Frank C Weith

US Patent:

7445574, Nov 4, 2008

Filed:

Mar 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/714288

Inventors:

Frank C. Weith - Shelby Township MI, US

Assignee:

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16H 57/04

US Classification:

475160, 74467, 184 612

Abstract:

An axle assembly including a differential gear set having a ring gear. The axle assembly includes a carrier assembly housing that contains the differential gear set and an arcuate fence disposed adjacent to the ring gear that connects to the carrier assembly housing. A moveable plate slidingly connects to the arcuate fence. The moveable plate has an open position, a closed position and a plurality of positions therebetween. The closed position is closer to the ring gear than the open position. The arcuate fence and/or the moveable plate may reduce churning of the lubrication to increase the cooling efficacy of the lubrication.

US Patent:

20060211530, Sep 21, 2006

Filed:

Mar 16, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/082250

Inventors:

Frank Weith - Shelby Township MI, US

International Classification:

F16H 57/04

US Classification:

475160000

Abstract:

An axle assembly including a differential gear set having a ring gear. The axle assembly includes a carrier assembly housing that contains the differential gear set and an arcuate fence disposed adjacent to the ring gear that connects to the carrier assembly housing. A moveable plate slidingly connects to the arcuate fence. The moveable plate has an open position, a closed position and a plurality of positions therebetween. The closed position is closer to the ring gear than the open position. The arcuate fence and/or the moveable plate may reduce churning of the lubrication to increase the cooling efficacy of the lubrication.