Abstract: A warning system alerts a driver of a motor vehicle to different types of traction losses. A first sensing circuit (10) detects a loss of wheel adhesion by monitoring a vehicle drive line for a pronounced vibration within a range of between ten and fifteen hertz. A second sensing circuit (12) monitors a brake light circuit to detect application of a vehicle brake. A logic circuit (28) combines outputs (A and B) from the first and second sensing circuits and outputs command signals (C and D) that distinguish between a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel skidding and a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel slipping. A warning device includes two indicators (36 and 38) that receive the respective command signals and produce sensorially distinguishable warning signals for eliciting different responses from the driver.

Abstract: A parallel-axis gear differential has pairs of top and bottom planet gears (38 and 40, 42 and 44, and 46 and 48) operatively connecting a pair of side gears (30 and 32). Each of the planet gears has a main gear section (74, 80) and a transfer gear section (76, 82) interconnected by a stem section (78, 84). Teeth (86 and 88) of the side gears (30 and 32) are separated through a clearance space (100) formed by a hub (98) of side gear (32). Within the clearance space (100), teeth (90 and 94) of the main planet gear sections (74 and 80) overlap the side gear teeth (86 and 88). Inner and outer ends (102 and 104) of the side gear teeth (86 and 88) are inclined at a chamfer angle (A) throughout a distance that extends between top and bottom lands (106 and 108) of the side gears.

Abstract: A parallel-axis gear differential includes pairs of combination gears (66 and 68) mounted within pockets (76 and 78) formed in a differential housing (10, 12). Each combination gear includes a first gear section (70) for meshing with one of two side gears (58 or 60), a second gear section (72) for meshing with the first gear section of its mating combination gear, and a stem section (74) interconnecting the first two gear sections. Each pocket includes two bearing portions (84 and 86) for rotationally supporting the gear sections (70 and 72) and an intermediate portion (88) providing clearance for the stem sections (74). Windows (90) are formed through an exterior (92, 94) of the housing as passageways connecting the exterior of the housing to the intermediate portions (88). A spacing block (50) separates the side gears (58 and 60) through a distance approximately equal to an amount of overlap between the stem sections (74 ) of the combination gear pairs.

Abstract: A warning system alerts a driver of a motor vehicle to different types of traction losses. A first sensing circuit (10) detects a loss of wheel adhesion by monitoring a vehicle drive line for a pronounced vibration within a range of between ten and fifteen hertz. A second sensing circuit (12) monitors a brake light circuit to detect application of a vehicle brake. A logic circuit (28) combines outputs (A and B) from the first and second sensing circuits and outputs command signals (C and D) that distinguish between a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel skidding and a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel slipping. A warning device includes two indicators (36 and 38) that receive the respective command signals and produce sensorially distinguishable warning signals for eliciting different responses from the driver.