Abstract: A servo-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system in which the rack is drive-coupled to a pinion which is mounted to move between two end positions in the longitudinal direction of the rack so that its movements control the servo motor. The end positions of the pinion are defined by two friction wheels which are driven continuously in opposite directions by the servo motor, in each case allowing an auxiliary force to be transmitted to the pinion.

Abstract: A steering wheel device used for driving simulators or the like utilizing a steering wheel is designed so that when the steering wheel rotates, the steering wheel shaft and the stopper arm rotate. The auxiliary shaft then rotates in the opposite direction by the engagement of a first gear wheel and a second gear wheel so as to rotate the stopper. The number of teeth of the second gear wheel is greater than that of the first gear wheel so that the steering wheel makes more than one revolution. The stopper arm is designed to hit the stopper to limit the rotation range of the steering wheel. The rotation torque of the steering wheel acts only between the stopper and the stopper arm and not between the gear wheels. As a result, the load applied to both gear wheels decreases so as to increase their service life and eliminate the necessity to employ highly strengthened gear wheels.

Abstract: A bifurcated rack bearing assembly for a steering system includes a bearing member having a pair of bearing surfaces and which is pivotable within a base. The bearing member has a pair of curved riding surfaces which slide on a curved saddle surface of the base to permit the bearing surfaces to pivot into alignment coaxial with an axis of translation of the rack. The bifurcated rack bearing assembly can be substituted for the rack bearings of conventional steering systems.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) includes a rack bar (22) and pinion gear (14) which are at least partially enclosed by a housing (12). Movement of the rack bar (22) relative to the housing (12) and pinion gear (14) is supported and guided by a yoke (30). The yoke (30) includes a metal base (38) and polymeric bearing material (40) molded over the metal base. The polymeric bearing material (40) has a bearing surface (42) which engages the rack bar (22). The metal base (38) is stamped as one piece from sheet material and includes a cylindrical side wall (50) and an end wall or panel (52).

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear which includes a steering shaft provided with a driving pinion that engages a rack which is arranged laterally with respect to the steering shaft and which rack is capable of axial movement. A stop formed by a snap ring anchored in a borehole of the steering housing in combination with a supporting part retained by the snap ring supports a thrust piece which is pressed by a spring element against the back of the rack, is guided in the housing borehole and serves to guide the rack in a bedding of the thrust piece. The rack-and-pinion steering gear is further characterized by the supporting part for the spring element or the thrust piece being formed by at least one inwardly directed bar which is firmly connected to the snap ring and which lies in the same plane as the snap ring.

Abstract: A servo-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system has a helical-toothed rack and a helical-toothed pinion cooperating therewith. On the transmission of forces between the pinion and the rack, a torque relative to the longitudinal axis of the rack acts on the rack. The resulting rotation of the rack is utilized to control the servomotor via a lever arrangement.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering is presented, in which an at least partially hollow cylindrical rack is used to ventilate and evacuate the bellows and in which at least one evacuation groove is prepared in the connection pin of the ball joint housing. The evacuation groove feeds or removes the air from the interior of the bellows via the hollow cylindrical rack corresponding to the direction of movement of the steering system.

Abstract: In a variable ratio steering system, the input shaft is rotatably supported by a support member which is in turn rotatably supported by a casing, and the axial lines of these two parts extend in parallel with each other, and are offset from each other. While the point of action between the input shaft and the output shaft is fixed relative to the output shaft, the distance between the point of action and the axial center line of the input shaft changes in dependence on both the angular position of the support member and the amplitude of the input angle. Thus, by appropriately determining the relative relationships between the axial lines of the input and output shafts and a rotatable range of the support member, it is possible to achieve a desired non-linear relationship between the rotational angles of the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A pinion head for a rack and pinion power steering gear including a pinion gear having hob-formed gear teeth, a spindle at one end of the pinion gear for a ball bearing, an annular skirt at the other end of the pinion gear having an outer cylindrical surface, and an annular runout groove between the pinion gear and the outer cylindrical surface affording exit clearance for a gear hob. The ball bearing on the spindle is closely adjacent the first end of the pinion gear. A plastic sleeve is in sire injection molded onto the pinion head in the runout groove after the pinion gear teeth are hob-formed and includes an outer cylindrical wall defining an extension of the outer cylindrical surface of the skin terminating close to the second end of the pinion gear. The plastic sleeve defines a sleeve bearing on the pinion head on one side of the pinion gear which cooperates with the ball bearing on the other side of the pinion gear in rotatably supporting the pinion head on a housing of the steering gear.

Abstract: A steering rack shaft having a shaft body and rack teeth formed in a predetermined axial region of the shaft body. This steering rack shaft is formed such that a workpiece is quenched, and is then heated for a predetermined time at a temperature exceeding 400.degree. C. so as to be thermally refined, and the rack teeth are subsequently formed. After the formation of the rack teeth, high-frequency induction hardening is provided to form a teeth-hardened layer. Hence, the machining of the rack teeth is facilitated while reducing strain, and the rigidity and toughness of the overall steering rack shaft are improved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-function steering mechanism having a non-rotatable display panel located within the rim of the steering wheel. Wires of a wiring truss to the display panel are continuous through a hollow non-rotatable support shaft for the display panel. The rotatable steering shaft is offset from the support shaft and geared to a cylindrical gear hub of the steering wheel which is rotatably supported on either the support column or onto an outer housing for the mechanism. The steering shaft is made to be telescoping and or tilting.

Abstract: A return-m-neutral mechanism for a rear wheel steering device for an electronically controlled four wheel steering vehicle, in which a spring provided in the return-to-neutral mechanism does not come into operation within a predetermined steering angle range corresponding to the most frequent occurrences in actual application, thereby achieving energy saving and improving response characteristics. In the return-to-neutral mechanism for the rear wheel steering device for restoring the steered rear wheel to its neutral position under the biasing force of the spring, a dead zone corresponding to a predetermined steering angle of the rear wheels is provided for the spring.

Abstract: A crank spindle formed with an eccentric pin at one end thereof is pivotally supported by bearings within a casing. The crank spindle is driven by a motor and a worm mechanism. A cross pin member formed with an upper axle and a lower axle is pivotally fitted to the eccentric pin of the crank spindle. An upper holder is fitted to the upper axle of the cross pin member and a lower holder is fitted to the lower axle thereof. A steering bar is fastened to the lower holder. When the eccentric pin is pivoted by the motor and the worm mechanism, since the cross pin member is pivoted, the upper and lower holders are also pivoted to shift the steering bar in the horizontal direction. The rear wheel steering apparatus can be installed within a small space.

Abstract: A speed reduction device for steering devices comprises a first rotary shaft supported by a housing and rotatable by an external force, a second rotary shaft axially movably fitted to the first rotary shaft and nonrotatable relative thereto, a movable member attached to the housing axially movably but nonrotatably and fitted to the second rotary shaft axially movably and rotatably relative thereto, a first ball screw connecting the second rotary shaft to the housing, and a second ball screw connecting the movable member to the second rotary shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a hydraulic power steering system for automotive vehicles, wherein the steering shaft (1 ) is allowed to roll off on the gear rack (3) to a small degree to actuate the steering valve. To enable this rolling motion, the steering shaft (1 ) is supported in a sleeve (9) which, in turn, is supported through needle bearings (10) so as to be rotatable in relation to the steering gear housing (4). To prevent inadvertent steering maneuvers in the event of partial or complete system failure, the needle bearing axis is arranged in parallel to the center line of the steering shaft (1) as well as in one plane with the steering shaft and with the point of force transmission between pinion (2) and gear rack (3). The needle bearing axis is radially outward from the central point of the steering shaft axis than the point of force transmission. A captivated spring (24) is provided to retain the valve slide (19) in its neutral position.

Abstract: A hydraulic power rack and pinion steering gear (10) includes a valve housing (32) and a hydraulic ram (20). The steering gear (10) further includes a composite plastic supporting body (12) which contains both the valve housing (32) and the hydraulic ram (20). The composite plastic supporting body (12) is formed of a high temperature thermoplastic binder material which is reinforced with glass fibers.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rack and pinion steering gear having torsional damping by friction between an annular plastic damper ring on a housing of the steering gear and a journal surface on a pinion shaft of the steering gear. The damper ring has an outer wall press fitted in a pinion shaft bore of the housing to nonrotatably mount the ring on the housing and a plurality of flexible inner fingers resiliently bearing against the journal surface. An annular metal spring is disposed on the damper ring and includes a plurality of integral legs bearing against the flexible inner fingers of the damper ring to press the fingers against the journal surface.

