Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
In a pilot-operated directional control valve, a combination comprising a hollow valve body having a pressure port, an internal space communicating with said pressure port, spaced-apart first and second seats in said space, first and second working ports flanking said pressure port and respectively communicating with said first and second seats, and first and second return ports respectively adjacent to said first and second working ports; a spool reciprocable in said body and including an elongated shank having first and second end portions, a center land rigid with said shank and disposed in said space between said seats, and first and second outer lands respectively disposed intermediate and having permanent freedom of movement between said first working port and said first return port and between said second working port and said second return port, said first and second outer lands respectively having first and second recesses reciprocally receiving said first and second end portions of said shank; and first and second pistons mounted in said body and respectively cooperating with said first and second outer lands, said pistons being movable in said body so that lengthwise movement of said shank and said lands is effected, and said end portions of said shank being reciprocally moved relative to said outer lands in said recesses of the latter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
In a pilot-operated directional control valve, a combination comprising a hollow valve body having a pressure port, an internal space communicating with said pressure port, spaced-apart first and second seats in said space, first and second working ports flanking said pressure port and respectively communicating with said first and second seats, and first and second return ports respectively adjacent to said first and second working ports; a spool reciprocable in said body and including an elongated shank having first and second end portions, a center land rigid with said shank and disposed in said space between said seats, and first and second outer lands respectively disposed intermediate and having permanent freedom of movement between said first working port and said first return port and between said second working port and said second return port, said first and second outer lands respectively having first and second recesses reciprocally receiving said first and second end portions of said shank; and first and second pistons mounted in said body and respectively cooperating with said first and second outer lands, said pistons being movable in said body so that lengthwise movement of said shank and said lands is effected, and said end portions of said shank being reciprocally moved relative to said outer lands in said recesses of the latter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second outer lands respectively comprise first and second shafts which are respectively connected with said first and second pistons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising resilient means disposed in each of said recesses, each of said resilient means reacting against the respective outer land and bearing against the respective end portion of said shank.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A combination as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said resilient means comprises a helical spring and said end portions of said shank comprise extensions surrounded by the respective springs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A combination as defined in claim 4, wherein the axial length of each of said springs in unstressed condition thereof exceeds the length of the respective extension.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
86 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said body has a first additional space between said center land and said first outer land, a second additional space between said center land and said second outer land, first and second chambers outwardly adjacent to said first and second pistons, first and second compartments inwardly adjacent to said first and second pistons, first channeel means connecting said first compartment with said second additional space, and second channel means connecting said second compartment with said first additional space.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A combination as defined in claim 6, further comprising first and second flow restictor means respectively provided in said first and second channel means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein said body has third channel means connecting said first chamber with said second compartment and fourth channel means connecting said second chamber with said first compartment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
A combination as defined in claim 8, further comprising a first check valve provided in said third channel means to prevent the flow of fluid from said first chamber into said second compartment and a second check valve provided in said fourth channel means to prevent the flow of fluid from said second chamber into said first compartment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combination as defined in claim 9, further comprising first and second pilot valves respectively connected with said third and fourth channel means upstream of the respective check valves.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said body has a chamber outwardly adjacent to said first piston, a compartment inwardly adjacent to said second piston, and channel means connecting said chamber with said compartment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said body has another chamber outwardly adjacent to said second piston, and additional channel means connecting said other chamber with said space.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said body has a chamber outwardly adjacent to said second piston, and channel means connecting said chamber with said space.