Patents by Inventor Eric S. MLSNA

Eric S. MLSNA 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: 20250130602
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for reducing leakage current in compressors, such as for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/HVACR) systems. Several embodiments include a sensor for measuring the isolation resistance of an enclosure of a compressor. The sensor can be electronically coupled to a controller that is configured to activate a heating element mechanically coupled to the enclosure when the controller determines that the isolation resistance measured by the sensor falls indicates that the compressor is at risk of faulting. Activating the heating element causes the refrigerant mixed within the oil to evaporate, which lowers the liquid level within the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Jonathan Rollier
  • Publication number: 20250129783
    Abstract: A compressor includes a lubricant pump and a shaft having a lubricant vent extending through the shaft. The vent has an outlet, which can be provided below a stator-rotor assembly of a motor of the compressor. The shaft can be used in a variable speed compressor to convey excess lubricant when the pump is over-supplying lubricant due to operation at speeds greater than the minimum speed. The vent can be positioned at a center of the shaft. The outlet of the vent can direct gas and/or lubricant onto windings of the stator so as to provide cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Inventor: Eric S. Mlsna
  • Patent number: 12140147
    Abstract: An asymmetric scroll compressor includes a compressor housing. An orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member disposed within the compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member each includes a baseplate and a wrap extending from the baseplate. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member intermeshed to form a plurality of compression pockets. A driveshaft affixed to the orbiting scroll member and configured to orbit the orbiting scroll member from a first orbital position to a second orbital position. A communication port disposed on the baseplate of one of the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll such that: in the first orbital position, the communication port communicates with a first enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets, and in the second orbital position, the communication port communicates with a second enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Ziolkowski, Jr., Eric S. Mlsna
  • Publication number: 20240247656
    Abstract: A climate control system includes a compressor which includes a compressor housing, a compressor element provided in the compressor housing, a lubricant circuit, and an auxiliary sump. The lubricant circuit includes a lubricant sump provided in the compressor housing. The auxiliary sump is in fluid communication with the lubricant sump. A method for maintaining lubrication supply for a compressor of a climate control system includes transferring lubricant from the auxiliary sump to the lubricant sump of the compressor when a height of the lubricant in the auxiliary sump is greater than a height in the lubricant sump and returning the lubricant from the lubricant sump to the auxiliary sump when a height of the lubricant in the lubricant sump is higher than a height of a predetermined minimum level in the lubricant sump. The lubricant in the auxiliary sump and lubricant sump are equalized by gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, ars I. Sjoholm
  • Patent number: 11994126
    Abstract: A climate control system includes a compressor which includes a compressor housing, a compressor element provided in the compressor housing, a lubricant circuit, and an auxiliary sump. The lubricant circuit includes a lubricant sump provided in the compressor housing. The auxiliary sump is in fluid communication with the lubricant sump. A method for maintaining lubrication supply for a compressor of a climate control system includes transferring lubricant from the auxiliary sump to the lubricant sump of the compressor when a height of the lubricant in the auxiliary sump is greater than a height in the lubricant sump and returning the lubricant from the lubricant sump to the auxiliary sump when a height of the lubricant in the lubricant sump is higher than a height of a predetermined minimum level in the lubricant sump. The lubricant in the auxiliary sump and lubricant sump are equalized by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Lars I. Sjoholm
  • Publication number: 20240084801
    Abstract: An asymmetric scroll compressor includes a compressor housing. An orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member disposed within the compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member each includes a baseplate and a wrap extending from the baseplate. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member intermeshed to form a plurality of compression pockets. A driveshaft affixed to the orbiting scroll member and configured to orbit the orbiting scroll member from a first orbital position to a second orbital position. A communication port disposed on the baseplate of one of the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll such that: in the first orbital position, the communication port communicates with a first enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets, and in the second orbital position, the communication port communicates with a second enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph E. Ziolkowski, JR., Eric S. Mlsna
  • Patent number: 11761446
    Abstract: An asymmetric scroll compressor includes a compressor housing. An orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member disposed within the compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member each includes a baseplate and a wrap extending from the baseplate. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member intermeshed to form a plurality of compression pockets. A driveshaft affixed to the orbiting scroll member and configured to orbit the orbiting scroll member from a first orbital position to a second orbital position. A communication port disposed on the baseplate of one of the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll such that: in the first orbital position, the communication port communicates with a first enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets, and in the second orbital position, the communication port communicates with a second enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Ziolkowski, Jr., Eric S. Mlsna
  • Publication number: 20230279860
    Abstract: A climate control system includes a compressor which includes a compressor housing, a compressor element provided in the compressor housing, a lubricant circuit, and an auxiliary sump. The lubricant circuit includes a lubricant sump provided in the compressor housing. The auxiliary sump is in fluid communication with the lubricant sump. A method for maintaining lubrication supply for a compressor of a climate control system includes transferring lubricant from the auxiliary sump to the lubricant sump of the compressor when a height of the lubricant in the auxiliary sump is greater than a height in the lubricant sump and returning the lubricant from the lubricant sump to the auxiliary sump when a height of the lubricant in the lubricant sump is higher than a height of a predetermined minimum level in the lubricant sump. The lubricant in the auxiliary sump and lubricant sump are equalized by gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Lars I. Sjoholm
  • Publication number: 20230103065
    Abstract: An asymmetric scroll compressor includes a compressor housing. An orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member disposed within the compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member each includes a baseplate and a wrap extending from the baseplate. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member intermeshed to form a plurality of compression pockets. A driveshaft affixed to the orbiting scroll member and configured to orbit the orbiting scroll member from a first orbital position to a second orbital position. A communication port disposed on the baseplate of one of the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll such that: in the first orbital position, the communication port communicates with a first enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets, and in the second orbital position, the communication port communicates with a second enclosed pocket of the plurality of compression pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph E. Ziolkowski, JR., Eric S. Mlsna
  • Patent number: 11125480
    Abstract: An HVACR system includes first and second compressors arranged in parallel, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and a lubricant separator fluidly connected. The first compressor includes a first lubricant sump and a first suction inlet. The second compressor includes a second lubricant sump and a second suction inlet. The lubricant separator is disposed between the evaporator and the first and second compressors, and includes a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. A first of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second lubricant sumps. A second of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to the first and second suction inlets. The second fluid outlet includes a nozzle disposed within a flow passage of the lubricant separator such that a space is maintained between an outer surface of the nozzle and an inner surface of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kristin Rice Sullivan, Eric S. Mlsna, Andrew Thomas Plzak, James P. Crolius
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210018235
    Abstract: An HVACR system includes first and second compressors arranged in parallel, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and a lubricant separator fluidly connected. The first compressor includes a first lubricant sump and a first suction inlet. The second compressor includes a second lubricant sump and a second suction inlet. The lubricant separator is disposed between the evaporator and the first and second compressors, and includes a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. A first of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second lubricant sumps. A second of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to the first and second suction inlets. The second fluid outlet includes a nozzle disposed within a flow passage of the lubricant separator such that a space is maintained between an outer surface of the nozzle and an inner surface of the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Kristin Rice Sullivan, Eric S. Mlsna, Andrew Thomas Plzak, James P. Crolius
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 10619635
    Abstract: A scroll member for a scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll member includes a base member and a wrap member formed on a major surface of the base member. The wrap member includes a modified portion. The modified portion includes a base, a step, and a scallop. The base extends a first distance from the major surface. The step extends a second distance from the base. The scallop extends a third distance from the scallop. The scallop is located at a wrap surface of the wrap member. The wrap surface is disposed relatively away from the major surface relative to the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, Eric S. Mlsna, Scott J. Smerud
  • Patent number: 10563891
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a compressor housing; an orbiting scroll member disposed within the housing; a non-orbiting scroll member disposed within the housing, wherein the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member are intermeshed thereby forming a compression chamber within the housing; and an endplate secured to the non-orbiting scroll member. The endplate includes a check valve surface configured to provide a stop for a check valve of the scroll compressor, a radial sealing surface configured to receive a radial seal, an unloading mechanism surface configured to provide a stop for an unloading mechanism, and a pressure chamber for controlling the unloading mechanism, the endplate also including an aperture that fluidly connects the compression chamber and a discharge chamber of the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott J. Smerud, Eric S. Mlsna, Torin Allan Betthauser, Adam P. Kimball
  • Patent number: 10480513
    Abstract: An intermediate discharge port in a scroll compressor and a method for controlling part-load efficiency of a scroll compressor are disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing; a non-orbiting scroll member and an orbiting scroll member forming a compression chamber; a discharge port for receiving a compressed fluid; and an intermediate discharge port fluidly connected between the compression chamber and the discharge port, the intermediate discharge port including a sealing member, fluid flow being prevented between the compression chamber and the discharge port through the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-blocked state, and fluid flow being enabled between the compression chamber and the discharge port through the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-permitted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Eric S. Mlsna
  • 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
  • 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: 20180245595
    Abstract: An intermediate discharge port in a scroll compressor and a method for controlling part-load efficiency of a scroll compressor are disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing; a non-orbiting scroll member and an orbiting scroll member forming a compression chamber; a discharge port for receiving a compressed fluid; and an intermediate discharge port fluidly connected between the compression chamber and the discharge port, the intermediate discharge port including a sealing member, fluid flow being prevented between the compression chamber and the discharge port through the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-blocked state, and fluid flow being enabled between the compression chamber and the discharge port through the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-permitted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventor: Eric S. Mlsna