R.h. Sheppard Co., Inc.

Robert H Broucksou

An automatic regulator valve assembly is provided to vary fluid flow to a power steering gear in response to steering gear hydraulic pressure in order to provide optimum road feel, as well as optimum power assist throughout the range of vehicle operating conditions. The valve assembly divides the fluid flow between the steering gear and a bypass line that directs any excess fluid back to the fluid reservoir. A flow control valve in the valve assembly supplies the fluid to the steering gear, and a shuttle valve working in concert with the flow control valve serves to bypass the excess fluid. The flow control valve supplies fluid to the steering gear according to the demands of the gear itself. During low speed, high demand operation, operator steering inputs are large, requiring maximum fluid flow for optimum power assist. As vehicle speed increases and demand decreases, steering inputs decrease proportionally. As steering inputs decrease, fluid flow requirements also decrease. Accordingly, the flow control valve supplies less fluid to the steering gear, allowing more fluid to bypass to the reservoir.

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Hanover, PA, United States of America

Robert H Broucksou