Patents by Inventor Gene Fields

Gene Fields 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: 11555494
    Abstract: In some examples, a co-rotating scroll compressor includes a driver scroll having an axis aligned with the main axis and having a spiral involute, an idler scroll having an axis offset from the main axis and having a spiral involute intermeshed with the spiral involute of the driver scroll, and an Oldham coupling disposed between the driver scroll and idler scroll. The driver scroll may offset key slots so to engage with corresponding Oldham coupling keys. In another example, the Oldham coupling may offset driver scroll keys so to engage with corresponding key slots of the driver scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI-JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
    Inventors: Jianhui Peng, Fei Feng, Gene Fields
  • Patent number: 11542942
    Abstract: In some examples, a scroll compressor may include an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll having spiral involutes intermeshed together. A slider block may be disposed on the eccentric portion of a main shaft and the slider block may be attached to a compliant counterweight. The counterweight may be supported by a counterweight guide plate that is supported by the main shaft. The counterweight guide plate may also have an arm securing a top portion of the counterweight thereby securing the slider block. In some implementations, a spring assembly may be provided between an outer edge of the counterweight and the counterweight guide plate. These components may, in part, allow for a constant involute contact between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll involutes at high speeds thereby achieving high compression efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI-JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Hahn, Joe Hill, Jianhui Peng, Gene Fields
  • Publication number: 20220112896
    Abstract: In some examples, a co-rotating scroll compressor includes a driver scroll having an axis aligned with the main axis and having a spiral involute, an idler scroll having an axis offset from the main axis and having a spiral involute intermeshed with the spiral involute of the driver scroll, and an Oldham coupling disposed between the driver scroll and idler scroll. The driver scroll may offset key slots so to engage with corresponding Oldham coupling keys. In another example, the Oldham coupling may offset driver scroll keys so to engage with corresponding key slots of the driver scroll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Jianhui PENG, Fei FENG, Gene FIELDS
  • Patent number: 10920776
    Abstract: A rotary compressor that may include an upper or outboard bearing above the motor components and, in this case, includes an upper bearing plate having a structure that ensures bearing alignment when press fit with an upper cap and a center shell. In some implementations, a main bearing frame that secures and holds a main bearing has a structure that when press fit with a lower cap and center shell ensure bearing alignment. Some implementations include disposing a hermetic terminal and a discharge port a the side of the upper cap or center shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI-JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Hill, Gene Fields
  • Publication number: 20200332797
    Abstract: In some examples, a scroll compressor may include an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll having spiral involutes intermeshed together. A slider block may be disposed on the eccentric portion of a main shaft and the slider block may be attached to a compliant counterweight. The counterweight may be supported by a counterweight guide plate that is supported by the main shaft. The counterweight guide plate may also have an arm securing a top portion of the counterweight thereby securing the slider block. In some implementations, a spring assembly may be provided between an outer edge of the counterweight and the counterweight guide plate. These components may, in part, allow for a constant involute contact between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll involutes at high speeds thereby achieving high compression efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Greg HAHN, Joe HILL, Jianhui PENG, Gene FIELDS
  • Publication number: 20190271314
    Abstract: A rotary compressor that may include an upper or outboard bearing above the motor components and, in this case, includes an upper bearing plate having a structure that ensures bearing alignment when press fit with an upper cap and a center shell. In some implementations, a main bearing frame that secures and holds a main bearing has a structure that when press fit with a lower cap and center shell ensure bearing alignment. Some implementations include disposing a hermetic terminal and a discharge port a the side of the upper cap or center shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Joe HILL, Gene FIELDS
  • Patent number: 8840384
    Abstract: At least one bypass opening is formed in a base of a scroll member, and communicates with at least one compression chamber. The bypass opening communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within a compressor shell. A valve includes an element electrically powered to move between a first position at which it blocks flow of refrigerant from the bypass port to the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber, and a second position at which it allows flow of refrigerant between the bypass port and the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber. A portion of the valve, which is electrically powered, is mounted outside of the compressor shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Danfoss Scroll Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tapesh P. Patel, Gene Fields, Joe T. Hill, Tracy L. Milliff, Harshal Upadhye, Behzad Parastar, Ole Holst Christensen
  • Patent number: 8328531
    Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap. The generally spiral wraps interfit to define compression chambers. A pair of ports leads from the compression chambers. A pair of valves selectively blocks flow of refrigerant from the ports leaving the compression chambers. The valves selectively control the flow such that flow may pass from neither of the two ports, from both of the two ports, or from only one of the two ports to provide three levels of capacity control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss Scroll Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy L. Milliff, Zili Sun, Tapesh P. Patel, Jacob Munich, Joe T. Hill, Gene Fields
  • Patent number: 8308448
    Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a compressor shell having first and second scroll members. The scroll members each have a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The generally spiral wraps of the first and second scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A shaft causes the second scroll member to orbit relative to the first scroll member. At least one bypass port is formed in a base of one scroll member, and communicates with at least one of the compression chambers. The bypass port communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within the compressor shell. A solenoid valve is movable between a reduced capacity position and a full capacity position, and selectively supplies a pressurized fluid to a fluid valve associated with the bypass port, such that movement of the solenoid can control whether the bypass port is open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss Scroll Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gene Fields, Joe T. Hill, Tracy L. Milliff, Tapesh P. Patel, Harshal R. Upadhye, Behzad Parastar, Ole Horst Christensen
  • Patent number: 8215926
    Abstract: A sealed compressor includes a housing for receiving a compressor pump unit and an electric motor. The electric motor drives a driveshaft. The driveshaft extends to drive an element within the compressor pump unit to compress a fluid. The motor includes a rotor spaced from a portion of the housing by a gap. The driveshaft drives a counterweight, which has a radially outermost portion extending radially outwardly beyond a radially innermost portion of the stator. The radially outermost portion of the counterweight has an angled face to drive fluid into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss Scroll Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gene Fields, Joe T. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110135509
    Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a compressor shell having first and second scroll members. The scroll members each have a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The generally spiral wraps of the first and second scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A shaft causes the second scroll member to orbit relative to the first scroll member. At least one bypass port is formed in a base of one scroll member, and communicates with at least one of the compression chambers. The bypass port communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within the compressor shell. A solenoid valve is movable between a reduced capacity position and a full capacity position, and selectively supplies a pressurized fluid to a fluid valve associated with the bypass port, such that movement of the solenoid can control whether the bypass port is open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Gene Fields, Joe T. Hill, Tracy L. Milliff, Tapesh P. Patel, Harshal R. Upadhye, Behzad Parastar, Ole Holst Christensen
  • Publication number: 20110135513
    Abstract: A sealed compressor includes a housing for receiving a compressor pump unit and an electric motor. The electric motor drives a driveshaft. The driveshaft extends to drive an element within the compressor pump unit to compress a fluid. The motor includes a rotor spaced from a portion of the housing by a gap. The driveshaft drives a counterweight, which has a radially outermost portion extending radially outwardly beyond a radially innermost portion of the stator. The radially outermost portion of the counterweight has an angled face to drive fluid into the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Gene Fields, Joe T. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110058972
    Abstract: At least one bypass opening is formed in a base of a scroll member, and communicates with at least one compression chamber. The bypass opening communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within a compressor shell. A valve includes an element electrically powered to move between a first position at which it blocks flow of refrigerant from the bypass port to the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber, and a second position at which it allows flow of refrigerant between the bypass port and the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber. A portion of the valve, which is electrically powered, is mounted outside of the compressor shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Tapesh P. Patel, Gene Fields, Joe T. Hill, Tracy L. Milliff, Harshal Upadhye, Behzad Parastar, Ole Holst Christensen
  • Patent number: 7766628
    Abstract: A compressor is provided with a dimple and a lower end cap to receive a positioning fixture pin to position the lower end cap prior to a welding operation. The use of the dimple ensures the lower end cap is properly positioned when welding occurs. In the past, lower end caps have often been mis-aligned when welded to the center shell. Further, the dimple provides the dual function of positioning a magnet within the compressor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Gene Fields, Vince Loy, Paul J. Cambron, Zili Sun
  • Publication number: 20100183453
    Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap. The generally spiral wraps interfit to define compression chambers. A pair of ports leads from the compression chambers. A pair of valves selectively blocks flow of refrigerant from the ports leaving the compression chambers. The valves selectively control the flow such that flow may pass from neither of the two ports, from both of the two ports, or from only one of the two ports to provide three levels of capacity control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Tracy L. Milliff, Zili Sun, Tapesh P. Patel, Jacob Munich, Joe T. Hill, Gene Fields
  • Patent number: 7710279
    Abstract: A safety alarm system for motor vehicle drivers is disclosed. The system is removable from a steering wheel and includes a control box system with power supply, switch, alarm and timer. The driver monitors the timer via a visual display. The timer repeatedly counts down until a time-out event occurs causing an alarm to activate. Removable and manually operated sensors are provided on the rim of a steering wheel that monitor tactile pressure or feedback from a driver. Upon receipt of driver feedback, the sensors send a reset signal to the timer and the timer renews its countdown. The safety alarm device is adaptable for installation on a steering wheel by a steering wheel cover configured for adaptation to a particular vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Howard Gene Fields
  • Publication number: 20070243082
    Abstract: A compressor is provided with a dimple and a lower end cap to receive a positioning fixture pin to position the lower end cap prior to a welding operation. The use of the dimple ensures the lower end cap is properly positioned when welding occurs. In the past, lower end caps have often been mis-aligned when welded to the center shell. Further, the dimple provides the dual function of positioning a magnet within the compressor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Gene Fields, Vince Loy, Paul Cambron, Zili Sun
  • Publication number: 20070191999
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for calibrating on-board aviation equipment. An actual bearing from an aircraft to an automatic direction finder (ADF) station is determined. The aircraft is moved to a plurality of headings. An ADF bearing is determined from the aircraft to the ADF station at each of the plurality of headings. An error between the actual bearing and the ADF bearing at each heading is calculated. Then, an error function as a function of the heading of the aircraft is generated based at least in part on the calculated error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hunter, Manuel Richey, Gene Field
  • Publication number: 20060228243
    Abstract: A discharge valve is incorporated into a scroll compressor, and in a boss from a non-orbiting scroll. A valve stop is mounted in the boss, and the boss is sealed within an opening in a separator plate. The present invention provides a discharge valve within a scroll compressor having a separator plate while providing a more simplified construction over the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Zili Sun, Carlos Zamudio, Gene Fields
  • Patent number: 6132191
    Abstract: A series of check valves are disclosed for use in a scroll compressor which control and dampen the closing of the check valve to reduce noise during rapid pressure fluctuations encountered during normal operation and to control loss of gas in a discharge passage. In one check valve, a reed valve or poppet valve is employed to control the motion of a main valve to a closed position. In another check valve, suction pressure is used to reduce the closing force of the main valve. In another check valve, the main refrigerant flow passes through a converging, diverging passage to create a relatively low pressure chamber to reduce the closing force of the main valve. In another check valve, the reverse flow from the discharge plenum either does not act to close the valve or acts on a reduced surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Jason Hugenroth, Dennis Janda, Gene Fields