A hydraulic cylinder system 1 is provided with a plurality of cylinders 3a and 3b, valves 4a and 4b provided at each of the cylinders 3a and 3b for adjusting amounts of operating fluid into and out of the cylinders 3a and 3b, driving systems 5a and 5b having motors 6a and 6b provided at each of the valves 4a and 4b for driving the valves 4a and 4b, and a connecting member 8 for connecting the motors 6a and 6b of the driving systems 5a and 5b in a manner capable of interlocking with each other.

A method includes receiving pump cycle location data associated with a fluid power system. The fluid power system includes a plurality of pumps (including at least a first pump, a second pump, and a third pump). Based on the pump cycle location data having a first value, the method includes activating the first pump as a primary pump. Based on the pump cycle having a second value, the method includes activating the second pump as the primary pump. The method also includes activating the third pump as a secondary pump when the fluid power system is in a multiple-pump operating mode.

A direct drive valve for controlling fluid flow, includes a flow spool operable to control fluid flow through the direct drive valve; a control spool located within the flow spool and an actuator operable to drive the control spool relative to the flow spool. The direct drive valve is configured such that in use movement of the control spool relative to the flow spool causes the flow spool to be actuated by fluid pressure.

A spool for a hydraulic spool valve, comprising: a pressure chamber for connecting a pressure line to a hydraulic cylinder; at least one return chamber for connecting the hydraulic cylinder to a reservoir; and an actuator slot for receiving a drive lever; wherein the spool further comprises a fluid path connecting said pressure chamber to said actuator slot and a pressure plate movably mounted in the slot such that in use it is disposed between the fluid path and the drive lever.

A system includes a first electrohydraulic servo valve (EHSV) configured to be in fluid communication with a pressure supply and with a pressure return. The first EHSV includes a first actuator extend line and a first actuator retract line. A second EHSV is configured to be in fluid communication with the pressure supply and with the pressure return. The second EHSV includes a second actuator extend line and a second actuator retract line. An actuator includes an extend chamber in fluid communication with both of the first and second extend actuator lines, and a retract chamber in fluid communication with both of the first and second retract actuator lines for extending an end effector when the first and second EHSVs pressurize the extend chamber, and for retracting the end effector when the first and second EHSVs pressurize the retract chamber.

A system includes a first electrohydraulic servo valve (EHSV) configured to be in fluid communication with a pressure supply and with a pressure return. The first EHSV includes a first actuator extend line and a first actuator retract line. A second EHSV is configured to be in fluid communication with the pressure supply and with the pressure return. The second EHSV includes a second actuator extend line and a second actuator retract line. An actuator includes an extend chamber in fluid communication with both of the first and second extend actuator lines, and a retract chamber in fluid communication with both of the first and second retract actuator lines for extending an end effector when the first and second EHSVs pressurize the extend chamber, and for retracting the end effector when the first and second EHSVs pressurize the retract chamber.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes controlling, by a first fluid valve, a first fluid flow to a first fluid actuator, actuating, by the first fluid actuator, an output, controlling, by a second fluid valve, a second fluid flow to a second fluid actuator, and actuating, by the second fluid actuator, the output.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes controlling, by a first fluid valve, a first fluid flow to a first fluid actuator, actuating, by the first fluid actuator, an output, controlling, by a second fluid valve, a second fluid flow to a second fluid actuator, and actuating, by the second fluid actuator, the output.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an apparatus that includes a first assembly having a first piston rod having a first rod end, a second assembly arranged substantially parallel to the first piston assembly and having a second piston rod having a second rod end, an end assembly defining a first aperture configured to receive the first rod end, and a second aperture configured to receive the second rod end, a first retaining cap configured to affix to the first rod end, abut the end assembly when affixed to the first rod end, and retain the first rod end within the first aperture, and a second retaining cap configured to affix to the second rod end, abut the end assembly when affixed to the second rod end, and retain the second rod end within the second aperture.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes controlling, by a first fluid valve, a first fluid flow to a first fluid actuator, actuating, by the first fluid actuator, an output, controlling, by a second fluid valve, a second fluid flow to a second fluid actuator, and actuating, by the second fluid actuator, the output.