The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 22, 1987
Filed:
May. 16, 1985
Donald F Wilkes, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Other;
Abstract
A differential mechanism can be driven by either or both of two inputs to provide an output rotational speed that is variable and can exceed, be equal to, can be less than, and can even be opposite to the input rotational speed. The differential uses a self-centering spherical element made of a structural thermoplastic material and which engages a pair of friction rings, one connected with an input assembly and one connected with an output assembly. A loading arrangement resiliently biases the spherical element into frictional engagement with the friction rings in a manner which is independent of the orientation of the spherical element with respect to the friction rings. Control of the rotational position of the spherical element is effected by an axially actuatable rod or a centrally disposed linkage so that the output rotational speed can be controlled. Powered control of the position of the spherical element can be provided.