Abstract: A system for lubricating a differential mechanism includes a housing containing a ring gear, a pinion meshing with the ring gear, a sump containing fluid, and a reservoir that receives fluid flung from the ring gear as the ring gear rotates through the sump fluid, and an orifice restricting the flow rate of fluid from the reservoir.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing assembly and a differential that is mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The axle housing assembly defines an interior cavity with a sump having a static liquid lubricant level. The axle housing assembly includes a housing structure and a cover that is coupled to the housing structure. First and second sets of ribs are coupled to the cover and extend into the interior cavity. The first and second sets of ribs are disposed on opposite sides of a ring gear associated with the differential and include a plurality of ribs. A first portion of at least one of the ribs extends below the static liquid lubricant level to thereby be immersed when a liquid lubricant fills the sump to a level that coincides with the static liquid lubricant level.

Abstract: A method of forming a Salisbury axle that includes: forming an assembly having a housing that is made of nodular iron, the housing having an opening and a pair of apertures; removing a pair of caps from the housing to expose a pair of journals; installing a differential through the opening to the journals; replacing the caps to the journals; forming a pair of axle tubes from a high strength steel, each of the axle tubes having a circular proximal end, a circular distal end and a mount portion between the proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends of the axle tubes being larger in diameter than the apertures, the mount portion having a top wall and a pair of opposite side walls that are oriented generally perpendicular to the top wall; and inserting the proximal ends of the axle tubes into the apertures. A Salisbury axle is also provided.

Abstract: A device for use with a vehicle transmission system includes a housing having a clutch provided therein and a first member extending from the housing and configured for coupling to a vehicle differential. The first member includes a generally hollow tube configured to carry a rotatable shaft therein. The device does not include a second member for directly coupling the device to a transmission housing or to the differential.

Abstract: A differential case assembly includes a differential case and a pinless gear assembly. The differential case has an open end and a side wall with an interior surface. The pinless gear assembly includes a retainer insert and a side gear with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The retainer insert is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the side wall, The retainer insert defines at least a portion of an aperture that receives an end of the shaft to align the gear assembly within the differential case.

Abstract: A differential for a model car includes a housing having a chamber, four notches recessed in a periphery of the chamber and each having a trapezoid section, four blocks received in the notches respectively, a spider having four ends connected with the blocks respectively, four first bevel gears respectively sleeved on the ends of the spider, two second bevel gears received in the chamber and engaged with the first bevel gears respectively, a main gear sleeved on the housing, and two output shafts respectively passing through the main gear and the housing to be connected with the second bevel gears. Thus, the first bevel gears and the second bevel gears can be tightly engaged with each other by means of the arrangement of the spider and the blocks to eliminate the power loss of the model car.

Abstract: A method of forming a gearbox includes the use of hollow structural steel.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing assembly including a housing structure having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump having a liquid lubricant level, and a differential mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The differential includes a ring gear generating an annular stream of lubricant adjoining the ring gear above the liquid lubricant level during operation of the differential at a rotational speed greater than a predetermined rotational speed. The housing structure includes an interior surface on which a deflector is coupled. The deflector extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream into the cavity.

Abstract: A method of forming a joint includes providing a first member made of cast iron having an exterior surface and a first end. A pocket is formed in the exterior surface of the first end. An insert made of steel is connected to the pocket. A second member made of cast iron is provided with an aperture. The method includes positioning the first end of the first member within the aperture and positioning a plug made of steel in the second member proximate the aperture. The plug is fixedly connected to the insert.

Abstract: An axle beam includes a hollow beam body with at least first and second apertures formed in opposing wall portions of the hollow beam body. A stiffener is received within the first and second apertures and is fixed to the hollow beam body at an attachment interface.

Abstract: A device for use with a vehicle transmission system includes a housing having a clutch provided therein and a first member extending from the housing and configured for coupling to a vehicle differential. The first member includes a generally hollow tube configured to carry a rotatable shaft therein. The device does not include a second member for directly coupling the device to a transmission housing or to the differential.

