US4944356A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering system position detector
Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1988-12-28
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Granted: 1990-07-31
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Expires: 2008-12-28
Abstract
Abstract A system for continuously detecting the operational position of an automotive steering gear includes a first sensor element incorporated into a sliding member which is reciprocably mounted within the steering gear, with the sliding member being linked with the output members of the steering gear, and a second sensor element for detecting the position of the first sensor element and the sliding member as the steering gear is moved reciprocably, with the second sensor element incorporated into a bearing for supporting the sliding member.
Inventors
- 👤 Algis Oslapas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:12
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D5/00; B62D5/04; B62D5/0421; B62D5/0424; B62D15/00; B62D15/02; B62D15/021; B62D15/0225; B62D7/00; B62D7/06; B62D7/14; B62D7/15; B62D7/1581
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A system for continuously detecting the operational position of an automotive steering gear, comprising: a magnet attached to a rack member which is reciprocably mounted within said steering gear, with said rack being linked with the output members of said steering gear; and means for continuously detecting the position of said magnet as said steering gear is moved reciprocably, with said means comprising an inductive pickup coil which is incorporated into a bearing for slidably supporting said steering rack.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
A system for continuously detecting the operational position of an automotive steering gear, comprising: a magnet attached to a rack member which is reciprocably mounted within said steering gear, with said rack being linked with the output members of said steering gear; and means for continuously detecting the position of said magnet as said steering gear is moved reciprocably, with said means comprising an inductive pickup coil which is incorporated into a bearing for slidably supporting said steering rack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said inductive pickup coil encircles a portion of said steering rack. means for continuously detecting the position of said magnet as said steering gear is moved reciprocably, with said means comprising an inductive pickup coil which is incorporated into a bearing for slidably supporting said steering rack.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said coil is molded into said bearing.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for continuously detecting the operational position of an automotive steering gear, comprising: a first sensor element incorporated into a sliding member which is reciprocably mounted within said steering gear, with said sliding member being linked with the output members of said steering gear; and a second sensor element for continuously detecting the position of said first sensor element and said sliding member as said steering gear is moved reciprocably, with said second sensor element incorporated into a bearing for supporting said sliding member.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for continuously detecting the operational position of an automotive steering gear, comprising: a first sensor element incorporated into a sliding member which is reciprocably mounted within said steering gear, with said sliding member being linked with the output members of said steering gear; and a second sensor element for continuously detecting the position of said first sensor element and said sliding member as said steering gear is moved reciprocably, with said second sensor element incorporated into a bearing for supporting said sliding member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said first sensor element comprises a magnet which is integral with said sliding member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 5, wherein said magnet is attached to the piston rod of a hydraulically powered steering gear.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 5, wherein said magnet is recessed into the rack of a rack and pinion steering gear.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said second sensor element comprises an inductive pickupcoil which is integral with said bearing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said steering geer comprises a rack and pinion steering gear.
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) | 1993-07-30 | 1994-01-29 | 1994-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-07-30 | 1998-01-29 | 1998-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-07-30 | 2002-01-29 | 2002-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |