Control apparatus for a plurality of simultaneously actuatable fluid motors

摘要

A control apparatus is disclosed for permitting simultaneous actuation of a plurality of fluid motors whose combined flow capacity exceeds the available flow rate. The plurality of fluid motors are actuated by a corresponding plurality of open center, pressure-compensated, pneumatically actuated control valves which are connected in series flow arrangement with a fluid supply having a fixed minimum flow output and a maximum flow rate output. A device is provided to sense the rate of flow for hydraulic fluid exhausting from the series of control valves. The rate of flow sensing device controls a pneumatic pressure regulator that provides a corresponding pressure change in the pneumatic supply pressure provided to a plurality of control valves.