Methods of controlling an actuator during operation using a hydraulic circuit, and related apparatus, are described. The circuit has a first path section along which fluid is supplied to a first chamber of the actuator using a first valve and a second path section along which fluid is extracted from a second chamber of the actuator using a second valve. Pressure data associated with a pressure of the fluid supplied to the first side of the actuator are obtained, a pilot pressure pPilot is produced based on the data and the first and second valves are configured based on the pilot pressure pPilot.

Disclosed embodiments include travel motor hydraulic circuits for controlling the provision of hydraulic fluid to a travel motor. The travel motor hydraulic circuits include a counterbalance valve configured to block the flow of hydraulic fluid when in a neutral position to prevent unintended movement of a power machine, and an anti-cavitation valve configured to direct flow of hydraulic fluid back to the travel motor to prevent cavitation.

An example valve includes a main stage, a pilot stage, and a solenoid actuator. The main stage includes a sleeve and a piston axially movable within the sleeve. The piston defines a cavity therein. The pilot stage includes a pilot pin received at, and axially movable in, the cavity of the piston, where the piston forms a pilot seat at which the pilot pin is seated when the valve is in a closed state. The solenoid actuator includes a solenoid coil, an armature, and a solenoid spring. The solenoid spring applies a biasing force in a distal direction on the pilot pin to seat the pilot pin at the pilot seat. Energizing the solenoid coil causes the armature to move in a proximal direction, thereby reducing the biasing force that the solenoid spring applies on the pilot pin.

An example valve includes: a piston movable between a neutral position and an actuated position; a check poppet configured to be coupled to the piston, wherein in the neutral position, the check poppet is seated on a seat formed on an interior peripheral surface of the housing and blocks fluid at the first port; a solenoid actuator sleeve movable between an unactuated state and an actuated state, wherein in the actuated state, the solenoid actuator sleeve allows pilot fluid to apply a fluid force on the piston in a distal direction; and a feedback spring that applies a biasing force in a proximal direction on the piston against the fluid force, wherein the piston and the check poppet are configured to move axially to the actuated position based on a relationship between the fluid force and the biasing force.

An example valve includes: a main piston comprising: a channel that is fluidly coupled to a first port of the valve, a pilot seat, and one or more cross-holes fluidly coupled to a second port of the valve; a pilot check member configured to be subjected to a fluid force of fluid in the channel of the main piston acting on the pilot check member in a proximal direction; a solenoid actuator sleeve comprising a chamber; a first setting spring disposed in the chamber and configured to bias the solenoid actuator sleeve in a distal direction; and a second setting spring configured to bias the pilot check member in the distal direction, such that the first setting spring and the second setting spring cooperate to apply a biasing force in the distal direction on the pilot check member toward the pilot seat against the fluid force.

A system for damping mass-induced vibrations in a machine having a long boom or elongate member, the movement of which causes mass-induced vibration in such boom or elongate member. The system comprises multiple pressure sensors operable to measure pressure fluctuations in the hydraulic fluid pressures in the non-load holding and load holding chambers of a hydraulic actuator connected to the boom or elongate member that result from mass-induced vibration, and a processing unit operable to control a first control valve spool in a pressure control mode and a second control valve spool in a flow control mode in order to adjust hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator's load holding chamber to dampen the mass-induced vibration. The system further comprises a control manifold fluidically interposed between the actuator and control valve spools that causes the first and second control valve spools to operate, respectively, in pressure and flow control modes.

An example valve includes a main stage, a pilot stage, and a solenoid actuator. The main stage includes a sleeve and a piston axially movable within the sleeve. The piston defines a cavity therein. The pilot stage includes a pilot pin received at, and axially movable in, the cavity of the piston, where the piston forms a pilot seat at which the pilot pin is seated when the valve is in a closed state. The solenoid actuator includes a solenoid coil, an armature, and a solenoid spring. The solenoid spring applies a biasing force in a distal direction on the pilot pin to seat the pilot pin at the pilot seat. Energizing the solenoid coil causes the armature to move in a proximal direction, thereby reducing the biasing force that the solenoid spring applies on the pilot pin.

A telescopic hydraulic cylinder is disclosed which has automatic air bleeding and fluid flushing features. A method of removing air from a hydraulic cylinder is also disclosed. A hydraulic circuit with for removing air from a hydraulic cylinder is further disclosed.

A counter pressure valve arrangement for controlling a pressure level of a hydraulic fluid in a return line from a hydraulic actuator arrangement. The counter pressure valve arrangement comprises a counter pressure valve having: a moveable valve member; a counter pressure regulating port configured for being connected to the hydraulic actuator arrangement via the return line; a tank port configured for being connected to a tank or low pressure reservoir for storing low pressure hydraulic fluid; and a pump port configured for being connected to a source of pressurised hydraulic fluid. A first position of the valve member effects fluid communication between the pump port and the counter pressure regulating port for supplying pressurised hydraulic fluid to the return line (4), and a second position of the valve member effects fluid communication between the counter pressure regulating port and the tank port for discharging hydraulic fluid from the return line to the tank.

A counter pressure valve arrangement for controlling a pressure level of a hydraulic fluid in a return line from a hydraulic actuator arrangement. The counter pressure valve arrangement comprises a counter pressure valve having: a moveable valve member; a counter pressure regulating port configured for being connected to the hydraulic actuator arrangement via the return line; a tank port configured for being connected to a tank or low pressure reservoir for storing low pressure hydraulic fluid; and a pump port configured for being connected to a source of pressurised hydraulic fluid. A first position of the valve member effects fluid communication between the pump port and the counter pressure regulating port for supplying pressurised hydraulic fluid to the return line, and a second position of the valve member effects fluid communication between the counter pressure regulating port and the tank port for discharging hydraulic fluid from the return line to the tank.