Abstract: The electrical power steering mechanism comprises an electric motor (30) whose stator is mounted in the steering box (10) and whose rotor (32) is disposed coaxially around a cylindrical portion of the rack structure (40) provided with helicoidal grooves (41) and forming a screw of a ball circuit mechanism in cooperation with a nut structure (33) having helicoidal grooves (35) and fastened to the rotor (32), the drive pinion (20), typically a Novikof profile globoidal pinion, meshing directly with the ball circulation helicoidal grooves (41) of the rack (40).

Abstract: The steering power transmitting equipment of the present invention comprises a steering gear mechanism having a steering wheel, an upper steering shaft, lower steering shaft and steering gear box, the steering gear mechanism having a torque sensor fixed on the upper steering shaft, a bracket disconnectably fixed to the steering gear box, an electric motor supported on the bracket, a driven gear which is driven by the electric motor and fixed coaxially to the lower steering shaft and an electric controller. The electric controller controls the rotating speed and rotating direction of the electric motor corresponding to the torque and the torque direction inputted by the torque sensor. The power steering gear mechanism is easily mounted on or demounted from standard manual steering equipment without requiring any large scale remodelling of the steering equipment.

Abstract: A motion converter is disclosed which converts relative angular displacement to linear displacement. A pair of input members are coupled by plural axially extending links. There are plural amplifying arms, each being mounted on a respective one of the links and extending transversely thereof. An output member, in the form of a carrier ring, is mounted on the free ends of the arms. The carrier ring is displaced linearly by relative angular displacement of the input members. The motion converter may be incorporated in an angular displacement transducer.

Abstract: A steering compensator for providing resistance to movement of a steering system away from a preselected center position until a steering force exceeds a preselected value which may be varied remotely while the vehicle is in operation. The preselected center position may also be varied remotely while the vehicle is in operation by a trim mechanism. The compensator may be rotary or linear and the resistance force may be provided by a variable spring force and/or a variable magnetic force. Optional features include a liquid system for viscous dampening and an undercut seat and cam arrangement for centering without significant slack or overshoot.

Abstract: To provide a power brake having relatively small hysteresis between brake pedal pressure and brake hose pressure and with compact construction, the push rod leading from the brake pedal to the brake master cylinder is divided into an input rod and an output rod. A pressure sensitive element is disposed between the rods and is displacable therewith. The pressure-sensitive element determines the force with which the servo member acts upon the output rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus incorporating a planetary gear set with a shaft (7) connected to a planet wheel support (6), and a shaft (8) connected to a sun wheel (5), one of the shafts (8) being connected to a rotor in a device (9) for providing a torque. In order to be able to use the apparatus in a favorable manner in for example a servo assisted system with a steering wheel (10) and a steering member actuated by the steering wheel via a step-up gear, the stator part of the device (9) for providing a torque is connected to the other one of the shafts (7) in the planetary gear so that this shaft takes up the reactive torque which is established in the device during operation.

Abstract: Valve for controlling a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, of the slide-valve kind, whose slide member 11 moves along an axis different from that of the pinion 1 as a result of the axial movement of the pinion produced by the thrust exerted on it by the rack because of the inclination of its teeth, said slide member being connected to the pinion through a kinematic mechanism with a high transmission ratio consisting of a rubber ring, all outer surfaces of which are enclosed by rigid walls, a push-rod 10, and resilient means pressing one against the other said rubber ring, push-rod and slide member in such a way that the displacements of the slide member is given by the displacement of the pinion multiplied by the ratio between the area of the rubber exposed to the axial thrust acting on the pinion and the area of the cross-section of push-rod 10.

Abstract: A pump-drive device of a power-assisted vehicle steering system, comprising a motor operative to drive a steering pressure pump, a first sensor for detecting vehicle speed and producing an output signal representative of the detected vehicle speed, a second sensor for detecting the motor output speed and producing an output signal representative of the detected motor output speed, a current control circuit responsive to the output signals from the first and second sensors, a main current supply line connected between a power source and the motor through the current control circuit, a bypass current supply line bypassing the current control circuit between the power source and the motor, the current control circuit being operative to produce an output signal to vary the current to be passed through the main current supply line on the basis of the output signals from the first and second sensors, a detecting unit responsive to a predetermined operative condition of the steering system and operative to produce a

