Abstract: The secondary steering system comprises a structure to prevent the reverse flow of fluid in the fluid bypass path around the fluid meter and provide a supply line from the reservoir to the pressurized fluid line. The supply line supplies hydraulic fluid to the fluid meter of the controller when hydraulic pressure has been lost. The fluid meter can then be manually driven by the operator to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinders.

Abstract: A fluid controller (15) is disclosed for controlling the flow of fluid to fluid pressure operated devices such as a vehicle steering cylinder (17). The controller is of the type including a valve spool (35) and a valve sleeve (37) in which the various ports, passages and fluid paths are non-symmetrical. Metered, pressurized fluid is communicated through axial slots (85) in the valve spool and is communicated through cylinder ports (73) for a right turn condition, or through cylinder ports (75) for a left turn condition. The right turn cylinder ports (73) are located further axially than are the left turn cylinder ports (75) from the end of the spool and sleeve which communicate with the return port. As a result, metered, pressurized fluid has a longer leakage path for a right turn than for a left turn.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatic steering mechanism is disclosed having a rotary valve with a radially displaced resilient feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid controller (15) is provided of the type for directing pressurized fluid from a source (13) to a steering cylinder (17). The controller includes a housing defining right and left turn ports (32 and 34) and corresponding annular grooves (32g and 34g). The controller valving includes a cylindrical sleeve (37) and a spool (35). Steering against the cylinder stops results in trapped pressurized fluid in one of the annular grooves (32g or 34g) after the valving returns to the neutral position. The sleeve (37) is provided with pressure balancing passages (93 and 97) which are positioned to communicate trapped pressurized fluid into pressure balancing areas (85 or 99, respectively). The pressurized fluid in the balancing areas is able to counteract the clamping force on the sleeve resulting from the trapped fluid in one of the annular grooves (32g or 34g), and thereby prevent a subsequent stiction condition when the vehicle operator attempts to begin the next steering maneuver.

Abstract: A fluid controller (17) is disclosed for controlling the flow of fluid to a steering cylinder (19). The controller includes a fluid meter (51) and a valving arrangement (49) including a valve spool (65) and a sleeve (67). The valving (49) defines a main fluid path including a main variable flow control orifice (121), a variable flow control orifice (123), the fluid meter (51), the steering cylinder (19), and a variable flow control orifice (125). In accordance with the invention, the valving (49) defines a dampening fluid path including a variable dampening orifice (133), the dampening fluid path being in parallel with the main fluid path to dampen pressure spikes in the main fluid path. The size of the variable dampening orifice (133), and the flow therethrough, is a function of the relative displacement between the spool (65) and sleeve (67), whereby the timing and amount of the dampening flow and the relationship thereof to the gain curve of the main fluid path can be selected as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrostatic steering control apparatus of the type having a hydrostatic steering motor which is connected to wheels to be steered and a steering wheel controlled metering or quantity setting device for controlling the hydraulic fluid supplied to the steering motor. A hydraulic amplifier connected to the steering motor has the characteristics of generating and transmitting undesired pressure pulses to the steering motor during steering switching operations. One way pre-stressed check valves are disposed respectively between the quantity setting apparatus motor ports and the steering motor ports. The check valves open in the direction of the steering motor ports and operate to allow bypassing the amplifier during the steering switching operations.

Abstract: A fluid controller (17) is disclosed for controlling the flow of fluid to a steering cylinder (19). The controller includes a fluid meter (51) and a valving arrangement (49) including a valve spool (65) and a sleeve (67), which define a main fluid path including a main variable flow control orifice (121), the fluid meter (51), a variable flow control orifice (123), the steering cylinder (19), and a variable flow control orifice (125). In accordance with the invention, the spool and sleeve define an amplification fluid path including a variable amplification orifice (129) in parallel with the main fluid path, and disposed to amplify the flow of fluid through the meter. In one embodiment of the invention, the amplification fluid path communicates with the main fluid path upstream of the main variable flow control orifice, and at a location downstream of the fluid meter, but upstream of the variable flow control orifice (123).

