Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movement of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (44) and an actuator assembly (46) connected together by conduits (48,50) to define closed fluid flow branches or fluid links (49,51) for moving a piston (94) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (72) in the pump assembly. Movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via a cam assembly (92) which effects same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effects opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a free swing system into the hydraulic flow system of a boom crane in order to permit an operator to control the boom crane during the centering operation, which occurs immediately before and during the hoisting of a load. The free-swing system is incorporated into the hydraulic flow system between the swing control valve and the hydraulic swing motor and operates by "bleeding-off" a portion of the hydraulic fluid being pumped to or by the hydraulic swing motor so as to greatly reduce or control the rotational speed of the hydraulic swing motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic operated control system for remotely operating a walk-behind soil compactor. A remotely operated three-position valve is connected to the pressure line of the hydraulic system of the soil compactor and serves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to opposite ends of a hydraulic cylinder unit that is operably connected to a hydraulic pump which operates the speed and direction control for the compactor. The cylinder unit includes a piston that is slidable within the cylinder and the piston is biased to a neutral position by springs. Through remote operation of the valve, hydraulic fluid will be directed to either end of the cylinder to provide direction and speed control for the compactor. A deadman switch is located on the remote control panel and manual release of the deadman switch will open the hydraulic circuit between the opposite ends of the cylinder to prevent fluid from being directed to the cylinder and will enable the springs to return the cylinder to a neutral no speed position.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movement of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (44) and an actuator assembly (46) connected together by conduits (48,50) to define closed fluid flow branches or fluid links (49,51) for moving a piston (94) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (72) in the pump assembly. Movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via a cam assembly (92) which effects same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effects opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles.

Abstract: A variable effort power steering system for an automobile includes a rotary valve power steering gear, a detent type variable effort detent system whereby a fluid detent pressure proportional to vehicle speed operates on a detent between an input member of the steering gear and an output member of the steering gear to prevent relative angular displacement therebetween until steering handwheel effort exceeds a threshold magnitude increasing with increasing detent pressure, and a shunt system between the two working chambers of the steering assist fluid motor. The shunt system includes a shunt valve in a shunt passage between the working chambers which is closed at zero or low vehicle speed and is progressively opened by detent pressure as vehicle speed increases whereby progressively more fluid is shunted from the active working chamber to the reservoir at higher vehicle speeds.

Abstract: A switching valve device provided in an oil passage in which the flow of oil pressure is supposed to occur in both directions, the switching valve device having two check valves provided in the oil passage so as to allow a flow of oil pressure in respective directions opposite to each other, the check valves being biased by means of springs in their respective closing direction, and means is provided for forcibly open the check valves against the bias of the springs. Thereby the switching valve device selectively assumes a first state which allows a flow of oil pressure in one direction, a second state which allows the flow in the other direction, and a third state which does not allow such flow in any direction.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a free swing system into the hydraulic flow system of a boom crane in order to permit an operator to control the boom crane during the centering operation, which occurs immediately before and during the hoisting of a load. The free-swing system is incorporated into the hydraulic flow system between the swing control valve and the hydraulic swing motor and operates by "bleeding-off" a portion of the hydraulic fluid being pumped to or by the hydraulic swing motor so as to greatly reduce or control the rotational speed of the hydraulic swing motor.

Abstract: A power assist steering gear for use in vehicles having a housing that defines a chamber. A piston dividing the chamber into first and second chamber portions. The piston is movable through a work stroke in opposite directions in the chamber. A steering valve directs fluid pressure into the first chamber portion and vents the second chamber portion to effect piston movement in a first direction and directs fluid pressure into the second chamber portion and vents the first chamber portion to effect piston movement in a second direction. An input shaft moves to effect actuation of the steering valve. A relief valve for communicates the first and second chamber portions when the piston is near the end of its work stroke.

Abstract: A pulsator for milking machines has two diaphragms connected by a rod with each diaphragm dividing a pressure chamber into a processing space and a damping space. The damping spaces communicate through a channel that is provided with a throttle. The processing spaces are connected either to a source of vacuum or to the atmosphere. A switchover is attached to the rod and connects lines leading to the pulsation spaces of milking containers either to the atmosphere or to a source of vacuum. A main line is provided with a throttle. The throttles in the communicating channel and in the main line are detoured by bypasses provided with chokes that can be vacuum-activated through control channels.

Abstract: A speedup device or valve means comprises a check-valve disposed in an oil passage connected with the rod-end chamber of a double-acting cylinder for preventing working oil from returning toward a tank only, a circulation valve provided in the upstream of said check valve, said circulation valve being usually urged by a spring to block communication between the oil passages connected with the rod-end and the piston-end chambers, respectively, said circulation valve being designed to move against the spring so as to connect the oil passages with each other in response to the pressure rise in the return oil from the rod-end chamber when said double-acting cylinder is in its rod-extending motion, causing the return oil from the rod-end chamber to shift into the piston-end chamber through a variable restriction, and a circuit set up in a portion of said circulation valve for allowing a portion of the return oil from the rod-end chamber to return to the tank through a variable restriction and a restriction passage

Abstract: A double action piston/cylinder unit has a piston guided in a cylinder and attached to a piston rod, the piston to be charged with a pressure agent, particularly hydraulic fluid at a first end face, the hydraulic fluid to be conducted in a controlled manner into the cylinder via a first fitting disposed at an end section of the cylinder and is to be charged at its other, second end face with a pressure agent which is located in an annular chamber formed by a central section of the piston rod and the inner wall of the cylinder, the second end face of the piston and a cylinder end piece, the annular chamber is in communication with a pressure agent reservoir which is connected to the annular chamber via a second fitting disposed at the other end section of the cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit system comprises first and second double-acting cylinders, a hydraulic pump for supplying the double-acting cylinders with pressure oil, and directional control valves respectively associated with the cylinders for controlling the supply of pressure oil to the latter. The hydraulic control circuit system has a circuit for independently operating the individual cylinders and also a circuit for causing the rod advancing and retracting actions of the first cylinder to be followed by the rod advancing and retracting actions of the second cylinder. The system is applied to the hydraulic control circuit of, e.g., a front loader for controlling a hydraulic cylinder used for lifting and lowering the loader arm and another hydraulic cylinder used for turning the bucket pivotally connected to the free end of the arm.

Abstract: Check device for a redundant flight control apparatus comprising at least two servo drive devices. Failure in supplying fluid and wedging of a control valve (20) can be simulated. Failure of the bypass valve (35) can be checked by reading and comparing the volume flows of the respective pumps as well as by evaluating the travelling rate of the servo drives (1, 2) by the pilot.

Abstract: The mechanism incorporates at least one assistance unit consisting of a fixed piston (44) supported by a hollow rod (43) and of a cylinder (32) housed in a bore (30) of the rack (11), the chambers (60, 61) being supplied through separate passages (62, 63) extending through the hollow rod (43). The mechanism, advantageously of the type with central output and with a double circuit, incorporates a double circuit distribution valve mechanism (20) for supplying selectively the pairs of chambers (60, 61) on each side of the pinion (12) of the rack (11).

Abstract: An oleodynamic steering control device for vehicles having a straight traveling stabilizer, the device comprising a cylindrical member containing a reciprocatable or rotatable element connected to the main steering system and operative to generate a fluid pressure which is transmitted to a steering actuator on an axle to be steered. The device provides a fluid bypass to a reservoir for a certain range relative to the position corresponding to the straight traveling condition of the vehicle. This relieves the pressures generated by small deviations from straight traveling, which occur at relatively high speed, and thus they are not transmitted and multiplied on the steered axle which is thus stabilized, affording greater traveling safety.

