Patents by Inventor Paul W. Snell

Paul W. Snell 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).

  • Publication number: 20240410427
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes a shaft, a bearing, at least one fluid channel, a temperature sensor, a lubricant supply pump, and a controller. The bearing defines a bearing interface against which the shaft rotates. The at least one fluid channel is fluidly coupled with the bearing interface. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the bearing. The lubricant supply pump is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid channel to transport lubricant from a lubricant supply to the bearing interface via the at least one fluid channel. The controller receives the bearing temperature from the temperature sensor, determines a difference between the bearing temperature and a supply temperature of the lubricant, determines a lubricant flow rate based on the difference, and transmits a control signal to the lubricant supply pump to cause the lubricant supply pump to transport the lubricant to the bearing interface at the lubricant flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventor: Paul W. Snell, II
  • Patent number: 12044249
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly is provided. The centrifugal compressor assembly includes a scroll assembly having a suction plate defining an inlet fluid passage, a suction plate housing, a diffuser plate, and a collector. The suction plate is detachably coupled to the suction plate housing, the suction plate housing is detachably coupled to the collector, and the diffuser plate is detachably coupled to the collector. The centrifugal compressor assembly further includes an impeller rotatably mounted in the scroll assembly for compressing fluid introduced through the inlet fluid passage, and a variable geometry diffuser system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 12006982
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes a shaft, a bearing, at least one fluid channel, a temperature sensor, a lubricant supply pump, and a controller. The bearing defines a bearing interface against which the shaft rotates. The at least one fluid channel is fluidly coupled with the bearing interface. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the bearing. The lubricant supply pump is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid channel to transport lubricant from a lubricant supply to the bearing interface via the at least one fluid channel. The controller receives the bearing temperature from the temperature sensor, determines a difference between the bearing temperature and a supply temperature of the lubricant, determines a lubricant flow rate based on the difference, and transmits a control signal to the lubricant supply pump to cause the lubricant supply pump to transport the lubricant to the bearing interface at the lubricant flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventor: Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11971043
    Abstract: A diffuser system for a centrifugal compressor is provided. The diffuser system includes a nozzle base plate that defines a diffuser gap, support blocks, and a drive ring rotatable relative to the support blocks. The drive ring includes cam tracks and bearing assemblies positioned proximate an outer circumference of the drive ring. The diffuser system further includes drive pins extending through the support blocks and the nozzle base plate. The first end of each drive pin includes a cam follower mounted into a cam track on the drive ring. The second end of each drive pin is coupled to a diffuser ring. Rotation of the drive ring causes axial movement of the drive pins by movement of the cam followers in the cam tracks. This results in movement of the diffuser ring to control fluid flow through the diffuser gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GmbH
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20230332619
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly is provided. The centrifugal compressor assembly includes a scroll assembly having a suction plate defining an inlet fluid passage, a suction plate housing, a diffuser plate, and a collector. The suction plate is detachably coupled to the suction plate housing, the suction plate housing is detachably coupled to the collector, and the diffuser plate is detachably coupled to the collector. The centrifugal compressor assembly further includes an impeller rotatably mounted in the scroll assembly for compressing fluid introduced through the inlet fluid passage, and a variable geometry diffuser system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11757328
    Abstract: A sealed induction motor for a chiller assembly is provided. The induction motor includes a stator, a rotor, and a shaft with a first end and a second end. The rotor and the shaft are configured to rotate relative to the stator. The induction motor further includes a first magnetic bearing assembly located proximate the first end of the shaft and a second magnetic bearing assembly located proximate the second end of the shaft. The first and the second magnetic bearing assemblies are configured to support the shaft. The shaft is coupled to a centrifugal compressor using a direct drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Paul W. Snell, Ian Casper, Jeb W. Schreiber, Daniela Bilmanis, Ajit Kane
  • Patent number: 11680582
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly is provided. The centrifugal compressor assembly includes a scroll assembly having a suction plate defining an inlet fluid passage, a suction plate housing, a diffuser plate, and a collector. The suction plate is detachably coupled to the suction plate housing, the suction plate housing is detachably coupled to the collector, and the diffuser plate is detachably coupled to the collector. The centrifugal compressor assembly further includes an impeller rotatably mounted in the scroll assembly for compressing fluid introduced through the inlet fluid passage, and a variable geometry diffuser system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11609030
