Patents by Inventor Rick T. James

Rick T. James has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11661949
    Abstract: Centrifugal compressors can incorporate a side stream flow of intermediate pressure vapor between stages of that compressor. The side stream flow can be controlled by a side stream injection port controlled by a capacity control valve that has a curved surface facing a flow of refrigerant from the first stage to the second stage. The capacity control valve can allow or obstruct flow through the side stream injection port. The capacity control valve can extend and retract in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow from the first stage impeller to the second stage impeller. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can be ring-shaped. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can allow at least some of the side stream to be introduced on a side of the capacity control valve opposite the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Yuanjie Wu, Christopher Glen Thilges, Mark W. Harrison, Jon Christopher Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220349414
    Abstract: Centrifugal compressors can incorporate a side stream flow of intermediate pressure vapor between stages of that compressor. The side stream flow can be controlled by a side stream injection port controlled by a capacity control valve that has a curved surface facing a flow of refrigerant from the first stage to the second stage. The capacity control valve can allow or obstruct flow through the side stream injection port. The capacity control valve can extend and retract in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow from the first stage impeller to the second stage impeller. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can be ring-shaped. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can allow at least some of the side stream to be introduced on a side of the capacity control valve opposite the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Yuanjie Wu, Christopher Glen Thilges, Mark W. Harrison, Jon Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 11391289
    Abstract: Centrifugal compressors can incorporate a side stream flow of intermediate pressure vapor between stages of that compressor. The side stream flow can be controlled by a side stream injection port controlled by a capacity control valve that has a curved surface facing a flow of refrigerant from the first stage to the second stage. The capacity control valve can allow or obstruct flow through the side stream injection port. The capacity control valve can extend and retract in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow from the first stage impeller to the second stage impeller. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can be ring-shaped. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can allow at least some of the side stream to be introduced on a side of the capacity control valve opposite the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Yuanjie Wu, Christopher Glen Thilges, Mark W. Harrison, Jon Christopher Johnson
  • Publication number: 20210340988
    Abstract: Centrifugal compressors can incorporate a side stream flow of intermediate pressure vapor between stages of that compressor. The side stream flow can be controlled by a side stream injection port controlled by a capacity control valve that has a curved surface facing a flow of refrigerant from the first stage to the second stage. The capacity control valve can allow or obstruct flow through the side stream injection port. The capacity control valve can extend and retract in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow from the first stage impeller to the second stage impeller. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can be ring-shaped. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can allow at least some of the side stream to be introduced on a side of the capacity control valve opposite the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Yuanjie Wu, Christopher Glen Thilges, Mark W. Harrison, Jon Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 9683758
    Abstract: A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Paul F. Haley, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Patent number: 9556875
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, Jr., David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Publication number: 20160273549
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Rick T. James
  • Patent number: 9353765
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Rick T. James
  • Publication number: 20150013360
    Abstract: A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Patent number: 8844318
    Abstract: A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Paul F. Haley, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Publication number: 20140127059
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Trane International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, JR., David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Patent number: 8627680
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Trane International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, Jr., David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Publication number: 20120087815
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Paul H. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, JR., David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Publication number: 20110296859
    Abstract: A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Paul F. Haley, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Patent number: 8037713
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Trane International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, Jr., David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Patent number: 7975506
    Abstract: A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Trane International, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Paul F. Haley, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Publication number: 20090205360
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Paul H. Haley, Dennis R. Dorman, Frederic Byron Hamm, Jr., David M. Foye, James A. Kwiatkowski, Rick T. James, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak
  • Publication number: 20090208331
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Paul F. Haley, Rick T. James
  • Publication number: 20090205361
    Abstract: A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Rick T. James, Paul F. Haley, Randall L. Janssen, William J. Plzak