Abstract: A system for automated management of in-flight restarting of engines of an aircraft includes controllers, each engine of the aircraft being managed by one of the controllers. A controller that detects an engine that has stopped: cuts off the energy supply of the engine and performs a windmill engine start. If at least one other engine has stopped, prioritization of engine restarting includes: collecting information concerning a state of health of each engine; determining from the information collected information representing a probability of restarting each stopped engine; determining a sequential order of restarting the stopped engines as a function of information representing the probability of restarting each stopped engine. Each stopped engine continues to be windmill started until selection of the engine in question in the sequential order of restarting the stopped engines. Thus, the operational status of the aircraft is improved as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed in connection with a measurement arrangement of optical parameters of a separate sample taken from a process liquid, in which method a sample is taken from the process liquid. The sample can be arranged into a sample vessel provided with at least one measurement window, and optical parameters of the sample in the sample vessel are measured through the measurement window. In the sample in the sample vessel, a flow is produced which can be used to mitigate (e.g., prevent) the measurement window surface in contact with the sample from getting dirty. A back-and-forth flow can be produced in the sample residing in the sample vessel by means of pressure variation focused on the sample, and the back-and-forth flow can be focused on the surface of the optical measurement window.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filling line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: A system for positioning a device such as a valve with a mechanical input using a fluid operated actuator, a mechanical position feedback member coupled to a feedback element of the fluid operated actuator and an activation fluid valve. The fluid operated actuator has an output coupled to the mechanical input of the valve, a feedback element for mechanically indicating a position of the valve, and inputs for actuating fluid, such that fluid at the inputs causes the fluid operated actuator to move in opposing directions. The activation fluid valve has outputs coupled to the inputs of the fluid operated actuator, a first opposing force input coupled to the mechanical position feedback member and a second opposing force input coupled to a control input force. The position of the activation fluid valve is controlled by a balance between the force from the mechanical feedback member and the control input force.

Abstract: A mechanical controller for a hydraulically controlled system, the controller including: a valve housing including an inner chamber, a hydraulic fluid input port and a hydraulic fluid output port, wherein the hydraulic fluid output port is connectable to the hydraulically controlled system; a bushing mounted in the inner chamber, the bushing having a bushing port that is movable into and out of alignment with the hydraulic fluid input and output ports to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the valve when the bushing port is in alignment with the hydraulic fluid input and output ports; a bushing actuator coupled to move the bushing in the inner chamber based on a first operational condition of the hydraulically controlled system; a pilot valve slidably mounted in the bushing, the pilot valve having a flow passage which allows hydraulic fluid to flow through the bushing when in a first position in the bushing and prevents the flow of hydraulic fluid when the pilot valve is in a second position in the bushing;

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electro-hydraulic actuator (1) having mechanical feedback provide closed loop control with a high degree of accuracy. The electro-hydraulic actuator (1) includes a current versus load generator (10), a single-stage servomechanism (20, 21, 22, 23), and a device (24, 25, 40, 41) for providing a mechanical feedback force for offsetting an input force (Fsol) of the current versus load generator (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electro-hydraulic actuator (1) having mechanical feedback provide closed loop control with a high degree of accuracy. The electro-hydraulic actuator (1) includes a current versus load generator (10), a single-stage servomechanism (20, 21, 22, 23), and a device (24, 25, 40, 41) for providing a mechanical feedback force for offsetting an input force (Fsol) of the current versus load generator (10).

Abstract: A proportional hydraulic valve has a primary control spool with a force feedback actuator attached to one end, wherein the control spool meters flow of fluid to a work port. The force feedback actuator includes a piston coupled to the control spool and defining a first control chamber and a second control chamber on opposite sides of the piston. The surface of the piston has a depression with a first tapered section and a second tapered section. The force feedback actuator includes first electrohydraulic valve with a valve element that meters pressurized fluid selectively to the first and second control chambers to move the piston in opposite directions and produce motion of the control spool. A solenoid exerts a first force that on the valve element. A pilot pin engages the piston and the valve element, whereby, movement of the pilot pin on the first and second tapered sections of the piston applies a second force to the valve element.

