Abstract: A compressor may include a housing, a compression mechanism supported within the housing, and a seal assembly. The housing may include a suction pressure region and a first discharge passage in communication with a discharge pressure region. The compression mechanism may include a second discharge passage in communication with the first discharge passage. The seal assembly may be sealingly engaged with the housing and the compression mechanism to define a chamber and to provide sealed communication between the first and second discharge passages. The seal assembly may include a seal member engaged with the compression mechanism and including a leg having an opening therein. The leg may isolate the chamber from the discharge pressure region when in a first position and may provide communication between the chamber and the discharge pressure region through the opening when in a second position different than the first position.

Abstract: A compressor may include a housing, a compression mechanism supported within the housing, and a seal assembly. The housing may include a suction pressure region and a first discharge passage in communication with a discharge pressure region. The compression mechanism may include a second discharge passage in communication with the first discharge passage. The seal assembly may be sealingly engaged with the housing and the compression mechanism to define a chamber and to provide sealed communication between the first and second discharge passages. The seal assembly may include a seal member engaged with the compression mechanism and including a leg having an opening therein. The leg may isolate the chamber from the discharge pressure region when in a first position and may provide communication between the chamber and the discharge pressure region through the opening when in a second position different than the first position.

Abstract: A scroll machine utilizes a floating seal to isolate pressurized fluid to provide axial biasing. The floating seal is designed as a single piece plate with inner and outer annular seals. The inner and outer annular seals can be U-shaped, V-shaped or L-shaped and each configuration is oriented to provide pressure actuation of the seal. Additional embodiments add a discharge valve, a high temperature protection system or a high pressure protection system to the floating seal.