fluid to be dosed. The valve unit has a piston shiftably mounted in a valve chamber, operating against a return device, and connected to a valve closing body of the main valve to open and close the main valve. The piston delimits a pressure chamber within the valve chamber such that the piston can be shifted against the return device by pressurizing the pressure chamber, wherein a position sensor is provided which is set up to detect the position of the piston in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A parking brake device for a motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, includes at least one compressed air connection, at least one first control solenoid valve unit, at least one trailer control bistable valve, and at least one first compressed air outlet. The compressed air connection is connectable to the first control solenoid valve unit and the trailer control bistable valve. The first control solenoid valve is connectable to the trailer control bistable valve via at least one first control line. The trailer control bistable valve is connectable to the first compressed air outlet via at least one trailer control outlet line. The parking brake device has at least one towing vehicle control bistable valve and at least one second compressed air outlet. The compressed air connection is connectable to the towing vehicle control bistable valve. The towing vehicle control bistable valve is connectable to the second compressed air outlet via at least one towing vehicle control outlet line.

Abstract: A drive circuit for controlling a solenoid valve having a solenoid coil and a poppet that translates therein is provided. The drive circuit includes a supply bus, a return bus, a flyback circuit, and a switch. The supply bus is configured to couple the solenoid coil to a power supply and supply a coil current. The return bus is configured to provide a ground path for the coil current. The flyback circuit is coupled in parallel to only the solenoid coil. The flyback circuit includes only a bipolar diode. The switch is coupled in series with the solenoid coil and configured to couple and decouple the solenoid coil to the return bus.

Abstract: Described is a multi-channel fluidic device that includes a diffusion-bonded body having a device surface and a plurality of fluid channels. Each fluid channel includes a channel segment defined in a plane that is parallel to the device surface and parallel to each of the planes of the other channel segments. The plane of each channel segment is at a depth below the device surface that is different from the depth below the device surface for the other planes. Each channel segment may have a volume equal to the volume of each of the other channel segments. One of the fluid channels may include a plurality of channel segments serially connected to each other and each defined in a plane that is different from the planes of the other channel segments.

Abstract: A high current and RPM-capable slip ring assembly for use in a selected application for transferring electricity between an exterior environment and an interior environment that includes a non-rotating electrical power member with concentric electrically conducting power transmission bands with wiring and a rotating electrical power member with concentric electrically conducting power transmission bands with wiring and a housing that surrounds both the non-rotating electrical power member and rotating electrical power member to align the first set of concentric electrically conducting power transmission bands and the second set of concentric electrically conducting power transmission bands to slide on one another during rotationally operation of the slip ring assembly.

Abstract: A drainage control device includes a main body, an upper cover, a lower cover, a pressure relief cover, a membrane, and a return member. The main body has a water filling trough, a drainage trough, and a water passage trough. A drainage chamber having a drainage port is defined between the upper cover and the drainage trough. A water filling chamber has a water filling port is defined between the lower cover and the water filling trough. The pressure relief cover and the main body hold a periphery of the membrane. A water passage chamber is defined between the membrane and the water passage trough. A back-pressure chamber having a drain port is defined between the membrane and the pressure relief cover. The membrane is configured to open or close a junction of the water passage chamber and the drainage chamber. The membrane is returned by the return member.

Abstract: A MEMS-based particle manipulation system which uses a particle manipulation stage and optical confirmation of the manipulation. The optical confirmation may be camera-based, and may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the particle manipulation stage. In one exemplary embodiment, the particle manipulation stage is a microfabricated, fluid valve, which sorts a target particle from non-target particles in a fluid stream. The optical confirmation stage is disposed in the microfabricated fluid channels at the input and output of the microfabricated sorting valve. Deep learning techniques are brought to bear on the camera output to increase speed, accuracy and reliability.

Abstract: In a polymeric microfluidic valve, an adhesion control surface with discrete micro- or nano-scale structured surfaces are separated by fluid filled voids at an interface between an elastomeric membrane seals against a substrate layer. The structured surfaces reduce adhesion between the membrane layer and the substrate layer and prevent permanent bonding, while at the same time providing a good balance of adhesion at the valve seat to provide a sealing engagement. Microstructured adhesion control surfaces on and around valve bodies permit opening the valve, by reducing contact surface area.

Abstract: An ion optical arrangement (1) for use in a mass spectrometer comprises a collision cell defining an ion optical axis along which ions may pass, electrodes comprising a set of parallel poles (11A, 11B, 11C) arranged in the collision cell, and a voltage source for providing voltages to the electrodes to produce electric fields. The ion optical arrangement is arranged for switching between a first operation mode in which the collision cell is pressurized and a second operation mode in which the collision cell is substantially evacuated. The ion optical arrangement is further arranged for producing a radio frequency electric focusing field in the first operation mode and a static electric focusing field in the second operation mode.

Abstract: A seal for a plumbing fitting includes two or more respective apertured sealing portions. Each apertured sealing portion independently includes one or more edge portions enclosing an aperture therebetween. The apertured portions are integrally formed.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a semiconductor support body having a first cavity, a membrane including a peripheral portion, fixed to the support body, and a suspended portion. A first deformable structure is at a distance from a central part of the suspended portion of the membrane and a second deformable structure is laterally offset relative to the first deformable structure towards the peripheral portion of the membrane. A projecting region is fixed under the membrane. The second deformable structure is deformable so as to translate the central part of the suspended portion of the membrane along a first direction, and the first deformable structure is deformable so as to translate the central part of the suspended portion of the membrane along a second direction.

Abstract: A drive circuit for controlling a solenoid valve having a solenoid coil and a poppet that translates therein is provided. The drive circuit includes a supply bus, a return bus, a flyback circuit, and a switch. The supply bus is configured to couple the solenoid coil to a power supply and supply a coil current. The return bus is configured to provide a ground path for the coil current. The flyback circuit is coupled in parallel to only the solenoid coil. The flyback circuit includes only a bipolar diode. The switch is coupled in series with the solenoid coil and configured to couple and decouple the solenoid coil to the return bus.

Abstract: A hybrid faucet assembly configured to operate in a touchless, hands-free automatic mode and a manual mode comprises a faucet body; a faucet spout; a first manual flow control valve connected to a cold water source; a second manual flow control valve connected to a hot water source; an electromechanical valve connected to a cold water source or to both a cold water source and a hot water source; a flow director; a controller; and an activator device. The hybrid faucet assembly may comprise an override mechanism to disable an automatic mode during operation of a manual mode.

Abstract: The valve is formed in a valve body housing a first path portion, a second path portion, and an coupling zone between the first and second path portions. A shutter is arranged in the coupling zone and has a shutting portion of ferromagnetic material that is deformable under the action of an external magnetic field between an undeformed position, wherein the shutter closes the coupling zone, and a deformed position, wherein the shutter at least partially frees the coupling zone. The shutting portion of the shutter is formed by a rubber membrane incorporating particles, for example of ferrite particles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite component according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes disposing a fiber preform in a mold. The fiber preform includes a first portion having a first edge and a second portion having a second edge. The first edge and the second edge cooperate to at least partially define a gap. One of the first portion or the second portion includes a first ferromagnetic material and the other of the first portion or the second portion includes a first magnetic or magnetizable component. The method further includes closing the gap by generating a magnetic field from the first magnetic or magnetizable component. The method further includes injecting a polymer precursor into the mold. The method further includes forming the composite component by solidifying the polymer precursor to form a polymer. The composite component includes the fiber preform and the polymer.

Abstract: A micro pump is disclosed and includes a fluid-converging plate, a valve membrane, a fluid-outlet plate and a pump core module. The fluid-converging plate includes an inner recess, a protruding portion and a fluid-converging aperture. The protruding portion is disposed at a center of the inner recess. The valve membrane includes a valve aperture. The protruding portion of the fluid-converging plate abuts against the valve aperture. A fluid-converging chamber is formed between the valve membrane and the fluid-converging plate. The fluid-outlet plate in a ring shape includes a fluid-outlet channel. The valve aperture is in fluid communication with the fluid-outlet channel. When the fluid is inhaled into the pump core module, the fluid flows to the fluid-converging chamber through the fluid-converging aperture and then pushes out the valve membrane to flow into the fluid-outlet channel of the fluid-outlet plate through the valve aperture. Thereby the fluid transportation is achieved.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a power semiconductor module that includes a substrate, at least one semiconductor body, a connecting element and a contact element. The method includes: arranging the substrate in a housing having walls; at least partly filling a capacity formed by the walls of the housing and the substrate with an encapsulation material; hardening the encapsulation material to form a hard encapsulation; and closing the housing, wherein the contact element extends from the connecting element through an interior of the housing and through an opening in a cover of the housing to an outside of the housing in a direction perpendicular to a first surface of a first metallization layer of the substrate.

Abstract: An actuator device has an electroactive polymer actuator (35) and an integrated piezoelectric transformer (30) whose primary side (32) and secondary side (34) are formed from different electroactive polymer materials. At least the secondary side (34) of the transformer shares a piezoelectric electroactive polymer layer (36) with the electroactive polymer actuator, so that lower external voltages can be applied to the device.

Abstract: A parking brake device for motor vehicles has at least one first parking brake unit and one second parking brake unit, wherein the first parking brake unit has at least one first compressed air connector, a first inlet-ventilation solenoid valve unit, a first relay valve, a spring brake valve and at least one first compressed air outlet. The first compressed air connector is connected to the first inlet-ventilation solenoid valve unit and the first relay valve. A first control line is provided in the first parking brake unit in such a way that the first relay valve is connected to the first inlet-ventilation solenoid valve unit, wherein the first control line has a first branch upstream of the first relay valve, and wherein a first outlet line is provided in the first parking brake unit, which first outlet line is connected to the at least one first compressed air outlet and has a first outlet branch.

Abstract: A high-precision linear actuator is described that includes a first straight-guide mechanism that guides movements of an actuator element and a working device relative to an actuator housing. A pressing mechanism that, in a pressing-contact condition, presses the actuator frame and the actuator housing with a predetermined force against one another. A second straight-guide mechanism that guides movements of the actuator housing relative to the actuator frame between the pressing-contact condition and released-contact conditions in which the pressing mechanism presses the actuator frame and the actuator housing towards one another. The high-precision linear actuator provides a safety mechanism automatically reinstates negative consequences of unforeseen collisions in the working environment. In addition the high-precision linear actuator allows for a compact and light-weight design of the actuator element and the working device, which improves operational speed and effectivity of the linear actuator.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body provided with a plug, connected to an actuation system, an upstream duct, a downstream duct, and a purge duct provided with a shutter. The plug is movable in rotation about a longitudinal axis in the valve body, so that the rotation of the plug according to a first angular sector defines a flow between the upstream duct and the downstream duct, the rotation of the plug according to a second angular sector separate from the first angular sector shuts off the connection between the upstream duct and the downstream duct, and the rotation of the plug according to a third angular sector included in the second angular sector actuates the shutter so as to allow a flow from the upstream duct to the purge duct.

Abstract: A solenoid valve, for controlling a brake pressure of a wheel brake of a slip-regulatable hydraulic brake system for a motor vehicle, includes a valve element, valve insert, valve seat, spring device, electromagnetic actuator, and armature. The valve element is longitudinally movably positioned at least partially in the valve insert, positioned between the armature and the valve seat, and configured to interact with the valve seat. The spring device, in an assembled position, has a force component acting on the valve element in an opening direction with respect to the valve seat. The electromagnetic actuator is configured to act on the valve element in a closing direction with respect to the valve seat. The valve element has a contact surface operatively connecting the valve element and armature, and configured such that a central axis of the valve element and the contact surface form a non-rectangular intersection angle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electromagnetic actuator for actuating a valve. The actuator has a housing, a core and a yoke. A coil body, which carries at least one coil winding, is arranged in the housing. The coil body encloses an armature space at least to some extent. An armature is arranged within the armature space such that it can be moved in its axial direction. A bearing element is arranged on the yoke and has a disc-shaped fastening portion and a tubular bearing portion, which bears the armature. The bearing portion projects inwards from the fastening portion.