Abstract: The electro-hydraulic actuator for turbine valves essentially includes a control valve, a rapid action stop valve, a hydraulic supply and an oil supply unit. In order to create a hydraulic actuator for turbine valves which, on the one hand, satisfies the stringent requirements with regard to adjustment force and adjustment speed and, on the other hand, avoids the problems associated with the transmission of hydraulic energy, at least one adjustment valve and at least one rapid action stop valve are allocated per turbine inlet valve. The actuators of these two valves are of the same design and are mutually interchangeable and integrated into a compact actuator unit located on the valve housing. The actuators are connected in pairs to a hydraulic supply located immediately adjacent to the actuators.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure-operable device 1 includes two relatively-movable components 2, 3 defining a variable-volume working chamber 9. A sealing element 5 of elastomeric material is carried, or formed, by one of the components and is in sliding and sealing engagement with the other of the components normally to resist escape of fluid under pressure from chamber 9 to the exterior thereof. That face 15 of element 5 remote from the chamber is so provided with channel 16 that as pressure in the chamber increases the element is permitted progressively to deform and some of the material of the element thus displaced is then accommodated by the channel. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, deformation of the element is such that sealing engagement of the element with the other of said components is broken so that the pressure in chamber 9 is relieved to the exterior thereof.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle having a pressure operated vehicle steering mechanism controlled by a rotary valve with primary and secondary valve portions wherein the primary valve portion develops a fast-rising steering pressure characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at low driving speeds and a flatter or more gradual steering pressure rise characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at high driving speeds, the latter resulting from the action of the secondary valve portion which functions in cooperation with the primary valve portion whereby the pressure versus torque relationship is optimized for parking maneuvers, for driving maneuvers and for center-feel.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle having a pressure operated vehicle steering mechanism controlled by a rotary valve with primary and secondary valve portions wherein the primary valve portion develops a fast-rising steering pressure characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at low driving speeds and a flatter or more gradual steering pressure rise characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at high driving speeds, the latter resulting from the action of the secondary valve portion which functions in cooperation with the primary valve portion whereby the pressure versus torque relationship is optimized for parking maneuvers, for driving maneuvers and for center-feel, the change from the low speed steering mode to the high speed steering mode being gradual whereby the center-feel increases in proportion to increasing road speed.

Abstract: A vacuum booster device which is mainly used to operate a master cylinder for hydraulic brakes or the like of automobiles. The device is so constructed that the inner peripheral bead of the diaphragm disposed within the booster shell and the clamping band adapted to clamp the bead tightly are fitted in the annular fitting groove formed in the rear surface of the booster piston, a part of the inner peripheral bead is formed as a thin-walled elastic valve portion which is in close-contact with the inner surface of the annular fitting groove in a separable manner and which engages with the notched recess formed in the rear side wall of the fitting groove, and the relief is provided between the valve portion and the clamping band to allow deformation of the elastic valve portion. Thus, when the pressure within the first working chamber is increased, air can be discharged from the first working chamber to the second working chamber through a gap made in the relief region due to deformation of the valve portion.

Abstract: An actuator system for controlling the position of an aerodynamic control surface of an aircraft, such as an aileron, is disclosed. An actuator (12) having an output shaft (14) is mounted to a frame attached to the aircraft structure. A hydraulic coupling (32) is mounted on one side to the output shaft (14) of the actuator (12) and the other side to the control surface (50) and comprises a hydraulic cylinder (34) having a sealing member (36) movably mounted therein dividing the cylinder (34) into two portions (38, 40). The output shaft (14) of the actuator (12) is coupled to the cylinder (34) and an output shaft is attached to the sealing member (36) at one end and at its opposite end to the control surface or vice versa. A connecting tube (54) is provided coupling the two portions of the hydraulic cylinder together. The tube incorporates a valve (58) having a first position sealing off the two portions from each other and a second position providing a passageway therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling two fluid-controlled drive members, one of which is double-acting, wherein a communication conduit connects the supply conduits of said double-acting drive member, a non-return valve being disposed in said communication conduit and allowing the passage of the fluid solely from the small chamber towards the large chamber of said double-acting drive member, while another conduit is adapted to connect the large chamber of the double-acting drive member to the chamber of the second drive member. The result of the invention is the elimination of lift of a hydraulic loading shovel when digging.

Abstract: A leak-detecting hydraulic system is disclosed for operation of a fluid actuator associated with a front-end loader, a backhoe, or a like implement on a material handling device. Notably, the system includes a leak-detection circuit which normally acts to prevent movement of the implement associated with the actuator by gravity in the event of a failure in one of the hydraulic fluid lines operatively connected with the actuator. Additionally, the system preferably includes a selectively operable float valve which permits fluid flow which bypasses the leak-detection circuit, thus desirably permitting operation of the implement associated with the actuator in a "floating" mode.

