Proportional poppet valve with integral check valves

A poppet valve assembly, comprising:

• a body including:
• a first axial end portion, wherein the first axial end portion has a first circumferential surface, a first end surface, and a tapered surface configured for sealing engagement with a main valve seat;
• a second axial end portion opposite the first axial end portion, wherein the second axial end portion has a second circumferential surface and a second end surface;
• a first metering slot defined by the second axial end portion;
• a second metering slot defined by the second axial end portion;
• a first internal passage defined by the body, wherein the first internal passage includes an opening in the first end surface, is in fluid communication with the first metering slot, and has a first check valve seat;
• and
• a second internal passage defined by the body, wherein the second internal passage includes an opening in the first circumferential surface, is in fluid communication with the second metering slot, and has a second check valve seat;
• a first check valve disposed in the first internal passage and adapted for sealing engagement with the first check valve seat;
• and
• a second check valve disposed in the second internal passage and adapted for sealing engagement with the second check valve seat;
• wherein the first metering slot and the second metering slot are in fluid communication with the second circumferential surface,
• wherein the second end surface defines a first orifice in fluid communication with the first metering slot, and
• wherein the second end surface defines a second orifice in fluid communication with the second metering slot.

A valve assembly, comprising:

• a housing, defining:
• a first cavity;
• a second cavity;
• a load holding cavity in selective fluid communication with the second cavity;
• and
• a valve bore having a main valve seat, the valve bore being in fluid communication with the first cavity, the second cavity, and the load holding cavity, wherein the valve seat is disposed in the valve bore between the first and second cavities;
• and
• a poppet valve assembly disposed in the valve bore, the poppet valve assembly including:
• a poppet body, including:
• a first axial end portion having a first circumferential surface, a first end surface, and a tapered surface configured for sealing engagement with the main valve seat;
• a second axial end portion opposite the first axial end portion;
• a metering slot defined by the second axial end portion;
• a first internal passage defined by the poppet body, wherein the first internal passage includes an opening in the first end surface, is in fluid communication with the metering slot, and has a first check valve seat;
• and
• a second internal passage defined by the poppet body, wherein the second internal passage includes an opening in the first circumferential surface, is in fluid communication with the metering slot, and has a second check valve seat;
• a first check valve disposed in the first internal passage and adapted for sealing engagement with the first check valve seat;
• and
• a second check valve disposed in the second internal passage and adapted for sealing engagement with the second check valve seat
• wherein the second axial end portion of the poppet body has a second circumferential surface and a second end surface,
• wherein the metering slot is defined in the second circumferential surface and is in fluid communication with the load holding cavity of the housing, and
• wherein the second end surface defines a first orifice in fluid communication with the metering slot.