Patent ID: 6769451
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
An open-center fluid controller operable to control the flow of fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to a fluid pressure operated priority device and to a downstream fluid pressure operated auxiliary device requiring a predetermined, minimum flow availability; said fluid controller including a housing defining an inlet port for connection to the source of pressurized fluid, a control port for connection to said priority device, and an auxiliary port for connection to said auxiliary device; valving disposed in said housing and defining a neutral position, a normal operating position, and a maximum displacement position; said housing and said valving cooperating to define an auxiliary fluid path providing fluid communication from said inlet port to said auxiliary port and including a neutral variable orifice, having a maximum flow area when said valving is in said neutral position, and a decreasing flow area as said valving is displaced through said normal operating position toward said maximum displacement position; said housing and said valving further cooperating to define a main fluid path providing fluid communication from said inlet port to said control port, and including a first flow control orifice, said controller being characterized by:(a) said valving defining an auxiliary flow control orifice providing fluid communication from said inlet port to said auxiliary port when said valving approaches and is in said maximum displacement position; and (b) said auxiliary flow control orifice having a flow area operable to permit said predetermined minimum flow availability to said auxiliary device.