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:
Oct. 21, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 26, 2002
Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kariya, JP;
Abstract
A differential device for 4WD vehicles having a reduced size and capable of being produced at lower costs makes it possible to select between a 2WD state, a differential-free 4WD state, and a differential-locked 4WD state. The differential device includes a differential case, a side gear, a hub, and a switching mechanism which establishes and interrupts a connection between each of the differential case, the side gear, and the hub. The switching mechanism includes, among other possible features, a first sleeve, a second sleeve which is separate from the first sleeve, and a pin. A sole actuator moves the second sleeve between first, second and third positions to establish the 2WD state, the differential-free 4WD state, and the differential-locked 4WD state.