Hydraulic valve module

A hydraulic valve module adapted to be sandwiched between a directional valve and a subplate, each of which has a mounting surface with uniform hole patterns for pressure, tank, and two cylinder ports, said module comprising a manifold block having opposite surfaces adapted to fit respectively against the mounting surfaces of the directional valve and the subplate, said block having ports providing uniform hole patterns on said opposite surfaces for alignment with the hole patterns of said directional valve and subplate and having main passageways associated respectively with the sets of corresponding ports on opposite surfaces for flow of hydraulic fluid therebetween, said block also having at least one chamber opening to one of said opposite surfaces to provide an entrance of a size sufficient for receiving a flow-function valve cartridge, said chamber being in communication with one of said sets of corresponding ports so that the one main passageway associated with that set passes through the chamber, and a flow-function valve cartridge dimensioned for insertion through said entrance and housed within said chamber, said flow-function valve cartridge having at least one movable element to enable the cartridge to perform a selected function on hydraulic fluid in said one associated passageway, said manifold block also having an auxiliary passageway between said chamber and another of said main passageways for pilot actuation of said flow-function valve cartridge.