Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the simple removal of liquid condensate, in particular of water of condensation, from compressed-air systems alternately subjected in operation to positive pressure and atmospheric pressure. The compressed-air system is first of all connected for a limited period, at intervals or after each subjection to positive pressure, to a vacuum generator in order to promote re-evaporation of the condensate and is evacuated by the latter before atmospheric pressure is passed in or let in again. In certain embodiments, a highly restricted reverse flow through the compressed-air system is permitted. The method is particularly suitable for use in small-volume compressed-air systems which do not have to be permanently subjected to positive pressure, e.g., in pneumatic door-closing aids for motor cars.

Abstract: A seawater power source for providing pressurized seawater to hydraulic ts which utilize the pressurized seawater as their operating fluid. Included in the present invention is a diesel engine for driving a source of compressed air which, in turn, drives a first pump for withdrawing seawater from the ocean and transferring the seawater to a reservoir, and a second pump driven by the diesel engine for withdrawing seawater from the reservoir, pressurizing the seawater and supplying the pressurized seawater to the hydraulic tools. The present invention also includes a unique hose reel which facilitates the changing of tools by allowing an operator to change pressure and fluid flow rate while the seawater power source is operational.

Abstract: The invention provides a brake booster including in a preferred embodiment a housing, first and second annular flexible diaphragms spaced from one another forming a sealed second chamber within the housing and a sealed first chamber between the first diaphragm and the first end of the housing, a generally annular shaped power piston for connection with the master cylinder piston, a chamber valve seat separating the first and second chambers, an inlet valve slidably mounted within the power piston, and a control valve spring biased away from the power piston and connected with the pedal linkage and being slidably and sealably mounted within first end of the housing.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission having a housing with a sump and a pair of hydraulic displacement units interconnected by first and second fluid passages. A pair of bypass valves can be opened to place said first and second fluid passages in fluid communication. A recess, formed in the lower part of the housing, holds make-up oil and communicates with said first and second fluid passages when the bypass valves are opened. A passage extends upwardly from the housing recess and has its upper end normally sealed by seal means. A manually operable bypass rod extends lengthwise of the passage into the area of the housing recess and has structure associated therewith for causing opening of the bypass valves.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic apparatus is disclosed having a hydraulic device (14) receiving conditioned hydraulic fluid directly from an inlet port (62) in a case (12) full of hydraulic fluid (16) with the conditioned hydraulic fluid having a characteristic which is better than the characteristic of the fluid within the case. The characteristic may be that the hydraulic fluid is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the hydraulic fluid within the case, is filtered, or is deaerated. Cooled hydraulic fluid is supplied from a heat exchanger (58) in fluid communication between an outlet port of the case and the inlet port of the case to supply the hydraulic fluid contained within the case. The hydraulic fluid is filtered by a filter (54) external to the case. A deaerator (65) may be located in a fluid circuit external to the case between a scavenge pump (50) and the inlet port (67). Hydraulic fluid is pumped by a charge pump (26) to the input port (72) of the hydraulic device.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated tilt and trim system having an arrangement for permitting retraction of the trim cylinders when the outboard drive is in its tilted up out of the water condition. An arrangement for bleeding air from the system and for adding make up fluid to the system through the trim retraction circuit.

Abstract: Vapor guard systems which prevent vapors from reaching a servomotor from a power source for the servomotor. One embodiment uses a control valve which directs such vapors to a vapor trap filter under conditions where vapor flow may be toward the servomotor, and operates to permit purging of the vapor trap filter when there is flow only away from the servomotor. Another embodiment uses an in-line vapor trap filter and a vapor trap canister, normally used to trap fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank, to trap fuel vapors from the power source. Both the in-line vapor trap filter and the canister are purged of adsorber vapors where the power source is operating.

Abstract: A container arrangement for supplying with an oil a hydraulic system and a transmission of a vehicle, the arrangement comprises an element containing a supply of an oil to be used both for a hydraulic system and a transmission of the vehicle, a lubricant pump for supplying the oil to the transmission, a hydraulic pump for supplying the oil to the hydraulic system, and an additional container located above an oil level in the element so that the hydraulic pump aspirates always filtered oil from the additional container for the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (10) of the type for steering a boat including a hydraulic cylinder (18) having port and starboard sides (20, 22) and a piston (24) within the cylinder (18) moveable therebetween. A steering pump (12) has first and second fluid outlets (14, 16). Port and starboard hydraulic lines (26, 28) interconnect the port and starboard sides (20, 22) to the first and second outlets (14, 16) respectively, for fluid communication therebetween. A closed separator tank (30) separates air from hydraulic fluid. The tank (30) includes port and starboard tank line (32, 34) in fluid communication with the port and starboard hydraulic lines (26, 28) respectively. The tank (30) includes a bleeder valve mechanism for selectively allowing fluid flow in one direction from the port tank line (32) into the separator tank (30) and out the starboard tank line (34) and alternatively in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydraulic actuation via multiple synchronized hydraulic motors with air purging, synchronizing, and force limiting features.

