Abstract: A temperature controlled structure assembly comprises an array of structural panels each including at least one channel formed therein. At least one channel of each of the structural panels is aligned with at least one of the channels of an adjacent one of the structural panels to form a continuous channel extending through the array of the structural panels. At least one functional panel overlays the array of structural panels and is exposed for contact with a user. At least one heat exchanging element is disposed within the continuous channel and configured to exchange heat with the at least one functional panel in order to heat or cool the at least one functional panel.

Abstract: A temperature controlled structure assembly comprises an array of structural panels each including at least one channel formed therein. At least one channel of each of the structural panels is aligned with at least one of the channels of an adjacent one of the structural panels to form a continuous channel extending through the array of the structural panels. At least one functional panel overlays the array of structural panels and is exposed for contact with a user. At least one heat exchanging element is disposed within the continuous channel and configured to exchange heat with the at least one functional panel in order to heat or cool the at least one functional panel.

Abstract: A temperature controlled structure assembly comprises an array of structural panels each including at least one channel formed therein. At least one channel of each of the structural panels is aligned with at least one of the channels of an adjacent one of the structural panels to form a continuous channel extending through the array of the structural panels. At least one functional panel overlays the array of structural panels and is exposed for contact with a user. At least one heat exchanging element is disposed within the continuous channel and configured to exchange heat with the at least one functional panel in order to heat or cool the at least one functional panel.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a rotor assembly to a swash plate assembly in a variable displacement compressor includes a hub integrally formed with the swash plate assembly and a pair of spaced part arms coupled to the hub and extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the arms having an aperture formed in a distal end thereof. At least one support member extending from the rotor assembly and having a slot formed therein. A hinge pin is slideably received in the slot of the at least one support member and received in the aperture of each of the arms to hingedly couple the arms to the at least one support member.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor for an air conditioning system includes a suction throttle valve. The suction throttle valve includes a housing with a cavity formed therein. A first piston reciprocatingly disposed in the cavity is configured to cause a variable restriction of a flow of refrigerant through a suction inlet formed in the housing. The suction inlet provides fluid communication between a suction port and the cavity formed in the housing. The refrigerant flows through the suction port in a direction that is not parallel to a direction the piston reciprocates within the cavity. The suction throttle valve is configured to increase the restriction in the suction inlet when a crankcase pressure associated with the variable displacement compression is increased relative to an external suction pressure of the refrigerant entering the suction throttle valve.

Abstract: A temperature controlled structure assembly comprises an array of structural panels each including at least one channel formed therein. At least one channel of each of the structural panels is aligned with at least one of the channels of an adjacent one of the structural panels to form a continuous channel extending through the array of the structural panels. At least one functional panel overlays the array of structural panels and is exposed for contact with a user. At least one heat exchanging element is disposed within the continuous channel and configured to exchange heat with the at least one functional panel in order to heat or cool the at least one functional panel.

Abstract: A compressor including a hollow housing having a suction chamber, a discharge chamber, and a crank chamber formed therein. A first fluid flow path provided within the compressor facilitates a flow of the working fluid from the crank chamber to the suction chamber. A second fluid flow path provided within the compressor facilitates a flow of a mixture of the working fluid and a lubricating fluid from the crank chamber to the suction chamber, wherein the second fluid flow path is selectively opened and closed by an annular sleeve.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor includes a rotary valve coupled to a drive shaft. The rotary valve is centrally received in a suction chamber of the variable displacement compressor and extends through an aperture formed in a cylinder block thereof. The rotary valve has a suction opening cooperating with the cylinders to successively provide a direct fluid communication between the suction chamber and each of the cylinders.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor includes a rotary valve coupled to a drive shaft of the compressor and configured to selectively permit fluid communication between a suction chamber and cylinders of the compressor. An annular seal is disposed adjacent the rotary valve and engages at least a portion of a wall defining the suction chamber and a surface of the rotary valve.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a rotor assembly to a swash plate assembly in a variable displacement compressor includes a hub integrally formed with the swash plate assembly and a pair of spaced part arms coupled to the hub and extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the arms having an aperture formed in a distal end thereof. At least one support member extending from the rotor assembly and having a slot formed therein. A hinge pin is slideably received in the slot of the at least one support member and received in the aperture of each of the arms to hingedly couple the arms to the at least one support member.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor for an air conditioning system includes a suction throttle valve. The suction throttle valve includes a housing with a cavity formed therein. A first piston reciprocatingly disposed in the cavity is configured to cause a variable restriction of a flow of refrigerant through a suction inlet formed in the housing. The suction inlet provides fluid communication between a suction port and the cavity formed in the housing. The refrigerant flows through the suction port in a direction that is not parallel to a direction the piston reciprocates within the cavity. The suction throttle valve is configured to increase the restriction in the suction inlet when a crankcase pressure associated with the variable displacement compression is increased relative to an external suction pressure of the refrigerant entering the suction throttle valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of providing a compressor mechanism having a front housing, center housing and rear housing. The center housing includes an integrated compressor bearing support and compressor base surface that divides the housing into cantilevered wall sections. The system and method constructed in this manner provides a compact structure for an electric compressor with the ability to reduce noise vibration harshness.

Abstract: A compressor including a hollow housing having a suction chamber, a discharge chamber, and a crank chamber formed therein. A first fluid flow path provided within the compressor facilitates a flow of the working fluid from the crank chamber to the suction chamber. A second fluid flow path provided within the compressor facilitates a flow of a mixture of the working fluid and a lubricating fluid from the crank chamber to the suction chamber, wherein the second fluid flow path is selectively opened and closed by an annular sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of providing a compressor mechanism having a front housing, center housing and rear housing. The center housing includes an integrated compressor bearing support and compressor base surface that divides the housing into cantilevered wall sections. The system and method constructed in this manner provides a compact structure for an electric compressor with the ability to reduce noise vibration harshness.

Abstract: A fluid separator for a compressor is disclosed including a hollow main body having an annular flange and an annular collar formed thereon, wherein the annular collar includes an annular array of apertures formed therein for separating a liquid from a fluid and attenuating pressure pulsations of the fluid.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes a crankcase for receiving a fluid. The crankcase has a plurality of compression chambers in which the fluid is compressed. A plurality of pistons disposed within the crankcase and are configured for reciprocal movement within the plurality of chambers to compress and pump the fluid. Further, a rotor assembly having a drive shaft and a rotor, wherein the rotor has a first pivot arm support member extending from a first surface of the rotor. A sleeve is slidably engaged with the drive shaft and configured for axial movement along a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A swash ring is coupled to the plurality of pistons and to the rotor by means of a pivot arm. Rotary motion of the swash ring and rotor causes reciprocal motion of the plurality of pistons within the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: An orbit control device for a scroll compressor is disclosed including at least one pin disposed in an orbit scroll, a support plate having at least one support hole formed therein, and a guide plate having at least one guide hole formed therein. Contact of an outer surface of the pin with an inner surface of the guide hole militates against a deviation by the orbit scroll from a desired trajectory.

Abstract: A fluid separator for a compressor is disclosed including a hollow main body having an annular flange and an annular collar formed thereon, wherein the annular collar includes an annular array of apertures formed therein for separating a liquid from a fluid and attenuating pressure pulsations of the fluid.

Abstract: A dual drive compressor is disclosed including a suction chamber having at least one muffler incorporated therein, wherein the at least one muffler attenuates pulsations caused by a fluid received in the compressor.

Abstract: An oil separator for a compressor is shown, wherein an oil separating efficiency is maximized and a material cost, a weight, and an assembly time are minimized.