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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Open-center steering control unit with flow amplification

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6408498
This patent describes an open-center controller. It is operable to control the flow of fluid from a source of fluid to a fluid pressure operated device. The controller is of the type including housing means defining a fluid inlet port for connection to the source of fluid, a return port for connection to a reservoir, and first and second control fluid ports for connection to the fluid pressure operated device; valve means disposed in the housing means and defining a neutral position and a first operating position. The housing means and the valve means cooperating to define a neutral fluid path communicating between the inlet port and the return port, and including a variable neutral orifice having its maximum flow area when the valve means is in the neutral position, and a decreasing flow area as the valve means is displaced from the neutral position toward the first operating position. The housing means and the valve means cooperating to define a main fluid path communicating between the inlet port and the first control fluid port, and between the second control fluid port and the return port when the valve means is in the first operating position.
Assignee:
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4958493
Application Number:
PPN: US s 7-325721
OSTI ID:
6408498
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English