Richard A Sheppard

US Patent:

39701662, Jul 20, 1976

Filed:

Jan 23, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/543631

Inventors:

Richard H. Sheppard - Hanover PA

International Classification:

B62D 506

US Classification:

180163

Abstract:

A bracket is provided for mounting an integral power steering unit on the axle of a vehicle wherein the forces of reaction of the unit are accommodated. The bracket is provided with a base mounting plate having at least one locating pin cooperating with the pad on the axle for mounting of the spring. The pin has a locational interference fit with the apertures in both the plate and the pad. U-bolts clamp together the plate, the pad and the spring of the vehicle. Locking means is provided to positively resist pivoting of the mounting bracket about the pin under the powerful reaction forces of the power steering gear unit. Preferably, this locking means takes the form of four spaced set screws mounted on depending skirts at the front and rear of the mounting plate at the spring mounting pad. In an alternative embodiment, this locking means may take the form of one or more additional interference fitting pins extending through the bracket and the mounting pad. The additional pins are provided as may be necessary for the particular vehicle in accordance with the steering force requirements.

US Patent:

39541487, May 4, 1976

Filed:

Nov 1, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/520161

Inventors:

Richard H. Sheppard - Hanover PA

International Classification:

B62D 506

US Classification:

180152

Abstract:

A dual power steering system has a master and slave steering combination, valve means on the master unit, interconnecting linkage and each unit having a built-in mechanical advantage factor. The mechanical advantage of the master unit is made to be greater than the mechanical advantage of the slave unit to assure that the master always dominates the slave during operation to prevent feedback of power through the tie rod of the steering linkage and thereby prevent preemptive change in positioning of the valve means of the slave unit. This, in turn, eliminates chattering or fighting between the units that occurs especially in left-turn operation. In one embodiment, the mechanical advantage factor is defined by the angle of movement of the crank divided by the angle of movement of the steering arm (or wheel). The ratio of the master unit factor to that of the slave unit must be greater than one. The cranks on the steering units are preferably positioned beyond the position of maximum throw.

US Patent:

39424120, Mar 9, 1976

Filed:

Nov 1, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/520160

Inventors:

Richard H. Sheppard - Hanover PA

International Classification:

F15B 700

US Classification:

91411R

Abstract:

A fluid control system for master-slave power steering combinations includes master and slave steering units, a pump, a low pressure discharge line from the master unit, a low pressure transfer space in the slave unit and a low pressure return line to the pump. The transfer space receives heated, low pressure exhaust fluid through the discharge line from the exhaust chamber or space of the master unit. The fluid return line is connected to the transfer space of the slave unit to feed the intake side of the pump. Build-up of pressure in the slave unit is prevented. Secondly, the fluid circulated through the transfer space of the slave unit transfers heat generated in the pump and the master unit. The temperature gradient between the master and slave unit is thereby minimized to effect cooling or heating in the system, as needed. Further, build-up or accumulation of air bubbles in the slave unit is alleviated.

US Patent:

41483740, Apr 10, 1979

Filed:

Sep 14, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/833180

Inventors:

Richard H. Sheppard - Hanover PA

International Classification:

B62D 506

US Classification:

180163

Abstract:

Axle mounting of integral power steering is provided by a central adjustable locating pin that prevents lateral movement of the mounting base plate of the steering gear with respect to the axle. The locating pin includes an opening adjacent the slightly oversized hole in the vehicle axle with radially extensible ball bearings positioned in the opening. The bearings are spaced around the pin to provide engagement against the periphery of the wall of the hole. The pin is accurately positioned in the base plate of the mounting bracket by employing a tight fit in a reamed mounting aperture in the bracket. The locating pin includes a central bore having a cam screw including a frusto-conical section on the lower end to force the ball bearings outwardly against the wall of the hole in the axle. The opening for the bearings is filled with high viscosity grease to hold the ball bearings in position during mounting and for lubrication. A removable cap fits over the lower end of the pin to protect the ball bearings prior to mounting.

US Patent:

42730295, Jun 16, 1981

Filed:

May 8, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/037046

Inventors:

Richard H. Sheppard - Hanover PA

International Classification:

F15B 910

US Classification:

91422

Abstract:

An integral power steering gear includes a valve within the piston exhibiting improved responsiveness and overall operation. The piston incorporates a rack along the side in engagement with an output pinion. Dual washer springs are provided at the ends of the valve mounted in face-to-face, sliding contact. The spring rate that is thus doubled provides an improved response pattern for the power steering gear. The neutral flow of hydraulic fluid is reduced by narrowing the opening between the adjacent grooves in the valve and the piston. These features together give an improved performance envelope in both of the critical parameters; i. e. , steering wheel movement versus net output and steering wheel torque input versus net output. Essentially, the envelope is substantially closed with these improvements giving the desirable improved responsiveness and better feel to the steering. With the spring rate doubled, better mechanical action of the valve including centering of the valve is obtained even under heavy loading and deflection of the piston due to engagement between the rack and pinion.

US Patent:

40880630, May 9, 1978

Filed:

Oct 29, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/737008

Inventors:

Richard H. Sheppard - Hanover PA

International Classification:

F15B 910
F01B 900
F01B 3110

US Classification:

91378

Abstract:

An integral power steering gear with a valve in the piston is provided having a short piston and cylinder to conserve space and weight. The input shaft is mounted on a bearing carried by an inwardly projecting annular portion on the bearing cap. The projecting portion mates with a recess in the end of the piston when the piston is moved to the full extreme in that direction. The valve guide pin has been relocated at the input shaft end of the valve where maximum support of the valve is realized and improved reversibility of the valve under all conditions is gained. In the bearing cap, both a high pressure seal and a low pressure weather seal are provided. An insert ring between the two seals serves as backup to the high pressure seal. In an alternative embodiment, the insert ring may be tapered toward the inside of the gear to allow use of a thin wiper-type seal. Lubricating grooves in the piston adjacent the output rack provide fluidized bearings to counteract the force of the fluid bearing provided on the top of the piston at the pressurized input slot.