Patents by Inventor Stephen F. Merkel

Stephen F. Merkel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4197871
    Abstract: A vehicle power steering system which effects steering with a pair of fluid actuated cylinders, one cylinder being operatively connected to each steerable wheel. Each cylinder is normally powered independently of the other cylinder so that both cylinders steer the vehicle. A pressurized fluid flow from a single source is divided for parallel flow along companion fluid flow paths to the individual cylinders. In response to a pre-determined pressure decrease sensed in one of those fluid flow paths a pressure responsive fluid diverter automatically diverts fluid flow from the reduced pressure flow path to the companion path so that all pressurized fluid in the system is then utilized to power one of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Fluid Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Merkel
  • Patent number: 4136753
    Abstract: A vehicle power steering system which effects steering with a pair of fluid actuated cylinders, one cylinder being operatively connected to each steerable wheel. Each cylinder is normally powered independently of the other cylinder so that both cylinders steer the vehicle. A pressurized fluid flow from a single source is divided for parallel flow along companion fluid flow paths to the indivdual cylinders. In response to a pre-determined pressure decrease sensed in one of those fluid flow paths a pressure responsive fluid diverter automatically diverts fluid flow from the reduced pressure flow path to the companion path so that all pressurized fluid in the system is then utilized to power one of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Assignee: Fluid Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Merkel