Abstract: A fluid-working machine comprises at least one primary working chamber such as a cylinder (4) of cyclically changing volume and primary valves (7) to control the connection of the at least one chamber to low (10)- and high (9)-pressure manifolds. The machine has at least one secondary working chamber (5) of cyclically changing volume and a secondary valve (12, 21) for placing the secondary chamber in communication with the primary chamber (4) in an active state of the secondary chamber (5) and for isolating it therefrom in an idling state of the secondary chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid system (99) comprising a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure supplying a hydraulic fluid consumer (103) together with a valve passing fluid between said source and said fluid consumer (102). A first fluid compliance (105) is situated between said source (100) and said valve (102) and a variable restrictor (110) is provided for varying the cross sectional area available for flow of fluid through said valve (102) and is movable between a first position (A) with a larger said area and a second position (B) with a smaller said area. A bias means (117) biases said restrictor (110) towards said second position whilst an opening means (Fa) urges said restrictor (110) against said bias (117) when fluid flows through said valve (102) and a damping means (126) damps movement of said restrictor between said first and second positions and provides a resistance which increases with the velocity of displacement of said restrictor (110).

Abstract: A rotary pump (10) is disclosed of the type including a rotating cylinder block (25) defining a plurality of cylinders (27), each defining an imaginary axis (a), which are uniformly spaced about an axis of rotation (A) of the cylinder block. A piston (29) is disposed for reciprocation within each cylinder (27) as the cylinder block rotates. The housing defines a fluid inlet (43) and a fluid outlet (45). In open communication with each cylinder (27) is a cylinder port (47), disposed for serial communication with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet as the cylinder block (25) rotates. Each cylinder port (47) defines a leading edge (L) which are disposed randomly relative to their respective imaginary axis (a).

Abstract: A variable displacement device for converting fluid power into shaft power and vice versa. The fluid displacement device includes a body having a plurality of chambers and having ports for allowing fluid to be received in and expelled from the plurality of chambers. Plungers are associated with the plurality of chambers in a manner so as to vary the displacement volume of the plurality of chambers. A shaft is associated with the plungers for rotation in unison with the movement of the plungers. Valves are associated with the plurality of chambers for selectively allowing fluid to flow between a first port and at least one of the plurality of chambers and between a second port and at least one of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: Each of two drive wheels on a vehicle is independently driven by a wheel motor having four single acting hydraulic cylinders. Both wheel motors are supplied by a common engine driven pump. Two forward speeds are provided by a valve arrangement which can circulate the hydraulic fluid through all four, or only two, cylinders of each motor. Valves in a pair of valve units are shifted rapidly by camshafts and snap acting mechanisms to control the motor cylinders. Reverse drive is accomplished by a timing adjustment of the camshafts. The conventional gear differential, speed change gears and reversing gears are thereby eliminated.