Abstract: Hydraulic control circuit for working members of earth-moving machines including linear and rotary hydraulic actuators associated with respective hydraulic distributors for the operation of respective working members. The rotary hydraulic actuators with their distributors are grouped in a circuit separate from the linear hydraulic actuators and are provided with braking valve means constituted by a single counterbalance valve connected in a common discharge line, the opening of which is controlled by a pilot pressure signal corresponding to the lowest supply pressure for the rotary actuators.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the bidirectional flow of hydraulic fluid in an hydraulic fluid line, wherein the flow resistance in one direction can be increased, includes a hollow body (10) with an internal seat (20), a spool member (22) slidably mounted within the body (10), the spool (22) having a cylinder portion (24) and a nozzle portion (26) containing orifices (30, 32, 34), bias means (40), and limit means (42). The spool (22) is slidable within the body (10) between a position in which fluid flows through all orifices (30, 32, 34) to provide unrestricted fluid flow when fluid flows through the valve in one direction, and a position in which the nozzle (26) engages the seat (20) to block fluid flow through some of the orifices (30, 32, 34) and thereby increase flow resistance when fluid flows through the valve in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A pressure compensated hydraulic valve (2) is provided with a housing (4) having a reciprocal spool (6) for communicating hydraulic fluid to work ports (8,10). Pressure compensating means (58) is provided in the same housing with the valve and senses work port pressure by hydraulic fluid flow through the spool from the work port and creates a substantially fixed differential pressure across the spool by controlling the pressure after the flow has passed through the spool.

Abstract: A load self-leveling system for a vehicle utilizing hydraulic cylinders to operate a telescopic lifting boom and a material handling carriage. The system includes a pair of fluid flow dividers interposed between the source of hydraulic fluid under pressure and the hydraulic cylinders operating the boom and carriage. The flow dividers are structured to direct a greater flow of hydraulic fluid to the boom cylinder and a lesser flow to the carriage cylinder, the precise numeric proportions of flow division being engineered to best suit a particular vehicle, combined with the specific componentry of that vehicle. In addition to the flow dividers, the system includes reversible flow piloted check valves, override control including override relief valves to allow independent adjustments, and matched cylinder area ratios. A compact assembly housing various of the components comprising the system is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control system including a modulating pressure relief valve is normally needed in a power transmission having clutches that require smooth engagement. It is also desirable in many systems to maintain a difference in fluid pressure levels between the fluid in different selected clutches, such as speed range and directional clutches, during initial engagement. This arrangement ensures that the selected directional clutch engages only after the selected speed range clutch engages so that only the selected directional clutch absorbs the inertial load. In order to conserve horsepower, reduce fluid leakage, and thereby improve system efficiency and component reliability, it is also desirable to reduce the fluid pressure levels in the system once the selected clutches are fully engaged.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control system including a modulating pressure relief valve is normally needed in a power transmission having clutches that require smooth engagement. It is also desirable in many systems to maintain a difference in fluid pressure levels between the fluid in different selected clutches, such as speed range and directional clutches, during initial engagement. This arrangement ensures that the selected directional clutch engages only after the selected speed range clutch engages so that only the selected directional clutch absorbs the inertial load. In order to conserve horsepower, reduce fluid leakage, and thereby improve system efficiency and component reliability, it is also desirable to reduce the fluid pressure levels in the system once the selected clutches are fully engaged.

Abstract: A system for controlling the pressure of hydraulic operating fluid selectively supplied from a pressurized hydraulic fluid source into an actuator or actuators for speed-change clutch-brakes of a multi-stage power shift transmission through hydraulic fluid circuits by the interposition of predetermined directional control valves selected from a plurality of directional control valves connected with the actuators, respectively, has a hydraulic fluid pressure control valve assembly including a pressure modulating valve, a modulating relief valve, and a device for raising a preset relief pressure of the modulating relief valve. The preset relief pressure raising device comprises a balance piston-cylinder assembly actuated by a pressurized pilot fluid supplied from the pressurized hydraulic fluid source.

Abstract: The hydraulic system of this invention is for operating a tree processing implement on a work vehicle so that during a first part of an operating cycle the implement is supplied by two hydraulic pumps jointly, while during another part of the operating cycle the implement is supplied by only one of the pumps. The result is that during the first part of the cycle the implement moves rapidly but during the other part it moves slowly.

Abstract: A weight-balancing system for a farm implement, such as a disk harrow with foldable wings operated by wingfold cylinders, includes a selective control valve for controlling fluid communication to the head and rod ends of the wingfold cylinders. A pair of pressure-reducing/relieving valves permit individual adjustment of the pressures in both the head and rod ends to achieve the desired balance. In a preferred embodiment, a pilot-operated, two-position valve is connected between the rod ends and one of the pressure-responsive valves. The two-position valve is operated by pressure signals generated by a flow-responsive switching valve connected between the two-position valve and the selective control valve. The switching valve and the two-position valve cooperate to block the pressure-controlled outlet of the one pressure-responsive valve and the rod ends and to bypass return fluid flow from the rod ends to sump when the cylinders are being extended.

Abstract: Fluid systems having modulating pressure relief valves are normally needed in systems having clutches that require smooth engagement. It is also desired in many systems to maintain a difference in pressure levels between the fluid in different clutches, such as, speed and directional clutches during initial engagement in order to ensure that only one of the clutches absorbs the initial load. In order to reduce power losses and improve system efficiency, it is desirable to reduce the pressure level of the higher clutch once the clutches are fully engaged. The present modulating pressure relief valve assembly provides a valve device that is effective to limit the maximum pressure in the system and change the pressure difference between the clutches upon full engagement thereof. The valve device is located in a single bore thus reducing total valve size and manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Separate branch conduits extend from a common pump to two fluid power operated systems. One of the branch conduits supplies a relatively low volume of fluid through a pilot flow conduit to a steering control valve in one of the systems to adjust its operating pressure when the steering control valve is displaced from its neutral position. The other branch conduit delivers pressurized fluid directly to the steering control valve on a priority basis. A pressure regulating valve connected between the other branch conduit and the pilot flow conduit isolates the steering system from a higher pressure in the other fluid power operated system and adjusts the operating pressure in the steering system to meet steering load demands.

Abstract: Pipe thrust-jacking apparatus includes a pressure ring 5 which is advanceable by a plurality of hydraulic rams 3. The rams are controlled by hydraulic control means having a plurality of hydraulic control valves 19. Each control valve is associated with a respective hydraulic ram, and is connected to a first input line and to a second input line. Each of the first input lines is connected to a respective hydraulic fluid feed line 9, and each of the second input lines 17 is connected to a common hydraulic fluid supply line 11 and to an auxiliary pump P2. The common supply line is connected to all of the feed lines. Means 12,15 are provided for selectively connecting each of the hydraulic control valves to its first input line and/or its second input line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control valve assembly for controlling a consumer unit such as a servomotor of a vehicle steering system. The valve assembly has a conventional port arrangement which includes two selectively pressurizeable and drainable motor ports connectable to a servomotor and supply and exhaust ports connectable respectively to a pump and a drain tank. A slide valve has a central wall section between two motor ports which completely block a central supply port when the slide valve is in a neutral position. Two metering control load sensing ports are on opposite sides of the supply port and when the slide valve is in a neutral position the load sensing ports are in throttling relation to the slide valve motor ports.

Abstract: An extracting screw apparatus comprises a hydraulic control which operates during starting of the extracting screw after a period of nonuse. The hydraulic control comprises a double-acting hydraulic actuator having a piston rod connected to an intermittent drive such as an overrunning clutch for rotating a driving shaft for the extracting screw about its axis. The intermittent drive converts linear reciprocating movement transmitted by the hydraulic actuator into intermittent angular movement. A hydraulic motor alone insures rotation of the extracting screw about its axis after starting and also insures the sweep movement of the extracting screw about a vertical axis. A hydraulic control circuit connected between a line running from a pump to the hydraulic motor for cutting off hydraulic fluid to the double-acting hydraulic actuator after normal operating torque is reached.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system which includes first and second electrically controlled fully variable hydraulic pumps adapted to be driven by the vehicle engine. In the specific embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, the first pump is coupled to the steering and braking control valves, and the second pump is coupled to the bucket and hoist control valves. An electrically controlled poppet valve selectively interconnects the respective pump outputs. Operator-responsive controllers, namely a bucket/hoist joy-stick controller, a vehicle propulsion controller and a steering controller, provide associated electrical signals as respective functions of operator demand. Electrically operated valves control application of hydraulic fluid to the bucket and hoist drive mechanisms, and pressure and position sensors are connected to such valves and actuating mechanisms.

Abstract: A remote controlled hydraulic circuit of the type comprising a source of pressurized fluid, a number of hydraulic motors connectible to the source of pressurized fluid, and control means for connecting the source of pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motors, the control means being remotely piloted by a series of pressure signals each of which corresponds to the opening of the connection between the source of pressurized fluid and a respective hydraulic motor. The hydraulic circuit according to the invention includes selector means for establishing priority for supplying pressurized fluid to one or more preferential hydraulic motors. These selector means are intended to detect, when operatively active, pressure signals corresponding to the supply of pressurized fluid to the preferential hydraulic motors and, in this condition, to render inoperative the control means associated with the other hydraulic motors, should they already have been activated to effect the supply of these other hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A safety circuit for preventing uncontrolled descent of a hydraulically supported load, in the event of a leak, comprises parallel hydraulic pressure feed lines, control valves in these, and means responsive to a difference in pressure between the lines and arranged to close the valves when such a pressure difference is detected. The valves are provided adjacent to a lifting cylinder or cylinders and close to the pressure source, so as to prevent spillage of hydraulic fluid as well as to prevent descent of the supported load.

Abstract: Hydraulic control apparatus serves to operate roof support props of a mineral mining installation. An automatic setting arrangement with a valve device ensures the props become set against the roof with a high uniform force by connecting a prop pressure chamber to a pressure fluid source once a threshold pressure is exceeded signifying the prop has been extended. To disable the automatic setting arrangement during prop retraction the valve device thereof is provided with a control piston which is subjected to pressure during retraction to oppose the action of another control piston which responds to the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A closed center, load sensing hydraulic system is disclosed which contains a primary work circuit which has priority in flow demand over a secondary work circuit. The system includes a variable displacement pump fluidly connected between a reservoir and a control valve with the primary work circuit. The primary work circuit includes a control valve which regulates fluid flow from the pump to a primary hydraulic function and which includes a feedback mechanism connected thereto. The secondary work circuit also includes a manually operable control valve for regulating fluid flow from the pump to a secondary hydraulic function. A priority valve is connected between the pump and the secondary work circuit and movable between an open and a closed position to regulate the pressure of fluid discharged by the pump.

Abstract: An open center, load sensing hydraulic system is disclosed which contains a primary work circuit and a secondary work circuit. A fixed displacement pump is fluidly connected between a reservoir and both the primary and secondary work circuits for supplying pressurized fluid thereto. The primary work circuit includes a control valve which regulates fluid flow from the pump to a primary hydraulic function and which includes a feedback mechanism connected thereto. The secondary work circuit includes a manually operable control valve for regulating fluid flow from the pump to a secondary hydraulic function. A priority valve is connected between the pump and both the primary and secondary work circuits and is movable to regulate the pressure to the primary work circuit.

Abstract: A load sensing hydraulic system is disclosed which essentially eliminates kickback from a feedback mechanism contained in a manually operable control valve which in turn is fluidly connected to a hydraulic function. The system includes a power on demand pump fluidly connected between a reservoir and the control valve for supplying pressurized fluid to the hydraulic function. A load signal line is also connected between the control valve and the pump which serves to transmit pressure signals, which are generated by loads acting on the hydraulic function, to the pump for controlling the pressurized output thereof. A load signal control valve is positioned in the load signal line and is fluidly connected to the discharge side of the pump. The load signal control valve is capable of sensing pressure variations between the fluid discharged by the pump and the upstream fluid present in the load signal line.

Abstract: A hydrostatic power steering control system with variable feedback compensation employing a unique compensating valve. The steering control system includes first and second hydraulic cylinders, each having two internal chambers denoted as head and feedback chambers. A piston is movably retained in each of the cylinders and is attached to a piston rod which extends outwards. The pair of piston rods are connected to a pair of steerable wheels by a mechanical linkage. Fluid contained in a reservoir is pressurized by a supply pump and is selectively passed to a head chamber of one of the cylinders by a control valve. The control valve is actuated by pressure differences in two interconnected fluid passages which connect to the feedback chambers of the two cylinders. A pressure difference in these passages is created by manually operating a steering wheel which actuates a metering pump positioned across the fluid passages.

