Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system for lubricating a positive displacement machine operating as an expander of a compressed gas, comprising introducing into an expansion chamber of the machine a lubricant whose pour point temperature is greater than the operating temperature of the machine in the expansion chamber as determined by the expanding gas, which thus causes the lubricant to freeze-adhere to the internal surfaces of the expansion chamber, to become fluid under increased pressure at a point of contact of the working surfaces of the expander and then to refreeze when the surfaces separate. Considerable reduction in the quantity of lubricant is realised with the attendant advantage that dis-entrainment of lubricant from the gas exhausted from the machine is largely avoided.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame, including a first axle shaft substantially disposed in an axle housing. A first wheel couples to the first axle shaft of the axle assembly. An axle lubricating fluid is disposed within the axle housing. A cooling circuit fluidly coupled to the axle assembly circulates cooling fluid therethrough. A hydraulic motor fluidly coupled to a fluid circuit includes a device disposed in parallel with the fluid circuit to discontinue operation of the motor in response to a predetermined pressure of at least one of the first and second circuit being exceeded.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to lubricant delivery systems and methods. In one embodiment, the system comprises a lubricant feeder; a pipe comprising at least one nozzle; and at least one lubricant flow outlet extending upwardly from the nozzle. The nozzle comprises at least one flow area reducing portion along the length of the pipe near the lubricant feeder and the at least one lubricant flow outlet is configured to provide lubricant to at least one portion of a machine. In one embodiment, a method for controlling flow is provided comprising; delivering lubricant to an initial section of a lubricant delivery system; increasing the speed of the lubricant as it approaches a first outlet; allowing a portion of the lubricant to exit through the outlet; decreasing the speed of the lubricant after it passes the outlet; and allowing at least a portion of the lubricant to exit through a second outlet.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine having a pressure lubrication system according to the dry-sump principle, particularly for an opposed-cylinder engine, having a crankcase in which an oil scavenging space is constructed in the lower part feeds the lubricating oil by way of an oil return feed pump equipped with an oil scavenging pipe to an oil storage tank. The lubricating oil situated in the oil storage tank is fed by way of a main feed pump to the consuming devices. The oil storage space forming the wet sump is also integrated in the crankcase of the internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: A heating system for an engine breather system includes a housing configured to contain a heating fluid to be in heat transfer communication with a portion of the engine breather system, such as with the outlet conduit. A heating fluid supply channel is connected to a supply of heating fluid that is at a first pressure and to the housing and arranged to direct heating fluid into the housing. A heating fluid return channel is connected to the housing and to a supply of heating fluid that is at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, and is arranged to direct heating fluid away from the housing. The heating fluid can be engine oil, engine coolant, compressed air or exhaust gas.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a wind turbine having a control system, the lubrication system including a sump configured to collect a lubrication fluid, and at least one heating unit configured to heat the lubrication fluid based on at least one forecasted condition.

Abstract: Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger structure of an automatic transmission stabilizing a temperature of oil is provided. A heat exchanger structure of an automatic transmission includes an automatic transmission, a first heat exchanger provided on an upstream side and a second heat exchanger provided on a downstream side, each capable of cooling oil ejected from the automatic transmission, and a thermo valve capable of supplying oil subject to heat exchange by at least one of first and second heat exchangers to the automatic transmission. When a temperature of the oil is relatively low, the thermo valve supplies oil passed through the first heat exchanger to the automatic transmission and shuts off a flow of oil from the second heat exchanger to the automatic transmission. When a temperature of the oil is relatively high, the thermo valve supplies oil passed through first and second heat exchangers to the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an external pump system which pumps air out of the housing and develop negative pressure therein in response to a loss of lubrication condition. The negative pressure operates as an air lock to minimize or prevent lubricating oil loss from the housing while an internal lubrication system continues to distribute lubricating oil—which although now increasing in temperature—still operates to lubricate the gearbox components. For further ballistic tolerance, the housing is a compound housing that reduces or closes the penetration and further minimizes lubricating oil and negative pressure loss. The housing may be still further hardened by an armor layer.

Abstract: A generator having an integral oil tank for an auxiliary power unit (APU) is provided. A gas turbine engine has a turbine shaft extending from an aft portion to a forward portion where it is in communication with a gear box mounted thereto. The gearbox advantageously has at least one oil gravity drain passage in flow communication with a lower portion thereof and is suitable for reducing the speed of the turbine shaft by gear reduction to power an oil cooled generator attached thereto. The oil cooled generator has at least one oil gravity drain passage therein. An engine oil tank is integral with and advantageously removable from the generator and is in flow communication with each oil gravity drain passage making is suitable for gravity scavenging oil from the generator and advantageously the gearbox.

