Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a clamping arrangement for a valve assembly (e.g., a suction or discharge valve) of a reciprocating compressor. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a clamping arrangement for clamping a valve assembly to a cylinder. The clamping arrangement may include a valve assembly, a clamping mechanism and a plurality of fasteners for directly securing the valve assembly to a cylinder of the compressor. The clamping mechanism has no direct contact or interaction with a valve cover which seals a valve cage from the surrounding environment. As such, the need for a valve gland is negated. In use, the clamping mechanism may be in the form of a clamping ring or an integrated flange for securing the valve assembly directly to the cylinder by the plurality of fasteners. The clamping arrangement may further include an improved seal located between the valve assembly and the cylinder.

Abstract: A connecting rod (24) has a modified end adapted to ensure that a lubricant film of sufficient thickness exists in an end bearing thereof when the connecting rod is placed in both tension and compression. The connecting rod includes an elongated body portion or shaft (40), a big end (42) defining a first coupling bore (44) at a first longitudinal end of the body portion (40), and a small end (46) defining a second coupling bore (48) at a second longitudinal end of the body portion (40). The small end (46) and the big end (42) each have a proximal side (50,52) nearest the shaft (40) and a distal side (54,56) furthest from the shaft (40). An opening (100) is formed in the shaft (40) adjacent the proximal side (52) for adjusting a stiffness of the proximal side (52).

Abstract: A connecting rod (24) has a modified end adapted to ensure that a lubricant film of sufficient thickness exists in an end bearing thereof when the connecting rod is placed in both tension and compression. The connecting rod includes an elongated body portion or shaft (40), a big end (42) defining a first coupling bore (44) at a first longitudinal end of the body portion (40), and a small end (46) defining a second coupling bore (48) at a second longitudinal end of the body portion (40). The small end (46) and the big end (42) each have a proximal side (50,52) nearest the shaft (40) and a distal side (54,56) furthest from the shaft (40). An opening (100) is formed in the shaft (40) adjacent the proximal side (52) for adjusting a stiffness of the proximal side (52).