Patents by Inventor Robert C. Stover

Robert C. Stover 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: 10047987
    Abstract: A system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, and first and second working fluid flow paths. The compressor may include a compression mechanism and a motor. The heat exchanger may receive compressed working fluid from the compressor. The expansion device may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger. The first working fluid flow path may fluidly connect the heat exchanger and the expansion device. The second working fluid flow path may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger and may fluidly connect the heat exchanger with the compressor. The second working fluid flow path may provide compressed working fluid to the compression mechanism and to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirill M. Ignatiev, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20180223848
    Abstract: A compressor may include first and second compression members, first and second bearing assemblies, a sensor, and processing circuitry. The second compression member cooperates with the first compression member to define a compression pocket. The first and second bearing assemblies rotatably support the first and second compression members, respectively. The first bearing assembly may include a bearing rotor and a bearing stator. The bearing stator may surround the bearing rotor and may include poles each having a winding. The sensor may measure a radial position of the bearing rotor relative to the bearing stator. The processing circuitry may be in communication with the sensor and may control electrical current supplied to the windings based on the radial position measured by the sensor to adjust the radial position of the bearing rotor relative to the bearing stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. DOEPKER, Robert C. STOVER
  • Publication number: 20180223849
    Abstract: A compressor may include a first compression member, a second compression member, and a motor assembly. The second compression member is movable relative to the first compression member and cooperates with the first compression member to define a compression pocket therebetween. The motor assembly drives one of the first and second compression members relative to the other one of the first and second compression members. The motor assembly includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is rotatable relative to the stator about a rotational axis. The stator surrounds the rotational axis. The rotor may include magnets that are arranged around the rotational axis. The magnets may be spaced apart from the stator in an axial direction that is parallel to the first rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Doepker, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20180223843
    Abstract: A compressor may include first and second scroll members, first and second bearing housings, and a motor assembly. The first scroll member includes a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and intermeshed with the first spiral wrap to define compression pockets therebetween. The first bearing housing supports the first scroll member for rotation about a first rotational axis. The second bearing housing may support the second scroll member for rotation about a second rotational axis that is parallel to and offset from the first rotational axis. The motor assembly may be disposed axially between the first and second bearing housings and may include a rotor attached to the first scroll member. The rotor may surround the first and second end plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Doepker, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20180224171
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, first and second compression mechanisms, first and second motor assemblies, first and second suction inlet fittings, and first and second discharge outlet fittings. The first and second compression mechanisms are disposed within the shell. The first and second motor assemblies are disposed within the shell and drive the first and second compression mechanisms, respectively. The first and second motor assemblies are operable independently of each other. The first suction inlet fitting may be attached to the shell and provides fluid to the first compression mechanism. The first discharge outlet fitting may be attached to the shell and receives fluid compressed by the first compression mechanism. The second suction inlet fitting may be attached to the shell and provides fluid to the second compression mechanism. The second discharge outlet fitting may be attached to the shell and receives fluid compressed by the second compression mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Doepker, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20180223842
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, first and second compression mechanisms, and first and second motor assemblies. The first compression mechanism may include first and second compression members that are rotatable relative to the shell about first and second rotational axes, respectively. The first motor assembly may be disposed within the shell and may include a first rotor attached to the first compression member and surrounding the first and second compression members. The second compression mechanism may include third and fourth compression members that are rotatable relative to the shell about third and fourth rotational axes, respectively. The second motor assembly may be disposed within the shell and may include a second rotor attached to the third compression member and surrounding the third and fourth compression members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Stover, Roy J. Doepker
  • Patent number: 9957963
    Abstract: Scroll members for scroll compressors made from one or more near-net shaped powder metal processes, either wholly or partially fabricated together from sections. In certain variations, the involute scroll portion of the scroll member has a modified terminal end region. The terminal end region may include an as-sintered coupling feature comprising a tip component that forms a contact surface for contacting an opposing scroll member during compressor operation. The tip component can be a tip seal or a tip cap received by the as-sintered coupling feature. The tip cap may be sinter-bonded or otherwise coupled to the terminal end region. In other variations, a terminal end region may comprise a second material including a tribological material that forms a contact surface. Methods of making such scroll members for scroll compressors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Stover, Marc J. Scancarello, Jean-Luc M. Caillat
