Patents by Inventor Daniel R. Crum

Daniel R. Crum 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).

  • Publication number: 20240003347
    Abstract: A compressor is disclosed which can include a first stage and a second stage. In one form the compressor includes contact cooled compressor stages. The compressor can include a rod useful to inject a lubricant for purposes of cooling/lubricating/sealing the rotating components of the compressor. In one form the rod is an elongate rod with openings which permit a lubricant such as oil to be injected. The injected oil can be atomized via the openings. The rod can be positioned in the interstage space between the first and second stages, and can include a variety of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan D. Hartman, Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Coleman, Philipp Bothe
  • Patent number: 11852145
    Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to improve efficiency by varying the volume ratio and the speed of the compressor in response to current operating and load conditions. The volume of the axial and/or radial discharge ports of the compressor can be varied to provide a volume ratio corresponding to operating conditions. In addition, permanent magnet motors and/or control of rotor tip speed can be employed for further efficiency gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Trane International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay H. Johnson, John R. Sauls, Gordon Powell, Daniel R. Crum
  • Publication number: 20230349384
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a screw compressor system having a compressor housing with a pair of screw rotors rotatably supported within a compression chamber. Lubricant is injected into a compression chamber at a first volume ratio and at a second volume ratio greater than the first volume ratio to increase the sealing and lubrication between the screw rotors and rotor bores in the compressor housing as well as to increase heat transfer from a compressed working fluid in the compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Patrick Coleman, Nobin Cherian
  • Patent number: 11781547
    Abstract: A compressor is disclosed which can include a first stage and a second stage. In one form the compressor includes contact cooled compressor stages. The compressor can include a rod useful to inject a lubricant for purposes of cooling/lubricating/sealing the rotating components of the compressor. In one form the rod is an elongate rod with openings which permit a lubricant such as oil to be injected. The injected oil can be atomized via the openings. The rod can be positioned in the interstage space between the first and second stages, and can include a variety of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Hartman, Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Coleman, Philipp Bothe
  • Patent number: 11732715
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a screw compressor system having a compressor housing with a pair of screw rotors rotatably supported within a compression chamber. Lubricant is injected into a compression chamber at a first volume ratio and at a second volume ratio greater than the first volume ratio to increase the sealing and lubrication between the screw rotors and rotor bores in the compressor housing as well as to increase heat transfer from a compressed working fluid in the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Patrick Coleman, Nobin Cherian
  • Publication number: 20220120278
    Abstract: A compressor is disclosed which can include a first stage and a second stage. In one form the compressor includes contact cooled compressor stages. The compressor can include a rod useful to inject a lubricant for purposes of cooling/lubricating/sealing the rotating components of the compressor. In one form the rod is an elongate rod with openings which permit a lubricant such as oil to be injected. The injected oil can be atomized via the openings. The rod can be positioned in the interstage space between the first and second stages, and can include a variety of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan D. Hartman, Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Coleman, Philipp Bothe
  • Patent number: 11215182
    Abstract: A compressor is disclosed which can include a first stage and a second stage. In one form the compressor includes contact cooled compressor stages. The compressor can include a rod useful to inject a lubricant for purposes of cooling/lubricating/sealing the rotating components of the compressor. In one form the rod is an elongate rod with openings which permit a lubricant such as oil to be injected. The injected oil can be atomized via the openings. The rod can be positioned in the interstage space between the first and second stages, and can include a variety of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S., INC.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Hartman, Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Coleman, Philipp Bothe
  • Publication number: 20210404471
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a screw compressor system having a compressor housing with a pair of screw rotors rotatably supported within a compression chamber. Lubricant is injected into a compression chamber at a first volume ratio and at a second volume ratio greater than the first volume ratio to increase the sealing and lubrication between the screw rotors and rotor bores in the compressor housing as well as to increase heat transfer from a compressed working fluid in the compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Patrick Coleman, Nobin Cherian
  • Patent number: 11118585
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a screw compressor system having a compressor housing with a pair of screw rotors rotatably supported within a compression chamber. Lubricant is injected into a compression chamber at a first volume ratio and at a second volume ratio greater than the first volume ratio to increase the sealing and lubrication between the screw rotors and rotor bores in the compressor housing as well as to increase heat transfer from a compressed working fluid in the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S., INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Patrick Coleman, Nobin Cherian
  • Publication number: 20210180403
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a ladder comprises a first rail, a second rail and a plurality of rungs extending between the first rail and the second rail. A first stiffener comprises a first arm and a first cable. The first arm is attached to the first rail. The first cable is attached to the first rail at a first cable upper attachment location, extends to contact the first arm and extends to attach to the first rail at a first cable lower attachment location. A second stiffener comprises a second arm and a second cable. The second arm is attached to the second rail. The second cable is attached to the second rail at a second cable upper attachment location, extends to contact the second arm and extends to attach to the second rail at a second cable lower attachment location. The ladder comprises a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and an orthogonal axis. The first arm is oriented at a non-zero angle to the orthogonal axis and the second arm is oriented at a non-zero angle to the orthogonal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Leverage Design Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Caleb D. Crum
  • Patent number: 11022117
    Abstract: A variable capacity screw compressor comprises a suction port, at least two screw rotors and a discharge port being configured in relation to a selected rotational speed that operates at least one screw rotor at an optimum peripheral velocity that is independent of a peripheral velocity of the at least one screw rotor at a synchronous motor rotational speed for a rated screw compressor capacity. A motor is configured to drive the at least one screw rotor at a rotational speed at a full-load capacity that is substantially greater than the synchronous motor rotational speed at the rated screw compressor capacity. A variable speed drive receives a command signal from a controller and generates a control signal that drives the motor at the selected rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Beekman, Daniel R. Crum, Timothy Sean Hagen, Dennis R. Dorman, John R. Sauls
  • Patent number: 10975865
    Abstract: A scroll compressor and methods of assembling the scroll compressor are disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a frame aligned about a longitudinal axis of the scroll compressor, the frame including a plurality of extensions extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the plurality of extensions including axially extending frame interlock mechanisms. A fixed scroll support is aligned about the longitudinal axis, the fixed scroll support including a plurality of extensions extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the plurality of extensions including axially extending fixed scroll support interlock mechanisms configured to engage the frame interlock mechanisms upon radial rotation. A fixed scroll wrap is integral with or attached to the fixed scroll support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Joseph E. Ziolkowski, Jr., Eric S. Mlsna
  • Patent number: 10851786
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a screw compressor system having a compressor housing with a pair of screw rotors rotatably supported within a compression chamber. A lubricant port is in fluid communication with the compression chamber. A nozzle insert having a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end can be positioned within the lubricant port. A swirl chamber formed by the nozzle insert or tangential flow into an offset lubricant port is configured to generate an atomized lubricant flow and discharge the atomized lubricant into the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Patrick Coleman
  • Patent number: 10851787
    Abstract: A bearing housing drain in a scroll compressor and method for controlling lubrication of a thrust bearing in the scroll compressor are disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing; a non-orbiting scroll member and an orbiting scroll member; an orbiting scroll hub having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being disposed at a vertical elevation that is lower than the upper end; a thrust bearing; a lubricant sump; a housing drain cavity disposed within the compressor housing and configured to receive lubricant from the lubricant sump and to deliver the lubricant to the thrust bearing; and a bearing housing drain fluidly connected to the housing drain cavity and the lubricant sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Scott J. Smerud, Daniel R. Crum, Scott M. Branch
  • Patent number: 10753359
    Abstract: A crankshaft assembly for a scroll compressor is disclosed. The crankshaft assembly includes a crankpin having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A crankshaft body has an aperture therethrough. The aperture of the crankshaft and one of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin being aligned when in an assembled state such that in operation fluid flows between the aperture of the crankshaft body and the one of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin. The crankshaft body includes a second aperture aligned with a second of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin. The crankpin and the crankshaft body are separate members. A fastener extends through the second of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin and into the second aperture of the crankshaft body to secure the crankpin and the crankshaft body together in the assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Kenneth Andrew Raymond, George Hansen, Michael G. Benco
  • Patent number: 10738777
    Abstract: A scroll compressor lubrication system and a scroll compressor are disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a capacity modulator, a lubricant opening, and a gas diverting passage. The capacity modulator is in fluid communication with compression pockets for selectively unloading gas from the pockets. The lubricant opening is in fluid communication with at least one bearing portion of the scroll compressor. Lubricant from the at least one bearing portion in the scroll compressor flows through the lubricant opening. The gas diverting passage includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the gas diverting passage is in fluid communication with the capacity modulator, and the gas diverting passage extends below the lubricant opening such that gas from the outlet of the gas diverting passage can flow through a travel path of the lubricant that flows through the lubricant opening and entrains at least part of the lubricant to at least one bearing portion for lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Eric S. Mlsna, Jerry A. Rood
  • Publication number: 20200132074
    Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to improve efficiency by varying the volume ratio and the speed of the compressor in response to current operating and load conditions. The volume of the axial and/or radial discharge ports of the compressor can be varied to provide a volume ratio corresponding to operating conditions. In addition, permanent magnet motors and/or control of rotor tip speed can be employed for further efficiency gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jay H. Johnson, John R. Sauls, Gordon Powell, JR., Daniel R. Crum
  • Patent number: 10533556
    Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to improve efficiency by varying the volume ratio and the speed of the compressor in response to current operating and load conditions. The volume of the axial and/or radial discharge ports of the compressor can be varied to provide a volume ratio corresponding to operating conditions. In addition, permanent magnet motors and/or control of rotor tip speed can be employed for further efficiency gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jay H. Johnson, John R. Sauls, Gordon Powell, Daniel R. Crum
  • Patent number: 10451068
    Abstract: A tip seal for scroll wraps in a scroll compressor is provided. The tip seal may include surface features to form a tortuous flow path in a seal groove of a scroll wrap. The surface features can help form one or more contraction and/or expansion areas in the tortuous flow path. The tortuous flow path can help provide resistance to fluid flow and help reduce leakage through the seal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Joseph E. Ziolkowski
  • Publication number: 20190293070
    Abstract: A scroll compressor lubrication system and a scroll compressor are disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a capacity modulator, a lubricant opening, and a gas diverting passage. The capacity modulator is in fluid communication with compression pockets for selectively unloading gas from the pockets. The lubricant opening is in fluid communication with at least one bearing portion of the scroll compressor. Lubricant from the at least one bearing portion in the scroll compressor flows through the lubricant opening. The gas diverting passage includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the gas diverting passage is in fluid communication with the capacity modulator, and the gas diverting passage extends below the lubricant opening such that gas from the outlet of the gas diverting passage can flow through a travel path of the lubricant that flows through the lubricant opening and entrains at least part of the lubricant to at least one bearing portion for lubrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Eric S. Mlsna, Jerry A. Rood