Patents Assigned to Copeland Corporation
  • Heating and cooling system with variable capacity compressor
    Patent number: 5628201
    Abstract: Compressor discharge temperature, ambient outdoor air temperature and thermal load are used as control parameters for controlling the expansion valve setting and the indoor fan speed. In a variable capacity system the thermal load parameter also controls the compressor capacity. Thermal load is measured by an integrating procedure that increments or decrements an accumulated demand counter value used as an indication of thermal load on the system. The counter value is incremented and decremented based on the room temperature and thermostat setpoint. These same parameters are also used in the overcharge/undercharge diagnostic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Bahel, Hank Millet, Mickey Hickey, Hung Pham, Gregory P. Herroon, Gerald L. Greschl
  • Diagnostics for a heating and cooling system
    Patent number: 5623834
    Abstract: Compressor discharge temperature, ambient outdoor air temperature and thermal load are used as control parameters for controlling the expansion valve setting and indoor fan speed. Diagnostics monitor a feedback signal from the fan motor to detect fan over-speed and increased speed due to decreased air flow caused by a dirty indoor air filter. Discharge pressure of the compressor is monitored to detect a blocked outdoor fan. The difference between actual and optimum compressor discharge temperatures and suction pressure of the compressor are monitored to detect a stuck-closed expansion valve or low refrigerant charge. Compressor "short-cycling" is limited to prevent reduced reliability of the compressor. The difference between compressor discharge temperature and outdoor coil temperature is measured before and after startup to detect compressor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Bahel, Hank Millet, Mickey Hickey, Hung Pham, Gregory P. Herroon, Gerald L. Greschl
  • Capacity modulated scroll machine
    Patent number: 5613841
    Abstract: A scroll-type machine is disclosed which is particularly well suited for use as a compressor in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and incorporates a unique arrangement for modulating the capacity thereof. In one group of embodiments the capacity of the scroll-type machine is modulated by relative axial movement between the scroll members so as to form a leakage path across the wrap tips and opposed end plates. In another group of embodiments, modulation is achieved by reducing the orbital radius of one of the scroll members to thereby form a leakage path across the flank surfaces of the wraps. Both types of scroll separation may be accomplished in a time pulsed manner to thereby enable a full range of modulation with the duration of the loading and unloading periods being selected to maximize the efficiency of the overall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Bass, Roy J. Doepker, Jean-Luc M. Caillat, Wayne R. Warner
  • Capacity modulated scroll machine
    Patent number: 5611674
    Abstract: A scroll-type machine is disclosed which is particularly well suited for use as a compressor in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and incorporates a unique arrangement for modulating the capacity thereof. In one group of embodiments the capacity of the scroll-type machine is modulated by relative axial movement between the scroll members so as to form a leakage path across the wrap tips and opposed end plates. In another group of embodiments, modulation is achieved by reducing the orbital radius of one of the scroll members to thereby form a leakage path across the flank surfaces of the wraps. Both types of scroll separation may be accomplished in a time pulsed manner to thereby enable a full range of modulation with the duration of the loading and unloading periods being selected to maximize the efficiency of the overall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Bass, Roy J. Doepker, Jean-Luc M. Caillat, Wayne R. Warner
  • Scroll machine with reverse rotation protection
    Patent number: 5607288
    Abstract: A scroll machine has an intermediate pressure cavity which is operable to open and close a leakage path between the discharge zone and the suction zone of the scroll machine. The leakage path is closed when intermediate pressurized fluid is supplied to the cavity and the leakage path is open when the cavity is open to the suction zone of the compressor. A valve which can be mechanical or electrical is used to open and close a passageway extending between the cavity and the suction zone of the machine. Biasing means is located within the scroll machine in order to control the rate at which the intermediate pressurized fluid is bled to the suction zone of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Jean-Luc Caillat, Francis M. Simpson, Gary J. Anderson, Donald W. Rode, Norman G. Beck
  • Scroll machine with reverse rotation protection
    Patent number: 5593294
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a one-way drive for resisting and impeding objectionable reverse movement of the orbiting scroll member. The one-way drive includes a one-way clutch interconnecting a drive shaft with a stationary member of the compressor through a resilient member. Reverse rotation of the drive shaft causes a loading of the resilient member which then operates to cushion the stopping of the reverse rotation of the drive shaft. The one-way drive is inoperative during forward rotation of the drive shaft thus allowing normal operation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Houghtby, Roger W. Reineke, Kenneth J. Monnier
  • Scroll machine with reverse rotation protection
    Patent number: 5591014
    Abstract: A scroll machine has an intermediate pressure cavity which is operable to open and close a leakage path between the discharge zone and the suction zone of the scroll machine. The leakage path is closed when intermediate pressurized fluid is supplied to the cavity and the leakage path is open when the cavity is open to the suction zone of the compressor. A valve which can be mechanical or electrical is used to open and close a passageway extending between the cavity and the suction zone of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Jean-Luc Caillat, Francis M. Simpson, Gary J. Anderson, Donald W. Rode, Norman G. Beck
  • Compliant drive for scroll machine
    Patent number: 5588819
    Abstract: A scroll-type apparatus includes a radial compliant drive. The radial compliant drive is achieved by using a set of corresponding flat driving surfaces with one of the drive surfaces being located on a drive bushing and the other being located on a crankshaft. The drive bushing is provided with a pair of flat drive surfaces with each flat drive surface of the drive bushing capable of mating with the drive surface of the crankshaft in a different geometrical fashion to provide two different radial driving loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Frank S. Wallis
  • Terminal assembly for hermetic compressor
    Patent number: 5584716
    Abstract: A hermetic terminal assembly has a plurality of conductor pins which define integral fusible links (36). A unique plug is provided which both separates the individual wires (70) leading to the conductor pins and allows, in cooperation with a fence or with the shell (21) of the compressor (10), for the restriction of access to the conductor pins while the conductor pins are connected to a power source. This unique plug also allows for the positioning of the integral fusible link on the outside of the shell (12) thus resolving the problems associated with compromising the integrity of the shell (12) upon separating of the fuse-like link (36). In addition, the plug insures that the conductor pins are maintained in an electrical isolated fashion should the fuse-like link (36) separate. The fence can be formed as a separate member or alternately to be integral with the terminal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest Bergman
  • Scroll machine having discharge port inserts
    Patent number: 5582511
    Abstract: A scroll machine has a multi-functional device which is attached to either or both of the scroll members that serves the purpose of optimizing or altering the discharge port geometry to a specific compression ratio or for modulation of compression ratios for performance optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Fairbanks
  • Scroll compressor drive having a brake
    Patent number: 5580229
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a scroll compressor which incorporates a spring biased floating seal to facilitate the start-up for the compressor. The spring biased floating seal opens a discharge to suction leakage path before and during start-up for the compressor. After a few revolutions of the scrolls of the compressor the floating seal is biased against the load of the spring to close the leakage path due to pressurized working fluid of the compressor working against the biasing of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Norman G. Beck, Gary J. Anderson, Richard S. Tucker
  • Scroll machine having an axially compliant mounting for a scroll member
    Patent number: 5580230
    Abstract: A scroll type machine is disclosed which incorporates an improved mounting arrangement for the non-orbiting scroll member which mounting arrangement greatly facilitates manufacturing and assembly, effectively prevents radial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll member, and offers the advantages of axial compliance. In one embodiment, the non-orbiting scroll is axially movably secured to a bearing housing by means of a plurality of bolts or bolts and sleeves. In another embodiment a rigid annular ring serves to axially movably secure the non-orbiting scroll to the bearing housing while in a third embodiment a stamped ring is secured to both the non-orbiting scroll and the bearing housing. In another embodiment a two piece main bearing housing includes an integral ring for radially positioning the non-orbiting scroll member and means for securing anti-rotation and axial stop means thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Eric G. Keifer, James F. Fogt, Gary K. Fain, Gary J. Anderson, Mark Bass, Jean-Luc Caillat, John P. Elson, Kenneth J. Monnier
  • Gray cast iron system for scroll machines
    Patent number: 5580401
    Abstract: A system for making a gray cast iron scrolls using a high performance inoculant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Warren G. Williamson
  • Refrigerant recovery system
    Patent number: 5548966
