Abstract: A driver can be configured to provide sensed phase currents as feedback to a controller to indicate the output currents from each phase of a switch mode power supply (SMPS). The driver can be configured to temperature compensate the sensed currents in one of two ways. If a temperature sensor is directly coupled to the driver, then the driver may be configured to temperature compensate the sensed currents from each phase based on a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor. If a temperature sensor is not directly coupled to the driver, then the driver may be configured to temperature compensate the sensed current from each phase based on a temperature signal received from a bus coupled to the driver. The bus can communicate the temperature signal so that multiple drivers can utilize one temperature sensor.

Abstract: The automobile protection system for a multiple car garage comprises a cushion positioned between parking spaces of the garage, which cushion is suspended and sized to extend at least along the length of doors of cars parked in the spaces to keep the door of one car from striking the adjacent car when opened. Further, the cushion is suspended in a manner so as not to interfere with operation of an overhead door of the garage.

Abstract: The automobile protection system for a multiple car garage comprises a cushion positioned between parking spaces of the garage, which cushion is suspended and sized to extend at least along the length of doors of cars parked in the spaces to keep the door of one car from striking the adjacent car when opened. Further, the cushion is suspended in a manner so as not to interfere with operation of an overhead door of the garage.

Abstract: A power steering system for automobiles comprising a rotary, driver-operated valve which is adapted to control pressure distribution from a steering pump to power-assist fluid motors and to a set of transversely disposed fluid pressure reaction pistons and which responds to a reaction pressure to oppose steering valve motion whereby the relationship between pressure and torque developed by the steering system can be tailored to provide the optimum relationship between these variables so that a desired reduced steering torque is provided at low vehicle speeds and a greater steering torque is provided at high vehicle speeds.

Abstract: A power steering system for an automotive vehicle having a rotary steering valve comprising an inner valve member and a surrounding valve sleeve member, the valve members having cooperating valve lands that control pressure distribution to a fluid motor that effects a steering assist, the valve sleeve being connected mechanically to the fluid motor and a driver controlled steering shaft being connected to driven portions of the steering system, fluid pressure reaction pistons in the steering gear assembly providing a reaction force that opposes relative motion of the steering valve members, pressure regulator valve means and vehicle speed sensitive valve means for tailoring the reaction forces to provide an optimum steering assist at all vehicle speeds, and means for providing a detent force that produces a threshold value of steering torque before the onset of power assist.

Abstract: The invention comprises a steering gear for an automotive vehicle having a rotary valve mechanism that controls pressure distribution to a fluid motor that establishes a power assist during steering maneuvers, pressure reaction pistons being provided to establish a resistance to relative movement of the rotary valve elements, and a modulator valve in the steering system for establishing a variable pressure on the reaction pistons wherein provision is made for changing the pressure modulating characteristics of the modulator valve depending upon vehicle speed.

Abstract: A power steering system for controlling the dirigible wheels of an automotive vehicle includes a pump that develops a pressure in an accumulator, the pump being deactivated when accumulator pressure reaches a predetermined range and being activated when the accumulator pressure is lower than that range, a pressure distributor steering valve situated between a power steering motor and the accumulator that responds to a directional steering torque to distribute directional steering pressures to the motor and a solenoid valve under the control of a microcomputer that establishes a steering pressure that is determined by the torque, vehicle speed and pressure characteristics stored in the memory portion of the microcomputer.

Abstract: A seal ring located in a seal ring groove of a valve member of a rotary valve assembly has an outer seal surface in sealing engagement with a surrounding valve housing and is adapted to isolate pressure passages communicating with the valve assembly regardless of the direction of the pressure differential across the seal ring, the seal ring being maintained in sealing engagement with one wall of the seal ring groove and with a surrounding wall of the valve housing by an underseal expander ring that assures continuous sealing action of the seal ring.

Abstract: A power steering system for a wheeled vehicle comprising a fluid motor connected to dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power steering pump and a steering valve structure situated in flow delivery and flow return passages that connect the pump with the fluid motor, the valve structure including a pilot-operated solenoid valve means that controls the bypass flow between the supply and return sides of the pump wherein a solenoid actuator is adapted to apply a vehicle speed sensitive force on a pilot valve portion of the valve which develops valve actuating forces on a flow control portion of the valve wherein the latter is speed conscious only and does not depend upon flow to and from the pump nor upon the steering pressure for the fluid motor.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for vehicles with a variable assist characteristic having primary and secondary steering valve portions, the primary portion controlling pressure in a power steering fluid motor, a steering control valve that controls the magnitude of the steering assist as a function of vehicle speed the secondary steering valve portion developing a steering torque signal, and an electronic signal processor for controlling the steering control valve in response to changes in the vehicle speed and the steering torque signal.

