US5513490A — Highway truck with power steering system and a me…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 117 words

In an over the highway truck having a power steering system an improved hydraulic circuit for operation of the system comprising in combination: a) a heat conductive metal frame element; b) a power steering pump; c) conduits connecting an output of the pump to at least one steering assist actuator; d) a heat conductive, metal, hydraulic reservoir connected to the frame element in heat direct transfer relationship, the reservoir defining an internal power steering fluid chamber; and, e) supply and return conduits respectively connecting the chamber to the pump and said at least one actuator whereby to provide a combination wherein the frame element and reservoir together function as a heat sink to cool power steering fluid.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 117 words

In an over the highway truck having a power steering system an improved hydraulic circuit for operation of the system comprising in combination: a) a heat conductive metal frame element; b) a power steering pump; c) conduits connecting an output of the pump to at least one steering assist actuator; d) a heat conductive, metal, hydraulic reservoir connected to the frame element in heat direct transfer relationship, the reservoir defining an internal power steering fluid chamber; and, e) supply and return conduits respectively connecting the chamber to the pump and said at least one actuator whereby to provide a combination wherein the frame element and reservoir together function as a heat sink to cool power steering fluid.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 38 words

The combination of claim 1 wherein there is an hydraulic fluid filter in the chamber and the connection of the supply conduit is positioned to receive hydraulic fluid after it flowed from the return conduit through the filter.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 13 words

The combination of claim 1 wherein the reservoir includes external heat dissipation fins.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 13 words

The combination of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is formed of aluminum alloys.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 152 words

The power steering system of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is a combination filter housing and fluid structure comprising: a) a metal housing having a base portion and an internally connected, upstanding, circumferentially endless side portion; b) the base and side portions delineating the internal chamber; c) a cover removably connectable to the housing to complete the boundaries of the chamber; d) the structure including inlet portions connected to one of the conduits and defining an inlet passage communicating with the chamber and positioned to introduce steering fluid into an interior portion of a filter positioned in the chamber; e) the structure also including outlet portions connected to another of the conduits and defining an outlet communicating with and extending from the chamber; and, f) the structure including flow directing passages adjacent the base portion and communicating with the chamber for delineating fluid flow across the base portion in heat transferring relationship.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 5 wherein the cover includes a fill opening and a selectively removable closure.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 6 wherein the cover further includes a breather passage.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 5 wherein the side portion has an inner cylindrical surface and wherein the inlet passage is axially aligned with the surface.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 5 wherein a filter support disc is positioned in the chamber near the flow directing passages and the base.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 12 words

The system of claim 5 wherein the housing is an aluminum alloy.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 146 words

For use in a power steering system, a combination filter housing and fluid reservoir structure comprising: a) a metal housing having a base portion and an internally connected, upstanding, circumferentially endless side portion; b) the base and side portions delineating an internal filter receiving chamber; c) a cover removably connectable to the housing to complete the boundaries of the chamber; d) the structure including inlet portions defining an inlet passage communicating with the chamber and positioned to introduce steering fluid into an interior portion of a filter positioned in the chamber; e) the structure also including outlet portions including at least one rib part defining an outlet communicating with and extending from the chamber; and, f) the structure including flow portions delineating flow directing passages adjacent the base portion and communicating with the chamber for directing fluid flow across the base portion in heat transferring relationship.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 146 words

For use in a power steering system, a combination filter housing and fluid reservoir structure comprising: a) a metal housing having a base portion and an internally connected, upstanding, circumferentially endless side portion; b) the base and side portions delineating an internal filter receiving chamber; c) a cover removably connectable to the housing to complete the boundaries of the chamber; d) the structure including inlet portions defining an inlet passage communicating with the chamber and positioned to introduce steering fluid into an interior portion of a filter positioned in the chamber; e) the structure also including outlet portions including at least one rib part defining an outlet communicating with and extending from the chamber; and, f) the structure including flow portions delineating flow directing passages adjacent the base portion and communicating with the chamber for directing fluid flow across the base portion in heat transferring relationship.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 17 words

The structure of claim 11 wherein the cover includes a fill opening and a selectively removable closure.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 13 words

The structure of claim 12 wherein the cover further includes a breather passage.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 25 words

The structure of claim 11 wherein the side portion has an inner cylindrical surface and wherein the inlet passage is axially aligned with the surface.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 23 words

The structure of claim 11 wherein a filter support disc is positioned in the chamber near the flow directing passages and the base.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 12 words

The structure of claim 11 wherein the housing is an aluminum alloy.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 194 words

