Robert Bosch Automotive Steering Gmbh

Xomox Corporation

William F Scroggin

Olivier Perichon

Bernd Krause

Ricky Mains

Wayne L Hoelscher

An adjustable steering column () that is designed to absorb energy by collapsing is described. The steering column () has a jacket body () secured to the vehicle and a steering shaft assembly () adjustably and slidably positioned in the jacket body (). An energy absorbing strap () has a second end () secured to the jacket body () and a first end () releasably secured to the steering shaft assembly (). The energy absorbing strap () being disposed to deform to absorb energy when the steering shaft assembly () is displaced with respect to the jacket body (). The energy absorbing strap () is deformed at a second predetermined energy absorbing rate. A spring plate () has its first end () secured to the jacket body () and a second end () releasably engaging the energy absorbing strap (). At least one elongated slot () is positioned adjacent the first end () of the spring plate (). A securing device () is positioned in the at least one slot () to secure the spring plate () to the jacket body (). The securing device () secures the spring plate () to the jacket body () at a first energy absorbing rate. The first energy absorbing rate being lower than the second energy absorbing rate.

Low initial resistance steering column crash apparatus

A recessed seat retainer for a valve is secured in an annular recess on the face of a valve body by a totally internally disposed key system which does not create an external leak path. An annular keyway is formed in the cylindrical sidewall of a seat retainer. A key extends from the cylindrical sidewall of an annular recess formed in an axial face of the valve body. The key is received in the keyway and locks the retainer against axial dislodgement from the valve body.

Growing community of inventors

Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

William F Scroggin