Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, and a fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system may further have an accumulator configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid discharged from the fluid actuator and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system may also have a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure of the accumulator, a charge valve, a discharge valve, and a controller in communication with the control valve, the charge valve, and the discharge valve. The controller may be configured to detect stall of the fluid actuator, to make a comparison of the pressure of the accumulator with a threshold pressure, and to selectively move the charge valve to charge the accumulator or move the discharge valve to discharge the accumulator during the stall based on the comparison.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system including a hydraulic power system for a hybrid powered vehicle which includes a transmission, and a combustion engine and an electric motor both mechanically coupled to the transmission to provide engine and/or motor drive power for the vehicle. A plurality of hydraulic circuits communicate with an electrically driven hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is configured to provide fluid circulation to the plurality of hydraulic circuits. The hydraulic circuits are each connected to the transmission and other corresponding vehicle components. An electrical power supply is configured to power the electrically driven hydraulic pump, and the electrical power supply is electrically communicating with a rechargeable high voltage (HV) battery system. The electrically driven hydraulic pump communicates with the plurality of hydraulic circuits to provide fluid pressure in the hydraulic circuits.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, a swing motor, and at least one control valve configured to control fluid flow between the pump, the swing motor, and the tank. The hydraulic system may also have an accumulator configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid discharged from the swing motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the swing motor, at least one accumulator valve, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive input indicative of a difference between desired and actual speeds of the swing motor, and determine if the swing motor is accelerating or decelerating based on the difference. The controller may also be configured to control the at least one accumulator valve to cause the accumulator to selectively receive or supply pressurized fluid only when the swing motor is accelerating or decelerating.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an implement movable to perform an excavation cycle having a plurality of segments, a variable displacement motor configured to swing the implement at a desired speed during the excavation cycle, and a pump configured to pressurize fluid directed to drive the motor. The system further includes an accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor via a charge valve, and to discharge fluid to the motor via a discharge valve. The system includes a selector valve fluidly connected to the charge valve and the discharge valve. The system also includes a controller configured to vary displacement of the motor, resulting in the desired speed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use in a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool, a motor configured to swing the work tool, a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, and a control valve operable to control fluid flow from the pump to the motor and from the motor to the tank via first and second chamber passages to affect motion of the motor. The hydraulic control system may also have an accumulator, and an accumulator circuit configured to selectively direct fluid discharged from the motor to the accumulator for storage and to direct stored fluid from the accumulator to the motor to assist the motor. The hydraulic control system may further have a selector valve configured to selectively connect a higher pressure one of the first and second chamber passages with the accumulator, and a single pressure relief valve disposed within the accumulator circuit and configured to relief pressure from opposing sides of the motor.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems that use a variable displacement motor-pump (VDMP) to control the position of a hose of an aerial refueling system are disclosed. At VDMP displacements greater than required to hold a position of the hose, the VDMP operates in a motor mode to retract the hose. For lesser VDMP displacements, the VDMP operates in a pump mode to control extension of the hose. In accordance with some embodiments, a dual orifice conveys hydraulic fluid at varying rates depending upon the VDMP operational mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a lubrication system for a machine comprising: a direct current (DC) motor; a battery system for powering the DC motor; a lubricating system in communication with the DC motor, the lubricating system including a supply of lubricating oil and a pump for delivering the lubricating oil to at least one component of the machine requiring lubrication; a hydraulic motor operably coupled to a shaft of the DC motor; a supply of a pressurized fluid in communication with the hydraulic motor; and a control device for discharging the supply of pressurized fluid into the hydraulic motor to power the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor, when powered by the supply of pressurized fluid, is operable to turn the shaft of the DC motor, thereby reducing an operating current supplied to the DC motor by the battery system.

Abstract: A control system for a swashplate pump is disclosed. The control system may have a tiltable swashplate, at least one actuator movable to tilt the swashplate, a supply of pressurized fluid, and a drain. The control system may also have a first circuit connectable to the supply of pressurized fluid and to the drain and configured to control operation of the at least one actuator, and a second circuit connectable to the supply of pressurized fluid and to the drain and configured to control operation of the at least one actuator. The control system may further have a failsafe valve configured to connect the first circuit to at least one of the supply and the drain only during a normal operating condition, and to connect the second circuit to the supply and to the drain only during a failsafe condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using compressed gas in a vehicle. The methods include generating mechanical energy by expanding stored compressed gas through a turbine-compressor and distributing the mechanical energy to the engine, motor-generator, or a wheel. The compressed gas vehicle system includes a flask connected to a turbine-compressor, which may be interconnected to the engine and the motor-generator. The system may also include an electric wheel-motor connected electrically to the motor-generator.

