US 12,320,412 B2
Axial piston variable displacement hydraulic devices, such as hydraulic motors, and methods of operating same
Perry Y. Li, Plymouth, MN (US); and Evan D. Sand, Minneapolis, MN (US)
Assigned to Regents of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (US)
Filed by Regents of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (US)
Filed on Sep. 7, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/243,213.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/404,236, filed on Sep. 7, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0077135 A1, Mar. 7, 2024
Int. Cl. F16H 39/14 (2006.01); F01B 3/00 (2006.01); F04B 7/00 (2006.01)
CPC F16H 39/14 (2013.01) [F01B 3/0055 (2013.01); F01B 3/007 (2013.01); F04B 7/0069 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An axial piston hydraulic device comprising:
a barrel forming a plurality of cylinder bores, wherein the barrel is rotatable about a centerline;
a plurality of pistons, wherein respective ones of the pistons are slidably maintained within corresponding ones of the cylinder bores;
a swashplate positioned to interface with the pistons with rotation of the barrel;
a plurality of distributor valves, wherein respective ones of the distributor valves are in fluid communication with corresponding ones of the pistons; and
a valve cam defining a profile, wherein valve cam is positioned such that the profile interfaces with the distributor valves with rotation of the barrel;
wherein an arrangement of the valve cam profile relative to the distributor valves is rotatably adjustable about the centerline of the barrel.