    Abstract: A cooling system for a motor to power a compressor in a vapor compression system is provided. The cooling system includes a housing with a cavity enclosing the motor and defining a central axis and fluid directing features extending into the cavity and oriented parallel to the central axis. The cooling system further includes a fluid circuit configured to circulate a cooling fluid between the housing and the motor. The fluid circuit includes a first cooling fluid path defined by directing features that cause a first portion of cooling fluid to travel around a first portion of the motor and a second cooling fluid path defined by fluid directing features that cause a second portion of cooling fluid to travel around a second portion of the motor. The second portion of the motor is located opposite the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Matthew L. Heisey, Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20230050726
    Abstract: A diffuser system for a centrifugal compressor is provided. The diffuser system includes a nozzle base plate that defines a diffuser gap, support blocks, and a drive ring rotatable relative to the support blocks. The drive ring includes cam tracks and bearing assemblies positioned proximate an outer circumference of the drive ring. The diffuser system further includes drive pins extending through the support blocks and the nozzle base plate. The first end of each drive pin includes a cam follower mounted into a cam track on the drive ring. The second end of each drive pin is coupled to a diffuser ring. Rotation of the drive ring causes axial movement of the drive pins by movement of the cam followers in the cam tracks. This results in movement of the diffuser ring to control fluid flow through the diffuser gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11480215
    Abstract: A self-centering bearing assembly is provided. The bearing assembly includes a magnetic bearing device configured to support a rotating shaft and a magnetic bearing support housing. The magnetic bearing housing has a disc-like shape and multiple tabs extending from an outer diameter portion in an axial direction. The bearing assembly further includes an auxiliary bearing device configured to support the rotating shaft during an auxiliary bearing condition, and an auxiliary bearing support housing. The auxiliary bearing support housing has a disc-like shape with a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion. The first diameter portion has a larger diameter than the second diameter portion. The tabs are configured to couple to the second diameter portion such that the auxiliary bearing support housing is concentric to the magnetic bearing support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventor: Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11435116
    Abstract: An eductor system for a chiller assembly is provided. The system includes a first and a second eductor. The first eductor includes a first suction inlet that receives a first oil and refrigerant mixture from a plenum of a compressor, a first motive inlet that receives a first motive fluid from an oil sump, and a first outlet that discharges a first outlet mixture to the oil sump. The first outlet mixture includes both the first oil and refrigerant mixture and the first motive fluid. The second eductor includes a second suction inlet that receives a second oil and refrigerant mixture from an evaporator, a second motive inlet that receives a second motive fluid from a condenser, and a second outlet that discharges a second outlet mixture to the plenum of the compressor. The second outlet mixture includes both the second oil and refrigerant mixture and the second motive fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Bryson L. Sheaffer, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11421699
    Abstract: A diffuser system for a centrifugal compressor is provided. The diffuser system includes a nozzle base plate (206) that defines a diffuser gap (212), support blocks (216, 246), and a drive ring (220) rotatable relative to the support blocks. The drive ring includes cam tracks (224, 242) and bearing assemblies (226, 234) positioned proximate an outer circumference of the drive ring. The diffuser system further includes drive pins (214) extending through the support blocks and the nozzle base plate. The first end of each drive pin includes a cam follower (218) mounted into a cam track on the drive ring. The second end of each drive pin is coupled to a diffuser ring (208). Rotation of the drive ring causes axial movement of the drive pins by movement of the cam followers in the cam tracks. This results in movement of the diffuser ring to control fluid flow through the diffuser gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 11293554
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a sealing system for a motor that includes a first sealing element configured to be circumferentially disposed around a rotor shaft of the motor. The sealing system also includes a second sealing element configured to be circumferentially disposed around the rotor shaft. A sealing tip of the first sealing element is configured to lift from a surface of the rotor shaft in response to a pressurized fluid directed between the first sealing element and the second sealing element. Additionally, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are configured to radially float around the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20210332854
