Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.

Abstract: An adaptive control VGR steering system that varies the steering gear ratio between a vehicle hand-wheel angle and the road wheel angle based on vehicle speed and one or more of hand-wheel angle, driver attentiveness and a driver's driving style and skill.

Abstract: In a pump device applicable to a power steering apparatus, a pump element is housed within a pump housing and is configured to drain a working oil, an electric motor is configured to drive the pump element, a reservoir tank is installed on the housing and is configured to reserve the working oil supplied to the oil element, a passage is formed within the pump housing and is connected to the pump element, and a control valve is installed in the pump housing, is configured to communicate with the passage, and is configured to control a flow of the working oil caused to flow through the passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a magnetic apparatus and a method of manufacturing the magnetic apparatus including a magnet having an outer surface and an inner surface opposing each other with the inner surface having a first portion and a second portion integrally connected to and facing each other and utilizing a fluid and a fixture body defining a hole along a fixture axis and a deflector disposed within the hole. The method includes the steps of installing the magnet on the fixture body and securing the magnet to the fixture body. The method further includes the steps of flowing the fluid through the magnet transverse to the fixture axis to form at least one aperture and intersecting the fluid with the deflector to redirect the fluid generally along the fixture axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering initiator, a steering unit with feedback properties, which can be activated by the steering initiator, the steering unit having a supply connection arrangement with a pressure connection (P) and a tank connection (T) and a working connection arrangement with two working connections (L, R), an auxiliary-force operated steering valve, which is located in parallel with the steering unit between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (L, R), and a feedback suppressing device, which is active, when the steering valve is active. It is endeavoured to find a simple manner of ensuring the priority of the steering initiator over the steering valve. For this purpose, the steering initiator interacts with an activation sensor, which deactivates the feedback suppressing device on an activation of the steering initiator.

Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) with a supply connection arrangement (P, T), a steering motor (2) and a steering unit (3) between the supply connection arrangement and the steering motor (2), the steering unit (3) having a directional section (4) and a measuring section (5), a steering valve (9) being arranged in parallel to the steering unit (3). With such a steering, it is endeavored to achieve the best possible safety. For this purpose, it is ensured that for each steering direction the directional section (4) comprises a first outlet (A1L, A1R), which is connected to the steering motor (2) by means of a first pipe (23, 24), and a second outlet (A2L, A2R), which is connected to the steering motor (2) by means of a second pipe (25, 26), the first outlet (A1L, A1R) being, in the neutral position of the directional section (4), connected to the measuring section (5), and the first pipe (23, 24) being interruptible by means of a valve arrangement (27, 27a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a power steering pump drive with a single- or two-stage compressor unit; the compressor unit comprises a housing, a piston, a cylinder, a connecting rod, a drive shaft and a crankshaft, further a power steering pump which comprises a housing and a piston; the housing of the power steering pump is flange-mounted to the housing of the compressor unit; the piston of the power steering pump is in drive connection with the crankshaft of the compressor unit. The invention is characterized by the following features: the power steering pump is disposed on the side of the crankshaft which is opposite of the piston of the compressor unit; the drive connection between the crankshaft and the drive shaft of the power steering pump comprises a gear drive; the gear drive is enclosed by the housing for the compressor unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle, e.g., an electrohydraulic power steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a servo valve, the relative movement of whose control parts actuates a piston rod of a servo cylinder and changes at least one steering angle of a wheel which is operatively connected to the piston rod, and additionally has an electric servo motor which drives a rack with the servo cylinder for adjusting the steering angle of the wheel in the same direction. In order to provide an electrohydraulic power steering system which is as compactly arranged as possible in the region of its actuator and may be used flexibly for different classes of vehicle, the action of the rack and the piston rod of the servo cylinder is combined, in a parallel arrangement with one another, on an addition member for jointly adjusting the steering angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic auxiliary power steering for motor vehicles having a source for a hydraulic medium, in particular an oil pump, which can be driven during operation by a drive device, in particular by an internal combustion engine of the vehicle or by an electric motor, having a steering transmission and having a line system for the hydraulic medium connecting the source to the steering transmission, wherein the line system has at least two line sections through which the hydraulic medium can flow.

Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid actuator, a first steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator, and a second steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator and disposed in parallel to the first steering circuit. The second steering circuit includes a load-reaction feature and an isolation valve with the isolation valve being adapted to enable and disable the load-reaction feature.

Abstract: A power assist system for a motor vehicle subsystem having a component support structure is described. The power assist system comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump having an inlet for receiving a fluid from the reservoir and a pump securing structure including at least one aperture. The system additionally includes at least one fastener. The reservoir fluid outlet is directly coupled to the pump inlet and the at least one fastener secures the reservoir mounting structure by passing directly through the pump mounting structure and attaching to the motor vehicle component support structure.

Abstract: A clutch device of an oil pump in a power steering system includes a pulley shaft coupled with a pulley connected with a crankshaft of an engine via a belt, a body shaft coupled with a rotor rotatably installed in a pump body and provided with a vein, clutch plates provided in the pulley shaft and the body shaft, and transmitting a rotation power of the pulley shaft to the body shaft or blocking the rotation power therebetween, an elastic member provided in the body shaft, a check valve installed on a supply port connecting an airtight space, a solenoid valve installed on a return port connecting the airtight space in the pump body with an input port through which oil is supplied to the pump body, and a controller to control the operation of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: An internal gear pump has a first port opening into pumping chambers and provided at one side with respect to a first axis interconnecting a confinement portion of the pumping chambers having a maximum volumetric capacity and a deeply-meshed-engagement portion of the pumping chambers having a minimum volumetric capacity, a second port opening into the pumping chambers and provided at the opposite side with respect to the first axis, a first pressure introduction passage intercommunicating the first port and a first-port side area of a clearance space defined on an outer periphery of an outer rotor, and a second pressure introduction passage intercommunicating the second port and a second-port side area of the clearance space. The clearance space of a direction of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis is dimensioned to be greater than the clearance space of a direction of the first axis.

Abstract: A control system (201) for a frame-steered vehicle that includes a first steering cylinder (104) and a second steering cylinder (105). The steering cylinders are arranged for frame-steering of the vehicle. The system includes a first drive unit (202) and a second drive unit (204), each of which has an electrical machine (206,208) and a hydraulic machine (210,212). Each respective electrical machine is drivingly connected to its associated hydraulic machine, wherein with a first (210) of the two hydraulic machines is arranged for flow-communication with a piston side (214) of the first steering cylinder (104) and a piston rod side (216) of the second steering cylinder (105). A second (212) of the two hydraulic machines is arranged for flow-communication with a piston side (218) of the second steering cylinder and a piston rod side (220) of the first steering cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.

Abstract: A hybrid electrical power assist system (EPAS) for an automotive vehicle that utilizes the advantages of a conventional EPAS system to provide power assist based upon several distinct sensor inputs, in a heavy duty vehicle that requires significantly more assistance forces than a conventional EPAS can provide. The hybrid system utilizes a hydraulic amplifier that is connected to receive the torque output from an EPAS motor actuator and responsively provide a fluid under differential pressure through a pair of high pressure lines to a steering piston.

Abstract: A steering system for an agricultural vehicle with a hydraulic steering motor incorporates an internal pump, a distribution valve, an input shaft which in use is coupled for rotation by the steering shaft of a vehicle steering wheel, and connectors for hydraulic lines leading to a high pressure source of oil, to an oil reservoir and to hydraulic actuators connected to the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering motor is located remotely from the steering shaft and is coupled for rotation with shaft by hydraulic rotary actuators mounted on the steering shaft and the input shaft of the steering motor and arranged in a closed circuit with one another.

