Patents by Inventor Robert M. Kolodziej

Robert M. Kolodziej 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).

  • Patent number: 9512752
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 9371838
    Abstract: The volute is cast integrally with the gearbox base to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for multi-stage compression are assembled with intercoolers and the integral volute is cast together with the impeller housing and the lower gearbox housing and the associated intercooler. Efficiency increases of 2% or more are achievable. In multistage applications, efficiency gains in the early stages are compounded in each subsequent stage. Speed changes that change center distance between bull gear and pinion are accommodated by an offset opening in the inlet and diffuser that can line up with the impeller shaft as well as an offset opening in the fluid seal despite a pinion gear change, by reorientation and remounting of those parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Robert Small, Robert M. Kolodziej, Edward S. Czechowski
  • Patent number: 9243640
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Publication number: 20140034421
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Publication number: 20130306173
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8540054
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8499892
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8496089
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8393856
    Abstract: The volute is cast integrally with the gearbox base to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for multi-stage compression are assembled with intercoolers and the integral volute is cast together with the impeller housing and the lower gearbox housing and the associated intercooler. Efficiency increases of 2% or more are achievable. In multistage applications, efficiency gains in the early stages are compounded in each subsequent stage. Speed changes that change center distance between bull gear and pinion are accommodated by an offset opening in the inlet and diffuser that can line up with the impeller shaft as well as an offset opening in the fluid seal despite a pinion gear change, by reorientation and remounting of those parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Small, Robert M. Kolodziej, Edward S. Czechowski
  • Publication number: 20120266988
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Publication number: 20110303490
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8069949
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 7909588
    Abstract: Portions of the drive system for a piece of rotating equipment are pre-assembled into a subassembly. The subassembly can be held together by a carrier that is fabricated to accept the components in a proper alignment so that the carrier can be installed as a unit. In one embodiment, the carrier becomes a gearbox housing component that is installed, saving the need for individual component alignment. This modular approach allows an assembly having a single part number to apply to a given compressor unit and further allows standardization of air ends of compressors with specific impellers and inlets added to meet requirements of a specific application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert Small, John R. Battershell, Robert M. Kolodziej
  • Publication number: 20110056769
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Publication number: 20110052111
    Abstract: Portions of the drive system for a piece of rotating equipment are pre-assembled into a subassembly. The subassembly can be held together by a carrier that is fabricated to accept the components in a proper alignment so that the carrier can be installed as a unit. In the preferred embodiment the carrier becomes a gearbox housing component that is installed saving the need for individual component alignment. Using the modular approach. The modular approach allows an assembly having a single part number to apply to a given compressor unit and further allows standardization of air ends of compressors with specific impellers and inlets added to meet requirements of a specific application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert Small, John R. Battershell, Robert M. Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 7854299
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 7832992
    Abstract: An air-cooled multi-stage compression system using centrifugal compressors is disclosed. It is packaged in a comparable volume to a water-cooled unit having the same driver horsepower. The performance is comparable and opportunities for use of the waste heat are available. Existing water-cooled units can be retrofit to run in an air-cooled mode. Special applications such as combined air compression and nitrogen compression useful in air separation applications are presented. The circulating cooling air can make the unit into an air filter of its surrounding space. Cooling air is drawn through the enclosure before being forced through the coolers above. This air movement can cool compressor housings, the control panel and the drive motors mounted in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Kolodziej, Edward S. Czechowski, Donald E. Miller, Jr., John R. Battershell, Michael Thompson, John C. Bartos, Frank Athearn, Robert Rajeski
  • Patent number: 7819634
    Abstract: Provided is a method including routing a compressed gas from a centrifugal gas compressor through at least one of a plurality of air coolers, and directing air flow through the plurality of air coolers, wherein the plurality of air coolers are arranged adjacent to one another in a single plane that is transverse to the air flow. Further provided is a method including removing tube cores from a cooler chamber of a liquid cooler of a centrifugal gas compressor, coupling a chamber port of the cooler chamber to a first port of an air cooler, and coupling a second port of the air cooler to a compressor port of a stage of the centrifugal gas compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Kolodziej, Edward S. Czechowski, Donald E. Miller, Jr., John R. Battershell, Michael Thompson, John C. Bartos, Frank Athearn, Robert Rajeski
  • Publication number: 20100098534
    Abstract: The volute is cast integrally with the gearbox base to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for multi-stage compression are assembled with intercoolers and the integral volute is cast together with the impeller housing and the lower gearbox housing and the associated intercooler. Efficiency increases of 2% or more are achievable. In multistage applications, efficiency gains in the early stages are compounded in each subsequent stage. Speed changes that change center distance between bull gear and pinion are accommodated by an offset opening in the inlet and diffuser that can line up with the impeller shaft as well as an offset opening in the fluid seal despite a pinion gear change, by reorientation and remounting of those parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Small, Robert M. Kolodziej, Edward S. Czechowski
  • Publication number: 20090014244
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno