Importance

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Abstract

In a bevel gear pair including a first gear having a plurality of first gear teeth, each defined at least in part by a tooth route and concave and convex flank surfaces, the concave and convex flank surfaces each define a first surface structure formed by grinding. This first surface structure is in turn defined by a plurality of microstriations extending diagonally across the convex and concave flank surfaces. A second gear also includes a plurality of gear teeth adapted to mesh with the gear teeth of the first gear. Each of the second gear teeth is also defined in part by a tooth route and concave and convex flank surfaces. The concave and convex flank surfaces of the second gear define a second surface structure formed by grinding followed by honing. This second surface structure includes a plurality of microstriations; however, unlike the microstriations of the first surface structure, these are parallel to the route of each of the second gear teeth. This allows the first and second gears to be produced in unmatched pairs, yet be operated together at noise levels approaching those of matched lapped bevel gear pairs.

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First Claim