Abstract: Grinder-mixers include a material infeed device such as a feed table for feeding bales of hay to be ground up and incorporated into livestock feed rations. Due to varying bale density, the bale grinder sometimes lugs down when encountering a dense bale. However, if the feed table continues to feed bales during such a lug down, the grinder may clog and stall. A bypass apparatus solves the feed table problem by providing a bypass valve automatically operable to stop motion of the feed table when a lug down occurs.

Abstract: A soil aerating apparatus comprising a towing vehicle, a soil aerating device comprising a drum, tines extending radially from the drum, and a frame for supporting the drum for rotation about a horizontal axis. The frame includes a forward end with a draw arm, and the forward end is pivotally attached to the towing vehicle so that the frame is raised and lowered by moving the draw arm. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for moving the draw arm comprising a hydraulic cylinder including a piston rod and connected between the draw arm and the towing vehicle, and a valve operably connected to the cylinder for extending and retracting said piston rod. The valve includes a valve member movable between a position wherein the valve extends the piston rod, a position wherein the valve holds the piston rod in a fixed position, a position wherein the valve retracts the piston rod, and a position wherein the valve permits the piston rod to extend or retract in response to movement of the draw arm.

Abstract: A high resolution servo actuator is responsive to an electronic control or manual control. An output shaft having fast response and infinite positioning for stroking a manual servo valve on a pump is rotated by hydraulic power. A set of hydraulic working cylinders and centering cylinders are connected through a rack and pinion drive to a shaft. Centering cylinders utilize stop tubes to prevent its pistons from traveling past the center position and applying a constant force to center the shaft. A directional valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the working cylinders for driving the shaft throughout its range of travel. An electrohydraulic servo valve converts the electronic control signal into hydraulic flow to the actuator. Shaft position feedback is developed and connected to the electronic control.

Abstract: An improved machine tool has a chuck assembly which is actuated by a piston and cylinder type motor assembly. When a workpiece is to be gripped by the chuck assembly, high pressure fluid is directed to one chamber of the piston and cylinder motor and is exhausted from the opposite chamber. When the chuck assembly has gripped a workpiece, relative movement between the piston and cylinder is interrupted and fluid is no longer discharged from the motor. A pressure responsive switch assembly detects the reduction in the rate of the flow of fluid from the motor to provide a signal to indicate that a workpiece has been firmly gripped by the chuck assembly. After an initial machining operation in which relatively high forces are applied to the workpiece, such as during a rough cutting operation, the chucking forces applied to the workpiece are reduced prior to initiation of a finish cutting operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic wing mower includes a central section (A) to which a left wing section (B) and a right wing section (C) are pivotally connected. A first hydraulic cylinder (100) is operatively connected between the central section and left wing section for selecting its angular position and a second hydraulic cylinder (100') is operatively connected between the central section and the right wing section for selecting its angular position. A hydraulic circuit provides hydraulic fluid under pressure from a reservoir (120) to a wing angular position control valve (170). The wing angular position control valve selectively directs hydraulic fluid under pressure to the first and second cylinders to select an angular orientation for the left and right wings. A pressure relief valve (180) is selectively connected between the hydraulic cylinders and the reservoir. When an upward force occurs on one or both of the wing members, e.g.

