Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to turn steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (16) having an open center control valve (44). A variable displacement pump (110) supplies the steering gear (16) with hydraulic fluid. A controller (104) controls the pump (84). The controller (104) sends a control signal to the pump (110) to control the displacement of the pump (110).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to turn steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (16). An electric motor (92) actuates the steering gear (16). A pump (84) supplies the steering gear (16) with hydraulic fluid. A vehicle speed sensor (102) senses vehicle speed and provides a vehicle speed signal. A controller (104) is responsive to the vehicle speed signal for controlling the pump (84). The controller (104) activates the pump (84) to supply hydraulic fluid to the steering gear (16) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed below a predetermined value and the controller (104) deactivating the pump (84) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed above the predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to turn steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (16). An electric motor (92) actuates the steering gear (16). A pump (84) supplies the steering gear (16) with hydraulic fluid. A vehicle speed sensor (102) senses vehicle speed and provides a vehicle speed signal. A controller (104) is responsive to the vehicle speed signal for controlling the pump (84). The controller (104) activates the pump (84) to supply hydraulic fluid to the steering gear (16) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed below a predetermined value and the controller (104) deactivating the pump (84) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed above the predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to turn steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (16). An electric motor (92) actuates the steering gear (16). A pump (84) supplies the steering gear (16) with hydraulic fluid. A vehicle speed sensor (102) senses vehicle speed and provides a vehicle speed signal. A controller (104) is responsive to the vehicle speed signal for controlling the pump (84). The controller (104) activates the pump (84) to supply hydraulic fluid to the steering gear (16) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed below a predetermined value and the controller (104) deactivating the pump (84) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed above the predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) has a steering gear (26) connected with a frame (12) to turn steerable vehicle wheels (14). A body (16) of the vehicle (10) is resiliently mounted on the frame (12). A steering wheel (28) is connected with the body (16) of the vehicle and is rotatable to actuate the steering gear (26). An improved shaft assembly (38) is utilized to transmit force between the steering gear (26) and the steering wheel (28). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering wheel (28) through an upper universal joint (40). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering gear (26) through a lower universal joint (42). The shaft assembly (38) includes a variable length portion (46) having upper and lower sections (48 and 52) which are disposed in a telescopic relationship. A connector assembly (54) interconnects an extension section (50) with the variable length portion (46) of a shaft assembly (38) when the upper and lower universal joints (40 and 42) are in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. An input shaft is connected with the steering wheel and supported on the first steering column member for pivotable movement relative to the first steering column member. A first lock locks the first steering column member in any one of an infinite number of axial positions relative to the second steering column member. A second lock locks the input shaft in any one of an infinite number of pivot positions relative to the first steering column member. A member to unlock the first and second locks has a first position in which the first lock is unlocked and the second lock is locked. The member has another position in which the second lock means is unlocked and the first lock is locked.