Of By-pass Of Motor, Pump Or Flow Control Element Patents (Class 60/468)
  • Patent number: 7191594
    Abstract: A hydrostatic stepless transmission comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, at least one of the hydraulic pump and motor being variable in displacement; a closed circuit for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump and motor to each other therethrough, the closed circuit including a pair of oil passages between the hydraulic pump and motor, one of the oil passages being hydraulically higher-pressured and the other being hydraulically depressed when the hydraulic pump delivers oil to the hydraulic motor; a speed change operation device for changing output rotational speed of the hydraulic motor; and a leak valve connected to the speed change operation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 7191593
    Abstract: The system includes a hydraulic powered actuator. A pump system having first and second hydraulic lines is coupled to the first and second ports, respectively and is capable of providing hydraulic fluid to either the first and second lines. First and second pressure sensors are coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. A third line is coupled between the first and second lines and includes first and second valves mounted in series therein. Preferably, the first and second valves are capable of latching in the open position. A reservoir is coupled to the third line between the first and second valves. A shut off valve is included for cutting off the flow from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Yuhang Ho
  • Patent number: 7168246
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a working machine includes hydraulic actuators, a hydraulic pump which functions as a hydraulic power source, control valves which control the actuators on the basis of operations by an operating unit, a common bleed-off valve which returns excess oil to a tank via an unload passage on the basis of the operations by the operating unit, and a control unit which controls the common bleed-off valve. The common bleed-off valve is capable of setting a position for closing the unload passage when the common bleed-off valve is in a non-operating state. The control valves have center bypass passages which function as individual bleed-off passages which open when the control valves are in neutral states. Opening characteristics of the control valves are set such that the center bypass passages are closed in initial stroke periods in which the control valves move toward operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Toji, Hidekazu Oka
  • Patent number: 7165950
    Abstract: A two-stage pressure relief valve for use with hydraulic systems is disclosed. The two-stage pressure relief valve has a first stage that relieves increases in hydraulic system pressure over the normal operating pressure and up to a selected threshold pressure level, and a second stage that brings the hydraulic system pressure down to a selected reduced operating pressure that is below the normal operating pressure in response to increases in the operating pressure over the threshold pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, Darrel B. Bryan, David P. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7165395
    Abstract: A system and method of achieving ride control for a work vehicle that replaces a traditional accumulator with a ride control valve, a directional control valve and a fluid pressure source. The fluid pressure source may be a variable displacement hydraulic pump. The ride control valve is set to a first relief pressure that allows fluid to flow from the head end of a hydraulic cylinder when the loading on the cylinder, i.e., the pressure in the head end is equal to or greater than the first relief pressure. A work tool of the vehicle falls from a first position to a second position when fluid flows from the head end. The ride control valve is then reset to a second relief pressure, higher than the first relief pressure and sufficient to move the work tool toward the first position. Afterwards, the directional control valve is opened long enough to allow fluid from the fluid pressure source to enter the head end and move the work tool back to approximately the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Eric Richard Anderson, Russell Arthur Schneidewind, William Daniel Robinson, Daniel Lawrence Pflieger, Daniel Warren Williams
  • Patent number: 7162869
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a tank adapted to store a supply of fluid and a source of pressurized fluid in fluid communication with the tank. A first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid. A first fluid return line is adapted to direct a return flow of fluid from the first hydraulic actuator to the tank and a second fluid return line is adapted to direct a return flow of fluid from the second hydraulic actuator to the tank. A pressure control device is disposed in the second fluid return line and is operable to selectively adjust a magnitude of fluid pressure in the second fluid return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc, Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd
    Inventor: Kazunori Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7155909
