Patents Represented by Law Firm Harolli, Sundheim, Covell, Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
  • Patent number: 6155375
    Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus (10) comprises a rack (24) connectable with steerable vehicle wheels and a housing (20) partially enclosing the rack and defining a fluid chamber (50). The housing (20) includes an inner surface (30) and a radially extending end surface (36). An annular seal member (72) seals the fluid chamber (50). The seal member (72) encircles the rack (24) and extends between the rack and the inner surface (30). A bushing (70) encircles the rack (24) and is attachable to the housing (20). The bushing (70) includes a first portion (80) disposed between the rack (24) and the housing (20). The first portion (80) supports the seal member (72) and supports the rack (24) for sliding movement relative to the housing (20). The bushing (70) includes a second portion (82) having a first section (130) disposed between the rack (24) and the housing (20). The second portion (82) has a second section (132) extending beyond the end surface (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Gierc, John A. Pietraszewski