The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 09, 2008
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2006
Edwin T. Grochowski, Howell, MI (US);
Paul D. Stevenson, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Elizabeth I. Wooden, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Edwin T. Grochowski, Howell, MI (US);
Paul D. Stevenson, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Elizabeth I. Wooden, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cooling and lubricating a pinion bearing of an automatic transmission. The apparatus preferably includes a carrier assembly partially defining a centrifugal compensation oil reservoir. A pinion shaft is supported by the carrier assembly. The pinion shaft defines an internal channel in fluid communication with the oil reservoir. The apparatus of the present invention also includes a generally annular pinion gear member circumscribing at least a portion of the pinion shaft, and a pinion bearing disposed radially between the pinion shaft and the pinion gear member. The pinion bearing is adapted to facilitate rotation of the pinion gear member relative to the pinion shaft. The pinion bearing is aligned with the channel such that oil transferred therethrough is applied to the pinion bearing, and the pinion bearing is accordingly cooled and lubricated by the oil. A corresponding method for cooling and lubricating the pinion bearing is also provided.