Abstract: A device including a valve array which is adapted to allow and block a fluid flow, wherein the valve array includes: a fluid channel; a valve seating; and a closing body, for example a rotationally symmetrical or spherical closing body, which is arranged in the fluid channel. The valve array is configured to allow a fluid flow when the closing body is lifted off the valve seating, and to prevent a fluid flow when the closing body rests against the valve seating. The valve seating is formed by a valve seating body, for example an annular valve seating body, which is arranged in or on the fluid channel.

Abstract: A shovel includes a turning hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pilot circuit, a hydraulic control valve, a variable throttle, and a controller. The turning hydraulic motor is driven with hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump to drive a turning body of the shovel to turn. The hydraulic cylinder is driven with the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump. The pilot circuit controls a pilot pressure in accordance with the operation of an operation lever. The hydraulic control valve controls the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the pilot pressure supplied from the pilot circuit. The opening of the variable throttle varies in accordance with the operating state of the operation lever. The controller changes the opening of the variable throttle.

Abstract: A method of operating a brake system comprises monitoring a vacuum pressure sensor with an ECU to determine an actual vacuum pressure in a vacuum booster for the brake system. The actual vacuum pressure is compared to a modeled vacuum pressure for the vacuum booster. When the actual vacuum pressure is different from the modeled vacuum pressure by a predetermined threshold difference the ECU determines either a booster leak to atmosphere or a booster checkball is malfunctioning. When the ECU determines that the booster is leaking to atmosphere or the booster checkball is malfunctioning an alert is provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic system controlling a bath crust breaker includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber. A piston is slideably displaced within the cylinder by pressurized fluid directed to either a piston chamber first portion with respect to the piston or a piston chamber second portion oppositely positioned about the piston. A pneumatic valve system includes a first control valve aligned between first control valve first and second positions, the first control valve first position aligned with the first portion, and in the first control valve second position is aligned with the second portion. A second control valve is aligned between second control valve first and second positions. An orifice between a pressure source and first control valve is sized to control fluid flow rate so a pressure reached in either the first or second portion during a crust breaking cycle is less than a pressure source maximum pressure.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well may include a piston, a primary control subsystem and an override subsystem. The piston actuates the downhole tool, and the primary control subsystem may be connected to at least one hydraulic line in order to move the piston in response to pressure that is communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s). The override subsystem may be connected to the hydraulic line(s) to override the primary control subsystem and move the piston in response to pressure communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s).

Abstract: An actuator device self-contained within a housing and adapted to move an object. The actuator device includes a movable piston positioned in a cylinder portion of the housing. The cylinder portion defines a longitudinal axis, whereby the piston is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to an accumulation of air pressure within the cylinder portion. The actuator device also includes a rod coupled to the piston for movement with the piston. The rod at least partially extends outside of the housing to couple to the object. Further, the actuator device includes an air compressor located within the housing. The air compressor transfers air from a location in the housing outside the cylinder portion to a location inside the cylinder portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system and method for a hydraulic working machine characterized by having a construction wherein a flow discharge control valve is disposed in a discharge-side pipe line of a main flow control valve, the amount of operation of an operating lever is converted to a pilot pressure by a remote controlled valve, the pilot pressure is then input to a controller and is calculated into a pressure change speed as operation speed, in a pressure change speed calculator, further, the operation speed is calculated into an electromagnetic valve current in an electromagnetic valve current calculator, then the electromagnetic proportional valve current is output to an electromagnetic proportional valve from a command unit, and the degree of opening of the discharge flow control valve is controlled with a secondary pressure in the electromagnetic proportional valve.

Abstract: The two boom members and hydraulic cylinders of a knuckle boom tree harvesting machine are so arranged and proportioned that with a single control movement during reaching and retracting actions the working tool head is made to travel in an approximately horizontal path. The cylinders and control valve are so connected that during horizontal reaching action load-supporting pressurized oil from a collapsing cylinder is not required to be dumped to the reservoir in the conventional heat generating manner, but is rather shunted directly to an extending cylinder where it continues to do useful load support work. Energy waste to hydraulic oil heat and fuel consumption is significantly reduced. Although these advances have been particularly developed for disc saw felling and stroke delimbing of trees they can also be applied to other knuckle boom applications where horizontal reaching is a major function.

Abstract: A hydraulic emergency control (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) for a hydraulically actuated clutch (14) arranged between an internal combustion engine (12) is proposed. A pump (16) driven by the internal combustion engine (12) feeds a work line (18) in which a choke (20, 20b, 20c) is arranged. A regulating valve (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) is provided for controlling the clutch (14) at least in the event of failure of the electric supply. A first control line (26) is connected by a first control input (S1) of the regulating valve (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) with the work line (18) in front of the choke (20, 20b, 20c) with respect to the feed direction. A second control line (30) is connected by a second control input (S2) of the regulating valve (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) with the work line (18) behind the choke (20, 20b, 20c) with respect to the feed direction. Through the use of a regulating valve (22, 22a, 22b, 22c), a variable control of the clutch (14) is possible also in emergency operation.

Abstract: The two boom members and hydraulic cylinders of a knuckle boom tree harvesting machine are so arranged and proportioned that with a single control movement during reaching and retracting actions the working tool head is made to travel in an approximately horizontal path. The cylinders and control valve are so connected that during horizontal reaching action load-supporting pressurized oil from a collapsing cylinder is not required to be dumped to the reservoir in the conventional heat generating manner, but is rather shunted directly to an extending cylinder where it continues to do useful load support work. Energy waste to hydraulic oil heat and fuel consumption is significantly reduced. Although these advances have been particularly developed for disc saw felling and stroke delimbing of trees they can also be applied to other knuckle boom applications where horizontal reaching is a major function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling movement of a work implement movably connected to a work machine. Movement of the work implement is controlled by manual and automatic control valves that are associated with “manual” and “automatic” modes of operation. The manual and automatic control valves are connected between hydraulic motors for controlling movement of the work implement and a hydraulic fluid supply. Each of the manual and automatic control valves governs hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic motors. A pressure sensing device is associated with the manual control valves to detect operator modulation of the manual control valves and thereby alter operation of the automatic control valves in the “automatic” mode on the same side of the implement.

Abstract: A construction machine, e.g., a backhoe, has a chassis and a digging tool mounted for movement, e.g., swinging movement, with respect to such chassis. A machine hydraulic circuit includes a pump, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the tool for tool movement, and a directional valve between the pump and the actuator. In several specific embodiments, the circuit includes first and second flow restrictors coupled between the pump and the actuator. There is also a valve device for selectively disabling the second flow restrictor, thereby configuring the circuit to provide either of two maximum rates of tool movement. In other embodiments, the circuit uses a variable delivery, fluid-pumping power source and a load-sensing line coupled between the pump and the actuator. The valve device is in series with the load-sensing line and includes a restriction-free path and a flow-restricted path therethrough, thereby configuring the circuit to provide either of two maximum rates of tool movement.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a hydraulically operated vehicular transmission has control valves corresponding to hydraulic engaging elements provided in the transmission. The supply and discharge of hydraulic oil to and from the corresponding hydraulic engaging elements are controlled by the control valves. The hydraulic control apparatus has an oil supply passage which is connected to a hydraulic oil source and into which a throttle is interposed. The oil supply passage is connected to oil passages which are on a downstream side of each of the control valves and which are to be communicated with the hydraulic engaging elements. Check valves are interposed in the oil supply passage to allow for the hydraulic oil flow only from the oil supply passage to the oil passages on the downstream side of each of the control valves.

Abstract: A variable priority device for heavy construction equipment for establishing a priority of the boom over the bucket by limiting an amount of fluid passing through a bucket-side parallel fluid line when the boom operates alone and thereby decreasing the amount of fluid supplied to the bucket actuator. The device is installed in the bucket-side parallel fluid line and adapted to be switched between an orifice state and an orifice release state, the priority control valve being initially maintained at the orifice release state by a resilience device while being switched from the orifice release state to the orifice state against a resilience of the resilience device in response to a pilot pressure for moving the spool of a boom-side switching valve communicating with the boom actuator.

Abstract: A brake pressure booster for a vehicle brake system comprises a vacuum booster which includes two chambers, the low pressure chamber (16) of which is evacuated during actuation in a brake pressure boosting fashion, while a pressure higher than that in the low pressure chamber is adjustable in the high pressure chamber (14) by means of a control valve (28), the higher pressure exceeding the external atmospheric pressure. That is accomplished by a mechanical regulating valve (12) connected upstream of the control valve (28). Upon connection of a pressure source (18) to the high pressure chamber (14), a valve seat controlling access from the pressure source (18) to the valve opens before another valve seat closes that controls the connection between an inlet (24) into the valve and the high pressure chamber (14).

Abstract: A prioritizing method and arrangement for a hydraulic system including two independent hydraulic fluid supply units (4, 5) adapted to jointly and severally supply hydraulic fluid to at least two hydraulic components (2, 3). A cross-communication between the at lest two hydraulic components (2, 3) is controlled, with a flow of hydraulic fluid from one of the two hydraulic fluid supply units (5) being diverted to one of the at least two hydraulic components (3) to a substantial exclusion of the other of the at least two hydraulic components (2) in dependence upon an operating condition of the other of the two hydraulic fluid supplying units (5). A biasing force (F) acts upon the prioritizing arrangement so as to define an operating stage at which the respective hydraulic fluid supplying units (4, 5) exclusively supply hydraulic fluid to the respective ones of the at least two hydraulic units (2, 3).

Abstract: A blow-back circuit (10) comprising an accumulator (23) to build up system pressure during normal system operation and an accumulator shut-off valve (13) which prevents dissipation of the accumulator pressure during normal operation. Pressurized fluid is supplied to a fluid motor (11) through a direct drive valve (12). A directional control valve (28) is associated with a switching valve (34) and a stop mechanism (31) which mechanically feedbacks the position of a control surface to be blown back during an emergency. When the control surface is in or blown back to the neutral position, the stop mechanism (31) feeds that data back to the directional control valve (28) so that accumulator pressure will not be further delivered to the fluid motor (11) and a brake (14) will be allowed to prevent further movement of the control surface away from the neutral position. As a result, the control surface is moved to its neutral position with great accuracy and no flutter.

Abstract: A fluid control circuit and method of operating equipment such as a blowout preventer having a two-way hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly. The circuit includes various features such as a dual pressure level independently controlled fluid supply, a dedicated secondary fluid supply reserved for supplemental use, a dedicated fluid supply reserved for exclusive use in one operating branch, automatic sensor for applying a reserve fluid supply on a sensed demand, a pressure intensifier for increasing available operating force, and control circuitry for preventing loss of enhanced secondary operating energy into a primary circuit.

Abstract: A towveyor cart for use in hoisting an object and in particular an object having first and second interconnected portions from a first level to a fully raised level. The towveyor cart has control means which include a main control valve for simultaneously raising the jacks to an intermediate position between the lowermost position and the fully raised position and separate jogging valves for controlling each of the jacks separately between the intermediate and raised positions. In this way, both jacks can be simultaneously rapidly raised to the intermediate position and then independently jogged by the jogging valves to the final fully raised position. Horizontal adjusting means are provided so that a combination of horizontal and vertical adjustment for each jack, independent of the other jack, is obtained. Additionally, the towveyor cart is provided with an improved air reservoir which is mounted beneath the work platform of the cart as opposed to the conventional location which is on the platform.

Abstract: An iosolation valve usable with an adaptive braking/traction control system comprising a plurality of passages adapted to communicate to a variety of pressure sources and an outlet port adapted to communicate to at least one brake cylinder. A valve movable to open and close one or the other of opposingly situated first and second passages to alternately communicate a master cylinder to the outlet port or a second pressure source to the outlet port so that when the first passage is closed by the valve the brake master cylinder is isolated from the brake cylinder.

Abstract: Valve arrangement in a line with pressure medium used as supply and return line, said valve arrangement being intended for controlling the flow through said line and comprising a valve body with a first and a second valve port which serve, alternately, as input and output, and a valve cone arranged in the valve body which connects in its open position the valve ports with each other, closes these in its closed position and is actuated by a holding force which is greater than the force acting on the pressure medium side of the valve cone and dependent on the medium pressure in the input port.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid communication with a fluid pressure system includes parallel flow paths connected to the system. A first flow path includes first valve apparatus for selectively closing the flow path. The second flow path includes relief valve apparatus responsive to fluid pressure in the second flow path to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Switching apparatus, including sensors for detecting the condition of the system, operate to close the first valve apparatus in response to pre-determined threshold values of such condition. Fluid communication from the system may thereafter occur along the second flow path at the relief valve apparatus opens in response to pressure buildup in the flow path. A third flow path, parallel to the first two flow paths, may be provided with throttling apparatus for controlled communication of fluid along such third flow path.

Abstract: A change-over valve for hydraulic walking mine-roof supports comprises a valve housing containing a sealed-off operating piston in which a valve member supported on a helical spring is displaceably arranged, the piston being responsive to the supply of small quantities of hydraulic fluid through an end connection in the housing and having a sealing cone adapted to close a connection of large throughflow cross-section at the opposite end of the housing which also has a side connection for the supply of pressurized fluid to a working cylinder of a mine-roof support, the large throughflow cross-section at the connection thereby guaranteeing brisk pushing-in of a piston rod of a piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for connecting a hydraulic machine, such as a pump or a motor, with a pressure accumulator in which a conventional manual shutoff valve is replaced by a leak-proof pressure controlled valve whose operating pressure signal is supplied by a shuttle valve from that one of two ports of the pressure controlled valve at which the higher pressure prevails at a given time. The pressure controlled valve is supplied with fluid under pressure by way of a leak-proof remote controlled slide valve.

Abstract: An actuator system is disclosed which modulates a linear output shaft associated with a working control valve or the like in response to a control signal input. The system includes a feedback control link, a pneumatic positioner, a pneumatically controlled hydraulic valving system and a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly controlled by the hydraulic valving system. The hydraulic valving system includes a three-position, four-way valve actuated by pneumatic binary output signals from a signal conditioner which is in turn controlled by the positioner. Hydraulic flow to the three-position, four-way valve may also be controlled from the signal conditioner in response to positioner output for most effective actuation of the hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly. Failure modes are also disclosed with the present system. The resulting system exhibits extremely rapid response times and high accuracy with dynamic stability.

Abstract: A brake booster can switch operating mode from a positive-pressure mode using a signal-controlled fluid pressure supplier to a vacuum-pressure mode and vice versa. The booster includes a booster converter holding both an air valve and a vacuum valve of the booster closed in the positive-pressure mode or holding the booster air valve in its closed and open positions while holding the booster vacuum valve in its open and closed positions respectively when the brake pedal is released and depressed in the vacuum mode. The fluid pressure supplier is enabled while both booster valves are in the closed position in the positive-pressure mode.

Abstract: A fluid control system (10) has a first fluid pump (12) for supplying pressurized fluid in interrupted series to first and second work elements (14,16). The first work element (14) in the series has priority which prevents simultaneous full power operation of the first and second work elements (14,16). A second fluid pump (24) is capable of supplying pressurized fluid to the second work element (16) only upon receiving a signal indicating that pressurized fluid from the first pump (12) is being directed to the first work element (14). The subject fluid control system (10) is especially useful with a tree harvesting machine where it is beneficial to propel the machine and at the same time rotate the upper structure.

Abstract: A valve respirator device for use both on human and on animal patients. The device comprises a housing having an inport, an outport and an exhaust port. The outport is connected to the patient's respiratory system, the inport is connected to a source of air and the exhaust port is open to the surrounding atmosphere. To that end, in alternating succession, first the inport and then the exhaust port is in fluid communication with the outport. A slotted, rotatable valve cylinder is utilized as a means for providing alternating fluid communication first between the inport and the outport and then between the outport and the exhaust port. The device further comprises a metering plate which is interposed in the path of fluid communication between the outport and the other two respective ports. In that regard, the metering plate includes several apertures which regulate the volume and other flow characteristics of air passing between these respective ports.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed for use in an automotive vehicle including an engine, a power steering gear, and a brake booster. The system includes a single engine driven pump in fluid communication with first and second fluid flow control means. The first fluid flow control means responsive to fluid inputs for discharging a small or large predetermined amount of hydraulic fluid to control the operation of the power steering gear. The second fluid flow control means supplies a constant amount of hydraulic fluid to control the operation of the brake booster.

Abstract: Hydraulic apparatus (7), for use where a hydraulic actuator (42) is powered by a first hydraulic supply (40) or selectively and alternatively by a second hydraulic supply (41) independent of the first, which, when a fault occurs, will establish whether the actuator or the first hydraulic supply is at fault, and if it is the first hydraulic supply will isolate that supply and select the second hydraulic supply, but if it is the actuator will ensure that both supplies are isolated. Moreover, the apparatus will establish whether the actuator fault is tolerable and if it is, will select the second supply. By the arrangement described a second hydraulic supply is selected when the first fails, but if the actuator is at fault the second supply will only be selected if that fault is tolerable; if the second supply were to be selected if the actuator was intolerably faulty, failure of the second supply would follow in rapid succession.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic loader comprising a boom, a balance beam and a bucket for loading material, boom jacks and balance beam jacks being coupled between the frame and the boom and between the boom and the balance beam. A secondary jack is also coupled between the frame and the boom and comprises an active chamber, while a first conduit connects this active chamber to the extension chamber of the balance beam jack and a first cut-off valve is disposed in this first conduit, establishing, in its first position, communication of the two sections of the first conduit which are connected thereto, isolating, on the contrary, in its second position, these two sections. One application of the invention is the production of a powerful and efficient loader.

Abstract: A shutoff valve actuator remote control system includes a main control apparatus and a duplicating control apparatus connected therewith. The duplicating control apparatus comprises a self-contained power source in the form of a gas generator with an igniter connected to an emergency remote control line, and further comprises a commutator, a safety valve, and a receiver connected with the gas generator outlet and the commutator. The commutator is also connected with the outlet from the main control apparatus and the shutoff valve actuator.The present invention provides substantially enhanced dependability of control during breakdown conditions and features a simple design.

Abstract: Prior art interrupted series type load sensitive hydraulic systems have not had the capability of both providing full speed simultaneous vehicle cornering and implement correction while preventing the same when the implements are operating at a high pressure level, and preventing low torque motor stall. Herein, an input flow path (22) delivers pressurized fluid flow from a source (12) to a first priority (steering) circuit (14). A series flow path (24) delivers the output flow from the circuit (14) to an implement circuit (16). A parallel flow path (26) delivers a portion of the flow from the source (12) to the implement circuit (16). A valving structure (42) is in the series flow path (24). The valving structure (42) is opened in response to load pressure in the implement circuit (16) being at or below a selected value and is closed in response to the load pressure in the implement circuit being above said value.

Abstract: A blowout preventer control system for use in well operations includes a BOP having at least one opening chamber and at least one closing chamber, and an operating power fluid source connected to the BOP opening and closing chambers by an opening conduit and a closing conduit, respectively. A valve controlled conduit is connected to the opening conduit to ensure drainage of power fluid from the opening chamber of the BOP. A three-way shuttle valve is connected into the closing conduit close to the BOP. The shuttle valve is provided with an inlet which is connected to the closing conduit and another inlet which is connected by a conduit to an independent BOP operating power fluid source. An outlet of the shuttle valve is connected to the closing chamber of the BOP.

Abstract: A pneumatic-hydraulic proportional valve actuator system is provided having a relatively simple and adjustable means of achieving two stroking speeds by the hydraulic actuator, high speed in normal operation and low speed for small position adjustments and for the final part of any large position adjustments. This prevents overshoot and instability of the actuator.

Abstract: A fluid supply circuit for supplying three motors includes means for sequentially connecting two of the motors to the supply conduit of the third motor as the pressure in the supply conduit rises through first and second threshold levels. The circuit includes a manual override for suppressing the automatic sequential action. The circuit is applied to the control of the booms and bucket of a hydraulic excavator, and provides for semi-automatic digging.

Abstract: A sealed tank normally receiving air under pressure is connected with respect to a shuttle valve so that when there is an accidental loss of pressure, the air in the tank moves the valve to a position where the high pressure in the tank is applied to an intensifier piston placing a brake or the like in operation. By using a three-way valve in the main supply line the brake may be cycled at will merely by an appropriate turn of the valve.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an aircraft control surface has an inner shaft extending through a hollow outer shaft. The inner and outer shafts are drivingly connected at their adjacent ends. A drive input is coupled to the outer shaft intermediate the ends thereof, and an actuator for a control surface is drivingly connected to the outer shaft between the drive input and one of the ends. The arrangement permits the actuator to be driven even if the outer shaft fractures between the actuator and the drive input.

Abstract: A pneumatic-hydraulic proportional valve actuator system is provided having a relatively simple and adjustable means of achieving two stroking speeds by the hydraulic actuator, high speed in normal operation and low speed for small position adjustments and for the final part of any large position adjustments. This prevents overshoot and instability of the actuator.