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. 26, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 03, 1999
Thomas N Till, Waterloo, IN (US);
Robert Leeper, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Auburn Gear, Inc., Auburn, IN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for demagnetizing a differential which has a controllable electromagnetically actuated clutch. The apparatus includes sensors and a coil connected to a control module. The sensors receive vehicle inputs to indicate various measured values such as vehicle speed, brake pressure, magnetization current provided to the differential, and the like and generates signals which are transmitted to the control module. The control module initiates a demagnetization cycle when certain conditions have been satisfied as indicated by the input signals. The control module provides a DC voltage to the coil to generate magnetic flux for demagnetizing the differential and the components of the differential. In one embodiment a single coil is provided to which is applied both magnetization and demagnetization current. In another embodiment two coils are provided, one for generating magnetization flux and the other for generating demagnetization flux. The control alternatively applies voltages of reverse polarity in decreasing amplitudes for predetermined periods of time during a demagnetization cycle.