Patent US3724289A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3724289A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Limited slip differential with clutch control means
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1971-03-29
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Granted: 1973-04-03
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Expires: 1991-03-29
Abstract
Abstract A limited slip differential comprises juxtaposed axle gears meshing with intermediate spider gears rotatably mounted on a carrier. A hydraulically actuated friction clutch is positioned between each spider gear and the carrier to retard rotation of the spider gears in response to a rotational speed differential of the axle gears. Control means for automatically actuating the clutches comprises a multi-lobed cam attached to an axle gear and a plurality of pistons reciprocally mounted in the carrier for pressurizing actuating chambers of the clutches.
Inventors
- 👤 R Kennicutt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:38
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H48/00; F16H48/20; F16H48/22; F16H48/06; F16H48/08; F16H48/27; F16H2048/085; F16H2048/201; F16H48/38; F16H48/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A differential comprising a pair of juxtaposed axle gears each mounted on a rotatably mounted drive axle, a carrier mounted in said differential for rotation relative to said drive axles, pinion gear means rotatably mounted on said carrier to mesh with said axle gears for differentially permitting one axle gear to rotate faster than the other axle gear, clutch means operatively connectable directly between said carrier and said pinion gear means to be actuated for controlling the rotational speed of said pinion gear means on said carrier, and control means for actuating said clutch means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A differential comprising a pair of juxtaposed axle gears each mounted on a rotatably mounted drive axle, a carrier mounted in said differential for rotation relative to said drive axles, pinion gear means rotatably mounted on said carrier to mesh with said axle gears for differentially permitting one axle gear to rotate faster than the other axle gear, clutch means operatively connectable directly between said carrier and said pinion gear means to be actuated for controlling the rotational speed of said pinion gear means on said carrier, and control means for actuating said clutch means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises speed responsive means for automatically controlling actuation of said clutch means to retard rotation of said gear means on said carrier in response to a rotational speed differential of said drive axles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said clutch means comprises an axially engaging multiple disc clutch having interleaved discs alternately mounted for limited axial movement on said pinion gear means and on said carrier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said pinion gear means comprises four equally spaced and radially disposed pinions rotatably mounted on said carrier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention of claim 2 further comprising rotatably mounted drive input means for rotating said carrier and wherein said control means comprises pump means operatively connected to said drive input means for constantly communicating a pressurized working fluid to said clutch means independent of the direction of rotation of said drive input means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein said speed responsive means comprises first means operatively connected to one of said drive axles to be rotated thereby and second means responsive to relative rotation of said first means for actuating said clutch means to retard rotation of said pinion gear means on said carrier in response to a rotational speed differential of said drive axles.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein said first means comprises a cam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein said second means comprises at least one piston reciprocally mounted in a bore formed in said carrier and wherein said control means further comprises means for supplying a working fluid to said bore and to an actuating chamber of said clutch means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein said pinion gear means comprises at least one pinion gear rotatably mounted on a shaft attached to said carrier, said bore being formed in said shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 9 wherein said pinion gear means comprises four equally spaced and radially disposed pinion gears.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein said control means further comprises vented orifice means communicating with said actuating chamber for controlling the pressure level therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-02 | 1976-10-02 | 1977-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-02 | 1980-10-02 | 1981-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-02 | 1984-10-02 | 1985-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |