Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
245 words
In a differential mechanism, a differential gear case adapted to be driven by a source of power, two substantially identical gear sets assembled in said case, a central worm traction gear in each gear set, a set of transfer gear complexes operatively associated with each of said traction gears, each complex comprising in longitudinal alignment a worm wheel with a reversible balancing gear at each end thereof rotatable with the associated worm wheel, each of said worm wheels in meshing engagement with its associated traction gear, each of said gear complexes having a through opening axially thereof, a shaft extending through each of said through openings and extending endwise therebeyond at each end, all of said shafts being the same length, said traction gears in axial alignment with each other and mounted for rotation in said case independently of the rotation of the case and of each other, said gear sets being assembled in said case with the transfer gear complexes of one gear set in registering pairs with the similar transfer gear complexes of the other gear set and with the said balancing gears in one gear set meshing with the balancing gears of the registering complex in the other gear set; the combination therewith of pin means in said case engaging at least one end of said shafts in each registering pair at the same ends of said shafts and permitting only slight endwise movement of said shafts in at least one direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
245 words
In a differential mechanism, a differential gear case adapted to be driven by a source of power, two substantially identical gear sets assembled in said case, a central worm traction gear in each gear set, a set of transfer gear complexes operatively associated with each of said traction gears, each complex comprising in longitudinal alignment a worm wheel with a reversible balancing gear at each end thereof rotatable with the associated worm wheel, each of said worm wheels in meshing engagement with its associated traction gear, each of said gear complexes having a through opening axially thereof, a shaft extending through each of said through openings and extending endwise therebeyond at each end, all of said shafts being the same length, said traction gears in axial alignment with each other and mounted for rotation in said case independently of the rotation of the case and of each other, said gear sets being assembled in said case with the transfer gear complexes of one gear set in registering pairs with the similar transfer gear complexes of the other gear set and with the said balancing gears in one gear set meshing with the balancing gears of the registering complex in the other gear set; the combination therewith of pin means in said case engaging at least one end of said shafts in each registering pair at the same ends of said shafts and permitting only slight endwise movement of said shafts in at least one direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
84 words
A differential mechanism as defined in claim 1, wherein said case comprises two half case portions, said half case portions having mutually engaging planar faces, one of said gear sets in each case portion, each said pin having portions lying in each of said case portions, and there being mating openings in said half case portions at right angles to said planar faces arranged to receive each such pin, whereby said pins also act as dowel pins for holding said half case portions assembled.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said pin has spring characteristics and has a slit extending longitudinally from end to end thereof, the spring characteristics of said pin holding said slit slightly open when unstressed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination as defined in claim 3, wherein said pin comprises a spirally wound sheet of metal having spring characteristics.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said case has a body and a top cover extending to the periphery of said body, and all of said pins extending to the level of the under side of said cover when said differential mechanism is assembled, whereby said cover maintains said pins in proper position.