Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to enable a crawler tractor to brake and stop certainly without applying a load to an engine and a driving mechanism, and without complicated operation. An operation link links a conic linkage (53) which links a steering wheel (7) with a main speed change lever (55) of the crawler tractor, and with an operation mechanism of a brake pedal (54). A neutral return mechanism for the operation link is provided. The operation link neutral return mechanism comprises a hook-like cam lever (61). When the brake pedal is depressed, the main speed change lever is moved to its neutral position before braking force occurs, and then, the brake is actuated. Accordingly, engine brake is used effectively, and the brake can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A control unit for an electric power steering apparatus can obtain continuous, stable and comfortable feeling of steering, for improved steering, based on a provision of a continuous hysteresis characteristic using a low-cost structure on software. For this purpose, the control unit for an electric power steering apparatus controls a motor for giving steering assist force to a steering mechanism based on a current control value calculated from a steering assist command value calculated based on the steering torque generated in the steering shaft, and a current value of the motor. The control unit includes an assist calculating unit that differentiates a signal of the steering torque, adds the differentiated value to the steering assist command value, and continuously changes the differential gain according to the steering torque and the size of the vehicle speed.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and wheels. An engine powers the wheels through a drive system that includes a front differential gear unit. A housing encloses the front differential gear unit. The housing is positioned generally on a longitudinal center plane of the frame with the plane extending generally vertically and fore to aft. A steering system controls directional movement of the front wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel that is offset relative to the center plane. A steering shaft is connected to the steering wheel and is disposed on the frame for rotation. A pair of tie-rods are coupled with the respective front wheels. A coupling mechanism couples the steering shaft to the tie-rods. The coupling mechanism converts the rotary movement of the steering shaft to an axial movement of each tie-rod. The coupling mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion assembly. A gear case encloses the rack-and-pinion assembly.

Abstract: A tethered guidance system for a lawnmower is provided to reduce operator fatigue and exposure to dust and debris by inserting a staked stand with a fixed spool. This spool has a circumference slightly less than the cut width of a self propelled lawnmower to allow sufficient overlap. A wire is connected to this spool through an eyelet and and is connected to the lawnmower by means of a simple bracket and snap hook. As the mower travels around the spool it is guided and retracted over the area of a circle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mushroom packing apparatus comprising a grading conveyor and a plurality of locations distributed under a longitudinal axis of the grading conveyor, each location being provided, in use, with a container for collecting the mushrooms as they are deposited from the grading conveyor. The apparatus is arranged to weigh the respective container at each location and to facilitate removal of the loaded container once the loaded container has reached a predetermined weight, the apparatus being further adapted to replace each loaded container with an empty container once the respective loaded container has reached a predetermined weight.

Abstract: The present invention involves a bearing assembly of a wheel end for a motor vehicle. The bearing assembly includes a steering knuckle which includes an integrated outer race with inboard and outboard raceways formed thereon. The steering knuckle includes a body having an inner wall formed therethrough to define a center bore of the body. The inner wall includes an inboard outer raceway and an outboard outer raceway formed thereon, thereby eliminating the use of a separate outer race. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a hub including a flange and a hub shaft having inboard and outboard ends. The flange extends from the hub shaft at the outboard end. The hub shaft is disposed in the center bore of the knuckle at the inboard end. The hub shaft has a first raceway formed thereon adjacent the outboard end of the hub shaft. The first raceway is configured to cooperate with the outboard outer raceway of the steering knuckle to house bearings.

Abstract: A steering booster process is provided for a motor vehicle with a steering arrangement for the input of a set steering variable by a driver, several travel sensors for detecting travel dynamic variables, a steering control system by way of which a steering control variable, which is determined dependent on the output variables of the several travel sensors, is overlapped on the set steering variable, as well as at least one other control system that influences the performance of the motor vehicle, which evaluates data from the steering control system. The additional control system is especially a braking control system for stabilizing the vehicle stability by braking individual vehicle wheels. The additional control system evaluates the set steering variable overlapped by the steering control variable from the steering control system.

