Patents Assigned to Scroll Technologies
  • Scroll compressor with axially floating non-orbiting scroll and no separator plate
    Patent number: 6416301
    Abstract: An improved scroll compressor having an axially movable non-orbiting scroll eliminates the need for a separator plate. With the elimination of the separator plate, a back pressure chamber is provided to resist the discharge pressure which will be directed against a rear face of the non-orbiting scroll. In other embodiments, a seal on the rear of the non-orbiting scroll contacts the inner periphery of the end cap. Various ways of increasing the discharge pressure volume, or eliminating undesirable noise are also disclosed. Further, several ways of connecting the end cap to the center shell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: James W. Bush, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Variable capacity modulation for scroll compressor
    Patent number: 6413058
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided that has greater control over the compressed volume by having a plurality of sequentially spaced unloader valves and associated holes. By providing the plurality of valves, a control achieves greater variation over the final compressed volume. The present invention is most preferably utilized in the type of scroll compressor having a hybrid wrap geometry to provide an increased volume of refrigerant adjacent the suction area of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: John R. Williams, James W. Bush, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill
  • Motor protector on non-orbiting scroll
    Patent number: 6406266
    Abstract: An inventive scroll compressor has its motor protector circuit mounted on the compressor pump unit. In this way, increased temperature from reverse rotation of the orbiting scroll causes the motor protector unit to quickly stop operation of the motor. Preferably, the motor protector unit is mounted on the non-orbiting scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Jason Hugenroth, Edward A. Tamayko, Thomas Barito
  • Compressor diagnostic and recording system
    Patent number: 6406265
    Abstract: A compressor diagnostic system incorporates a control which receives a plurality of data streams about various operational features of the compressor. As an example, both temperature and pressure of the suction and discharge refrigerant are taken and sent to the control. Moreover, information with regard to the power being supplied to the motor is taken and stored. All of this information is utilized at a control which compares the information to expected values and determines a fault based upon the evaluation. Moreover, in another feature of this invention, much of this data is stored, and maintained at the compressor. In the event of a compressor failure, this stored information will provide a maintenance worker with a good indication of why the compressor failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Greg Hahn, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Modified expansion device for refrigerant cycle low charge operation
    Patent number: 6397614
    Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with an expansion device that is movable between a normal mode of operation and a low charge mode of operation. In the low charge mode of operation, the expansion device does not lower the pressure of the refrigerant as much as it does in its normal mode of operation. In this way, the relatively high pressure ratios that are experienced by a compressor during a low charge operation will not be experienced. Instead, the pressure ratio across the compressor is reduced during low charge operation, and the compressor will be better protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Greg Hahn, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • SCROLL COMPRESSOR HAVING CLUTCH WITH POWERED REVERSE ROTATION PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20020064472
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a clutch to minimize or eliminate the detrimental effects of reverse rotation. Generally, the clutch prevents rotation of the shaft during both powered and unpowered reverse rotation. The clutch could be subject to damage during powered reverse rotation, and thus a clutch protection mechanism is incorporated that will prevent the clutch from moving to an actuated position if powered reverse rotation occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: James W. Bush, John R. Williams, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill
  • Scroll compressor with anti-reverse rotation clutch
    Publication number: 20020064473
    Abstract: A low cost protective clutch member is positioned adjacent an end of the drive shaft in a scroll compressor. The device is a thin washer having a tab which is selectively driven against the housing stop when the compressor is driven in a forward direction, but is movable into a notch in the shaft when the shaft is driven in a reverse direction. The tab prevents rotation of the shaft when in the notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: James W. Bush, John R. Williams, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill
  • Scroll compressor having clutch with powered reverse rotation protection
    Patent number: 6386847
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a clutch to minimize or eliminate the detrimental effects of reverse rotation. Generally, the clutch prevents rotation of the shaft during both powered and unpowered reverse rotation. The clutch could be subject to damage during powered reverse rotation, and thus a clutch protection mechanism is incorporated that will prevent the clutch from moving to an actuated position if powered reverse rotation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: James W. Bush, John R. Williams, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill
  • Oil return for reduced height scroll compressor
    Patent number: 6386840
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a reduced height by having its suction tube aligned with its motor stator windings. The oil is returned from the scroll compressor to a compressor sump by confining the oil to flow through any of several structures such that it is isolated from refrigerant passing into a suction chamber through the suction tube. In this way, the oil which has been typically returned between the stator and the inner wall of the housing does not communicate with the refrigerant which is entering the housing. While the invention is shown in scroll compressor, it has benefits in other type compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Michael R. Young, Tracy Milliff, Darrell G. Murray
  • Scroll compressor with reduced stiction surface for check valve
    Patent number: 6379133
    Abstract: An improved check valve for a scroll compressor has a stop body which has a contact face which is reduced in surface area to reduce the stiction or holding force holding the valve at shut down. In this way, the valve is allowed to move to its closed position more rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Gregory W. Hahn, Todd W. Dewar, David M. Fenocchi, John R. Williams, Tracy L. Milliff
  • Axial pressure seal lubricator
    Patent number: 6375444
