HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONIZING A PLURALITY OF PISTONS AND AN ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

A hydraulic system for use with a pressurized fluid includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder. A flow path links the first and second cylinders in fluid communication with each other. A first piston is disposed within the first cylinder and defines a first axis and a second piston disposed within the second cylinder. The first piston is movable along the first axis between a variety of operating positions and a rephasing position. The first piston has an exterior surface that defines a peripheral groove and several flutes. The flutes are oriented such that they are parallel to the first axis and intersect the peripheral groove, allowing the fluid to flow from the first cylinder across the flow path and into the second cylinder when the first piston is in the rephasing position thereby automatically rephasing the first and second pistons within the hydraulic system.