Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method for adjusting an actuator (32) on a real-time basis includes a rack (40) extending axially over at least a portion on an outer surface of an adjustable member (36). The actuator (32) has a bore (42) that extends from the rack (40) to the outer surface (44) of the actuator (32) to receive an adjustment member (46). The adjustment member (46) includes a pinion (48) at one end for engaging the rack (40) while the adjustment member (46) is situated out of the functional flow or positioning area. Engagement of the pinion (48) of the adjustment member (46) with the rack (40) on the adjustable member (36) provides a real-time adjustment of the actuator (32) to a desired position or setting which then may be fixed or locked into that position.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve with a single inlet for connection to a pump and a control signal outlet for connection to a power assist steering actuator and a bleed port for connection to a pressure control valve. The valve has a poppet rod extending through an annular valve seat, with a pressure equalization passage extending through the poppet and rod to balance the inlet pressure forces acting on the poppet and rod. The valve provides a low residual flow when the solenoid is de-energized and proportionally increases flow as current in the solenoid is increased and gives substantial linearity.

Abstract: A solenoid operated exhaust bleed type pressure control valve assembly providing a proportional pressure control signal over the full range of solenoid operating current. A poppet valve member is connected to the solenoid armature and closes against a valve seat in the control signal port pressure chamber to prevent flow through the valve seat to the exhaust (bleed) ports. This results in very low or reduced leakage at minimum pressures. The poppet valve contacts a projection on a spool valve for effecting concurrent movement therewith for valving a supply pressure port in the control signal pressure chamber. In the normally closed version of the valve assembly, the poppet delays the spool opening of the inlet or supply port until solenoid current has reached about Five to Twenty Percent (5-20%) of maximum. In the normally open version, the spool is delayed in closing the supply inlet port until solenoid current reaches about Eighty to One Hundred Percent (80-100%) of maximum.

Abstract: A by-pass solenoid (32) with an integral check valve assembly (36) for by-passing excess pump (16) fluid flow. The integral check valve assembly (36) positioned in a first chamber (120) of a valve sub-assembly (52) allows fluid flow from an inlet (34) to an outlet port (40) in a normal mode of operation. Upon actuation of the solenoid sub-assembly (50), the by-pass solenoid (32) diverts excess fluid flow to a by-pass port (42) for re-circulation during periods when fluid flow demand is low and still maintains a fairly constant system pressure. Check valve assembly (36) prevents re-circulated fluid from directly entering the working hydraulic circuit and maintains system pressure. The present invention advantageously provides a compact integral fluid flow control device for bleeding excess pump flow.

Abstract: A controlled torque steering system 10 for use in an on demand hydraulic assist steering system for a vehicle allows a user to engage a controller 18 for employing a signal processor 16 to delay or ramp down a control output signal for providing a stable controlled torque steering system. Controlled torque steering system 10 allows for the selection of a determined amount of desired assist in steering, including none if so desired.

Abstract: A valve assembly having solenoid valves mounted on a manifold or block for, upon energization, controlling flow in selected passages. A bus frame of overmolded bus strips has portions of the strips exposed for connection directly to the solenoids. A pressure switch capsule is received in a ported cavity in the manifold or block and located such that a snap disk on the pressure switch contacts exposed surfaces of end portions of two of the bus strips for completing a circuit responsive to sensed pressure in the block cavity.

Abstract: A sandwich solenoid manifold assembly is provided which includes a steel plate having a plurality of fluid passages formed therethrough, a plastic manifold including a plurality of worm passages formed in a lower surface thereof and a plurality of insert receiving holes provided therein. The lower surface of the plastic manifold being connected to the steel plate. A plurality of steel inserts are inserted in the through holes in the plastic manifold, the steel inserts having a first end provided with a radial flange which abuts against a surface of the plastic manifold and a second end which abuts against the steel plate. The sandwich solenoid manifold assembly is less expensive to manufacture in comparison with conventional die cast solenoid manifolds.

Abstract: A filter/gasket formed of woven screen material has a bead rim formed of elastomeric material molded through the screen to form oppositely disposed bead portions at a common location on the screen grid. A manifold set of servo actuated valves is ported on the manifold with the filter/gasket disposed for sealing between a separator plate and the manifold and filtering flow upon energization of any of the valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ON/OFF solenoid valve assembly which utilizes a set of common or universal components and a set of non-common or special components that can be assembled into a normally-open solenoid valve or a normally-closed solenoid valve. In particular, the common components are assembled into a base assembly onto which the non-common components are assembled to provide either of the normally-open or normally-closed solenoid valves.