Fluid controller with improved follow-up

Abstract

A fluid controller (15) of the type having a primary, spool valve (43) and a followup, sleeve valve (45) which define a relative neutral position (FIG. 1) and first and second maximum, opposite operating positions (L and R). The controller includes a fluid meter (29) having a member (51) which orbits and rotates. To impart the rotational movement of the member (51) to the follow-up valve (45), the present invention provides a shaft member (53) having a forward end (57) defining a diametral bore (67) with a pin member (69) in close fit relationship in the bore (67) and having ends (71) extending radially into axially elongated slots (75) defined by the sleeve valve (45). The axial length of the slots (75) is sufficient to permit the ends (71) of the pin member (69) to move to and fro as the metering member (51) orbits and rotates. The improved follow-up arrangement of the invention permits the spool and sleeve valves to be radially thicker, or to have smaller diameters, either of which will result in improved performance at less manufacturing cost.