Abstract: In various embodiments, compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems feature one or more valves, which may be disposed within end caps of cylinder assemblies in which gas is expanded and/or compressed, for admitting fluid to and/or exhausting fluid from the cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A braking system, in particular for a motor vehicle, including a braking force device having a brake booster for boosting a braking force and a brake pressure supply device for providing brake pressure with the aid of a brake medium, a braking device which may be acted on by pressure by the brake medium with the aid of the brake pressure supply device, and at least one sensor which is designed to detect a distance differential of a displacement means for the displacement of a volume of the brake medium of the braking force device. The braking force device is designed to ascertain the volume of brake medium to be displaced on the basis of the detected distance differential.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic controller feedback system and method including an electrohydraulic operator controller and a feedback mechanism is disclosed. An operator controls a machine hydraulic function using the electrohydraulic operator controller, the feedback system senses a property of the hydraulic function, and generates tactile feedback in the electrohydraulic operator controller based on the sensed property. The electrohydraulic operator controller can be, for example, a joystick or control lever. The tactile feedback can be vibrations that vary based on the sensed property. The vibration can vary according to a profile relating the vibration amount to the sensed property. The profile can include portions of various shapes, for example, linear, exponential or parabolic, and can include breakpoints. The profile can include high sensitivity regions where small changes in the sensed property result in large vibration changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.

Abstract: There is provided an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not an output measurement unit is abnormal, in order to determine abnormality of the output measurement unit. When the output measurement unit is abnormal, the operation of an elastic actuator is controlled not in accordance with a measurement result of the output measurement unit but in accordance with an internal state model.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a flow control valve both being in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. Also provided is a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: In a work vehicle, a control section increases the displacement of a hydraulic motor for travel when the drive circuit pressure becomes larger than a target pressure determined according to the engine rotational speed, and reduces the displacement of the hydraulic motor when the drive circuit pressure becomes smaller than the target pressure. The control section increases the target pressure of the hydraulic motor for travel when changing the matching point of the absorption torque curve of the hydraulic pump with respect to the output torque curve of the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a hydraulic actuator, and at least one valve configured to regulate fluid flows associated with the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may also have an operator interface device configured to generate a position signal indicative of a desired movement velocity of the hydraulic actuator, a mode switch movable to generate a mode signal indicative of desired operation in one of a normal control mode and a fine control mode, and a controller. The controller may be configured to move the at least one valve to a first position based on the position signal when the mode signal indicates desired operation in the normal mode, and to move the at least one valve to a second position based on the position signal when the mode signal indicates desired operation in the fine control mode.

Abstract: A method for charging an accumulator is disclosed. The method includes pumping pressurized fluid from an output port of a hydraulic pump to the accumulator to charge the accumulator, and flowing makeup fluid from a hydraulic actuator system to an input port of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system having at least an implement pump, a fan-steering-braking (FSB) pump, a valve assembly, a fan drive system and one or more accumulators. The method may determine an operational state of a power source associated with the hydraulic system, actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the FSB pump charges the accumulators and operates at least the fan drive system if the power source is operating at less than maximum power, and actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the accumulators operate at least the fan drive system and such that the FSB pump supplements the implement pump as needed if the power source is operating at maximum power.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first and a second passage, and discharge fluid at an elevated pressure into the other of the passages. The hydraulic system may also have an actuator coupled to the pump via the first and second passages, a charge circuit, and a makeup valve movable by a pressure differential between the first and second passages to connect the charge circuit with a lower pressure one of the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may further have a first force modulation control valve configured to selectively direct fluid from the pump through the makeup valve to the second passage to bypass the actuator, and a second force modulation control valve configured to selectively direct fluid from the pump through the makeup valve to the first passage to bypass the actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first and second passage, and discharge fluid into the other of the passages. The hydraulic system may also have an actuator coupled to the pump via the passages, a charge circuit, a makeup valve movable to pass fluid from a higher pressure one of the first and second passages, and a force modulation control valve disposed between the makeup valve and the charge circuit. The force modulation control valve may be movable between a first position at which fluid passed from the higher-pressure one of the first and second passages is directed into the charge circuit, and at least a second position at which fluid from the higher-pressure one of the first and second passages is directed into a lower-pressure one of the first and second passages and blocked from the charge circuit.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is provided. The hydraulic circuit includes a primary pump, a displacement actuator, a charge pump, a direction control valve, and a pressure control valve. The displacement actuator is associated with the primary pump. The charge pump is configured to generate a flow of a pilot fluid. The direction control valve is configured to control the flow of the pilot fluid to the displacement actuator to affect a movement direction of the displacement actuator. The pressure control valve is configured to control a pressure of the pilot fluid to affect a movement amount of the displacement actuator. Further, the hydraulic circuit includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the direction and the pressure control valves to adjust a displacement of the primary pump based at least on one of a sensed engine parameter or a mode of operation of the primary pump.