Abstract: A cover plate for a drive assembly that includes a bearing housing having a bearing cavity, a thrust bearing axially disposed within the bearing cavity that includes a cup, cone and plurality of rollers disposed between cup and cone raceways, a thrust plate with an axle engaging surface disposed perpendicular to a central axis and coupled for rotation to the cone. The cover plate may be connected to a final drive housing of a final drive that includes a plurality of gears operatively connected to an axle shaft, the end of the axle shaft positioned to rotationally engage the thrust plate and cone.

Abstract: The other end of a hub portion is located farther from an attachment portion at a lateral portion, which is located in a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle, than at a vertical portion, which is located in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle. The vertical portion of the hub portion has a concave end face on the side of the other end of the hub portion, which is formed to get closer to the attachment portion as the concave end face approaches a portion closest to the attachment portion substantially at the center of the hub portion in the lateral direction.

Abstract: An axle housing (110) for clamping with a clamp assembly (118, 218) to a spring (16, 216) of a suspension system (14) of a vehicle, the clamp assembly having at least two U-bolts (120, 220) each having a curved portion (136, 236) and two generally linear legs (128, 228) extending therefrom, and a clamping plate (122, 222) for receiving and attaching the legs of the U-bolts to form an enclosure that clamps the axle housing (110) to the spring (16, 216), the housing having a generally oval shape in cross section. The axle housing (110) has a generally planar fore side (132), a generally planar aft side (134), a generally rounded top surface (144) and a generally rounded bottom surface (146), wherein at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface are sized and arranged to mate flushly with the curved portion (136) of the U-bolts (120).

Abstract: An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.

Abstract: A transmission system includes a housing having a sump, the housing containing a crown wheel and a pinion. The transmission system further includes an oil reservoir and a pump selectively operable to pump fluid from the oil reservoir to the sump for lubricating the crown wheel. The pump is selectively operable to pump fluid from the sump to the reservoir.

Abstract: Automotive housings are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.

Abstract: A differential carrier with an axis of rotation A around which the differential carrier can be rotatably supported in a differential housing is disclosed. The differential carrier comprises a first half-shell and a second half-shell. Each half-shell comprises a central carrier portion and two outer bearing portions. The two half-shells are connected to one another in the region of their bearing portions. A differential assembly which comprises such a differential carrier is also disclosed.

Abstract: A differential gear unit divides an input driving force into first and second outputs, and permits a difference between the first and second outputs. The differential gear unit includes a differential case serving as a casing that defines an internal space and an opening communicated with the internal space and that is rotatable in a given direction and an opposite direction. The differential case includes a flange portion as an input portion to which the driving force is input. The differential case is configured such that the fatigue life of the differential case when the driving force is repeatedly input in the flange portion in the direction R1 is longer than the fatigue life of the differential case when the driving force is repeatedly input in the flange portion in the opposite direction; R1 is the rotational direction in which the vehicle runs forward.

Abstract: A method for making a differential gear casing (22) flow forms a first casing half (30) and forms a second casing half (32), both with hemispherical portions (34 and 52) and with radial flanges (36 and 56) with the latter also having an axial projection (58). An interior positioning surface (38) of the first casing half (30) and an exterior positioning surface (60) of the second casing half (32) position the casing halves with respect to each other.