Abstract: A method of adaptively sampling data to determine the start of injection in a solenoid actuated valve of a fluid injector includes, in an operating cycle or portion thereof of the valve, sampling the signal of current through a solenoid of the valve at sampling points having a pre-defined interval therebetween. At each sampling point, determining the value of the first derivative of current and detecting the sampling point at which the first derivative achieves a maximum as the start of injection. Values of the first derivative of the sampling points immediately preceding and immediately following the start of injection are determined. In a subsequent operating cycle, synchronisation of sampling is altered to shift sampling times depending on the values of the first derivative of the sampling points immediately preceding and immediately following the start of injection.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head for controlling discharging of liquid, the liquid discharge head including a valve body configured to be movable, and to be pressed towards a discharge port from which the liquid is discharged; and a recessed portion provided in the valve body at a position facing the discharge port.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling the braking pressure of a wheel brake of a slip-controllable hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle includes an armature, a valve insert, a valve seat, a valve element, and a spring device. The valve element is arranged in the valve insert in a longitudinally displaceable manner and acts together with the valve seat. The spring applies a force acting in the direction of opening with respect to the valve seat to the valve element in the installed position. The valve element can be actuated by an electromagnetic actuator in the closing direction with respect to the valve seat. The valve element is arranged between an anchor and the valve seat and is operatively connected to the anchor. A front face of the valve element facing the anchor has at least one projection and the projection defines a point of contact with the anchor.

Abstract: A traction drive system for a vehicle includes a housing, a high-speed motor, a motor controller, a transmission, a cooling system, and a lubricating oil system. The housing defines a motor cavity, an electronics cavity, an oil cavity, and a cooling fluid cavity. The cooling fluid cavity is thermally coupled to each of the motor, electronics, and oil cavities. The high-speed motor is substantially within the motor cavity and coupled to a lubricating oil system fluidically coupled to the oil cavity. The motor controller includes electronics within the electronics cavity. The transmission is mechanically coupled to the high-speed motor and coupled to the lubricating oil system fluidically coupled to the oil cavity. The cooling system is fluidically coupled to the cooling fluid cavity and configured to cool the high-speed motor, the motor controller, and the lubricating oil system.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement comprises: an electronic switch; at least one relay including a relay coil; a shunt resistor; a voltage supply device to supply an operating voltage to the at least one relay, wherein the electronic switch, the relay coil of the at least one relay, and the shunt resistor are electrically connected in series to one another between the operating voltage and ground; a current regulator to drive the electronic switch with a pulse width modulation to adjust a control current that flows through the relay coil; at least one sensor to generate sensor data indicative of shocks, impacts or vibrations acting on the at least one relay; and an evaluating unit to evaluate the sensor data, wherein the current regulator is configured to adjust the control current based on the sensor data evaluated by the evaluating unit.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided having an improved connection arrangement. The solenoid includes external wires that are coupled to internal solenoid components via terminals. Further, a sealed solenoid is provided having a housing overmolded onto a solenoid subassembly. External wires can be coupled to the solenoid after overmolding. The solenoid may also include a cavity for receiving at least one of electrical component. The solenoid may also include a powdered metal core.

Abstract: A user-wearable patch pump system for delivery of insulin or other medicament can include a patch pump having a reusable drive unit and a replaceable and refillable cartridge. The cartridge can selectively attach to and be detached from the drive unit. The cartridge can initially be inserted onto the drive unit in a first orientation at an angle to the drive unit and then be rotated to align the cartridge with the drive unit and lock the cartridge in place on the drive unit to form the patch pump.

