Patents by Inventor Douglas R. Gilbert

Douglas R. Gilbert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Steering system with ability to stop steering wheel rotation
    Patent number: 6560961
    Abstract: A full fluid-linked steering system includes a fluid pump (11), a fluid controller (19), a steering actuator (17), an electro-hydraulic compensation valve (21), and a vehicle microprocessor (23). Downstream of the fluid pump (11) is a load sensing priority flow control valve (15) having both a controlled flow outlet port (CF) and an excess flow outlet port (EF). The excess flow outlet port (EF) communicates with an inlet port (35) of the fluid controller (19), while the controlled flow outlet port (CF) communicates with a fluid inlet (63) of the compensation valve (21). As a result, when the steering actuator (17) is at the end of its travel, pressure will be communicated only through the compensation valve (21), and the operator will be unable to turn the steering wheel further in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Don R. Draper, Douglas R. Gilbert
  • Steering system with ability to stop steering wheel rotation
    Publication number: 20030051471
    Abstract: A full fluid-linked steering system includes a fluid pump (11), a fluid controller (19), a steering actuator (17), an electro-hydraulic compensation valve (21), and a vehicle microprocessor (23). Downstream of the fluid pump (11) is a load sensing priority flow control valve (15) having both a controlled flow outlet port (CF) and an excess flow outlet port (EF). The excess flow outlet port (EF) communicates with an inlet port (35) of the fluid controller (19), while the controlled flow outlet port (CF) communicates with a fluid inlet (63) of the compensation valve (21). As a result, when the steering actuator (17) is at the end of its travel, pressure will be communicated only through the compensation valve (21), and the operator will be unable to turn the steering wheel further in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Don R. Draper, Douglas R. Gilbert