A safety module for a process valve and a system comprising a safety module and a process valve are provided. The safety module comprises at least a first interface complementary to a first connection interface of a drive module of the process valve and a second interface complementary to a second connection interface of a process valve actuator of the process valve, such that the safety module can be retrofitted in the process valve. The safety module further comprises at least one safety valve and fluid lines provided for fluidically coupling the safety valve to the drive module and the process valve actuator of the process valve. The at least one safety valve of the safety module is configured for forced venting of the process valve in a safety case.

A method of removing hydraulic fluid from an aircraft hydraulic system is disclosed including a hydraulically actuated mechanism that is actuated by an electrohydraulic servo valve, a hydraulic fluid port through which hydraulic fluid can escape, and a hydraulic fuse with a closed state and an open state between the electrohydraulic servo valve and the hydraulic fluid port. The hydraulic fluid port is opened, and then the activation of the electrohydraulic servo valve is controlled to force hydraulic fluid to escape from the hydraulic system via the hydraulic fluid port, the control being so that the hydraulic fuse does not enter and remain in the closed state.

A pneumatic device (1) has at least one venting path (10) for venting the pneumatic device (1) in an outflow direction (R1). The venting path (10) includes a first volume (12), through which a flow can pass, a first compressed-air passage (14), and a sealing mechanism (18). The first compressed-air passage (14) pneumatically connects the first volume (12) to a pressurized part (16) of the pneumatic device (1). The sealing mechanism (18) changes between a normal state (Z1) and a sealing state (Z2). In the normal state (Z1) a flow can pass through the first compressed-air passage (14) both in the outflow direction (R1) and in an oppositely directed inflow direction (R2). In the sealing state (Z2) a flow can pass through the first compressed-air passage (14) only in the outflow direction (R1).

A pneumatic device (1) has at least one venting path (10) for venting the pneumatic device (1) in an outflow direction (R1). The venting path (10) includes a first volume (12), through which a flow can pass, a first compressed-air passage (14), and a sealing mechanism (18). The first compressed-air passage (14) pneumatically connects the first volume (12) to a pressurized part (16) of the pneumatic device (1). The sealing mechanism (18) changes between a normal state (Z1) and a sealing state (Z2). In the normal state (Z1) a flow can pass through the first compressed-air passage (14) both in the outflow direction (R1) and in an oppositely directed inflow direction (R2). In the sealing state (Z2) a flow can pass through the first compressed-air passage (14) only in the outflow direction (R1).

A diffuser for a return line on a hydraulic tank may include a coupling portion configured for coupling in fluid communication with a return port of the hydraulic tank and for receiving return fluid along an incoming longitudinal direction. The diffuser may also include a dispersion portion in fluid communication with the coupling portion and configured for dispersing the return fluid radially. The diffuser may also include a manifold arranged around the dispersion portion and configured to direct the return fluid circumferentially and axially.

A hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic power unit, a first cylinder pair coupled with the hydraulic power unit, and a second cylinder pair coupled with the hydraulic power unit in parallel with the first cylinder pair. Re-phasing valves coupled with each cylinder of the first and second cylinder pairs are activated when a respective one of the cylinders reaches one of a fully extended or a fully retracted position. The hydraulic circuit incorporates the serially plumbed, re-phasing cylinders for synchronized movement in a system with multiple pairs of cylinders.

A fluidic control system (1) for controlling a vehicle, which includes a controller (2) and a closed fluidic circuit. The circuit includes a pump (3) for pressurizing fluid in the circuit, valve means (40, 50, 60), an actuator (4, 5, 6) and a precharge accumulator (7). The valve means (40, 50, 60) is fluidly connected to the inlet and outlet of the pump (3) and the actuator (4, 6) is fluidly connected to the valve means (40, 50, 60) for selectively receiving pressurized fluid therefrom. The precharge accumulator (7) includes a movable member (73, FIG. 2) that describes a variable volume (71) fluidly connected to the circuit between the valve means (40, 50, 60) and the inlet of the pump (3). The system (1) also includes a sensor (70) for determining the position of the movable member (73) for estimating the quantity of fluid and/or detecting an abnormal pressure variation within the circuit.

A closed loop, self-priming hydraulic system comprising a reciprocating, hydraulic piston pump, a high pressure loop and a low pressure loop is disclosed. The reciprocating, hydraulic piston pump comprises a first piston operating in a first piston bore and a second piston operating in a second piston bore. The high pressure loop is defined by a high pressure accumulator that is fluidly connected to an inlet of the first piston bore and an outlet of the second piston bore. The low pressure loop is defined by a low pressure accumulator that is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second piston bore and an outlet of the first piston bore. The closed-loop, self-priming hydraulic system manipulates a hydraulic fluid to convert energy from one form to another.

Prognostication and amelioration of gas ingress in hydraulic systems can be provided by identifying a stable reading window when operating a carrying system comprising a hydraulic system; collecting a set of fluid level readings of a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system during a plurality of stable reading windows across a corresponding plurality of operational instances of the carrying system; calculating median fluid levels in each stable reading window of the plurality of stable reading windows; identifying an increasing trend in the median fluid levels when analyzed as time series data that satisfies a trend threshold of at least a predefined number successive indications of increased fluid levels in the hydraulic fluid within an analysis window; and generating an alert of gas ingress to the hydraulic system.

Prognostication and amelioration of gas ingress in hydraulic systems can be provided by identifying a stable reading window when operating a carrying system comprising a hydraulic system; collecting a set of fluid level readings of a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system during a plurality of stable reading windows across a corresponding plurality of operational instances of the carrying system; calculating median fluid levels in each stable reading window of the plurality of stable reading windows; identifying an increasing trend in the median fluid levels when analyzed as time series data that satisfies a trend threshold of at least a predefined number successive indications of increased fluid levels in the hydraulic fluid within an analysis window; and generating an alert of gas ingress to the hydraulic system.