Abstract: A pulsed modulated capacity modulation system for refrigeration, air conditioning or other types of compressors is disclosed in which suitable valving is provided which operates to cyclically block flow of suction gas to a compressor. A control system is provided which is adapted to control both the frequency of cycling as well as the relative duration of the on and off time periods of each cycle in accordance with sensed system operating conditions so as to maximize the efficiency of the system. Preferably the cycle time will be substantially less than the time constant of the load and will enable substantially continuously variable capacity modulation from substantially zero capacity to the full capacity of the compressor. Additional controls may be incorporated to modify one or more of the motor operating parameters to improve the efficiency of the motor during periods of reduced load.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor is disclosed which includes both a high pressure lubricant sump and a low pressure lubricant sump. Lubricant from the low pressure lubricant sump is supplied to the various bearing, thrust surfaces and other moving parts to lubricate same and a portion thereof is also supplied to the suction gas entering the compressor to replenish the lubricant in the high pressure sump. An oil separator is disposed in a discharge chamber to separate entrained oil from the compressed gas. A level control assembly is also provided in the discharge chamber and serves to return excessive accumulations of oil from the high pressure sump to the low pressure sump. In one embodiment, the compressor is specifically designed for compression of helium while in a second embodiment, the compressor is adapted for use as an air compressor.

Abstract: An electrical motor driven rotary compressor having electrical components for preventing reverse rotation of the motor-compressor upon deenergization of the motor. The rotary compressor determines if a change in condition has occurred which could result in reverse rotation of the motor-compressor and energizes a motor stator circuit in response to the determined change in condition so as to apply a braking torque to oppose reverse rotation of the motor-compressor.

Abstract: A scroll machine has an intermediate pressure cavity which is operable to open and close a leakage path between the discharge zone and the suction zone of the scroll machine. The leakage path is closed when intermediate pressurized fluid is supplied to the cavity and the leakage path is open when the cavity is open to the suction zone of the compressor. A valve (102) which can be mechanical or electrical is used to open and close a passageway extending between the cavity and the suction zone of the machine. A high pressure relief valve is incorporated into the design of the compressor to prevent slugging. The high pressure relief valve will release the intermediate pressurized fluid to suction and/or discharge when the pressure within the intermediate pressure cavity exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a discharge valve assembly for blocking compressed refrigerant flow from the discharge chamber through the scroll members. This blocking of flow results in the elimination of reverse rotation at shut down. The discharge valve assembly includes a leakage path which allows a limited amount of refrigerant flow past the discharge valve to eliminate the forming of a vacuum during powered reverse rotation. In one embodiment, a valve located in the leakage path provides a time delay to optimize the performance of the discharge valve assembly.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve assembly for scroll motor-compressor high temperature protection, which causes a high-side to low-side leak when excessive discharge gas temperatures are encountered, thereby causing the motor protector to trip and de-energize the motor. The valve assembly includes means for ducting the excessive temperature discharge gas to the lower portion of the motor/compressor shell to the motor to circulate the high temperature gas throughout the motor cavity. The excessive temperature discharge gas heats the motor stator and windings which will in turn cause the motor protector to trip and de-energize the motor. A secondary flow passage increases the flow rate or the discharge gas to lower the cycle time of the compressor.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a liquid injection system. The liquid injection system receives liquid refrigerant from the refrigeration system at a point between the condenser and the evaporator. This liquid refrigerant is then injected into at least one enclosed space defined by the scrolls of the scroll compressor. The liquid injection system includes a valve which selectively controls the flow of liquid refrigerant to the enclosed space. The valve is responsive to the discharge pressure of the compressor.

Abstract: A scroll machine has an intermediate pressure cavity which is operable to open and close a leakage path between the discharge zone and the suction zone of the scroll machine. The leakage path is closed when intermediate pressurized fluid is supplied to the cavity and the leakage path is open when the cavity is open to the suction zone of the compressor. A valve which can be mechanical or electrical is used to open and close a passageway extending between the cavity and the suction zone of the machine. Biasing means is located within the scroll machine in order to control the rate at which the intermediate pressurized fluid is bled to the suction zone of the compressor.

Abstract: A scroll machine has an intermediate pressure cavity which is operable to open and close a leakage path between the discharge zone and the suction zone of the scroll machine. The leakage path is closed when intermediate pressurized fluid is supplied to the cavity and the leakage path is open when the cavity is open to the suction zone of the compressor. A valve which can be mechanical or electrical is used to open and close a passageway extending between the cavity and the suction zone of the machine.

