Abstract: A steering system control apparatus having a centering unit for resisting off-center movement of the steer wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement. A centering shaft is connected to the steering shaft of a vehicle steering gear for rotational reciprocation therewith and an intermediate rotational position thereof defines a neutral position that is adjustable by a trimming assembly to change a selected center position of the steering system. A holding force and a return force are applied to the centering shaft by actuating members that engage a cylinder arranged for reciprocal movement against a constantly applied resilient force.

Abstract: A steering system control apparatus having a centering unit for resisting off-center movement of the steer wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement. A centering shaft is connected to the steering shaft of a vehicle steering gear for rotational reciprocation therewith and an intermediate rotational position thereof defines a neutral position that is remotely adjustable by a trimming unit to vary the selected center position of the steering system during vehicle operation. A holding force and a return force are applied to the centering shaft by a pressurized cylinder arranged for reciprocal movement relative to a stationary piston.

Abstract: A steer wheel control system having a centering unit for holding center by resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement, and a trim unit for remotely varying the selected center position. The resistance and return forces may also be varied remotely. A plurality of passages and check valves make the trim unit operable by a single solenoid valve mounted in an externally accessible socket within an intermediate head between the trim unit and the centering unit. An orifice assembly between a fluid accumulator and the centering unit prevent overly rapid off-center movements during tire blowouts.

Abstract: A steer wheel control system having a centering unit for holding center by resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement, and a trim unit for remotely varying the selected center position. The resistance and return forces may also be varied. A plurality of passages and check valves in a remote trim valve assembly make the trim unit operable by a single solenoid valve mounted on a remote manifold that is in fluid communication with passages in an intermediate head between the trim unit and the centering unit. A 3-way valve between a fluid accumulator and the centering unit provides depressurization of the centering unit in the absence of electrical power or upon a loss of power steering.

Abstract: A steering system control apparatus for resisting off-center movement of the steer wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement. A centering shaft is connected to the steering shaft from a steering gear for rotational reciprocation therewith and an intermediate rotational position thereof defines a centering position that is remotely adjustable by trimming pistons to vary the selected center position of the steering system during vehicle operation. A holding force and a return force are applied to the centering shaft via a member moveable through an arc and acted upon by centering pistons.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus centers a vehicle steer wheel movable away from a selected center position and includes a rotary member having a face with centering detents, a piston member having a face arranged opposite to the rotary member face with a centering detent aligned with each rotary member detent when the rotary member is center. Bearing members are resiliently pressed between the rotary and piston members, and each is arranged to be in contact with a seat of each of the aligned detents when the steer wheel is centered and to move out of the seats when the rotary member rotates relative to the piston member in response to steering movements by the vehicle driver. Each of the detents includes opposing ramps sloped up from the seat to a track in the corresponding face, and the ramps and tracks may be formed as grooves having substantially the same radius as the bearing members.

Abstract: A steer wheel control system having a centering unit for resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement, and a trim unit for remotely varying the selected center position. A resistance force and a return force may also be varied remotely. A plurality of passages and check valves make the trim unit operable by a single solenoid valve mounted internally on an intermediate head between the trim unit and the centering unit.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus centers a vehicle steer wheel movable away from a selected center position and includes a rotary member having a face with centering detents, a piston member having a face arranged opposite to the rotary member face with a centering detent aligned with each rotary member detent when the rotary member is center. Bearing members are resiliently pressed between the rotary and piston members, and each is arranged to be in contact with a seat of each of the aligned detents when the steer wheel is centered and to move out of the seats when the rotary member rotates relative to the piston member in response to steering movements by the vehicle driver. Each of the detents includes opposing ramps sloped up from the seat to a track in the corresponding face, and the ramps and tracks may be formed as grooves having substantially the same radius as the bearing members.

Abstract: A steering stabilizer apparatus for the steering system of a vehicle having a steerable member movable away from a selected center position in response to a steering movement. The apparatus includes a rotary member having a corresponding face with centering detents, a piston member having a corresponding face arranged opposite to the rotary member face with a centering detent aligned with each rotary member detent when the rotary member is in a centered position corresponding to the selected position of the steerable member. Bearing members are arranged to be pressed between the rotary and piston members and to be in contact with a seat of each of a pair of aligned detents when the steerable member is in the preselected position. The rotary member is rotated relative to the piston member in response to movement of the steerable member.

Abstract: A steering linkage assembly (10) having a resistance assembly (30) for resisting turning movements of a steerable member (17), and a trim assembly (28) for remotely adjusting the length of a linkage (10) between the steerable member (17) and a frame member (12). A trim valve (52, 52′, 52,″ 301) is operable between closed and open positions for allowing a trim piston (36) to move from one locked position (C1) to another locked position (C2) to change the length of the linkage (10). A liquid pressurized by a gas pressure source (88) is provided to the resistance assembly (30) and to the trim assembly (28) by a single pressure accumulator assembly (275), or by a dual accumulator assembly (75, 175) providing liquid at a trim pressure and a resistance pressure. The stroke of the trim piston (36) is sufficient for the fluid systems (28, 30, 75, 175, 275) to remain pressurized at all times.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (10) of remotely adjustable length extends between a steerable member (17) and a frame member (12) to define the center position of the steerable member (17). The linkage assembly includes a resistance assembly (30) for providing a resistance force resisting forces tending to move the steerable member (17) to either side of the center position, and a trim assembly (28) having a piston (36) that may be locked in position (C1) in a trim cylinder (33) for transmitting steering forces to the resistance assembly (30). A trim valve (52, 52′, 52,″ 301) is operable between a closed position for preventing trim fluid flow so that the piston (36) is held in its locked position (C1), and an open position for allowing the trim piston (36) to move away from its prior locked position (C1) to a new locked position (C2) to permit the length of the linkage (10) to be changed in response to a steering force applied to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering linkage assembly (10) having a resistance assembly (30) for resisting turning movements of a steerable member (17), and a trim assembly (28) for remotely adjusting the length of a linkage (10) between the steerable member (17) and a frame member (12). A trim valve (52, 52′, 52,″ 301) is operable between closed and open positions for allowing a trim piston (36) to move from one locked position (C1) to another locked position (C2) to change the length of the linkage (10). A liquid pressurized by a gas pressure source (88) is provided to the resistance assembly (30) and to the trim assembly (28) by a single pressure accumulator assembly (275), or by a dual accumulator assembly (75, 175) providing liquid at a trim pressure and a resistance pressure. The stroke of the trim piston (36) is sufficient for the fluid systems (28, 30, 75, 175, 275) to remain pressurized at all times.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (10) of remotely adjustable length extends between a steerable member (17) and a frame member (12) to define the center position of the steerable member (17). The linkage assembly includes a resistance assembly (30) for providing a resistance force resisting forces tending to move the steerable member (17) to either side of the center position, and a trim assembly (28) having a piston (36) that may be locked in position (C1) in a trim cylinder (33) for transmitting steering forces to the resistance assembly (30). A trim valve (52, 52′, 52,″ 301) is operable between a closed position for preventing trim fluid flow so that the piston (36) is held in its locked position (C1), and an open position for allowing the trim piston (36) to move away from its prior locked position (C1) to a new locked position (C2) to permit the length of the linkage (10) to be changed in response to a steering force applied to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A linkage assembly of variable length extends between a steerable member and a frame member to define the center position of the steerable member. The linkage assembly includes a resistance assembly for providing a resistance force resisting forces tending to move the steerable member to either side of the center position, and a center holding assembly having a piston that may be locked in position in a cylinder for transmitting steering forces to the resistance assembly. A control valve is operable between a closed position for preventing fluid flow so that the piston is held in its locked position, and an open position for allowing the holding piston to move away from its locked position to permit the length of the linkage to freely change in response to the steering forces. The control valve is operated by an actuator responsive to the amount of the resistance force, such that the piston is free to move in its cylinder when the resistance force exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A steering shaft centering assembly for resisting off-center movement of the steerable wheels of a vehicle and for returning them to a selected center position after each such movement. The centering assembly includes a screw member connected between an idler shaft and an input shaft connected by gearing to a steering shaft of the vehicle steering system. A centering cylinder contains the screw member, a screw follower for engaging the screw member, a pair of pistons, and a reciprocating member for engaging the pistons in response to movement of the screw follower. Movement of each piston in a corresponding centering chamber is resisted by a resilient force, and this resilient force causes the reciprocating member to resist axial movement of the screw follower, which in turn resists rotational movement of the screw member, such that off-center movements of the steering shaft and of the steerable wheels are resisted by the centering assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle steering compensator for resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such off-center movement. The compensator includes a centering unit for providing resisting and returning forces, and a trimming unit for varying the center position. The resistance unit includes a linkage extending between the steering system and a fixed vehicle member and the trimming unit has a trim piston movable relative to a trim cylinder to vary the center position by changing the length of the linkage. Dual trim valves are opened in response to extension of an air piston so that liquid flows between trim chambers on opposite side of the trim piston while the trim piston moves to a new center position. Closure of the trim valves in response to retraction of the air piston then locks the trim piston in its new center position. The resisting and returning forces may also be varied remotely, and may have the same or different values.