    Abstract: A hydraulic controller for working machine according to the present invention, which presupposes an electronic control system where an integrated bleed-off valve common to hydraulic actuators is used for bleed-off control and the bleed-off valve is controlled by the secondary pressure of a proportional solenoid valve controlled by a controller, is constituted to compensate supply of a pressure oil for the hydraulic actuators even if the secondary pressure of the proportional solenoid valve is stopped, by providing, at the bleed-off valve, a fail-safe position with a fail-safe path which opens with an opening having smaller area than an unload opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Toji
  • Patent number: 7155906
    Abstract: In a hydraulic power steering system employing a power cylinder accommodating therein a piston connected to a steering mechanism for steering assistance, and having first and second hydraulic chambers defined on both sides of the piston, hydraulic pressure is supplied through first and second fluid lines to the respective hydraulic chambers. A communicating circuit is provided to intercommunicate the first and second fluid lines therevia. A directional control valve, disposed in the communicating circuit, has a poppet valve mechanism, which is switched to a valve-open position in presence of a hydraulic power steering system failure, to intercommunicate the first and second fluid lines with the poppet valve mechanism opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadaharu Yokota, Jun Soeda
  • Patent number: 7150150
    Abstract: The circuit includes a main pump, a hydraulic motor, two main ducts, a selector for connecting the main ducts to the main pump or to a reservoir or for isolating them therefrom, a boost duct, and two pressure limiters disposed between the main ducts. A relief valve device that can take up a retention position and a relief position in which it connects one main duct (14, 16) to a relief enclosure can take up its relief position when, with the selector isolating the main ducts from the main pump and from the reservoir, the difference between the pressure in the main duct to which the control duct is connected and a relief pressure higher than the boost pressure changes sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventors: Louis Bigo, Jean-Pierre Lebrun, Jean-Philippe Raisin, Eric Gest
  • Patent number: 7146809
    Abstract: An improved valve for use in a hydrostatic drive apparatus for a vehicle such as a zero turn vehicle. For each hydraulic drive system in the vehicle, a valve is located between the high and low pressure sides of the closed hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic pump and motor. The valve opens when the pressure rise rate in the high pressure side reaches a set level to minimize pressure spikes in the high pressure side and thus improve performance of the vehicle. A valve block may be used to mount the valve, and a second valve may also be included therein to connect the two pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit in a similar manner when the vehicle is operated in reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, William H. Ward
  • Patent number: 7127887
    Abstract: A joining directional control valve 13 is disposed to supply, to an arm cylinder 4, not only a hydraulic fluid delivered from a first hydraulic pump 1, but also a hydraulic fluid delivered from a second hydraulic pump 2 when an arm directional control valve 14 is driven. Respective delivery pressures of the hydraulic pumps 1, 2 are detected by pressure sensors 101, 102, and the opening area of a recovery control valve 6 is controlled depending on a lower one of the detected pressures from the pressure sensors 101, 102 such that, even in the combined operation of the arm cylinder 4 and another actuator 3, 4, the hydraulic fluid can be recovered for return to the arm cylinder 4 when the load pressure of the arm cylinder 4 is low. Thus, by supplying the hydraulic fluids from the two hydraulic pumps to the particular actuator for which the hydraulic fluid is to be recovered, a recovery flow rate is ensured when the load of the particular actuator is low in the combined operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Genroku Sugiyama, Tsukasa Toyooka, Kouji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7124579
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system including a source (11) of fluid having a pressure responsive means (15) and an actuator. A main control valve (21) has ports (27,29) communicating with the actuator ports by means of first (41) and second (43) conduits, and means to generate a load pressure (45). A pressure spike suppression valve (51) has ports connected across the conduits, the valve including a spool (65) moveable between a first position blocking communication between the ports, and a second position permitting communication. The valve (51) defines a spring chamber (67) including a spring (69) biasing the spool toward the first position. The valve defines a load signal passage (83) to communicate the load pressure to a chamber also to bias the spool toward the first position. The valve defines a pressure chamber (81) in communication with the source, fluid pressure therein biasing the spool toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Wade L. Gehlhoff
  • Patent number: 7124578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling at least two hydraulic actuators, to a monitoring valve and a rock drilling apparatus. The monitoring valve (10) is connected to the input channel of a first actuator through a sensing channel (9) and controls a load-sense circuit (6?) of a second actuator. The pressure of the load-sense circuit (6?) is set by a force of a spring element (12) and biased by a control element (42) of the monitoring valve with differential pressure sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock OY
