The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 03, 2004
Filed:
Apr. 17, 2002
Timothy A. Hjelsand, Waconia, MN (US);
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
An open center fluid controller ( ) controls the flow from a pump ( ) to a steering cylinder ( ) and to a downstream auxiliary device ( ) requiring a predetermined minimum flow availability. The open center fluid controller ( ) includes controller valving ( ) having a neutral position (N) a normal operating position (R) and a maximum displacement position (R-M). The controller defines an auxiliary fluid path providing communication between an inlet port ( ) and an auxiliary or power beyond port ( ), which is in communication with the auxiliary device ( ). The auxiliary fluid path includes a neutral variable orifice (A ) having a decreasing flow area as the valving ( ) is displaced toward the maximum displacement position (R-M). The valving defines an auxiliary flow control orifice (A ) providing communication from the inlet port to the auxiliary port ( ) when the valving approaches the maximum displacement position. The auxiliary flow control orifice (A ) has a flow area operable to permit the predetermined minimum flow availability to the auxiliary device, even as a maximum steering operation (R-M) is taking place.