Abstract: A vehicle power steering system comprising a power unit, a valve unit and a centering unit. A piston of the power unit reciprocates in a cylinder to provide power assisted steering and is engaged by a worm connected to the steering shaft for rotation in response to either the centering unit or the vehicle steering member. The valve unit is connected between the worm of the power unit and a steering shaft segment from the centering unit, and includes a rotary valve member rigidly fixed to the steering shaft segment and rotatably received in the bore of a sleeve member fixed to the worm. The sleeve member is connected to the rotary valve member through a torsion rod arranged to actuate a pair of spool valves formed by valving elements on the rotary valve member and the sleeve member.

Abstract: A centering compensator for resisting movement of the steerable wheels of a vehicle to either side of a selected center position, and for returning them to this center position after each such movement. The apparatus includes a cam follower member connected to the steerable wheels for movement therewith and arranged to engage the cam surface of a cam ring having one or more static rotational positions relative to its housing mounted on the vehicle frame. The cam surface has a centering depression and the follower member is carried by an arm member extending laterally from a centering shaft mounted for rotational movement relative to the cam ring. An actuator assembly applies a resilient biasing force to the follower arm for pressing the follower member into the centering depression in response to fluid pressure in a piston and cylinder assembly. The center position may be varied either locally or remotely by changing the static rotational position of the cam ring or the length of a centering shaft linkage.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bearing assembly comprising a ball member, a connector member, and a bearing seat component having at least two seat members arranged to receive the ball member therebetween. The ball member has a shaped segment providing an outer bearing surface, and the seat members include correspondly shaped inner bearing surfaces for engaging the outer bearing surface of the ball member. A slack removal mechanism is provided to urge a movable one of the seat members toward the ball member and may comprise a pressure chamber having a wall formed by a resilient diaphram positioned adjacent a pressure surface of the movable seat member, and a fitting for pressurizing this chamber with a fluid. The assembly may include a second fitting for feeding lubricant from the pressure chamber to the bearing surfaces. Optionally, a screw member may be provided for exerting an adjustable mechanical force to urge the movable seat member against the ball member.

Abstract: A steering column centering assembly for resisting off-center movement of the steerable wheels of a vehicle and for returning them to a selected center position after each such movement. The centering assembly includes a screw member connected between input and output shafts of the vehicle steering column, a screw follower for engaging the screw member, a centering cylinder containing a pair of pistons, and a reciprocating member for engaging the pistons in response to movement of the screw follower. Movement of each piston in a corresponding centering chamber is resisted by a resilient force, and this resilient force causes the reciprocating member to resist axial movement of the screw follower and rotational movement of the screw member such that off-center movement of the steering column and of the steerable wheels is resisted by the centering assembly. The resistance force, the return force and the selected center position may be varied remotely.