Abstract: A control valve and a method of controlling fluid flow include an input device which provides an input for moving a primary valve member an amount which is a function of the input, thereby opening flow pathways through the valve. The control valve is connected to a mechanical feedback mechanism which moves a feedback valve member an amount which is a function of the movement of a device to which the fluid flow is directed, such as a hydraulic actuator. Movement of the actuator to a desired position causes the second valve member to be moved to such a position that, in combination with the first valve member, the flow pathways through the valve are closed. The actuator is thereby moved to and maintained at the desired position without the need for the electronics feedback sensor used in prior art systems to sense actuator position.

Abstract: A brake system 1 of the invention comprises a brake pedal 2, a booster 3 which boosts the input force applied by the brake pedal 2 and outputs the boosted force, a travel amplifying mechanism 4 which amplifies the travel of an output shaft of the booster 3 and outputs the amplified travel, a master cylinder 5 which develops master cylinder pressure when the output from the travel amplifying mechanism 4 is applied to the master cylinders 5, and wheel cyclinders 6 which develop braking forces when the master cyclinder pressure is introduced into the wheel cyclinders. By the travel amplifying mechanism 4, the travel of the brake pedal 3 in the initial stage of operation is amplified by the travel amplifying mechanism and is then transmitted to the master cylinder 5, whereby the idle stroke of the operating member caused by various idle portions in stroke in the brake system can be effectively shortened.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical-type position-sensing and feedback system employed between a main stage spool valve and a pilot stage spool valve of an electro-hydraulic servovalve. The feedback mechanism makes use of a rotatable feedback link that directly senses the position of the slide of the main stage valve and transforms a linear motion of the slide into a linear movement of the sleeve of the pilot stage valve. The feedback link has an elongated body and is adapted for rotation about its body's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A closed center power steering gear having a spool shaft connected to a steering wheel of the motor vehicle, a pinion head connected to steered wheels of the motor vehicle, and a control valve between a fluid accumulator and a working chamber of a steering assist fluid motor. The control valve includes a poppet on the spool shaft having closed and open positions blocking and permitting, respectively, flow from the accumulator to the fluid motor working chamber, a cam on the pinion head, a cam follower on the spool shaft, and a pressure control spring between the cam follower and the poppet. The cam, the cam follower, and the pressure control spring cooperate during relative rotation between the spool shaft and the pinion head to shift the poppet to its open position. Boost pressure in the fluid motor working chamber increases and reacts against the poppet to compress the pressure control spring and shift the poppet to its closed position.

Abstract: A valve has a first set of passages for simultaneously connecting an inlet of a first chamber hydraulically to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet of a second chamber hydraulically to a venting tank and a second set of passages for simultaneously connecting an inlet of the second chamber hydraulically to the source of fluid under pressure and an outlet of the first chamber hydraulically to the venting tank. The sets of passages are sequentially repositioned to alternately cyclically connect and interrupt hydraulic communication through them. The first and second sets of passages are so configured in relationship to the inlets and outlets that flow through one set is completely terminated only after flow in the other set is initiated.

Abstract: A hydraulic power drive unit (36) including a linear hydraulic piston cylinder unit (64) with a set of longitudinally spaced gear teeth (84) in the form of a rack. A pinion gear (86) is operatively engaged and driven by the rack (84). A differential which may include a carrier (102), planet gears (108, 110) and sun gears (120, 122) may be driven by the pinion gear (86) to selectively transfer drive power to two separate rotary drive outputs (38, 40). A switching valve (160) may be provided which is responsive to a reversal of hydraulic supply pressure. Operation of the switching valve (160) may be limited by mechanical interference between an inhibit dog (181) and a cam surface (196) on the carrier (102). The carrier (102) may also include a separate cam surface (140) positioned for actuation of separate electrical switches (146, 148) in order to monitor position of the drive outputs (38, 40).

