Abstract: A compact rack and pinion steering gear having a hydraulically operated power cylinder concentric with respect to an internal cylindrical tube slidably supporting a pinion driven rack. The piston of the power cylinder is slidably mounted in the power cylinder and on the internal tube so that the teeth of the rack can pass through the plane of fluid sealing means adjacent to one end of the power unit to provide for a shortened rack length. The power cylinder is actuated by fluid pressure and is operatively connected to a rotary valve by one external line and by an internal passage in the valve housing. Protective flexible boot seals are provided at each end of the assembly which are pneumatically interconnected by an internal passage formed by existing structure in the assembly.

Abstract: An improved actuator assembly of the type for use in a boat to convert rotary motion to rectilinear motion for moving a motion transmitting core element to rotate an outboard motor or the like for steering the boat. The improved actuator includes a rack and pinion assembly with a housing surrounding the rack and pinion. The housing supports the pinion for rotation about an axis and supports the rack for movement tangentially of the pinion. The housing extends from the axis farther in one direction than in the other direction. There is also included a shaft housing adapted to be mounted on a bulkhead in a boat and the housing may be disposed with either of its sides connected to the shaft housing whereby the housing may be disposed so that the short end extends in either direction from the axis of rotation of the pinion without dismantling the housing and rack and pinion assembly.

Abstract: A compact rack and pinion steering gear mechanism incorporating an overlapping or "piggy-back" configuration. A variable ratio embodiment incorporates a substantial ratio change with minimum complication of structure by providing relative lateral movement between the rack and pinion simultaneously with longitudinal movement of the rack.

Abstract: A variable ratio steering mechanism for a vehicle having an axially movable rack meshing with a helical pinion the axis thereof making an angle with the axis of the said rack, the rack having a group of teeth at its center of varying form and varying inclinations with respect to the axis of the rack, the inclination of the teeth of said group becoming less closely aligned with the pinion axis as the teeth are more remote from the center of said rack, said teeth thereby meshing with the teeth of the pinion at varying effective pitch radii in a predetermined manner.