Abstract: A steering control device is provided, which comprises a motor driving circuit for driving a motor and a microprocessor for supplying an applied voltage signal, which is found based on a motor current detection value detected by a motor current detecting unit, a motor voltage detection value detected by a motor voltage detecting unit, a steering torque detected by a torque sensor and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor, to the motor driving circuit such that the motor driving circuit increases or decreases the motor current according to an average value of motor current detection values over a time period and increases or decreases the motor current by detecting that a steering is in the vicinity of a maximum steering angle based on the detected steering torque.

Abstract: A module having an angle-sensor mechanism, an energy-transmission device and an information-transmission device comprises at least two circuit boards (1, 2). One circuit board (1) forms the stator with respect to the angle-sensor mechanism, while the other board (2) forms the rotor with respect to the mechanism. The stator includes the primary coil for the angle-sensor mechanism, as well as an exciting coil for the transmission of energy and information. The rotor includes the secondary coil of the angle-sensor mechanism, as well as a receiver coil, for the transmission of energy and information. The exciting coil and the receiver coil are disposed in circular fashion on the respective circuit board, thereby creating a coupling for the exciting coil and the receiver coil that is independent of the angle. The exciting coil and the receiver coil are used for transmitting both energy and information. The energy transmission is typically effected with a medium frequency of, for example, 25 kHz.

Abstract: A system that includes a magnetically actuated motion control device comprising a housing defining a cavity and including a slot therethrough. A movable member is located within the cavity and is movable relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator located on either the housing or the movable member causes the housing to press against the movable member to develop a friction force.

Abstract: A damper for dampening vibrations of a rotatable steering shaft of a motor vehicle comprises a rotor and means for rotating the rotor at a rate proportional to and greater than rotation of the steering shaft. Magnetorheological fluid is disposed at least partially around the rotor, and has a viscosity variable to vary a load on the rotor.

Abstract: In an abnormality detecting device for a position detecting device which generates an amplitude-modulated or phase-modulated signal from a position sensor according to the rotational position of the rotor of a motor when a reference signal having a predetermined periodic waveform is supplied, there are provided a bias current applying unit made of a passage including a resistance of applying DC bias current to an output winding of the position sensor, positional abnormality detecting units for detecting a biased DC signal of an amplitude-modulated or phase-modulated signal applied to the output winding apart from a position detector circuit for detecting the rotational position of the rotor, and an abnormality detection judgment processing part for judging abnormality of the position detecting device from a DC signal detected by the positional abnormality detecting units.

Abstract: A steering apparatus of a vehicle can achieve detection of an absolute angle of a steering shaft with a simple structure while preventing an increase in power consumption. A resolver sensor outputs an output signal corresponding to an angular position of a steering shaft of the vehicle. A lock mechanism restricts rotation of the steering shaft at locking positions provided around the steering shaft at equal intervals. An axial multiplication angle k× of the output signal of the resolver sensor and a number N of the locking positions provided around the steering shaft satisfy a relationship represented by k≦N.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention regards an automotive steering wheel control system having a steering wheel, a magnetorheological damper in communication with the steering wheel and a road wheel system operably connected to the magnetorheological damper where the magnetorheological damper controls the steering wheel in response to a signal from the road wheel system.

Abstract: A fixed magnetic sensor (16) is used to determine absolute angular position of a turning component (3, 4). A detection device (27) detects an angular position of a multipole magnetic ring (11) near a reference angular position. A resetting device (28) resets the angular position of the multipole magnetic ring (11) detected by detection device (27). The resetting device (28) is capable of assigning a value called “offset” to the value of the absolute angular position of the multipole magnetic ring (11). A determination device (29) determines the absolute angular position of the multipole magnetic ring (11) on all of the turns made by a turning component (3, 4) ascertained from the offset value and variations in the angular position.

Abstract: An absolute hand-wheel position tracking system for an electric power steering system having a hand-wheel, an assist motor for providing an assist torque disposed relative to the hand-wheel, and a motor position sensor responsive to the assist motor, includes a hand-wheel position initialization function responsive to the hand-wheel; a motor position correction and scaling function responsive to the motor position sensor and responsive to the assist torque; an enable function responsive to the assist torque and responsive to the hand-wheel position initialization function; and an absolute hand-wheel position generation function in signal communication with the hand-wheel position initialization function, the motor position correction and scaling function, and the enable function.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering system, suspension system, braking system, and energy conversion system, wherein at least one of these systems is reprogrammable such that the vehicle's ride, response, or handling is selectively variable. The systems may be programmed automatically when a body is mated to a chassis to provide the desired performance characteristics. A method is provided for determining a customer's desired system characteristics and programming systems accordingly.

Abstract: A land vehicle includes an improved construction that can space a steering linkage from the terrain even though an engine for the vehicle has an oil pan positioned at a lower portion of the engine and the steering linkage passes below the engine. The land vehicle includes a drive unit that depends from a body frame and abuts the terrain. The body frame carries the engine. The oil pan is positioned generally at a bottom of the engine and lubricant oil temporarily accumulates in the oil pan. A steering assembly is connected to the body frame for steering movement. The steering assembly includes a pair of skis and a steering linkage extending through the body frame and arranged to steer the skis. The steering linkage and the oil pan, at least in part, are generally horizontally juxtaposed with each other.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft coupled between the steering wheel and wheels of the vehicle. The shaft is operable for rotating when the steering wheel is turned to thereby turn the vehicle wheels. A vibration damping system for absorbing vibrations in the steering wheel and shaft includes a rotor coupled to the steering shaft to rotate with the shaft and a case surrounding the rotor and a clutch surface proximate the rotor. A magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in the rotor. The rotor is operable to engage the clutch surface and thereby vibrationally couple the steering shaft to the case to absorb vibrations in the shaft, and when a magnetic flux is generated therein, to disengage the clutch surface so that the steering shaft may more freely rotate.

Abstract: A steering system (10) has a rack housing (12) formed of a first tube (14) and a pinion housing (16) formed of a second tube (18). A first opening (31) is provided in the first tube (14) and a second opening (33) is formed in the second tube (18). The first opening (31) and second opening (33) expose a respective fillet (32), (34). The relative position of first opening (31) and second opening (33) determine the position of the first tube (14) with respect to the second tube (18). A first bushing (40) and a second bushing (42) are used to support a rack (36) within first tube (14). A pinion shaft (60) positioned within second tube (18) has a pinion gear (62) for coupling with rack (36). Preferably a first bracket (26) and second bracket (28) are positioned on first tube (14) adjacent to first bushing (40) and second bushing (42), respectively.

Abstract: The vehicle rack and pinion steering system has an elongated rack bar. Tie rod connectors are provided on the ends of the bar. A rack gear teeth section is provided on the rack bar in a position parallel to and spaced from the rack axis. A cylindrical bearing surface is on the opposite side of the rack axis from the rack gear teeth section. The bearing surface has a fixed radius and is concentric with the rack axis. The rack section width is at least twice the fixed radius. Secondary bearing contact surfaces join the bearing surface, extend toward the rack gear teeth section and diverge from each other. Contact between the bearing and surface shifts the point of convergence of forces on the rack toward the pitch point.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a tie rod (151) for a vehicle steering system. The tie rod (151) has an axis (159), a first cylindrical portion (251) with a first outer surface (261) of a first diameter (271), and a second cylindrical portion (252) coaxial with the first cylindrical portion (251). The second cylindrical portion (252) has a second outer surface (262) of a second diameter (272) smaller than the first diameter (271). The tie rod (151) has a ring portion (281) projecting radially from the second outer surface (262) of the second cylindrical portion (252). The ring portion (281) extends circumferentially completely around the axis (159) of the tie rod (151). The ring portion (281) is spaced axially from the first cylindrical portion (251). The ring portion (281) has a third outer surface (362) extending axially along the second cylindrical portion (252). A boot seal (32) encircles the second cylindrical portion (252).

Abstract: A magnet is provided on a detection member that moves on a straight line. A Hall element serving as a magneto-electric element is provided on a fixed member that opposes the magnet. A surface of the magnet that opposes the Hall element is formed into a radius or trapezoidal shape. With this arrangement, linear outputs can be obtained at any rotational angles even when a rotator rotates a plurality of times.

