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. 20, 2001
Filed:
May. 15, 2000
Robert J. Kyle, Battle Creek, MI (US);
Ralph E. Holmquist, Battle Creek, MI (US);
Keith E. Morgensai, Marshall, MI (US);
Carl R. Binkley, Marshall, MI (US);
Phillip E. Konkle, Albion, MI (US);
Leo M. Weeks, Olivet, MI (US);
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
A locking differential of the type including a clutch pack (,) actuated by a cam arrangement (,) to lock the side gears (,) relative to the gear case (,). Lock-up is initiated by retarding rotation of one of the cam members (,), by means of a flyweight mechanism (,). Disposed adjacent the flyweight mechanism is a latch mechanism (,) which comprises an integral, generally U-shaped member including a bottom portion (,) and a pair of upright leg portions (,). The bottom portion defines a pair of integral latch member (,), each of which is disposed to engage one of the flyweights (,) when the latch mechanism is in its operative position. Each of the upright leg portions includes a pair of individual leg portions (,) disposed on opposite sides of the pinion shaft (,), extending past the axis of rotation (A), and engaging a weight (,) disposed in a window (,) on the opposite side of the gear case (,) from the flyweight mechanism.