    Inventor: Roger Noel
  • Patent number: 7121092
    Abstract: A pair of zero-turn, hydrostatic transaxles (HZTs) that may be joined to form an integrated, zero-turn, hydrostatic transaxle. Each of the hydrostatic transaxles are further comprised of a casing carrying a hydraulic pump driven by an input shaft, a hydraulic motor driven by a the hydraulic pump through porting contained within a center section, and an axle shaft driven by the hydraulic motor. The hydrostatic transaxles are joined along an interface extending generally perpendicularly to the axle shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Eric S. Phanco, Kenneth J. Rawski
  • Patent number: 7114332
    Abstract: A hydrostatic continuously variable transmission includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, supported by a common support shaft, and hydraulically connectable to each other through a hydraulic circuit including an inside passage and an outside passage. A clutch device includes a valve spool, which is slidably disposed in a hollow internal bore formed in the transmission support shaft. The valve spool is operable to make or interrupt fluid communication between the inside passage and the outside passage, according to the movement thereof. A governor mechanism is mounted to a pump casing of the hydraulic pump, and the governor mechanism generates a governor force corresponding to the rotating speed of a clutch cap, by use of centrifugal force generated by the rotation thereof. The valve spool is effectively moved in the hollow internal bore, using the governor force generated from the governor mechanism, to engage or disengage the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yoshida, Nobuyuki Yakigaya, Yoshihisa Kanno, Kenji Sakakibara, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Takehiko Nanri
  • Patent number: 7069723
    Abstract: An anti-reaction valve device is configured to open such that a plunger and a sheet member move away from each other in association with first and second set difference pressures. Two anti-reaction valve devices are provided between two pipes fluidically connected to a hydraulically powered actuator such that directional relationship of connection of primary and secondary ports is reversed between the two anti-reaction valve devices so that a reaction of the actuator is inhibited quickly and reliably. A one-way valve is positioned between the secondary port and an open and close control chamber within which the plunger and the sheet member are movable into contact with and away from each other and serves to inhibit a back flow of a hydraulic fluid. The one-way valve is capable of inhibiting the plunger and the sheet member from moving away from each other undesirably, and hence malfunction of the anti-reaction valve devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawasaki Precision Machinery
    Inventors: Ryo Yamamoto, Masahiro Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7040090
    Abstract: For a power assisted steering system for vehicles, in particular passenger cars, there is provided a hydraulic circuit with a servopump, a three-way flow regulator valve which is located at the junction between the pump and a servoactuator and has a measuring throttle, located in the inflow to the servoactuator, as a fixed throttle and an outflow throttle which is located in a bypass of the latter and which determines a variable throttle cross section by means of a piston which is charged alternately as a pressure compensator. The piston, which is charged via an active actuator element, changes the outflow throttle cross section as a function of the current applied in order to change the volume flow which passes via the measuring throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lenksysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reuter, Johannes Schmid
  • Patent number: 7036308
    Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system (1) has at least one user. A control valve device (3; 4; 5; 6) to control the user is actuated by an actuation signal. A delivery flow regulation device (11) is triggered by a load pressure signal of the user. The drive system has a safety device (20) with a function position (21b) in which the actuation signal is routed to the control valve device (3; 4; 5; 6) and the load pressure signal is routed to the delivery flow regulation device (11), and a safety position (21a) in which the control valve device (3; 4; 5; 6) is discharged by the actuation signal and the delivery flow regulation device (11) by the load pressure signal. The safety device (20) also has a discharge position (21c) in which the connection of the control valve device (3; 4; 5; 6) with the user is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Tobias Rollmann
  • Patent number: 7032332
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 7028471
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission comprises a housing whose interior space serves as a fluid sump, a pair of first and second fluid passages disposed in the housing, the pair of first and second fluid passages interposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor so as to constitute a closed fluid circuit of an HST. A charge fluid passage is disposed in the housing so as to be connected with each of the first and second fluid passages for supplying fluid from the fluid sump into the closed fluid circuit. A drain fluid passage including an orifice is disposed in the housing so as to be connected with at least one of the first and second fluid passages so that, when hydraulic pressure in the at least one of the first and second fluid passages is increased beyond its neutral level, excessive fluid in the at least one of the first and second fluid passages is drained through the drain fluid passage to the fluid sump, thereby expanding the neutral zone of the HST.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7017343
