Abstract: A rack (20) for a rack and pinion steering system (10) includes a fully dense powder metal rack tooth section (50) joined, by sintering, to a hollow rack tube (30). The rack tooth section (50) is formed by pressing powder metal (70) into a die assembly (60) having internal rack tooth forms (68). The rack tube (30) and the pressed powder metal (70) are sintered to complete formation of the rack (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a hydraulic fluid operated automatic transmission (20) for transmitting motive power from an engine (22) of a vehicle (16) to drive wheels (24) of the vehicle. The apparatus (10) also includes a hydraulic fluid power assisted steering gear (12) for effecting steering movement of steerable wheels (14) of the vehicle (16), the steering gear including a fluid motor (19). The apparatus (10) includes one body of hydraulic fluid (30) for operating both the transmission (20) and the steering gear (12), and one reservoir (32). A transmission pump (40) connected with the reservoir (32) pumps fluid (30) between the reservoir and the transmission (20). A power steering pump (34) connected with the reservoir (32) pumps fluid (30) between the reservoir and the motor (19). One of the pumps (40, 34) is operative to pump fluid (30) between the reservoir (32) and a cooler (50).

Abstract: A rack (20) for a rack and pinion steering system (10) includes a fully dense powder metal rack tooth section (50) joined, by sintering, to a hollow rack tube (30). The rack tooth section (50) is formed by pressing powder metal (70) into a die assembly (60) having internal rack tooth forms (68). The rack tube (30) and the pressed powder metal (70) are sintered to complete formation of the rack (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle comprises a housing (12). A rack bar (54) is movable longitudinally relative to the housing (12) for turning the steerable wheels. A pinion gear (68) is located within the housing (12). Teeth (76) of the pinion gear (68) are in meshing engagement with teeth of the rack bar (54). The apparatus (10) also comprises a hydraulic motor (60) for moving the rack bar (54) relative to the housing (12). A valve assembly (98), responsive to rotation of a steering wheel (94) for directing fluid to the hydraulic motor (60), has an actuated position and an unactuated position. The apparatus (10) further comprises a mechanism (156) for dampening longitudinal oscillations of the rack bar (54). The mechanism (156) comprises a yoke bearing (158) which contacts the rack bar (54) with a variable pressure that is dependent upon a velocity of rack bar (54) relative to the housing (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a hydraulic fluid operated automatic transmission (20) for transmitting motive power from an engine (22) of a vehicle (16) to drive wheels (24) of the vehicle. The apparatus (10) also includes a hydraulic fluid power assisted steering gear (12) for effecting steering movement of steerable wheels (14) of the vehicle (16), the steering gear including a fluid motor (19). The apparatus (10) includes one body of hydraulic fluid (30) for operating both the transmission (20) and the steering gear (12), and one reservoir (32). A transmission pump (40) connected with the reservoir (32) pumps fluid (30) between the reservoir and the transmission (20). A power steering pump (34) connected with the reservoir (32) pumps fluid (30) between the reservoir and the motor (19). One of the pumps (40, 34) is operative to pump fluid (30) between the reservoir (32) and a cooler (50).