Abstract: An oil filter reservoir includes a reservoir housing having a filter, which divides the housing into an oil inlet chamber and an oil outlet chamber. A housing inlet and a housing outlet circulate oil in and out of the reservoir housing. The filter includes a permeable wall and a bypass valve, which releases the increased oil pressure and volume in the inlet chamber during cold temperature operation. A baffle in the outlet chamber is spaced apart from the bypass valve and permits limited oil flow through the baffle. The baffle separates the outlet chamber into a reserve chamber and a bypass chamber.

Abstract: A self-bypassing filter system for a fluid reservoir. The system includes a filter disposed within the reservoir, positioned to intercept the fluid flow proceeding out of the reservoir. A bypass fluid flow path extending from upstream to downstream of the filter, without passing through the filter. In addition, the system includes a membrane, positioned to completely block the bypass fluid flow path upstream of the filter, the membrane being formed of a material dissolvable in the fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods of diagnosing a vehicle hydraulic power steering system and steering diagnostic systems for executing the same. Some exemplary diagnostic systems are configured to detect a steering system condition based on an evaluation of a steering pump outlet pressure, an engine speed and/or a steering wheel position. The system sends a warning signal when a predetermined steering system condition is detected.

Abstract: An oil filter reservoir includes a reservoir housing having a filter, which divides the housing into an oil inlet chamber and an oil outlet chamber. A housing inlet and a housing outlet circulate oil in and out of the reservoir housing. The filter includes a permeable wall and a bypass valve, which releases the increased oil pressure and volume in the inlet chamber during cold temperature operation. A baffle in the outlet chamber is spaced apart from the bypass valve and permits limited oil flow through the baffle. The baffle separates the outlet chamber into a reserve chamber and a bypass chamber.

Abstract: A self-bypassing filter system for a fluid reservoir. The system includes a filter disposed within the reservoir, positioned to intercept the fluid flow proceeding out of the reservoir. A bypass fluid flow path extending from upstream to downstream of the filter, without passing through the filter. In addition, the system includes a membrane, positioned to completely block the bypass fluid flow path upstream of the filter, the membrane being formed of a material dissolvable in the fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods of diagnosing a vehicle hydraulic power steering system and steering diagnostic systems for executing the same. Some exemplary diagnostic systems are configured to detect a steering system condition based on an evaluation of a steering pump outlet pressure, an engine speed and/or a steering wheel position. The system sends a warning signal when a predetermined steering system condition is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating for drive influences of a drive train of a motor vehicle on its steering system, said motor vehicle having an electric power steering system. A drive train simulation model which is integrated into the motor vehicle and permanently activated is used to determine disturbance variables from a driven behavior so that a compensation torque which counteracts the disturbance variables is generated for the power steering system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating for drive influences of a drive train of a motor vehicle on its steering system, said motor vehicle having an electric power steering system. A drive train simulation model which is integrated into the motor vehicle and permanently activated is used to determine disturbance variables from a driven behavior so that a compensation torque which counteracts the disturbance variables is generated for the power steering system.

Abstract: An electrical system for increasing the amount of voltage available to an electric power steering motor under high demand conditions includes a vehicle speed sensor that ascertains the speed of the vehicle, a steering wheel sensor that ascertains the rotational speed of the vehicle steering wheel, and a steering voltage controller that receives the signals provided by the vehicle speed sensor and the steering wheel sensor and processes these input signals to increase the voltage furnished to the power steering system by causing at least one component that consumes electrical power in the vehicle to reduce power consumption, or by causing a component that produces electrical power to increase power output, or by a combination of reducing power consumption and increasing power production.

Abstract: An electrical system for increasing the amount of voltage available to an electric power steering motor under high demand conditions includes a vehicle speed sensor that ascertains the speed of the vehicle, a steering wheel sensor that ascertains the rotational speed of the vehicle steering wheel, and a steering voltage controller that receives the signals provided by the vehicle speed sensor and the steering wheel sensor and processes these input signals to increase the voltage furnished to the power steering system by causing at least one component that consumes electrical power in the vehicle to reduce power consumption, or by causing a component that produces electrical power to increase power output, or by a combination of reducing power consumption and increasing power production.

Abstract: A rotary valve 10 which includes a first sleeve member 24 and a second shaft member 32. The members 24 and 32 cooperatively provide pressure to a cylinder assembly 36, effective to cause the cylinder assembly 36 to move the wheels 20, 22 in a desired direction. The valve 10 provides increased pressure to the low-pressure side of the piston as the amount of torque which is communicated to it is increased or as the velocity of the rack assembly 18 is increased from wheels 20, 22.

Abstract: A variable damper assembly 10 is provided for use with a vehicle power steering system and includes a variable orifice valve 20 which controls the flow of fluid between one chamber side 30 of the damper assembly to another chamber side 32 of the damper assembly. Variable orifice valve 20 is communicatively coupled to a source of pressurized fluid 110 by use of a conduit 112 and an electronically controlled valve assembly 114. The pressurized fluid received through conduit 112 controls the operation of valve 20. Based upon the pressure of the received fluid, valve 20 selectively increases and reduces the fluid flow rate between chamber sides 30 and 32, thereby causing the damper assembly 10 to have enhanced damping characteristics during certain vehicle operating conditions (e.g., during relatively high vehicle speed operating conditions).

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering system 10 is provided and includes a variable orifice valve 22 which controls the flow of fluid in and out of a hydraulic cylinder 20. Variable orifice valve 22 is communicatively coupled to a source of pressurized fluid 30 by use of a conduit 42 and an electronically controlled valve assembly 38. The pressurized fluid received through conduit 42 controls the operation of valve 22. Based upon the pressure of the received fluid, valve 22 selectively increases and decreases the volume of fluid flow in and out of cylinder 20, thereby causing cylinder 20 to have enhanced damping characteristics during certain vehicle operating conditions (e.g., during relatively high vehicle speed operating conditions).