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission comprising a housing formed with a fluid sump, a center section disposed within the fluid sump, a hydraulic pump mounted on the center section, and a hydraulic motor mounted on the center section. A fluid passage is formed in the center section for hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump with the hydraulic motor. A bore is open at an outer surface of the center section in communication with the fluid passage. An output operation device is provided for controlling discharged fluid of the hydraulic pump. The output operation device is moved to an operational position from a neutral position. A piston having an outer surface is reciprocally inserted into the bore so as to be allowed to project outward from the center section. A valve is disposed within the bore for opening and closing the bore to and from the fluid passage. The valve is biased to be closed by a spring disposed between the valve and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Irikura Koji
  • Patent number: 7007467
    Abstract: A bypass mechanism is provided for use in a hydrostatic transmission, to enable the user to open or close a valve between the two pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit of the transmission. An electrical mechanism is positioned to open or close the valve based on a signal which may be generated by a switch associated with the hydrostatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 7003949
    Abstract: An integrated three function valve (ITFV) that combines the functions of a bypass valve (e.g. 183a, 185a, 161a) into a single assembly is disclosed. The ITFV allows continued operation after any two failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, David P. Schultz, Ian L. Price, David A. Curd
  • Patent number: 6990807
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides an auxiliary hydraulic drive system having a total hydraulic flow. The system includes a primary hydraulic pump operable to provide hydraulic flow for an implement, and a flow control valve in communication with the hydraulic flow. The flow control valve operates to allow an optimum flow rate and diverts the excess flow amount when the total hydraulic flow exceeds the optimum flow rate. A secondary hydraulic pump is selectively operable to provide additional hydraulic flow. A control system is operable to engage the secondary pump when the total hydraulic flow drops below a minimum flow level; and the control system operates to disengage the secondary pump when the total hydraulic flow exceeds a maximum flow level. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a control unit for a hydraulic system. The control unit includes a sensor to measure total hydraulic fluid flow in a system; and a controller coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Coneqtec Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Bird, David Moorman, Gary Cochran
  • Patent number: 6988362
    Abstract: A hydrostatic stepless transmission comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, at least one of the hydraulic pump and motor being variable in displacement; a closed circuit for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump and motor to each other therethrough, the closed circuit including a pair of oil passages between the hydraulic pump and motor, one of the oil passages being hydraulically higher-pressured and the other being hydraulically depressed when the hydraulic pump delivers oil to the hydraulic motor; a speed change operation device for changing output rotational speed of the hydraulic motor; and a leak valve connected to the speed change operation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 6988363
    Abstract: A suspension for the boom of a loading vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering, or for extending and retracting (in the case of a telescopic cylinder), a boom. A direction control valve is provided for selectively routing hydraulic oil to and from at least a head-end chamber of the cylinder. A position sensor senses the position of the hydraulic piston rod, at the start of operation, and sends a sends a target signal representing this beginning position to a control unit which determines the difference between the target signal and a signal representing a current position of the piston rod. When this difference equals a preset difference threshold, a pressure-limiting unit, in the form of a valve or choke, is activated so as to control fluid flow to and from the head-end chamber so as to return the piston rod to its initial position which generated the target signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Marcus Bitter
  • Patent number: 6968685