Abstract: An arrangement for warming the oil in a gearbox in a vehicle powered by a combustion engine. A first pipe system with a first flow device which makes possible circulation of oil from the combustion engine through a heat exchanger. A second pipe system with a second flow device makes possible circulation of oil from the gearbox through the heat exchanger. A control device controls the flow devices so that flow of oil through the heat exchanger is obtained in situations in which the oil in the gearbox is at a too low temperature with respect to a desired temperature. The motor oil in the combustion engine can thus be used for heating the oil in the gearbox during cold starts of the combustion engine.

Abstract: A system for internal combustion engine including an engine block having a cylinder, an oil delivery system coupled to the engine block including an oil reservoir at least partially enclosing an oil emulsion, the oil delivery system providing lubricating oil to at least one cylinder in the engine, a heat adjustment mechanism coupled to the engine, and a controller configured to adjust the heat delivered to the engine, via the heat adjustment mechanism, in response to a concentration of water in the oil emulsion.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a component is disclosed herein. The disclosed lubrication system can be applied relatively high temperature operating environments, relatively low temperature operating environments, or both. The lubrication system includes a tank operable to contain lubricant and having at least one tank outlet. The lubrication system also includes a tube extending between first and second ends. The first end of the tube is in fluid communication with at least one tank outlet. The lubrication system also includes an atomizer in fluid communication with the second end of the tube to receive lubricant from the tank. The atomizer is operable to dispense atomized lubricant on the component. The tank, the tube, and the atomizer are all adjacent to the component. A method for practicing the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal management system and wind turbine are provided comprising a gearbox containing a lubrication medium and a pump for circulating the lubrication medium. A gearbox lubrication suction pipe is used for transporting the lubrication medium from the gearbox to the pump. At least one pump outlet pipe can be used for transporting the lubrication medium from the pump to other components of the wind turbine. A thermal wrap is in thermal connection to, at least a portion of, at least one of, the gearbox, pump, gearbox lubrication suction pipe and pump outlet pipe. The thermal wrap is used to heat or cool, at least a portion of, the lubrication medium.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided having a gearbox containing a lubrication medium, a pump for circulating the lubrication medium. and a gearbox lubrication suction pipe for transporting the lubrication medium from the gearbox to the pump. A heater is in thermal connection to, at least a portion of, the gearbox lubrication suction pipe. This heater is used to heat the lubrication medium contained within the gearbox lubrication suction pipe to a temperature where damage to the pump is avoided.

Abstract: A power transmission system and a method for enhancing the efficiency of such systems are provided. The system and method includes a lubricant having a viscosity from about 0.01 centistokes to about 400.00 centistokes, power transmission components with a contact surface finish of less than about 16 microinches, and coating the power transmission components with the lubricant during operation of the system.

Abstract: Inert gas blanket protects oxidatively labile substance from oxidation. For example, fuels and lubricants such as present in fuel tanks, bearings, crankcases, gear boxes, transmissions, and so forth, employed in or in conjunction with internal combustion, jet and turbine engines, or a combustible substance such as flour dust in a grain silo, can be protected with a nitrogen blanket provided from the separation of air with a membrane containing device. Useful life of oleaginous liquids and hydrocarbon-based lubricants can be extended. For example, with the practice of the present invention, it may be necessary to change automobile engine oil only after twenty to fifty thousand miles of use.

Abstract: An oil return structure for a vehicle drive apparatus includes a hydraulic control apparatus disposed below an oil supply target device to which oil for lubricating and cooling is supplied; and an oil pan that retains the oil that is supplied to the oil supply target device is provided below the hydraulic control apparatus, wherein a bypass oil path is formed in a body of the hydraulic control apparatus, the bypass oil path being structured in order to guide the oil from the oil supply target device from an upper surface of the body, inside the body and then discharge the oil from a side surface of the body.

