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:
May. 11, 2004
Filed:
Jan. 31, 2002
Martin Kaplan, Avon, CT (US);
John A. Grogg, LaOtto, IN (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A differential assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a differential case rotatably supported in an axle housing, opposite output shafts drivingly connected to the differential case, a friction clutch assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging the differential case and the output shaft, and a hydraulic clutch actuator for selectively frictionally loading the clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuator includes a variable pressure relief valve controlled by a solenoid actuator for selectively engaging the friction clutch assembly. In order to provide the solenoid actuator with an electrical power and/or control signals in a contactless manner, the differential assembly is further provided with a transformer assembly including a primary transformer unit non-rotatably mounted to the axle housing and connected to a source of electrical energy, and a rotatable secondary transformer unit secured to an outer peripheral surface of the differential case.