Trw Automotive U.S. LLC

Philip S Peterson

Daniel E Williams

William A Szabela

Juan Redin

Richard J Eckhart

David Lee Welker

An apparatus for supporting a steering column () in a vehicle () adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly () that connects the steering column () to the vehicle (). The mounting assembly () includes at least one holding element () that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column () relative to the vehicle (). The at least one holding element () has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column () relative to the vehicle () in response to impact forces urging the steering column () to pivot relative to the vehicle ().

Steering column

An apparatus () for helping to turn steerable wheels () of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (). An electric motor () actuates the steering gear (). A pump () supplies the steering gear () with hydraulic fluid. A vehicle speed sensor () senses vehicle speed and provides a vehicle speed signal. A controller () is responsive to the vehicle speed signal for controlling the pump (). The controller () activates the pump () to supply hydraulic fluid to the steering gear () when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed below a predetermined value and the controller () deactivating the pump () when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed above the predetermined value.

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Monticello, IN, United States of America

Philip S Peterson