US4406232A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic guidance mechanism steering clutch
Assignee: FASSEMARK E
•
Filing: 1981-03-23
•
Granted: 1983-09-27
•
Expires: 2001-03-23
Abstract
Abstract A clutch mechanism for use in an automatic steering system is disclosed. The clutch mechanism allows an operator to manually override the automatic steering mechanism by use of the conventional steering gear. It also prevents damage to the automatic steering mechanism, which might be produced by large displacements in a steering gear feedback mechanism. Both angular and linear displacement dissipation devices are described.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark E. Fasse
- 👤 Herbert C. Glesmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:13
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01B; A01B69/00; A01B69/007; A01B69/008; B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/24; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/32; Y10T403/32254; Y10T403/32426; Y10T403/32442; Y10T403/32451; Y10T403/32459; Y10T403/60; Y10T403/602; Y10T403/604
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
In an automatic steering mechanism for a prime mover of a type having a mechanical linkage means connected between a conventional steering mechanism and an automatic steering unit said mechanical linkage means being for transmitting displacement feedback force from the conventional steering mechanism to the automatic steering unit, an oversteering displacement absorber including clutch means for selectively disengaging said mechanical linkage from said automatic steering unit, said clutch means including means for automatically disengaging said mechanical linkage means from said automatic steering unit at a preselected value of said feedback force and said clutch means further comprising: (a) a shaft; (b) clutch block means operably mounted on said shaft; (c) clutch plate means operably mounted on said shaft and selectively rotatable with respect to said clutch block; (d) engagement means for selectively engaging and disengaging said clutch block with said clutch plate; (e) first displacement transfer means operably connected to said clutch block means; (f) second displacement transfer means operably connected to said clutch plate means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
In an automatic steering mechanism for a prime mover of a type having a mechanical linkage means connected between a conventional steering mechanism and an automatic steering unit said mechanical linkage means being for transmitting displacement feedback force from the conventional steering mechanism to the automatic steering unit, an oversteering displacement absorber including clutch means for selectively disengaging said mechanical linkage from said automatic steering unit, said clutch means including means for automatically disengaging said mechanical linkage means from said automatic steering unit at a preselected value of said feedback force and said clutch means further comprising: (a) a shaft; (b) clutch block means operably mounted on said shaft; (c) clutch plate means operably mounted on said shaft and selectively rotatable with respect to said clutch block; (d) engagement means for selectively engaging and disengaging said clutch block with said clutch plate; (e) first displacement transfer means operably connected to said clutch block means; (f) second displacement transfer means operably connected to said clutch plate means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The oversteering displacement absorber of claim 1 wherein said engagement means comprises: (a) spring biasing means mounted within said clutch block; (b) detent balls operably positioned on said spring biasing means; and (c) detent grooves on said clutch plate adapted to accept said detent balls.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The oversteering displacement absorber of claim 2 wherein said first displacement transfer means is operably connected to said conventional steering mechanism and said second displacement transfer means is operably connected to said automatic steering unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The oversteering displacement absorber in claim 3 wherein said clutch block means is fixedly mounted on said shaft and werein said clutch plate means is journaled to said shaft proximate said clutch block.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The oversteering displacement absorber of claim 2 wherein said first displacement transfer means is operably connected to said automatic steering unit and said second displacement transfer means is operably connected to said conventional steering mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
The oversteering displacement absorber of claim 5 wherein said prime mover has a steering knuckle and wherein said first displacement transfer means comprises a clutch block arm fixedly mounted on said clutch block and pivotally attached to a feedback linkage arm, and wherein said second displacement transfer means comprises a locking tab fixedly mounted on said clutch plate and fixedly positioned on said steering knuckle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-09-26 | 1987-03-28 | 1987-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-26 | 1991-03-28 | 1991-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-26 | 1995-03-28 | 1995-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |