Abstract: A fluid delivery device that may be used in any orientation is presented. The device includes a container, a first fluid in the container space, an inlet opening attached to a bladder, and an outlet opening. A second fluid enters the container through the inlet opening. The bladder, which receives the second fluid as it enters the container, expands with the amount of second fluid that is received. As more of the second fluid is received and the bladder expands, the first fluid is pushed out of the container through the outlet opening. The device may be used as a tire repair system, for example by coupling the inlet opening to an air compressor and coupling the outlet tube to a tire. The first fluid that's in the container space would be a sealant composition in this case. Different embodiments of the bladder are possible depending on the application.

Abstract: A filling system for an anesthetic evaporator allows an adapter neck (5) of a bottle adapter (1), which said adapter neck is coded in an anesthetic-specific manner, to be inserted into the filler neck of a filling device in a simple manner. A hinge (39) is provided between the adapter neck (5) and the threaded sleeve (2) of the bottle adapter (1).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with a double layer innerliner structure bonded to an inner face of the tire carcass for reducing noise generated by air vibrations inside of the tire's air chamber, and a method of making the tire. The double layer structure includes a first innerliner layer of non-foamed rubber adjacent the carcass and a second innerliner layer of foamed porous rubber forming an innermost surface of the tire. The foamed porous rubber is formed by curing a rubber composition having a nitrogen-releasing foaming agent dispersed therein that decomposes at the vulcanization temperature to release nitrogen gas. The second innerliner layer further has an open-celled structure with a plurality of open cavities that are formed by physically altering the innermost surface of the foamed innerliner layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing line has a feeder for feeding a hoop substrate, a bake oven for heating and drying the fed hoop substrate, a die bonding device for applying an adhesive to a predetermined position on the dried substrate to mount an IC chip, and a cure oven for bonding the IC chip to the hoop substrate by heating and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A bonding arm swinging type bonding apparatus that has a rotational center 13 of the bonding arm 1 beneath the bonding arm. The rotating shaft parts 11 of circular arc form rotary motors 10 that rotate about the rotational center 13 of the bonding arm 1 are attached to the bonding arm 1, and the rotating shaft parts 21 of circular arc form air bearings 20 that rotate about this rotational center 13 are provided so that the rotating shaft parts of the circular arc form air bearings 20 are rotatable as a unit with the rotating shaft parts 11 of the rotary motors 10.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.

Abstract: When a fitting piece slips out of a rail groove of a guide rail in connection with an excessive load on a shutter curtain is restored to the rail groove, the restoration is reliably set and noiselessly carried out. A posture holding bar and fitting pieces, which are spaced from both right and left sides of the posture holding bar at a predetermined interval, are provided at the lower end portion of the shutter curtain. A first guide body guides the posture holding bar to the opposing site to the rail groove in the process of an opening/closing operation of the shutter curtain. A second guide body guides the fitting piece at the lower end portion of the shutter curtain to the opposing side to the rail groove in conformity with a timing at which the posture holding bar is positionally regulated to the opposing side to the rail groove by the first guide body is provided at the upper side of the rail groove constituting the guide rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cast component, particularly a gas turbine component, by casting. According to the invention, the method comprises at least the following steps: a) preparing a melting crucible; b) preparing a semifinished granular material from an intermetallic titanium/aluminum material; c) filling the melting crucible with the semifinished granular material, whereby the quantity of the semifinished granular material placed inside the melting crucible corresponds to the quantity necessary for casting the component; d) melting the semifinished granular material made of the intermetallic titanium/aluminum material inside the melting crucible; e) preparing a casting mold; f) pouring the melt into the casting mold; g) solidifying the melt inside the casting mold, and; h) removing the cast component from the casting mold.

Abstract: A tool and method for production of a cast component from molten titanium alloy. The tool includes a casting mold, wherein at least one mold wall area of the casting mold, which comes into contact with the molten titanium alloy, is made of yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and calcium oxide. The casting mold includes at least first and second layers, the first layer forming a mold wall area which comes into contact with the molten titanium alloy and the second layer forming a backfilling stabilization area for the mold wall area. Both the first layer and the second layer is formed of yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and calcium oxide. In addition, the second layer, which backfills the first layer, has less yttrium oxide and is more coarsely grained than the first layer.

