Integrated manifold circuits and method of assembly

Claim 2

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration, two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; and a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module, said power flow valve module including a valve housing; a sleeve element including a first end forming a first spring stop, a second end forming a second spring stop and a sleeve guide for a spring adapter guide; a three-way spool shiftably mounted in said sleeve and including a first end provided with a longitudinally extending guide for a spring adapter and removable spacer and a second end; a first spring adapter on said guide including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said first spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; a first control spring of greater force magnitude between said first spring adapter and said housing; a second spring adapter shiftably mounted in said sleeve guide and interposed between said second spool end and said housing, said second spring adapter including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said second sprinG stop and in the other direction by said housing; and a second control spring of lesser force magnitude between said second spring adapter and said housing.

Claim 3

The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes passages communicating with said spool ends conducting control flows for operating said spool.

Claim 4

The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said second end of said spool includes a control flow passage connecting said second spool end with a recess in said spool, said second spring adapter forming a control flow valve for said control flow passage.

Claim 5

The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said second end of said spool includes a control flow passage connecting said second spool end with a recess in said spool, said second spring adapter forming a control flow valve for said control flow passage; and a flow restrictor passage through said second spring adapter and communicating with said control flow passage in said spool.

Claim 6

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module; and means for selectively either interrupting or opening one of said duct-forming passages to selectively program parallel, series, and series-parallel power flow circuit connections between said valve module and said ducts.

Claim 7

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module; and means for selectively either interrupting or opening one of said duct-forming passages to selectively program parallel, series, and series-parallel power flow circuit connections between said valve module and said ducts.

Claim 8

The control system of claim 5 that includes a standard parallel circuit side block module mounted to said standard conduit module at standard confronting interfaces.

Claim 9

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module, said power flow valve module including a multiple-function spool mechanism selectively adaptable for either normally open or normally closed operation; and means for selectively either interrupting or opening one of said duct-forming passages to selectively program parallel, series, and series-parallel power flow circuit connections between said valve module and said ducts.

Claim 10

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module, said power flow valve module including a multiple-function spool mechanism selectively adaptable for either normally open or normally closed operation; and means for selectively either interrupting or opening one of said duct-forming passages to selectively program parallel, series, and series-parallel power flow circuit connections between said valve module and said ducts.

Claim 11

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; and a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module, said power flow valve module including a valve housing; a sleeve element iNcluding a first and forming a first spring stop, a second end forming a second spring stop and a sleeve guide for a spring adapter guide; a three-way spool shiftably mounted in said sleeve and including a first end provided with a longitudinally extending guide for a spring adapter and removable spacer and a second end; a first spring adapter on said guide including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said first spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; a first control spring of greater force magnitude between said first spring adapter and said housing; a second spring adapter shiftably mounted in said sleeve guide and interposed between said second spool end and said housing, said second spring adapter including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said second spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; a second control spring of lesser force magnitude between said second spring adapter and said housing; and means for selectively either interrupting or opening one of said duct-forming passages to selectively program parallel, series, and series-parallel power flow circuit connections between said valve module and said ducts.

Claim 12

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a standard conduit module including first and second standard interfaces, provided with said standard porting configuration two main duct-forming passages extending between said interfaces for the power flow of the system, and a third interface, power flow ports connectable within said conduit module with said two main duct-forming passages; and a power flow valve module including a standard mounting and porting interface having ports communicating with said ports in said third interface of said conduit module, said power flow valve module including a valve housing; a sleeve element iNcluding a first and forming a first spring stop, a second end forming a second spring stop and a sleeve guide for a spring adapter guide; a three-way spool shiftably mounted in said sleeve and including a first end provided with a longitudinally extending guide for a spring adapter and removable spacer and a second end; a first spring adapter on said guide including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said first spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; a first control spring of greater force magnitude between said first spring adapter and said housing; a second spring adapter shiftably mounted in said sleeve guide and interposed between said second spool end and said housing, said second spring adapter including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said second spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; a second control spring of lesser force magnitude between said second spring adapter and said housing; and means for selectively either interrupting or opening one of said duct-forming passages to selectively program parallel, series, and series-parallel power flow circuit connections between said valve module and said ducts.

Claim 13

The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said housing includes passages communicating with said spool ends conducting control flows for operating said spool.

Claim 14

The apparatus defined claim 8 wherein said second end of said spool includes a control flow passage connecting said second spool end with a recess in said spool, said second spring adapter forming a control flow valve for said passage.

