US3672460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control means for power steering servo
Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
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Filing: 1971-02-16
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Granted: 1972-06-27
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Expires: 1991-02-16
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle having a pair of units relatively swingable by a steering servo features a differential device comprising a housing that confines two bevel gears to coaxial rotation independently of it and one another and confines a bevel pinion meshing with them to rotation on an axis transverse to theirs. The servo energization control is mounted on one unit, the other unit is connected on its swinging axis with one bevel gear. The other bevel gear is connected with the movable member of the energization control. The housing is connected with a steering wheel to rotate with its turning.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry H Takata
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:46
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D53/00; B62D53/02; B62D12/00; E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/04; E02F3/76; E02F3/7636
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
397 words
In a vehicle having a chassis which comprises a pair of units articulatedly connected to swing for steering about a substantially upright axis through substantially large angles relative to one another, and which vehicle has servo means connected between the units for so swinging them, control means by which energization of the servo means is controlled and which comprises a relatively stationary element mounted on one of the units and a cooperating movable element displaceable in opposite directions from a neutral position at which no energization is applied to the power means, the direction and amount of displacement of the movable element from its neutral position determining the direction and rate of relative swinging motion imparted to the units, means providing a connection between the control means and a manually actuatable member that is movable in opposite directions, by which connection the rate of swinging of the units is caused to correspond closely to the rate of displacement of the manually movable member and the angle between the units is caused to correspond accurately to the position of the manually actuatable member, said connection means comprising: A. a differential device comprising 1. a pair of gears, 2. a pinion, and 3. cage means journalling the gears for rotation on a common axis, relative to one another and the cage means and with the gears in axially spaced relation, and so connected with the pinion as to constrain it to rotate on an axis transverse to that of the gears and in mesh with both of them; B. means providing a connection between one of said gears and the other unit, which connection is substantially on the first mentioned axis and constrains said one gear to rotate in unison with swinging movement of said other unit relative to said one unit; C. means providing a connection between the manually actuatable member and the cage means whereby the cage means is constrained to rotate relative to said one unit in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the direction and extent of movement of the manually actuatable member; and D. means providing a motion transmitting connection between the other gear and the movable element of the control means whereby the direction and magnitude of displacement of said movable element are respectively dependent upon the direction and magnitude of rotation of said other gear relative to said one unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
397 words
In a vehicle having a chassis which comprises a pair of units articulatedly connected to swing for steering about a substantially upright axis through substantially large angles relative to one another, and which vehicle has servo means connected between the units for so swinging them, control means by which energization of the servo means is controlled and which comprises a relatively stationary element mounted on one of the units and a cooperating movable element displaceable in opposite directions from a neutral position at which no energization is applied to the power means, the direction and amount of displacement of the movable element from its neutral position determining the direction and rate of relative swinging motion imparted to the units, means providing a connection between the control means and a manually actuatable member that is movable in opposite directions, by which connection the rate of swinging of the units is caused to correspond closely to the rate of displacement of the manually movable member and the angle between the units is caused to correspond accurately to the position of the manually actuatable member, said connection means comprising: A. a differential device comprising 1. a pair of gears, 2. a pinion, and 3. cage means journalling the gears for rotation on a common axis, relative to one another and the cage means and with the gears in axially spaced relation, and so connected with the pinion as to constrain it to rotate on an axis transverse to that of the gears and in mesh with both of them; B. means providing a connection between one of said gears and the other unit, which connection is substantially on the first mentioned axis and constrains said one gear to rotate in unison with swinging movement of said other unit relative to said one unit; C. means providing a connection between the manually actuatable member and the cage means whereby the cage means is constrained to rotate relative to said one unit in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the direction and extent of movement of the manually actuatable member; and D. means providing a motion transmitting connection between the other gear and the movable element of the control means whereby the direction and magnitude of displacement of said movable element are respectively dependent upon the direction and magnitude of rotation of said other gear relative to said one unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
3 words
a pinion, and
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
3 words
a pinion, and
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
a pair of bevel gears confined by the cage means to coaxial, axially spaced apart relationship and rotatable relative to one another and the cage means, and
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
a pair of bevel gears confined by the cage means to coaxial, axially spaced apart relationship and rotatable relative to one another and the cage means, and
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a vehicle comprising a pair of units that are articulatedly connected with one another for relative swinging movement about an upright axis, and wherein steering is effected by servo means connected between the units to produce such swinging of them in response to movements of a manually actuatable member, means providing a control and feedback connection between the manually actuatable member and the servo means, said control and feedback connection means comprising: A. a servo energization control device comprising
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a vehicle comprising a pair of units that are articulatedly connected with one another for relative swinging movement about an upright axis, and wherein steering is effected by servo means connected between the units to produce such swinging of them in response to movements of a manually actuatable member, means providing a control and feedback connection between the manually actuatable member and the servo means, said control and feedback connection means comprising: A. a servo energization control device comprising