Abstract: A system for determining the absolute position of a multi-turn shaft is disclosed. The shaft is mounted in an elliptically shaped wave generator. The wave generator is coupled to a flex spline which is deformed to match the wave generator. The exterior surface of the flex spline has a number of gear teeth. The flex spline is installed within a cylindrical, circular spline. The circular spline has an interior diameter which is slightly larger than the largest diameter of the flex spline. The interior surface of the circular spline has a number of teeth which interlock with the teeth of the flex spline. In such a manner, the rotation of the shaft will cause an angular displacement of the circular spline. A position sensor is located on the circular spline and serves to track the position of the circular spline which is proportional to the absolute position of the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft coupled between the steering wheel and wheels of the vehicle. The shaft is operable for rotating when the steering wheel is turned to thereby turn the vehicle wheels. A vibration damping system for absorbing vibrations in the steering wheel and shaft includes a rotor coupled to the steering shaft to rotate with the shaft and a case surrounding the rotor and a clutch surface proximate the rotor. A magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in the rotor. The rotor is operable to engage the clutch surface and thereby vibrationally couple the steering shaft to the case to absorb vibrations in the shaft, and when a magnetic flux is generated therein, to disengage the clutch surface so that the steering shaft may more freely rotate.

Abstract: Device for the analogue measurement of a torsion torque, steering column and module comprising it.

Abstract: A fluid power steering gear (10) comprises a housing (16). A power steering fluid (34) is disposed within the housing (16). A seal (50) contains the power steering fluid (34) within said housing (16). A member (20) extends through the housing (16) and the seal (50). The member (20) is movable relative to the housing (16) and the seal (50) in response to a change in the fluid pressure in the housing (16). The power steering fluid (34) comprises a base oil and a metal-free lubricant additive. The metal-free lubricant additive is soluble in the base oil and modifies the interfacial surface tension between the base oil and the member (20) and the base oil and the seal (50). The weight percent of the metal-free lubricant additive is about 0.1% to about 5.0%, by weight of the power steering fluid (34).

Abstract: A torque-based method to steer a vehicle equipped with a steer by wire system begins when a driver applies torque to a steering wheel so as to change the direction in which the vehicle travels. Two sensors, a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering wheel torque sensor then generate an angle signal and a torque signal, respectively. In the unlikely event the vehicle steering system is malfunctioning, the steering wheel torque sensor will still generate a torque signal. This torque signal is used in place of the angle signal to generate the reference signal. Once the reference signal is generated, then it can be used to generate the road wheel angle signal, which is in turn used to position the road wheels accordingly.

Abstract: In diagnostic apparatus and method for a motor-driven power-assisted steering system, an abnormality determining section detects a state in which the detected normal/reverse drive current indicates an opposite to a direction of the normal/reverse revolution drive torque and determines whether the state is in excess of a predetermined abnormality determination criterion so as to determine an occurrence in abnormality of the power-assisted steering system, the abnormality determining section comprising a sensitivity reducing section that varies a sensitivity of the abnormality determination criterion in a decrease direction as an absolute value of the detected normal/reverse drive current becomes smaller.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for controlling a steer-by-wire steering system. The system (10) has a steering wheel control subsystem (12) that provides steering feel for the operator, a reference angle (40) to the road wheels and tracks the road wheel angle. A road wheel control subsystem (14) tracks a steering wheel angle and produces a steering wheel reference angle (32) and torque signal (34) to the steering wheel control subsystem (12). The system and method of the present invention implements the same steering requirements for a steer-by-wire steering system as a conventional steering system and can implement advanced and flexible steering functions that cannot be accomplished with a conventional steering system.

Abstract: An electrical power transmission and signal exchange device is configured to maintain a high rate of electrical power transmission speed between an automotive vehicle body and steering wheel. The device primarily includes a rotating transmission that includes a rotating part and fixed part mutually assembled to define an internal space. Multiple electrical circuits are provided in the form of electrical power coils are connected to an airbag igniter without the inclusion of a multiplexing circuit, and signal exchange coils are connected to printed circuit boards that include multiplexing circuits.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12). A yoke assembly (40) is in the housing (12) for at least partially supporting and guiding movement of a rack bar (34) relative to a pinion gear (26). The yoke assembly (40) comprises a yoke (42) and a plurality of rotatable members. The yoke (42)has a first end surface (48) and an axis (A) that extends transverse to the direction of movement of the rack bar (34). Each of the plurality of rotatable members is supported by the yoke (42). A portion of each rotatable member projects outward of the first end surface (48) of the yoke (42) for contacting the rack bar (34). Each rotatable member is rotatable about its axis and is fixed against movement along the yoke axis (A) relative to the yoke (42).

