Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a first compression mechanism that compresses the working fluid from a low suction pressure to an intermediate pressure, a second compression mechanism that compresses intermediate pressure working fluid to a higher discharge pressure, and a fluid circuit circulating the working fluid discharged from the second compression mechanism to the first compression mechanism. The fluid circuit includes, in serial order, a first high pressure heat exchanger, an expansion device and an evaporator. The system may be operated as a transcritical system employing carbon dioxide as the working fluid. An intermediate pressure vessel is in communication with the system between the first and second compression mechanisms and working fluid at an intermediate pressure is communicated with the vessel. The system may be regulated by controlling the mass of working fluid contained in the intermediate pressure vessel, e.g., by regulating the temperature or storage volume of the vessel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a fluid conveying conduit and a plurality of heat exchange elements thermally coupled with the conduit. The heat exchange elements have heat transfer surfaces that define at least one air flow passage through the heat exchanger that is non-perpendicularly aligned with the conduit. An air blower is operatively associated with the heat exchanger and generates airflow in a direction that is non-perpendicular to the heat exchanger conduit. The air flow direction generated by the blower and the air flow passage defined by the heat transfer surfaces through the heat exchanger may be substantially parallel or form an angle of no greater than approximately 30 degrees.

Abstract: A refrigeration system module including a frame, a heating plate having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a first heat transfer surface, a cooling plate having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a second heat transfer surface, an expansion device disposed between the heating and cooling plates and in fluid communication with the heating plate fluid outlet and the cooling plate fluid inlet, and a hermetic compressor assembly. The compressor assembly is disposed between the heating and cooling plates and has a discharge outlet in fluid communication with the heating plate inlet, and a suction inlet in fluid communication with the cooling plate fluid outlet. The heating plate, the cooling plate, the expansion device and the compressor are fixed to the frame, and the first and second heat transfer surfaces each at least partially define an exterior surface of the module.

Abstract: An orbiting rotary compressor assembly having a compression mechanism disposed in a housing and including relatively moving fixed and orbiting compression members including extending portions having surfaces engaged with each other and between which a compression chamber is located. The orbiting member has a centrally-located hub which moves eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation of a drive shaft in driving engagement with the hub. A vane operatively engages the fixed member extending portion and the orbiting member extending portion, and partially defines the compression chamber. An Oldham coupling is disposed about and is in engagement with the hub, and is in engagement with the fixed compression member, rotation of the orbiting compression member being prevented by the Oldham coupling.

Abstract: A reversible reciprocating piston compressor includes a crankcase defining at least one cylinder therein and a crankshaft rotatably supported by the crankcase. The crankshaft includes a drive portion and a crankpin eccentrically positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the crankshaft. A piston is reciprocable within the cylinder and a connecting rod assembly is provided between the crankpin and the piston to reciprocally drive the piston in response to forward or reverse rotation of the crankshaft. A cam assembly is operably connected to the crankpin and is engageable with the drive member to effectuate a first stroke length in a first direction of rotation of the crankshaft and a second stroke in a second direction of rotation of the crankshaft. The cam assembly includes a cam, a driven portion and a counterweight.

Abstract: An orbiting rotary compressor assembly having a compression mechanism disposed in a housing and including relatively moving fixed and orbiting compression members including extending portions having surfaces engaged with each other and between which a compression chamber is located. The orbiting member has a centrally-located hub which moves eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation of a drive shaft in driving engagement with the hub. A vane operatively engages the fixed member extending portion and the orbiting member extending portion, and partially defines the compression chamber. An Oldham coupling is disposed about and is in engagement with the hub, and is in engagement with the fixed compression member, rotation of the orbiting compression member being prevented by the Oldham coupling.

Abstract: A reversible reciprocating piston compressor includes a crankcase defining at least one cylinder therein and a crankshaft rotatably supported by the crankcase. The crankshaft includes a drive portion and a crankpin eccentrically positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the crankshaft. A piston is reciprocable within the cylinder and a connecting rod assembly is provided between the crankpin and the piston to reciprocally drive the piston in response to forward or reverse rotation of the crankshaft. A cam assembly is operably connected to the crankpin and is engageable with the drive member to effectuate a first stroke length in a first direction of rotation of the crankshaft and a second stroke in a second direction of rotation of the crankshaft. The cam assembly includes a cam, a driven portion and a counterweight.