US Patent 7921880 Three-way poppet valve with intermediate pilot port

An integrated three-way poppet valve is disclosed with an intermediate pilot port and an integral load holding check valve. The valve incorporates a reverse flow check poppet for load hold capability, which enables a lower cost solution compared to a combination of valves of similar functionality. A control method is also disclosed using an integrated three-way poppet valve to control the flow of hydraulic oil to a cylinder, hydraulic motor, or other hydraulic device in proportion to the amount of a current applied to a solenoid coil. Depending on the current applied, the valve blocks all flow or else permits flow from one inlet port to two outlet ports proportional to the current applied.