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:
Apr. 07, 2009
Filed:
May. 13, 2005
Gary M Lindahl, Newcastle, WA (US);
Gary M Lindahl, Newcastle, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A steering system for a mobile platform is provided that reduces and/or eliminates backlash in the steering system. The steering system includes an input mechanism for receiving an input from an operator of the mobile platform to move the input mechanism into a first position or a second position. The input mechanism further includes an input arm. An idler is rotatably coupled to the input, and the idler is configured to engage the input arm in the second position. A pair of biasing members is coupled to the idler and the input arm to bias the input mechanism to a 'center' or 'neutral' position. The biasing members are operable to resist the movement of the input mechanism into the first or second positions. A steering mechanism coupled to the input mechanism monitors the position of the input mechanism and generates electrical signals to drive a motor that steers a wheel in accordance with the direction of movement of the input mechanism.