Abstract: The torque of a vehicular air-conditioning compressor is predicted by the steps of starting a vehicle air-conditioning system having an engine and engine control module for controlling multiple vehicle functions, calculating a steady state torque value using an rpm value from the engine, calculating an engine RPM transient torque value using the rpm value from the engine, calculating a electronic control valve current transient torque value using a current value applied to an electronic control valve, selecting a final torque value from a group consisting of the steady state torque value, the engine RPM transient torque value, and the electronic control valve transient torque value, and providing a final torque value to the vehicle engine control module to control a predetermined vehicle function.

Abstract: An electronic control valve having a valve stationary portion defining a substantially central bore extending along an axis of the valve, and a valve train including a movable member of the valve. The valve train moveable member is disposed in the central bore, and the valve train is adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A mass is engaged is with the valve train and adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A biasing means is disposed between the valve train and the mass. Reciprocal movements of the mass along the axis induced by forces exerted along the axis by the valve train are transmitted through the biasing means, whereby reciprocal movement of the valve train along the axis is dynamically reduced by the mass.

Abstract: An electronic control valve having a valve stationary portion defining a substantially central bore extending along an axis of the valve, and a valve train including a movable member of the valve. The valve train moveable member is disposed in the central bore, and the valve train is adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A mass is engaged is with the valve train and adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A biasing means is disposed between the valve train and the mass. Reciprocal movements of the mass along the axis induced by forces exerted along the axis by the valve train are transmitted through the biasing means, whereby reciprocal movement of the valve train along the axis is dynamically reduced by the mass.

Abstract: The torque of a vehicular air-conditioning compressor is predicted by the steps of starting a vehicle air-conditioning system having an engine and engine control module for controlling multiple vehicle functions, calculating a steady state torque value using an rpm value from the engine, calculating an engine RPM transient torque value using the rpm value from the engine, calculating a electronic control valve current transient torque value using a current value applied to an electronic control valve, selecting a final torque value from a group consisting of the steady state torque value, the engine RPM transient torque value, and the electronic control valve transient torque value, and providing a final torque value to the vehicle engine control module to control a predetermined vehicle function.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor with a compensated suction shutoff valve (SSV). The SSV prevents noise generated by a suction reed valve at low refrigerant flow rates in an internal suction region from propagating to an air conditioner evaporator by moving a piston to obstruct an opening and restrict fluid communication. The degree of restriction is decreased by an opening force generated by refrigerant at an external suction pressure acting over a first area, and increased by refrigerant at a crankcase pressure acting over a second area. The second area is smaller than the first area so that at high refrigerant flow rates, the effect of crankcase pressure is reduced so that the restriction is reduced and the compressor operates at greater efficiency. The piston position is also influenced by refrigerant at a pressure intermediate the external suction pressure and the internal suction pressure acting over a third area.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner system having, and method of operating, an externally controlled variable displacement compressor and a compressor clutch. If the system is operating during conditions when the operating displacement is low, the efficiency of the system is increased by duty cycling the clutch. Operating an externally controlled variable displacement compressor in this manner can also prevent overcooling by the air conditioner.