Abstract: A method for reducing vibrations in a working machine is provided. The working machine includes a hydraulic system with a hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to at least one working function. The hydraulic machine is driven by a drive source haying a variable speed of rotation. The method includes identifying a resonance frequency for the working machine, and controlling the drive source so as to counteract waves with the resonance frequency.

Abstract: There is provided an energy storage system. The system includes a storage tank, a reservoir connected to the storage tank configured to store fluid and exchange the stored fluid with the storage tank, at least one path configured to transfer the stored fluid between the storage tank and the reservoir, a pump configured to inject the stored fluid into the storage tank and compress air in the storage tank, and a generator configured to generate electricity by using the injected fluid transferred from the storage tank to the reservoir.

Abstract: A machine includes a hydraulic cylinder configured to raise and lower a boom of the machine, and an accumulator selectively fluidly connected to the hydraulic cylinder. The accumulator is configured to receive fluid from the hydraulic cylinder during lowering of the boom. The machine also includes a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the accumulator via an independent metering valve. The machine further includes a fan driven by the hydraulic motor and configured to assist in cooling fluid displaced from the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An energy storage system that includes a compressor for compressing a gas, a thermal energy storage for cooling the gas coming from the compressor to a given temperature by heating a thermal storage medium to store thermal energy and a reservoir for storing the compressed gas. The energy system also includes a heat recuperator for further cooling the gas coming from the compressor and thermal energy storage below the given temperature by heating the gas supplied to the compressor.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a hydrostatic drive system for a vehicle (10), which may comprises an open circuit a closed circuit (120), and a combiner valve (118). The open circuit (100) may include a main hydraulic pump (102) configured to be driven by an internal combustion engine (12), and configured to drive at least one hydraulic consumer (34, 44, 50). The closed circuit (120) may include an auxiliary hydraulic pump (170) configured to travel the vehicle (10), and an hydraulic motor (146) connected to the auxiliary hydraulic pump (170). A pressure-relief valve (164) is sized and configured to drain the hydraulic fluid circulating within the closed circuit (120) and exceeding the maximum capacity of the auxiliary pump (170) to a reservoir (300) even if hydraulic fluid is diverted from the open circuit (100) into the closed circuit (120). The combiner valve (118) is connected to both the open circuit (100) and the closed circuit (120).

Abstract: A method of controlling an automated transmission for motor vehicles with one or several pressure activated positioning cylinders (6, 8, 20), via the assigned shift valves (10, 12), at least one main cut-off valve (4) which is positioned prior to the shift valves, and a control device for controlling the shift and main cut-off valves. The pressure requests, for the shifting, are determined and the respective main cut-off valves are triggered depending on the determined pressure requests. To enable a variable match of the supply pressure during transmission shifts, respective optimized pressures or pressure patterns are determined for certain shift scenarios which, for instance, consider a mass to be synchronized, the existence of a tooth-on-tooth position, or the like. Through this method, for instance, the load on shift elements, the shift timing, and the shift noise can be positively influenced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit comprising: an accumulator (11) a hydraulic device (1) a primary line (12) and a secondary line (13) connecting each said accumulator (11) to the hydraulic device (1), the primary line (12) comprising a restriction (14) and a primary distributor (15) adapted to selectively connect the hydraulic device (1) to the accumulator (11) or to a tank (R), the secondary line (13) comprising a secondary distributor (16) alternating between a first configuration in which it blocks the secondary line (13), and a second configuration in which it is passing, said secondary distributor (16) being controlled via the pressure within the primary line (12) downstream of the primary distributor (15) relative to the hydraulic accumulator (11), such that switching from the first to the second configuration of the secondary distributor (16) takes place only when the pressure in the primary line (12) reaches a threshold value.