Abstract: An open center hydraulic system is disclosed which contains a primary work circuit and a secondary work circuit. A fixed displacement pump is fluidly connected between a reservoir and the primary and secondary work circuits for supplying pressurized fluid thereto. The primary work circuit includes a control valve which regulates fluid flow from the pump to a primary hydraulic function and which includes a feedback mechanism connected thereto. The secondary work circuit also includes a manually operable control valve for regulating fluid flow from the pump to a secondary hydraulic function. A priority valve is connected between the pump and the secondary work circuit and is movable between an open and a closed position to regulate the pressure of fluid discharged by the pump.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system consisting of at least two component systems is provided, each component consisting of an adjustable pump, where the loading of the pump adjusting cylinder is regulated by a hydraulically controlled servo control valve, one side of which is acted upon by the delivery pressure of the associated pump and the other side is acted upon through a control pressure line by pressure beyond the metering restrictor, the improvement comprising a coupling valve to which all delivery lines and all the control pressure lines are connected, each through a branch connection line wherein the said valve in the closed position shuts off all the branch connection lines and in the open position connects all the delivery lines together and all the control pressure lines together and is hydraulically controlled, a first pressure chamber on one side of said valve to which each delivery line is connected, a valve element in said pressure chamber being loaded with a pretensioned spring on said first chamber,

Abstract: A priority flow control system in which the priority feature is obtained by progressively lowering the pressure differential of nonpriority valves, once the maximum pump output is reached, so that all of the system valves always retain their compensated proportional flow feature.

Abstract: A hydraulic press has lowering and lifting cylinders, a controlled pressure-limiting valve connected to the high-pressure hydraulic supply, and a shuttle valve with its operating inlets connected respectively to the hydraulic supply and to the lifting cylinders and its outlet connected to the pressure-limiting valve to control it. Further valves responsive to a disturbance of hydraulic equilibrium in the hydraulic circuit operate switches controlling the hydraulic fluid supply.

Abstract: A pressure control mechanism for the hydraulic control system of a log skidder. Hydraulic circuits for the boom and the grapple of a log skidder are interconnected to provide a pressure control mechanism for the grapple of the skidder. Provided in the interconnecting hydraulic lines for the grapple cylinder and the boom cylinder, between the rod end of the boom cylinder and the base end of the grapple cylinder, is a two-way valve and a check valve. This mechanism provides flow from the boom cylinder to the grapple cylinder. The weight of the load pressurizes the boom cylinder and this pressure is transferred to the grapple cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system has a steering valve which operates in accordance with steering input signals generated by a steering wheel operated metering pump and follow-up signals generated by a pair of follow-up cylinders to effect a desired turn. The steering valve acts in response to a relatively large signal, representing a desired sharp or full turn, to interrupt or block the follow-up signal whereby sharp turns may be accomplished without requiring as many turns of the steering wheel as would be necessary if follow-up flow were nullifying the input signal.

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: A pilot control valve (35) is provided for use in a load sensing system including a priority flow control valve (21). The pilot valve includes a flow orifice (47) through which passes flow from the priority outlet port (23) to the motor (13). The pilot valve includes a valve sleeve (73) and a relatively rotatable valve spool (75). This valving controls fluid communication between the load signal port (49) and the system reservoir and main flow path, upstream and downstream of the flow orifice. Movement of the valve spool from a minimum flow position to a maximum flow position progressively varies the load signal (51) from reservoir pressure to system pressure, thus causing the output of the priority valve (21) to progressively increase from a minimum flow to a maximum flow.

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: A fluid powered actuator system has first and second piston actuators, the fluid flows to and from which pass through first and second flow paths which include respective first and second valve devices, the valve devices being coupled for operation in unison and being responsive to the flow levels therethrough, so that the valve devices operate to equalize these flows and thereby to equalize the rates of movement of the piston actuators. A further valve is responsive to a predetermined level of difference between the flows in the first and second paths to apply a servo actuating pressure which urges the first and second valve devices to a position in which flow to or from the piston actuators is prevented.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system, particularly for controlling the operation of roof support props of a mine working, employs control devices operated manually to feed pressure fluid to the working chambers of the props to effect extension or retraction thereof. A two-state valve device is operated when the props are extended to ensure that the correct setting pressure is established. This valve device has a control piston which is actuated to cause the device to establish independent connection between the main fluid pressure line and the associated working chambers of the props charged with fluid by the initial operation of the control devices. The connection established by the valve device is maintained even if the control devices break connection between the chambers and the pressure line. When the correct setting pressure is reached, a further control piston of the valve device is actuated to break the connection established by the valve device ready for the next operative cycle.

