Patent ID: 6732512
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: E02F,F15B

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling a hydraulic system having a pump which forces fluid from a tank into a supply line connected to a hydraulic function, the hydraulic function including a valve assembly which controls flow of the fluid between the supply line and an actuator and between the actuator and the tank, the apparatus comprising:a user input device which generates an input signal indicating desired movement of the actuator; a mapping routine which converts the input signal into a velocity command designating a desired actuator velocity; a valve opening routine which converts the velocity command into a flow coefficient which characterizes fluid flow through the valve assembly and from the flow coefficient produces a control signal designating electric current to apply to the valve assembly; a valve driver which applies electric current to the valve assembly in response to the control signal; and a pressure controller which regulates pressure in the supply line in response to the velocity command.