Paul J Sikorsky

20160010691, Jan 14, 2016

Jan 24, 2014

14/763213

- Piscataway NJ, US
Todd W. Smith - Onalaska WI, US
Arthur L. Butterworth - La Crosse WI, US
Paul J. Sikorsky - Sparta WI, US

F16C 33/62
F04D 29/046

A pressure nitrided stainless steel hybrid ball bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and rolling elements disposed therebetween. The pressure nitrided stainless steel hybrid bearing has one or more component(s) made from a pressure nitrided stainless steel material. The pressure nitrided stainless steel hybrid bearing used with a refrigerant lubrication for chiller applications leads to a very long useful life time.

20140360210, Dec 11, 2014

Dec 5, 2012

14/363468

- Piscataway NJ, US
Todd W. Smith - Onalaska WI, US
Arthur L. Butterworth - La Crosse WI, US
Paul J. Sikorsky - Sparta WI, US

F25B 31/00
F16C 43/04
F16C 33/62
F25B 1/00
F16C 33/64

62 84, 62192, 62468, 62505, 62115, 29898066, 384492

A refrigeration chiller employs a centrifugal compressor the impellers of which are mounted on a shaft which is itself mounted for rotation using rolling element bearings lubricated only by the refrigerant which constitutes the working fluid of the chiller system. Apparatus is taught for providing liquid refrigerant to (1.) the bearings immediately upon chiller start-up, during chiller operation and during a coastdown period subsequent to shutdown of the chiller and (2.) the drive motor of the chiller's compressor for motor cooling purposes. By use of a variable speed-driven motor to drive the compressor, optimized part load chiller performance is achieved in a chiller which does not require or employ an oil-based lubrication system.