Abstract: An axle assembly that includes an axle housing assembly, a differential disposed in the axle housing assembly, an input pinion, a pair of axle shafts and a heat sink. The input pinion is coupled to the axle housing assembly and is configured to transmit a rotary input to the differential. The axle shafts are coupled to the differential and housed in the axle housing assembly. The heat sink is coupled to the axle housing assembly and is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than that of the axle housing assembly. The heat sink does not consist entirely of a chrome plating, a zinc plating or a cadmium plating. A cover for an axle assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: When the drive of a lubricant pump (46) is stopped to prevent the lubricant pump (46) from assuming an idling state, a determination is made as to whether or not a temperature difference (?T) between the temperature (T) of a lubricant oil detected earlier by a temperature sensor (51) and a warning temperature (Toh) is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (?). When the temperature difference (?T) is within the threshold value (?), an “overheat” warning is issued to an operator of a dump truck (1). In consequence, even in a case where a temperature sensor (51) is provided on the output side of the lubricant pump (46) by being located on an outer side of a wheel mounting case (19), planetary gear reduction mechanisms (23), (31) inside the wheel mounting case (19) can be prevented from overheating by warning the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow, elongated structural element, where a first and a second blank (1, 14) are led through an oven (2) for heating to working temperature and are led through rollers (3, 4) with profiled surfaces for pre-forming in one or more steps. The blanks are each led through a forging press with a number of cooperating dies, the blank being worked in a number of steps (5, 8, 11) into halves of an essentially finished product, having a cross-section substantially in the shape of a U-profile with a predetermined varying height, width and thickness of material along its length. The second blank (14) is essentially a copy of the first blank (1). In a final step (15) the blanks are joined together into a composite hollow structural element (18). The invention also relates to a structural element manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: A motorcycle wherein only air can be communicated between the inside and the outside of a gear case without increasing the size of the gear case. A gear case includes a gear case body and a gear case cover. The gear case body includes a breather chamber of a labyrinth structure which continues in a circumferential direction of a rear wheel and extends in an upward and downward direction. An upper end of the breather chamber is in communication with a breather path and is open to atmospheric air while a lower end of the breather chamber is in communication with a gear chamber through a slit extending in a widthwise direction of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided with a reduced part count and improved alignment. The assembly includes a drive axle housing with input and output shafts and an inter-axle differential that is driven by the input shaft. The inter-axle differential is drivingly coupled to the output shaft and divides power between first and second axles. The output shaft is a unitary member and defines a yoke at one end disposed outside of the drive axle housing and restrained against axial movement within the drive axle housing. A bearing set is disposed between the output shaft and the drive axle housing and includes first and second bearing cones and a unitary bearing cup. The bearing cup includes threads that engage corresponding threads in the drive axle housing.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for removing a shaft from a gearbox housing without having to totally disassemble the housing. The gear box has an aperture in the housing. The aperture is used to gain access to the retaining ring that locks the shaft within the housing. Once the retaining ring is removed, the shaft may then slide out of the housing. A plug member is used to cover the aperture when it is not necessary to remove the shaft.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing assembly and a differential that is mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The axle housing assembly defines an interior cavity with a sump having a static liquid lubricant level. The axle housing assembly includes a housing structure and a cover that is coupled to the housing structure. First and second sets of ribs are coupled to the cover and extend into the interior cavity. The first and second sets of ribs are disposed on opposite sides of a ring gear associated with the differential and include a plurality of ribs. A first portion of at least one of the ribs extends below the static liquid lubricant level to thereby be immersed when a liquid lubricant fills the sump to a level that coincides with the static liquid lubricant level.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another.

Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.

Abstract: A differential carrier is disclosed containing sideshaft gears supported in the carrier so as to be coaxially rotatable around a longitudinal axis (A). Differential gears are supported in the carrier on axes of rotation (R) positioned radially relative to the longitudinal axis (A) and have teeth engaging those of the sideshaft gears, and a multi-plate coupling in the carrier to extend coaxially relative to the axis. The carrier includes a flange to which a ring gear can be bolted, and is formed of a dish-shaped part with a base and an integrally formed-on flange and a cover which is axially fixed by an annular securing element. The multi-plate coupling and the cover are positioned in the carrier on the side located opposite the flange and the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential housing (1) comprising a housing bell (5) and a housing cover (4). The housing bell and the housing cover are connected to each other by means of a riveted joint (7) that is established by means of several rivets (8). The rivets of the riveted joint are monolithically molded onto the housing cover or the housing bell.

Abstract: In a vehicular driving force distribution system, an oil pump which produces a hydraulic pressure for operating a torque distribution mechanism is driven, via gears and a rotating shaft, by the rotation of a differential case of a differential device. Therefore, regardless of the rotational condition of right and left wheels, namely, even if one of the right and left wheels stops, the oil pump is driven by the driving force of the rotating differential case, thereby reliably operating the torque distribution mechanism. Also, a pump unit for housing the oil pump is supported on a partition wall that separates the differential device from the torque distribution mechanism, thereby easily supporting the oil pump.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an upper and lower housing joined to form a chamber for a differential gear assembly. The upper and lower housings are fabricated by a method including the steps of forming the upper housing from a first sheet of material and forming the lower housing from a second sheet of material. The upper housing includes an opening for the differential gear assembly and the lower housing includes a bowl portion disposed opposite the opening. The upper and lower housings are joined by a weld to from the axle housing. The lower housing includes leg portions that form a single unified structure with the bowl portion to improve structural rigidity and simplify assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a Salisbury axle that includes: forming an assembly having a housing that is made of nodular iron, the housing having an opening and a pair of apertures; removing a pair of caps from the housing to expose a pair of journals; installing a differential through the opening to the journals; replacing the caps to the journals; forming a pair of axle tubes from a high strength steel, each of the axle tubes having a circular proximal end, a circular distal end and a mount portion between the proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends of the axle tubes being larger in diameter than the apertures, the mount portion having a top wall and a pair of opposite side walls that are oriented generally perpendicular to the top wall; and inserting the proximal ends of the axle tubes into the apertures. A Salisbury axle is also provided.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission mountable to a vehicle frame. The hydrostatic transmission is adapted to removeably receive an axle shaft. The hydrostatic transmission is also adapted to be mounted to at least one of two opposed side members of the vehicle frame. The opposed side members have openings through which the axel shaft passes. The vehicle may be a snow thrower.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a differential case for a vehicle and a differential device for a vehicle restricting change and movement of an intermeshing of a pair of side gears and a pair of pinion gears to achieve stable differential restriction force. The differential case or the differential device for the vehicle comprises a case body 50 accommodating a pair of side gears 5R, 5L and a pinion gear 3 or 4 engaging in mesh with the side gears 5R, 5L, and a pinion gear supporter 53 accommodated in said case body 50 and having a pinion gear supporting portion 56 or 57 to install said pinion gear 3 or 4 in recess space 60, 61 of said pinion gear supporter 53 and to support slidably an outer peripheral surface of said pinion gear 3 or 4 for rotation of said pinion gear 3 or 4.

Abstract: An axle housing assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a hollow, elongated arm section extending along a center axis and a wheelend. The wheelend is fixed to an outboard end portion of the arm section. The wheelend includes a wheelend adapter fixed to the outboard end of the arm section so as to extend radially outwardly therefrom, a tubular spindle member extending axially outwardly from the wheelend adapter substantially along the center axis, and a brake backer plate attached to the wheelend adapter. The spindle member has a substantially cylindrical bearing support surface for supporting an axle bearing.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a housing defining a space containing a volume of hydraulic fluid, the housing including interior surfaces. A gear that rotates in the housing includes surfaces that pass through the fluid as the gear rotates and on which the fluid is carried to the interior surfaces of the housing. A bearing located in the housing is supplied with fluid from a fluid path that hydraulically connects the interior surfaces and the bearing.

Abstract: A method of forming a torque-transmitting coupling (193) includes forming at least one fitting (192) having a tube conforming area (200). The forming area (200) includes a material overflow groove (194) and multiple flat surfaces (202). The forming area (200) has an associated tube arc length that is approximately equal in length to a formed area length of the flat surfaces (202) with the elongated overflow groove (194). An elongated tube (190) is procured. The elongated tube (190) is formed onto the tube conforming area (200) to form the torque-transmitting coupling (193).

Abstract: A breather apparatus of a crankcase, in which lubricating oil is circulated with economy of space and efficiently, is provided. An opening is formed in the top of a vertical wall of a case body, and a breather hole is formed in the top of an outer circumferential wall of the case body. A lubricating-oil return port is formed in the bottom of the vertical wall of the case body, and a breather path communicating with the opening and the lubricating-oil return port is provided between the case body and a power-generator case used as a wall body attached thereto, and an air-breather path branching from the breather path and communicating with the breather hole is provided in the case body. When an oil-component mixed gas flowing through the opening to the outside of the case body hits an inner surface of the breather path, an oil component of the oil-component mixed gas is liquefied and flows into the lubricating-oil return port.