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive (1) has a position selection device (2) in communication with a control valve (3) which, as a function of the actuation of the position selection device (2), controls the connection of an actuating cylinder (8) with a hydraulic fluid source (5) and a reservoir (6). A correction device provides a synchronization between the position of the position selection device (2) and the position of the actuating cylinder (8). The correction device has a sliding valve means (15) which detects a reference range of the actuating cylinder (8) and an on-off valve means (16) effectively connected mechanically with the position selection device (2). The on-off valve means (16) is open when the position selection device (2) is in the reference range and is closed when the position selection device (2) is not in the reference range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: STILL GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Stall
  • Patent number: 6968684
    Abstract: An improved valve for use in a hydrostatic drive apparatus for a vehicle such as a zero turn vehicle. For each hydraulic drive system in the vehicle, a valve is located between the high and low pressure sides of the closed hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic pump and motor. The valve opens when the pressure rise rate in the high pressure side reaches a set level to minimize pressure spikes in the high pressure side and thus improve performance of the vehicle. A valve block may be used to mount the valve, and a second valve may also be included therein to connect the two pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit in a similar manner when the vehicle is operated in reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, William H. Ward
  • Patent number: 6966181
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission, comprising a housing, an interior space of the housing serving as a fluid sump; a center section disposed in the housing so as to be submerged In the fluid sump; a hydraulic pump mounted on the center section in the housing: a hydraulic motor mounted on the center section in the housing, and a pair of first and second fluid passages formed within the center section so as to fluidly connect the hydraulic pump with the hydraulic motor. The second fluid passage has an upwardly slant opening toward the fluid sump. A draining device including a relief valve is provided in the opening of the second fluid passage. When hydraulic pressure in the second fluid passage is not more than a predetermined value but not less than that in the first fluid passage, the relief valve is opened so as to drain fluid from the second fluid passage to the fluid sump, thereby keeping the hydrostatic transmission in neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Manabu Kawakami, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6959726
    Abstract: A member that is driven by a hydraulic actuator tends oscillate when fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator is terminated. A pressure relief device reduces that oscillation by connecting first and second first relief valves to the hydraulic actuator. The first relief valve provides a relatively large first relief passage as long as pressure in the hydraulic actuator remains above a threshold. A second relief valve opens a second relief passage at substantially the same threshold pressure and thereafter remains open as long as the pressure remains above another lower threshold. A timer causes the second relief valve to close a given interval of time, if the pressure does not drop below the other lower threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Jervis, Robert J. Valenta, Lynn A. Russell, Sean M. Haggerty
  • Patent number: 6922991
    Abstract: A pressure-control device (20) includes a controllable variable-displacement reversible hydraulic motor (21) having a pressure port (22) and a return port (23); a source of pressurized fluid (Ps); a fluid return (R); and a pressure regulating valve (24) operatively interposed between the source, return and pressure port. The pressure regulating valve is operatively arranged to maintain a predetermined pressure at the pressure port regardless of the direction of flow through the pressure port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Polcuch
  • Patent number: 6901754
    Abstract: In a hydraulic system that has first and second pumps, a pressure compensation circuit is provided to unload the output of the second pump when its operation is not required. The unloading reduces the power demanded of the engine that drives the pumps thus conserving energy. The first pump is directly connected to a supply line and a back flow check valve couples the second pump to the supply line. When pressure in the supply line is significantly greater than the load pressure of the actuators powered by the hydraulic fluid a bypass compensator valve opens to provide a path between the outlet of the second pump and the tank line. This action unloads the second pump and reduces its demand for engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Jervis
  • Patent number: 6886278
    Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sharkness, Dennis Heyne, Richard J. Lech
  • Patent number: 6871661
    Abstract: A combination fitting for flow control devices in an automotive power steering system having channels disposed in the fluid receiving end of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Staton, Shawn P. Capser, Kevin S. Bockstanz