Abstract: An oil circulation system for a compressor comprises a control valve body integrated therein with a pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. The control valve body is further integrated therein with a temperature control valve connected to an external cooler for lowering a temperature of a hydraulic oil, an oil filter for filtering the cooled hydraulic oil into a clean hydraulic oil, and a pressure relief valve for relieving a pressure of the clean hydraulic oil, which is then circulated back into the compressor for use. The integration of the aforementioned components effectively downsizes an entire set of machinery comprising the compressor and the oil circulation system and increases an efficiency of the compressor.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication (oil circulation) system having a check valve configuration for preventing overflow of an oil reservoir or tank. The pressurized oil circulation system may comprise a pump that pressurizes oil from the tank and circulates the oil through a supply conduit to a bearing, and returns the oil to the tank through a return conduit. The system may include a check valve disposed in the supply conduit and a pilot-operated check valve disposed in the return conduit. The pilot may be taken from the supply conduit upstream of the check valve disposed on the supply conduit. When pressure is discharged from the oil circulation, such as with shutdown of a circulation pump, the check valves automatically close and thus prevent oil contained in the supply and return conduits from draining (i.e., by gravity) to the oil tank. Therefore, flooding of the oil tank with excessive oil is prevented. Furthermore, loss of oil from the bearing sump is also prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cooling and lubricating an off-axis motor/generator of a hybrid transmission. A transmission case at least partially defines a manifold. A transmission cover is mounted to the transmission case such that the off-axis motor/generator is retained therebetween. The transmission cover at least partially defines an oil passage. Oil is transferred through the manifold and onto a bearing device so that the bearing device is lubricated. Oil is also transferred through the oil passage and onto a torque transfer device such that the torque transfer device is lubricated. A corresponding apparatus for lubricating an off-axis motor/generator of a hybrid transmission is provided is similarly provided.

Abstract: In a fluid system for a gas turbine engine, oil is supplied from an oil tank (10) by a constant displacement pump (12) to lubricate engine components (18). The oil is supplied to the components (18) via a heat exchanger (16) in which oil and fuel are placed in direct heat exchange relationship. The flow of oil to the components (18) is controlled by recirculating a proportion of the oil flow through a bypass (20). The bypass (20) regulates the flow of oil to the components (18) so that the amount of heat transferred to the fuel in the heat exchanger (16) is controlled. At low engine powers a greater proportion of the oil flows through the bypass (20) to reduce the oil flow to the components (18). This reduces the heat transferred to the fuel in the heat exchanger (16) and so prevents overheating of the fuel.

Abstract: A substantially horizontal compressor including a housing having a main body portion with an open end. An end cap is secured to the main body portion with the end cap being provided with a plurality of apertures. The hermetic terminal body of the compressor is sealably fitted into one of the plurality of apertures located in the end cap. One of the apertures is sealably fitted with a heater well in which a substantially cylindrical heater element is removably received. A third aperture may be provided in the end cap in which a sight glass is sealably secured for checking the oil level in the oil sump. An indentation is formed in the end cap to increase the rigidity of the end cap. The proximity of the terminal assembly and heater well allows the wiring therefor to be part of the same wiring harness.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a transmission having a transmission sump that contains transmission fluid, and a heat exchanger disposed within said sump and at least partially submerged in the transmission fluid. The apparatus also includes an engine having a plurality of engine coolant channels. An engine pump is operatively connected to the engine. The engine pump is configured to transfer engine coolant through the plurality of engine coolant channels and then through the heat exchanger. Heat from the engine coolant is transferred to the transmission fluid when the engine coolant passes through the heat exchanger. The heat transferred to the transmission fluid decreases transmission fluid viscosity such that transmission spin losses are reduced and fuel economy is improved. A corresponding method for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A lubricating system for an internal combustion engine includes lubricating oil recovery oil passages through which lubricating oil dropping to and dwelling in a bottom portion of a crankcase after lubricating individual portions of an internal combustion engine is fed to a lubricating oil tank through an oil cooler by a recovery pump. Lubricating oil supply oil passages supply the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil tank to the individual portions of the internal combustion engine needing lubrication and cooling through an oil filter by a supply pump. The lubricating system includes a branch passage branched from the lubricating oil recovery oil passage communicating from the oil cooler to the lubricating oil tank. The branch passage supplies the lubricating oil to at least one of the individual portions of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A lubrication apparatus that lubricates mechanism of a molding machine. The lubrication apparatus includes a tank for collecting lubrication oil therein, and a lubrication oil supply route for supplying lubrication oil from the tank.