Abstract: In a hydraulic system for a combine harvester, each of three subsystems is supplied with fluid through its own individual reservoir outlet. The total return flows from the three subsystems is distributed between two inlet ports of the reservoir. A pair of wire mesh delivery tubes is connected between the respective return inlet ports and two of the outlet ports. The hydraulic circuitry is arranged so that the return flow at each inlet port exceeds the supply flow demanded at the corresponding outlet port so that, while some of the return fluid is directly recirculated through the delivery tube to that outlet, there is a net flow outwards through the wire mesh of the tubes to mix with the fluid supply held in the reservoir.

Abstract: A waterproof seal ring, to be fitted between the contacting surfaces of a master cylinder body and the front wall of a power booster housing surrounding a bulge of the housing through which a push rod is inserted and having a downwardly extended passage groove formed in the lower part of the wall, has a circumferential vent groove formed on the pressure-contact side of the ring. The vent groove is communicated at the lower end with the passage groove in the front wall of the booster housing and at the upper end with the space inside the bulge.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and replacing fluids of hydraulic brake systems is pided. The method may be implemented to either clean the system and resupply the same type of fluid or replace one type of brake fluid with a new and different type of brake fluid. The method includes the use of an intermediate solvent fluid, generally in combination with air, to dilute the first contaminated brake fluid which, in turn, is displaced by the introduction of the new brake fluid, whether it be of the same or different type. The purpose of the intermediate fluid is to flush the contaminated fluid from the system as well as to alter the properties of the contaminated fluid. The use of the intermediate solvent induces a reversal of the phases of the two respective brake fluids by modifying the density of the fluid with which it is mixed.

Abstract: In a power steering system, for a vehicle, including a reservoir, an engine-driven pump, a double-acting hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly and a steering-wheel-operated hydrostatic steering unit which can function as a manually-operated emergency steering pump, sufficient oil for emergency operation of the hydrostatic steering unit must be retained in the system if the connection between the outlet of the engine-driven pump and the inlet of the hydrostatic steering unit should fracture. The reservoir accordingly comprises an outer casing adapted to breath air at its upper end and having an outlet at its lower end adapted to communicate with the inlet of the engine-driven pump, and an inner casing having a port at its lower end adapted to communicate with a port of the hydrostatic steering unit and an oil outlet at its upper end communicating with the interior of the outer casing.

Abstract: A method and device for purging air from the hydraulic brake system of vehicles wherein the master brake cylinder is connected hydraulically to a sump return conduit of a hydraulic component of the main hydraulic system which combines with a restriction associated with the master cylinder to cause a flow of pressure fluid from the return conduit through the brake system when air bleed valves in the brake system are open.

Abstract: The device comprises in a body a pressure limiting stage, a second stage constituting a fluid check and retarding valve and piloting means between these two stages. The second stage comprises regulating means which are easily accessible from outside the body. The device is particularly compact and is of high interest, for example when it is incorporated in a self-contained cylinder structure.

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic fluid circuit for purging air from a hydraulic brake system in either an agricultural or industrial type of tractor vehicle by diverting hydraulic fluid through the auxiliary circuit from the hydraulic power system of the tractor into the hydraulic brake system. The fluid diverted into the brake system is observed flowing, through transparent means in conduits comprising the auxiliary circuit, until the fluid flow is clear, to the reservoir of the hydraulic power system. At which event, the brake system is now purged of air and the hydraulic circuit is disconnected between the tractor hydraulic power and brake systems.

Abstract: Provided in the hydraulic system for a skid-steer loader is a porting block controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to the driving portion of the hydraulic system. The porting block directs fluid flow to the hydrostatic pumps actuating hydrostatic drivng motors associated with the drive mechanism of a skid-steer loader. Provided within the porting block is a filter for hydraulic fluid as well as a "cold weather" by-pass for hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An injection molding machine base has a generally rectangular form having as an integral part thereof a hydraulic return line formed within the base. The return line is straight, has clean-out openings at each end, and no obstructions therein whereby removal of closures at each end exposes the entire cross-section for cleaning. Hydraulic equipment on the machine exhausts directly into this maze. One end of the base has a connection to the hydraulic reservoir for the machine.