Abstract: Side plates (4) each include a base portion (41), in contact with fins (11), and side wall portions (42) extending from the base portion (41) in the direction Y in which tubes (10) are stacked. The side wall portions (42) are formed with a bent deforming portion (421) to facilitate extension/shrinkage, of the side wall portions (42), in the longitudinal direction (X) of the tubes (10). The base portion (41) is formed with a pair of hooks (411) extending toward the surface of the bent deforming portion (421) in opposed relation to the base portion (41). In the case where the base portion (41) tends to be displaced, the hooks (411) come into contact with the bent deforming portion (421) to thereby suppress or prevent the displacement of the base portion (41).

Abstract: A sheet of expanded metal produced by slitting a sheet of metal, and stretching along a stretching direction, which sheet of expanded metal forms a grid of openings having a first repetition length in the stretching direction and a second repetition length in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction, wherein the first and second repetition lengths are substantially equal. A sheet of expanded metal having a stretching angle larger than 90 degrees. Use of a sheet of expanded metal according to the invention for supporting a bundle of parallel tubes. A method of manufacturing expanded metal from pre-expanded metal, wherein expansion force is applied at a plurality of points perpendicular to the stretching direction, wherein the expansion force is applied using a plurality of force transmitters co-operating with the plurality of points, and wherein the force transmitters are arranged so that they can move towards each other in the second direction while applying extension force.

Abstract: When a front-passenger seat occupant detecting sensor indicates absence of an occupant in a front-passenger seat, an air conditioning control ECU adjusts a temperature measurement measured with a non-contacting temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the occupant in the front-passenger seat and controls air conditioning state around the front-passenger seat based on the adjusted temperature measurement associated with the front-passenger seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for simultaneously compressing liquids and gases and exchanging the heat of compression with fluids which may be the same liquids and gasses compressed. An apparatus and process for heating maintenance fluids using heat generated when the lift gas is compressed. The compressor may be used for recovering oil and gas from a subterranean formation wherein the production rate is controlled by the gas pressure at the well head, resulting in very slow strokes or pulses and bubbles of lift gas 500 feet long or longer. It may also be used for well maintenance using cooled injection gas from the well and heated fluids, which also may come from the well and be mixed with the well gas during compression, may be conducted without interrupting production.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.

Abstract: Three Phase Downhole Separator Process (TPDSP) is a process which results in the separation of all three phases, (1) oil, (2) gas, and (3) water, at the downhole location in the well bore, water disposal injection downhole, and oil and gas production uphole.

Abstract: A riser control device, particularly designed to be used in connection with spool or horizontal production trees (12) for wells in sub-sea oil and gas installations. Within a housing (1,2) of the device is provided, in opposed direction, radially movable pair of rams (6) for isolating (sealing off) the well and simultaniously, in opposed direction a radially movable pair of shear blades (7) for cutting off an intervention string or the like. The rams (6) and blades (7) are driven by means of a vertically disposed actuator (8,9,23) integrated in the housing (1, 2). The actuator may be in the form of a hydralically driven annular piston (23)/annular chamber (29,30) device, which via piston rods (14) and translation beams (8) transforms the movement of the piston (23) to open or close the rams (6) and shear blades (7).

Abstract: A method and device for use in the replacing of liquid in a riser (12) of the kind used in the recovery of petroleum offshore, wherein the riser (12) forms a connection between a wellhead (4) on or above the sea floor (6) and a drilling vessel (1), and wherein a body (30), which is arranged to keep the liquids separate, is displaced longitudinally of the riser (12).

Abstract: A screen system for underground wells, and a method of fluid flow control and/or sand production control in a well. The screen system may include an inner screen and an outer screen having a plurality of slots. A mechanism, which may include a motor, is provided to vary the size of the said slots, and may achieve this by rotating one end of the inner screen relative to the other end. An external screen shroud may also be provided and the rotatable mechanism may be controlled by a controller coupled to electromechanical sensors mounted on one or more portions of the screen system, where the controller may employ a solids prediction model and a plugging tendency model to calculate a control action.

Abstract: An embodiment of a blowout preventer system of the present invention includes a mast functionally connected a frame assembly and a carriage functionally connected to the mast. The carriage is adapted to carry and support a blowout preventer in a manner such that the blowout preventer may be moved along an angular path and along a plurality of linear paths. The system may further include a mechanism for rotating the blowout preventer along a first rotational path. The system may further include a mechanism for rotating the blowout preventer along a second rotational path.

