Abstract: Frictional effects at different gear mounting surfaces within a differential are varied to control bias ratio. The gearing arrangement includes side gears respectively coupled to axle ends and element gears which transfer and divide torque between the side gears. Coefficients of friction at end faces of the element gears are varied between different element gears to control overall bias ratio while minimizing the effect of changes in overall bias ratio on an inherent bias ratio imbalance between opposite directions of differentiation. Helical gear portions are formed at the ends of the element gears to better balance thrust forces acting on different element gears.

Abstract: An hourglass worm wheel and method of hobbing same wherein the finished worm wheel (70) includes a mid zone (B) where the root surface and outside helix are cylindrical for a predetermined distance along the axis of the worm wheel. The method forming the mid zone includes a combination radial and axial feeding of a hobbing tool (58) rotating in synchronization with the rotating worm wheel blank (50).

Abstract: A differential gear assembly of the type including transfer gears for dividing torque between two axles. The transfer gears are each mounted on a pin which is journaled in housing by aligned bores. Cam action means are provided which restricts rotation of pin.

Abstract: Method of dispersing unit pressure loads on a worm gear meshing with a plurality of worm wheels. Worm wheels, normally arranged about the periphery of the worm gear in a single plane, are mounted in staggered relationship along the axis of the worm gear to establish dispersed contact paths on the worm gear.

Abstract: A spacing member 40 is of a special design for use with a differential assembly having drive gears 26 and 26, in the form of worm gears, which are operatively connected to each other through sets of transfer gears 34 and 36, having worm wheel portions 37 for meshing with respective drive gears 26 and 28. The spacing member 40 is made up of a number of pieces for ease of installation and removal and is provided with a mounting element 42 which functions to secure the spacing element in a preferred position between the innermost ends of axle segments 12 and 14. The mounting element 42 is provided with a bore 43 for receiving a journal pin 44 associated with an intermediate gear 38 position between a pair of transfer gears 34 and 36.

Abstract: A differential assembly (10) having worm gears (26, 28) as drive gears together with transfer gears (30, 32) operatively connected to the drive gears is provided with spherical mounting surfaces (40) and a washer element (42) for accommodating angular displacement of axle segments (12) and (14) relative to the differential assembly. In addition, a spacing member (50) is provided with a convex spherical surface (52) for accommodating angular movement of the axle segments.

Abstract: An improved limited slip differential unit includes a torque transmitting coupling which provides for two separate stages of driving action from a drive train to two axle shafts connected to the differential unit. A first stage of operation provides for normal differential action of the unit with no tendency to limit such action or to lock the two axle shafts to each other in their driving relationship with the drive train. A second stage of operation provides for a limitation of differential action under extreme or abnormal driving conditions, and this stage of operation can include a complete locking of the two axle shafts to each other in their relationship to the drive train.

Abstract: A brake assembly is described in which two disk elements are mounted on a common axis of rotation so that a single braking unit can control braking action on both of the disk elements. The described arrangement provides for smaller diameter braking disks with no loss in braking effectivness of a given system.