Abstract: A power steering system has a valve between the pump and steering unit. The valve maintains a constant pressure differential so that the pump is unable to deliver aerated fluid to the unit in the event of loss of fluid or fracture of a pipe.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydrostatic drive unit having a variable displacement fluid pump driven by an electric motor for generating high-pressure fluid adapted to be communicated to a fluid motor and returned to the fluid pump via a high-pressure filter. The closed-loop hydrostatic drive unit is mounted to a rectangularly-shaped reservoir housing having upper and bottom surfaces connected by side walls and end walls to define therein a chamber for the storage of fluid at a low pressure which is communicated to the fluid pump via a charge pump and suitable conduits and check valves. In a first embodiment of the invention the interior of the reservoir housing is divided by means of a partition to define the fluid-holding chamber, while the remaining portion of the reservoir housing defines a separate chamber for the mounting and storage of the high-pressure filter and/or other selected fluid power components.

Abstract: A mixed loop hydrostatic transmission circuit for use principally with orbit, gear, vane and other non-piston type motors, which generate contaminants making them less suitable for applications using conventional closed loop hydrostatic transmission circuits. The mixed loop hydrostatic transmission drive retains the precise load control and high efficiency of a closed loop system, while introducing the benefits of contamination control of open loop hydrostatic transmission circuits. While maintaining the speed of the motor proportional to the output flow of the pump, both in positive and regenerative modes of operation, the flow of fluid is diverted from the motor to an injector type inlet booster connected to the reservoir, which supplies the full flow of fluid, required by the pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit comprises a first tank elevated above a second tank and openly communicating therewith by a conduit adapted to continuously maintain the second tank at full capacity with a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is pumped out of the second tank and to a work system wherefrom it is recircuited back through a filtering system, retained in the first tank. Upon malfunctioning of the filtering system to prevent the egress of hydraulic fluid therethrough, the increased pressure level of the recircuited hydraulic fluid will function to open a directional control check valve in the second tank to by-pass the conduit normally communicating hydraulic fluid from the first tank to the second tank.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydrostatic drive unit having a variable displacement fluid pump driven by an electric motor for generating high-pressure fluid adapted to be communicated to a fluid motor and returned to the fluid pump via a high-pressure filter. The closed-loop hydrostatic drive unit is mounted to a rectangularly-shaped reservoir housing having upper and bottom surfaces connected by side walls and end walls to define therein a chamber for the storage of fluid at a low pressure which is communicated to the fluid pump via a charge pump and suitable conduits and check valves. In a first embodiment of the invention the interior of the reservoir housing is divided by means of a partition to define the fluid-holding chamber, while the remaining portion of the reservoir housing defines a separate chamber for the mounting and storage of the high-pressure filter and/or other selected fluid power components.

Abstract: A mixed loop hydrostatic transmission circuit for use principally with orbit, gear, vane and other non-piston type motors, which generate contaminants making them less suitable for applications using conventional closed loop hydrostatic transmission circuits. The mixed loop hydrostatic transmission drive retains the precise load control and high efficiency of a closed loop system, while introducing the benefits of contamination control of open loop hydrostatic transmission circuits. While maintaining the speed of the motor proportional to the output flow of the pump, both in positive and regenerative modes of operation, the full flow of fluid is diverted from the motor to the reservoir, while the full flow of fluid, required by the pump, is supplied directly from the system reservoir.

Abstract: An air extracting system for a hydraulic steering apparatus which has a pump, a reservoir and a piston-cylinder mechanism which is geared to the steering gear. A two-position changeover valve is positioned in the hydraulic circuit between the pump and the piston cylinder mechanism, which in one position connects them in a closed circuit and in the other position connects the return portion of the hydraulic circuit to the reservoir. The piston has a bore therethrough with a two way check valve therein with a check valve opening element which opens the check valve at the end of the stroke of the piston. When the changeover valve is positioned to connect the return of the hydraulic circuit to the reservoir, when the piston reaches the end of its stroke, the check valve is opened to cause air in the system to pass through the check valve and through the changeover valve to the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic filtering and reservoir means to accommodate changing rates of hydraulic fluid flow through a variable displacement pump. A constant displacement pump and a variable displacement pump are used in the system to provide filtered pressurized fluid for hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder comprises a piston reciprocally mounted in a housing thereof. A pair of annular sealing means, slidably receiving a rod of the piston, are disposed on either side of an annular chamber which has pressurized fluid pumped therethrough for flushing purposes.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (10) of the type for steering a boat including a hydraulic cylinder (18) having port and starboard sides (20, 22) and a piston (24) within the cylinder (18) moveable therebetween. A steering pump (12) has first and second fluid outlets (14, 16). Port and starboard hydraulic lines (26, 28) interconnect the port and starboard sides (20, 22) to the first and second outlets (14, 16) respectively, for fluid communication therebetween. A closed separator tank (30) separates air from hydraulic fluid. The tank (30) includes port and starboard tank .[.line.]. .Iadd.lines .Iaddend.(32, 34) in fluid communication with the port and starboard hydraualic lines (26, 28) respectively. The tank (30) includes a bleeder valve mechanism for selectively allowing fluid flow in one direction from the port tank line (32) into the separator tank (30) and out the starboard tank line (34) and alternatively in the opposite direction.