Abstract: A cushioning material sheet to be interposed between a rack support and a press plug for applying an elastic force provided by a spring is formed such that at least its one end face is tapered. Slide-contact surfaces of the rack support and the press plug to be brought into contact with the two end faces of the cushioning material sheet are so formed as to move the cushioning material sheet in a direction perpendicular to a rack support direction, along which the thickness of the cushioning material sheet is decreased. A biasing member is provided to bias the cushioning material sheet in this direction of movement, thereby obtaining a proper meshed condition between a pinion and a rack.

Abstract: A steerable driving device includes a driving rod rotatably mounted in a sleeve fixed on a bracket detachably secured on a central portion of a wheelchair, a handle secured on a crank arm perpendicularly secured to the driving rod, a driving wheel rotatably mounted on a front fork formed on a lower portion of the driving rod, and a driving motor electrically driven by a battery carried on the wheelchair, whereby upon a steering of the driving device by gripping the handle, the wheelchair may be driven steerably conveniently.

Abstract: A method for the production of a hardened guide shaft for linear guide is disclosed, in which teeth are formed in a shaft, which is then passed through a circular inductor without rotation. The magnetic flux of the circular inductor is controlled to reduce the flux in the area of the teeth, thereby hardening the teeth without overheating them. The remainder of the shaft is hardened through a magnetic flux greater than that supplied to the teeth area.

Abstract: A rack and pinion type steering apparatus with a bushing sleeve which increases the rigidity of the joint mechanism thereof, by enhancing the rigidity of the bushing sleeve by alternately forming an area in contact with the inner surface of a steering gear housing and an area not in contact with the inner surface of the housing on the outer surface thereof in the circumferential direction, with a column member provided at a part of the noncontacting area so as to touch the inner surface of the housing, so as to support the pressure impressed in the radial direction to a steering gear rack thereby to prevent the vibration of the steering gear rack.

Abstract: The meshing between a rack which moves according to steering operation and a sector gear meshed with the rack is adjusted by the movement of an output shaft in its own axis direction which is united with the sector gear. A through hole is formed along the axis center line of the output shaft, and a threaded shaft is inserted into the through hole. The threaded shaft is screwed into the output shaft. One end of the threaded shaft is accessible for rotating from the side where a steering mechanism member is mounted. The other end of the threaded shaft is connected to a housing in a manner that the threaded shaft is rotatable around in its own axis but that the threaded shaft is unmovable in its own axis direction.

Abstract: A rack-pinion steering mechanism for a vehicle, comprises a housing, a pinion shaft having housed within the housing a pinion and first and second supporting portions respectively disposed to opposite sides of the pinion, and a rack shaft having a rack meshed with the pinion within the housing, the rack shaft being shiftable in an axial direction thereof by rotation of the pinion to shift a tie rod axially. The second supporting portion of the pinion shaft is supported within the housing by a corresponding bearing, and the first supporting portion is supported within the housing by a pair of angular rolling bearings having respective inner races fixed to the first supporting portion and respective outer races abutted with one another. The outer races are held with a predetermined pre-load in abutment between a stepped portion of the housing and a nut threaded to the housing and pressing against the outer races but not pressing against the inner races.

Abstract: The steering system for use in an automotive vehicle includes a pinion gear operatively connected to a steering wheel, an elongate rack member meshingly engaging the steering pinion gear and operative to move reciprocally in response to rotation of the steering wheel, a rack housing reciprocally supporting the rack member and a tie rod connected to the road wheel of the vehicle. The system further includes a lever means, such as an articulated link, pivotally mounted to the rack housing and directly drivingly engageable with the tie rod to effect reciprocal movement thereof in response to reciprocal movement of the rack member. In another embodiment, a spur gear is interposed between gear teeth disposed on the rack member and on the tie rod so that reciprocal movement of the rack member rotates the pinion gear resulting in simultaneous reciprocal movement of the tie rod.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering wheel which has an annular boss portion with an axis and is rotatably supported on a vehicle body side member, a steering shaft, and a non-rotatable member provided in the steering wheel, which is coupled to the vehicle body side member by shafts. The rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering shaft by a mechanism including a pinion portion having an axis, formed at an end portion of the steering shaft on a side of the steering wheel, and a ring gear portion having an axis, formed on an inner surface of the boss portion and meshed with the pinion portion, the axis of the ring gear portion being eccentric with the axis of the pinion portion and concentric with the axis of the boss portion. The coupling member extends through a gap between the ring gear portion and the pinion portion.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a rack (2) and a pinion (1) each having an axis of symmetry (7, 8) perpendicular to each other in their transversal section. The rack (2) is located in a chamber (6) provided within a rigid body (5), this chamber (6) having a partly cylindrical inner wall (9), the axis of symmetry of the chamber (6) being merged into the rack axis (8). The track (2) includes a front face engaged with the pinion (1) and a rear face opposite the front face, this rear face comprising two lateral tapered sides (15) converging toward the rack axis (8) and an extending rib (13) having flat lateral sides (17) parallel to the rack axis.