Abstract: A method and system for improving steering performance of a vehicle is disclosed. The method and system resides in increasing the flow size of the hydraulic oil flow path from a pump (3) to a steering unit (5). This can be done by modifying the size of a conduit (4) between the pump (3) and unit (5) or by modifying the bore diameter of hose fittings (36, 37).

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering motor arrangement having at least one steering motor, and with at least two steering circuits, each having a steering valve that interrupts a path from a pressure supply to the steering motor arrangement in the neutral position and releases a path from the pressure supply to the steering motor arrangement on a movement out of the neutral position. It is endeavored to simplify the embodiment of such a steering. For this purpose, the steering valve (5a, 5b) has two end positions, one on each side of the neutral position, in which positions a path from the pressure supply (15, 21) to the steering motor arrangement (2) is interrupted.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes a hydraulic power cylinder, and a reversible pump driven by a motor and connected by left and right fluid passages with left and right pressure chambers of the power cylinder. The first and second fluid passages are so arranged that pressure losses in the first and second passages are substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: In a power steering device, a hydraulic power cylinder is configured to assist a steering force of a steering mechanism linked to steerable road wheels, a pump is configured to supply a hydraulic pressure to respective pressure chambers of the hydraulic power cylinder, an electric motor is configured to drive the pump, a torque sensor is configured to detect a steering torque of the steering mechanism, an operating load state detecting circuit is configured to detect an operating load state of the pump based on a viscosity resistance characteristic of a working oil, and an electric motor control circuit is configured to output a drive signal to the motor on the basis of a torque signal from the torque sensor and the operating load state of the pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including a control valve and a steering control assembly. The steering control assembly includes a steering control unit and a priority flow divider contained in a single unitary casing. The steering control assembly is attached adjacently with and directly to the control valve by means of an interface that fluidly connects the control valve with the steering control assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a magnetic apparatus and a method of manufacturing the magnetic apparatus including a magnet having an outer surface and an inner surface opposing each other with the inner surface having a first portion and a second portion integrally connected to and facing each other and utilizing a fluid and a fixture body defining a hole along a fixture axis and a deflector disposed within the hole. The method includes the steps of installing the magnet on the fixture body and securing the magnet to the fixture body. The method further includes the steps of flowing the fluid through the magnet transverse to the fixture axis to form at least one aperture and intersecting the fluid with the deflector to redirect the fluid generally along the fixture axis.

Abstract: A power steering gear for a heavy vehicle includes a housing and a flow path for a power steering fluid. A heat exchanger is mounted to the housing or is a part thereof. The heat exchanger includes a first flow path for the power steering fluid and a second flow path for a coolant adapted to exchange heat with the power steering fluid. A cooling system for a power steering gear, a heavy vehicle comprising a power steering gear having such a cooling system, and a method of cooling the power steering fluid of a power steering gear on a heavy vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered steering mechanism can operate in a steering mode or in a powered self-centering mode. The mechanism of the present invention includes a cylinder into and out of which can reciprocate a rod. The rod is provided with a fixed piston that defines a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. First and second inlet/outlet steering ports are provided in the pressure chambers through which a pressurizing fluid can flow into or out. The cylinder is also adapted to provide powered self-centering of the fixed piston and thereby the steering mechanism itself by the floating pistons that are located within the pressure chambers. First and second inlet/outlet centering ports are also provided in pressure chambers, through which fluid can flow into the chambers, causing floating pistons to move towards a central position and enabling the fixed piston to be moved and retained.

Abstract: To reduce a load on an electric motor for a power assisted motor-driven power steering apparatus. The present invention includes side projecting portions secured to an input shaft with an upwardly projecting tab as a first stopper secured to a vehicle body at a position corresponding to the side projecting portions. The upwardly projecting tab being provided for restricting a swing range of the side projecting portions. The side projecting portions are secured to an output shaft. A downwardly projecting portion is provided as a second stopper secured to the vehicle body at a position corresponding to the side projecting portions. The downwardly projecting portion being provided for restricting a swing range of the side projecting portions.

