Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a housing, a shaft, a sensor, a motor, an elongate rod, a nut member, an actuator housing, and end stops. The shaft may be attached to an end of a steering wheel. The sensor may generate an electrical signal in response to rotation of the rotatably mounted shaft. The motor may apply a torque to the rotatably mounted shaft. The elongate rod may be configured to rotate with the rotatably mounted shaft and may include an externally screw-threaded portion having a nut member mounted thereon. The actuator housing may define a chamber to house the motor and a cavity which restricts rotation of the nut member with respect to the housing. The rotation of the elongate rod causes axial displacement of the nut member. The end stops may engage with the nut member.

Abstract: A handwheel actuator assembly 600 for a steer by wire steering system of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly 600 comprises a steering wheel 601 and a feedback torque generator. The steering wheel 601 has at least one hand grip portion rotatable around an axis of rotation of the steering wheel 601 which can be gripped by a driver and a hub 602 that supports the hand grip portion. The feedback torque generator comprises an electric motor which has a stator 609 and a rotor 610. The rotor 610 is directly or indirectly fixed to and rotates with the hub of the steering wheel 601 and the stator 609 is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle body such that it cannot rotate relative to the vehicle body. The motor comprises a brushless permanent magnet Vernier motor.

Abstract: A combined motor and gearbox assembly for an electric power steering system comprising an electric motor, a gearbox which includes a gearset that is connected on an input part to a rotor of the motor and in use is connected on an output part at least indirectly to a steering column shaft to transfer torque from the motor rotor to the steering column shaft, a motor drive circuit, a gearbox housing which in use accommodates the gearset of the gearbox, the electric motor including a motor housing, and a baseplate which connects an end face of the gearbox housing to an end face of the gearbox housing and which supports the drive circuit. At least one bolt having a stem passes through a central hole in a tubular rivet that secures the motor housing to the baseplate, the bolt securing the baseplate to the gearbox housing.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes: a steering bar, an electric motor, a linear position sensor, and a sensing means. The steering bar is mechanically connected at each opposing end to a respective wheel carrier. The linear position sensor having one elongate feature that extends diagonally along a length of the steering bar such that it is inclined relative to the axis of the steering bar. The sensing means faces the steering bar and at any given time observes only a slice of the elongate feature that extends across the full width of the feature and along only a part of the length of the feature. The sensing means generates a signal that varies depending on the pattern formed by the feature and adjacent portions of the steering bar that is observed by the sensing means.

Abstract: A steering torque feedback assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a housing, a first gear rotatably mounted within the housing about a first rotatable axis and being configured to rotate with, or being connected to, a vehicle steering column, first and second electric motors mounted within the housing, each having a rotatable output shaft, second and third gears rotatably mounted within the housing and engaged with the first gear, and first and second reduction gearing connecting the output of the first and second motors and a respective one of the second and third gears.

Abstract: A handwheel actuator assembly includes a handwheel shaft configured to receive a handwheel; a feedback device operable to provide a variable level of resistance to rotation of the handwheel shaft; and a handwheel shaft position sensor operable to sense an angular position of the handwheel shaft. The handwheel shaft position sensor may be mounted on a circuit board. The circuit may comprise a controller that is configured to receive signals from the handwheel shaft position sensor.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a housing, a shaft, a sensor, a motor, an elongate rod, a nut member, an actuator housing, and end stops. The shaft may be attached to an end of a steering wheel. The sensor may generate an electrical signal in response to rotation of the rotatably mounted shaft. The motor may apply a torque to the rotatably mounted shaft. The elongate rod may be configured to rotate with the rotatably mounted shaft and may include an externally screw-threaded portion having a nut member mounted thereon. The actuator housing may define a chamber to house the motor and a cavity which restricts rotation of the nut member with respect to the housing. The rotation of the elongate rod causes axial displacement of the nut member. The end stops may engage with the nut member.

Abstract: A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing which houses a worm shaft and a gear wheel, the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing assembly at an end furthest from the motor. The main bearing assembly comprises an inner race and an outer race separated by bearing elements, the outer race being supported by a carrier that is supported by an axle that is in turn secured to gearbox housing, the axle defining a pivot axis for the worm shaft that is located on the side of the worm shaft closest to the wheel gear and extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the worm shaft and parallel to the axis of the wheel gear.

Abstract: A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing which houses a worm shaft and a gear wheel, the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing assembly at an end furthest from the motor, and the gear wheel being supported by an output shaft having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly, in which the tail bearing assembly is free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to move radially away from the axis of the wheel gear. A biasing means applies a biasing force to the tail bearing assembly that biases the worm shaft into engagement with the wheel gear.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric motor in an electric power assisted steering system, the motor being arranged so as to apply a force to part of a steering mechanism of a vehicle, in which the method comprises calculating a force demand indicative of an assistance force dependent upon the torque applied by a user (TD) to the steering mechanism that it is to be applied to the steering mechanism to reduce the exertion required by the user to steer the vehicle; combining the force demand with an overlay force demand (TER) indicative of a force which it is desired to overlay over the assistance force, to generate a combined assistance force (TA); and controlling the motor according to the combined assistance force, such that together with the force applied by the user, a total force is applied to the steering mechanism, in which, in order to generate the combined assistance force the torque applied by the user is subjected to a non-linear boost function and in which the overlay force demand is combined with th

Abstract: A fuel leak prevention system and method for providing same includes a check valve for insertion into the discharge end of a spout assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the check valve being located downstream of the nozzle's fuel control valve so as to prevent any leaking or dripping of fuel from the spout when the nozzle is deactivated. The check valve includes a pivoting flap that is preferably spring-loaded and predisposed to remain closed to seal the spout when there is no fuel flowing through the nozzle, but which is allowed to rotate within the spout to open the nozzle and allow the flow of fuel when the nozzle is activated. In one embodiment, the check valve can be inserted into the spout during fabrication of the nozzle. An alternate embodiment allows the retrofit of an existing nozzle by adding an extension that contains the check valve to the spout on the nozzle.