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
66 words
a cooperating movable element displaceable relative to the fixed element in opposite directions from a neutral position, said control device being connectable between the servo means and an energizing source therefor and being so arranged that the direction and amount of displacement of the movable element from its neutral position determines the direction and rate of relative swinging of the units; B. a differential device comprising
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
a cooperating movable element displaceable relative to the fixed element in opposite directions from a neutral position, said control device being connectable between the servo means and an energizing source therefor and being so arranged that the direction and amount of displacement of the movable element from its neutral position determines the direction and rate of relative swinging of the units; B. a differential device comprising
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
a pair of bevel gears journalled in the cage means for coaxial, axially spaced apart rotation relative to one another and the cage means; and
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
a pair of bevel gears journalled in the cage means for coaxial, axially spaced apart rotation relative to one another and the cage means; and
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
10 words
a link connected between said arm and said movable element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
10 words
a link connected between said arm and said movable element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
194 words
a bevel pinion journalled on the cage means and confined thereby to rotation on an axis transverse to that of the bevel gears and to meshing engagement with both of them, so that rotation of either of the bevel gears relative to the other causes the cage means to rotate relative to both of them; C. means providing a connection between one of said bevel gears and the other of said units, said connection being substantially on the first mentioned axis and constraining said one bevel gear to rotate in unison with swinging of said other unit relative to the first designated unit; D. means providing a connection between the cage means and the manually actuatable member, for producing rotation of the cage means relative to the first mentioned unit in correspondence with the direction and amount of motion imparted to the manually actuatable member; and E. means providing a connection between the other one of the bevel gears and the movable element of the energization control device, whereby rotation of said other bevel gear relative to the first mentioned unit effects a corresponding displacement of the movable element of the energization control device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
194 words
a bevel pinion journalled on the cage means and confined thereby to rotation on an axis transverse to that of the bevel gears and to meshing engagement with both of them, so that rotation of either of the bevel gears relative to the other causes the cage means to rotate relative to both of them; C. means providing a connection between one of said bevel gears and the other of said units, said connection being substantially on the first mentioned axis and constraining said one bevel gear to rotate in unison with swinging of said other unit relative to the first designated unit; D. means providing a connection between the cage means and the manually actuatable member, for producing rotation of the cage means relative to the first mentioned unit in correspondence with the direction and amount of motion imparted to the manually actuatable member; and E. means providing a connection between the other one of the bevel gears and the movable element of the energization control device, whereby rotation of said other bevel gear relative to the first mentioned unit effects a corresponding displacement of the movable element of the energization control device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a vehicle comprising a pair of units which are articulatedly connected for relative swinging motion through large angles in both directions about a substantially upright axis to provide for steering of the vehicle, and having servo means connected between the units for producing such relative swinging motion, means for controlling energization of the servo means comprising an element fixed to one of the units and an element movable linearly relative to said fixed element and cooperating with the fixed element to cause the servo means to produce swinging motion in a direction and at a rate corresponding to the direction and amount of displacement of the movable element from a defined neutral position, and a manually actuatable member, means providing an input and feedback connection between the manually actuatable member, the movable element and the other of said units, which connection is such that the direction and rate of swinging motion are always in a substantially constant relationship to the direction and rate of displacement of the manually actuatable member and the angular relationship of the units is always in substantial correspondence with the position of the manually actuatable member, the last mentioned means comprising: A. a differential device comprising
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a vehicle comprising a pair of units which are articulatedly connected for relative swinging motion through large angles in both directions about a substantially upright axis to provide for steering of the vehicle, and having servo means connected between the units for producing such relative swinging motion, means for controlling energization of the servo means comprising an element fixed to one of the units and an element movable linearly relative to said fixed element and cooperating with the fixed element to cause the servo means to produce swinging motion in a direction and at a rate corresponding to the direction and amount of displacement of the movable element from a defined neutral position, and a manually actuatable member, means providing an input and feedback connection between the manually actuatable member, the movable element and the other of said units, which connection is such that the direction and rate of swinging motion are always in a substantially constant relationship to the direction and rate of displacement of the manually actuatable member and the angular relationship of the units is always in substantial correspondence with the position of the manually actuatable member, the last mentioned means comprising: A. a differential device comprising
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
210 words
a bevel pinion journalled on the cage means and confined thereby to rotation on an axis transverse to that of the bevel gears and to meshing engagement with both of them, so that rotation of either of said bevel gears relative to the other causes the cage means to rotate relative to both of them; B. means providing a connection between one of said bevel gears and said other unit by which said one bevel gear is constrained to rotate in unison with swinging of said other unit relative to the first designated unit; C. means providing a connection between the cage means and the manually actuatable member, for producing rotation of the cage means relative to the first mentioned unit in correspondence with the direction and amount of motion imparted to the manuAlly actuatable member; D. an arm having a coaxial connection with the other of said bevel gears whereby said arm is constrained to swing in unison with rotation of said other bevel gear; and E. a link connecting said arm with said movable element to effect displacement of said movable element in a direction and at a rate corresponding to the direction and rate of rotation of said other bevel gear relative to the first designated unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
210 words
a bevel pinion journalled on the cage means and confined thereby to rotation on an axis transverse to that of the bevel gears and to meshing engagement with both of them, so that rotation of either of said bevel gears relative to the other causes the cage means to rotate relative to both of them; B. means providing a connection between one of said bevel gears and said other unit by which said one bevel gear is constrained to rotate in unison with swinging of said other unit relative to the first designated unit; C. means providing a connection between the cage means and the manually actuatable member, for producing rotation of the cage means relative to the first mentioned unit in correspondence with the direction and amount of motion imparted to the manuAlly actuatable member; D. an arm having a coaxial connection with the other of said bevel gears whereby said arm is constrained to swing in unison with rotation of said other bevel gear; and E. a link connecting said arm with said movable element to effect displacement of said movable element in a direction and at a rate corresponding to the direction and rate of rotation of said other bevel gear relative to the first designated unit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
196 words
cage means journalling the gears for rotation on a common axis, relative to one another and the cage means and with the gears in axially spaced relation, and so connected with the pinion as to constrain it to rotate on an axis transverse to that of the gears and in mesh with both of them; B. means providing a connection between one of said gears and the other unit, which connection is substantially on the first mentioned axis and constrains said one gear to rotate in unison with swinging movement of said other unit relative to said one unit; C. means providing a connection between the manually actuatable member and the cage means whereby the cage means is constrained to rotate relative to said one unit in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the direction and extent of movement of the manually actuatable member; and D. means providing a motion transmitting connection between the other gear and the movable element of the control means whereby the direction and magnitude of displacement of said movable element are respectively dependent upon the direction and magnitude of rotation of said other gear relative to said one unit.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
196 words
cage means journalling the gears for rotation on a common axis, relative to one another and the cage means and with the gears in axially spaced relation, and so connected with the pinion as to constrain it to rotate on an axis transverse to that of the gears and in mesh with both of them; B. means providing a connection between one of said gears and the other unit, which connection is substantially on the first mentioned axis and constrains said one gear to rotate in unison with swinging movement of said other unit relative to said one unit; C. means providing a connection between the manually actuatable member and the cage means whereby the cage means is constrained to rotate relative to said one unit in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the direction and extent of movement of the manually actuatable member; and D. means providing a motion transmitting connection between the other gear and the movable element of the control means whereby the direction and magnitude of displacement of said movable element are respectively dependent upon the direction and magnitude of rotation of said other gear relative to said one unit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
311 words
A servo control system having a differential device that provides a control and feedback connection between a manually actuatable control member, a servo connected between a pair of relatively swingable units to actuate them in swinging motion, and energization control means for the servo comprising an element movable in opposite directions from a neutral position relative to a cooperating stationary element fixed to one of said units and which movable element determines the direction and rate of relative swinging of the units by the direction and amount of its displacement from its neutral position, said differential device being of the type comprising a pair of bevel gears confined by cage means to coaxial, axially spaced apart rotation relative to one another and the cage means, and a bevel pinion meshing with the bevel gears and journalled on the cage means for rotation on an axis transverse to theirs, said servo control system being characterized by: A. means fixed to said one unit confining the cage means to rotation relative to that unit about an axis which coincides with the axis of the bevel gears; B. means providing a connection between one of the bevel gears and the other unit whereby said one bevel gear is constrained to rotate relative to the first mentioned unit in unison with relative swinging motion of said other unit; C. means providing a connection between the cage means and the manually actuatable control member whereby the cage means is constrained to rotate relative to the first mentioned unit in a direction and through an angle that corresponds to the direction and magnitude of displacement of the manually actuatable control member; and D. means providing a connection between the other bevel gear and said movable element whereby rotation of said other bevel gear relative to the first mentioned unit imparts a corresponding displacement to said movable element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
311 words
A servo control system having a differential device that provides a control and feedback connection between a manually actuatable control member, a servo connected between a pair of relatively swingable units to actuate them in swinging motion, and energization control means for the servo comprising an element movable in opposite directions from a neutral position relative to a cooperating stationary element fixed to one of said units and which movable element determines the direction and rate of relative swinging of the units by the direction and amount of its displacement from its neutral position, said differential device being of the type comprising a pair of bevel gears confined by cage means to coaxial, axially spaced apart rotation relative to one another and the cage means, and a bevel pinion meshing with the bevel gears and journalled on the cage means for rotation on an axis transverse to theirs, said servo control system being characterized by: A. means fixed to said one unit confining the cage means to rotation relative to that unit about an axis which coincides with the axis of the bevel gears; B. means providing a connection between one of the bevel gears and the other unit whereby said one bevel gear is constrained to rotate relative to the first mentioned unit in unison with relative swinging motion of said other unit; C. means providing a connection between the cage means and the manually actuatable control member whereby the cage means is constrained to rotate relative to the first mentioned unit in a direction and through an angle that corresponds to the direction and magnitude of displacement of the manually actuatable control member; and D. means providing a connection between the other bevel gear and said movable element whereby rotation of said other bevel gear relative to the first mentioned unit imparts a corresponding displacement to said movable element.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The servo system of claim 4, wherein said movable element is confined to linear motion relative to said stationary element, further characterized by the last mentioned connection means comprising:
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |