Apparatus for automatically centering a steerable wheel

Abstract

An apparatus for centering a steerable wheel or wheels of a ground-travelling machine. The centering apparatus includes an electrically controlled hydraulic steering system for steering of a wheel or wheels which is operable in either a manual or automatic mode. A cam is mounted for pivotal movement in response to the steering direction of the wheel or wheels. A pair of switches are mounted adjacent the cam and are alternately actuated by the cam in response to pivotal movement of the wheel or wheels. When the automatic mode is selected, the corresponding one of the switches will act to control the hydraulic system so as to pivot the wheel or wheels to the centered position. Upon reaching the centered position, the cam will release the actuated switch thereby ceasing steering movement of the wheel or wheels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.