Abstract: A gaiter or bellows for a power-assisted steering system for motor vehicles is connected on one hand to a steering gear housing and on the other hand to an adjacent track rod. The gaiter or bellows is characterized in that it is manufactured at least partially from a gas permeable, liquid repellent material. In a common configuration the power assisted steering system has a steering rod disposed in a general longitudinally extending manner in a steering gear housing as well as having track rods associated with the steering rack. The gaiter or bellows is connected in such an application at one end to the steering gear housing and at the other end to an adjacent track rod.

Abstract: In an electric motor comprising a cylindrical yoke having a side wall at one end portion thereof, a driver unit for controlling and driving the electric motor is contained at an end portion in the side of the side wall in the yoke. A power supply opening portion through which inside and outside of the yoke communicate with each other and a signal line opening portion are formed in the side wall, and an electric connection to the driver unit is made through these portions. The driver unit is provided inside the yoke with FETs thereof kept in direct contact with the side wall. Also, a driver unit which integrates drive control circuitry with a brush holder may be provided and fixed on the outer surface of the side wall. In this case, an opening portion through which inside and outside of the yoke communicate with each other is formed in the side wall, and a brush is inserted through these portions. A driver unit is attached to a yoke with FETs thereof kept in direct contact with the side wall.

Abstract: A damped steering assembly includes a steering wheel for operative attachment to a steering column of the vehicle and a suspended member connected to the steering wheel. The damped steering assembly also includes a mass connected to the suspended member. The damped steering assembly further includes at least one damping element positioned on the suspended member to cooperate therewith to actively damp vibration from the steering wheel.

Abstract: In a vehicle attitude control apparatus, a steering actuator is controlled so that a steering angle matches a target steering angle. In an understeer condition; the braking force on the inside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the outside wheels is larger than applied to inside wheels. In an oversteer condition, the braking force on the outside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the inside wheels is larger than applied to outside wheels. The steering actuator is controlled so that a behavior index value corresponding to the change in the vehicle'behavior, that occurs based on the change in the steering angle, matches a target behavior index value that reflects the amount of operation of an operation member. A vehicle yaw moment and an amount of control of the steering actuator vary due to steer conditions, wheel lateral slip angle and brake force control.

Abstract: In a steering device for a vehicle, the movement of a steering actuator driven by operation of an operating member is transmitted to vehicle wheels, in such a manner that the steering angle changes, without the operating member being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels. A first target yaw rate is calculated in accordance with the detected vehicle speed and a first steering angle set value, which corresponds to the detected amount of operation and vehicle speed. A second target yaw rate corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle speed is calculated. A second steering angle set value, which corresponds to the difference between the detected yaw rate and a target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken, is calculated.

Abstract: A protective cover which is generally in the form of a flexible bellows construction secured at each end by collars in order to define an interior space includes vent means. Thus, when the cover is deformed, the volume within the interior is altered by aspiration or evacuation through the vent means. The vent means includes a vent element in order to allow air or fluid transfer into and out of the interior but prevent ingress of contaminants such as grit and water to the interior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for long vehicles to make sharp turns on city streets without running up on the curb. The back wheels of the vehicle are steered so that when the semi or truck is making a sharp turn, the rear wheels continue straight down the street to the intersection and then turn, even though the semi and the front of the trailer have already turned in a normal manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a repelling force apparatus of a power steering system for a vehicle which is capable of obtaining various type linear and/or non-linear characteristics in a state that the characteristic of a valve is varied based on a running speed of a vehicle. There is provided a repelling force apparatus of a power steering system for a vehicle in which the teeth formed in a pair of the rotational ferromagnetic members are formed in a trapezoid shape, and the sizes of the opposite surfaces of the same are different in the repelling force apparatus of a power steering system for a vehicle having a plurality of teeth which are opposite each other based on 1:1 in a pair of rotational ferromagnetic members wherein there are provided an exciting coil, a permanent magnet and a pair of rotational ferromagnetic members.

