Abstract: A compressor having a housing with a compression mechanism mounted therein. A suction fluid passageway is located in the housing through which the compression mechanism receives refrigerant fluid. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with refrigerant fluid substantially at suction pressure in the suction fluid passageway. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy from the suction fluid passageway and refrigerant fluid therein with the thermal energy being transferred from the compressor assembly.

Abstract: A compressor having a housing with a compression mechanism mounted therein. A suction fluid passageway is located in the housing through which the compression mechanism receives refrigerant fluid. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with refrigerant fluid substantially at suction pressure in the suction fluid passageway. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy from the suction fluid passageway and refrigerant fluid therein with the thermal energy being transferred from the compressor assembly.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve actuation system for an internal combustion engine includes a piezoelectric driver in the form of a pre-stressed wafer or strip including a layer of piezoceramic material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The driver has a central portion which includes an aperture for direct engagement with a valve stem so that the valve is moved between open and closed positions directly by the piezoelectric driver. The piezoelectric driver can have end portions which attach to the engine cylinder head proximate the valve location. The piezoelectric actuator is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) providing electrical signals to control valve operation based various engine parameters along with user input.

Abstract: A scroll compressor assembly including a first scroll device having a first involute wrap element projecting from a first substantially planar surface, a second scroll device having a second involute wrap element projecting from a second substantially planar surface and a third surface facing oppositely the second surface, the first and second scroll devices adapted for mutual engagement with the first involute wrap element projecting toward the second surface and the second involute wrap element projecting toward the first surface, the first surface positioned substantially parallel with the second surface, whereby relative orbiting motion of the first and second surfaces compresses fluids between the involute wrap elements, a first source of a first fluid under a pressure intermediate suction pressure and discharge pressure and located between the first and second scroll wrap elements, a frame partly defining a chamber containing a quantity of a second fluid under pressure, and a valve in fluid communicatio

Abstract: A hermetic scroll-type compressor is disclosed including a housing, fixed and orbiting scroll members, a frame member having a thrust surface adjacent the orbiting scroll member back surface, and a crankshaft coupled to the orbiting scroll member. A non-sealing stabilizer ring device is disposed between the frame member and the orbiting scroll member to eliminate the small perturbation wobble remaining after the orbiting scroll member reacts with the oil pool thereby reducing scroll wear-in time. A stabilizer ring is mechanically or positively spring loaded by a wave spring washer to axially force the orbiting scroll member toward the fixed scroll.

Abstract: A flexible valve retainer for a piston and suction valve assembly of a reciprocating piston hermetic compressor assembly. In the compressor assembly, the suction valve opens as a result of the fluid pressure generated by the reciprocating movement of the piston in the cylinder. As it opens, the suction valve is axially displaced from a closed position on the top surface of the piston to an open position a fixed distance therefrom, whereupon further axial movement is prevented as the suction valve strikes the valve retainer. The radially outer portion of the valve retainer deflects as a result of the impact with the suction valve. This deflection of the valve retainer lessens the detrimental effects caused by repeated impact between the suction valve and retainer. The valve retainer is formed from a flexible material such as spring steel or Swedish steel. The valve retainer comprises at least one washer coaxial with the suction valve, and spaced said fixed distance therefrom.

Abstract: A hermetic scroll-type compressor including a housing, fixed and orbiting scroll members, a frame member having a thrust surface adjacent the orbiting scroll member back surface, and a crankshaft coupled to the orbiting scroll member. A seal between the thrust surface and the back surface of the orbiting scroll member seals between a radially inner portion of the back surface exposed to discharge pressure and a radially outer portion exposed to suction pressure. The frame member defines an annular oil chamber having a side surface and a bottom surface above which the radially outer portion of the back surface orbits in spaced relationship. The oil chamber contains a sufficient depth of oil between the bottom surface and the back surface, whereby the oil exerts a reaction force on the back surface in response to rotating inclined wobbling motion of the orbiting scroll member.

Abstract: The present invention is a compressor using an Oldham-type assembly functioning as a piston to provide a compressing pump. An orbiting plate is eccentrically mounted on the crankshaft, and a compressing pump body is fixed within the interior of the housing. An Oldham piston is disposed within the compressing pump and has tabs which engage slots on the orbiting plate. The side walls of the pump body prevent movement of the Oldham piston in a first direction so that the orbiting of the plate causes the piston to reciprocate in a second, orthogonal direction. Suction valves on the piston control entry of refrigerant into the compressing pump, and discharging valves control refrigerant discharge.

Abstract: A scotch yoke compressor assembly is disclosed wherein four radially disposed pistons reciprocate in cylinders defined in a crankcase. In a central portion of the crankcase, a scotch yoke mechanism operably couples the pistons to an eccentric portion on a rotating crankshaft. Each piston includes suction ports extending therethrough and a suction valve on the piston head. The suction valve is operably retained on a piston head and the piston is attached to a yoke member by a single bolt. The bolt head is received within a recess coined in a valve plate interposed between the crankcase and a cylinder head cover. Circularly arranged discharge ports in the valve plate are opened and closed by an annular discharge valve guidedly retained against the valve plate at diametrically opposed locations, by a combination of guide pins and an annular retainer member.

Abstract: An expansible chamber device with offset pistons and a crankshaft having crankpins asymmetrically angularly spaced about its axis of rotation to provide symmetrically spaced peaks in the total torque at the crankshaft throughout each complete revolution thereof.