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:
Feb. 20, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 23, 2004
Gary A. Turner, Three Rivers, MI (US);
Leo Wenstrup, Portage, MI (US);
Gary A. Turner, Three Rivers, MI (US);
Leo Wenstrup, Portage, MI (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
An improved lubrication system for drive axle assemblies is provided that uses a collector in connection with a filter plug to lower the dynamic lubricant level in the drive axle assembly and filter contaminants in the lubricant sump. The collector is affixed to a cover plate attached to the drive axle housing and defines a well and a flow passage proximate the bottom of the well. The flow passage is aligned with an opening through which lubricant is inserted into the housing. A plug with a filter is inserted through the opening in the cover plate and into the flow passage. The invention reduces churning losses by lowering the dynamic lubricant level in the axle assembly without having a negative impact on lubricant life.