    Abstract: Two preferred embodiments of an improved refrigerant recovery system and method for recovering refrigerant from a separate system are disclosed whereby the first embodiment utilizes a closed-loop refrigeration system employing a portable storage tank to recover refrigerant from a separate system that needs to be serviced. The first embodiment recovers refrigerant from the separate system by placing a storage tank within an evaporator that is cooled by evaporator coils and evacuated by a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is valved off and recovered refrigerant is directed to the storage tank from the separate system. None of the recovered refrigerant contacts the compressor of the recovery system and vacuum pump. An alternative to the first embodiment provides a booster pump in-line with the storage tank and the separate system for transferring any residual refrigerants into the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore E. Tinsler
  • Scroll compressor drive having a brake
    Patent number: 5545019
    Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments of a stopping device operable between the drive shaft and/or orbiting scroll of a scroll compressor and a fixed wall forming part of the compressor, for the purposes of automatically engaging the wall upon reverse operation of the compressor to thereby quickly stop such reverse operation. Damage to the compressor in the event of powered reverse is also prevented, either by permitting the machine to run free or by quickly stopping it. Also disclosed are several ways to facilitate start-up with weak motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Norman G. Beck, Gary J. Anderson, Richard S. Tucker
  • Scroll machine sound attenuation
    Patent number: 5538408
    Abstract: A scroll-type machine has a motion controlling member for preventing relative rotation between a first and a second scroll member while allowing relative orbiting motion therebetween. The scroll-type machine includes a novel arrangement of a spring or other flexible member for biasing the motion controlling member in a specific direction. The biasing of the motion controlling member operates to reduce the mechanical impact noise or rattle which is caused by the vibration of the machine's operating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Jaroslav Blass, Neal G. Marchal, Gary J. Anderson, Frank S. Wallis, Kenneth J. Monnier, Kent E. Logan, Steven C. Fairbanks
  • Forced air heat exchanging system with variable fan speed control
    Patent number: 5533352
    Abstract: Liquid refrigerant temperature, measured by a sensor adjacent the flow control device, provides multiple diverse pieces of information which are used to control the indoor fan speed. liquid refrigerant temperature is used as an indication of outdoor air temperature and is also used as an indication of whether the compressor is operational or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay O. Bahel, Hank E. Millet, Mickey F. Hickey, Hung M. Pham, Gregory P. Herroon, Gerald L. Greschl, Joseph B. Niemann
  • Blocked fan detection system for heat pump
    Patent number: 5528908
    Abstract: The blocked fan or obstructed airflow condition is detected by measuring the difference between outdoor air temperature and outdoor exchanger coil temperature. If a very high difference is detected, or if no decrease in the difference is achieved after termination of the defrost cycle, and if either of these conditions persists over a plurality of defrost cycles, then the blocked condition is declared. The diagnostic system can be integrated in an existing demand defrost cycle and is capable of detecting blocked conditions attributable to foreign matter such as leaves, paper and debris which cannot be cleared by defrosting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Bahel, Hank Millet, Mickey Hickey, Hung Pham, Gregory P. Herroon
  • Scroll machine sound attenuation
    Patent number: 5527167
    Abstract: A scroll-type machine has a motion controlling member for preventing relative rotation between a first and a second scroll member while allowing relative orbiting motion therebetween. The scroll-type machine includes a novel arrangement of a spring or other flexible member for biasing the motion controlling member in a specific direction. The biasing of the motion controlling member operates to reduce the mechanical impact noise or rattle which is caused by the vibration of the machine's operating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Jaroslav Blass, Neal G. Marchal, Gary J. Anderson, Frank S. Wallis, Kenneth J. Monnier, Kent E. Logan, Steven C. Fairbanks
  • Scroll machine with overheating protection
    Patent number: 5527158
    Abstract: A thermally responsive valve assembly (134) for scroll motorcompressor high temperature protection, which causes a high-side to low-side leak when excessive discharge gas temperatures are encountered, thereby causing the motor protector (35) to trip and de-energize the motor. The valve assembly (134) includes means motor ducting (200) the excessive temperature discharge gas to the lower portion of the motor/compressor shell (10) to the motor to circulate the high temperature gas throughout the motor cavity. The excessive temperature discharge gas heats the motor stator (20) and windings (32) which will in turn cause the motor protector (35) to trip and de-energize the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Ramsey, Jean-Luc Caillat, Sunil S. Kulkarni