For use in a power steering system, a combination filter housing and fluid reservoir structure comprising: a) a metal housing having a base portion and an internally connected, upstanding, circumferentially endless side portion; b) the base and side portions delineating an internal filter receiving chamber; c) a cover removably connectable to the housing to complete the boundaries of the chamber; d) the structure including inlet portions defining an inlet passage communicating with the chamber and positioned to introduce steering fluid into an interior portion of a filter positioned in the chamber; e) the structure also including outlet portions defining an outlet communicating with and extending from the chamber; f) the structure including flow portions delineating flow directing passages adjacent the base portion and communicating with the chamber for directing fluid flow across the base portion in heat transferring relationship; and, g) the base portion including a heat transfer section for heat transfer engagement with a vehicle frame rail and a second section to one side of and spaced above the heat transfer section when the structure is in use, the flow portions being ribs projecting upwardly from the heat transfer portion into the chamber.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 194 words

For use in a power steering system, a combination filter housing and fluid reservoir structure comprising: a) a metal housing having a base portion and an internally connected, upstanding, circumferentially endless side portion; b) the base and side portions delineating an internal filter receiving chamber; c) a cover removably connectable to the housing to complete the boundaries of the chamber; d) the structure including inlet portions defining an inlet passage communicating with the chamber and positioned to introduce steering fluid into an interior portion of a filter positioned in the chamber; e) the structure also including outlet portions defining an outlet communicating with and extending from the chamber; f) the structure including flow portions delineating flow directing passages adjacent the base portion and communicating with the chamber for directing fluid flow across the base portion in heat transferring relationship; and, g) the base portion including a heat transfer section for heat transfer engagement with a vehicle frame rail and a second section to one side of and spaced above the heat transfer section when the structure is in use, the flow portions being ribs projecting upwardly from the heat transfer portion into the chamber.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 10 words

The structure of claim 17 wherein the ribs are arcuate.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 199 words

For use in a power steering system, a combination filter housing and fluid reservoir structure comprising: a) a metal body defining a base and an integral, cylindrically contoured side wall in upstanding relationship with the base; b) the base and side wall being imperforate and delineating a bottom and perimeter of an internal filter receiving chamber; c) the base including mounting portions delineating frame connections for fixing the body to a vehicle frame rail in heat transfer relationship; d) a cover removably connectable with the body to close the chamber; e) the base including an inlet portion delineating a fluid inlet passage in communication with and in axial alignment with the chamber for introducing fluid to be filtered into an interior space of a filter positioned in the chamber; f) the base also including an outlet portion defining an outlet passage; g) the base also including an upstanding set of flow directing arcuately contoured, ribs in radially spaced relationship and delineating flow control channels communicating with the chamber and with the outlet passage; and, h) a filter support positioned near the base and above the ribs for supporting a filter above said channels when the structure is in use.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 199 words

For use in a power steering system, a combination filter housing and fluid reservoir structure comprising: a) a metal body defining a base and an integral, cylindrically contoured side wall in upstanding relationship with the base; b) the base and side wall being imperforate and delineating a bottom and perimeter of an internal filter receiving chamber; c) the base including mounting portions delineating frame connections for fixing the body to a vehicle frame rail in heat transfer relationship; d) a cover removably connectable with the body to close the chamber; e) the base including an inlet portion delineating a fluid inlet passage in communication with and in axial alignment with the chamber for introducing fluid to be filtered into an interior space of a filter positioned in the chamber; f) the base also including an outlet portion defining an outlet passage; g) the base also including an upstanding set of flow directing arcuately contoured, ribs in radially spaced relationship and delineating flow control channels communicating with the chamber and with the outlet passage; and, h) a filter support positioned near the base and above the ribs for supporting a filter above said channels when the structure is in use.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 15 words

The structure of claim 19 wherein the ribs are integrally formed parts of the body.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 12 words

The structure of claim 19 wherein the filter support is a disc.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 10 words

The structure of claim 21 wherein the disc is imperforate.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 17 words

The structure of claim 19 wherein the cover includes a fill opening and a selectively removable closure.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 13 words

The structure of claim 23 wherein the cover further includes a breather passage.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 13 words

The structure of claim 19 wherein the body metal is an aluminum alloy.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 13 words

The structure of claim 24 wherein the body includes external heat dissipating fins.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 179 words

In an over the highway truck an improved power steering system comprising: a) a vehicle frame including at least one longitudinally extending rail composed of a high conductive metal; b) a steering actuator operatively coupled to a steerable vehicle wheel for providing a vehicle steering force in response to operator caused signals; c) a power steering pump; d) a reservoir; e) conduits interconnecting the actuator, the pump and the reservoir to complete the system; and, f) said reservoir including: i) a body composed of heat transfer metal, the body including a base secured to said at least one rail in direct heat transfer relationship, such that said at least one frame rail functions as a heat sink, the body also including an upstanding, circumferentially endless side wall; ii) a cover secured to the body to complete the reservoir, the cover and body together defining an internal fluid chamber adapted to house a fluid filter when the system is in use; and, iii) portions defining inlet and outlet passages providing fluid communication between the chamber and certain of the conduits.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 179 words

In an over the highway truck an improved power steering system comprising: a) a vehicle frame including at least one longitudinally extending rail composed of a high conductive metal; b) a steering actuator operatively coupled to a steerable vehicle wheel for providing a vehicle steering force in response to operator caused signals; c) a power steering pump; d) a reservoir; e) conduits interconnecting the actuator, the pump and the reservoir to complete the system; and, f) said reservoir including: i) a body composed of heat transfer metal, the body including a base secured to said at least one rail in direct heat transfer relationship, such that said at least one frame rail functions as a heat sink, the body also including an upstanding, circumferentially endless side wall; ii) a cover secured to the body to complete the reservoir, the cover and body together defining an internal fluid chamber adapted to house a fluid filter when the system is in use; and, iii) portions defining inlet and outlet passages providing fluid communication between the chamber and certain of the conduits.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 27 wherein the portions defining the passages are in the base.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 27 wherein the body is composed of an aluminum alloy.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 195 words

A combination reservoir and filter housing for use in a power steering system comprising: a) a unitary, high heat transfer, metal body including a base and an imperforate side wall; b) the side wall having an internal, generally cylindrical surface delineating the perimeter of a filter receiving fluid chamber; c) the base including portions delineating inlet and outlet passages, the inlet passage being axially aligned with the cylindrical surface whereby to input fluid into a central opening of a tubular filter when such a filter is positioned in the chamber; d) the base having a heat transfer section for heat transfer engagement with a vehicle frame rail, the base including an adjoining section adjacent to the heat transfer section; e) the adjoining section being above the heat transfer section when the side wall is upstanding, the sections having an inner surface delineating the base of the chamber; f) the inner surface being of stepped configuration in at least one plane of cross-section; and, g) the base section including upstanding ribs projecting into the chamber from adjacent parts of the inner surface to delineate heat transfer fluid flow passages each between an adjacent pair of ribs.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 195 words

A combination reservoir and filter housing for use in a power steering system comprising: a) a unitary, high heat transfer, metal body including a base and an imperforate side wall; b) the side wall having an internal, generally cylindrical surface delineating the perimeter of a filter receiving fluid chamber; c) the base including portions delineating inlet and outlet passages, the inlet passage being axially aligned with the cylindrical surface whereby to input fluid into a central opening of a tubular filter when such a filter is positioned in the chamber; d) the base having a heat transfer section for heat transfer engagement with a vehicle frame rail, the base including an adjoining section adjacent to the heat transfer section; e) the adjoining section being above the heat transfer section when the side wall is upstanding, the sections having an inner surface delineating the base of the chamber; f) the inner surface being of stepped configuration in at least one plane of cross-section; and, g) the base section including upstanding ribs projecting into the chamber from adjacent parts of the inner surface to delineate heat transfer fluid flow passages each between an adjacent pair of ribs.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 22 words

The housing of claim 30 further including a cover having level inspection means for determining the level of fluid in the chamber.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 12 words

The housing of claim 31 wherein the inspection means comprises a window.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The housing of claim 31 wherein the inspection means comprises a fill opening with a selectively openable cap.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 13 words

The housing of claim 30 wherein the body metal is an aluminum alloy.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 116 words

A process of maintaining power steering fluid of an over the highway truck power steering system at desired temperatures without over heating the fluid, the process comprising: a) securing a base of a high heat conductivity fluid reservoir in thermal transfer relationship to a metal frame rail; b) circulating fluid through the system and as it is circulating filtering the fluid by passing it through a filter in the reservoir; and, c) cooling the fluid by causing the fluid to flow across the base prior to being withdrawn from the reservoir thereby causing heat energy to be directly transferred from the fluid to the frame rail and the frame rail to function as a heat sink.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 116 words

A process of maintaining power steering fluid of an over the highway truck power steering system at desired temperatures without over heating the fluid, the process comprising: a) securing a base of a high heat conductivity fluid reservoir in thermal transfer relationship to a metal frame rail; b) circulating fluid through the system and as it is circulating filtering the fluid by passing it through a filter in the reservoir; and, c) cooling the fluid by causing the fluid to flow across the base prior to being withdrawn from the reservoir thereby causing heat energy to be directly transferred from the fluid to the frame rail and the frame rail to function as a heat sink.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 33 words

The process of claim 35 wherein the step of causing the fluid to flow across the base includes causing the fluid to flow through fluid passages terminating near an outlet from the reservoir.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1999-05-07	1999-11-06	2000-05-07	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2003-05-07	2003-11-06	2004-05-07	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2007-05-07	2007-11-06	2008-05-07	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Highway truck with power steering system and a method of operation

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