A bi-directional damper valve is provided for connecting to a hydraulic
line, to regulate fluid flow therethrough. The damper valve includes a
main valve body having a flow passage formed therethrough, and the flow
passage widens at central portion of the valve body to form a central
chamber, which has valve seats formed at opposite ends thereof. The main
valve body also has two bypass channels formed therein, which branch off
the central chamber near the valve seats, and which selectively
communicate with the flow passage. The damper valve also includes two
poppets, oriented facing in opposite directions in the central chamber.
Each of the poppets has a hollow bore formed therethrough, to always
allow fluid flow through the damper valve at a first (minimal) rate. The
damper valve also includes a spring extending between the poppets, and
normally biasing them against the valve seats.