Abstract: Fluid control systems frequently eliminate use of fluid operated jack protecting relief valves because additional visibility blocking and damage prone conduits are required to connect the relief valves to the reservoir. A fluid operated system having a controlling valve, a selecting valve, a fluid operated jack, a relief valve, a reservoir and a bypass valve is provided to controllably connect the relief valve to other portions of the system in response to the position of controlling valve and selecting valve. Therefore, no additional conduits are required to connect the relief valve to the reservoir and thus the problems of reduced visibility, premature conduit leakage and conduit damage are eliminated. The fluid control system is particularly suited for use in a work vehicle such as a lift truck having a lift mast.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle comprising a fluid motor connected drivably to a vehicle steering gear linkage and a control valve for directing motor actuating fluid pressure to the fluid motor from a power steering pump, the control valve including a bypass valve and a constant flow valve in the fluid circuit connecting the pump and the gear whereby a reduced constant flow of pressurized fluid to the gear occurs at low speeds and during parking maneuvers and wherein a lower constant flow of fluid is applied to the steering gear during steering maneuvers at high speeds whereby a reduction in the power assist and an increased road feel and reduced power consumption occur during operation of the vehicle at high speeds.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve particularly for use in a speed-responsive power steering system on a motor vehicle comprises a valve housing having two ports opening into a bore in the housing, a spool axially slidable in the bore and slot defining a bypass passageway extending between the two ports and variable in cross section upon axial movement of the spool. The spool is spring-biased in a direction to close the bypass passageway, but attractable by an energized solenoid to open the bypass passageway when the solenoid is supplied with an electric current dependent on the speed of travel of the vehicle. The spool has therein a restrictor disposed in the bypass passageway adjacent to the slot to restrict the flow of a fluid through the bypass passageway into and out of the bore in the housing.

Abstract: Fluid introduced into an actuator moves the piston, against the force of a return spring, to extend the actuator. After the actuator has extended a sufficient amount to perform its intended function, the piston contacts and moves a sleeve type closure for an outlet port. The additional extension of the actuator moves the sleeve to open the outlet port. This allows fluid from the source to flow through the actuator and out through the outlet port to an expansible chamber in a second actuator. In a preferred system, the second actuator is also a single acting linear motor and it includes a return spring. At the conclusion of the function of both actuators, a bypass valve in a return line is opened to allow fluid to flow out from the expansible chambers of both actuators back to a reservoir. The fluid from the second actuator flows back to the outlet port of the first actuator and from such port through a passageway which connects such port with the inlet-outlet port of the first actuator.

Abstract: A cyclic or periodic event timing system for use in conjunction with a pressure fluid control circuit includes a cylinder and piston type actuator comprising a differential area piston which is exposed to fluid pressure from a flow conduit on opposite sides of a flow restricting orifice in the conduit or a branch portion thereof. The actuator piston includes a rod portion which is extended in one direction in response to an unbalanced pressure force on the piston. On the extension stroke, the actuator opens a valve to effect flow in the conduit resulting in a reduction in pressure which is sensed in the cylinder chamber exposed to the larger piston fluid area. The actuator piston then returns to an initial retracted position in response to an unbalanced pressure force.

Abstract: Fluid introduced into an actuator moves the piston, against the force of a return spring, to extend the actuator. After the actuator has extended a sufficient amount to perform its intended function, the piston contacts and moves a sleeve type closure for an outlet port. The additional extension of the actuator moves the sleeve to open the outlet port. This allows fluid from the source to flow through the actuator and out through the outlet port to an expansible chamber in a second actuator. In a preferred system, the second actuator is also a single acting linear motor and it includes a return spring. At the conclusion of the function of both actuators, a bypass valve in a return line is opened to allow fluid to flow out from the expansible chambers of both actuators back to a reservoir. The fluid from the second actuator flows back to the outlet port of the first actuator and from such port through a passageway which connects such port with the inlet-outlet port of the first actuator.

Abstract: An hydraulic tilt system and method for its use with a cab pivotally mounted on a motor vehicle frame. An hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly pivotally connects between the cab and the frame. A remote control station has an hydraulic pump, a reservoir, and a control for operating the pump to tilt the cab. Hydraulic lines connect the control station with the piston-cylinder assembly. Check valves in the hydraulic lines stop the tilting motion of the cab in case of loss of hydraulic pressure. A controlled return free-fall valve is also disposed in the hydraulic lines to selectively restrict the flow of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An automatic grip control circuit for a grapple mechanism providing a first pilot circuit to actuate a main hydraulic valve which operates the grapple cylinder and a second pilot circuit to actuate a grip control valve which causes excess fluid to dump to tank when the pressure is too high or directs fluid to the first pilot circuit to reactivate the main control valve to increase pressure on the grapple cylinder when the pressure is too low. The automatic grip control circuit automatically senses changes in pressure to maintain adequate gripping pressure on logs held within the grapple tongs.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (10) for a log grapple device (12), including an unloader valve (20) and an accumulator (22) located downstream of a control valve (18) which determines the direction of fluid flow to the actuating cylinder (108) controlling the opening and closing of the grapple device. When a predetermined operating pressure is reached the unloader valve diverts outlet flow from a pump (16) to a reservoir (14) and isolates the system downstream of the unloader valve, the accumulator maintaining pressure on the grapple device. When the grapple device is to be opened, a pilot check valve assembly (60) within the unloader valve permits reverse flow through the unloader valve.