  • Patent number: 6871494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic type brake system which includes a unit for adjusting a back pressure in a turn driving hydraulic circuit mounted in a construction heavy equipment such as an excavator, etc., and in particular to a hydraulic type brake apparatus which is used together with a relief valve installed various actuator driving hydraulic circuits for adjusting a back pressure in a lower flow side of a relief valve for thereby adjusting an opening pressure of a relief valve. There is provided a back pressure adjusting unit adapted to adjust an opening pressure of the relief valve by adjusting a back pressure of the hydraulic circuit in a lower flow portion of the relief valve based on a co-operation with the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Yeon Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 6868672
    Abstract: A swing speed compensation device is provided for use with a flow sharing hydraulic system. The present invention is mounted within the metering spool of a flow sharing valve and includes a poppet that is attached to a spring retainer. The spring retainer encases a compression spring which pushes against a plug and has a drain hole that, depending upon the position of the spring retainer and poppet combination, can vent excess pressure within the present invention to a hydraulic pump tank. When a flow sharing hydraulic system starts or stops, there is a rush in the fluid flow that can cause a spike in the system pressure. The present invention absorbs this pressure spike, allowing for the fluid flow to gradually increase or decrease as the system starts or stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventor: Nianzhu Luo
  • Patent number: 6845614
    Abstract: A valve manifold controls hydraulic flow in a hydraulic system for an air compressor unit. The manifold includes a pressure relief valve, a cold oil bypass valve, a proportional flow valve, and an anti-cavitation valve. The pressure relief valve diverts flow away from a fan motor when the pressure of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic system is above a predetermined level. The cold oil bypass valve diverts flow away from a hydraulic cooler when the temperature of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic system is below a predetermined level. The proportional flow valve diverts flow away from the fan motor when the temperature of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic system is below a predetermined level. The anti-cavitation valve prevents pressure build up within the hydraulic system when the air compressor unit is shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: David B. Stahlman
  • Patent number: 6845837
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shalt receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second flames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hideaki Okada
  • Patent number: 6837319
    Abstract: A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, Mark A. Sporer, James M. Bell
  • Patent number: 6826909
    Abstract: A hydraulic motor comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports and an access port for connecting a pressure fluid to an accessory of the motor, such as a brake. A shuttle valve integrally contained within the housing selectively communicates the pressure at one of the inlet port or the outlet port to the access port. In addition, the housing has at least two axial sections that are sealed at a parting line therebetween, and the shuttle valve is inserted through an opening in one section so that when the sections are joined, the opening is sealed at the parting line. A ring of bolts holds the sections together, and the shuttle valve is contained at least partially within the envelope formed by the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corp.
    Inventor: James L. Walls
  • Publication number: 20040226292
    Abstract: A swing speed compensation device is provided for use with a flow sharing hydraulic system. The present invention is mounted within the metering spool of a flow sharing valve and includes a poppet that is attached to a spring retainer. The spring retainer encases a compression spring which pushes against a plug and has a drain hole that, depending upon the position of the spring retainer and poppet combination, can vent excess pressure within the present invention to a hydraulic pump tank. When a flow sharing hydraulic system starts or stops, there is a rush in the fluid flow that can cause a spike in the system pressure. The present invention absorbs this pressure spike, allowing for the fluid flow to gradually increase or decrease as the system starts or stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Nianzhu Luo
  • Patent number: 6810664
    Abstract: A slotted spool valve for a speed control apparatus offering rapid response to prevent speed searching and cogging at low speed settings. Round port spool valve arrangements are replaced with a valve arrangement having rectangular-shaped ports. Response of the rectangular-shaped ports provides for rapid and sufficient fluid flow or bypass with less movement of a control shaft than that required for use with round port spool valve arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Rawson Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Louis Lorenc
  • Patent number: 6799602
    Abstract: A combination fitting for flow control devices in an automotive power steering system having channels disposed in the fluid receiving in of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Staton, Shawn P. Capser, Kevin S. Bockstanz
  • Patent number: 6772590
