Patents by Inventor Bryce R. Shaffer

Bryce R. Shaffer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11898557
    Abstract: Scroll devices with cooling fluid supplied through a crankshaft are provided. The device may comprise an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll and a crankshaft operably connected to the orbiting scroll. A first seal may be positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface. A second seal may be positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface. A first channel and a second channel extend through the crankshaft and are in fluid communication with the orbiting scroll and a fluid source and a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nicholas, John P. D. Wilson, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 11692550
    Abstract: A scroll device is disclosed having a housing, a motor having a shaft, an orbiting scroll connected to the shaft for moving the orbiting scroll, a fixed scroll mated to the orbiting scroll, an idler shaft for aligning the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, an inlet formed in the housing and/or the fixed scroll for receiving a cooling liquid, and a channel formed in the idler shaft for receiving the cooling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce R. Shaffer, Justin Mattice, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 11530703
    Abstract: A scroll device includes a fixed scroll with an idler shaft bearing, an orbiting scroll with another idler shaft bearing; and an eccentric idler shaft having first and second arms extending in opposite directions and ending at first and second ends, the first and second arms supported by the fixed scroll idler shaft bearing and the orbiting scroll idler shaft bearing, respectively. The eccentric idler shaft has a hollow core extending from the first end to the second end, with at least one channel extending through the first arm and enabling fluid communication between the hollow core and the at least one first bearing, and at least one second channel extending through the second arm and enabling fluid communication between the hollow core and the least one second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nicholas, Bryce R. Shaffer, John P. D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 11454241
    Abstract: A scroll device has a fixed scroll, and orbiting scroll, and at least one cooling chamber configured to receive coolant to cool the fixed scroll or the orbiting scroll. A flexible conduit that curves around an orbital axis of the orbiting scroll may transfer coolant into or out of the at least one cooling chamber. The scroll device may have a motor with a motor jacket configured to receive coolant for cooling the motor. One or more involutes of the scroll device may comprise a wall coated or plated with a solid abrasion-resistant lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce R. Shaffer, Nathan D. Nicholas, Justin D. Mattice, John P. D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20220170462
    Abstract: Scroll devices with cooling fluid supplied through a crankshaft are provided. The device may comprise an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll and a crankshaft operably connected to the orbiting scroll. A first seal may be positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface. A second seal may be positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface. A first channel and a second channel extend through the crankshaft and are in fluid communication with the orbiting scroll and a fluid source and a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nicholas, John P.D. Wilson, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 11047389
    Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump, expander, or compressor, that incorporates one or more stages of a fixed scroll(s) and orbiting scroll(s) that operates simultaneously. The motor drives the orbiting scroll(s) within the structure, and the various fixed and orbiting scrolls are arranged for either parallel generation of a vacuum or high pressure gas, or arranged in series for generating of a significantly high vacuum or gaseous pressure, or a combination of parallel arranged and series arranged fixed and orbiting scrolls may be embodied within the structure, operated by a single motor means, in order to attain the high efficiencies of operation as a vacuum pump, or a gaseous compressor, during its functioning. The various combinations of orbiting and fixed scrolls, when arranged as aforesaid, can be reduced in size, or miniaturized, and used in conjunction with small appliances, or even in hand-held instruments, as for example, for use in conducting mass spectrometry, or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20210071669
    Abstract: A scroll device is disclosed having a housing, a motor having a shaft, an orbiting scroll connected to the shaft for moving the orbiting scroll, a fixed scroll mated to the orbiting scroll, an idler shaft for aligning the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, an inlet formed in the housing and/or the fixed scroll for receiving a cooling liquid, and a channel formed in the idler shaft for receiving the cooling liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Bryce R. Shaffer, Justin Mattice, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 10865793
    Abstract: A scroll device is disclosed having a housing, a motor having a shaft, an orbiting scroll connected to the shaft for moving the orbiting scroll, a fixed scroll mated to the orbiting scroll, an idler shaft for aligning the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, an inlet formed in the housing and/or the fixed scroll for receiving a cooling liquid, and a channel formed in the idler shaft for receiving the cooling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce R Shaffer, Justin Mattice, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 10774690
    Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that utilizes a working fluid in its operation is disclosed having a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form, an orbiting scroll type expander, a central shaft which is driven by the expander, a generator having a rotor and a stator with the central shaft being mounted to the rotor for rotating the rotor relative to the stator, a pump mounted to the central shaft, an evaporator positioned between the expander and the generator and surrounding the central shaft, and the orbiting scroll type expander, the central shaft, the generator, the pump, and the evaporator being housed within the compact housing to form an integrated system operable in accordance with an energy cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10683865
    Abstract: A co-rotating scroll is disclosed having a motor having a shaft, a drive scroll connected to the shaft for moving the drive scroll, a driven scroll connected to the drive scroll to be moved by the drive scroll, and an idler shaft for aligning the drive scroll and the driven scroll and for allowing the driven scroll to be moved by the drive scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W Shaffer, Bryce R Shaffer, Russell Vigil
  • Publication number: 20200025204
    Abstract: A scroll device includes a fixed scroll with an idler shaft bearing, an orbiting scroll with another idler shaft bearing; and an eccentric idler shaft having first and second arms extending in opposite directions and ending at first and second ends, the first and second arms supported by the fixed scroll idler shaft bearing and the orbiting scroll idler shaft bearing, respectively. The eccentric idler shaft has a hollow core extending from the first end to the second end, with at least one channel extending through the first arm and enabling fluid communication between the hollow core and the at least one first bearing, and at least one second channel extending through the second arm and enabling fluid communication between the hollow core and the least one second bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nicholas, Bryce R. Shaffer, John P.D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10519815
    Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that operates as or in accordance with a Rankine, Organic Rankine, Heat Pump, or Combined Organic Rankine and Heat Pump Cycle, comprising a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form with some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor disposed therein to share a common shaft with a motor or generator and to form an integrated system, with the working fluid of the system circulating within the housing as a torus along the common shaft and toroidally within the housing as the system operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10508543
    Abstract: A scroll device has a housing having a fixed scroll plate and an orbiting scroll plate mounted therein on an idler shaft, the fixed scroll plate having a side having a fixed interleaved involute scroll and an outward facing side, the orbiting scroll plate having a side that has an orbiting interleaved involute scroll, an inlet port for the introduction of a working fluid into the device, and a pressure plate positioned adjacent to the outward facing side of the fixed scroll plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryce R Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20190338779
    Abstract: A scroll device has a fixed scroll, and orbiting scroll, and at least one cooling chamber configured to receive coolant to cool the fixed scroll or the orbiting scroll. A flexible conduit that curves around an orbital axis of the orbiting scroll may transfer coolant into or out of the at least one cooling chamber. The scroll device may have a motor with a motor jacket configured to receive coolant for cooling the motor. One or more involutes of the scroll device may comprise a wall coated or plated with a solid abrasion-resistant lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Bryce R. Shaffer, Nathan D. Nicholas, Justin D. Mattice
  • Publication number: 20190211824
    Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump, expander, or compressor, that incorporates one or more stages of a fixed scroll(s) and orbiting scroll(s) that operates simultaneously. The motor drives the orbiting scroll(s) within the structure, and the various fixed and orbiting scrolls are arranged for either parallel generation of a vacuum or high pressure gas, or arranged in series for generating of a significantly high vacuum or gaseous pressure, or a combination of parallel arranged and series arranged fixed and orbiting scrolls may be embodied within the structure, operated by a single motor means, in order to attain the high efficiencies of operation as a vacuum pump, or a gaseous compressor, during its functioning. The various combinations of orbiting and fixed scrolls, when arranged as aforesaid, can be reduced in size, or miniaturized, and used in conjunction with small appliances, or even in hand-held instruments, as for example, for use in conducting mass spectrometry, or for other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10221852
    Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump, expander, or compressor, that incorporates one or more stages of a fixed scroll(s) and orbiting scroll(s) that operates simultaneously. The motor drives the orbiting scroll(s) within the structure, and the various fixed and orbiting scrolls are arranged for either parallel generation of a vacuum or high pressure gas, or arranged in series for generating of a significantly high vacuum or gaseous pressure, or a combination of parallel arranged and series arranged fixed and orbiting scrolls may be embodied within the structure, operated by a single motor means, in order to attain the high efficiencies of operation as a vacuum pump, or a gaseous compressor, during its functioning. The various combinations of orbiting and fixed scrolls, when arranged as aforesaid, can be reduced in size, or miniaturized, and used in conjunction with small appliances, or even in hand-held instruments, as for example, for use in conducting mass spectrometry, or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20180216498
    Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that utilizes a working fluid in its operation is disclosed having a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form, an orbiting scroll type expander, a central shaft which is driven by the expander, a generator having a rotor and a stator with the central shaft being mounted to the rotor for rotating the rotor relative to the stator, a pump mounted to the central shaft, an evaporator positioned between the expander and the generator and surrounding the central shaft, and the orbiting scroll type expander, the central shaft, the generator, the pump, and the evaporator being housed within the compact housing to form an integrated system operable in accordance with an energy cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20180163726
    Abstract: A scroll device is disclosed having a housing, a motor having a shaft, an orbiting scroll connected to the shaft for moving the orbiting scroll, a fixed scroll mated to the orbiting scroll, an idler shaft for aligning the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, an inlet formed in the housing and/or the fixed scroll for receiving a cooling liquid, and a channel formed in the idler shaft for receiving the cooling liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Bryce R. Shaffer, Justin Mattice, John Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170362962
    Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that operates as or in accordance with a Rankine, Organic Rankine, Heat Pump, or Combined Organic Rankine and Heat Pump Cycle, comprising a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form with some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor disposed therein to share a common shaft with a motor or generator and to form an integrated system, with the working fluid of the system circulating within the housing as a torus along the common shaft and toroidally within the housing as the system operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 9784139
    Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that operates as or in accordance with a Rankine, Organic Rankine, Heat Pump, or Combined Organic Rankine and Heat Pump Cycle, comprising a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form with some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor disposed therein to share a common shaft with a motor or generator and to form an integrated system, with the working fluid of the system circulating within the housing as a torus along the common shaft and toroidally within the housing as the system operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Air Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Shaffer, Bryce R Shaffer