Patent ID: 7604020
Filing Date: 2009-10-20
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A breather for a driveline component comprising: a body having an internal bore with a first end adapted to extend outwardly from an axle housing and a second end adapted to extend into the axle housing, and wherein said body includes a threaded portion for engagement with a breather bore formed within the axle housing, said threaded portion being positioned between said first and second ends; an extension supported by said second end, said extension having a non-uniform cross-section and extending from a first extension end received within said internal bore of said second end of said body and a second extension end to extend beyond an inner surface of the axle housing, said extension portion including a plurality of removed areas separated from each other by a plurality of slats to form a crown; a coil spring supported by said extension wherein said coil spring and said extension cooperate to reduce an amount of lubricating fluid that enters said second end of said internal bore while allowing air to vent from said first end of said internal bore; and a spring loaded cap covering said first end of said internal bore of said body, said spring loaded cap being resiliently biased to close said first end during non-venting operation.