US Patent 10437269 Electrohydraulic counterbalance and pressure relief valve

An example valve includes a main stage and a pilot stage. The pilot stage includes a pilot poppet that is axially movable, a pilot piston, and a pilot spring applying a biasing force on the pilot poppet. The valve further includes a pilot seat member disposed between the main stage and the pilot stage and configured to form a pilot seat for the pilot poppet. When a pilot pressure fluid signal is received through a pilot port, the pilot pressure fluid signal applies a pressure on the pilot piston causing the pilot piston to move axially, thereby reducing the biasing force applied by the pilot spring on the pilot poppet.