Abstract: An oil supply system for a transmission includes a transmission casing; a transmission shaft disposed in the transmission casing; a plurality of gears relatively rotatably fitted on the transmission shaft; an oil passage axially formed in the transmission shaft; a trough portion formed on an inside wall of the transmission casing so as to receive oil splashed from the gears; and a connection passage formed in a side wall of the transmission casing and extending downwardly from the trough portion to the oil passage. The oil passage is opened at outer peripheral portions of the transmission shaft adjacent to the gears, and opened at one axial end of the transmission shaft. The trough portion is disposed above the transmission shaft and is extended axially along the transmission shaft.

Abstract: A suspension mounting system and a method of assembly of the same are disclosed. The system has an axle housing having two hollow arms and an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one suspension bracket is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and through one of the hollow arms.

Abstract: A differential including axle pinions and pinion gears and a body having two parts between which the pinions are mounted. The two parts of the body are provided with complementary guiding surfaces for guiding the two parts in adjustment relative to one another along an input and output axis. One of the two parts includes at least two inner guides for slidably and adjustably mounting a rotatable assembly pin of the pinion gears such that when a relative position of the two parts is adjusted, an axial play of at least the axle pinions or a differential drag torque is adjusted afterwhich the two parts are locked relative to each other.

Abstract: An axle assembly that includes a differential casing, which is rotatable about an axis, a pair of side gears that are disposed within the differential casing, a spacer and a cross pin. The spacer is disposed between the side gears. The cross pin is fixed to the differential casing and extends through the spacer. The cross pin is employed to limit end play of the axle shafts in a direction toward one another. The aperture in the spacer that receives the cross pin is relatively larger than the cross pin so that the spacer can control end play of the side gears independently of the cross pin.

Abstract: A steering transaxle comprises: left and right drive shafts drivingly connected to respective steerable wheels; a differential gear unit differentially connecting the drive shafts to each other; a transaxle casing having an opening and incorporating the differential gear unit and the drive shafts; a cover for covering the opening of the transaxle casing; a variable hydraulic motor having a movable swash plate; a motor control mechanism for controlling the movable swash plate; and a hydraulic oil port for oil supply and delivery to and from the hydraulic motor, the hydraulic oil port being provided on the outside of the cover. The hydraulic motor is provided on the inside of the cover, and the motor control mechanism is provided on the outside of the cover.

Abstract: An improved lubrication system for drive axle assemblies is provided that uses a collector in connection with a filter plug to lower the dynamic lubricant level in the drive axle assembly and filter contaminants in the lubricant sump. The collector is affixed to a cover plate attached to the drive axle housing and defines a well and a flow passage proximate the bottom of the well. The flow passage is aligned with an opening through which lubricant is inserted into the housing. A plug with a filter is inserted through the opening in the cover plate and into the flow passage. The invention reduces churning losses by lowering the dynamic lubricant level in the axle assembly without having a negative impact on lubricant life.

Abstract: A cover for an aperture defined by an axle seal on a transmission includes a guard plate and a shield coupled to the axle seal. The shield includes a first portion and a detachable second portion. The shield encloses an aperture in the guard plate when the second portion is attached to the first portion. The shield includes an aperture aligned with the guard aperture when the second portion is detached from the first portion.

Abstract: A rigid drive axle assembly includes a support beam member having a substantially flat central plate section, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section through at least two threaded studs extending from the central plate section. The differential assembly module includes a differential carrier frame member having two bearing hubs receiving differential bearings. A method for verifying a predetermined bearing preload of the differential assembly module comprises the steps of preloading the differential bearings to the predetermined bearing preload, inserting mounting bores in the bearing hubs of the frame member onto the mounting studs, and determining that the differential bearings are properly preloaded if the mounting studs are received in the mounting bores in the differential carrier frame member without substantial resistance, or determining that the differential bearings are not properly preloaded if the mounting studs may not be received in the mounting bores easily.