Abstract: A filter device includes at least one filter unit (10), connectable to a hydraulic circuit (14), with at least one supply line (16), one discharge line (18), and at least one cooling unit (22). The cooling unit is connected to a secondary branch line (20), is connected to the hydraulic unit (14) parallel to the supply line (16), and is supplied with a hydraulic medium by a switching device (24) once a predetermined temperature threshold value of the hydraulic medium to be cooled is attained. A permanent supply (36) for the cooling unit (22) is provided in the direction of flow of the hydraulic medium in the supply line (18) before the switching device (24). This permanent supply (36), connected in parallel to the switching device (24), flows into the secondary branch line (20) to control the volume flow in reverse flow according to the fluid temperature.

Abstract: A multiple path fluid circuit comprising a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The fluid pump may have an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of a fluid cooling circuit. The fluid cooling circuit may then have an outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The outlet of the fluid pump may also be in fluid communication with an inlet of a lubrication circuit, which may be in fluid communication with a delivery system capable of supplying a fluid to a moving component or to a component in contact with the moving component. A gas turbine engine comprising a multiple path fluid circuit is also disclosed as well as a method of utilizing a multiple path fluid circuit.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, which performs heat exchanging between a lubricating oil circulating within a transfer device disposed behind an engine and an engine coolant, also functions as a mass member of a dynamic damper. The heat exchanger is disposed at an upper face of a transfer case via a resilient member. Herein, the resilient member is comprised of a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a rubber member interposed between the first and second metal plates, and there are provided lubricating passages flowing within the resilient member. Accordingly, there can be provided the vibration suppression device of the power train that can suppress vibration properly regardless of the temperature changing and advantage the weight reduction without requiring any new disposition space.

Abstract: The invention constitutes an arrangement for cooling a vehicle component, for example a transmission, disposed adjacent to an engine, which arrangement includes a cooling circuit designed to feed a coolant through the transmission and including a line for coolant to the transmission and a line for coolant to the transmission. According to the invention, the cooling circuit is also designed to cool the engine and includes a further line for feeding the coolant to the engine, and the cooling circuit includes a flow control valve for controlling the coolant in the cooling circuit such that the flow of coolant to the vehicle component is lower than the flow to the engine. As a result of the invention, an improved arrangement is obtained for cooling, for example, a transmission, for example in heavy goods vehicles.

Abstract: A regenerative source of heat is provided for the oil used to lubricate a compressor within a heating, cooling or refrigeration system. The regenerative source absorbs heat from the oil when it is circulating through the compressor at a relatively high temperature. The regenerative source gives up heat to the oil following deactivation of the compressor. The source of heat includes a thermal phase change material that is preferably a hydrated salt capable of storing sufficient thermal energy to maintain the oil above any temperatures that would cause damage to the moving parts of the compressor.

Abstract: A lift and operating angle varying mechanism is arranged to vary an intake valve operation angle and an intake valve lift of the engine continuously by rotating a control shaft with an actuator disposed at an end of the control shaft which is rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings. A lubricating oil is supplied to the bearings so as to reduce nonuniformity in temperature distribution of the control shaft in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A mounting structure for an oil pan is disclosed. The oil pan includes an outer pan made from a metal and an inner pan made from a synthetic resin and fixed to an underside of an engine by bolts. The mounting structure includes abutments formed on outer portions of the opening edges of outer pan and the engine so as to abut against each other, respectively, bolt engagement holes formed through the outer peripheral portions of the opening edges so that the bolts are inserted through the holes respectively, an accommodation space defined between inner peripheral portions of the opening edges of the outer pan and the engine by collapsing the inner peripheral portion of the opening edge of either outer pan or engine, and a flange protruding sideways from the inner pan and loosely fitted in the accommodation space.

Abstract: A substantially horizontal compressor including a housing having a main body portion with an open end. An end cap is secured to the main body portion with the end cap being provided with a plurality of apertures. The hermetic terminal body of the compressor is sealably fitted into one of the plurality of apertures located in the end cap. One of the apertures is sealably fitted with a heater well in which a substantially cylindrical heater element is removably received. A third aperture may be provided in the end cap in which a sight glass is sealably secured for checking the oil level in the oil sump. An indentation is formed in the end cap to increase the rigidity of the end cap. The proximity of the terminal assembly and heater well allows the wiring therefor to be part of the same wiring harness.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of variable speed control of the cooling fan on a variable speed oil-injected screw compressor. A screw compressor (11) comprises at least one stage of compression, each with a pair of rotors, variable speed compressor drive means (12), an oil reclaimer (13) from the compressed air and cooling apparatus (17) for cooling the oil extracted from the compressed air. The cooling apparatus comprises a heat exchange device and a fan (18) driven by a motor (19) which can be run at different speeds.

