Latching valve and a multiplexed hydraulic control system utilizing same

A latching valve for controlling an actuator in a channel of a fluid control system, comprising:

• a control chamber connected to receive fluid signals from a fluid control;
• a valve operator responsive to the fluid signals to control a working output fluid flow to the actuator;
• and
• a bleed conduit fluidically connecting the control chamber with the working output flow, the control chamber operative to latch the valve operator in a current state by allowing fluid flow through the bleed conduit;
• wherein the latching valve further comprises a working output, an inlet for working hydraulic fluid flow, and an outlet for venting hydraulic fluid, the valve operator having a first and a second position, the first position allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the working output, the second position allowing fluid communication between the outlet and the working output.

A latching valve for controlling an actuator in a channel of a fluid control system, comprising:

• a control chamber connected to receive fluid signals from a fluid control;
• a valve operator responsive to the fluid signals to control a working output fluid flow to the actuator, the working output fluid flow being controlled by a position of the valve operator, the position of the valve operator determined by a last fluid signal received in control chamber;
• a working output for working output fluid flow;
• an inlet for working hydraulic fluid;
• an outlet for venting hydraulic fluid wherein the valve operator connects one of the inlet and outlet to the working output depending upon the position of the valve operation;
• and
• latching means, associated with each latching valve, deriving a holding force from the working output fluid flow, for latching the valve operator in its last position.