Abstract: A rack and pinion reaction force sensor 10 as may be used in electric power assist steering systems, uses sensing element means 34 mounted adjacent to a bearing 18 in a sensor housing 22 to sense the linear reaction on the pinion shaft 16 to the force applied to the rack 12. The sensing element means 34 determines the magnitude and direction of turning of the steering system of a motor vehicle. The output of the sensing element means 34 is amplified and supplied as an input to the control electronics in the overall power assist steering system. A zirconia substrate forms a bearing support means 26 for the bearing 18 and is trimmed to provide a predetermined spring rate which responds to reaction force from the pinion shaft 16.

Abstract: An electrical resistance apparatus adapted for the measurement of the position of the throttle blade of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally annular housing which has an inside surface that supports a flexible resistive element. The resistive element comprises a flexible web on which two parallel resistive tracks have been overlaid. A generally cylindrical rotor mounts within the housing and electrically couples the two tracks by means of a U-shaped conductive wiper that bridges the separation between the resistive tracks. The rotor is mechanically connected to the throttle blade of the internal combustion engine and rotates therewith. By applying the leads of a power supply to one resistive track and reading a voltage signal from the other resistive track, a potentiometric signal related to the position of the throttle blade is developed.