Abstract: A scroll type machine incorporates a unique system for monitoring the status of a valve which is used to control the capacity of the compressor. The valve functions to open and close a fluid passage between two areas of the compressor for capacity modulation. By monitoring the temperature of the fluid after the valve, it can be determined whether or not the valve is functioning. If the temperature fluctuates, the valve is functioning. If the temperature is constant, the valve is not operating properly. Another embodiment monitors the pressure within the fluid line controlled by the valve.

Abstract: A control for a refrigeration system serviced by a special pulse width modulated compressor coupled to a condenser and evaporator. The system can be of the distributed type wherein the condenser and compressor may be coupled to service a group of adjacent refrigeration cases, wherein each case would have its own evaporator. A controller is coupled to a load sensor for producing a variable duty cycle control signal in which the duty cycle is a function of demand for cooling. Moreover, fuzzy logic techniques may be utilized in order to provide self adaptive tuning control for the system.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a pair of interleaved scrolls. An Oldham coupling is attached to the orbiting scroll to prevent rotation of the orbiting scroll. This Oldham coupling has keys that are slidingly received in slots. One side of each key is loaded while the opposite side is non-loaded. The non-loaded side of the key has a stepped or profiled surface to provide clearance to allow deflection of the key. In another embodiment, the stepped or profiled surface is provided on the non-loaded side of the slot.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a controller adapted for coupling to a compressor or electronic stepper regulator valve. The controller produces a variable duty cycle control signal to adjust the capacity of the compressor or valve position of the electronic stepper regulator valve as a function of demand for cooling. The diagnostic system further includes a diagnostic module coupled to the controller for monitoring and comparing the duty cycle with at least one predetermined fault value indicative of a system fault condition and an alert module responsive to the diagnostic module for issuing an alert signal when the duty cycle bears a predetermined relationship to the fault value.

Abstract: A compressor assembly includes a shell which defines a discharge chamber. A discharge valve assembly is attached to the shell in communication with the discharge chamber. The discharge valve assembly includes a stamped or coined valve seat, a drawn tubular element and a stamped valve member. The stamping, drawing and coining operations used to manufacture the discharge valve assembly significantly reduce the manufacturing costs for the discharge valve assembly.

Abstract: A horizontal scroll-type compressor is provided with an oil injection fitting that extends through the compressor shell and communicates lubricating oil to a lubrication passage in the crankshaft for providing lubricant to the compressor and other components. The oil injection fitting is supplied with lubricant from an externally disposed source.

Abstract: A scroll machine is provided with a muffler mounted to the fixed scroll of the scroll machine for improved sound attenuation.

Abstract: The present invention provides the art with a scroll machine which has a plurality of built-in volume ratios along with their respective design pressure ratios. The incorporation of more than one built-in volume ratio allows a single compressor to be optimized for more than one operating condition. The operating envelope for the compressor will determine which of the various built-in volume ratios is going to be selected. Each volume ratio includes a discharge passage extending between one of the pockets of the scroll machine and the discharge chamber. All but the highest volume ration utilize a valve controlling the flow through the discharge passage.

Abstract: An improved continuous capacity modulation system for scroll-type compressors is disclosed in which a valve body of a solenoid valve assembly is secured to the inner wall of the hermetic shell and the actuating coil is mounted on the outer surface thereof. The actuating coil includes a plunger/valve member which cooperates with passages provided in the valve body to selectively actuate the capacity modulation arrangement utilizing compressed fluid. The construction offers the advantage that all fluid pressure lines are located within the hermetic shell and thus protected from potential damage, the solenoid coil may be easily changed/replaced to accommodate different available operating voltages and/or malfunction thereof and the system can be easily tested prior to final welding of the outer shell. The actuating coil is controlled by Pulse Width Modulation to reduce the load demand of the compressor during times when load shedding is required.