Abstract: A power steering gear for a vehicle capable of providing a variable degree of power assistance to supplement manual steering effort wherein the variable assist is achieved by controlling directly the magnitude of the steering pressure made available to a pressure operated motor by a vehicle engine driven pump, the magnitude of the pressure being controlled by a central processing unit that responds to vehicle steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to produce an appropriate steering pressure and power assist for all driving conditions.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering gear mechanism for vehicles having primary and secondary steering valve portions, the primary portion controlling pressure in a power steering fluid motor, a steering pressure valve that controls the magnitude of the steering pressure as a function of vehicle speed, a steering torque sensor flow control valve that cooperates with the secondary steering valve portion to develop a steering torque signal, and an electronic signal processor for controlling the steering pressure valve in response to changes in the vehicle speed and the steering torque signal.

Abstract: A power steering gear for a vehicle capable of providing a variable degree of power assistance to supplement manual steering effort wherein the variable assist is achieved by controlling directly the magnitude of the steering pressure made available to a pressure operated motor by a vehicle engine driven pump, the magnitude of the pressure being controlled by a central processing unit that responds to vehicle steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to produce an appropriate steering pressure and power assist for all driving conditions.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering gear mechanism having a driving pinion connected to a driver controlled steering shaft through a torsion rod, a gear rack engageable with the pinion and connected to steering gear linkage members, a fluid motor having a movable piston connected to the rack, a steering valve comprising a valve sleeve connected to the pinion, an inner valve member in the sleeve connected to the steering shaft, and a pressure distributor fluid circuit connecting opposed side of the motor to the steering valve whereby pressure is distributed selectively to one side or the other of the piston to provide a power assist during steering maneuvers.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump for a vehicle power steering system comprising a rotor (42) rotatable in and cooperating with a stator (20) to define a pump cavity (52), (54), inlet and outlet ports (56), (58) and (34), (36) communicating with the pump cavity and a flow control valve (96) located in the flow delivery circuit wherein provision is made for opening the flow delivery circuit to a bypass circuit (72) upon an increase in the speed of the vehicle beyond a design point thereby reducing the pump back pressure and power usage which results in increased "road feel" at increased speeds while maintaining normal power assist during steering maneuvers at low speeds.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump for a vehicle power steering system comprising a rotor (42) rotatable in and cooperating with a stator (20) to define a pump cavity (52), (54), inlet and outlet ports (56), (58) and (34), (36) communicating with the pump cavity and a flow control valve (96) located in the flow delivery circuit wherein provision is made for opening the flow delivery circuit to a bypass circuit (72) upon an increase in the speed of the vehicle beyond a design point thereby reducing the pump back pressure and power usage which results in increased "road feel" at increased speeds while maintaining normal power assist during steering maneuvers at low speeds.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle comprising a fluid motor connected drivably to a vehicle steering gear linkage and a control valve for directing motor actuating fluid pressure to the fluid motor from a power steering pump, the control valve including a vehicle speed sensitive bypass valve and a flow control valve in the fluid circuit connecting the pump and the gear whereby a reduced flow of pressurized fluid to the gear occurs at low speeds and during parking maneuvers and wherein a lower flow of fluid is applied to the steering gear during steering maneuvers at high speeds whereby a reduction in the power assist and an increased road feel and reduced power consumption occur during operation of the vehicle at high speeds.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle having a pressure operated vehicle steering mechanism controlled by a rotary valve with primary and secondary valve portions wherein the primary valve portion develops a fast-rising steering pressure characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at low driving speeds and a flatter or more gradual steering pressure rise characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at high driving speeds, the latter resulting from the action of the secondary valve portion which functions in cooperation with the primary valve portion whereby the pressure versus torque relationship is optimized for parking maneuvers, for driving maneuvers and for center-feel.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle having a pressure operated vehicle steering mechanism controlled by a rotary valve with primary and secondary valve portions wherein the primary valve portion develops a fast-rising steering pressure characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at low driving speeds and a flatter or more gradual steering pressure rise characteristic for incremental changes in steering torque at high driving speeds, the latter resulting from the action of the secondary valve portion which functions in cooperation with the primary valve portion whereby the pressure versus torque relationship is optimized for parking maneuvers, for driving maneuvers and for center-feel, the change from the low speed steering mode to the high speed steering mode being gradual whereby the center-feel increases in proportion to increasing road speed.

Abstract: A power steering gear for controlling the dirigible wheels of an automotive vehicle comprising steering gear elements and a fluid motor adapted to drive the steering gear elements to supplement the manual steering effort comprising a rotary valve assembly for controlling distribution of steering pressure from a pressure source to the fluid motor including a sleeve element and a spool element, each valve element having cooperating lands for controlling distribution of pressurized fluid therethrough to effect a pressure buildup in a pressure supply port that communicates with a working chamber of the fluid motor and chamfered surfaces on the valve lands of the internal valve element whereby pressure drop in the pressurized fluid circulated through the valve system and fluid noise is reduced and response of the valve system to steering maneuvers is improved.