Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism. A stationary tube is provided with a movable tube telescopically positioned over it. A plurality of teeth is provided on the outer surface of the movable tube that mesh with teeth defined on the outer diameter of a ring-shaped gear. The ring-shaped gear has an axial opening defined therein and first and second camming pins capable of being arranged in both an unlocked and a locked position are placed within the opening of the gear.

Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism. A stationary tube is provided with a movable tube telescopically positioned over it. A plurality of teeth is provided on the outer surface of the movable tube that mesh with teeth defined on the outer diameter of a ring-shaped gear. The ring-shaped gear has an axial opening defined therein and first and second camming pins capable of being arranged in both an unlocked and a locked position are placed within the opening of the gear.

Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism. A stationary tube is provided with a movable tube telescopically positioned over it. A plurality of teeth is provided on the outer surface of the movable tube that mesh with teeth defined on the outer diameter of a ring-shaped gear. The ring-shaped gear has an axial opening defined therein and first and second camming pins capable of being arranged in both an unlocked and a locked position are placed within the opening of the gear.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring steering responsibility from a first electro-mechanical actuator to a second electro-mechanical actuator comprises a cylinder and a first piston slideably disposed within the cylinder. A second piston is slideably disposed within an interior chamber of the first piston. A first locking sleeve is disposed within the interior chamber, a second locking sleeve is disposed within the interior chamber in opposition to the first locking sleeve, a first spring is disposed within the interior chamber interposed between the first locking sleeve and the first piston, and a second spring is disposed within the interior chamber interposed between the second locking sleeve and the first piston. The pistons and the locking sleeves also each include at least one groove disposed therein. Snap rings may be disposed within the grooves. A damping mechanism may also be incorporated into the structure of the device.

Abstract: A device for transferring steering responsibility from a first electro-mechanical actuator to a second electro-mechanical actuator comprises a cylinder and a first piston slideably disposed within the cylinder. A second piston is slideably disposed within an interior chamber of the first piston. A first locking sleeve is disposed within the interior chamber, a second locking sleeve is disposed within the interior chamber in opposition to the first locking sleeve, a first spring is disposed within the interior chamber interposed between the first locking sleeve and the first piston, and a second spring is disposed within the interior chamber interposed between the second locking sleeve and the first piston. The pistons and the locking sleeves also each include at least one groove disposed therein. Snap rings may be disposed within the grooves. A damping mechanism may also be incorporated into the structure of the device.

Abstract: A rear steering system in which a rotary mechanical input obtained from one of the rear wheels is controllably applied to a rear steering rack through an electromagnetic clutch apparatus operated by an electronic control unit. The rotary mechanical input is achieved with a flexible cable gear driven by the rear wheel. The cable provides a rotary mechanical input to a magnetic particle clutch assembly, which in turn, interfaces with the rear steering rack via a bevel gearset. The clutch assembly is controlled by an electronic control unit which responds to a variety of system parameters such as the front and rear rack positions, forward/reverse indication and the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive power steering gear has a pair of permanent magnet driving discs supported on a housing of the steering gear and continuously rotated in opposite directions corresponding to right and left turn rotation of an output shaft of the steering gear. A soft, magnetically permeable driving disc is supported on the housing between the driving discs for rotation and for bodily shiftable movement toward and away from respective ones of the driving discs. The driven disc is drivingly connected to the output shaft of the steering gear. When steering effort is applied at a steering wheel connected to an input shaft of the steering gear, a cam and follower apparatus bodily shifts the driven disc toward the one of the driving discs rotating in the direction corresponding to the direction of the applied effort. The rotating magnetic flux field of the driving disc intercepts the driven disc and induces thereon a magnetic steering assist torque in the direction of the applied effort.

Abstract: A rear steering system in which a rotary mechanical input obtained from one of the rear wheels is controllably applied to a rear steering rack through an electromagnetic clutch apparatus operated by an electronic control unit. The rotary mechancial input is achieved with a flexible cable gear driven by the rear wheel. The cable provides a rotary mechanical input to a magnetic particle clutch assembly, which in turn, interfaces with the rear steering rack via a bevel gearset. The clutch assembly is controlled by an electronic control unit which responds to a variety of system parameters such as the front and rear rack positions, forward/reverse indication and the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive steering gear includes a transverse steering member and a steering shaft like the steering rack and pinion shaft, respectively, of a rack and pinion steering gear. The steering shaft is operatively connected to the steering member through a bi-directional Chinese Windlass which pulls the steering member in opposite directions depending upon the direction of rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: An engine driven vacuum pump combining a two-stage, low noise demountable pump assembly with a camshaft driven eccentric drive arrangement having internal oil distribution and pumping means for lubricating the drive and pump pushrod elements. A check valve in the cover of the pump assembly defines a second stage pumping chamber which increases pump efficiency while at the same time cyclically closing the pump outlet to reduce external noise attributable to gas discharge from the primary pumping chamber.

Abstract: Power steering gear for vehicles having primary and secondary modes of power operation. In the event of loss of primary system operating pressure, pressure from an accumulator is directed by a closed center valve device within the gear to provide for the powered steering of the vehicle. When the accumulator is exhausted the steering gear enters a manual mode of operation for continued vehicle dirigibility.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system wherein a manual steering gear output controls actuation of a linear hydraulic motor. A control valve, which distributes fluid to and from the boost cylinder, is disposed between the pitman shaft and pitman arm of the manual steering gear. Rotation of the pitman shaft, in response to operator input, causes rotation of the control valve which directs fluid pressure to the hydraulic motor to provide steering assist. The fluid pressure is also directed, through the control valve, to selectively operate on hydraulic reaction members so that a force proportional to steering effort is transmitted back to the operator. A mechanical "overcenter feel" is also provided and has incorporated therewith a mechanical override to provide full manual steering when there is not sufficient fluid pressure to provide hydraulic assist for steering.