Patents by Inventor James A. Schaefer

James A. Schaefer 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: 11655818
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, first and second scroll members, a floating seal, a muffler plate, and a wear ring. The shell defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The floating seal may sealingly engage the second scroll member. The muffler plate defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring may sealingly engage the muffler plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the muffler plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The muffler plate may include an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring. The axially facing surface may include an annular recess. The wear ring may at least partially cover the annular recess. The annular recess may provide clearance between the muffler plate and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to deflect relative to the muffler plate during compressor operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Schaefer, Sumit R. Gadre, Yogesh S. Mahure
  • Publication number: 20210372400
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, first and second scroll members, a floating seal, a muffler plate, and a wear ring. The shell defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The floating seal may sealingly engage the second scroll member. The muffler plate defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring may sealingly engage the muffler plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the muffler plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The muffler plate may include an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring. The axially facing surface may include an annular recess. The wear ring may at least partially cover the annular recess. The annular recess may provide clearance between the muffler plate and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to deflect relative to the muffler plate during compressor operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. SCHAEFER, Sumit R. GADRE, Yogesh S. MAHURE
  • Publication number: 20210239113
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell assembly, a first scroll, a second scroll, a driveshaft, and a bearing. The first scroll includes a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll includes a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate. The spiral wraps engage each other to form fluid pockets. The driveshaft may engage one of the scrolls. The bearing supports the driveshaft for rotation relative to the shell assembly. The bearing includes first and second axial ends and an aperture extending through the first and second axial ends. The driveshaft extends through the aperture. The aperture is defined by an inner diametrical surface of the bearing. The inner diametrical surface may include a tapered portion that extends radially outward as the tapered portion extends axially toward the first axial end of the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. SCHAEFER, Jason P. LOCHNER, William E. MCKINNEY
  • Patent number: 10941772
    Abstract: A compressor includes a shell assembly and a compression mechanism disposed within the shell assembly. The shell assembly includes first and second end caps. A suction chamber is disposed within the shell assembly between the first end cap and the second end cap. A discharge chamber and oil sump may be disposed within the shell assembly. The shell assembly includes at least one suction opening into the suction chamber. A distributor is in communication with one of the suction openings. Plugs may sealingly engage another one of the suction openings. The distributor includes an inlet path and first and second outlet paths. A suction line is coupled to the inlet path. The suction line includes at least first and second portions. A first plane bisecting the second portion along a length of the second portion is perpendicular to a second plane that bisects the first and second outlet paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Schaefer, Harry B. Clendenin
  • Patent number: 10883519
    Abstract: A compressor is provided and may include a shell and a stator. The shell includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The stator may be attached to the shell at the inner surface via a first stake. The first stake may be formed by deforming a portion of the shell into the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Warner, Gregg M. Hemmelgarn, Kyle M. Bergman, Glenn D. Deland, Walter T. Grassbaugh, James A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10156236
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls, an unloader bushing assembly and a drive shaft. The unloader bushing assembly may include a drive bushing and a spring. The drive bushing includes an outer surface engaged with the orbiting scroll and may define an opening extending from a first bushing end to a second bushing end. The spring may include a body disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and may include first and second spring ends with at least a portion of the first spring end extending laterally from the body and overlapping the first bushing end. At least a portion of the second spring end may extend laterally from a body and overlap the second bushing end to secure the spring within the drive bushing. The drive shaft may include a crank pin disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and engaging the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Utpat, James A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20180252234
    Abstract: A compressor is provided and may include a shell and a stator. The shell includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The stator may be attached to the shell at the inner surface via a first stake. The first stake may be formed by deforming a portion of the shell into the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. WARNER, Gregg M. HEMMELGARN, Kyle M. BERGMAN, Glenn D. DELAND, Walter T. GRASSBAUGH, James A. SCHAEFER
  • Patent number: 9964122
    Abstract: A compressor is provided and may include a shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a bearing housing disposed within the shell and having an engagement surface opposing the inner surface. The engagement surface may include a first channel formed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shell and a second channel formed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell and in communication with the first channel. The first channel and the second channel may receive a deformed portion of the shell therein to fix a position of the bearing housing relative to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Warner, Gregg M. Hemmelgarn, James A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20170268513
    Abstract: A compressor includes a shell assembly and a compression mechanism disposed within the shell assembly. The shell assembly includes first and second end caps. A suction chamber is disposed within the shell assembly between the first end cap and the second end cap. A discharge chamber and oil sump may be disposed within the shell assembly. The shell assembly includes at least one suction opening into the suction chamber. A distributor is in communication with one of the suction openings. Plugs may sealingly engage another one of the suction openings. The distributor includes an inlet path and first and second outlet paths. A suction line is coupled to the inlet path. The suction line includes at least first and second portions. A first plane bisecting the second portion along a length of the second portion is perpendicular to a second plane that bisects the first and second outlet paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. SCHAEFER, Harry B. CLENDENIN
  • Publication number: 20160069348