  • Publication number: 20170292518
    Abstract: Scroll compressor designs are provided to minimize vibration, sound, and noise transmission. The scroll compressor has a bearing housing, and orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members. The non-orbiting scroll member has a radially extending flanged portion with at least one aperture substantially aligned with the axially extending bore. At least one fastener is disposed within the aperture and the bore. A sound isolation member contacts at least one of the non-orbiting scroll member, the fastener, or the bearing housing, to reduce or eliminate noise transmission. The sound isolation member may be formed of a polymeric composite having an acoustic impedance value greater than the surrounding materials. The sound isolation member may be an annular washer, an O-ring, or a biasing member, by way of non-limiting example. In other variations, fluid passages are provided within the fastener and/or bearing housing to facilitate entry of lubricant oil to further dampen sound and noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. STOVER, Michael A. SAUNDERS, Stephen M. SEIBEL
  • Publication number: 20170292519
    Abstract: Scroll compressor designs are provided to minimize vibration, sound, and noise transmission. The scroll compressor has a bearing housing, and orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members. The non-orbiting scroll member has a radially extending flanged portion with at least one aperture substantially aligned with the axially extending bore. At least one fastener is disposed within the aperture and the bore. A sound isolation member contacts at least one of the non-orbiting scroll member, the fastener, or the bearing housing, to reduce or eliminate noise transmission. The sound isolation member may be formed of a polymeric composite having an acoustic impedance value greater than the surrounding materials. The sound isolation member may be an annular washer, an O-ring, or a biasing member, by way of non-limiting example. In other variations, fluid passages are provided within the fastener and/or bearing housing to facilitate entry of lubricant oil to further dampen sound and noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. STOVER, Kevin J. GEHRET, Stephen M. SEIBEL
  • Patent number: 9777730
    Abstract: A compressor may include a first scroll member, a second scroll member and a drive shaft. The first scroll member may include a first end plate defining a first discharge port and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member may include a second end plate defining a first variable volume ratio port and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap and forming compression pockets. The variable volume ratio port may be located radially outward relative to the first discharge port and in communication with a first compression pocket. The drive shaft may be engaged with the second scroll member and driving orbital displacement of the second scroll member relative to the first scroll member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Doepker, Michael M. Perevozchikov, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20170268510
    Abstract: A compressor may include first and second scroll members having first and second scroll wraps, respectively. The scroll members define a suction inlet, a discharge outlet, and fluid pockets moving therebetween. The second scroll member may include a port, and a passage. The port may be in fluid communication with at least one of the pockets. The passage may extend through a portion of the second end plate and may be in fluid communication with the port. A valve assembly may be disposed in the passage and may include a valve member displaceable between open and closed positions. A recompression volume may be disposed between the valve member and the at least one of the pockets. The recompression volume may be less than or equal to approximately one percent of a volume of one of the pockets at a suction seal-off position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Stover, Ronald E. Bonear, Kirill M. Ignatiev
  • Publication number: 20170198696
    Abstract: A system may include a compressor including a compression mechanism having first and second compression members defining a compression pocket disposed between the first and second compression members that decreases in volume during operation of the compression mechanism. A heat exchanger receives compressed working fluid from the compressor. An expansion device may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger. A lubricant separator receives lubricant and working fluid discharged from the compression mechanism and provides separated lubricant to the compression mechanism. A lubricant-injection flow path may include a lubricant fitting and extends between the lubricant separator and the compression pocket such that separated lubricant is injected into the compression pocket through the lubricant fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirill M. IGNATIEV, Robert C. STOVER, Michael M. PEREVOZCHIKOV
  • Publication number: 20170182561
    Abstract: A light-weight, high-strength compressor component is formed via additive manufacturing that has controlled stiffness and/or deflection levels. The component may have at least one interior region comprising a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of repeating cells. A solid surface is disposed over the lattice structure. The interior region comprises the lattice structure in the body portion of the light-weight, high-strength compressor component. The lattice structure may be used to globally or locally control stiffness and/or deflection levels of the compressor component. Additive manufacturing provides flexibility in forming compressor components with desirably improved strength-to-weight ratios while exhibiting high levels of control over stiffness and/or deflection. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. Scancarello, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20170184086