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a hydrostatic steering motor of the type having a slide valve arrangement in which inner and outer sleeves are rotatable relative to each other to both sides of a neutral position through a limited small angle. A bypass throttle between the pump and tank connections of the control device has a dual throttle feature which permits the throttle to be closed after only a small amount of turning away from the neutral position and operates with a reduced amount of noise generated during the turning operations for the same total resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic power steering unit of the type having a gerotor gear set forming a metering motor and a valve unit for routing pressurized fluid from an inlet port selectively via expansible chambers of the gerotor gear set to either one of two motor ports while connecting the other one of the motor ports to an outlet port. The housing of the valve unit, which has inner and outer rotary sleeve members, is arranged adjacent the gerotor gear set. A cardan shaft connects the outer sleeve member to the gerotor star member, a gear head connected to the adjacent end of the outer sleeve is disposed internally of the inner sleeve member. Supply and drain ports and motor ports connectable to an external servomotor are provided in a cover plate which is fastened to the gerotor gear set on the side thereof opposite from the valve unit.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping device with which workpieces of different sizes can be accommodated without having to make extensive system modifications each time the workpiece is changed and with which clamping operations can be performed with a high efficiency. An operating fluid flow-rate detector is provided in a hydraulic circuit between a hydraulic fluid source and a plurality of operating cylinders which drive clamping pawls to detect the flow rate and amount of the hydraulic fluid therethrough. The clamping position is sensed in accordance with the detected flow rate and amount.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow from a source to a steering motor and one or more auxiliary motors comprises a priority valve and a steering controller. The priority valve has a housing that includes an inlet port connected to the source, a priority flow outlet port, an auxiliary flow outlet port, and a pilot port. A biasing spring urges the priority valve spool toward a priority position directing all flow from the inlet port to the priority port. The priority valve includes a pilot flow conduit directing a pilot flow of fluid through an orifice to the pilot port. Pressure upstream of the pilot flow orifice acts on the priority valve spool in opposition to the spring, and pressure downstream of the pilot flow orifice acts on the valve spool in addition to the spring.

Abstract: An improved fluid controller (17) is disclosed of the type for use in a load sensing hydrostatic steering system. The system includes a load sensing priority flow control valve (15) of the type which operates on a dynamic load signal. The controller includes a spool valve (95) and a sleeve valve (97) which cooperate to define a plurality of orifices including a main variable flow control orifice (71) and a variable orifice (75) through which fluid flows from the return side of a steering cylinder (19) to the return port (25) of the controller. A variable drain orifice (76) communicates between the main flow path, downstream of the main orifice (71) and the return port (25). As the controller valving moves from its neutral position toward an operating position, the orifice (75) begins to open at least as soon as the main orifice (71) and reaches a predetermined flow area before the main orifice (71) reaches that predetermined flow area.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic load sense vehicle steering system, fluid flow from a source is used by a hydrostatic steering controller to effect steering of the vehicle. The controller has a metering unit and a control valve which, in response to a steering effort, moves away from a neutral position to an operating condition in which it (i) establishes a main flow control orifice which directs fluid from the source to the metering unit and (ii) directs metered fluid to a steering motor. A fluid actuator controls the flow of fluid from the source to the hydrostatic steering controller. A pilot fluid circuit directs a pilot flow of fluid to the controller which is used to control the operation of the fluid actuator. In the controller, the control valve directs the pilot fluid to a reservoir when there is no steering. The system is designed to come to a standby condition in which the amount of pilot fluid being directed to the controller is high enough that it can be used to satisfy a range of low demand steering maneuvers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering control device of the type having two motor ports connectable to a servomotor and a metering unit for metering the flow of fluid to or from the servomotor in accordance with the rotational movement of a steering wheel for operating the control device. The invention is directed to a way of balancing the distributing valve of the control device by subjecting opposite sides thereof to high and intermediate pressure zones and providing a throttle gap between the high and intermediate pressure zones and a second oppositely acting throttle gap between the intermediate pressure zone and a third zone of lower pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering control unit of the type having a metering motor for supplying metered pressurized fluid to external servomotor. The unit has a throttled controlled passage which bypasses the metering motor and has a flow therethrough which has a definite relationship to the flow through the metering motor. In this way a comparatively large amount of pressure fluid can be supplied to the servomotor even though the flow capacity of the metering motor is much smaller.

Abstract: A closed-center, non load-sensing controller (15) is disclosed for use with an unequal area steering cylinder (17). The controller includes valving comprising a spool (35) and sleeve (37). The sleeve includes an annular groove (65) in communication with the inlet port (29) and cylinder ports (73,75) in communication with the opposite ends of the steering cylinder. The sleeve defines an annular leakage groove (95) which is disposed to interrupt the flow of leakage fluid from the annular groove (65) to the cylinder ports (73,75), to eliminate undesired piston rod extension. When the valving is in neutral, leakage fluid collected in the annular groove (95) is communicated through radial bore (97), axial slots (83), and annular groove (81), axial slots (91), drain bore (99), drain bore (93), and then to the system reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning a steerable vehicle wheel includes a pump assembly which is connected with a reservoir through an inlet valve. Upon rotation of a steering wheel, the inlet valve is actuated to allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the pump assembly at a rate which varies as a function in variations in the speed of rotation in the steering wheel or the torque applied to the steering wheel. The output from the pump assembly is conducted to a directional control valve which is actuated upon initial rotation of the steering wheel to direct fluid flow to the power steering motor to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheel in a desired direction. The rate at which the power steering motor turns the steerable wheel is determined by the extent to which the inlet valve is opened and is independent of the directional control valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering control device of the type having two motor ports connectable to a servomotor and a metering unit for metering the flow of fluid to or from the servomotor in accordance with the rotational movement of a steering wheel for operating the control device. The invention is directed to a way of balancing the distributing valve of the control device by subjecting opposite sides thereof to high and intermediate pressure zones and providing a throttle gap between the high and intermediate pressure zones an a second oppositely acting throttle gap between the intermediate pressure zone and a third zone of lower pressure.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering system having a hand operated metering pump and steering control valve regulating and distributing fluid flow from a servo pump to a piston servomotor of the differential pressure surface type. A compensation valve disposed in the pressure line leading to one of the opposed chambers of the piston servomotor, is actuated by a differential pressure surface dimensioned to establish a constant ratio of pressures prevailing in the opposed pressure chambers in the neutral steering position while the metering pump is ineffective to produce any differential pressure. During active steering, the compensation valve is bypassed through a check valve.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic auxiliary power steering apparatus, a short-circuit passage of a control valve establishes a restricted flow path from a pump pressure line to a reservoir return line in the neutral position of the control valve wherein all other flow paths are blocked. A fixed flow restrictor in the pump pressure line conducts a continuous flow from one of two pumps connected to the pressure line for regulation of the fluid power steering circuit by the pressure drop across the flow restrictor. If one of the pumps is of the variable volume type, the pressure downstream of the flow restrictor is utilized to regulate pump flow adjustment. If fluid under operating pressure is supplied to both the fluid power steering circuit and another fluid operating circuit, a flow dividing valve controlled by the pressure differential across the flow restrictor distributes pressurized fluid between the two fluid circuits.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering unit is presented with axial spool valve actuation, and a gerotor set with valving in the rotor side face. The gerotor set comprises an orbiting gerotor displacement device with rotor valving, and with an input drive system directly to the gerotor device without driving through the valving, and also with an axially movable valve with a torsion member between the orbiting gerotor member and the input shaft. There is a split actuation pin for the valve, an eccentric bushing for the pin, and an adjustment for the neutral position of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering control unit for a bidirectional servomotor which is connectable to steerable wheels. A steering wheel controlled quantity setting unit of a known type has ports connectable to a pump and a return tank and two control ports through which metered quantities of fluid flow to opposite sides of the servomotor and to other parts of the apparatus for actuating the servomotor. A directional control valve for selectivity directing pressurized fluid from a power circuit to opposite sides of the servomotor is controlled by a control circuit containing the setting unit. A utility valve having pressure regulating and control and power valve capabilities is provided. In cases wherein the quantity setting apparatus is remotely located from the regulating valve the length of the signal channels add to the reaction time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering control unit for a bidirectional servomotor which is connectable to steerable wheels. A steering wheel controlled quantity setting unit of a known type has ports connectable to a pump and a return tank and two control ports through which metered quantities of fluid flow to opposite sides of the servomotor and to other parts of the apparatus for actuating the servomotor. A directional control valve for selectively directing pressurized fluid from a power circuit to opposite sides of the servomotor is controlled by a control circuit containing the setting unit. A utility valve having the pressure regulating and control and power valve capabilities required for this type of apparatus is characterized by having only a single slide spool for performing all of these functions.

Abstract: A geroter hydrostatic steering control is disclosed in which the directional valve is spring biased to a neutral position. The rotor, the commutating valve, the rotor casing and the directional valve are all axially aligned adjacent to each other thus reducing the overall axial length of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction hydraulic control unit for use in steering systems of the type having a differential type servomotor. In steering systems of this type having a differential piston type servomotor there exists a condition during the piston centering operation when the unit is in neutral wherein the servomotor piston has a slower centering speed when the transfer of medium is from the nonrod side to the rod side of the servomotor. The unequal centering times causes annoyance to drivers because that condition is transmitted to the steering wheel. This problem is addressed by providing steering controlled valving for exhausting fluid from the nonrod chamber of the servomotor to the system tank after the control unit has returned to its neutral position and during the centering operation of the servomotor piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction or open center type hydraulic steering control system which is adapted for use with a bidirection differential type servomotor having a piston rod extending from only one side thereof. A loaded check valve in a selected one of the lines to the servomotor compensates for relatively low above atomospheric pressures sometimes present in the line leading from the open center passage of the control unit to the exhaust tank when the control unit is in a neutral position.

Abstract: The shaft of a hydraulic pump for an automotive power steering system is driven through an overrunning clutch from a planetary pinion carrier. The sun gear of the gearset is connected to a portion of the driveline that drives the wheels of the vehicle and the ring gear is connected to the engine shaft. The sun gear turns opposite the direction of the ring gear and the speed of the pump varies inversely with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A control valve for booster power steering has a back pressure check valve openable by pressure caused by wheel jolting, which check valve connects between a servopump pressure passage of the control valve through the inner bore of a valve sleeve operable within a housing bore to the inlet of a metering pump. Such valve ensures that the steering is "closed" under all circumstances including during steering to prevent pressure jolts being transmitted from the vehicle wheels due to road roughness. However, after completion of a steering operation high pressure can build up within the valve sleeve causing expansion of the valve sleeve and jamming within the housing bore, making operation difficult. Accordingly, a pressure limiting valve is provided connected to relieve the pressure within the valve sleeve bore.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering unit is presented with axial spool valve actuation, and a gerotor set with valving in the rotor side face. The gerotor set comprises an orbiting gerotor displacement device with rotor valving, and with an input drive system directly to the gerotor device without driving through the valving, and also with an axially movable valve with a torsion member between the orbiting gerotor member and the input shaft.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering unit is presented with axial spool valve actuation, and a gerotor set with valving in the rotor side face. The gerotor set comprises an orbiting gerotor displacement device with rotor valving, and with an input drive system directly to the gerotor device without driving through the valving, and also with an axially movable valve with a torsion member between the orbiting gerotor member and the input shaft.

Abstract: A flow regulating channel in a servo steering valve controls exhaust flow with varying restriction from a fluid operating motor while controlling operation of a separate steering servo motor on a priority basis. An operational control valve for the fluid operating motor has a valve passage that is open only in the neutral position to complete a recirculating flow path from a common servo pump through the flow regulating channel that is fully open in the neutral position of the steering valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering control unit of the type having valving for an open center neutral position which bypasses pressurized fluid from the pump to the tank when in neutral. During a turning operation with a steering wheel the open center valving is caused to close and the pressurized fluid is directed to one side or the other of a servomotor which is connected to wheels to be steered. The open center valving includes orifices in relatively rotatable elements which are aligned in the neutral position and closed to effect the turning operation. Open center valving can be the cause of noise and cavitation and such valving herein is provided with slot shaped orifices and flat generally wedge shaped throttle passages to minimize the noise and cavitation problems. The throttle passages are defined by curved bounding surfaces having rectangularly shaped outlines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering control unit of the type having valving for an open center neutral position which bypasses pressurized fluid from the pump to the tank when in neutral. During a turning operation with a steering wheel the open center valving is caused to close and the pressurized fluid is directed to one side or the other of a servomotor which is connected to wheels to be steered. The open center valving includes orifices in relatively rotatable elements which are aligned in the neutral position and closed to effect the turning operation. Open center valving can be the cause of noise and cavitation and such valving herein is provided with slot shaped orifices and flat generally wedge shaped throttle passages to minimize the noise and cavitation problems. The throttle passages are defined by curved bounding surfaces having rectangularly shaped outlines. A characteristic of the curved surfaces is that they are formed with exponentially shaped sections.

