Inventors:
Gregory Fett - Toledo OH, US
Timothy Runstadler - Saline MI, US
David Krueger - Fort Wayne IN, US
Michael Dougherty - Rochester Hills MI, US
Assil Matti - Madison Heights MI, US
Patricia McLeish - Rochester MI, US
Robert Alward - Otisville MI, US
Earl Irwin - Fort Wayne IN, US
James Duggan - Temperance MI, US
International Classification:
F01M 5/00
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus to regulate and control the temperature of a differential axle assembly. A heat pipe is inserted though the axle housing with a portion submersed in a reservoir portion of the axle lubricant. Cooling fins are preferably disposed on the heat pipe both in the submersed region of the heat pipe and a portion external the housing. A temperatures sensitive valve provided to inhibit flow of the axle lubricant between a reservoir and the remaining portion of the axle housing.