Abstract:
A solenoid drive circuit (100) includes a boost energy storage device (1) , such as a capacitor, that captures energy from and discharges energy to a solenoid (104) . Switches (Sl, S2) control the connection between the boost device (1) , the solenoid (104) , and a power source (102) . This allows the solenoid response time to be variable based on the characteristics of the boost device as well as the solenoid. By providing two different solenoid current rise and decay rates and by capturing and re-using energy stored in the solenoid, the inventive drive circuit enhances solenoid response and increases efficiency.
Abstract:
A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position.
Abstract:
A drive circuit may include a SUPPLY that outputs a first voltage potential, an energy storage device that outputs a second voltage potential, and a LOAD. Switches control the flow of current through the LOAD in a flow direction or in a direction opposite to the flow direction. The first or second voltage potentials can produce current.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a hydraulic circuit has an input shaft, at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump, a plurality of positive displacement hydraulic motors, and at least one fluid line operatively connecting the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump to the positive displacement hydraulic motors. In operation, the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump is placed in an operative condition. At least one of the positive displacement hydraulic motors is also placed in an operative condition. A flow rate of fluid in the fluid line is measured, and the remaining positive displacement hydraulic motors are switched between an operative condition and a bypass condition according to the measured flow rate of the fluid.
Abstract:
An exemplary hydraulic system (10) includes a plurality of digital valves (40, 70, 86, 100) each valve fluidly connectable to a corresponding hydraulic load (26,28,30). The digitals valves are operable to fluidly connect the corresponding hydraulic load to a pressure source (12). The hydraulic system further includes a digital controller (114) operably connected to the plurality of digital valves. The digital controller is configured to assign a priority level so that it is associated with each of a plurality of hydraulic loads, and to formulate a pulse width modulated control signal based on the assigned priority levels. The digital controller transmits the control signal to the plurality of digital valves for controlling the operation of the valves.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a hydraulic circuit has an input shaft, at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump, a plurality of positive displacement hydraulic motors, and at least one fluid line operatively connecting the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump to the positive displacement hydraulic motors. In operation, the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump is placed in an operative condition. At least one of the positive displacement hydraulic motors is also placed in an operative condition. A flow rate of fluid in the fluid line is measured, and the remaining positive displacement hydraulic motors are switched between an operative condition and a bypass condition according to the measured flow rate of the fluid.
Abstract:
A valve is provided including a first valve member (64) and a second valve member (66). The first valve member (64) includes a first step and a first orifice (82) adjacent the first step. The second valve member (66) includes a second step and a second orifice (80) adjacent the second step. The second valve member (66) is movable relative to the first valve member (64) between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member (66) is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member (66) is in the open position.