Abstract: A closed center, load sensing hydraulic system is disclosed which contains a primary work circuit which has priority in flow demand over a secondary work circuit. The system includes a variable displacement pump fluidly connected between a reservoir and a control valve with the primary work circuit. The primary work circuit includes a control valve which regulates fluid flow from the pump to a primary hydraulic function and which includes a feedback mechanism connected thereto. The secondary work circuit also includes a manually operable control valve for regulating fluid flow from the pump to a secondary hydraulic function. A priority valve is connected between the pump and the secondary work circuit and movable between an open and a closed position to regulate the pressure of fluid discharged by the pump.

Abstract: An open center, load sensing hydraulic system is disclosed which contains a primary work circuit and a secondary work circuit. A fixed displacement pump is fluidly connected between a reservoir and both the primary and secondary work circuits for supplying pressurized fluid thereto. The primary work circuit includes a control valve which regulates fluid flow from the pump to a primary hydraulic function and which includes a feedback mechanism connected thereto. The secondary work circuit includes a manually operable control valve for regulating fluid flow from the pump to a secondary hydraulic function. A priority valve is connected between the pump and both the primary and secondary work circuits and is movable to regulate the pressure to the primary work circuit.

Abstract: A flow control valve for a power steering system of the kind having a metering pump is provided with a leaf spring device stressed upon rotation of a hand steering wheel to operate a valve sleeve and the metering pump. The spring device provides a force for returning the valve sleeve to neutral position after a steering operation and comprises curved or arched springs between pressure plates. The convex sides are back-to-back between pressure plates and have curved ends supported on and shaped to slide on the pressure plates with minimum friction as the springs are compressed. The pressure plates are uniquely shaped in the central areas for providing flexibility to compensate for manufacturing inaccuracies.

Abstract: An open center hydraulic system is disclosed which contains a primary work circuit and a secondary work circuit. A fixed displacement pump is fluidly connected between a reservoir and the primary and secondary work circuits for supplying pressurized fluid thereto. The primary work circuit includes a control valve which regulates fluid flow from the pump to a primary hydraulic function and which includes a feedback mechanism connected thereto. The secondary work circuit also includes a manually operable control valve for regulating fluid flow from the pump to a secondary hydraulic function. A priority valve is connected between the pump and the secondary work circuit and is movable between an open and a closed position to regulate the pressure of fluid discharged by the pump.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic control valve is disclosed for providing the metering of fluid to a steering arrangement such as that normally employed on a motorized vehicle. The steering arrangement includes a piston-cylinder assembly, a main pump for supplying pressurized fluid from a fluid reservoir to the control valve and a control pump connected to the control valve which is actuated by a manually operated steering mechanism. The improved control valve includes a housing having an elongated bore formed therein. Movably positioned within the bore is a valve spool which has at least three annular grooves formed thereon separated by a pair of lands. The valve spool also contains a longitudinal bore formed therein which intersects a transverse bore which opens into the centrally positioned annular groove. The valve spool cooperates with the elongated bore to form control pressure chambers at each end thereof.

Abstract: A load sensing hydraulic system is disclosed which essentially eliminates kickback from a feedback mechanism contained in a manually operable control valve which in turn is fluidly connected to a hydraulic function. The system includes a power on demand pump fluidly connected between a reservoir and the control valve for supplying pressurized fluid to the hydraulic function. A load signal line is also connected between the control valve and the pump which serves to transmit pressure signals, which are generated by loads acting on the hydraulic function, to the pump for controlling the pressurized output thereof. A load signal control valve is positioned in the load signal line and is fluidly connected to the discharge side of the pump. The load signal control valve is capable of sensing pressure variations between the fluid discharged by the pump and the upstream fluid present in the load signal line.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydraulic control unit for a power steering assembly. The unit is of the type having a metering motor and steering wheel actuated valves for directing metered, pressurized fluid to one selected port of a steering servo-motor and drawing fluid from the other port of the servo-motor to a tank. The invention involves a particular regulating valve for directing pressurized fluid to consumer units when the steering control is in neutral.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving an element in opposite directions includes a piston connected with the element. The piston reciprocates in a cylinder as high pressure fluid is alternately directed against one side or the other of the piston by a rotatable directional valve. The directional valve is rotated by a gerotor motor. A single rotatable valve element has passages at one end which form a commutator valve for the gerotor motor and ports at the other end which form the directional valve. A passage through the valve element connects the output of the gerotor motor with the directional valve ports. Cushioning means are provided to damp the motion of the piston at each end of its stroke to prevent impact with the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: Upon initiation of a steering operation, a gerotor gear set rotates a directional control valve to an actuated condition. Initial rotation of the directional control valve actuates a switch assembly under the influence of forces transmitted from the directional control valve. The switch assembly is located in one section of a housing and the directional control valve is located in another section of the housing. The two housing sections are connected in fluid communication so that there are no seals to impede actuation of the switch assembly upon rotation of the directional control valve. The switch assembly and its housing section are rotatable together with the directional control valve to adjust the initial position of the directional control valve relative to the other housing section. In one embodiment of the invention, actuation of the switch assembly effects operation of an electric motor to increase fluid flow from a pump to a steering control assembly.

