Patents by Inventor Robert J. Hammill

Robert J. Hammill has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Lubrication system for high speed planet gears
    Patent number: 7686727
    Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for a planetary gear train. The system includes an oil supply that disperses oil to a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing purges the oil radially outward. A strategically placed molded cavity collects and channels the oil from the thrust bearing into the planet bearings. Features in a planet gear carrier and a planet gear face washer can form the oil flow path. The washer can have a further feature for expelling the oil after the planet bearings are lubricated. By using the planet gear end face washer, this arrangement allows for the cavity to be cast rather than machined to thereby reduce the cost of increasing the flow of oil into the planet bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Hammill
  • Lubrication system for high speed planet gears
    Publication number: 20040094364
    Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for a planetary gear train. The system includes an oil supply that disperses oil to a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing purges the oil radially outward. A strategically placed molded cavity collects and channels the oil from the thrust bearing into the planet bearings. Features in a planet gear carrier and a planet gear face washer can form the oil flow path. The washer can have a further feature for expelling the oil after the planet bearings are lubricated. By using the planet gear end face washer, this arrangement allows for the cavity to be cast rather than machined to thereby reduce the cost of increasing the flow of oil into the planet bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Hammill