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: 20190271316
    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: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan D. Hartman, Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Coleman, Philipp Bothe
  • Patent number: 10404117
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for mounting a motor rotor to a shaft of a compressor are disclosed. The shaft can include a rib region that is configured to form a press fit or a transition fit with the rotor bore. An end of the shaft can also include a plurality of crenulations that can be expanded outwardly in a radial direction relative to a centerline of the shaft. After the rotor is mounted onto the shaft, the crenulations can be expanded to eliminate the clearance between the shaft and the rotor to form a press fit with the rotor bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Robert S. Bakkestuen, Greg Chilcote, Aaron Salesman
  • Publication number: 20190101121
    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: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: DANIEL R. CRUM, RYAN PATRICK COLEMAN, NOBIN CHERIAN
  • Publication number: 20190093659
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Ryan Patrick Coleman
  • Patent number: 10240603
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed to isolate operation vibration of a compressor to reduce operational sound. A compressor may include an external shell, and one or more isolators that separate a compression mechanism of a compressor from the external shell. The isolator can help isolate the vibration of the compression mechanism from the external shell. The isolator can also support a weight of the compression mechanism. The external shell can also include one or more internal seals. The internal seals can help separate a low-pressure side (e.g., a suction side) and a high-pressure side (e.g., a discharge side) of the compression mechanism. The compressor may also include a pressure balancing mechanism configured to help reduce a pressure difference between, for example, two ends of the compression mechanism, so as to reduce/eliminate the compression mechanism from physical shift in position due to the pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William B. Rockwood, Pavak Mehta, Dennis M. Beekman, Daniel R. Crum, Timothy G. Garvin, Rodney L. Lakowske, Gordon Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10228148
    Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus for an air conditioning system may include a flow passage, at least a portion of which has a convoluted structure. The flow passage may also be coupled to two stabilizing members. The vibration isolation apparatus may include a structural supporting member to retain the two stabilizing members. The rod may be isolated from the stabilizing members by vibration isolation members. The vibration isolation apparatus may be positioned in a refrigeration line between an outlet of a compressor and a refrigerant pipe. The stabilizing members, the convoluted flow passage and the vibration isolation members may attenuate the vibration generated by the compressor so as to reduce the vibration transmitted to the refrigerant pipe. The structural supporting member may enhance the structural strength of the vibration isolation apparatus to withstand the pressure of the compressed refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Pavak Mehta, Todd W. Smith, Rod Lakowske, Daniel R. Crum
  • Publication number: 20190032658
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Joseph E. Ziolkowski, Jr., Eric S. Mlsna
  • Publication number: 20190032664
    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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. CRUM, Kenneth Andrew Raymond, George Hansen, Michael G. Benco
  • Publication number: 20180331592
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for mounting a motor rotor to a shaft of a compressor are disclosed. The shaft can include a rib region that is configured to form a press fit or a transition fit with the rotor bore. An end of the shaft can also include a plurality of crenulations that can be expanded outwardly in a radial direction relative to a centerline of the shaft. After the rotor is mounted onto the shaft, the crenulations can be expanded to eliminate the clearance between the shaft and the rotor to form a press fit with the rotor bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel R. CRUM, Robert S. BAKKESTUEN, Greg CHILCOTE, Aaron SALESMAN
  • Publication number: 20180223852
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Scott J. Smerud, Daniel R. Crum, Scott M. Branch
  • Patent number: 10014739
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for mounting a motor rotor to a shaft of a compressor are disclosed. The shaft can include a rib region that is configured to form a press fit or a transition fit with the rotor bore. An end of the shaft can also include a plurality of crenulations that can be expanded outwardly in a radial direction relative to a centerline of the shaft. After the rotor is mounted onto the shaft, the crenulations can be expanded to eliminate the clearance between the shaft and the rotor to form a press fit with the rotor bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Robert S. Bakkestuen, Greg Chilcote, Aaron Salesman
  • Publication number: 20160131136
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel R. Crum, Joseph E. Ziolkowski
  • Publication number: 20150337840
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed to isolate operation vibration of a compressor to reduce operational sound. A compressor may include an external shell, and one or more isolators that separate a compression mechanism of a compressor from the external shell. The isolator can help isolate the vibration of the compression mechanism from the external shell. The isolator can also support a weight of the compression mechanism. The external shell can also include one or more internal seals. The internal seals can help separate a low-pressure side (e.g., a suction side) and a high-pressure side (e.g., a discharge side) of the compression mechanism. The compressor may also include a pressure balancing mechanism configured to help reduce a pressure difference between, for example, two ends of the compression mechanism, so as to reduce/eliminate the compression mechanism from physical shift in position due to the pressure difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: William B. Rockwood, Pavak Mehta, Dennis M. Beekman, Daniel R. Crum, Timothy G. Garvin, Rodney L. Lakowske, Gordon Powell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150280501
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for mounting a motor rotor to a shaft of a compressor are disclosed. The shaft can include a rib region that is configured to form a press fit or a transition fit with the rotor bore. An end of the shaft can also include a plurality of crenulations that can be expanded outwardly in a radial direction relative to a centerline of the shaft. After the rotor is mounted onto the shaft, the crenulations can be expanded to eliminate the clearance between the shaft and the rotor to form a press fit with the rotor bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel R. CRUM, Robert S. BAKKESTUEN, Greg CHILCOTE, Aaron SALESMAN
  • Publication number: 20150192310
    Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus for an air conditioning system may include a flow passage, at least a portion of which has a convoluted structure. The flow passage may also be coupled to two stabilizing members. The vibration isolation apparatus may include a structural supporting member to retain the two stabilizing members. The rod may be isolated from the stabilizing members by vibration isolation members. The vibration isolation apparatus may be positioned in a refrigeration line between an outlet of a compressor and a refrigerant pipe. The stabilizing members, the convoluted flow passage and the vibration isolation members may attenuate the vibration generated by the compressor so as to reduce the vibration transmitted to the refrigerant pipe. The structural supporting member may enhance the structural strength of the vibration isolation apparatus to withstand the pressure of the compressed refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Pavak Mehta, Todd W. Smith, Rod Lakowske, Daniel R. Crum
  • Publication number: 20150093273
    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: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jay H. Johnson, John R. Sauls, Gordon Powell, Daniel R. Crum
  • Publication number: 20150030490
    Abstract: An improved bearing housing of a rotary screw compressor is described. The bearing housing is generally shorter than a convention bearing housing. The bearing housing can be configured to enclose and support radial bearings of the screw compressor. The bearing housing can be configured not to enclose axial bearings of the screw compressor in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis M. Beekman, Daniel R. Crum, Timothy Sean Hagen, Dennis R. Dorman, John R. Sauls
  • Publication number: 20150030489
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis M. Beekman, Daniel R. Crum, Timothy Sean Hagen, Dennis R. Dorman, John R. Sauls
  • Patent number: 7819644
    Abstract: Lubrication of bearing surfaces in a scroll compressor is enhanced by a vent arrangement which makes use of increased centrifugal force, achieved by locating the outlet of the vent arrangement radially outside of the nominal circumference of the compressor's drive shaft, to both remove refrigerant gas from compressor locations where such gas can inhibit the flow and delivery of lubricant to such surfaces and to increase the lift of lubricant out of the compressor's lubricant sump. Oil retained in the upper surface of the compressor drive shaft is made immediately available for bearing lubrication upon compressor start-up to further enhance compressor lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Alan H V Eber, Daniel R. Crum
  • Publication number: 20080170955
    Abstract: Lubrication of bearing surfaces in a scroll compressor is enhanced by a vent arrangement which makes use of increased centrifugal force, achieved by locating the outlet of the vent arrangement radially outside of the nominal circumference of the compressor's drive shaft, to both remove refrigerant gas from compressor locations where such gas can inhibit the flow and delivery of lubricant to such surfaces and to increase the lift of lubricant out of the compressor's lubricant sump. Oil retained in the upper surface of the compressor drive shaft is made immediately available for bearing lubrication upon compressor start-up to further enhance compressor lubrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Alan HV Eber, Daniel R. Crum