Abstract: An electrically operated gas flow regulating valve causes a needle valve body to move axially by the rotation of an electric motor through a motion conversion mechanism. The mechanism includes: a rotating body rotated by the electric motor; a cylindrical cam body prevented from rotating; a cam pin which is engaged with a spiral cam groove formed in the cam body and which is fixed to the needle valve body. The cam body is divided into two parts of a forward-side half part and backward-side half part with the cam groove serving as a boundary. The backward-side half part is urged by a coil spring in the forward direction such that the cam pin is pinched between the forward-side side edge of cam groove formed in the forward-side half part and the backward-side side edge of cam groove formed in the backward-side half part, thereby restraining the occurrence of hysteresis.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an actuating permanent magnet and a simplified construction is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a housing having a base, a side wall extending from the base to a termination plane, and a substantially open side. The electromagnetic actuator further includes a pole piece arranged within the housing, a wire coil positioned around the pole piece and arranged within the housing, and a permanent magnet coupled to the pole piece by a spring and moveable between a first position and a second position. An actuation position of the permanent magnet between the first position and the second position is proportional to a magnitude of a current applied to the wire coil.

Abstract: Provided is a variable-capacity compressor control valve that can secure the attraction force of an electromagnetic actuator and can improve the actuation property without increasing the body size. A sub valve element or a cylindrical upper end portion thereof, which is a magnetic body made of the same magnetic material as or a different magnetic material from that of a plunger, is fixed to the inner periphery of the upper end portion of the plunger that is opposite an attractor.

Abstract: An microelectromechanical switch uses electrostatic attraction to draw a beam toward a contact and electromagnetic repulsion to disengage and repel the beam from the contact. The electrostatic attraction is generated by a gate electrode. The electromagnetic repulsion is generated between the beam and a magnetic coil positioned on the same side of the beam as the contact. The magnetic coil produces a magnetic field, which induces a current in the beam that repels the magnetic coil. The gate electrode and the magnetic coil may be co-planar or in different planes. A circuit may also operate a coil-shaped structure act as the gate electrode and the magnetic coil, depending on the configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a variable-capacity compressor control valve with a simple configuration that can increase the attraction force of an electromagnetic actuator and thus can reduce the size of the control valve. A sub valve element that is a magnetic body made of the same magnetic material as or a different magnetic material from that of a plunger, which is adapted to move a main valve element in the direction to open or close the valve orifice, is fitted in and fixed to the plunger.

Abstract: A cooling device of an internal combustion engine includes a control valve that regulates the flow of a cooling liquid in a circulation circuit, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to have the following functions: controlling driving of a motor of the control valve; determining whether or not the shifting speed of a valve body of the control valve has decreased rapidly; calculating a motor torque based on an effective voltage applied to the motor; deriving a collision factor based on a smoothed angular speed value; and when the electronic control unit determines that the shifting speed of the valve body has decreased rapidly, calculating a rapid-decrease-caused stress so as to become larger as a product of the motor torque and the collision factor becomes larger.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided having an improved connection arrangement. The solenoid includes external wires that are coupled to internal solenoid components via terminals. Further, a sealed solenoid is provided having a housing overmolded onto a solenoid subassembly. External wires can be coupled to the solenoid after overmolding. The solenoid may also include a cavity for receiving at least one of electrical component. The solenoid may also include a powdered metal core.