Abstract: Grinder-mixers include a material infeed device such as a feed table for feeding bales of hay to be ground up and incorporated into livestock feed rations. Due to varying bale density, the bale grinder sometimes lugs down when encountering a dense bale. However, if the feed table continues to feed bales during such a lug down, the grinder may clog and stall. A bypass apparatus solves the feed table problem by providing a bypass valve automatically operable to stop motion of the feed table when a lug down occurs.

Abstract: A multi-purpose lifting vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder for controlling the elevation of a boom hoist device operably connected thereto. The device is alternately used in crane or front end loader modes of operation. The vehicle includes a hydraulic system for controlling the operation of the cylinder comprising a multi-position mode selector valve for selecting the specific mode of operation of the boom hoist device for raising, lowering and enabling the boom hoist device to float. The control system further includes a holding valve for locking the hydraulic fluid within the raising end of the cylinder for maintaining the elevation of the boom hoist device. A first bypass circuit is provided about the holding valve for enabling fluid to escape from the raising end of the cylinder while fluid is simultaneously flowing to the lowering end thereof.

Abstract: An improved electrohydraulic servovalve has first and second valve spools mounted for independent sliding movement relative to a body in response to a common command signal. The valve has a first drive mechanism operatively arranged to cause a desired motion of one valve spool in response to the command signal, and has a second drive mechanism operatively arranged to cause a desired simultaneous similar motion of the other valve spool in response to the command signal. The improvement comprises a differential position sensing mechanism arranged to sense the relative positions of the two valve spools and operative to produce an output related to the difference therebetween, and an indicating device supplied with such output and operative to indicate substantially dissimilar relative positions of the spools.

Abstract: The safety system employs a shut-off valve, a control valve and a selector. The selector is formed of two non-return valves which are connected to the two chambers of the servomotor and has an output connected to one chamber of the control valve. Another chamber of the control valve is connected to the low pressure chamber of the servomotor while the intermediate chamber is connected to the shut-off valve in order to influence the movements of the piston of the shut-off valve. A solenoid actuates the control valve to deliver either high pressure fluid from the high pressure servomotor chamber or low pressure fluid from the low pressure servomotor chamber to the shut-off valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (9) includes a hydraulic motor (10), a main control valve (17) for controlling said motor (10), a make-up valve (78,79) operatively associated with said main control valve (17) and a vent line (93,94,95,99) for selectively venting said make-up valve (78,79). In such hydraulic systems, and in particular, in prior art hydraulic systems used to raise and lower a load, there is always the possibility that should hydraulic pressure not be maintained in the vent line the make-up valve could come open and the load could unexpectedly move. Such a situation could occur with, for example, air trapped in said vent line and the simultaneous failure of a pump of the system. The present invention solves this problem by providing pressure maintaining arrangement (200) in fluid communication with said vent line (93,94,95,99).

Abstract: A self adjusting actuator system (32/32') has an actuator housing (40), a telescoping piston (52) defining therewith head and rod end chambers (58,60), and a compression spring (66) disposed for biasing the piston (52) in a preselected direction against an external force. A control system supplies fluid selectively to either of the chambers (58,60) and includes control device (33/33') for selectively permitting egress of fluid from the rod end chamber (60) to permit the piston (52) to move in the preselected direction in response to a change in the external force. Such system is particularly useful in a log grapple (10).

Abstract: A power steering mechanism includes a control valve which acts both to control the flow of pressurized fluid to and from a pair of working chambers of the mechanism and as a pressure relief valve to limit the maximum pressure which may be communicated to the working chambers. The valve includes a stack of plane annular discs which are relatively rotatable and arranged coaxially with the control shaft of the steering mechanism. The discs are resiliently biased together and define valve ports and compartments which cooperate to control the flow of pressure fluid dependent upon the relative rotational positions of the discs. Rotation of the control shaft causes rotation of one of the discs relative to the others to correlate the ports and chambers so as to supply pressure fluid to one chamber and to vent fluid from the other chamber.

