Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a rotatable shaft that is rotatable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the rotatable shaft. The ball nut assembly moves axially relative to the rotatable shaft upon rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly. A steering member is connected to the ball nut assembly and at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member moves with the ball nut assembly relative to the shaft. An electrical motor is connected with the rotatable shaft. The motor is operable to effect rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly to turn the steerable vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A modular power steering apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, which is selectively rotatable to effect turning movement of at least one vehicle wheel. A housing supports the rotatable shaft for rotation relative thereto, about a shaft axis. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering member to the rotatable shaft. A second rotational input assembly is operatively connected with the rotatable shaft. The second rotational input assembly is configured to apply a rotational force to the rotatable shaft. The apparatus includes a plurality of drive stations. Each drive station is configured to selectively accept both of the first and second rotational input assemblies for operating connection to the rotatable shaft at different times.

Abstract: A modular power steering apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, which is selectively rotatable to effect turning movement of at least one vehicle wheel. A housing supports the rotatable shaft for rotation relative thereto, about a shaft axis. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering member to the rotatable shaft. A second rotational input assembly is operatively connected with the rotatable shaft. The second rotational input assembly is configured to apply a rotational force to the rotatable shaft. The apparatus includes a plurality of drive stations. Each drive station is configured to selectively accept both of the first and second rotational input assemblies for operating connection to the rotatable shaft at different times.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a rotatable shaft that is rotatable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the rotatable shaft. The ball nut assembly moves axially relative to the rotatable shaft upon rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly. A steering member is connected to the ball nut assembly and at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member moves with the ball nut assembly relative to the shaft. An electrical motor is connected with the rotatable shaft. The motor is operable to effect rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly to turn the steerable vehicle wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a first steering member which is linearly movable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A pinion is disposed in meshing engagement with a rack portion of the first steering member. A steering column is connected with the pinion and with a vehicle steering wheel such that rotation of the steering wheel results in linear movement of the first steering member. An electrically powered steering unit is connected to a second steering member extending generally parallel to the first steering member for providing steering assist to the steerable wheels.

Abstract: A buoyant fishing device with a housing having a first end and a second end and containing an elongated passageway having an axis, at least one weight disposed within the passageway, wherein the housing is further configured to float with the axis oriented substantially perpendicular to gravity when the weight is in the first position and wherein the housing is further configured to float with the axis oriented substantially parallel to gravity when the weight is in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hydraulic power steering motor. A continuously variable transmission has an input shaft rotatable under the influence of force transmitted from the engine and an output shaft operable to drive a pump. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a first speed when one of the input and output shafts of the continuously variable transmission rotates at a first speed. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a second speed when the one of the input and output shafts rotates at a second speed. A centrifugal sensor is connected with the one of the input and output shafts. The centrifugal sensor transfers rotational movement of the one of the input and output shafts to a linearly displaceable input member of the continuously variable transmission to change the speed at which the pump is driven.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hydraulic power steering motor. A continuously variable transmission has an input shaft rotatable under the influence of force transmitted from the engine and an output shaft operable to drive a pump. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a first speed when one of the input and output shafts of the continuously variable transmission rotates at a first speed. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a second speed when the one of the input and output shafts rotates at a second speed. A centrifugal sensor is connected with the one of the input and output shafts. The centrifugal sensor transfers rotational movement of the one of the input and output shafts to a linearly displaceable input member of the continuously variable transmission to change the speed at which the pump is driven.

Abstract: An improved fishing accessory for use in fishing operations. The fishing accessory comprises a housing configured to be affixed to a user's hip or waist via an item of clothing. The housing may further include a retractable fish gripping-glove and a tool such as a fish hook-extraction member.

