Abstract: A bevel gear differential, also referred to as an "open" differential, is modified by asymmetrically distributing bevel pinions around a central axis of a pair of side bevel gears. The asymmetrically distributed pinions generate imbalanced radial forces acting on the side gears, which are converted into increased frictional resistance to differentiation. The force imbalance is managed at frictional interfaces to support a wider range of performance options.

Abstract: Frictional resistance, resulting from end thrust developed by planetary gearing, is appreciably increased to improve control over torque bias characteristics in parallel-axis/torque-proportioning automotive differentials using an unusual planetary combination gear having a first toothed portion which meshes with one of the differential's sun/side gears and a second toothed portion which meshes with a paired combination gear, these first and second toothed portions being separated by a non-meshing portion that "straddles" (i.e., that provides clearance for avoiding contact with) the sun gear that is in mesh with its paired combination gear. In the most preferred embodiments, the second toothed portion of each combination gear is divided into two separate and distinct meshing areas located, respectively, at the gear's outer axial ends.

Abstract: Frictional resistance, resulting from end thrust developed by planetary gearing, is appreciably increased in parallel-axis/torque-proportioning types of automotive differentials to improve torque bias characteristics. A pair of sun gears receive, respectively, the ends of coaxial drive axles, and the sun gears are interconnected by at least one planetary pair of combination gears positioned in the housing circumferentially around the sun gears. Each combination gear of the pair has a first engagement portion that is in mesh with a respective one of the sun gears, and each also has a second engagement portion that is in mesh with its paired combination gear.

Abstract: Frictional resistance is appreciably increased in parallel-axis/torque-proportioning types of automotive differentials to improve torque bias characteristics. A pair of sun gears receive, respectively, the ends of coaxial drive axles, and the sun gears are interconnected by at least one planetary pair of combination gears positioned in the housing circumferentially around the sun gears. Each combination gear of the pair has a first engagement portion that is in mesh with a respective one of the sun gears, and each also has a second engagement portion that is in mesh with its paired combination gear.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an improvement for an automotive differential having helical-worm side gears operatively connected through one or more pairs of combination gears, each combination gear having a worm-wheel portion which meshes with one or the other of the side gears and a spur-gear portion which meshes with its paired combination gear. The improvement is a cylindrical mounting arrangement for one or more of the combination gears. Preferably, a cylindrical surface on a mounting washer mates with a cooperating cylindrical surface formed in the differential housing to permit slight positional-adjustment movements of the combination gear, such adjustment movements being limited to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the side gear with which the combination gear is associated.

Abstract: A gear differential includes planetary gear sets made up of two side gears (26, 28) mounted for rotation about a common axis (24) and pairs of element gears (36, 38) mounted for rotation about respective parallel axes (48, 50) that are both offset and inclined through acute shaft angles (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) with respect to the common side gear axis (24). The two element gears (36, 38) have first gear portions (52, 54) that mesh with respective side gears (26, 28) and second gear portions (56, 58) that mesh with each other. The side gears (26, 28) have respective helix angles (A.sub.1, A.sub.2) that are substantially equal in absolute magnitude but opposite in hand. However, lead angles of the side gears (26, 28), as the complements of their respective helix angles (A.sub.1, A.sub.2), are larger than the shaft angles to provide opposite directions of relative rotation between the side gears.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly of the type used in automotive and truck axles having multiple gear trains for interconnecting axle ends is provided with gearing components having a particular relationship between tooth numbers for simplifying assembly requirements of the differential. For example, each gear train includes a pair of combination gears (40, 50) formed with center worm wheel portions (42, 52) and first (44, 54) and second (46, 56) spur portions at either end. The tooth numbers n.sub.s of the spur portions (44, 54 and 46, 56) are made an integer multiple k of the tooth numbers n of the worm wheel portions (42, 52) of each combination gear (40, 50). The relationship can be expressed as follow:n.sub.s =k-n; k>1 andan integer=2(N.k)/w andN=no. of side gear teethW=no. of gear trainsThis enables the respective gear trains w to be assembled in a properly timed relationship at an expanded number of easily recognizable rotational positions.