Automatic steering assembly for towed vehicle
US5364116A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D13/025
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic, hydraulically-operated steering assembly for a towed vehicle is disclosed. Each set of steerable ground-engaging wheels of this towed vehicle is steered by a double action piston fed by a pair of hydraulic hoses connected to a control valve actuated by a pivotal device and a control rod. A bypass is provided between the two hydraulic hoses to allow the hydraulic pressure to slowly equilibrate in the two hoses and thus allow the wheels to return in their straight line position when the source of pressurized fluid is normally disengaged or in the case of a failure of the hydraulic system. Advantageously, the valve is controlled by a push-pull cable having one end attached to one wheel and another end to the valve. The towed vehicle may comprise one or more sets of steerable wheels. In the latter case, the front and rear sets of wheels are adapted to pivot in either direction, the middle set being non-pivotal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.