Deere + Company

Edward Horton Fletcher

Gordon K Wiegardt

Kenneth D Kramer

A control system for controlling a double-acting cylinder includes four pilot-operated, proportional-type poppet valves for controlling fluid flow between the cylinder, a pump and a reservoir. Four solenoid-controlled pilot valves operate the poppet valves in response to error signals generated by a control circuit. The control circuit receives a cylinder position feedback signal and an operator-generated command signal. The control circuit provides for float, shutdown, variable deadband and pressure adjustment operation.

Electrohydraulic valve system

A total fluid power system for an engine powered vehicle includes an engine driven, variable displacement pump, a pair of variable displacement wheel motors and auxiliary functions. Transducers sense engine speed, pump output pressure and motor speeds to supply signals to pump and motor controls which process the signals with operator input signals to maintain pump and motor displacements for optimum engine power usage and desired vehicle performance.

Total power fluid system

An electro-hydraulic system for controlling a hydraulic function includes a pump and reservoir connected to the function through an electro-hydraulic control valve, a pair of pilot operated check valves normally preventing fluid flow from the function, a pilot passage between the pump and check valves to pressurize and open the check valves, an electro-hydraulic drain valve connected to the pilot passage, and control means for the control and drain valves. The control means is responsive to a feedback signal from the hydraulic function and an operator-controlled input signal within a predetermined range to close and open the drain and control valves, respectively. The control means may further require the presence of a second input signal, such as a simple reference signal or a signal provided in response to operation of an additional function, before operating the control and drain valves. With this arrangement, the system is fail-safe inasmuch as the hydraulic function will not operate in the event of hydraulic or electrical failure, if the hydraulic function and the operator input signal difference is above or below predetermined maximum and minimum values, or in the absence of the second input signal.

Growing community of inventors

Waterloo, IA, United States of America

Edward Horton Fletcher