Patents by Inventor Carlos Zamudio

Carlos Zamudio 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020047126
    Abstract: A number of improvements increase the flow of lubricant within a scroll compressor. A centrifugal oil separator is mounted on the discharge port to remove oil from the refrigerant. The oil is returned through a leak path such that the oil can easily return back to a suction pressure chamber. The leak path is preferably upstream of a check valve. Thus, at shutdown, the leak path will not allow upstream components to also equalize in pressure with the suction pressure chamber of the compressor. Further, a number of embodiments include ways of resisting flow of refrigerant through the leak path, while still allowing oil flow. A number of valve elements are described which perform this function. Alternatively, labyrinth flow paths, or positioning of the return paths such that it will be closed when the compressor is shut down are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Carlos Zamudio, Zili Sun, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020012596
    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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: James W. Bush, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6309198
    Abstract: A number of improvements increase the flow of lubricant within a scroll compressor. A centrifugal oil separator is mounted on the discharge port to remove oil from the refrigerant. The oil is returned through a leak path such that the oil can easily return back to a suction pressure chamber. The leak path is preferably upstream of a check valve. Thus, at shutdown, the leak path will not allow upstream components to also equalize in pressure with the suction pressure chamber of the compressor. Further, a number of embodiments include ways of resisting flow of refrigerant through the leak path, while still allowing oil flow. A number of valve elements are described which perform this function. Alternatively, labyrinth flow paths, or positioning of the return paths such that it will be closed when the compressor is shut down are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Carlos Zamudio, Zili Sun, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6309197
    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: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: James W. Bush, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6293776
    Abstract: Scroll compressors having a non-orbiting scroll the type that moves axially for a limited distance are provided with an economizer fluid tube. The economizer tube is received within an opening in the non-orbiting scroll such that the non-orbiting scroll can move relative to the tube. This is an improvement over the prior art, and provides a more secure and simple connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Greg Hahn, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6280146
    Abstract: A unique protection circuit for a sealed compressor incorporates oil structure which directs a heated oil onto a motor protection circuit. The motor protection circuit is of the type which shuts down operation of an electric motor when a predetermined temperature is sensed. The motor protection circuit is positioned adjacent to an oil return path which is opened when a high temperature is experienced in the compressor pump unit. The valve in the path opens to allow flow of the returned oil onto the motor protection switch. The motor protection switch is then actuated to stop further operation of the motor. In another embodiment, the motor protection switch is immersed in the oil sump. Again, when the oil temperature increases to a predetermined amount, the motor protection switch stops further operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: James W. Bush, Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6267573
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll nested with one another within a shell. A hub extends axially from a lower surface of the orbiting scroll with a central bore formed therein. A crankshaft, having an eccentric pin extending axially from one end thereof, is drivable by a motor. A passageway for the delivery of a lubricant extends through the crankshaft and the eccentric pin. A slider block is received by the central bore, and a pin bore, which extends axially through the slider block, receives the eccentric pin. An axially extending projection maintains a gap between the slider block and the orbiting scroll which enhances the flow of lubricant to bearing surfaces of the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: David M. Fenocchi, Carlos A. Zamudio
  • Patent number: 6217302
    Abstract: A scroll compressor back pressure chamber seal protector is operable to prevent the seal from moving away from a separator plate during reverse rotation. During reverse rotation, a check valve associated with the seal communicates a higher pressure fluid into the back pressure chamber such that a low pressure from an intermediate pressure chamber will not pull the seal away from the separator plate. In this way, the seal is maintained in contact with the separator plate during reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Jason Hugenroth, Greg Hahn, Thomas Barito, James W. Bush, Joe T. Hill, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6053714
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll nested with one another within a shell. A hub extends axially from a lower surface of the orbiting scroll with a central bore formed therein. A crankshaft, having an eccentric pin extending axially from one end thereof, is drivable by a motor. A passageway for the delivery of a lubricant extends through the crankshaft and the eccentric pin. A slider block is received by the central bore, and a pin bore, which extends axially through the slider block, receives the eccentric pin. An axially extending projection maintains a gap between the slider block and the orbiting scroll which enhances the flow of lubricant to bearing surfaces of the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Fenocchi, Carlos A. Zamudio
  • Patent number: 5989000
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a recess communicating with a back pressure hole leading to a back pressure chamber. The recess may be formed in either the rear face of the orbiting scroll, or in the mating face of the crankcase. Preferably, the recess surrounds the orbiting axis of the orbiting scroll compressor, and may be circular. The recess serves to quickly supply fluid from the back pressure hole to the back pressure chamber. This is particularly valuable at startup of the scroll compressor. With the inventive recess, a test to determine whether the scroll compressor is capable of reaching its operative pressures may be performed more quickly and more accurately. The recess is preferably relatively shallow, and is preferably of a depth which is less than the diameter of the back pressure hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Edward A. Tomayko, Carlos A. Zamudio