Abstract: An alignment member for a solenoid is provided. The solenoid includes a housing, a solenoid coil arranged within the housing, a first pole piece arranged within the housing, a second pole piece arranged at least partially within the housing, and a disk. The alignment member includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a center portion that defines a center portion diameter that is less than a diameter defined by the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A system and method to detect the loss or disruption of one or more phases of a three phase alternating current (AC) power source used in the operation of a valve actuator. The loss of one or more phases of a three phase AC power source may cause a peak in AC power output. While a peak in AC power output may not affect an operation of electronic circuitry, all three phases are often required to safely operate other hardware components, such as an AC motor that is associated with the valve actuator. Therefore, in response to detecting the loss or disruption of at least one phase of a three phase AC power source, this disclosure presents a system and method to inhibit damaging operations such as operating an AC motor associated with a valve actuator, and continuing to operate communications and diagnostic circuitry to report the condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic block includes multiple pairs of actuator ports connectable to a hydraulic actuator and a discharge oil passage for discharging work oil returned from the hydraulic actuator to the outside. The charge oil passage includes a first oil passage corresponding to a predetermined actuator port of all the actuator ports and a second oil passage corresponding to non-predetermined actuator ports other than the predetermined actuator ports. The first oil passage is disposed in parallel with the second oil passage.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly including a magnetic core defining a channel. A valve seat is received by the channel and defines a compartment. An outflow chamber is defined between the magnetic core and the valve seat. The valve seat defines an orifice that fluidly connects the compartment of the valve seat and the outflow chamber. A tappet is axially moveable to open and close the orifice. The valve seat further defines a check valve orifice fluidly connecting the compartment of the valve seat and the outflow chamber. A ball overlies the check valve orifice. A filter seat is secured to said valve seat. A ball guide is disposed in alignment with the check valve orifice and defines a guide passage that receives the ball for guiding the ball toward and away from said check valve orifice. The guide passage is defined by the valve seat and the filter seat.

Abstract: A sink plug arrangement comprises a first permanent magnet arranged to counteract movement of a sink plug within a sink outlet, wherein said sink plug is movable between a first and second state relative the sink outlet. A second permanent magnet arranged to, in the second state, repel the first magnet. A well-defined position is thereby achieved without any moving parts in the sink plug.

Abstract: An automatic valve actuator unit and method for use with an associated manual shutoff valve configured to permit or restrict the flow of fluid through an associated supply pipe. The unit comprises a housing, an attachment mechanism for securing the housing to at least one of the associated supply pipe or manual shutoff valve, and an actuator at least partially supported in the housing and having an output shaft extending from the housing. The output shaft includes a locating member supported at a distal end thereof for non-rotatingly engaging a surface of a valve handle of the associated manual shutoff valve adjacent a point of attachment of the handle to the associated manual shutoff valve, the locating member configured to center the output shaft over an axis of rotation of the handle of the associated manual shutoff valve.

Abstract: A method for fault diagnosis of a vacuum system having a vacuum source and a vacuum consumer connected to the vacuum source via a connecting line with a non-return valve disposed in the connecting line upstream of the vacuum source. The method including indirectly determining a vacuum in the vacuum consumer based on an estimated vacuum value. Providing a flow sensor, using the flow sensor to measure a flow in the connecting line and drawing a conclusion regarding a defect based on the estimated vacuum value and the flow. An exemplary embodiment may also include a combined check valve and flow sensor.

Abstract: A valve drive for an internal combustion engine may include a cam shaft, at least one cam follower, and at least one adjusting device. The at least one adjusting device may include a first adjustable engagement element and a second adjustable engagement element. The first engagement element may not contact a first guide in an initial position, and may cooperate with the first guide in a switching position. The second engagement element may not contact a second guide of a slide guide in an initial position, and may cooperate with the second guide in a switching position. The at least one adjusting device may further include a switching arrangement that may include a first control element mounted to the first engagement element and a second control element mounted to the second engagement element. The first control element and the second control element may be controllable via the switching arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling a hydraulic cylinder with a control valve in a control system. The control system comprises a voltage level shifter that produces a shift reference voltage (SHRv) substantially equal to the fraction value of a valve power supply voltage (VPSv). A controller produces a control system output voltage (CNTo) with a positive value, a negative value, or a zero value in response to a control input voltage (CNTi) and the VPSv. A voltage converter receives the SHRv and CNTo, and provides a control signal input voltage (CSi) to the control valve. The CSi is greater than the fraction value of the VPSv when the CNTo is the positive value, less than the fraction value of the VPSv when the CNTo is the negative value, and substantially equal to the fraction value of the VPSv when the CNTo is the zero value.