Abstract: A groove is formed in the base of a scroll member, and has an end communicating with a discharge port. A portion of the groove also communicates with one or both intermediate compression chambers at a point just before the compression chambers begins to communicate with the discharge port. This allows for a gradual equalization of pressure in the intermediate compression chambers and compressor discharge just before porting. This results in reduction of unwanted compressor noise. Further, once the chambers have communicated with the discharge port, the groove continues to provide additional flow passages to the discharge port, thus decreasing throttling flow loses through the compressor port.

Abstract: The locations of economizer ports in a scroll compressor are optimized such that the ports supply supplemental fluid to compression chambers prior to the outer seal points closing the compression chambers. Thus, the economizer port supplies fluid against a low average pressure and the amount of fluid injected from the economizer port is maximized. The location of the economizer port is preferably selected such that a wave caused in the compression chamber due to the injection of fluid from the economizer port does not reach the outer seal point until the outer seal point closes the compression chamber. Thus, there is no back flow from the economizer port toward the main suction chamber, and no corresponding reductions in the main suction flow.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor lubrication system includes a number of embodiments wherein a lubricant port in the orbiting scroll supplies lubricant to the compression chambers throughout its entire orbiting cycle. The lubricant port is aligned with a recess in a flange of the fixed scroll throughout its entire orbiting cycle. In a further embodiment, the lubricant port is exposed to the compression chamber throughout its entire cycle. In other embodiments, the fixed scroll is provided with recesses spaced from each other by approximately 180.degree.. The lubricant port moves sequentially into and out of communication with these spaced recesses to supply lubricant to the compression chambers.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has an economizer injection line communicating into the scroll compressor chambers. An unloader valve selectively communicates the economizer injection line back to suction. In this arrangement, the fluid ports and passages necessary to achieve the economizer injection are also utilized to achieve suction bypass unloading, and thus the compressor and system design and construction are simplified.

Abstract: A scroll type machine particularly suited for use as a refrigeration compressor is disclosed which includes a bearing assembly for non-adjustably rotatably supporting a drive shaft. The bearing assembly is in turn non-adjustably supported on the sidewall of an outer shell. The scroll type machine also includes an oil delivery system for delivering lubricating oil from a lower sump to an upper end of the crankshaft and an oil return hole in a fixed portion of the compressor for returning oil to the sump.

Abstract: Two housing members and the stator are precision machined on diameters and assembled such that the machined diameters coact to locate the members which then serve as a reference location for the subsequently assembled parts. The present invention reduces the number of critical machined features compared to a piloted assembly.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor has an orbiting scroll wrap that is designed to always be at most equal in height to the fixed scroll wrap. The orbiting scroll wrap is preferably designed shorter than the fixed scroll wrap by a distance equal to the manufacturing tolerances on the height of the two scroll wraps added together. In this way, the present invention insures that in no acceptable parts will the height of the orbiting scroll wrap exceed the height of the fixed scroll wrap. In a situation where the height of the orbiting scroll wrap does exceed the height of the fixed scroll wrap, there is a tendency to limit the stable operational envelope of the system. By insuring that the orbiting scroll wrap height is always at most equal to the fixed scroll wrap height, the present invention avoids this limitation on the operational envelope.

Abstract: The annular piston of a rolling piston compressor coacts with a groove in valving action such that the groove serves as a supplemental discharge flow area but gas therein is prevented from constituting part of the suction flow. The groove may be in the motor end bearing and/or pump end bearing and permits flow from the compression chamber to the interior of the piston which is in fluid communication with the interior of the shell while the compression chamber is undergoing discharge.

Abstract: There is disclosed a scroll-type machine particularly suited for use as a refrigerant compressor and incorporating a lubrication system for supplying lubricant from a sump to a thrust surface on which the orbiting scroll member is supported. The lubrication system utilizes passages provided in the driving crankshaft and the bearing housing which housing defines the thrust surface.

Abstract: An improved control over the pressure vented or tapped to a back pressure chamber in a scroll compressor is achieved by maintaining a vent hole closed for the majority of the operational cycle of the scroll compressor. The hole is preferably selectively exposed to a discharge pressure for a small portion of the cycle, and to an intermediate pressure for a second small portion of the cycle. Other than those two small portions, the hole is preferably closed. The invention reduces pulsation in the back pressure chamber and also reduces pumping losses caused by fluid moving into and out of the back pressure chamber through the hole. In one embodiment, grooves are formed in the fixed scroll member to communicate a selected intermediate pressure and a discharge pressure to locations on the base plate of the fixed scroll member. A vent hole in the wrap of the orbiting scroll member cyclically moves over the two grooves.

Abstract: Two housing members and the stator are precision machined on diameters and assembled such that the machined diameters coact to locate the members which then serve as a reference location for the subsequently assembled parts. The present invention reduces the number of critical machined features compared to a piloted assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a scroll-type machine particularly suited for use as a refrigerant compressor and incorporating an improved suspension system for the non-orbiting scroll whereby the latter may be pressure biased for the purpose of augmenting tip sealing. The machine also has a modified wrap tip and end plate profile in order to enhance performance, as well as an improved lubrication system for the drive and a baffle arrangement to provide a directed suction inlet. The machine also has an Oldham coupling utilizing a novel ring element which is non-circular and provides for increased thrust-bearing size, or reduced machine size.

Abstract: A compact Oldham coupling has an inner surface defined by two sections of a circle joined by a pair of chords with an outer surface defined by three circular sections located radially outward of each of the two sections of a circle. The center portion of the three circular sections has the same center as the two sections of a circle such that the central portions of the coupling are of uniform radial thickness and the adjacent curved sections are of varying radial thickness.

Abstract: In a high side rotary compressor, liquid refrigerant is supplied to is to the compression chamber via a capillary tube and liquid injection port. The lubricant is delivered only after the suction port has closed and before chamber pressure exceeds the liquid injection supply pressure.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor which is particularly suited for use as a refrigerant compressor has a biasing chamber for pressure biasing the non-orbiting scroll to augment tip sealing. The biasing chamber communicates with the fluid pockets of the compressor through a biasing passage extending through the end plate of the non-orbiting scroll. The biasing passage is in fluid communication with the innermost fluid pocket during only a portion of each of the cycles of orbiting motion and in fluid communication with an intermediate fluid pocket during another portion of the cycles orbiting motion.

Abstract: A hermetic motor compressor includes a shell, first and second scroll members and a closure member extending across a portion of the interior of the shell adjacent one end of the shell to define a discharge chamber. A discharge port in the scroll member located closest to the closure member provides fluid communication between the center of the scroll members and the discharge chamber through an opening in the closure member. A seal member located between the closure member and the scroll member places the discharge port in sealed fluid communication with the discharge chamber.

Abstract: An end shell for a hermetic compressor is formed from a sheet of metal. When formed, the end shell has a spherical surface which extends for at least 230.degree. of the circumference of said end shell. If necessary or desired, a portion of up to 90.degree. of the circumference of said end shell can be formed as a cylindrical segment in order to provide a radial discharge or the like.

Abstract: A pair of keys of an Oldham coupling are located on a chord spaced from a diameter and are of a parallelogram shape. The ends of the corresponding slots are located at the same radius whereby a reduced envelope results.

Abstract: A scroll machine utilizing working fluid under pressure to enhance axial sealing, including several embodiments of a multi-function floating seal to isolate the axial biasing fluid, and provide vacuum protection and a degree of high pressure ratio protection.

Abstract: A pair of keys of an Oldham coupling are located on a chord spaced from a diameter and are of a parallelogram shape. The ends of the corresponding slots are located at the same radius whereby a reduced envelope results.