Abstract: A vehicle steering system comprises a source of fluid, a hydraulic steering motor actuatable to effect vehicle steering, and a steering control valve in fluid communication with the source of fluid and with the steering motor. The steering control valve is operable to direct fluid from the source of fluid to the steering motor. A metering mechanism is connected in fluid communication with the steering control valve and the steering motor. The metering mechanism is manually operable in accordance with the operator's demand for steering, and a hydraulic system is responsive to demand for steering fluid by the metering means to increase the output flow of the fluid from the source of fluid to the metering means at a pressure sufficient only to effect steering action against a variable load.

Abstract: An improved drive assembly includes a gerotor-type hydraulic motor having a housing connected to a frame. An output member is rotatably mounted on a hollow spindle which is integrally formed with the motor housing. Operation of the motor rotates an input shaft which is disposed within the spindle and is connected with the output member through a gear arrangement. In order to tend to minimize the axial extent of the drive assembly, the gear arrangement is located inwardly of an outer end of the spindle. The gear arrangement includes a central or sun gear which is disposed within the spindle. A plurality of idler gears extend through openings formed in the spindle into engagement with the central gear. These idler gears meshingly engage a ring gear which is fixedly connected with the output member. The gerotor-type hydraulic motor includes a wobble shaft which is connected with the input shaft to the central gear by a coupling member.

Abstract: An improved controller assembly is utilized in a hydrostatic steering system having an engine driven pump with a servomotor which is effective to vary the displacement of the pump upon operation of a pressure responsive valve assembly. The controller assembly includes a housing having a valve chamber with an inlet port which receives fluid from the pump. Upon rotation of a steering wheel, a controller valve member is moved to an actuated position and a metered flow of fluid is conducted from the valve chamber through a motor port to a steering motor. In addition, fluid is conducted from the steering motor through another motor port to the controller valve chamber. The fluid from the steering motor is then discharged from the valve chamber to reservoir or drain through an outlet port. The controller assembly also includes a control port connected in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve assembly.