Abstract: The steering system for use in an automotive vehicle includes a pinion gear operatively connected to a steering wheel, an elongate rack member meshingly engaging the steering pinion gear and operative to move reciprocally in response to rotation of the steering wheel, a rack housing reciprocally supporting the rack member and a tie rod connected to the road wheel of the vehicle. The system further includes a lever mechanism, such as an articulated link, pivotally mounted to the rack housing and directly drivingly engageable with the tie rod to effect reciprocal movement thereof in response to reciprocal movement of the rack member. In another embodiment, a spur gear is interposed between gear teeth disposed on the rack member and on the tie rod so that reciprocal movement of the rack member rotates the pinion gear resulting in simultaneous reciprocal movement of the tie rod.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed which comprises a pair of offset shafts and an extrudable housing. One of the shafts is generally fixed with respect to the vehicle and includes a first gear, a second gear and the other shaft includes in rotational driving engagement with the first gear on the one shaft for steering the vehicle and is movable with respect to the one shaft in response to an axial load imposed on the steering column arrangement. The energy of the axial load is absorbed when the second gear extrudes through the housing. In an alternative embodiment, one of the shafts includes a first gear and the other shaft includes a second gear in rotational driving engagement with the first gear to transfer rotation between the shafts, one of the gears having teeth with a width greater than the teeth of the other gear to allow the length of the steering column to be adjusted according to the driver's preference.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for toy building sets, such as toy vehicles, and of the type comprising a rack means and a pinion cooperating with it. In connection with various possible positions of the rack means and likewise with a view to selective positioning of the pinion cooperating with it, the toothed region of the rack means is provided wholly or partly around the longitudinal axis of the rack means, the rack means being integral with a pair of steering rods which are provided with coupling means.

Abstract: An elongated, rod-like rack for use in an automotive-type steering gear assembly and like mechanisms, is formed of an elongated extruded tube divided lengthwise into a substantially solid rack.

Abstract: A support yoke pressed against a rack bar to preload the rack relative to a pinion has a roller for guiding the rack bar by contact therewith. A plate of synthetic resin is interposed between each end face of the roller and the roller mount portion of the support yoke opposed thereto.

Abstract: A steering apparatus capable of changing a steering angle ratio of dirigible road wheels relative to a rotation amount of a steering wheel. The steering apparatus includes an input member arranged to be operatively connected to the steering wheel, a support shaft coaxially arranged with the input member and being interconnected with the input member for relative rotation on aligned axes, an output pinion rotatably mounted on the support shaft and being in mesh with the toothed portion of a rack member for operative connection with the dirigible road wheels, and a differential gear mechanism including an input sun gear mounted on the support shaft at a position adjacent the output pinion, first and second planetary gears respectively in mesh with the input sun gear and the output pinion and being rotatably mounted on a common shaft, and a carrier supporting thereon the common shaft and being arranged to be rotated about the support shaft.

Abstract: A gear assembly, for example for use in a vehicle steering assembly, includes a rack and pinion system in which the output shaft is rotatably supported in eccentric bushings mounted in the gear housing. Rotation of the bushings relative to the housing changes the alignment of the output shaft. In order to lock the bushings in position relative to the housing, each includes a projection, for example a steel ball which engages and deforms the material of the housing and fixes the bushing in position. In an alternative embodiment the steel ball is mounted in the housing and engages and deforms the bushing.

Abstract: A housing has accommodated therein a hollow cylindrical rack guide made of synthetic resin and pressed against a rack bar by a spring for guiding the rack bar and preloading the rack relative to the pinion, the rack guide being formed in its one end face with a guide groove for guiding the rack bar.