Abstract: In various embodiments, energy is stored or recovered via super-atmospheric compression and/or expansion of gas in conjunction with substantially adiabatic compression and/or expansion from or to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A pressure transmission device for a power-assisted braking system of a vehicle; at its inlet, the pressure transmission device being connectible in a hydraulically operative manner to a master brake cylinder of the power-assisted braking system, and at its outlet, the pressure transmission device being connectible in a hydraulically operative manner to a wheel brake cylinder of the power-assisted braking system; the pressure transmission device including an accumulator and a linkage, which transmits a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet to the accumulator and stores it in this.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively charging and discharging a steering accumulator are provided. One vehicle steering system includes a hydraulic pump configured provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in steering the vehicle. The steering system also includes an accumulator configured to hold pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump for use in steering the vehicle in case of need. The steering system includes a charging circuit configured to selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator based on a fluid pressure applied by a first pilot and a second pilot. The steering system includes a charging bypass circuit configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow to a steering control unit and to bypass the charging circuit. The hydraulic pump supplies fluid to the charging circuit and the bypass circuit.

Abstract: The brake or coupling system (1) comprises a first piston (2) arranged in a first piston cylinder (3) thereby forming a first piston chamber (5) and a second piston (8) arranged in a second piston cylinder (9) thereby forming a second piston chamber (10). The first piston (2) is adapted to be displaced between a braking position and a rest position. The first piston (2) is spring biased in the direction of its rest position, and the second piston (8) is adapted to adjust a distance (X) provided between a friction element (6) and a rotatable element (7) in the rest position of the first piston (2) by means of adjustment of a volume of hydraulic fluid trapped in the second piston chamber (10). At least one spring element is arranged to act between the first and second pistons (2, 8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clean energy generation by means of Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) in closed circuit by a batch process or by a consecutive sequential process comprises two sections; one of a disengaged Side Conduit (SC) undergoing replacement of High Salinity Diluted Concentrates (HSDC) by fresh High Salinity Feed (HSF); and the other of a close circuit system with 3 modules connected in parallel wherein Low salinity feed (LSF) is continuously supplied and whereas part of the HSDC is being recycled through said modules and the other part used for power generation by means of a fixed speed turbine (T) and 3 rated generators (G1, G2 and G3) which are actuated simultaneously or separately as function the power availability during the PRO process. Periodic engagement of said SC with HSF and the closed circuit enable replacement of pressurized HSDC by fresh HSF without stopping the power generation process.

Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22) adapted to operate a hydraulic actuator (16) of an auxiliary tool (12) when the auxiliary tool (12) is attached to the work machine. The auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22) is electrically controlled by a controller unit (24) in a proportional mode or a continuous mode.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, foam is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: A lifting system for a jib of an operating machine that includes an energy storage device having an energy storage cylinder and an accumulator, the energy storage cylinder having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and an energy storage piston rod connected to the jib. The upper part of the accumulator is filled with gas, and the lower part of the accumulator is filled with hydraulic oil and communicates with the lower chamber of the energy storage cylinder. The lifting system also includes a hydraulic pump and a control cylinder for controlling the lifting of the jib, which comprises an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a control piston rod connected to the jib.

Abstract: An energy storage system is disclosed for use in a hydraulic system for moving a structural member such as a boom assembly. The system features at least one work cylinder and an additional energy storage cylinder that assists in raising and lowering functions by storing and withdrawing pressurized fluid from an accumulator. The pressurized fluid in the accumulator may be used for raising operations as well as digging and tamping operations. Further, the energy recovery features may be selectively disconnected during either a raising or lowering operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic device, in particular for actuating a clutch, including a hydraulic working cylinder, which is arranged near the clutch and which is connected to a volumetric flow source via a hydraulic line. The volumetric flow rate of the volumetric flow source can be influenced by a control unit according to signals of the sensors associated with the hydraulic device. The volumetric flow source is formed by a combination of an electric motor and a pump arranged in a common housing.