Abstract: An oil filter cooler that has an arrangement of circular fins that are permanently incorporated into the top of an oil filter. These fins allow for an increase of heat dissipation of motor oil as it flows through the oil filter thereby, reducing the temperature of the motor oil.

Abstract: In a power unit comprising an engine (13) and an HST (24) which are formed into an integral body, a lubricating oil for use in the engine and an operating oil of the HST (24) are commonized. After being cooled, the common oil is fed from the side of the engine (13) to the HST (24). Such arrangement suppresses the drop in viscosity of the common oil and prevents the drop in efficiency and the occurrence of seizing on the side of the HST (24).

Abstract: A vehicle transmission lubrication communication system including a pump, a torque converter, an oil cooler, a shifting control assembly, a sump, a main shaft, a counter shaft, and a secondary shaft. The pump withdraws lubricating oil from the sump and pumps the lubricating oil throughout the lubrication system. The pump directs a first flow to the torque converter, a second flow to the shifting control assembly, and a third flow to the main shaft. Oil from the torque converter flows through the oil cooler and, downstream the oil cooler, separates into a first portion of cooled oil that is directed to the secondary and counter shafts and a second portion of the cooled oil that is directed to the sump. Increased flow through the torque converter and oil cooler, as well as directing cooled oil to the secondary and counter shafts, reduces the oil temperature during normal and lockup modes of operation.

Abstract: A crankcase heater mounting and compressor system that efficiently heats the oil sump fluid in an oil sump of a crankcase. A heater well is disposed in a substantially planar section in the lower housing shell of the crankcase. The inner surface of the heater well is substantially submerged in the oil sump fluid even at low oil sump fluid levels.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: A liquid filter/heat exchanger unit including a liquid filter and a heat exchanger, the liquid filter having a filter element in a filter housing. To bypass the heat exchanger, there is a bypass connecting the heat exchanger inlet directly to the unfiltered side of the filter element. A switching element is provided to control the liquid flow into the heat exchanger or into the bypass. The switching element is a bimetal element which is in a position directing the liquid flow into the bypass at a temperature below a switching temperature.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an engine including a sump for lubricant, a main pump operable to pump lubricant to first lubrication positions within the engine, and an auxiliary lubricant pump also operable to pump lubricant to second lubrication positions within the engine and wherein the auxiliary pump is an electrically driven pump which is controlled by a system controller the output of the auxiliary pump being controlled according to engine operating conditions, the main pump in use, pumping lubricant to the first lubrication positions within the engine along a main lubricant feed line, and the auxiliary pump when operated pumping lubricant to the second lubrication positions within the engine along an auxiliary feed line, and wherein the main and auxiliary feed lines, are connected via a communication passage which includes a closeable communication valve, the communication valve when closed preventing the flow of lubricant from the auxiliary feed line to the first lubrication positions, and when open permit

Abstract: A circulating lubrication system for a centrifugal pump, or other rotating equipment utilizing an oil sump, is disclosed. The lubrication system includes an external reservoir located distant from the main lubrication chamber, so that lubricating fluid from the main misting chamber is forced out of the main chamber, cooled and cleaned (i.e. filtered) in the external reservoir, and thereafter fed back into the main lubricating chamber. In such a manner, the lubrication system maintains substantially clean, cool, and moisture free lubricating fluid in the main misting chamber and reduces the required downtime of the device. Thus, the life span of the device is lengthened while at the same time production is increased.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a temperature regulating system (1) in a vehicle. The system includes an hydraulic arrangement (6) that is adapted to provide components intended for rotation belonging to a gearbox (5) of the vehicle and at least one of the axles (2, 3) of the vehicle with hydraulic oil from the same container (7). The system also has an arrangement (22) for regulating the temperature of the oil in the hydraulic arrangement (6) via a heat exchanger unit (21). The temperature regulating arrangement (22) is also adapted to cool the engine (4) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus to regulate and control the temperature of an axle assembly for a vehicle. A heat pipe is inserted though the axle housing cover, the heat pipe travels the length of the cover. Near the lower region of the carrier and beneath the lubricating fluid level, the heat pipe bends to continue in the horizontal direction. Disposed about the terminal end of the heat pipe below the lubricating fluid line are a series of cooling fins. Heat generated within the lubricating fluid that is heated during operation conduit is dissipated via the cooling fins.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.