Abstract: In a system which provides feel-force to the control stick of an aircraft by means of hydraulic pressure, a fault indicating system which responds to excessive differences between desired and actual force in the actuator, only of a polarity in the same direction as concurrent stick motion, to separate pilot induced pressure excesses from force-system faults, is provided with directional sensitivity in the fault-indicating output logic. Excessive pressure errors in either direction of stick travel institute the monitoring of changes in stick position. Changes in stick position of an excessive magnitude are recognized as fault only if they occur in the same direction as the direction of excessive pressure error. A simple analog embodiment utilizes threshold detectors and a track store device; a dedicated-digital embodiment utilizes comparators, registers and a subtractor; and a computer embodiment utilizes a software routine.

Abstract: A dampener for a clapper valve wherein a rotor member having radially outwardly extending vanes which subdivide each of two fluid cavities defined in a housing into first and second fluid volumes is characterized by radially extending, first and second passages axially spaced within the rotor which respectively communicate each of the first volumes and the corresponding second volume. The increase in pressure within either of the volumes generated by the motion of the vanes (which move with the clapper) is accommodated by the fluid in one passage venting to the other passage through an axially movable valve. The valve piston presents equal surface areas to each passage, to thereby fluid balance the damper in both the opening and closing directions of the clapper. A bypass channel is provided through which one of the fluid volumes in the first cavity with one of the volumes in the second cavity.

Abstract: A control valve unit (10) disclosed includes a slide mechanism (14) mounted on a base (40) of the unit, a control member (18) driven by a hydraulic linear actuator (12) controlled by the unit, and a control valve (22) that feeds hydraulic fluid to the actuator and has a deactivator (24) that is engaged and moved by a pair of slides (16a,b) of the slide mechanism under the impetus of the control member movement in order to terminate driving of the actuator at its limits of movement. The slide mechanism includes a slideway on the base and a pair of fixed stops (62a,b) between which the movable slides are supported on the slideway and biased by a helical spring (68) against the stops. The helical spring is aligned with openings (66) in the slides and the control member (18) extends through the spring and the slide openings. Lugs (76a,b) on the control member for moving the slides are preferably adjustable so as to permit adjustment of the limits of actuator movement.

Abstract: The present differential pressure limiting valve is constructed with an axially movable valve body having hydrostatic bearings including bearing shafts, whereby the bearing shafts are connected to opposite sides of said valve body in axial alignment. Normally the valve body is biased against the valve seat by an adjustable closing spring acting on the bearing shaft or valve body opposite the valve seat to close the valve. In addition, the face end of the bearing shaft opposite the valve seat may be loaded by a pressure medium. The respective diameters of the bearings may differ. However, the effective cross-sections of the valve body are preferally equal on both sides of the valve seat.

Abstract: A crossover relief valve for use in a hydraulic circuit connected to two single acting cylinders such as used to provide rearward force against opposite ends of a plow blade wherein excessive pressure against one end of the blade will allow fluid to flow from one cylinder to the other, the valve being of the sliding poppet and port type wherein the poppet has surface areas exposed to the pressure line to each cylinder of such a size as to open the valve for flow between cylinders when excessive pressure is applied to either and wherein when pressure is applied from both pressure lines against said surface areas the poppet will move a sufficient distance to open a port for return of hydraulic fluid to a reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive for the die closing unit of an injection molding machine in which at least one power cylinder and power piston with a coaxially attached auxiliary cylinder opens and closes the molding die by executing the opening and closing travel with a differential piston action in the power cylinder and/or with the auxiliary cylinder, while valve-closable bypass channels in the power piston are kept open. The closing of these channels switches the drive from an accelerated travel mode to a high-pressure die clamping mode.An annular valve plunger cooperates with a valve seat on the power piston to open and close the bypass channels, several alternatives of guiding and hydraulically moving the valve plunger being contemplated.