Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus (30) includes first and second sensor elements (62, 70; 66, 74) which are substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central axis extending between the first and second sensor elements. Each of the sensor elements (62, 70; 66, 74) is operative to provide an electrical signal (34) that varies as a function of the relative position between first and second parts of the respective sensor elements. The electrical signals (34) of the first and second sensor elements (62, 70; 66, 74) vary in inverse relationship in response to non-rotational relative movement between the first and second parts of the respective sensor elements.

Abstract: A steering assembly (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel (12) includes a pinion (30). A steering member (14) is movable axially to effect turning movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering member (14) has a rack portion (34) for engagement with the pinion (30) and an externally threaded screw portion (38). An electric motor (50) includes a rotor (132) drivingly connected to the steering member (14) and a stator (70). The stator (70) when energized effects movement of the rotor (132) and, thereby, rotation of the steering member (14). An electronic control unit (210) for helping to control operation of the electric motor (50) comprises at least one heat-generating component (220). A one-piece cast metal member (60) made of a homogeneous material has a main body portion (66) encapsulating and supporting the stator (70) and has an electronic control unit housing portion (102).

Abstract: A system (10) for compensating torque steer in a vehicle power assist steering system for a front wheel drive vehicle includes an engine speed sensor (60) or a road wheel drive torque sensor (61). A torque sensor (32) senses applied steering torque. A steering assist motor (28) provides power assist to assist the vehicle operator in steering the vehicle. A controller (62) controls the power assist motor in response to the sensed applied steering torque and in response to one of the sensed engine speed or the road wheel drive torque to compensate for torque steer.

Abstract: An electric assist steering system (10) comprises a steering torque sensor (110) and an electric assist variable reluctance motor (26) operatively connected to a steering member (20). A motor control signal is provided in response to a value of the torque signal for control of the assist motor. A motor velocity sensor (200) senses velocity of the power assist motor and a vehicle speed sensor (119) senses the vehicle speed. A control circuit (220, 210, 142) modifies the motor control signal in response to the sensed motor velocity and the sensed vehicle speed signal so as to provide non-linear damping of the motor for vehicle yaw rate control.

Abstract: A steering assist system (10) providing assist in response to a steering control signal includes a vehicle speed sensor (150) for sensing vehicle speed and for providing a speed signal having a value indicative of the sensed vehicle speed and a torque sensor (110) operatively connected to a vehicle hand wheel (12) for providing a torque signal indicative of applied steering torque. A controller (120) is connected to the vehicle speed sensor (150) and to the torque sensor (110). The controller (120) includes a first set of torque-in vs. torque-out assist values (132) associated with a first vehicle speed and a second set of torque-in vs. torque-out assist values (130) associated with a second vehicle speed. The controller (120) provides the steering control signal in response to applied steering torque and having a value functionally related to (i) the vehicle speed signal and (ii) both the first set and second set of torque-in vs. torque-out assist values.

Abstract: A vehicle electric assist steering system (10) includes a stall detector (70) for detecting a stall condition of a variable reluctance electric motor (26). The stall detector (70) monitors a torque command signal (48) which is responsive to steering torque applied by the vehicle operator to the vehicle steering wheel (12). The stall detector (70) also monitors a commutation sensor (74) which indicates motor commutation. The stall detector (70) determines the existence of a stall condition in response to the torque command signal (48) greater than a predetermined value and no motor commutation. The stall detector (70) controls the gain of an adjustable gain amplifier (52). The adjustable gain amplifier (52) controls current applied to the motor (26). The current applied to the motor (26) is limited when the stall detector (70) detects a stall condition. An Over-use detector (70) determines the existence of an over-use condition by integrating the torque command signal (48).

Abstract: An improved thermal curtain for separating a food service cart into hot and cold regions is disclosed. The thermal curtain is composed of composite foam structural elements which have enhanced insulating capability, toughness and the ability to provide structural support for food service trays placed thereon. The thermal curtain is composed of a plurality of vertically superposed tray support/thermal barrier sections which attach to a support bracket which further attaches to the back of the food service cart. The upper portion of the support/barrier is adapted to provide a tray support and conforms to the design of the food service tray to minimize migration of heated or cold air to the opposite compartment. The lower edge of the support/barrier section is composed of a blade seal floating in a retention channel which allows vertical movement of the seal.

Abstract: An electric assist steering system comprises a steering torque sensor and an electric assist variable reluctance motor operatively connected to a steering member. A motor control signal is provided in response to a value of the torque signal for control of the assist motor. A motor speed sensor senses speed of the power assist motor and a vehicle speed sensor senses the vehicle speed. A control circuit modifies the motor control signal in response to the sensed motor speed and the sensed vehicle speed signal so as to provide damping that is functionally related to both the motor speed and the vehicle speed for vehicle yaw rate control.

Abstract: A relatively large field of view is scanned to derive an indication of a point source, optical energy emitter being in the field of view, without recognizing relatively large, non-point emitters in the field of view. Each detector in an array of linearly, arranged point source detectors generates an output current in response to the energy irradiating it. The detectors have slightly displaced, narrow fields of view which are scanned so that the field of view of each detector traces a relatively narrow, substantially straight line path across the large field of view. The paths traced by a pair of detectors are substantially parallel and close enough to each other to enable the images of large targets to be indicated as undulations having approximately the same wave shape at substantially the same time positions at the outputs of the pair of detectors.