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:
Nov. 23, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 28, 1998
Douglas W Bell, Mattoon, IL (US);
David Hinton, Mt. Zion, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A differential assembly which includes a differential housing is disclosed. The differential housing defines an internal component chamber, a fluid housing inlet, and a fluid housing outlet. The differential assembly also includes a spider structure positioned within the internal component chamber. The spider structure has (i) a spider hub and (ii) a spider shaft which extends from the spider hub. The differential assembly further includes a pinion gear positioned within the internal component chamber and around the spider shaft. The differential assembly also includes a bearing assembly positioned within the internal component chamber. The bearing assembly is interposed between the pinion gear and the spider shaft, wherein (i) the spider structure has a fluid spider channel having a fluid spider inlet and a fluid spider outlet, (ii) the fluid housing inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid spider inlet, and (iii) the fluid spider outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid housing outlet. The differential assembly also includes a fluid pump which advances a flow of oil through the fluid housing inlet, the fluid spider inlet, the fluid spider outlet, and the fluid housing outlet.