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic position-servo device to quickly and accurately position a stop element is provided for use with a positive displacement fuel injection system, wherein a shuttle is used to positively displace pre-metered slugs of fuel to unit injectors. The stop device is operatively associated with a control shaft having at least one helical surface thereon; the stop element and control shaft slidably located within a housing. The housing permits communication between at least one pressurized fluid source and a drain line by way of a chamber within which the control shaft is located. Thus, by simply rotating the control shaft from rotational drive means, the control shaft will assume an axial position determined by the orientation of the helical surface with respect to the supply and drain lines. The device is adjustable by rotation of the shaft to a new position with the re-orientation of the helical surface.

Abstract: A linear drive comprises a hydraulic unit (1), a control valve (5) and an actuating drive (9) with an actuating member (7). These elements are interconnected by means of two inertia drive starters (4, 8), which results in a mechanically-induced return movement. The movement of the piston rod (15) of the hydraulic unit (1) is controlled in the actuating drive (9) by means of active elements (10, 35, 56) moved translationally in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the linear drive. The active elements (10, 35) and the actuating member (7) are connected without play in the axial direction but can counterrotate with respect to each other by means of a bearing (38). A lever (13) is arranged on the actuating member (7) and can be rotated together with the actuating member (7) about the axis (60). The lever (13) cooperates with a stop element (14) which can be adjusted by a rack (50) and which limits the rotation of the lever (13).

Abstract: A hydraulic booster includes a power piston which is inserted slidably into a cylinder member and has a tip portion which is coupled to a piston of a master cylinder, a pressure chamber disposed in the rear of the power piston, a return valve provided in such a manner as to open and close a channel for connecting the pressure chamber to a reservoir, and a supply valve disposed in such a manner as to connect the pressure chamber to a high-pressure fluid source, a high-pressure fluid being introduced into the pressure chamber as the return valve is closed and the supply valve is opened. A valve sleeve is slidably inserted in the power piston and is urged rearwardly of the power piston by a spring, and a cam portion provided in the valve sleeve is employed to open and close the supply valve.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system for a hydraulic working cylinder, for example of a press, the piston of which has a main working surface and a smaller working surface on the rod side. A low-pressure circuit is provided for the feed or retraction movement of the piston, and a high-pressure circuit is provided for the loading movement at increased feed force and reduced speed. The connection or disconnection of these two circuits, when required, is produced with two 3/2 way valves that are coupled together. To control these control valves, there is provided an electrical reference motor that drives a cam disk which brings about the deflection of the coupled control slide valves of the control valves against a spring. A mechanical feedback is provided via the power piston, so that altogether a closed hydromechanical position control circuit is formed.

Abstract: In an actuating drive for valves, the stroke motion of the servo piston has to be transmitted to the return sleeve in the control block, so that this results in that hydraulic feedback which restores the equilibrium at the servo piston. By means of a lever or a single-point mounting, this same stroke motion is directly transmitted to a pin attached in an eccentric position relative to the center axis of the return sleeve and transmitted from this pin to the return sleeve adjoining thereunder.

Abstract: The servo control system that is provided particularly as a power steering system for motor vehicles has two shaft parts that can be rotated with respect to one another against a spring force. An element slides as a function of the relative rotation, said element, in turn, adjusting a control slide of a servo valve arranged with a stationary housing. Correspondingly, a piston of a motor operator is acted upon by different pressures.

Abstract: A steering wheel end shaft part and a gear end shaft part are connected together elastically by means of a mechanism located between the shaft parts, the relative rotation between the shaft parts being converted into a large-stroke pivoting movement of a setting lever which actuates a control valve unit of the power steering system.

Abstract: A hydraulic power assisted vehicle steering system having an input member connected with a manual steering wheel to be rotated thereby, an output member coaxial with the input member and connected with a vehicle steering mechanism, a torsion bar connecting the input member with the output member, a hydraulic power assist cylinder provided in the vehicle steering mechanism, a control valve for selectively applying a hydraulic pressure to the cylinder to produce a hydraulic assist force. The control valve includes a valve member connected with the output member for limited axial displacements. A locking device is provided to lock the vlave member at a position offset from a neutral position to hydraulically bias the cylinder when the input member is steered beyond a predetermined value so that a centering or restoring force is produced to provide a self centering function.