Abstract: Controllability of a vehicle such as a skid steer loader is improved and the burden on an operator is reduced. When operation is conducted according to the first operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the first operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the first operation pattern side. Furthermore, when operation is conducted according to the second operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the second operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the second operation pattern side. Moreover, when operation is conducted according to the third operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the third operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the third operation pattern side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power-assisted steering system for non-trackborne vehicles and particularly motor vehicles, having a steering control (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the steering angle of a steered wheel of a vehicle and a system to carry out this method. A control unit (9) controls an adjustment drive (5, 7) to alter the steering angle of the steered wheel, upon an alteration to a position of a steering member (13). The extent of the alteration to the steering angle is dependent on whether an obstacle for the vehicle is detected or not by means of a distance meter (17) coupled with the control unit (9). If an obstacle is detected at high speeds, then steering angle alterations are possible which would not be permitted by the control unit at normal driving operation. Thereby, in emergency situations the driver is to be given the possibility of being able to drive past the obstacle by a steering response characteristic which is more intense.

Abstract: A steering angle sensor arrangement for determining the steering angle of a steering wheel arrangement has an incremental code track and a sensing device. The code track is assigned to either of a rotatable portion of the steering wheel or a fixed portion. The sensing device for sensing the code track can be assigned to the other assembly. The sensing device generates an incremental signal from which the steering angle can be determined. At the incremental track has at least one reference mark, which modifies the incremental signal for determining the absolute position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention proposes a steering device for a motor vehicle which contains an inductive module for the contactless transmission of electric energy and data between the motor vehicle and the steering wheel, for measuring the rotational angle of the steering wheel and for generating torque between the motor vehicle and the steering wheel, with the inductive module containing a stator that is connected to the motor vehicle in a torsionally rigid fashion and a rotor that is connected to the steering wheel in a torsionally rigid fashion. Such a device should be realized in the form of a compact unit that has a very small space requirement due to the utilization of inductive principles, with said unit consisting of only a few components such that it can be manufactured in a particularly inexpensive fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the steering of a trailing section of a multi-sectioned vehicle is described. The trailing section follows the path of the first section. Data is acquired by a controller from sensors on the various sections. The controller then processes this data, generating a configuration needed for the controller-steered wheels to follow a path approximately equivalent to the path taken by the first steered section. Power is then applied by some means to steer these controller-steered wheels, forcing them into the desired configuration. The complexity of the control system can be varied with different algorithms providing alternative steering patterns as desired. This system can be extended with more trailing sections without necessitating more than minor changes to the control algorithms.

Abstract: A rotor is fixed to a steering shaft to rotate with the steering shaft, and outer and inner slits are formed along different circles on the rotor. Outer and inner sensors, which detect the presence or absence of the slits, generate reflective codes and are located next to the rotor. Stored pattern data that matches the reflective code is used to determine the rotational angle. Alternatively, if the pattern data does not match the reflective codes, the rotational angle of the steering shaft is computed on the basis of the reflective codes.

Abstract: A steering tiller and a steered wheel(s) of a steer-by-wire steering system of a materials handling vehicle are synchronized with one another and a virtual coupling force is exerted on the steering tiller to maintain synchronization. A motor or brake is associated with the steering tiller and the positions of the tiller and the steered wheel(s) are monitored and used to control the motor or brake to apply the virtual coupling force to the tiller. Thus, an operator of the vehicle receives feedback corresponding approximately to that experienced in a mechanically coupled steering system so that synchronism is maintained between the tiller and the steered wheel(s). In this way, if the operator attempts to oversteer or outrun the steered wheel(s) by rapid rotation of the tiller, a force proportional to the operator's action is applied to oppose that action.

Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus, a torque transmission body made of an elastic body is interposed between an output shaft of an electric motor and a drive shaft of a drive gear.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated machine having at least two sections with pivot points between each section, at least two sections of which are steerable. The front section is steered by a human or by a master-control system The trailing steerable section is steered by a slave controller utilizing inputs from sensors. The traction kinking system applies power to the wheels of the trailing machine section to increase or decrease the speed of the trailing section as necessary to decrease the lateral forces on the section, thereby using the traction of the wheels on the pavement to help “kink” the section behind the powered wheels with respect to the section in front of the powered wheels. By reducing these forces, the chance that the wheels will slip to the side is reduced. The system is shown as applied to a dolly and trailer pulled behind a tractor-trailer rig.