Abstract: A retrofitable attachment for easily and quickly converting most conventional wheelchairs into self-propelled, steerable wheelchairs. The invention includes a drive arrangement easily attachable to one of the rear wheels of the wheelchair, an elongated arm unit easily attachable adjacent one of the front casters of the wheelchair, and a connecting member extending between the arm and rear drive arrangement. The elongated arm unit has an outer drive arm portion and an inner steering arm portion, both of which are mounted for pivotal movement together about a first axis to activate the drive arrangement. Additionally, the occupant of the wheelchair can twist or rotate the inner steering arm position about a second axis to steer the front caster of the wheelchair. The steering arrangement further includes a unique gearing system that eliminates dead spots in the steering and allows for easy and uniform manipulation of the steering arm and front caster.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device for an air bag of a motor vehicle is disclosed. An inner cylinder is secured to a steering wheel, and an outer cylinder is secured to a steering column for the steering wheel. A flexible helical stirp is disposed between the inner and outer cylinder. A sun gear is formed on an outer periphery of the inner cylinder, a ring gear is formed on a side of the outer cylinder, and planet pinion is engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear. A stopper is provided for stopping the planet pinion at revolution ends thereof, and a mark provided at a neutral position diametrically opposite to the stopper.

Abstract: A rack and pinion gear system in a gear casing for vehicle steering has a spring biased rack against the pinion at one side of the pinion to maintain pinion engagement with the rack. On the other side of the pinion is a generally semicircular bracing bushing encompasssing the pinion and slightly spaced therefrom to brace the pinion in event of bending due to operational stresses. The bracing bushing is carried for support against the gear casing and secured in any suitable manner or may be cast as part of it.

Abstract: A rack and pinion type steering apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with a rack guide made of synthetic resin. On the outer periphery of the rack guide is disposed a taper-form rib extending from the topmost portion of both outer sides of a concave one end-surface toward the portion of both outer sides of the other end-surface of the axial direction. The width of the rib becomes greater as it goes from the other end-surface of the axial direction toward one end-surface which is engaged with the back surface of the rack shaft. As a result, the concave portion of the one end-surface of the axial direction is hard to shrink inwardly when being molded, thereby the diameter of the one end-surface of the axial direction and that of the other end-surface of the axial direction of the rack guide are substantially the same.

Abstract: A rack and pinion type steering apparatus is provided with a rack guide made of synthetic resin. In the outer periphery of the rack guide, peripheral ribs are formed in the direction of its circumference and axial ribs are formed in its longitudinal direction, respectively. The space formed between those ribs and the inner periphery of a guide bore of the rack guide is set to be generally about the same as the space between a conventional rack guide made of sintered alloy and the inner periphery of the guide bore. As a result, at room temperature, each rib enables the same press performance as the conventional rack guide and the suitable reacting force at steering will be kept. Also at high temperature atmosphere, when each rib thermally expands and abuts the guide bore, the outer periphery excluding the portions of the ribs is thermally expanded, thus, thermal creep is prevented and stable engagement of the rack and pinion of the steering apparatus can be maintained at all times.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for retaining a pad or hub of a rotatable steering wheel of a motor vehicle in a non-rotating state, relative to the driver of the vehicle, irrespective of the rotation of the steering wheel provides for two retaining collars supporting a pair of rollers for retaining an endless belt. The endless belt is biased by an idler roller using a three point pressure applying flat spring with two of the pressure points located on the retaining collar.