Claim 15

The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said second end of said spool includes a control flow passage connecting said second spool end with a recess in said spool, said second spring adapter forming a control flow valve for said passage; and a flow restrictor passage through said second spring adapter and communicating with said control flow passage in said spool. 12. A hydraulic control system comprising, in combination, a plurality of conduit modules provided with interfaces having standardized conduit-porting configuration and forming a bus assembly including a pressurized bus duct communicating with a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid return bus duct communicating with reservoir; a second plurality of conduit modules forming a branch assembly including first and second branch ducts communicating with said bus ducts, said branch assembly comprising a standard conduit module provided with first and second interfaces and including standard porting configuration joined to interfaces of adjacent conduit modules in said branch that includes said standard porting configuration, and a third valve-mounting interface; valve means mounted on said third valve-mounting interface of said conduit module, said conduit module including first passage means leading from said ducts to said valve and second passage means leading from said valve back to said ducts.

Claim 16

The control system defined in claim 12 wherein said valve means effects a flow-switching function between certain branch ducts on one side of said conduit module and certain other branch ducts on the other side of conduit module.

Claim 17

The control system defined in claim 12 wherein said valve means effects a flow-modulating function on the ducts of said branch assembly.

Claim 18

The control system defined in claim 12 wherein said valve means comprises a standard power flow valve module that includes a multiple-function spool and sleeve mechanism selectively adaptable for either normally open or normally closed operation.

Claim 19

The control system defined in claim 12 wherein said valve means comprises a standard power flow valve module that includes a valve housing; a sleeve element including a first end forming a first spring stop, a second end forming a second spring stop and a sleeve guide for a spring adapter guide; a three-way spool shiftably mounted in said sleeve and including a first end provided with a longitudinally extending guide for a spring adapter and removable spacer and a second end; a first spring adapter on said guide including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said first spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; a first control spring of greater force magnitude between said first spring adapter and said housing; a second spring adapter shiftably mounted in said sleeve guide and interposed between said second spool end and said housing, said second spring adapter including a shoulder arrested in one direction by said second spring stop and in the other direction by said housing; and a second control spring of lesser force magnitude between said second spring adapter and said housing.

Claim 20

The control system defined in claim 12 wherein the duct-forming passages of certain of said modules include obstructing means for converting the flow in said ducts between series and parallel flow relationships.

Claim 21

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized components comprising, in combination, a center block comprising a first plurality of parallel duct-forming passages extending in one direction to a first plurality of ports in a first conduit interface, a second plurality of duct-forming passages extending in a second direction to second ports in a second conduit interface, each of said first and second conduit interfaces including rod-mounting means and seals for said ports, said center block including a valve-mounting interface provided with a plurality of valve passages communicating with said duct-forming passages; a valve block including a flow-switching element mounted on said valve-mounting interface; a first series of side blocks forming branch ducts and comprising a first branch end interface including ports, seals and rod-mounting means that register with said corresponding elements on said first center block interface; and a second series of side blocks forming branch flow passages and comprising a second branch end interface including ports, seals and rod-mounting means that register with said corresponding elements on said second center block interface.

Claim 22

A fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of multiple-function standardized components comprising, in combination, a center block comprising a first plurality of parallel duct-forming passages extending in one direction to a first plurality of ports in a first conduit interface, a second plurality of duct-forming passages extending in a second direction to second ports in a second conduit interface, each of said first and second conduit interfaces including rod-mounting means and seals for said ports, said center block including a valve-mounting interface provided with a plurality of valve passages communicating with said duct-forming passages; a valve block including a flow-switching element mounted on said valve-mounting interface; a first series of side blocks forming branch ducts and comprising a first branch end interface including ports, seals and rod-mounting means that register with said corresponding elements on said first center block interface; and a second series of side blocks forming branch flow passages and comprising a second branch end interface including ports, seals and rod-mounting means that register with said corresponding elements on said second center block interface.

Claim 23

A fluid power control apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of standardized modular components joined together at interfaces provided with interfaces having standardized conduit-porting configuration, each of said components including a plurality of passages having ports that register with ports and aligned passages in a next successive component, certain of said components including a side interface provided with said standard porting configuration for the mounting of a branch assembly of said standardized modular components, said side interface including transverse passages and ports adapted to register with said first-mentioned ports.