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a unique oil supply port for supplying lubricant to both the seals and the Oldham coupling. The oil supply port is positioned at a location such that it will not likely result in undue amounts of lubricant being entrained into the refrigerant leading into the compression chambers. The present invention is thus an improvement over the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventor: Todd W. Dewar
  • Linear drive scroll compressor assemble
    Patent number: 6368065
    Abstract: A scroll compressor assembly includes a first linear drive for driving a first scroll along a first linear axis and a second linear drive for driving the first or second scroll along a second linear axis which is non-parallel to the first linear axis. Relative orbital movement between the first and second scrolls is obtained by controlling the frequency of oscillations of the first linear motor along a first linear axis and the second linear motor along the second linear axis. Further, capacity control is achieved by varying the movement of the first and second linear motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Jason Hugenroth, Gregory V. Hahn, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Thomas R. Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Sealed compressor with temperature feedback to motor protector unit
    Patent number: 6364619
    Abstract: An improved motor protection switch incorporates a parallel feedback component mounted in parallel to a heater in a motor protection circuit. The parallel feedback component senses the temperature of a compressor component. If tie temperature increases then the current flow through the heater increases. This causes a motor protector switch to open. In this way, the feedback component provides feedback from the compressor pump unit to the motor protection circuit more quickly than in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, William Bush, Joe T. Hill
  • Scroll compressor with dual suction passages which merge into suction path
    Patent number: 6364643
    Abstract: An improved scroll compressor having a full thrust surface at which a face of the non-orbiting scroll is in contact with the base of the orbiting scroll is provided with two suction passages. The suction passages extend along circumferential directions at which a substantial portion of the direction of the suction port is tangential. The two suction passages are circumferentially spaced to each be associated with independent compression chambers within the scroll compressor. Due to the tangential component, the refrigerant leaving the ports tends to merge into the compression chambers more rapidly. This results in improved flow, and a reduction in heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventor: Tracy L. Milliff
  • Scroll compressor with pivoting slider block and improved bore configuration
    Patent number: 6361297
    Abstract: A scroll compressor includes an eccentric pin extending into a slider block, wherein the bore of the slider block is configured to cause the orbiting scroll to move out of contact with the non-orbiting scroll when there is reverse rotation. The bore in the slider block is configured to have two distinct circular portions. One of the circular portions has a greater radius than the other. The portion with the greater radius provides space to accommodate pivoting movement of the slider block relative to the eccentric pin when reverse rotation occurs. The second portion having the smaller radius ensures that a pivot pin on the inner periphery of the slider block bore is relatively thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventor: Jason Hugenroth
  • Scroll compressor with dual clutch capacity modulation
    Patent number: 6354821
    Abstract: A simplified drive arrangement is provided to allow a scroll compressor to be operated at two capacity levels by a reversible electric motor. A pair of one-way clutches are positioned on a pair of parallel shafts. When the motor is driven in a forward direction drive passes through one of the one-way clutches and directly to the orbiting scroll. However, when the motor is driven in a reverse direction, drive passes through a countershaft, which in turn passes through a second one-way clutch. The drive passing through the second one-way clutch will result in the orbiting scroll being driven at a distinct speed then when the motor is driven in a reverse direction. In this way, capacity modulation is achieved with a very simple mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Gregory W. Hahn, Carlos Zamudio, Joe T. Hill, Zili Sun, Jason Hugenroth, Thomas Barito, John R. Williams, James W. Bush
  • Oil retention in compressor slider block
    Patent number: 6354822
    Abstract: Oil retention recesses are formed in an outer periphery of the slider block of a scroll compressor. The recesses insure that a quantity of oil is captured and maintained during operation and after shutdown of the scroll compressor. If the scroll compressor is operated or started back up during a “starved” lubricant condition, the captured oil insures the scroll compressor can operate without damage for a period of time such that lubricant can be returned to the sealed compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, James W. Bush
  • Optimized radial compliance for a scroll compressor
    Patent number: 6352417
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with structure between its slider block and its eccentric pin that allows relative movement, but limits such movement. In one embodiment, a spring biased piston resists relative movement between the slider block and the eccentric pin. In another embodiment, incrementally spaced indexed surfaces are defined. With either embodiment the amount of relative movement of the slider block is limited relative to the eccentric pin and hence between the wraps of the orbiting scrolls. This will result in quieter operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Carlos Zamudio, Joe T. Hill, Gregory W. Hahn, Zili Sun, Jason Hugenroth, Thomas Barito, John R. Williams, James W. Bush
  • Scroll compressor with dampening bushing
    Patent number: 6345966
    Abstract: A low noise scroll compressor assembly has an orbiting scroll supported for movement about an axis, and a non-orbiting scroll mounted to the crankcase housing along the axis. The non-orbiting scroll is mounted to the crankcase housing by at least one guide bushing that allows axial movement of the non-orbiting scroll relative to the orbiting scroll. A plurality of openings are arranged radially within mounting flanges projecting outward from the non-orbiting scroll. Each opening includes a guide bushing and a dampening bushing. The dampening bushing comprises a material that will absorb an impact force between the non-orbiting scroll and the guide bushing. Absorption of impact forces by the dampening bushing prevents the transmission of vibrations, thereby minimizing or preventing noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Greg Hahn, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Scroll compressor with reduced capacity at high operating temperatures
    Patent number: 6341945
    Abstract: A number of embodiments are disclosed in which scroll compressor elements are actuated upon a particular condition being sensed within the scroll compressor. Upon the condition being sensed, elements are actuated which restrict the orbit radius of the orbiting scroll. In this way, conditions such as low charge, reverse rotation, and low suction pressure are encountered with little damage to the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Jason J. Hugenroth, Thomas R. Barito