Appeal No. 96-3333
Application 08/295,194
BACKGROUND
The invention is directed to a method and apparatus of effecting brake steering of a
vehicle to complement the steering of the road wheels. The position of the vehicle is
sensed and compared to a designated position. The braking system of the vehicle is
actuated independently of actuation of the braking system by a driver to effectuate
changes in steering of the vehicle. The difference in braking forces applied to the road
wheels produces a yaw in the vehicle. The change in yaw of the vehicle is computed and
used in combination with cornering forces to control the differential braking forces applied
to effectuate the steering change. The braking system operates to perform limited
steering functions through intervention of the vehicle braking system which is imposed
automatically and independently of the operator.
2
Independent claim 7 is reproduced as follows:
7. A method for effecting brake steering of an automotive vehicle for road use and
having traction road wheels, driver-controlled dirigible road wheels, driver activated
road wheel brakes including driver-activated brake controls, means for controlling
said dirigible wheels to effect a desired steering angle that results in a lateral
position designated by the driver and means for detecting actual lateral position of
said vehicle relative to said road;
2We note 2 clear errors are present in the language of claim 7 which were presented at the original
presentation of the new claim in the amendment filed on August 14, 1995. We have included these
corrections to claim 7 as reproduced above. First, the phrase "designated by the driver" should be moved
to modify "results in a lateral position" which is designated by the driver. Second, the last line of the claim
should state "of said driver-controlled dirigible road wheels." These changes correspond to the changes
made to claim 6 and the disclosed invention.
2
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