Claim 24

A fluid power control apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of standardized modular components joined together at interfaces provided with interfaces having standardized conduit-porting configuration, each of said components including a plurality of passages having ports that register with ports and aligned passages in a next successive component, certain of said components including a side interface provided with said standard porting configuration for the mounting of a branch assembly of said standardized modular components, said side interface including transverse passages and ports adapted to register with said first-mentioned ports.

Claim 25

The fluid power control apparatus of claim 19 wherein said modules are fastened together with spaced rods and wherein said passages are offset from center with respect to said rods, said passages including interface seals that extend into said ports in opposite directions from said interface and thereby align said passages.

Claim 26

The steps in the method of constructing a hydraulic control system comprising: depicting the hydraulic flow circuit on a two-dimensional flow strip diagram of modular components adjacently positioned to form a dual-duct flow system; selecting standard modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration adapted to be assembled in a three-dimensional array to provide the preselected circuit of said two-dimensional flow diagram; and assembling said modules in a three-dimensional structural array to provide said system.

Claim 27

The steps in the method of constructing a hydraulic control system comprising: depicting the hydraulic flow circuit on a two-dimensional flow strip diagram of modular components adjacently positioned to form a dual-duct flow system; selecting standard modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration adapted to be assembled in a three-dimensional array to provide the preselected circuit of said two-dimensional flow diagram; and assembling said modules in a three-dimensional structural array to provide said system.

Claim 28

The method defined in claim 21 that includes a center block module sandwiched between adjacent modules and a valve module mounted on said center block module for controlling the flow between ducts in said adjacent modules.

Claim 29

The method defined in claim 21 wherein said modules include standard spacings of the ports in their interfaces.

Claim 30

The method defined in claim 21 wherein said modules are assembled with standard interface seals disposed in confronting recesses at connecting ports.

Claim 31

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a first assembly of conduit modules, each of said modules including a standardized conduit interface configuration that registers with the interface configuration of other modules and including main power flow passages that communicate to form main power flow ducts for the first assembly and a side interface; a second assembly of conduit modules, each of said modules including a standardized conduit interface configuration that registers with the interface configuration of other modules, and including main power flow passages to form main power flow ducts for the second assembly, certain of said conduit modules including an end interface that registers with said side interface or said first assembly for connecting the respective power flow ducts of the two assemblies, certain of said conduit modules including a side valve-mounting interface provided with passages communicating with said main power flow ducts for mounting a power flow valve module, said plurality of conduit modules being structurally assembled independently of said valve module.

Claim 32

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a first assembly of conduit modules, each of said modules including a standardized conduit interface configuration that registers with the interface configuration of other modules and including main power flow passages that communicate to form main power flow ducts for the first assembly and a side interface; a second assembly of conduit modules, each of said modules including a standardized conduit interface configuration that registers with the interface configuration of other modules, and including main power flow passages to form main power flow ducts for the second assembly, certain of said conduit modules including an end interface that registers with said side interface or said first assembly for connecting the respective power flow ducts of the two assemblies, certain of said conduit modules including a side valve-mounting interface provided with passages communicating with said main power flow ducts for mounting a power flow valve module, said plurality of conduit modules being structurally assembled independently of said valve module.

Claim 33

The control system of claim 25 that includes a standard parallel circuit side block module mounted to said standard conduit module at standard confronting interfaces.

Claim 34

The fluid power control apparatus of claim 25 wherein said plurality of conduit modules include standard sized and spaced mounting holes adapted to receive any of a plurality of standard fastening rods of preselected lengths, the length of said conduit modules between dual-duct interfaces and the lengths of said fastening rods being whole and fractional multiples of an arbitrary standard length.

Claim 35

The fluid power control apparatus of claim 25 wherein said plurality of conduit modules includes a second valve interface; and a signal flow valve module mounted on said second valve interface for controlling said power flow module.

Claim 36

The fluid power control apparatus of claim 28 wherein said signal flow valve module includes pilot passages communicating with other modules of said system.

Claim 37

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a plurality of standardized bus conduit modules forming bus ducts for the power flow of the system and including a bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration; a plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming branch ducts for said power flow of the system and including a second bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect said bus ducts with said branch ducts, certain of said branch conduit modules including a side valve-connecting interface provided with valves passages communicating with certain of said ducts for mounting a power flow valve module on the side of said branch whereby the power flow is diverted from the branch to said valve module, and from said valve module back to said branch.