    Abstract: A light-weight, high-strength compressor component having at least one fluid delivery feature that is formed via additive manufacturing is provided. The component may have at least one interior region comprising a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of repeating cells. A solid surface is disposed over the lattice structure. The interior region comprising the lattice structure has at least one fluid delivery feature for permitting fluid flow through the body portion of the light-weight, high-strength compressor component. The fluid delivery feature may be a flow channel, a fluid delivery port, a porous fluid delivery feature, or the like that serves to transfer fluids through the component, such as refrigerant and/or lubricant oils. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. Scancarello, Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20170184108
    Abstract: A light-weight, high-strength insulating compressor component formed via additive manufacturing is provided. The component may have at least one interior region comprising a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of repeating cells. A solid surface is disposed over the lattice structure. The interior region comprising the lattice structure minimizes or reduces transmission of at least one of thermal energy, sound, or vibrational energy through the component. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. Scancarello, Robert C. Stover
  • Patent number: 9689391
    Abstract: Scroll compressor designs are provided to minimize vibration, sound, and noise transmission. The scroll compressor has a bearing housing, and orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members. The non-orbiting scroll member has a radially extending flanged portion with at least one aperture substantially aligned with the axially extending bore. At least one fastener is disposed within the aperture and the bore. A sound isolation member contacts at least one of the non-orbiting scroll member, the fastener, or the bearing housing, to reduce or eliminate noise transmission. The sound isolation member may be formed of a polymeric composite having an acoustic impedance value greater than the surrounding materials. The sound isolation member may be an annular washer, an O-ring, or a biasing member, by way of non-limiting example. In other variations, fluid passages are provided within the fastener and/or bearing housing to facilitate entry of lubricant oil to further dampen sound and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne-Chi Fu, Michael A. Saunders, Stephen M. Seibel, Kevin J. Gehret, Robert C. Stover, Patrick R. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 9651043
    Abstract: A compressor may include first and second scroll members having first and second scroll wraps, respectively. The scroll members define a suction inlet, a discharge outlet, and fluid pockets moving therebetween. The second scroll member may include a port, and a passage. The port may be in fluid communication with at least one of the pockets. The passage may extend through a portion of the second end plate and may be in fluid communication with the port. A valve assembly may be disposed in the passage and may include a valve member displaceable between open and closed positions. A recompression volume may be disposed between the valve member and the at least one of the pockets. The recompression volume may be less than or equal to approximately one percent of a volume of one of the pockets at a suction seal-off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Stover, Ronald E. Bonear, Kirill M. Ignatiev
  • Patent number: 9638191
    Abstract: A compressor may include a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap, a first chamber, and a first aperture. A second scroll member may include a second spiral wrap engaged with the first spiral wrap to form a series of compression pockets and a second aperture. The first aperture may be in communication with a first of the compression pockets to provide communication between the first compression pocket and the first chamber. The second aperture may be in communication with a second of the compression pockets. A capacity modulation assembly may include a first piston preventing communication between the first aperture and a first passage when in a first position and providing communication when in a second position. A second piston may prevent communication between the second aperture and a third passage when in the first position, and provide communication when in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Stover
  • Publication number: 20170037850
    Abstract: A compressor may include a non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, a drive shaft, a bearing housing and an annular seal. The non-orbiting scroll includes a first spiral wrap. The orbiting scroll includes an end plate having a second spiral wrap ending from a first side of the end plate and an annular hub extending from a second side of the end plate. The first and second spiral wraps cooperate to compress working fluid from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure. The drive shaft includes a crankpin received in the hub and drives the orbiting scroll. The bearing housing rotatably supports the drive shaft and may define a biasing chamber containing working fluid biasing the orbiting scroll toward the non-orbiting scroll in an axial direction. The annular seal may engage a diametrical surface of the hub and engage the bearing housing, thereby defining the biasing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirill M. IGNATIEV, Jeffrey L. BERNING, Robert C. STOVER
  • Patent number: 9562709
    Abstract: A system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, a lubricant separator, and a flow path. The compressor includes a compression mechanism. The heat exchanger receives compressed working fluid from the compressor. The expansion device is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger. The lubricant separator receives lubricant and working fluid discharged from the compression mechanism and provides separated lubricant to the compression mechanism. The flow path may receive working fluid from the heat exchanger and may provide working fluid to the heat exchanger. The flow path may extend between a first location disposed between the heat exchanger and the expansion device and a second location disposed between the heat exchanger and the compressor. The working fluid from the flow path may absorb heat from the separated lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirill M. Ignatiev, Robert C. Stover, Michael M. Perevozchikov