Patent ID: 7918315

Claim:
A limited slip differential, comprising: a case journaled for rotation about a main axis; first and second rotatable output shafts received by said case and journaled about said main axis and having first and second bevel sun gears affixed thereto, respectively; a plurality of bevel planet gears, each rotatably mounted on said case in meshing engagement with said first and second bevel sun gears; a selectively engageable device between said case and one of said sun gears for limiting differential action; a system for supplying a pressurized lubricant to said case, said gears and said selectively engageable device; a sump chamber for receiving lubricant from said case and gears; a passage from said selectively engageable device to said sump; and a valve element positioned fluidly between said lubricant pocket and said sump; wherein valve element is displaceable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position in response to engagement and disengagement of said selectively engageable device; said valve element is biased towards said first position; said valve element is configured to permit flow of a lubricant from said lubricant pocket to said sump when valve element is in said intermediate position; and said valve element is configured to prevent flow of a lubricant from said lubricant pocket to said sump when valve element is in said first and second positions.