Abstract: A scroll type machine is disclosed which incorporates an improved mounting arrangement for the non-orbiting scroll member which mounting arrangement greatly facilitates manufacturing and assembly, effectively prevents radial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll member, and offers the advantages of axial compliance. In one embodiment, the non-orbiting scroll is axially movably secured to a bearing housing by means of a plurality of bolts or bolts and sleeves. In another embodiment a rigid annular ring serves to axially movably secure the non-orbiting scroll to the bearing housing while in a third embodiment a stamped ring is secured to both the non-orbiting scroll and the bearing housing. In another embodiment a two piece main bearing housing includes an integral ring for radially positioning the non-orbiting scroll member and means for securing anti-rotation and axial stop means thereto.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve assembly (134) for scroll motorcompressor high temperature protection, which causes a high-side to low-side leak when excessive discharge gas temperatures are encountered, thereby causing the motor protector (35) to trip and de-energize the motor. The valve assembly (134) includes means motor ducting (200) the excessive temperature discharge gas to the lower portion of the motor/compressor shell (10) to the motor to circulate the high temperature gas throughout the motor cavity. The excessive temperature discharge gas heats the motor stator (20) and windings (32) which will in turn cause the motor protector (35) to trip and de-energize the motor.

Abstract: A scroll-type refrigerant compressor for use in a conventional refrigerating circuit and having liquid refrigerant compressor cooling provided by the injection of liquid refrigerant into an intermediate biasing chamber and/or specifically located bleed holes.

Abstract: A scroll type machine is disclosed which is designed to enable it to be fully assembled prior to being installed in a hermetic shell and incorporates an improved mounting arrangement for the non-orbiting scroll member. This design enables the compressor to be tested without the need to first install it in the outer shell. This feature in combination with the mounting arrangement greatly facilitates manufacturing, assembly, testing, effectively prevents radial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll member, and offers the advantages of axial compliance. In one embodiment, the non-orbiting scroll is axially movably secured to a bearing housing by means of a plurality of bolts or bolts and sleeves. In another embodiment a rigid annular ring serves to axially movably secure the non-orbiting scroll to the bearing housing while in a third embodiment a stamped ring is secured to both the non-orbiting scroll and the bearing housing.

Abstract: A scroll type machine is disclosed which incorporates an improved mounting arrangement for the non-orbiting scroll member which mounting arrangement greatly facilitates manufacturing and assembly, effectively prevents radial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll member, and offers the advantages of axial compliance. In one embodiment, the non-orbiting scroll is axially movably secured to a bearing housing by means of a plurality of bolts or bolts and sleeves. In another embodiment a rigid annular ring serves to axially movably secure the non-orbiting scroll to the bearing housing while in a third embodiment a stamped ring is secured to both the non-orbiting scroll and the bearing housing. In another embodiment a two piece main bearing housing includes an integral ring for radially positioning the non-orbiting scroll member and means for securing anti-rotation and axial stop means thereto.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a scroll machine which, to any extent desired, can utilize the centrifugal forces generated by the orbiting of the orbiting scroll member to influence, either positively or negatively, the flow of fluid in a portion of the lubricant system. This fluid can be either a lubricating oil fed to the thrust bearing for normal lubrication, an oil injection into the intermeshed scrolls to increase sealing and efficiency while attenuating noise, or a venting of vapor from some point in the lubrication system.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor system utilizing a plurality of motor-compressors in a single shell in order to provide capacity modulation, wherein each motor-compressor is of the welded hermetic type having a minimum of modification, in order to take advantage of the low cost and optimized efficiency of such motor-compressors. Several related embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor is disclosed having a discharge diffuser for improving the efficiency of the compressor, especially at off-design, high pressure ratio operating conditions. The diffuser allows fluid pressure recovery and consequently results in an efficient discharge process using a relatively small discharge port. It also reduces compression losses by reducing gas transport in the reverse flow direction.

Abstract: A scroll machine designed to provide an unbalanced loading of the orbiting scroll and anti-rotation coupling in a direction which adds to the moment caused by contact forces between the scroll wraps during normal operation. The loading decreases the sound level of the machine and is achieved through the use of unbalanced flank gas leakage forces and flank contact forces, which are created by providing a targeted initial swing radius bias and/or a generating radius bias to either one or both of the scroll wraps. The generating radius biasing can be singular or plural on a given scroll wrap set. A number of different techniques for obtaining such biasing are disclosed.

Abstract: A scroll-type refrigerant compressor for use in a conventional refrigerating circuit and having liquid refrigerant compressor cooling provided by the injection of liquid refrigerant into an intermediate biasing chamber and/or specifically located bleed holes.

Abstract: A scroll machine has a drive that incorporates radial compliance. The radial compliance is achieved by having the crank pin drive a drive bushing via a flat surface on the crank pin which slidably engages a flat bearing insert disposed in the wall of a bore located in the drive bushing. The bore in the drive bushing is slightly oval in cross-sectional shape to permit relative sliding movement between the crank pin and the drive bushing.