    Abstract: A differential pressure between a delivery pressure of a fixed displacement hydraulic pump 2 and a maximum load pressure among a plurality of actuators 3a to 3c is maintained at a target differential pressure by an unloading valve 5. A setting pressure of the unloading valve 5 is changed depending on an engine revolution speed by introducing a differential pressure &Dgr;Pp across a throttle 50, which is disposed in a delivery line of a fixed pump 30, to a pressure bearing sector 5d of the unloading valve. With such an arrangement, in a hydraulic drive system including an LS system, it is possible to ensure fine operability based on setting of the engine revolution speed, to perform flow rate control at a good response, and to realize superior operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Tsuruga, Takashi Kanai, Junya Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6769252
    Abstract: A fluid control system includes a pressure supply and a valve arrangement having an inlet and an outlet and being in fluid communication with the pressure supply. The valve arrangement includes a relief operator configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the valve arrangement in response to a predetermined pressure condition at said inlet. The valve arrangement is configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the valve arrangement in response to an outlet pressure being greater than an inlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040123594
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a fluid motor in communication with a variable displacement fluid pump having a first displacement rate and a second greater displacement rate, a pump block having at least one fluid conduit through which fluid flows from the pump to the motor, an external fluid sump, a cylindrical pintle fixed to the block having a first bleed hole and a second bleed hole in communication with the first bleed hole, and a ring in sliding engagement with the pintle and having a slot in selective communication with the second bleed hole. The conduit and the sump are in communication through the bleed holes and the slot at the first displacement rate, and the fluid conduit and the sump are out of fluid communication at the second displacement rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas G. Williams, C. Paul Cox
  • Publication number: 20040118115
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides an auxiliary hydraulic drive system having a total hydraulic flow. The system includes a primary hydraulic pump operable to provide hydraulic flow for an implement, and a flow control valve in communication with the hydraulic flow. The flow control valve operates to allow an optimum flow rate and diverts the excess flow amount when the total hydraulic flow exceeds the optimum flow rate. A secondary hydraulic pump is selectively operable to provide additional hydraulic flow. A control system is operable to engage the secondary pump when the total hydraulic flow drops below a minimum flow level; and the control system operates to disengage the secondary pump when the total hydraulic flow exceeds a maximum flow level. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a control unit for a hydraulic system. The control unit includes a sensor to measure total hydraulic fluid flow in a system; and a controller coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Bird, David Moorman, Gary Cochran
  • Patent number: 6739128
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a fluid motor and a variable displacement fluid pump in fluid communication with the motor and having a first and a second, greater, fluid displacement rate. The pump is mounted on a block having an outer surface, a passage through which fluid flows from the pump to the motor, and a first and a second fluid bleed hole extending from the passage to the outer surface. The passage and a sump external to the pump are in fluid communication through the bleed holes and the void of a sliding element disposed within a bore in the block when the pump is operating at its first rate and the sliding element is in a first position. The first bleed hole and the sump are substantially out of fluid communication when the pump is operating at its second rate and the sliding element is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Scott G. Boyer, Kevin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6739129
    Abstract: An electromotor M of a electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate G drives at least one pump stage P, P1, P3. An attached element C is inserted between at least one pressure side port of the pump stage, a return line 13, and at least one consumer port A, B, 5, 6. A multiways control valve 3 is installed between the consumer port and the pressure side port. A pressure limiting valve R1, R2 constructed as a seated valve is installed between the consumer port A, B, 5, 6 and the return line 13. The motor pump aggregate G has an automatic hydraulic pressure relieving device D for relieving the system pressure whenever the electromotor M is switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Heilmeier & Weinlein Fabrik F. Oel-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Heusser, Gerhard Lörner
  • Patent number: 6735943
    Abstract: A bypass mechanism is provided for use in a hydrostatic transmission, to enable the user to open or close a valve between the two pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit of the transmission. An electrical mechanism is positioned to open or close the valve based on a signal which may be generated by a switch associated with the hydrostatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder