Steering system
US6796856B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60F3/0007
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering system for amphibious vehicle includes a control connected to road steering means. Ram is conventionally used to assist road steering, but by disconnecting command valves, it becomes a hydraulic master cylinder, driving slave cylinder; and thus marine steering means. Valves and hydraulic reservoir enable the marine steering to be disconnected from road steering. The marine steering means may be center biased by springs. A sensor and control means may synchronize center positions of road and marine steering. The valve and port layout may also achieve this goal. Alternatively, power steering in road mode may be maintained by fitting a master cylinder in parallel or in series with steering means; and may have hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, electric, or magnetic assistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.