Abstract: The brake booster (12) includes a housing (30) with at least one piston (38) disposed in a bore (32) between a pressure chamber (42) and a work chamber (76). The piston (38) is disposed adjacent a valve housing (79) containing therein a valve assembly (80) and the valve assembly (80) is connected to an input assembly (72) at an end of the valve housing (79). The piston (38) includes a cam surface (78) engaged by a lever (17), the lever (17) abutting an actuator part (81) biased by a resilient spring (83) toward the lever (17). Actuation of the booster (12) effects a greater displacement of the piston (38) than the input assembly (72) and valve housing (79) because of the engagement of the lever with the cam surface (78) of the piston (38).

Abstract: An input shaft and an output shaft can rotate relative to each other. Pressure supplied to a pressure-responsive actuator depends on the axial position of a movable valve member. A transmission arrangement serves to move the valve member only in the axial direction as the input and output shafts rotate relative to each other. The valve member and each of the input and output shafts are wholly outside one another.

Abstract: A control assembly (50) for deployment of aircraft wing flaps is comprised of an input cam mechanism (54), a feedback cam mechanism (56) and a summing lever member (58) operatively interconnecting the cam mechanisms for mechanically summing independent inputs therefrom to yield a mechanical output signal for actuating flap deployment drives, wherein the input cam mechanism is comprised of a cam (64) rotationally operable in response to a command input signal and a cam follower (68) in mating engagement therewith for cammed movement with rotation thereof to provide a first input signal to the summing lever characteristic of a predetermined flap configuration, the feedback cam mechanism is comprised of a cam (94) rotationally operable in response to movement of the flaps and a cam follower (100) in mating engagement therewith for cammed movement in response to movement of the flaps to provide a second input signal to the summing lever characteristic of the existing flap configuration; and further wherein the su

Abstract: A changeover valve unit for a power-assisted steering system includes input and output shafts arranged within a valve housing for relative rotation on aligned axes, a spool valve element concentrically assembled with the input shaft to be axially moved in response to relative rotation of the shafts for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to a hydraulic cylinder associated with the steering system. An annular seal member of elastic material is secured at its inner periphery to the input shaft and is integrally formed with an annular lip facing the inner periphery of the spool valve element with a predetermined annular clearance. The annular lip is expanded outwardly by back pressure acting on the spool valve element at a higher level than a predetermined value and is brought into engagement with the inner periphery of the spool valve element.

Abstract: A power steering system for motor vehicles, wherein a steering nut, connected to a steering worm in such a manner that the steering worm is driven thereby, is rotatably and axially non-displacably mounted in a working piston and is also provided with a control arm passing through both a radial recess in a working piston and a radial opening in a cylinder housing that receives the working piston. An end of the control arm which is radially outermost with respect to an axis of the piston actuates a spool valve for adjusting the working pressure. Two corresponding followers are provided for defining the end stroke positions of the working piston. The followers are mutually engagable to lower or shut off a working pressure in the system. One of the followers is disposed opposite the working piston relative to the piston axis and the other is located opposite the cylinder housing relative to the cylinder axis with a zero motion.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated speed governor (26) moves an engine throttle member (10) for controlling the speed of a vehicle. The governor includes a pneumatically operated actuator having an output connected to the engine throttle member. A pivotally mounted valve member (44) is positioned intermediate a vacuum supply orifice (46) and an atmospheric air orifice (48) and supplies a pneumatic signal to the actuator. An internal speed sensor (82) responsive to vehicle speed has an output member (100) which reacts against an improved, self-wiping minimum speed switch (102) and a set-speed control member (52) which in turn reacts against the pivotally mounted valve member (44) for varying the position of the valve member as the vehicle speed tends to fall below or rise above a predetermined set speed.