Abstract: Hydraulic unit adapted for connection to master and slave actuator system includes three valves, the first configured for selective fluid passage between the cap ends, the second configured for selective fluid passage between the slave cap end and an accumulator, and the third fluidly coupled for selective fluid passage between each of a single pump and the accumulator, and the slave cap end. During actuator retraction, the valves permit pressurized fluid in the slave cap end to be delivered to accumulator for storage; during extension, the valves permit pressurized fluid from pump and accumulator to be delivered to the slave cap end.

Abstract: A system for supplying compressed air to a pneumatic network includes a load compressor, an air supply and a power shaft driving the load compressor. The system also includes in an air outlet of such load compressor, a connecting channel connected, on the one side, with a channel connected with the pneumatic network and, on the other side, with an air discharge conduct towards an exhaust nozzle. Air flow rate bleed valves are controlled by a processing unit via servo-loops as a function of the pressure sensors and the speed sensor.

Abstract: A control for an excavator of the type having a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for moving excavator components such that digging is accomplished at a worksite with an excavator bucket or other excavator implement, includes a plurality of hydraulic control valves, each of which is associated with a respective one of the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the application of hydraulic fluid pressure to the respective one of the hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of manually actuated joystick valves for supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the respective hydraulic control valves to control the movement of the hydraulic cylinders. The control includes a sensor arrangement for sensing the position of one or more excavator components.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry depressurizing system that includes a liquid expansion system configured to continuously receive a slurry at a first pressure and continuously discharge the slurry at a second pressure. For example, the slurry depressurizing system may include an expansion turbine to expand the slurry from the first pressure to the second pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for energy recovery in a hydrogen or natural gas hybrid electric vehicle includes a turbine positioned between a compressed hydrogen or natural gas storage cylinder and an internal combustion engine. The turbine receives the compressed gas from the storage cylinder, reduces the pressure of the compressed gas, and supplies the compressed gas at a reduced pressure to the internal combustion engine. The turbine is connected to a generator and uses energy extracted from the pressure reduction of the compressed gas to drive the generator. The generator is further connected to a battery of the hybrid electric vehicle and acts as a power source for the battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a hydraulic pump of a wheel loader, which drives a working machine as necessary, thereby improving the acceleration performance of and more particularly, to a method for controlling a hydraulic pump in order to improve acceleration performance of the wheel loader in a situation in which an injection amount of fuel is limited during an acceleration process of the wheel loader in accordance with stricter regulations on exhaust gas.

Abstract: A Floating Salt Farm is an offshore system in which its purpose is to produce crystallized salt and bittern using the evaporation process. This present application is regarding three different applications of the bittern produced using the Floating Salt Farm: (1) An osmotic power (or salinity gradient power) plant is used jointly with the Floating Salt Farm to generate electricity at offshore locations by using produced bittern and extracted seawater; (2) The bittern and/or crystallized salt to be used to melt ice and snow are produced with the Floating Salt Farm by using seawater, in which has been affected by volcanic activities and has substantial silica content (silicon dioxide); (3) In a halophyte farm, where there may not be saline water readily available, the bittern produced using the Floating Salt Farm is applied to the saline soil to adjust its salinity level to maintain proper conditions for halophytes.

Abstract: A compressed air supply installation for operating a pneumatic installation, especially an air suspension installation of a vehicle, includes: an air supply unit and an air compression unit for supplying a compressed air supply unit with compressed air, a pneumatic connection, especially a bleeding line, comprising a bleeding valve system in the form of a controllable solenoid valve system and a bleeding port for bleeding air, and a pneumatic connection, especially a compressed air supply line, comprising an air drier and a compressed air port for supplying the compressed air. The solenoid valve system comprises a primary valve and a secondary valve, which are actuatable by a controller of the solenoid valve system that is common to both valves and acts upon both valves.

Abstract: A method for controlling a working machine including a hydraulic system for controlling a plurality of work functions, including lift and tilt of an implement, includes the steps of determining a maximum pressure of a hydraulic fluid for performing a certain task with the implement individually for at least one of the work functions, and delivering the hydraulic fluid, pressurized at most to the determined maximum pressure, to the work function.