Abstract: A control mechanism (48) is provided to controllably maintain a constant force on an actuator (18) and provide fluid flow to a downstream control valve (24) by controlling a pilot differential pressure between first and second ends (38,40) of a pilot operated control valve (14). A two position valve (56,66) acting in response to a predetermined pressure level in the actuator (18) modulatably controls the flow of pressurized pilot fluid to the pilot operated control valve (14) to position the pilot operated control valve (14). This maintains the pressure in the actuator (18) at the predetermined pressure level and passes the excess flow of fluid from a source (12) to the downstream control valve (24).

Abstract: A load check valve is normally employed in association with a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, such as the type used to raise and lower the boom of a construction vehicle. Conventional check valves of the poppet type are difficult to modulate whereas check valves of the spool type generally do not insure leakage control at an acceptable rate during normal operation. The spool-type load check valve (20) of this invention, used in conjunction with additional check valves (60,61), overcomes the latter problem by providing a series of interconnecting passages and chambers (36) for communicating equalized fluid pressure from a cylinder (11) to either end of the spool (27) thereof to provide for minimal leakage.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling pitch and tilt of a dozer blade in which two cylinders are connected between the dozer blade and the dozer push arms. One cylinder only is extended and retracted to achieve tilt, and both cylinders are operated in unison to achieve pitch with divider valves assuring that equal volumes of hydraulic fluid reach each cylinder and are expelled from each cylinder. Extension and retraction is selectively determined by a directional control valve, while a selector valve determines whether both cylinders or only one cylinder is connected with the directional control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for synchronous lift of an implement having a center frame and flexibly connected left and right wing frames, each frame having an independent wheel assembly for raising and lowering the associated frame. A rotary flow divider is provided in a parallel connection of hydraulic rams to actuate the wheel assemblies. The flow divider has a section sized to provide the necessary flow to each ram so that all frames are raised and lowered in unison.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the flow of fluid from a pair of pumps (15,15') to a steering system (11) and a pair of auxiliary load circuits (13,13'). The steering system includes valving (43) defining a variable flow control orifice (45), and the steering system normally operates with a pressure differential X across the variable orifice, and provides load pressure signals (47,49,49',53,53') representative of demand for fluid by the steering system. Fluid flow from the pumps is controlled by a pair of priority flow control valves (21,21') including a pair of valve members (27,27') each of which is biased by a spring (29,29') toward a position permitting flow to the steering system. The spring (29) exerts a biasing force equivalent to the pressure differential X while the spring (29') exerts a biasing force equivalent to a pressure differential Y, which is less than X.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated directional control valve assembly suitable for use in hydraulic power steering systems of off-highway working vehicles. The valve assembly integrally comprises a control valve for controlling communication between two engine-driven pumps and a steering cylinder, and a pressure compensator valve for controlling the fluid pressure delivered from the pumps to the control valve. Constantly comparing its outgoing fluid pressure with the fluid pressure at control ports of the control valve, the pressure compensator valve delivers to the control valve the pressurized fluid from one or both of the pumps. Any excess of the pressurized fluid is directed from the pressure compensator valve to, for example, an implement hoist cylinder of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit especially for use with multi-function hydraulic devices, such as for industrial lift truck attachments, in which a combination of valves are adapted to operate two or more hydraulic systems, the valve system being designed such that a minimum number of hydraulic conduits are required to connect the main hydraulic system to the hydraulic devices, as from a lift truck to an attachment supporting carriage on a lift truck upright, and no electric lines are required to be connected to switching devices between the hydraulic devices, such as to solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically actuated, sequencing valve for use with a pair of hydraulic actuators (e.g. double acting hydraulic cylinders). The valve includes a valve body, a bore therein, and a valve spool axially shiftable in the bore. The valve spool shifts automatically due to creation of a differential in hydraulic pressures on opposite ends of the valve spool during each admission of hydraulic fluid under actuating pressure to the valve.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly for controlling first and second reversible fluid motors for series or parallel operation has a direction control secton and a torque control section provided in a single valve body. The valve body has first, second, and third supply ports selectively pressurizeable by the direction control section and connected to a torque control bore in the torque control section. First and third function passages extend from the torque control bore and are connectible to the first fluid motor, and second and fourth function passages extend therefrom and are connectible to the second fluid motor. A grooved, torque control spool is disposed in the torque control bore for sliding from a series operating position wherein the grooves connect the first port to the first function passage, the second function passage to the third function passage, and the fourth function passage to the second and third ports.

Abstract: A hydraulic pumping unit for vertically actuating a downhole pump including first and second hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies. The first assembly is connected to the downhole pump and the second assembly is connected to a counterweight. A hydraulic line is connected between the first and second assemblies so that the counterweight counterbalances the downhole pumping equipment. A hydraulic pump is connected to the first and second assemblies through switching means for alternately supplying hydraulic fluid to and from the first and second assemblies. A check valve is provided between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic line for replenishing the assemblies with fluid. A safety valve is connected between the first assembly and the hydraulic line for preventing the first assembly dropping in the event of a hydraulic line failure. A return valve in parallel with an orifice closes in the event the hydraulic pump stops for preventing free fall of the first assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic system is disclosed of the type including a steering control valve (29), a brake system (31), and an auxiliary load circuit (65). Fluid flow to these load circuits is controlled by a flow control valve assembly (11) including a priority spool valve (85) which controls the flow of fluid from the inlet port (13) to the priority fluid chamber (75). Fluid flows from the priority fluid chamber to the steering control valve and the brake load system, in parallel, and at equal levels of priority. A shuttle valve assembly (83) receives a steering load signal by means of a load signal line (44) and a brake load signal from the load signal chamber (111), and transmits the higher of the two load signals into the load signal chamber (93) which biases the priority spool valve toward a position to permit a greater flow of fluid into the priority fluid chamber.

Abstract: An electronically controlled pipe fracture safety device for operating devices which are fed by a hydraulic pump and which are actuated by a control slide value by means of hydraulic cylinders. Control lines branch off from lines which lead from the hydraulic pump via a control slide valve to the hydraulic cylinders, the control lines feeding the hydraulic medium to a differential flow monitor, on the piston of which a permanent magnet is fastened. The latter, by means of a reed contact as a result of a pressure difference existing between the control lines, which pressure difference is brought about by damage or fracture of a line, produces a signal in the NOR gate, the latter forming the input of a scoring logic. This signal retransmits a self-holding signal to NAND-gates which form a flip-flop. The self-holding signal causes deenergization of a relay and consequently an interruption of the current flow to the control slide valve and brings about the locking position of the latter.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system having a pump and circuits connecting the pump to a pair of hydraulic motors through first and second circuits is provided with a priority valve system operative to provide a priority of fluid pressure to the first motor up to a predetermined minimum pressure and thereafter to maintain the pressure in the first circuit and simultaneously supply fluid to the second motor of the second circuit. The priority valve system is also responsive to a load on a second motor to split the flow of fluid between the two motors above the predetermined minimum pressure up to a second pressure after which the second predetermined pressure is maintained in the first circuit while fluid is being supplied to the second conduit.

Abstract: A valved conversion element for connection to a source of compressed fluid such as air or vapor and to a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. A sensor is provided which communicates with the pressure conditions in the cylinder served so that repetitive power impulses drive the piston in the cylinder as in normal operation of the internal combustion engine. The disclosure contemplates one valved element per cylinder in the engine and that the conversion be achieved by the manifolding of gas, vapor or fluid power to all cylinders through the conversion elements. Each of the conversion units is connected to the cylinders by means replacing the spark plugs of existing engines. Cyclic rate and power are adjustable by valve means controlling the quality and quantity of input fluid, such as air.

Abstract: A priority system has a valve assembly which has an inlet, first and second outlets, and apparatus for controllably limiting fluid pressure at the first outlet to a preselected maximum value by controllably communicating the second outlet with the inlet. The priority system has a fluid reservoir, a work element and control apparatus connected to the work element, second outlet and reservoir which receives fluid from the second outlet and passes the fluid to the fluid reservoir or work element.

Abstract: A grapple tong system has first and second hydraulic lines for closing and raising the grapple tongs, respectively. A hydraulic system is provided for automatically, controllably passing fluid from the second to the first line in response to a preselected pressure in the first line and a higher pressure in the second line for automatically, controllably urging the grapples to a closed position.

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.