Claim 38

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a plurality of standardized bus conduit modules forming bus ducts for the power flow of the system and including a bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration; a plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming branch ducts for said power flow of the system and including a second bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect said bus ducts with said branch ducts, certain of said branch conduit modules including a side valve-connecting interface provided with valves passages communicating with certain of said ducts for mounting a power flow valve module on the side of said branch whereby the power flow is diverted from the branch to said valve module, and from said valve module back to said branch.

Claim 39

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a plurality of standardized bus conduit modules forming bus ducts fOr the power flow of the system and including a bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration; a plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming branch ducts for said power flow of the system and including a second bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect said bus ducts with said branch ducts, certain of said branch conduit modules including a branch-connecting interface provided with said standardized porting configuration for the mounting of a second branch of standardized conduit modules; a second plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming a second branch including branch ducts for said power flow of said system, said second branch including a branch-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect the ducts of said first and second branches.

Claim 40

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a plurality of standardized bus conduit modules forming bus ducts fOr the power flow of the system and including a bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration; a plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming branch ducts for said power flow of the system and including a second bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect said bus ducts with said branch ducts, certain of said branch conduit modules including a branch-connecting interface provided with said standardized porting configuration for the mounting of a second branch of standardized conduit modules; a second plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming a second branch including branch ducts for said power flow of said system, said second branch including a branch-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect the ducts of said first and second branches.

Claim 41

The conduit system defined in claim 31 wherein certain of said conduit modules in said second branch include a side valve-connecting interface for mounting valve means for the flow in said second branch.

Claim 42

The conduit system defined in claim 31 wherein certain of said conduit modules in said second branch include a standardized branch-connecting interface for mounting a third branch of conduit modules forming ducts that communicate with ducts in said second branch.

Claim 43

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a plurality of standardized bus conduit modules forming bus ducts for the power flow of the system and including a bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration; a plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming branch ducts for said power flow of the system and including a second bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect said bus ducts with said branch ducts, certain of said branch conduit modules including a side valve-connecting interface provided with valve passages for mounting a power flow valve module on the side of said branch whereby the power flow is diverted from the branch to said valve module, and from said valve module back to said branch, certain of said branch conduit modules including a side valve-connecting interface provided with valve passages communicating with certain of said ducts for mounting a power flow valve branch whereby the power flow is diverted from the branch to said valve module, and from said valve module back to said branch.

Claim 44

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising a plurality of standardized bus conduit modules forming bus ducts for the power flow of the system and including a bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration; a plurality of standardized branch conduit modules forming branch ducts for said power flow of the system and including a second bus-connecting interface provided with said standardized conduit-porting configuration that connect said bus ducts with said branch ducts, certain of said branch conduit modules including a side valve-connecting interface provided with valve passages for mounting a power flow valve module on the side of said branch whereby the power flow is diverted from the branch to said valve module, and from said valve module back to said branch, certain of said branch conduit modules including a side valve-connecting interface provided with valve passages communicating with certain of said ducts for mounting a power flow valve branch whereby the power flow is diverted from the branch to said valve module, and from said valve module back to said branch.

Claim 45

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays at standardized conduit interfaces having standardized conduit-porting configuration and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising at least one of said conduit modules including three interfaces having said standardized porting configuration that provide a three-dimensional array of power flow branches.

Claim 46

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus fabricated from a plurality of standardized conduit modules that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays at standardized conduit interfaces having standardized conduit-porting configuration and provided with a plurality of selected external valving arrangements, said conduit system comprising at least one of said conduit modules including three interfaces having said standardized porting configuration that provide a three-dimensional array of power flow branches.

Claim 47

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays, said modules including means for selectively assembling either parallel flow hydraulic circuits or series flow hydraulic circuits, said circuits being selectively formed by only two main power flow ducts common to the modules.

Claim 48

A conduit system for a fluid power control apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of standardized conduit modules forming conduit ducts and having standardized conduit-porting configuration that can be assembled in a plurality of arrays, said modules including means for selectively assembling either parallel flow hydraulic circuits or series flow hydraulic circuits, said circuits being selectively formed by only two main power flow ducts common to the modules.

Claim 49

The conduit system defined in claim 36 wherein said selected circuits are either parallel flow between two ducts or series flow in a single duct.

Claim 50

The conduit system defined in claim 36 wherein said selected series or parallel flow circuits can be selectively arranged between modules and ducts as may be required for the requirements of the system.

Claim 51

The conduit system defined in claim 36 wherein said means comprises standardized duct-interrupting conduit modules including said standardized conduit-porting configuration.