Abstract: A torque absorbing coupling for a hydrostatic steering system which a hydrostatic steering controller responds to operation of a steering wheel to direct flow from a source to a steering motor. The coupling minimizes the possibility of a high reaction torque being felt by the operator who turns the steering wheel more rapidly than the system can deliver flow and pressure to the controller to levels which are sufficient to effect steering as demanded by the operator. The coupling is provided between the steering wheel and the controller's metering unit, and operates to absorb reaction torques over a time interval, and thereby delays transmission of those reaction torques to the operator over that time interval, to provide the system with an additional time interval to increase flow and pressure to the levels demanded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering control system for a bidirectional servomotor connectable to steerable wheels. The servomotor may be of the differential type in which a rod extending from one side of the piston thereof causes the effective areas on opposite sides of the piston to be unequal. A steering control unit controlled by a steering wheel has two motor ports connected to opposite sides of the servomotor and pump and tank ports connected to pump and tank units. The steering control unit has a metering motor controlled by the steering wheel which meters fluid to and away from only one side of the servomotor. The steering control unit has oppositely acting valves which may be throttle valves for establishing flow paths for opposite steering directions and the neutral condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic steering system of the type having a servomotor controlled by a steerable valve assembly which directs metered quantities of pressurized fluid to the servomotor and has a feedback arrangement for stopping the flow of fluid when the steering motion is stopped. The system involves an arrangement wherein the metering unit is arranged downstream from the servomotor and an auxiliary valve is provided for automatically accommodating normal conditions as well as emergency pump failure conditions and overpressure conditions caused by the servomotor reaching an extreme end position in the operation thereof.

Abstract: A power steering system, particularly advantageous for use on electric powered vehicles, in which the hydraulic pump operates only when steering commands are given. Torque applied to the steering shaft by rotation of the steering wheel is translated to axial stress on a thin walled tube, the direction and intensity of which depend on the direction and amount of steer angle change commanded. The axial stresses are detected by strain gages, and the motor which powers the hydraulic pump is activated only when stress is detected. Manual steering inputs enter the pump on one side, and the powered servo motor inputs enter on the opposite side, thus permitting the vehicle to be steered by manual input alone if the powered input fails. The components of the system are arranged in coaxial alignment, providing a compact system with improved heat dissipation qualities.

Abstract: Maximum angular displacement between the rotatable valve elements of a steering control valve is governed solely by the circular pitch of the piston gear associated with the metering gear pump in a hydrostatic fluid power steering system. A pair of fluid collecting manifolds in the control valve respectively communicate with the expanding and contracting pockets in the gear pump to form part of the flow paths between the gear pump and the fluid power steering motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic steering device comprising a servo-motor operable in dependence on direction and a control device having connections for a pump, a tank and the servo-motor as well as a valve arrangement which influences the flow of pressure medium from the pump to the servo-motor and from the latter to the tank and having two valve members which are relatively movable against the force of a neutral position spring depending on the comparison of the adjustment of a steering element and the follow-up motion of a metering motor.

Abstract: Passage bridging cavities formed in a steering gear housing communicate with annular grooves in a cylindrical valve element through recesses in the cavities at limited, and angularly spaced valve edge locations to control distribution of pressurized fluid in a hydrostatic power steering system in response to axial and rotational movement of the valve element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering control unit for a bidirectional servomotor which is connectable to steerable wheels. A steering wheel controlled quantity setting unit of a known type has ports connectable to a pump and a return tank and two control ports through which metered quantities of fluid flow to opposite sides of the servomotor and to other parts of the apparatus for actuating the servomotor. A directional control valve for selectivity directing pressurized fluid from a power circuit to opposite sides of the servomotor is controlled by a control circuit containing the setting unit. A utility valve having the pressure regulating and control and power valve capabilities required for this type of apparatus is characterized by having only a single slide spool for performing all of these functions.