Abstract: A power steering system has a servomotor flow control valve with means for automatically returning the vehicle to straight ahead position by hydraulic power. This is accomplished in a construction utilizing a piston valve linked by a cam mechanism to movement of a servomotor piston in such manner that, responsive to movement of the servomotor piston, and upon return of the piston valve to a neutral position a brief overtravel beyond neutral position occurs which reversely pressurizes the servomotor to straighten the wheel direction after a turn.

Abstract: A changeover valve unit for a power-assisted steering system includes input and output shafts arranged for relative rotation on aligned axes, a spool valve element concentrically assembled with the input shaft to be axially shifted in response to relative rotation of the shafts, and a sleeve-like valve casing surrounding the spool valve element to cooperate with the spool valve element for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to a hydraulic cylinder associated with the steering system. A thrust plate is rotatably coupled at its inner periphery with the output shaft and secured at its outer periphery to the valve casing thereby to prevent rotation of the valve casing and to permit axial movement of the valve casing caused by displacement of the output shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pump comprising a rotatable barrel, a tiltable pump cam, and a proportional servo actuator operatively connected to the pump cam to affect the angle between the pump cam and the axis of the barrel.

Abstract: Power steering with rotary drive shaft adapted to drive a pinion cooperating with a rack, comprising a distributor of pressurized fluid which comprises a slide valve coaxial with the pinion and a connecting rod passing axially through the pinion and connecting one end of the slide valve to a piece linked in rotation with said shaft, but free to slide with respect to this shaft, said piece being adapted to cooperate during its rotation with a bearing surface immovable in the direction of the axis of the pinion and sloping with respect to this axis, so that said piece, the rod and the slide valve move axially in response to a rotational movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A servomechanism in which the mutual angular position of a threaded spindle relative to a tap is adjustable by a stepper motor wherein the unit of the threaded spindle and tap is connected directly or indirectly with a hydraulic working unit, the servomechanism includes a ball bearing arranged between the spindle and the tap. Consequently, by actuating the stepper motor to which the tap is connected via a coupling, the tap being rotated and moved in axial direction relative to the spindle, thereby actuating a switching mechanism connected to the working unit by which the spindle is caused to rotate. Accordingly, the relative axial movement between the spindle and the tap is compensated and the working unit is in a different position.

Abstract: A load relief device for a power steering system of a vehicle. The load relief device provides release of loads from a hydraulic pressure supply pump of the power steering system when the output member of the system is near the end of its stroke by short-circuiting between a hydraulic pressure source and an oil reservoir of the power steering system. The load relief device includes an assembly for detecting the end of a stroke being executed by the power steering system, and upon detection of the end of the stroke, the assembly operates to bring a four-way valve of an open center type to a neutral position thereof, regardless of the steering torque being applied to the power steering system.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated speed governor (26) for moving an engine throttle member (10) for controlling the speed of a vehicle includes a pneumatically operated actuator having an output connected to the engine throttle member. A pivotally mounted valve member (44) is positioned intermediate a vacuum supply orifice (46) and an atmospheric air orifice (48) and supplies a pneumatic signal to the actuator. An inertial speed sensor (82) responsive to vehicle speed has an output member (100) which reacts against an improved, self-wiping minimum speed switch (102) and a set-speed control member (52) which in turn reacts against the pivotally mounted valve member (44) for varying the position of the valve member as the vehicle speed tends to fall below or rise above a predetermined set speed.

Abstract: In a servo-motor assembly for a vehicle braking system a valve controlling the servo pressure is operated by an operating assembly comprising an angularly movable rotary operating member, an axially movable transmission member for applying an operating force to the rotary member, and a camming mechanism for translating axial movement of the transmission member into angular movement of the rotary member.

Abstract: A control valve unit (10) disclosed supplies hydraulic fluid to an actuator (12) in a manner that controls both acceleration and deceleration of the actuator movement. A supply valve (14, 22) of the unit is movable from a central closed position in opposite directions to open positions and back to the closed position by a servomechanism (16) and a control circuit (18) that operates the servomechanism to cooperatively control the supply of the hydraulic fluid to the actuator in a manner which controls both acceleration and deceleration of the actuator movement. A control member (62) of the servomechanism operates the supply valve and is moved in a controlled manner by cooperative operation of a pair of hydraulically operated pilot pistons (88a, b), a pair of acceleration control pistons (90a, b), and a pair of deceleration cams (84a, b). Directional and flow control valves (89, 92) of the control circuit operate the pilot pistons and the acceleration control pistons in cooperation with each other.

Abstract: A valve actuator is disclosed having a servo-motor which regulates the position of a main valve that controls steam supply to a turbine. A hydraulic input signal acts on a pilot valve within the valve actuator body to move a valve spool in response to the input signal. Movement of the valve spool permits oil to flow into a cylinder in which the servo-motor is located. The flow of oil into the cylinder causes a piston which is a part of the servo-motor to move upwardly. Movement of the servo-motor is regulated by a cam and follower arrangement which transfers the motion of the servo-motor to a valve sleeve. The valve sleeve, which has a differential piston area, shuts-off the supply of oil to the servo-motor. The cam and follower arrangement provides for a linear correlation between the hydraulic input signal and the operation of the servo-motor. Increased closing forces provided by the differential piston reduce vibration of the valve sleeve and the servo-motor.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operable servo positioner for selectively positioning a mechanical member or lever by a power cylinder selectively positionable in accordance with the degree of operating fluid pressure supplied thereto through a control valve device at a pressure determined by the degree of a selectively variable control pressure supplied to the control valve device, the power cylinder including a counteracting spring for balancing the force of the operating pressure to maintain the power cylinder in the selected position and a cam member engaging the control valve device and positionable according to the position of the power cylinder for maintaining the control valve device in the selected pressure supply position.

Abstract: A proportional flow control valve comprises a directional control valve having a valve spool, a servo actuator or servo means for operating said directional control valve, and manual override means for operating the valve spool. The servo means comprises a movable ram or piston for moving the valve spool to thereby operate the directional control valve and the ram has a pair of equally sized piston areas connected thereto. The servo actuator also comprises a pilot valve having a null position and is selectively operable to apply fluid alternately to either of said piston areas to effect ram and valve spool movement in one direction or another from a null position. Means including a proportional electromagnetic device such as a proportional solenoid or force motor are provided for selectively operating the pilot valve. Feedback means are connected between the ram and the pilot valve to maintain the ram and the valve spool in a position wherein they are moved.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure operated actuator arrangement has a double-acting actuator device and a control valve. A three-element differential mechanism has two of its elements respectively drivingly connected to the control valve and the actuator device, and a third element resiliently coupled to an input lever. The input lever is frictionally restrained against movement. Relative movement between the lever and the third element, induced as a result of jamming the control valve, brakes the third element, increasing a torque which can be applied by the actuator device to the valve.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the rotating angle of a vessel of a dump truck which includes a detent having a guide recess, which is pivotally connected to the vehicle body said detent being connected to a spool of a control valve operated by an operating lever. An arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle body and has a cam follower journaled therein, and another arm is secured to the rod of a cylinder and has a bolt which is secured to said another arm and is adjustable in height. Thus, the shock is absorbed when the vessel is travelling upwards and is stopped.

Abstract: A generally conically shaped cam formed internally of the actuator piston and a follower connected to a rotary shaft serves to provide a position feedback signal within a minimum of space.

Abstract: A fluid servo network having a servo fluid pressure responsive movable output member controlled by a variable area orifice the effective area of which is established by a movable servo valve which is actuated by lever means in response to a variable force input applied thereto. The lever means includes a main input lever responsive to the variable force input and an opposing variable feedback force which varies in response to the reaction of the output member to establish a force balance on the main input lever. The main input lever is attached to a roller loaded by a constant reference force and movable along a secondary lever mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed axis to vary the effective lever arm of the secondary lever which is attached to the servo valve. The input torque tending to close the servo valve is opposed by the torque derived from a characteristic orifice force unbalance acting through the secondary lever.

Abstract: A mechanical feedback controlled valve regulates the fluid flow into the vane or piston compartment for controlling the direction, position, velocity, acceleration and/or deceleration of the output shaft.