Abstract: A control for a refrigeration system serviced by a special pulse width modulated compressor coupled to a condenser and evaporator. The system can be of the distributed type wherein the condenser and compressor may be coupled to service a group of adjacent refrigeration cases, wherein each case would have its own evaporator. A controller is coupled to a load sensor for producing a variable duty cycle control signal in which the duty cycle is a function of demand for cooling. Moreover, fuzzy logic techniques may be utilized in order to provide self adaptive tuning control for the system.

Abstract: A method of forming an aluminum alloy scroll machine component having improved lubricity.

Abstract: A refrigeration compressor control system includes a controller coupled to a load sensor to produce a variable duty cycle control signal that is a function of demand for cooling. The controller includes a module for establishing a fixed or variable cycle time for the variable duty cycle control signal. The controller is coupled to a compressor to cause the compressor to selectively alternate between first and second states in response to the variable duty cycle control signal, thereby adjusting the capacity of the compressor to the demand for cooling while the compressor is energized.

Abstract: A terminal assembly for a hermetic compressor having a shell includes a terminal block secured to the shell. A terminal fence surrounds the terminal block and is also fixedly secured to the shell. An intermediate gasket sealingly engages both the shell and the terminal block. A power plug is electrically connected to the terminal block and sealingly engaged by the intermediate gasket. A terminal block cover is secured to the shell in order to retain the connection between the various components. The terminal assembly once properly installed is capable of sealing the electrical connection for the compressor from direct contamination by high humidity and salt water spray normally experienced during trans-oceanic shipping.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a fluid injection system. The fluid injection system includes a fluid passage which extends from a position outside of the shell of the compressor to the fluid pockets created by the wraps of the scroll members. The fluid passage extends through the orbiting scroll member. The fluid injection system can be used to inject gaseous or liquid refrigerant, lubricant or the fluid injection system can be used to vent the moving pocket to the suction area of the compressor for capacity modulation.

Abstract: An air conditioning servicing system utilizes a number of sensors which monitor various operating parameters of a malfunctioning air-conditioning system. These operating parameters are provided to a hand held computer along with an identifier of the malfunctioning air-conditioning system. The hand held computer contains the normal operating parameters for a plurality of air-conditioning systems. The hand held computer compares the measured operating parameters with the normal operating parameters for the specific air-conditioning system to provide diagnostic results for the malfunctioning system and possible service procedures. If the hand held computer does not recognize the malfunctioning air-conditioning system identifier, a wireless connection is made through the Internet to a master computer which has a larger data base.

Abstract: A horizontal open drive scroll machine has a lubrication removal system located with the suction inlet of the scroll machine's outer housing. The lubrication removal system includes a funnel which directs the incoming working fluid to a position radially inward from the suction inlet defined by the scrolls. A fine mesh screen is located within the suction inlet of the housing to further aid in the removal of the lubricant from the working fluid being returned to the suction pressure chamber of the scroll machine.

Abstract: A compressor protection and control subsystem for a rotary compressor provides temperature pressure, mis-wiring and vibrational protection for the scroll machine. The vibrational protection comprises a vibration sensor which is integrated on the circuit board of the protection and control subsystem. The vibration sensor, in conjunction with at least one timer, monitors the vibrations of the scroll machine and will shut down the machine when excess vibrations are sensed over a prespecified period of time. The temperature system monitors operating temperature conditions the pressure system monitors operating pressures and the mis-wiring system monitors the power supplied to the compressor. Once an undesirable characteristic is identified, the operation of the scroll machine is stopped. These protection systems are integrated into a single subsystem which identifies the reason of shutting off the scroll machine in order to simplify repairs needed.

Abstract: A compressor includes a normally open discharge valve assembly for controlling compressed refrigerant flow from the discharge chamber through the compression members. This controlling of flow results in an increased performance for the compressor by reducing recompression volume and the elimination of reverse rotation at shut down. The discharge valve assembly includes a valve seat, a valve plate and a valve stop secured within a recess formed within the compressor. The valve stop and the valve seat include a contoured surface which is engaged by the valve plate when it opens and closes. The contoured surface control the movement of the valve plate.

Abstract: A system for making a gray cast iron scrolls using a high performance inoculant.