The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 18, 1983
Filed:
Nov. 03, 1980
Howard C Hansen, Battle Creek, MI (US);
Willard L Chichester, Battle Creek, MI (US);
Clark Equipment Company, Buchanan, MI (US);
Abstract
A power steering system, particularly advantageous for use on electric powered vehicles, in which the hydraulic pump operates only when steering commands are given. Torque applied to the steering shaft by rotation of the steering wheel is translated to axial stress on a thin walled tube, the direction and intensity of which depend on the direction and amount of steer angle change commanded. The axial stresses are detected by strain gages, and the motor which powers the hydraulic pump is activated only when stress is detected. Manual steering inputs enter the pump on one side, and the powered servo motor inputs enter on the opposite side, thus permitting the vehicle to be steered by manual input alone if the powered input fails. The components of the system are arranged in coaxial alignment, providing a compact system with improved heat dissipation qualities.