Abstract: A power assist system for a motor vehicle subsystem having a component support structure is described. The power assist system comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump having an inlet for receiving a fluid from the reservoir and a pump securing structure including at least one aperture. The system additionally includes at least one fastener. The reservoir fluid outlet is directly coupled to the pump inlet and the at least one fastener secures the reservoir mounting structure by passing directly through the pump mounting structure and attaching to the motor vehicle component support structure.

Abstract: In a hydraulic power steering apparatus, hydraulic pressure for generating steering assist power is varied by varying opening of a variable throttle portion by movement of a spool. The spool is disposed in a provisional origin by driving a stepping motor in one direction according to a number of steps for setting provisional origin from a position at a time of start of control, and the number of steps at a time of completing of the driving is set to a provisional origin for calculation. In a return to origin permission state where the spool is disposed in a provisional origin and the number of steps from the provisional origin for calculation is zero, a number of steps at a time when the driving of the stepping motor according to a number of steps obtained by subtracting the number of steps for setting provisional origin from a number of steps for setting origin is completed is set to an origin for calculation, and the movement of the spool is stopped at the origin with a stopper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering initiator, a steering unit with feedback properties, which can be activated by the steering initiator, the steering unit having a supply connection arrangement with a pressure connection (P) and a tank connection (T) and a working connection arrangement with two working connections (L, R), an auxiliary-force operated steering valve, which is located in parallel with the steering unit between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (L, R), and a feedback suppressing device, which is active, when the steering valve is active. It is endeavored to find a simple manner of ensuring the priority of the steering initiator over the steering valve. For this purpose, the steering initiator interacts with an activation sensor, which deactivates the feedback suppressing device on an activation of the steering initiator.

Abstract: A mobile material placer with an auxiliary steering system having a direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The auxiliary steering system includes a direct hydraulic drive mechanism coupled to the steering column and which causes the steering column to rotate bidirectionally in response to fluid flow from a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: In a power steering device employing a hydraulic power cylinder, a motor-driven pump, and a driving power source for the motor, a power steering control system is configured to electrically connected to at least the motor and the power source for controlling a driving state of the motor and a power source voltage of the power source. The power steering control system includes a motor control circuit that generates a motor driving signal, whose command signal value is determined based on a steering assist force applied through the power cylinder to steered road wheels, a booster circuit that boosts the power source voltage, a motor angular acceleration detection circuit that detects or estimates a motor angular acceleration, and a booster-circuit control circuit that controls, responsively to the motor angular acceleration, switching between operating and non-operating states of the booster circuit.

Abstract: A power assist system for a motor vehicle subsystem having a component support structure is described. The power assist system comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump having an inlet for receiving a fluid from the reservoir and a pump securing structure including at least one aperture. The system additionally includes at least one fastener. The reservoir fluid outlet is directly coupled to the pump inlet and the at least one fastener secures the reservoir mounting structure by passing directly through the pump mounting structure and attaching to the motor vehicle component support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a steering operation device, a pair of running-driving wheels, which differentially drive when the steering operation device is manipulated, a pair of steerable running wheels interlocking with the steering operation device, and a steering mechanism interposed between the steering operation device and the pair of running-driving wheels. The steering mechanism includes a pair of drive gears interlocking with the steering operation device and a pair of follower gears interlocking with the respective steerable running wheels. The drive gears mesh with the respective follower gears so as to control lateral turning of the respective steerable running wheels. A gear radius of the drive gear may be greater than that of the follower gear meshing with it. A gear ratio between the mutually meshing drive and follower gears may be variable.

Abstract: A method of controlling a magneto-rheological power steering coupling is provided. The method is to be employed by a controller and is initiated upon engine start-up. The method includes initializing calibration parameters and reading a plurality of input values. Subsequently, a hand wheel angle rate value is calculated from one of said plurality of input values. A pump speed command value is calculated as a function of at least the hand wheel angle rate value. A pump speed error value is then calculated, and a proportional-integral-derivative calculation is performed acting on the pump speed error value to determine a pulse width modulation duty cycle value. The duty cycle value is then output to a power driver to provide a control signal to the magneto-rheological power steering coupling. Also provided is control system and apparatus operable to perform the functions described hereinabove.

Abstract: A method and system for improving steering performance of a vehicle is disclosed. The method and system resides in increasing the flow size of the hydraulic oil flow path from a pump (3) to a steering unit (5). This can be done by modifying the size of a conduit (4) between the pump (3) and unit (5) or by modifying the bore diameter of hose fittings (36, 37).

Abstract: In a variable displacement pump provided with a high pressure chamber formed at a position facing to a discharge region of a pump chamber between a back surface of a side plate and a pump casing and introducing a pump discharge side pressure oil, a low pressure chamber formed at a position facing to a suction region of the pump chamber between the back surface of the side plate and the pump casing, and communicating with a suction region of the pump chamber, and an annular seal member interposed between the back surface of the side plate and the pump casing, and surrounding the low pressure chamber together with a lubricating oil path around the pump shaft, the annular seal member is provided with a bridge portion connecting both ends of a U-shape of an approximately U-shaped portion of the annular seal member along the lubricating oil path around the pump shaft.

Abstract: A power steering waste heat recovery system for a vehicle and method of operating is disclosed. The system may include a power steering system and a waste heat absorption system. The power steering system may include a power steering pump, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger located downstream of the power steering pump and configured to allow power steering fluid flow therethrough, and a steering rack operatively engaging the heat exchanger to receive the power steering fluid therefrom. The waste heat absorption system may include an auxiliary heater loop configured to direct a liquid through the heat exchanger; and an automatically controllable heat control valve having an inlet, a first outlet for directing the liquid to bypass the auxiliary heater loop, and a second outlet for directing the liquid through the heat exchanger in the auxiliary heater loop.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system which includes a tank and a power steering pump which takes in a pressure medium from an intake area which is decoupled from the prevailing atmospheric pressure on the side of the tank wall and delivers it under pressure to the power steering system. A valve device builds up a pre-pressure in the intake area and prevents a negative pressure and a positive pressure from building up on the interior of the oil tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing power assisted steering for a marine craft having a manually operable steering pump and a hydraulic steering actuator. A powered hydraulic pump is hydraulically connected between the manually operable pump and the actuator. Hydraulic fluid volume output of the steering pump and hydraulic fluid volume output of the powered pump are sensed. The fluid output of the steering pump is compared with the fluid output of the powered pump and the powered pump is operated so that the output of the powered pump is commensurate with output of the steering pump.

Abstract: An electrically actuated, hydraulic power steering system is provided. The steering system includes a hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic pressure, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, and a control valve arrangement that selectively connects the hydraulic cylinder to the pump and the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The control valve arrangement is characterized during the on-center position by a first and a second chamber of the hydraulic cylinder being in fluid communication with each other but not with the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the steering system has a steering sensor, a control box, and two pressure accumulators for providing at least two levels of steering assist.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) includes a hydraulic power steering gear (130) for turning the steerable wheels (15) of a vehicle. The steering gear (130) includes a closed center valve (150). An electric motor (18) is operatively connected with the steering wheel (12). When activated, the motor (18) resists rotation of the steering wheel (12) to provide steering feel to the vehicle driver and to modulate force applied to the steering wheel (12) upon initial opening of the closed center valve (150).

Abstract: The feed line for a hydraulic system, in particular of a motor vehicle, is formed, at least over part of its longitudinal extent, by a dimensionally variable body. The wall of the dimensionally variable body is elastically deformable, at least in regions, so that, when the flow passes through the dimensionally variable body, the cross section of the dimensionally variable body can be varied as a function of the pressure of the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: A servo drive includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder comprises a piston that is mounted in the cylinder and that delimits two working chambers. Relief lines connected to the working chambers via control orifices may aid the definition of the right and left end positions of the piston. The control orifices are exposed by the piston in its respective end positions, thus relieving the pressure in the active working chamber. An end stop, which may be predetermined by the position of the control orifices may be formed by the pressure relief that occurs at the relevant location in the working chamber. Such measure can relieve the pressure in the hydraulic pump, for instance in end stop positions.

Abstract: A method for endforming a tubular member for use assembly for a hydraulic system comprises (1) a connector member having an inner surface exhibiting a stepped configuration and a fixing member at the distal end thereof, and (2) an endform tubular member having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the connector member, wherein the endform tubular member mates with inner surface of the connector member to provide an endform tubular assembly having an improved design for conveying fluids in a hydraulic system. The endform tubular assembly has inherent features therein that are measured to provide quantified values for assessing the robustness of the assembly and predict the performance of such assembly in high pressure applications for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A power steering system provides improved steering feel whenever negligible power assist is required is required such as during on-center operation or at very high vehicular speeds. The power steering system includes fluid lines used for directly coupling a motor driven pump to a power cylinder. The fluid lines are coupled to a system reservoir or to one another whenever a primary control signal indicative of steering wheel torque has a value below a selected threshold value thereby substantially decoupling the power cylinder from the pump.

Abstract: An oil pressure regulating valve of rotary type comprising a valve body and a valve spool is constructed inside a housing having a cylindrical shape. An oil supply port for supplying pressure oil fed from an oil pressure generation source is formed at a position having an offset toward one side relative to the center axis of the housing. A communicating hole in a deep inside of the oil supply port in communication with the inside of the housing is an elongate hole which is long in the direction of offset. As a result, in a hydraulic power steering apparatus, flow sound is reduced effectively that is generated when the pressure oil fed from the oil pressure generation source is supplied to the oil pressure regulating valve inside the housing. Accordingly, quiet operation is achieved.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle is disclosed, including a steering member which is connected to a pinion, the pinion being in engagement with a steering rack, which is connected to a master piston, slave pistons connected to the vehicle wheels, and volumes, which are arranged between slave pistons and master piston and are filled with hydraulic fluid for transmitting steering forces. According to the invention, there is provision in the steering system for a first volume to be connected to a second volume via a hydraulic line, hydraulic fluid being transferable between the volumes for influencing a steering ratio. This system is for use in motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars.

Abstract: A first vehicle power steering system includes a twistable steering torsion bar, a magnet, a Hall sensor, and a valve. The steering torsion bar has a first end fixedly connected to a vehicle steering wheel. The magnet is movable in a first and an opposite second longitudinal direction with respect to the steering torsion bar and is constrained to move in the first longitudinal direction when the steering wheel is turned to the right by a driver and is constrained to move in the second longitudinal direction when the steering wheel is turned to the left by the driver. The Hall sensor has an output and is positioned proximate the magnet. The valve is operatively connected to the output. A second vehicle power steering system includes a twistable steering torsion bar, a ring-magnet support cylinder, a ring-magnet assembly, a ball-and-ramp assembly, a spring, a Hall sensor, and a valve.

Abstract: A steering system for an articulated vehicle has a microprocessor connected to a proportional solenoid valve which controls the direction, amount and rate of flow of hydraulic fluid to and from hydraulic articulation cylinders, which provide articulation between the frames of the articulated vehicle. A positional feedback sensor measures the angle of articulation between the frames and communicates the angle of articulation to the processor. A gear sensor monitors the gear that the vehicle is in and communicates it to the processor. A user input device allows a user to select the desired level of steering sensitivity and also allows the user to input the size of the tires installed on the vehicle. A steering device allows the operator to provide steering input and communicates electrical steering signals to the processor based on the steering input from the operator.