Abstract: The shaft of a hydraulic pump for an automotive power steering system is driven through an overrunning clutch from a planetary pinion carrier. The sun gear of the gearset is connected to a portion of the driveline that drives the wheels of the vehicle and the ring gear is connected to the engine shaft. The sun gear turns opposite the direction of the ring gear and the speed of the pump varies inversely with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: In a vehicular power steering system, the hydraulic fluid supply to a hydraulic power actuator is controlled in accordance with the vehicle speed and the angular velocity of the steering wheel. Preferably, the fluid supply is reduced so that the steering effort becomes heavier as the vehicle speed increases while the fluid supply is increased when the angular velocity of the steering wheel is high. To control the fluid supply, there is provided, in a power steering system, a bypass valve means for draining a portion of the fluid flow to bypass the power actuator, and control means for producing a control signal to control the bypass valve means in accordance with the vehicle speed and the angular velocity of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention provides a closed center rotary valve and a power-assisted steering mechanism for a motor vehicle incorporating the rotary valve.The closed center rotary valve comprises cooperating relatively rotatable sleeve and core members having cooperating axially-extending grooves therein and means relatively biassing the members towards a neutral position.Said grooves comprise at least one inlet groove connectable to a source of fluid under pressure, a cylinder groove angularly spaced from the inlet groove on each side thereof and connectable to opposite sides of a double-acting piston-and-cylinder, and a return groove in overlapping relation with each of the cylinder grooves in the neutral position of the valve and connectable to a reservoir for the fluid under pressure, the inlet groove being closed from communication with the cylinder and return grooves in the neutral position of the valve.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic control valve is disclosed for providing the metering of fluid to a steering arrangement such as that normally employed on a motorized vehicle. The steering arrangement includes a piston-cylinder assembly, a main pump for supplying pressurized fluid from a fluid reservoir to the control valve and a control pump connected to the control valve which is actuated by a manually operated steering mechanism. The improved control valve includes a housing having an elongated bore formed therein. Movably positioned within the bore is a valve spool which has at least three annular grooves formed thereon separated by a pair of lands. The valve spool also contains a longitudinal bore formed therein which intersects a transverse bore which opens into the centrally positioned annular groove. The valve spool cooperates with the elongated bore to form control pressure chambers at each end thereof.

Abstract: A first shaft coupled to a steering wheel at one end is coupled for at least limited relative rotation at its other end to a second shaft via a threading engagement so that relative rotation of the first and second shafts will also result in relative axial movement. A detector detects the axial movement of either the first shaft or a linearly movable member attached thereto, and a servomotor rotates the second shaft in a direction to return the first and second shafts to their neutral relative position.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering device for a vehicle. The two parts (13A and 13B) of the steering column have the limited relative angular play permitting an angular offset of the rotor discs (23A, 23B) of the distributor (21). The parts (13A and 13B) are coupled by a torsion bar (52). An annular sealing gasket (70) is engaged in the perforation (50) of at least one of the parts (13A and 13B) round the main portion (53) of the torsion bar (52) and is applied against a widened head (56) of this torsion bar (52). The torsion bar (52) has, between the main portion (53) and the widened head (56), a fillet (57) against which the annular sealing gasket (70, 70') wedges itself. In this way, perfect leak-tightness is provided between the distributor (21) and the outside environment.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering device for a vehicle comprises a two-part steering column, which parts are capable of limited relative angular displacement, and a hydraulic power-assistance mechanism having a distributor responsive to relative angular displacement of the parts and comprising two rotors, each rotationally integral with a corresponding part of the steering column. One or both of the steering column parts has a prism-shaped cavity in its end, a prism-shaped plug being received in the cavity with an angular offset and being connected to the other part, thus providing the limited angular play between the two parts. The plug may either be a separate element received in cavities in both parts of the steering column, or may be received in a cavity of only one part and integrally formed with the other part. A thin corrugated tooth annular element may act as a rotational lock between each part and the corresponding rotor of the distributor.

Abstract: An improved steering apparatus includes a piston and cylinder type motor having a hollow piston rod extending out of one end of a motor cylinder. Since the piston rod extends out of only one end of the motor cylinder, the working area on the head end of the piston is greater than the working area in the rod end of the piston. The head end working area is exposed to fluid pressure during turns in one direction and the rod end working area is exposed to fluid pressure during turns in the opposite direction. A compensator chamber is provided in the hollow piston rod. The compensator chamber has a working area on the rod end of the piston. The compensator chamber working area is exposed to fluid pressure during turns in both directions. The size of the compensator chamber working area is equal to the cross sectional area of a tubular wall of the piston rod.

Abstract: An assistance mechanism is provided, which is adapted to be coupled to a driven member capable of rotating alternately in both directions, in response to the rotation of a drive shaft. The assistance mechanism comprises a motor, a device for reducing the speed of the motor and at least one clutch actuated by a controller. The controller includes a part which is coaxial with the driven member and slides against a resilient return spring in relation to the amplitude and the direction of the torque applied by the drive shaft. Each clutch is mounted on a shaft of the device for reducing speed, which rotates faster than the driven member. The controller further comprises a connection between the sliding part and the clutches.This rotary assistance mechanism is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with vehicle steering mechanisms.

Abstract: A compensator is disclosed for centering a frame supported steerable member comprising part of the steering system for a vehicle. The compensator is connected between the frame and the steering system and comprises a cylinder containing a pair of pistons and an actuator for engaging the pistons in response to movement of the steerable member. A fluid system provides fluid resistance to off-center piston movement and fluid force for return piston movement and includes components for independently varying both the resistance and the return force. The compensator may include a trimming apparatus for remotely varying the center position of the steerable member and components for controlling the rate of both turning and return movements. Optional valves may provide for deactivating the compensator manually or in response to power steering system failure, overpressurization, or vehicle speed.

Abstract: A piston assembly is mounted at an inner axial end of the toothed portion of a rack within a tubular extension of a hydrosteering gear housing. The piston assembly includes a piston ring floatingly supported with axial clearance on the base portion of a mounting ring axially fixed to the rack at said inner axial end.

Abstract: Power steering apparatus for a vehicle comprising a rack rod operatively connected to a steering wheel and supported in a steering gear casing, the rack rod being drivable by a power cylinder consisting of an outer cylinder fixed to the steering gear casing, an inner cylinder disposed in the outer cylinder and fitted into the steering gear casing, and a piston mounted on the rack rod to divide the interior of the inner cylinder into first and second oil chambers. A control valve is mounted on the lower surface of the steering gear casing for controlling the operation of the power cylinder. The second oil chamber is in communication with the outer cylinder via the spaces between the coils of a coil spring, the inner cylinder being supported in floating state on the outer cylinder by the coil spring. A pair of parallel, annular or semi-annular oil passages are provided in that portion of the steering gear casing which is engaged with the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A power steering device includes a steering shaft assembly, a driven member for operative connection with the steering road wheels for a vehicle and operatively connected with the steering shaft assembly, an hydraulic cylinder of actuating the driven member by fluid under pressure supplied thereto, an hydraulic circuit connecting the cylinder to a source of fluid pressure, and a switching valve having a valve member to be moved in response to rotation of the shaft assembly in an axial direction, the valve disposed within the hydraulic circuit to control the supply of fluid under pressure in response to axial movement of the valve being member. A cam mechanism is associated with the steering shaft assembly to conduct the axial movement of the valve member in response to rotation of the steering shaft assembly.

Abstract: The tops of the teeth of a sector gear with respect to a plane of rotation of the sector gear are located on an addendum circle which is a single circular arc having a center which is located on a neutral line and which is spaced from the center of rotation of the sector gear in the direction of the arc. The portions of the top lands of the sector gear teeth at the larger diameter end of the sector gear are located on a common cylindrical surface, the remaining portions of the top lands being located on a common conical surface.The rack formed on a ball nut for engagement with the sector gear teeth is provided with a central tooth groove and outside tooth grooves, wherein the outside tooth grooves are of depth less than the central tooth groove.

Abstract: A force transmitting arrangement, useable as force amplifier of drive arrangements, transmits the moment of a reversible electric motor, acting as a servo motor or as a drive motor, over a friction core and a looped spring cooperating therewith to an output shaft. The looped spring has a pair of outwardly bent ends, which at the outer sides thereof drive, while taking up a tension force, an output entrainment member connected to the output shaft, whereas an input entrainment member connected with a manually operated drive, for instance the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, is located between the outwardly bent ends of the looped spring.

Abstract: Power steering gear with integral rotary valve for directing hydraulic pressure fluid to and from a piston nut and in which an internal spring device provides a drag load on the valve body so that the valve spool will be immediately relatively turned on rotation of the stub shaft before there is lash take-up between the threads of the piston nut and screw which drivingly connect the valve body to the piston nut and gear output.

Abstract: A power assisted steering mechanism comprises a steering column in two parts which are connected by a plain cylindrical torsion bar which may be solid or hollow and which allows a certain degree of relative angular displacement. An abutment is also provided to prevent excessive relative angular displacement resulting from failure of the torsion bar. The torsion bar has one of its ends bonded to one of the parts in any relative angular position and the other end is bonded to the other part as by welding, brazing or adhesive bonding, and a power assistance means are adapted device operates in response to relative movement of the parts resulting from a steering movement.

Abstract: A compact construction for a vehicle steering gear is provided of the rotary valve type which utilizes a torque rod having an end connected to a worm shaft and the opposite end connected to a steering spindle wherein axial load oil pressure on the torque rod is minimized to avoid breakage. This is accomplished by hydraulic circuitry which routes high inlet pressure to the valve housing directly to the valve grooving instead of to an end of the valve body where it would exert an axial force on the torque rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically steering a boat having a wheel-operated steering mechanism including a detachable motor-driven actuator arm engaging the spokes of the wheel. The actuator arm is connected through a clutch to a servo mechanism for driving the actuator. The servo mechanism is responsive to a heading set on a magnetometer or a preset apparent wind indication. The heading responsive circuitry includes an integrating loop to compensate for long-term changes in steering conditions.

Abstract: This specification discloses a seal for a threaded shaft which reciprocates relative to a housing. The seal includes radial reinforcing means to provide an interference sealing fit with the housing and a thread on its internal surface which mates with the shaft. An axial reinforcing ring together with a hard rubber permits the seal to accept large axial forces.

Abstract: An improved power steering system for displacing a tie rod connected to a wheel of a vehicle for rotational actuation of the vehicle wheel. Rotational actuation of a steering wheel of the vehicle correspondingly rotatively displaces a pinion gear mounted within a rack housing. The pinion gear matingly engages rack teeth of a rack member which is slidingly mounted within the rack housing. Relative displacement between the rack housing and vehicle frame actuates a hydraulic valve secured to the frame of the vehicle. Actuation of the hydraulic valve permits fluid under pressure to egress from the hydraulic valve through one of two outlet ports. The high pressure fluid is inserted into a power cylinder which drives a cylinder rod in a longitudinal direction. The cylinder rod is secured to a stabilizer tube mechanism which has a fork member secured to a movable element of the stabilizer tube and extending in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering gear assembly includes a housing with a longitudinal bore and a sleeve slidably mounted in the longitudinal bore. The rack is slidably mounted within the sleeve and cooperates with the sleeve to communicate an inlet port to either a first working chamber or a second working chamber when the rack moves from a first position to a second position. The rack and sleeve also cooperate with each other to define a pair of feedback chambers and the rack moves from a first position to communicate the inlet port with the first feedback chamber to a second position to communicate the inlet port with the second feedback chamber.

Abstract: A steering mechanism with time-rate action for vehicles, which includes a first adjusting member having an adjusting path dependent on the wheel deflection angle which is coupled with the steered vehicle wheels, a second adjusting member with an adjusting path dependent on the angle of the steering wheel deflection which is coupled with this steering wheel and a third adjusting member having an adjusting path dependent on the angular velocity of the steering wheel deflection which is coupled with the steering wheel by way of a mechanism producing an adjusting magnitude dependent on the angular velocity of the steering wheel deflection, whereby the second adjusting member is gearingly connected without interposition of any elastic means with the steering wheel as also with the two other adjusting members by way of a summation gear.

Abstract: A power assisted steering system for a vehicle including a steering wheel operatively connected to steered wheels comprising a housing, a nut-and-screw mechanism comprising a nut member and a screw member, an input shaft mounted in said housing, at least one flexible shaft connected at one end to the steering wheel and at its opposite end to said input shaft, intermeshing gear means carried by said input shaft and one of said members of said nut-and-screw mechanism, means operatively connecting the other member of said nut-and-screw mechanism to the steerable wheels, the members of said nut-and-screw mechanism being of a configuration to preclude rotation relative to one another whereby upon rotation of one of said members, the other member is actuated in a rectilinear direction to thereby effect movement of the steered wheels, hydraulic circuit means including a double-acting servo-cylinder and a control valve including a slide member for controlling flow of hydraulic medium to and from said servo-cylinder,