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. 14, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 22, 1998
Randall R Bendtsen, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A differential apparatus for transmitting a driving force from a pinion gear supported on an input shaft to a pair of axle output shafts includes a differential case, a ring gear, and a spider gear assembly. The differential case is made from a single piece and includes a longitudinally extending central bore that defines a longitudinal axis. The differential case includes a plurality of longitudinal slots extending along an inner surface of the central bore. A ring gear is supported by the differential casing and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis by the pinion gear connected to the input shaft. The ring gear is preferably welded to the differential casing. The differential apparatus also includes a spider member that has a central body portion with a plurality of legs extending radially outwardly from the body portion. A spider gear is supported on each of the legs. The differential case can be used with either a standard differential or a limited slip differential. In the standard differential, the spider legs are received and retained within the longitudinal slots without the use of fasteners. In the limited slip differential, an actuator housing assembly includes tabs that are received in the longitudinal slots and the spider legs react against the actuator housing assembly. In both configurations, the spider gears drive side gears that are mounted to each of the axle shafts, which drive the vehicle's wheels.