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes a shaft, a bearing, at least one fluid channel, a temperature sensor, a lubricant supply pump, and a controller. The bearing defines a bearing interface against which the shaft rotates. The at least one fluid channel is fluidly coupled with the bearing interface. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the bearing. The lubricant supply pump is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid channel to transport lubricant from a lubricant supply to the bearing interface via the at least one fluid channel. The controller receives the bearing temperature from the temperature sensor, determines a difference between the bearing temperature and a supply temperature of the lubricant, determines a lubricant flow rate based on the difference, and transmits a control signal to the lubricant supply pump to cause the lubricant supply pump to transport the lubricant to the bearing interface at the lubricant flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20210164490
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly is provided. The centrifugal compressor assembly includes a scroll assembly having a suction plate defining an inlet fluid passage, a suction plate housing, a diffuser plate, and a collector. The suction plate is detachably coupled to the suction plate housing, the suction plate housing is detachably coupled to the collector, and the diffuser plate is detachably coupled to the collector. The centrifugal compressor assembly further includes an impeller rotatably mounted in the scroll assembly for compressing fluid introduced through the inlet fluid passage, and a variable geometry diffuser system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20200309142
    Abstract: A diffuser system for a centrifugal compressor is provided. The diffuser system includes a nozzle base plate (206) that defines a diffuser gap (212), support blocks (216, 246), and a drive ring (220) rotatable relative to the support blocks. The drive ring includes cam tracks (224, 242) and bearing assemblies (226, 234) positioned proximate an outer circumference of the drive ring. The diffuser system further includes drive pins (214) extending through the support blocks and the nozzle base plate. The first end of each drive pin includes a cam follower (218) mounted into a cam track on the drive ring. The second end of each drive pin is coupled to a diffuser ring (208). Rotation of the drive ring causes axial movement of the drive pins by movement of the cam followers in the cam tracks. This results in movement of the diffuser ring to control fluid flow through the diffuser gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jordan Q. Steiner, Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20200259394
    Abstract: A sealed induction motor for a chiller assembly is provided. The induction motor includes a stator, a rotor, and a shaft with a first end and a second end. The rotor and the shaft are configured to rotate relative to the stator. The induction motor further includes a first magnetic bearing assembly located proximate the first end of the shaft and a second magnetic bearing assembly located proximate the second end of the shaft. The first and the second magnetic bearing assemblies are configured to support the shaft. The shaft is coupled to a centrifugal compressor using a direct drive connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Paul W. Snell, Ian Casper, Jeb W. Schreiber, Daniela Bilmanis, Ajit Kane
  • Publication number: 20200224771
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a sealing system for a motor that includes a first sealing element configured to be circumferentially disposed around a rotor shaft of the motor. The sealing system also includes a second sealing element configured to be circumferentially disposed around the rotor shaft. A sealing tip of the first sealing element is configured to lift from a surface of the rotor shaft in response to a pressurized fluid directed between the first sealing element and the second sealing element. Additionally, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are configured to radially float around the rotor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventor: Paul W. Snell
  • Publication number: 20200224929
    Abstract: An eductor system for a chiller assembly is provided. The system includes a first and a second eductor. The first eductor includes a first suction inlet that receives a first oil and refrigerant mixture from a plenum of a compressor, a first motive inlet that receives a first motive fluid from an oil sump, and a first outlet that discharges a first outlet mixture to the oil sump. The first outlet mixture includes both the first oil and refrigerant mixture and the first motive fluid. The second eductor includes a second suction inlet that receives a second oil and refrigerant mixture from an evaporator, a second motive inlet that receives a second motive fluid from a condenser, and a second outlet that discharges a second outlet mixture to the plenum of the compressor. The second outlet mixture includes both the second oil and refrigerant mixture and the second motive fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Bryson I. Sheaffer, Paul W. Snell
  • Patent number: 10704810
    Abstract: A centrifugal heat pump system includes a steam system with a steam supply, a steam turbine and a steam condenser connected in a steam loop; and a refrigerant system including a first compressor and a second compressor, a refrigerant condenser, and an evaporator connected in a refrigerant loop. The steam turbine includes a rotary drive shaft disposed axially and extending from a first end and a second end of the steam turbine. A sump system collects and redistributes oil or other lubricating fluid. The first compressor is coupled by a first coupling device to the first end of the steam turbine drive shaft and the second compressor is coupled by a second coupling device to the second end of the steam turbine drive shaft. The first and second compressors are connected in parallel in the refrigerant loop and controlled to share a cooling load equally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Paul W. Snell, Eric John Smyder, Dale M. Unger