Abstract: An electronic control valve having a valve stationary portion defining a substantially central bore extending along an axis of the valve, and a valve train including a movable member of the valve. The valve train moveable member is disposed in the central bore, and the valve train is adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A mass is engaged is with the valve train and adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A biasing means is disposed between the valve train and the mass. Reciprocal movements of the mass along the axis induced by forces exerted along the axis by the valve train are transmitted through the biasing means, whereby reciprocal movement of the valve train along the axis is dynamically reduced by the mass.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor with a discharge pressure compensated suction shutoff valve (SSV). The SSV prevents noise generated at low refrigerant flow rates by a suction valve from propagating out of the compressor and to an air conditioner evaporator by variably restricting a fluid communication with the suction valve. The SSV is configured so the variable restriction is increased correspondingly with the discharge pressure if the discharge pressure is less than a threshold that is an indicator of low refrigerant flow rates, and the restriction is decreased if the discharge pressure is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner system having, and method of operating, an externally controlled variable displacement compressor and a compressor clutch. If the system is operating during conditions when the operating displacement is low, the efficiency of the system is increased by duty cycling the clutch. Operating an externally controlled variable displacement compressor in this manner can also prevent overcooling by the air conditioner.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor with a discharge pressure compensated suction shutoff valve (SSV). The SSV prevents noise generated at low refrigerant flow rates by a suction valve from propagating out of the compressor and to an air conditioner evaporator by variably restricting a fluid communication with the suction valve. The SSV is configured so the variable restriction is increased correspondingly with the discharge pressure if the discharge pressure is less than a threshold that is an indicator of low refrigerant flow rates, and the restriction is decreased if the discharge pressure is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a compressor assembly for an air conditioning system for a vehicle. The compressor assembly is of the variable displacement angle wobble plate type, and includes a housing that defines a suction cavity, a discharge cavity, and a crankcase. An electronic control valve controls the flow of a fluid between the discharge cavity and the crankcase for pressurizing the crankcase to de-stroke the compressor assembly. The control valve includes a pressure sensing member, which is responsive to a suction pressure to open fluid communication between the discharge cavity and the crankcase when the suction pressure is below a pre-determined set-point. The control valve also includes an actuator port in fluid communication with the discharge cavity for urging the member into the activated position to open fluid communication between the discharge cavity and the crankcase when the suction pressure is above the pre-determined set-point.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor with a compensated suction shutoff valve (SSV). The SSV prevents noise generated by a suction reed valve at low refrigerant flow rates in an internal suction region from propagating to an air conditioner evaporator by moving a piston to obstruct an opening and restrict fluid communication. The degree of restriction is decreased by an opening force generated by refrigerant at an external suction pressure acting over a first area, and increased by refrigerant at a crankcase pressure acting over a second area. The second area is smaller than the first area so that at high refrigerant flow rates, the effect of crankcase pressure is reduced so that the restriction is reduced and the compressor operates at greater efficiency. The piston position is also influenced by refrigerant at a pressure intermediate the external suction pressure and the internal suction pressure acting over a third area.

Abstract: The invention provides a compressor with a shut off valve disposed between the crank case and the suction cavity. The valve is moveable between an open and closed position in response to the pressure in the discharge cavity of the compressor. The valve is an on/off valve and is operable rapidly depressurize the interior of the crank case when the compressor transitions from a minimum stroke. The valve can define first and second fluid pathways. The first fluid pathway can be larger than the second fluid pathway and be selectively opened and closed. The second fluid pathway can be permanently open and act as a bleed between the crank case and the suction cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a compressor with a shut off valve disposed between the crank case and the suction cavity. The valve is moveable between an open and closed position in response to the pressure in the discharge cavity of the compressor. The valve is an on/off valve and is operable rapidly depressurize the interior of the crank case when the compressor transitions from a minimum stroke. The valve can define first and second fluid pathways. The first fluid pathway can be larger than the second fluid pathway and be selectively opened and closed. The second fluid pathway can be permanently open and act as a bleed between the crank case and the suction cavity.

Abstract: A capacity control valve (17) for use in a clutchless, variable capacity compressor includes a central rod plunger (34) that is shifted axially in one direction, against a spring (39), by an energized coil (40), when the compressor is in a greater than minimum capacity condition. For the minimum capacity position, the rod plunger (34) is released by the de energized coil (40) to be pushed by spring (39) in the opposite direction to a solid, pre determined position. A by pass passage (42) interconnecting a discharge pressure chamber (20) and a suction pressure chamber (26) runs in parallel to the rod plunger (34), normally closed off by its own spring loaded shut off valve (44). When the coil 40 is de energized to release the plunger (34), it engages the shut off valve, opening the by pass passage and opening the discharge pressure chamber (20 to the suction pressure chamber (26).