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:
Jul. 03, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 09, 2000
Larry W. Bowman, Troy, MI (US);
Patrick D. Laper, Rochester, MI (US);
Richard M. Clisch, Canton, MI (US);
Raji S. El-Kassouf, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Michael G. Semke, Novi, MI (US);
Gary P. Ford, St. Joseph, MI (US);
Joseph B. Saxon, Cookeville, TN (US);
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A dual wheel assembly is provided that includes a spindle having an axle shaft defining a rotational axis. The axle shaft has a drive pinion. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is positioned to be rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is also rotatable about the rotational axis. The second wheel hub may be supported by the first wheel hub or the spindle. A differential assembly is interconnected between the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub. The differential assembly permits both wheels to be driven for increased traction while allowing the second wheel hub to rotate relative to the first wheel hub. A gear reduction assembly interconnects the differential assembly and the drive pinion to provide torque multiplication to the wheel hubs. In this manner, the gear reduction assembly provides the additional torque required for heavy vehicles while the differential assembly allows relative rotation of the wheel hubs.