Abstract: A switching valve (50) for a hydraulic power steering system (10) includes a longitudinally movable valve spool (80). A spring (86) biases the spool (80) to a neutral position. The switching valve (50) is configured to direct hydraulic fluid from a primary pump (34) to a steering control valve (14) when the spool (80) is in a primary position, and to direct hydraulic fluid from an auxiliary pump (38) to the control valve (14) when the spool (80) is in an auxiliary position. The spool (80) is movable against a bias of the spring (86) from the neutral position to the primary position under the influence of a hydraulic fluid pressure differential between the opposite ends of the spool (80). The switching valve (50) defines a flow path for directing hydraulic fluid from the primary pump (34) to an end of the spool (80) when the spool (80) is in the neutral position. The flow path extends axially over a flat portion (124) of an outer surface of the spool (80).

Abstract: "A tilt telescope steering column assembly comprises a housing supported for tilting movement, a tubular member supported for axial movement in the housing, and a steering shaft supported for rotation in the tubular member. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular memeber to take up clearance therebetween".

Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping relative movement of parts. The apparatus includes a cylinder defining a fluid chamber. A piston is located in the fluid chamber and divides the fluid chamber into first and second fluid chamber portions. The piston is connected to one of the parts and the cylinder is connected to the other of the parts. The piston and cylinder move relatively in compression and expansion strokes to damp relative movement of the parts. A fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber portion. A first valve controls fluid flow from the first fluid chamber portion into the fluid reservoir upon movement of the piston and cylinder during a compression stroke. A damping control provides a variable damping force resisting movement of the piston and cylinder during an expansion stroke. The damping control includes a second valve movable with the piston for controlling the fluid flow from the second fluid chamber portion to the first fluid chamber portion.

Abstract: A slip joint including telescoped inner and outer members having substantially unstressed plastic material interposed therebetween. The joint is made by first telescoping inner and outer members with the plastic material interposed therebetween. The outer member is then deformed inwardly to place the plastic material under considerable compressive stress. The deformed area is then heated for expanding the plastic material and relieving the compressive stress by plastic movement of the plastic material. The plastic material is then cooled and minimal sliding clearance is provided between the inner member and the plastic material. The outer member is thus deformed inwardly in at least one localized area and the plastic material has a thickness beneath the deformed area which is substantially less than the thickness thereof beyond the deformed area.