Abstract: A resistive muffler attenuates sound generated by the gas intake and suction valve during compressor operation of a refrigerant compressor. The resistive muffler is assembled inline with the suction gas flow of the compressor and is positioned within the compressor housing. The resistive muffler attenuates the sound generated by the compressor during its operation as refrigerant gas is drawn into the compressor from an evaporator and passes through the resistive muffler in transit to the suction valve and hence to the region of the compressor where the gas is physically compressed. The resistive muffler includes a muffler housing having an intake end and an exhaust end. An acoustic foam assembly is incorporated into the muffler housing.

Abstract: A compressor for providing automatic capacity modulation is disclosed. The compressor comprises a compression chamber, a compressing member, a reexpansion area, a flow passage, a valve member, and a biasing member. The flow passage is in fluid communication with the compression chamber and the reexpansion area. In one position, the valve member permits flow through the flow passage and in a second position it prevents flow. The valve member is subjected to a first operating condition of fluid on one side and a second operating condition of the fluid on the other side. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the valve member. When the first operating condition reaches a predetermined point relative to the second operating condition, the valve member moves and effects a change in the capacity of the compressor.

Abstract: A three phase motor starting system is provided to reduce the in-rush current to the motor in order to obtain a soft start of the motor. The soft start of the motor equates to reduced impact forces on motor parts and device components connected to the motor during startup of the motor, especially a startup resulting from a reversal of the direction of rotation of the motor. The system uses an impedance load in series with the motor windings of the motor to reduce the in-rush current to the motor windings, which results in a reduced acceleration of the motor shaft and a soft start to the motor. The impedance loads used by the system can be a resistive load, a capacitive load or an inductive load, depending on the type of impedance load that is desired for the soft start of the motor.

Abstract: A shaft load balancing system includes a housing divided into a first chamber at a first operating pressure and a second chamber at a second, lower operating pressure. A shaft passes from the first chamber into the second chamber. The shaft includes a first end in the first chamber, a second end in the second chamber, and a substantially axial channel connecting the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir in the housing. A reaction member engages the second end. The reaction member includes a compression volume in fluid communication with the channel. A pressure differential between the chambers forces fluid from the fluid reservoir through the channel and into the compression volume. The reaction member transmits the fluid force to the housing, allowing the fluid to create a force on the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A compressor system includes a housing with a low pressure first chamber and a high pressure second chamber. A motor in the first chamber has a shaft that passes into the second chamber. A compressor in the housing is operably connected to the motor by the shaft. The second chamber contains an oil sump storing lubricating oil for the compressor. A fluid path through the compressor system includes a first orifice in the housing communicating a suction tube with the first chamber, a first fluid passage communicating the first chamber with the compressor suction port, a second fluid passage communicating the compressor discharge port with the second chamber, and a second orifice in the housing communicating the second chamber with a discharge tube. By the action of the compressor, the fluid in the first chamber is maintained at compressor suction pressure and the fluid in the second chamber is maintained at compressor discharge pressure.

Abstract: A compressor for providing automatic capacity modulation is disclosed. The compressor comprises a compression chamber, a compressing member, a reexpansion area, a flow passage, a valve member, and a biasing member. The flow passage is in fluid communication with the compression chamber and the reexpansion area. In one position, the valve member permits flow through the flow passage and in a second position it prevents flow. The valve member is subjected to a first operating condition of fluid on one side and a second operating condition of the fluid on the other side. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the valve member. When the first operating condition reaches a predetermined point relative to the second operating condition, the valve member moves and effects a change in the capacity of the compressor.

Abstract: A shaft load balancing system includes a housing divided into a first chamber at a first operating pressure and a second chamber at a second, lower operating pressure. A shaft passes from the first chamber into the second chamber. The shaft includes a first end in the first chamber, a second end in the second chamber, and a substantially axial channel connecting the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir in the housing. A reaction member engages the second end. The reaction member includes a compression volume in fluid communication with the channel. A pressure differential between the chambers forces fluid from the fluid reservoir through the channel and into the compression volume. The reaction member transmits the fluid force to the housing, allowing the fluid to create a force on the second end of the shaft. In one embodiment, the reaction member is axially movable on the shaft and rotatable with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A compressor system includes a housing with a low pressure first chamber and a high pressure second chamber. A motor in the first chamber has a shaft that passes into the second chamber. A compressor in the housing is operably connected to the motor by the shaft. The second chamber contains an oil sump storing lubricating oil for the compressor. A fluid path through the compressor system includes a first orifice in the housing communicating a suction tube with the first chamber, a first fluid passage communicating the first chamber with the compressor suction port, a second fluid passage communicating the compressor discharge port with the second chamber, and a second orifice in the housing communicating the second chamber with a discharge tube. By the action of the compressor, the fluid in the first chamber is maintained at compressor suction pressure and the fluid in the second chamber is maintained at compressor discharge pressure.