Abstract: A steering column (10) for a vehicle includes a steering column member (12) and a mounting bracket (54). A support (24) is connected with the mounting bracket (54) and supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26). The support (24) is movable relative to the mounting bracket (54) into any one of a plurality of positions. A locking mechanism (110) locks the support (24) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (54). A memory mechanism (130) spaced from the locking mechanism (110) permits movement of the mounting bracket (54) relative to the vehicle frame between a first position and a second position. The memory mechanism (130) guides movement of the mounting bracket (54) relative to the vehicle frame between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel (16) and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A mounting bracket (40) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. A support (30), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (40). The support (30) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (32) of the steering column member and is movable relative to the mounting bracket (40). A locking mechanism (60) applies a force to lock the support (30) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (40). A release mechanism (70) reduces the force applied by the locking mechanism (60) in response to a sensed vehicle condition.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with a mounting bracket (54). The support (24) is movable relative to the mounting bracket (54) through a first range of motion into any one of a plurality of positions. The support (24) has a first position relative to the mounting bracket (54). A locking mechanism (80) locks the support (24) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (54). A memory mechanism (130) defines a memory position of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (54). The memory mechanism (130) guides movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (54) through a second range of motion smaller than the first range of motion between the first position and the memory position.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle (16) comprises a housing (20) having first and second end portions (32, 34) and an intermediate portion (50). A steering member (66) is supported for axial movement in the housing (20). A piston (100) fixed for movement with the steering member (66) has opposite end faces (104, 106). First and second springs (130, 132) engage the end faces (104, 106) of the piston (100) and bias the piston and thereby the steering member (66) in first and second axial directions toward a straight ahead position. Steering linkage (124, 126) connected with the piston member (100) transmits movement of the piston member (100) to steerable wheels (12, 14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with a mounting bracket (54). The support (24) is movable relative to the mounting bracket (54) through a first range of motion into any one of a plurality of positions. The support (24) has a first position relative to the mounting bracket (54). A locking mechanism (80) locks the support (24) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (54). A memory mechanism (130) defines a memory position of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (54). The memory mechanism (130) guides movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (54) through a second range of motion smaller than the first range of motion between the first position and the memory position.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel (16) and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A mounting bracket (40) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. A support (30), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (40). The support (30) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (32) of the steering column member and is movable relative to the mounting bracket (40). A locking mechanism (60) applies a force to lock the support (30) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (40). A release mechanism (70) reduces the force applied by the locking mechanism (60) in response to a sensed vehicle condition.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends connected with a mounting bracket (68). A locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (68). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking shaft (200) extending through first and second cams (148, 132) and the mounting bracket (68). The first cam (148) is rotatable relative to the locking shaft (200) and the second cam (132) and has a first cam surface (150). The second cam (132) has a second cam surface (134) facing the first cam surface (150). A bearing (166) includes a flexible cage (168) and a plurality of bearing members (170) rotatable relative to the cage engaging the first and second cam surfaces (150, 134). The locking mechanism (130) clamps the support (24) to the mounting bracket (68) when the first cam (148) is in a first position relative to the second cam (132).

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12). A mounting bracket (66) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. The mounting bracket (66) has a surface defining an aperture (77). A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) and is movable relative to the mounting bracket. A locking mechanism (130) prevents movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A first portion (42) is connected with the support (24) and is movable with the support (24) and the steering column member (12) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A follower pin (63) extends from the first portion (42) and into the aperture (77) in the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends connected with a mounting bracket (68). A locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (68). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking shaft (200) extending through first and second cams (148, 132) and the mounting bracket (68). The first cam (148) is rotatable relative to the locking shaft (200) and the second cam (132) and has a first cam surface (150). The second cam (132) has a second cam surface (134) facing the first cam surface (150). A bearing (166) includes a flexible cage (168) and a plurality of bearing members (170) rotatable relative to the cage engaging the first and second cam surfaces (150, 134). The locking mechanism (130) clamps the support (24) to the mounting bracket (68) when the first cam (148) is in a first position relative to the second cam (132).

Abstract: A steering column (10, 210) includes a support (24, 224) which supports a steering column member for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26, 226). A mounting bracket (50, 266) connects the steering column (10, 210) to a vehicle frame. A pair of arms (66, 68 and 276, 278) interconnects the support (24, 224) and the mounting bracket (50, 266). Each of the arms (66, 68 and 276, 278) has an end (72, 78 and 296, 304) pivotally connected with the mounting bracket (50, 266) and an end (88, 98 and 310, 318) pivotally connected with the support (24, 224). A locking mechanism (108, 330) locks the arms (66, 68 and 276, 278) relative to the mounting bracket (50, 266) and locks the support (24, 224) relative to the arms. The locking mechanism (108, 330) includes a locking shaft (110, 340) extending through the mounting bracket (50, 266), one of the arms (66, 68 and 276, 278), and into the support (24, 224).

Abstract: An apparatus that mounts a steering shaft connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels to a vehicle includes a support member connectable with the vehicle. The support member has first and second bearing housings spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. Each of the first and second bearing housings has a surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis with an opening through which bearings are inserted that support the steering shaft for rotation relative to the support member.