Bearing assembly with polycrystalline superlattice coating

A rolling element bearing assembly comprising:

• a ring-shaped first race having a first load supporting surface;
• a ring-shaped second race disposed in a spaced relation with said first race, said second race having a second load supporting surface;
• and
• a rolling element assembly disposed in contact with said first race and said second race and sized for rolling movement between said first load supporting surface of said first race and said second load supporting surface of said second race;
• wherein at least one component selected from the group consisting of said first race, said second race and said rolling element assembly includes a coating located on at least a portion thereof;
• said coating comprising a plurality of polycrystalline layers disposed in a repetitive sequence forming a superlattice structure, said sequence including at least two adjacently disposed layers of titanium nitride and niobium nitride;
• said coating being operable to enhance the rolling contact fatigue life of said bearing assembly.

A rolling element bearing assembly comprising:

• a ring-shaped first race having a first load supporting surface;
• a ring-shaped second race disposed in a spaced relation with said first race, said second race having a second load supporting surface;
• and
• a rolling element assembly disposed in contact with said first race and said second race and sized for rolling movement between said first load supporting surface of said first race and said second load supporting surface of said second race;
• wherein at least one component selected from the group consisting of said first race, said second race and said rolling element assembly includes a coating located on at least a portion thereof;
• said coating comprising a plurality of polycrystalline layers disposed in a repetitive sequence forming a superlattice structure, said sequence including at least two adjacently disposed layers of titanium nitride and carbon nitride;
• said coating being operable to enhance the rolling contact fatigue life of said bearing assembly.