Abstract: A trigger device for setting a downhole tool includes a retaining member that restricts the downhole tool from setting until it is properly positioned within the well and a force acts upon an actuating member. The retaining member includes an extrudable material that extrudes through an orifice when the force acts upon the actuating member. The extrudable material is preferably one that moves at a known rate so that the amount of time necessary for the downhole tool to set is pre-determined.

Abstract: An expander system for radially expanding a tubular element from a first inner diameter to a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, the expander system including an expander movable between a radially retracted mode and a radially expanded mode, wherein the expander includes an expansion surface extending in axial direction of the expander and being operable to expand the tubular element upon movement of the expander from the retracted mode to the expanded mode thereof, the expansion surface being of increasing diameter in axial direction of the expander.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a bridge plug for isolating portions of a downhole casing is provided comprising a retrievable upper mandrel assembly and a lower mandrel assembly coupled to the upper mandrel assembly, wherein the lower mandrel assembly comprises a drillable material.

Abstract: An early suppression fast response fire protection system includes a sprinkler piping system with at least one sprinkler head assembly, a water supply system, and a check valve in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system and the water supply system. An antifreeze solution supply system is in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system, with the check valve isolating the antifreeze solution from the water supply unless a fire condition occurs.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing assembly includes an ignition unit and an aerosol generating unit. The ignition unit in one embodiment comprises a spring loaded piston that is held under spring tension by a formed eutectic, which deforms at a predetermined temperature. When such temperature is reached, the piston is released, and strikes a primer to ignite a desired pyrotechnic in the aerosol generating unit. In one embodiment, the piston strikes a primer, which ignites an ignition mix, which further ignites the pyrotechnic. The ignition mix may be formed of the same material as the pyrotechnic. The ignition unit may be releasably engaged with the aerosol generating unit that contains the pyrotechnic. In one embodiment, it is formed with threads for mating with threads on the canister.

Abstract: A vehicular firefighting system includes a vehicle, a boom pivotally coupled to the vehicle about a horizontal axis and a nozzle pivotally coupled to the boom. In one embodiment, the system includes a linkage having a first end coupled to the nozzle and a second end coupled to the vehicle such that the linkage maintains an orientation of the nozzle as the boom pivots about the horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the boom forms at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle so as to deliver firefighting agent to the nozzle.

Abstract: A discharge assembly used with a fire suppression delivery system comprises a nozzle having an outer nozzle surface and inlet and discharge ends. The inlet end receives fire suppression agent and the discharge end dispenses fire suppression agent through an orifice. A blow-off cap has an open-ended cavity shaped to receive the discharge end of the nozzle and cover the orifice. The cavity includes an interior cap surface located in close proximity to the outer nozzle surface of the nozzle when the blow-off cap is mounted on the discharge end of the nozzle. A receptacle is formed in at least one of the outer nozzle surface of the nozzle and the interior cap surface of the blow-off cap. A retention element fits within the receptacle and engages the outer nozzle surface and interior cap surface, providing a predetermined amount of retention resistance to retain the blow-off cap on the nozzle.

Abstract: A caliper tool used on a drilling tubular and having extensible members that remain decoupled with respect to the borehole wall during caliper measurements and while the extensible members are extended to allow movement in and through the borehole. A processor processes known and measured information to determine the size and shape of the borehole. Formation evaluation instruments may be included to allow formation evaluation substantially simultaneously with the caliper measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reamed hole below the surface are disclosed. The reaming apparatus is arranged to be connected to one or more boring stems and has an interior section and an exterior section. The interior section is rotatable independently of the exterior section. Reamed holes of various cross-sections can be produced by appropriate selection of the cross-section of the exterior section.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for rotating and guiding a drill bit in an underground bore includes a drilling motor and a drive shaft coupled to drilling motor so that drill bit can be rotated by the drilling motor. The system further includes a guidance module having an actuating arm movable between an extended position wherein the actuating arm can contact a surface of the bore and thereby exert a force on the housing of the guidance module, and a retracted position.

Abstract: A system for boring horizontal boreholes and installing products using a dual member drill string. The system is comprised of a boring machine with a frame and a rotary drive supported on the frame, a downhole tool, and a dual member drill string. The drill string comprises an inner member disposed within a tubular outer member such that the inner member is rotatable independent of the outer member. The outer member has at least one helical projection supported on an exterior surface of the outer member. The projections on the outer member function as an auger to clear spoils and support the bore. The auger arrangement with the dual member drill string can be used in forward reaming or backreaming operations.

Abstract: A hydrostatic mechanical seal assembly includes a locally deployed pump for pressurizing a lubricant fluid between the opposing faces of a mating ring and a sealing ring. In one exemplary embodiment, such pressurization may be achieved via a device that converts the rotational motion of a drive shaft into fluid pressure. The locally deployed pump is intended to advantageously provide a stable positive pressure on the sealing interface between the mating and sealing rings, which may provide improved sealing characteristics, especially in demanding downhole environments.

Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.

Abstract: An improved braze alloy is microalloyed to include about 0.0005 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of at least one aggressively surface acting element selected from tellurium (Te), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), and gallium (Ga), or any combination thereof. The braze alloys may include at least about 30% by weight of at least one base metal selected from the group of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), or aluminum (Al). In one example, a silver braze alloy suitable for brazing a cutter to a drill bit body is microalloyed to improve a characteristic of the braze material.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for an active anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly which is pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. The linkage arrangement is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage further includes at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm and may also include a bell crank link member.

Abstract: The present invention is a motorized shopping cart retriever that includes a controller that attenuates the power provided to the drive system of the retriever to prevent the retriever from being utilized to move an excessively heavy load of shopping carts. By preventing the retriever and carts from being subjected to overloaded conditions, the operational lives of the retriever and carts are maximized. The retriever is also provided with a burst mode that allows the power provided to the drive system to rapidly increase past the normal attenuated level for a brief period of time in order to reduce the time required to accelerate a retriever loaded with carts to a terminal velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain control system including an electric motor drive system, a first battery coupled to the electric motor drive system, an electronically controlled switched coupled to the first battery, a second battery coupled to the electronically controlled switch, and where the electronically controlled switch applies power from the second battery to supplement the first battery.

Abstract: Load sharing rates of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor of a hybrid powered vehicle are definitely controlled to improve fuel efficiency of the vehicle during an auxiliary running with using power of the electric motor together with power of the internal combustion engine when a pressing amount of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is small. In response to a pressing amount information of the accelerator pedal inputted to a hybrid control circuit, the hybrid control circuit calculates the load sharing rates of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor by referring to a preliminarily set control map and controls the motor according to its load sharing rate. The hybrid control circuit sends an electric signal corresponding to the load sharing rate of the internal combustion engine to the internal combustion engine control circuit, instead of the pressing amount information of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle having a thermal engine for operating with a hydrocarbon containing fuel suitable for generating hydrogen is shown. The hybrid drive includes a fuel storage tank, an energy storage device to store energy generated by the thermal engine and a drive motor whose operating state depends on the energy from the thermal engine and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid drive includes an AC/DC converter for producing and storing energy in the energy storage device prior to starting of a hybrid drive. A hydrogen storage device is operatively connected to a hydrogen-generating unit. The hydrocarbon containing fuel is used and stored for generating hydrogen at least one of prior to starting and operation of the hybrid drive for a motor vehicle. The thermal engine can be operated alternatively on hydrogen generated by the hydrogen-generating unit or hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device.

Abstract: In a fuel-cell two-wheeled vehicle, a cooling liquid pouring pipe extending from a pipe line of a cooling system to a cooling liquid supply port member is provided in a winding path so as to pass both side portions, a front portion, and a left rear portion of an axis of a head pipe. The cooling liquid supply port member is located on a central axis of width of the vehicle in the vicinity behind the head pipe. A hydrogen sensor for sensing hydrogen gas in the cooling liquid pouring pipe is mounted on an inside surface of a cap for closing an opening. The cap is removably provided.

Abstract: A device for fixing a housing (1), especially a housing pertaining to a motor vehicle battery, to a carrier plate (3). The device consists of a fixing bracket (4) and a separate fixing element (9). The fixing bracket (4) is fixed or moulded onto a edge of the carrier plate (3) projecting past the housing (1), and comprises a vertical limb (5) which extends at a distance from the housing wall, parallel to the same. The separate fixing element (9) is inserted into the intermediate region between the housing wall and the vertical limb (5) of the fixing bracket (4), and is wedged fast therein. According to the invention, the housing (1) can be fixed to the carrier plate (3) with few, simple movements and without using a tool. All parts of the fixing device can be reused if the housing (1) needs to be replaced. No scrap or other waste elements are accumulated, thus also solving the recycling problem.

