Patent ID: 8601742

Claim:
An orientation-independent hydraulic system comprising: a dynamic fluid reservoir defining a first volume substantially equal to the volume of the fluid therein, wherein the dynamic fluid reservoir is the sole source of hydraulic fluid to the system; a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with the dynamic fluid reservoir, wherein the hydraulic cylinder has a second volume of hydraulic fluid and a piston rod configured to extend and retract in response to changes in the second volume wherein the hydraulic cylinder defines a cylinder barrel that is coupled to a first structure, and the piston rod has a distal end that is coupled to a second structure; a first hydraulic pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the dynamic fluid reservoir, thereby moving the piston rod between the extended and retracted positions; a bypass system configured to allow free flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder to the reservoir, thereby allowing manual extension and retraction of the piston rod; and a second hydraulic pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the dynamic fluid reservoir, wherein the first hydraulic pump is positioned on a first surface of the reservoir and the second hydraulic pump is positioned on the first surface of the reservoir adjacent the first hydraulic pump.