Patent ID: 7516757

Claim:
A fluid controller operable to control the flow of fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to a fluid pressure actuated device; said controller being of the type including housing means defining an inlet port for connection to the source of pressurized fluid, a return port for connection to a second fluid controller, and right and left control fluid ports for connection to said fluid pressure actuated device; a valve means disposed in said housing means, said valve means defining a neutral position and left and right operating positions; said valve means and said housing means cooperating to define a left main fluid path and a right main fluid path; in said neutral position, said valve means provides fluid communication from said inlet port to said return port; characterized by: (a) one of said valve means and said housing means including a check valve assembly; (b) said check valve assembly having a first fluid passage in fluid communication with a second fluid passage and said second fluid passage being in fluid communication with said return port; (c) said first fluid passage defining a check valve seat and a check valve operably associated therewith, whereby, in said left and right operating positions, return fluid can flow from said interior region of said valve means, through said first fluid passage, past said check valve, and through said second fluid passage to said return port, and in said neutral position, pressurized fluid can flow from said inlet port to said return port, while being prevented by said check valve from flowing through said first fluid passage and into said interior region of said valve means.