Abstract: An electric power assisted steering system comprises a torque sensor, a motor connected to a part of the steering system to provide motor torque to the steering system and a motor controller which is adapted to receive an output signal from the torque sensor and to generate a motor torque demand signal indicative of the torque to be applied by the motor to the steering system. The motor torque demand signal comprises a driver demand component dependent upon the torque applied by the driver; and a diagnostic component independent of the torque applied by the driver and which varies in value over time in a predetermined manner. The system further comprises a monitor that correlates the diagnostic component with the output signal and generates a signal indicating that the output signal is faulty if the correlation falls outside of a predefined range.

Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching implements, such as buckets or other tools, to heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, which includes two recesses or channels for receiving a pair of machine pins of an implement. A hydraulic piston actuates a first locking lever to enclose one of the pair of machine pins in one recess and a second locking lever to enclose the other one of the pair of machine pins in the other recess.

Abstract: A fuel leak prevention system and method for providing same includes a check valve for insertion into the discharge end of a spout assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the check valve being located downstream of the nozzle's fuel control valve so as to prevent any leaking or dripping of fuel from the spout when the nozzle is deactivated. The check valve includes a pivoting flap that is preferably spring-loaded and predisposed to remain closed to seal the spout when there is no fuel flowing through the nozzle, but which is allowed to rotate within the spout to open the nozzle and allow the flow of fuel when the nozzle is activated. The system and method disclosed has application to any liquids that are to be dispensed, including petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas oil, gas, liquid petroleum gas, av-gas, chemicals, and water.

Abstract: A pet feces collection device for placement beneath a pet's derriere during the defecation process, the device including an annular support member at the end of a telescopic handle, the support member having a liner bag with an elasticized upper end removably engaging a support member groove for support within a support member aperture and a disposal bag removably disposed within the liner bag, the disposal bag having an elasticized top end that also engages the groove.

Abstract: An electric power assisted steering system comprises a torque sensor, a motor connected to a part of the steering assembly to provide an assistance torque to the steering assembly and a motor controller which is adapted to receive an output signal from the torque sensor and to generate a motor torque demand signal indicative of the torque to be applied by said motor to said steering system. The motor torque demand signal comprises a driver demand component with a value dependent upon the value of said handwheel torque applied by the driver; and a diagnostic component with a value independent of said handwheel torque applied by said driver and which varies in value over time in a predetermined manner. The system further comprises a monitor that correlates the diagnostic component with the output signal and generates a signal indicating that the output signal is faulty if the correlation between the two correlated signals falls outside of a predefined range.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric motor in an electric power assisted steering system, the motor being arranged so as to apply a force to part of a steering mechanism of a vehicle, in which the method comprises calculating a force demand indicative of an assistance force dependent upon the torque applied by a user (TD) to the steering mechanism that it is to be applied to the steering mechanism to reduce the exertion required by the user to steer the vehicle; combining the force demand with an overlay force demand (TER) indicative of a force which it is desired to overlay over the assistance force, to generate a combined assistance force (TA); and controlling the motor according to the combined assistance force, such that together with the force applied by the user, a total force is applied to the steering mechanism, in which, in order to generate the combined assistance force the torque applied by the user is subjected to a non-linear boost function and in which the overlay force demand is combined with th

Abstract: A fuel leak prevention system and method for providing same includes a check valve for insertion into the discharge end of a spout assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the check valve being located downstream of the nozzle's fuel control valve so as to prevent any leaking or dripping of fuel from the spout when the nozzle is deactivated. The check valve includes a pivoting flap that is preferably spring-loaded and predisposed to remain closed to seal the spout when there is no fuel flowing through the nozzle, but which is allowed to rotate within the spout to open the nozzle and allow the flow of fuel when the nozzle is activated. In one embodiment, the check valve can be inserted into the spout during fabrication of the nozzle. An alternate embodiment allows the retrofit of an existing nozzle by adding an extension that contains the check valve to the spout on the nozzle.

Abstract: A fuel leak prevention system and method for providing same includes a check valve for insertion into the discharge end of a spout assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the check valve being located downstream of the nozzle's fuel control valve so as to prevent any leaking or dripping of fuel from the spout when the nozzle is deactivated. The check valve includes a pivoting flap that is preferably spring-loaded and predisposed to remain closed to seal the spout when there is no fuel flowing through the nozzle, but which is allowed to rotate within the spout to open the nozzle and allow the flow of fuel when the nozzle is activated. In one embodiment, the check valve can be inserted into the spout during fabrication of the nozzle. An alternate embodiment allows the retrofit of an existing nozzle by adding an extension that contains the check valve to the spout on the nozzle.

Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching implements, such as buckets or other tools, to heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, which includes two recesses or channels for receiving a pair of machine pins of an implement. A hydraulic piston actuates a first locking lever to enclose one of the pair of machine pins in one recess and a second locking lever to enclose the other one of the pair of machine pins in the other recess.