Patent ID: 7798279

Claim:
A steering apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel, the apparatus comprising: a first assembly operatively coupled to the steering wheel, the first assembly including components for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel and for transmitting a first signal indicative of the applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel; a second assembly including a steering gear for, when actuated, turning the steerable wheels of the vehicle and components for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear in response to the first signal; and a mechanism having first and second modes of operation, the mechanism, when in the first mode of operation, providing a first mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear for enabling manual actuation of the steering gear, the mechanism when in the second mode of operation, providing a second mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear sufficient to enable a manual actuation of the steering gear and permit actuation of the steering gear in response to the first signal which overcomes the second mechanical connection.