Abstract: An oil-free compressor for a rail vehicle includes a multi-piece compressor housing, a first piston cylinder supported in a first opening in the compressor housing, a second piston cylinder supported in a second opening in the compressor housing, a multi-piece crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor housing, and an optionally filtering air plenum in fluid communication with the compressor housing interior to provide a volume of air to the compressor housing interior. The crankshaft assembly is linked to pistons of the first and second piston cylinders by respective connecting rods. The connecting rods connect to a wrist pin associated with each of the pistons, and the wrist pins are respectively supported by a dry lubricant bushing to the associated piston. The compressor housing may have a first housing portion and a second housing portion forming respective halves of the compressor housing.

Abstract: An assembly of a compressor for pressurizing a fluid includes a main housing having a portion being substantially planar. The housing defines at least two parallel intersecting bores. At least two rotors are journaled for rotation within the bores. A plurality of vent channels in the main housing extend outwardly from at least one bore through the portion being substantially planar. The vent channels are configured for the fluid to flow through the vent channels. A slide valve assembly is operably connected to the housing proximate the plurality of vent channels. The slide valve assembly has a valve plate wherein the valve plate has a substantially planar side that is sealingly engaged with the planar portion of the main housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for adjustably mounting a prime mover in belt driving relation to a reciprocating compressor to facilitate proper tensioning, locating and aligning of a reciprocating compressor drive belt. The apparatus includes a base plate and a support plate which mounts the prime mover. A pivotal mounting means, which defines an axis of rotation, is connected to the support plate. At least one pair of locators are fixedly attached to the base plate. The at least one pair of locators removably receive the pivotal mounting means to adjustably locate the support plate with respect to the base plate. A pivotal adjustment assembly adjustably positions the support plate in a predetermined position along an arcuately shaped path of travel about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Flat valves, such as reed or disc face valves, have their seating motion damped by a plurality of discrete depressions formed either in the valve, in the valve seat surrounding a port, or both. The depressions may be formed by any number of inexpensive machining operations including drilling, pulse-laser machining or the like.

Abstract: A rolling piston compressor includes substantially cylindrical casing having a variable diameter inner circumferential surface. A radially extending vane recess is formed in the casing. A first lateral surface is defined as a portion of the inner circumferential surface disposed immediately laterally of the vane recess on a first side. A second lateral surface is defined as a portion of the inner circumferential surface disposed immediately laterally of the vane recess on a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first and second lateral surfaces are radially offset relative to each other. A rolling piston is mounted for rotational travel about the inner circumferential surface. A longitudinal contact line is defined between the first and second lateral surfaces across the vane recess. An impact reducer limits the severity of impact between the rolling piston and the second lateral surface during travel of the piston along the contact line.

Abstract: A contact-less seal apparatus including a first surface and a closely adjacent second surface with a space defined therebetween. A high pressure fluid region exists on a first side of the space. A low pressure fluid region exists on a second side of the space. A plurality of discrete expansion chambers are integrally formed in at least one of the first and second surfaces within the space to limit fluid flow from the high pressure fluid region to the low pressure fluid region. The expansion chambers may be formed on an axial end of a rolling piston, side and end faces of a vane, lateral faces of a reciprocating piston or other elements where a contact-less seal is highly desirable to improve sealing capability and effectiveness.

Abstract: An oil scavenger system for a face seal including a lubricant scavenger system for retrieving lubricant which has escaped from a first side to a second side of a seal which seals a rotary shaft. The rotary shaft is used on a compressor, pump, or any other machine which involves a lubricant seal about a rotary shaft. A cover encases the second side of the seal, producing a first space therebetween. A first pressure is maintained in the first space. A second space is interconnected to the first space whereby the lubricant may freely pass therebetween. The interconnection may be mounted exterior or interior of the machine. A second pressure is maintained in the second space than in said first space. The second space may actually be in communication with the first side of the seal. The second pressure is less than the first pressure.