Abstract: In a rack and pinion power steering apparatus including a hydraulic cylinder housing, a pinion, a rack, a piston, a bolt for mounting the piston to the rack, etc., the piston is elastically supported by the bolt to a boss portion of the rack concentrically with respect to the rack at a position offset from the longitudinal axis of the rack in the opposite direction of the rack teeth. Therefore, it is possible to form a threaded hole, into which the piston mounting bolt is screwed, in the boss portion extending under the bottom surface of the rack teeth, thus reducing the longitudinal direction of the rack or cylinder housing to realize a small-sized power steering apparatus.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus in which a housing to contain a torque sensor for sensing seering torque, a small-sized motor for assisting steering, and a driving device for transmitting driving force of the motor to the steering shaft is made small-sized and disposed on the middle part of the steering shaft in the cab of the car, and, further, pressure angles of rack teeth engaging with a pinion shaft connected to the steering shaft reduce with the advance from the center of the toothed part of the rack to the end thereof so that steering assisting power is increased with the increase in the degree of steering angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a vehicle having a longitudinal central axis. The apparatus comprises a pinion gear and a rack member in meshing engagement with the pinion gear. The rack member is movable in a path extending transverse to the longitudinal central axis of the vehicle. A bridge member is attached to the rack member and is movable upon movement of the rack member. The bridge member has a portion co-extensive with the rack member. A first attaching portion on the bridge member attaches a first tie rod at a location adjacent the rack member and intermediate the axial ends of the rack member. During steering of the vehicle, the first attaching portion moves in a path located entirely on one side of the longitudinal central axis of the vehicle. A second attaching portion on the bridge member attaches a second tie rod at a location adjacent the rack member and intermediate the ends of the rack member.

Abstract: In a power assisted rack and pinion vehicle steering mechanism, a rack and a pinion engage within a housing. The pinion is mounted on a pinion shaft which is journalled in bearings in a cage. A lever is fixed to the cage and projects from the cage through the housing. The lever has a part-spherical seating portion which engages a part-spherical seat in the housing. Spring means biases the rack into engagement wiht the pinion, and through the cage biases the part-spherical seating portion of the lever into engagement with the seat on the housing. Steering torque imparted on the pinion moves the rack axially and causes a reaction on the pinion which rotates the cage about the center of the part-spherical seating portion. This rocks the lever to actuate power assistance means.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering system, especially for motor vehicles, has a toothed rack that can be axially displaced in a steering gear housing, a pinion driven by the steering wheel and actuating the toothed rack, and a spring-loaded pressure part supported in the steering gear housing which serves to generate a certain pressure between the toothed rack and the pinion. Measures to raise the coefficient of friction which come into frictional contact with each other--in each case only in the region corresponding to straight-ahead driving--are provided on one or more surfaces of the steering system. As a result of such measures to increase the coefficient of friction at certain friction points in the steering system relating to straight-ahead motion of the vehicle, it is a simple matter to achieve an increase in steering torque in the center region of the steering system without the need for geometrical changes to the steering system or an increase in the pressure between the toothed rack and the pinion.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering system, particularly for motor vehicles, has a rack placed in an axially displaceable manner in a sealed housing and a pinion which can be driven by the steering wheel, which is placed rotatably in a steering gear housing which also serves to guide the rack in the region thereof which is engaged with the pinion at any given time. The end of the rack away from the pinion is guided by an additional bearing secured to the body or to a part attached to the body. A bellows extending between the steering gear housing, which is shortened in the axial direction of the rack, and the additional mounting, serves as the sealing housing.

Abstract: An end take-off rack and pinion steering gear assembly is converted into a center take-off rack and pinion steering gear assembly by attaching a U-shaped bracket to the opposite ends of the rack bar of the end take-off assembly. Steering linkage is connected to the base leg of the bracket extending parallel to the rack, at a point which is intermediate the ends of the bracket and which corresponds to the linkage attachment point on a center take-off assembly. The bracket length is adjustable to correspond to the length of the rack bar.

Abstract: A conventional rack and pinion vehicle steering mechanism of the kind having a spring biased pressure member for compensating for tooth wear has a non-rotative friction spring biased against a coacting frictional torque resistance that prevents the pinion from transmitting oscillatory to-and-fro vibratory movement of the rack to the steering spindle through the pinion. The result is the avoidance of steering wheel shimmy otherwise felt by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A center take of power assisted steering arrangement comprises a rack and pinion in which the rack is constrained radially in a pressure fluid cylinder at two positions and has a floating piston at one end. One constraint comprises a bearing disposed at the point where rack and pinion mesh. With this arrangement meshing of the rack and pinion is not dependent on rack stiffness, manufacturing tolerances are compensated for and the effects of service loads are minimized, while allowing equal area pistons at opposite end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A structure for preventing oil from being contaminated in a hydraulically operated power steering system for use in a motor vehicle has a cylindrical permanent magnet disposed in a working oil chamber housing a rack of an iron-base material and a pinion meshing therewith. The cylindrical permanent magnet has a central opening through which the rack extends, the cylindrical permanent magnet having magnetic poles positioned along a direction parallel to the axis of the rack.