Abstract: A power management system for a snowmobile is provided to efficiently manage power supplied to a cooling fan and to a heater on the snowmobile. The power management system can be incorporated into a control unit of the snowmobile and can be comprise of a fan motor control section for activating the fan motor by supplying electric power from a generator (or a battery). The fan motor control section operates the fan motor in various operating conditions in accordance with the value detected by a temperature sensor associated with a fluid cooling system of the snowmobile's engine. The power management system can also include a heat control section for controlling the electric power supplied by the generator (or a battery) to the heater by adjusting it in accordance with such parameters as maximum power levels associated with preset temperature settings or variable temperature settings, an engine speed sensor signal, and the operating condition of the fan motor.

Abstract: An automotive passenger restraint and protection apparatus for an automotive vehicle, having a seatbelt, for restraining an occupant of the automotive vehicle by the seatbelt to protect the occupant, including a danger degree determining device which determines a degree of danger of collision of the automotive vehicle, a danger predicting device which predicts a possibility of collision of the automotive vehicle, from the degree of danger determined by the danger degree determining device, a collision danger signal generating device which generates a collision danger signal when the possibility of collision is predicted by the danger predicting device, a driving device responsive to the collision danger signal, for carrying out alternate retraction and protraction of the seatbelt, a deceleration detecting device which detects deceleration of the automotive vehicle, and a seatbelt driving control device which controls the driving device so as to continue the alternate retraction and protraction of the seatbelt

Abstract: A motor vehicle main chassis includes left and right main frame rails having extending along opposite lateral sides of the chassis. An extended rear frame member having left and right rear frame rails is disposed below and attached to the main frame rails, the rear frame rails extending horizontally in a plane situated below and parallel to the main frame rails. Left and right intermediate spacer rails are attached, respectively, to a bottom surface of the left and right main frame rails and extend rearwardly of the main frame rails. The left and right rear frame rails may be attached, respectively, to a bottom surface of said left and right intermediate spacer rails and extend rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling selected functions of a machine is provided. The machine includes a seat having at least one armrest supportably positionable adjacent to the seat. An interface module has a connecting portion connectable to the armrest and adapted to shift a working portion laterally between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the armrest. This permits placing the interface module in either a stored mode or a working mode such that it is available to an operator as needed and conveniently out of the way when not needed.

Abstract: A personal all-terrain vehicle is provided which is suitable for driving between rows of a vineyard for trimming vines. The vehicle includes a frame and an engine. A driver seat of the vehicle is positioned at an end of the frame beyond the wheels of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle facing perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Drive controls are foot and leg so that the operator's hands are free for performing work. A hitch member is supported at a rear end of the vehicle adjacent the seat for towing a cart including a tub for carrying trimmings therein. A chipper unit on the cart shreds the vine trimmings into smaller particulates.

Abstract: A hydraulic four-wheel driving articulated vehicle comprises: a first frame, on which first axles and a first hydraulic motor driving the first axles are mounted; a second frame, on which second axles and a second hydraulic motor driving the second axles are mounted, wherein the first and second frames are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable centering on a vertical axis by a steering operation; a hydraulic pump; a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting the first and second hydraulic motors in series to the hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a passage interposed between the first and second hydraulic motors; and pressure control means for releasing oil from the passage between the first and second hydraulic motors when the first and second frames are relatively rotated by the steering operation of the stationary vehicle and backpressure oil discharged from the first and second hydraulic motors is excessively accumulated in the passage between the first and second hydrauli

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an improvement of conventional Hydraulically Power Assisted Steering system (HPAS-system) arranged to supply a steering assist force to the steering assembly of a vehicle as a response to a torque applied by a driver to the steering wheel. In such HPAS-systems a certain drivers torque always results in a certain assist force. The invention therefore discloses a valve that can be actuated to dynamically alter the steering assist force produced by the HPAS-system. This makes it possible to dynamically adjust the assist force so that an appropriate force may be delivered to fit the specific driving scenario.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (12, 14) includes first and second piston and cylinder type hydraulic motors (32, 34) which are connected with a central portion of a vehicle. A steering control valve (24) is operable in response to manual rotation of a steering wheel (18) to effect extension and contraction of the first and second hydraulic motors. A rack and pinion steering gear (110, 114) may be connected with a piston rod (86) of one of the hydraulic motors (32). A secondary control valve (200) may be provided to effect operation of one of the hydraulic motors to a greater extent than the other hydraulic motor.