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls, an unloader bushing assembly and a drive shaft. The unloader bushing assembly may include a drive bushing and a spring. The drive bushing includes an outer surface engaged with the orbiting scroll and may define an opening extending from a first bushing end to a second bushing end. The spring may include a body disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and may include first and second spring ends with at least a portion of the first spring end extending laterally from the body and overlapping the first bushing end. At least a portion of the second spring end may extend laterally from a body and overlap the second bushing end to secure the spring within the drive bushing. The drive shaft may include a crank pin disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and engaging the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay UTPAT, James A. SCHAEFER
  • Patent number: 9188124
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls, an unloader bushing assembly and a drive shaft. The unloader bushing assembly may include a drive bushing and a spring. The drive bushing includes an outer surface engaged with the orbiting scroll and may define an opening extending from a first bushing end to a second bushing end. The spring may include a body disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and may include first and second spring ends with at least a portion of the first spring end extending laterally from the body and overlapping the first bushing end. At least a portion of the second spring end may extend laterally from a body and overlap the second bushing end to secure the spring within the drive bushing. The drive shaft may include a crank pin disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and engaging the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Utpat, James A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8974198
    Abstract: A counterweight cover for a compressor is provided and may include an annular body having a recess at least partially defined by an outer circumferential portion, an inner circumferential portion, and an upper portion connecting the outer circumferential portion and the inner circumferential portion. A suction baffle may be disposed on the annular body and may direct a flow of suction gas within the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Schaefer, Stephen M. Seibel, Daniel L. McSweeney, Robert J. Comparin
  • Patent number: 8783507
    Abstract: An improved napkin device is set forth. The device includes a front face adapted for opening to load napkins therein. A first downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a first side face, and a second downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a second side face. Each of the steel rods has a substantially circular cross section. A plate adapted to slide along the first and second steel rods until it reaches a stop, disposed perpendicular to the first and second side faces of the device is provided. The stop is connected to the first and second side faces. The plate comes to rest at the stop as it slides along the first and second steel rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Schaefers
  • Publication number: 20130287557
    Abstract: A compressor is provided and may include a shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a bearing housing disposed within the shell and having an engagement surface opposing the inner surface. The engagement surface may include a first channel formed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shell and a second channel formed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell and in communication with the first channel. The first channel and the second channel may receive a deformed portion of the shell therein to fix a position of the bearing housing relative to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Warner, Gregg M. Hemmelgarn, Kyle M. Bergman, Glenn D. Deland, Walter T. Grassbaugh, James A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20110163111
    Abstract: An improved napkin device is set forth. The device includes a front face adapted for opening to load napkins therein. A first downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a first side face, and a second downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a second side face. Each of the steel rods has a substantially circular cross section. A plate adapted to slide along the first and second steel rods until it reaches a stop, disposed perpendicular to the first and second side faces of the device is provided. The stop is connected to the first and second side faces. The plate comes to rest at the stop as it slides along the first and second steel rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Schaefers
  • Patent number: 7934914
    Abstract: A balancing system for different compressors utilizes a counterweight having a common exterior configuration. The mass of the counterweight is optimized for each compressor by changing the size of a recess located in the counterweight. In one embodiment, the recess is an arcuately shaped recess; and in another embodiment, the recess is a plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J Reinhart, James A Schaefer, Eric P Cavender
  • Publication number: 20110033324
    Abstract: A counterweight cover for a compressor is provided and may include an annular body having a recess at least partially defined by an outer circumferential portion, an inner circumferential portion, and an upper portion connecting the outer circumferential portion and the inner circumferential portion. A suction baffle may be disposed on the annular body and may direct a flow of suction gas within the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: James A. SCHAEFER, Stephen M. SEIBEL, Daniel L. MCSWEENEY, Robert J. COMPARIN
  • Publication number: 20110024442
    Abstract: An improved napkin device is set forth. The device includes a front face adapted for opening to load napkins therein. A first downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a first side face, and a second downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a second side face. Each of the steel rods has a substantially circular cross section. A plate adapted to slide along the first and second steel rods until it reaches a stop, disposed perpendicular to the first and second side faces of the device is provided. The stop is connected to the first and second side faces. The plate comes to rest at the stop as it slides along the first and second steel rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Schaefers
  • Patent number: 7766187
    Abstract: A napkin dispenser with a springless means for urging napkins therein toward an opening in the front face of the dispenser. The front face has two side edges with each side edge connected a side wall of the dispenser and each side wall has at least one inclined guide that is sloped downwardly toward the front face. The means for urging napkins comprises a generally vertical plate having at least one nub on each side edge, with each nub associated with an inclined guide of one of the side walls, so that the plate urges the napkins disposed in the structure to move toward the opening in the front face through which the napkins can be withdrawn from the napkin dispenser independent of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Schaefers
  • Patent number: 7390179
    Abstract: A balancing system for different compressors utilizes a counterweight having a common exterior configuration. The mass of the counterweight is optimized for each compressor by changing the size of a recess located in the counterweight. In one embodiment, the recess is an arcuately shaped recess; and in another embodiment, the recess is a plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J Reinhart, James A Schaefer, Eric P Cavender