Abstract: A scroll compressor includes one or more stage of compression disposed within a compressor housing. One or more of the stages includes a stationary scroll member including a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from the base of the stationary scroll member. One or more of the stages further includes an orbiting, scroll member including a substantially circular base and a substantially spiral wrap extending from the base of the orbiting scroll member. A coupling is disposed between the first scroll member base and the second scroll member base and in surrounding relationship to the first and second scroll member spiral wraps. At least one stabilizing pad is disposed between the first scroll member base and the second scroll member base and in axial thrust force relationship with the coupling to at least partially prevent tipping of the second scroll member.

Abstract: An oil lubrication system for a multi-stage compressor separates oil from a refrigerant at an intermediate pressure following the first stage of compression and then routes the separated oil at the intermediate pressure to the compressor suction cavity bearings at the intermediate pressure, thus avoiding further compression of oil in subsequent stages of compression. The efficiency of the multi-stage compressor can be increased by not raising the pressure of the oil through the subsequent stages of compression.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a compressor includes a flow passage defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat located proximate the inlet. The valve assembly also has a valve member that includes a head portion engageable with the valve seat. The head portion has a front face, a rear face located closer to the outlet than the front face, and a side face extending between the front and rear faces. The head portion further has a first convex curvature formed between the front face and the side face. The valve member also includes a collar portion extending toward the outlet from the rear face of the head portion.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member disposed within a compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member has a substantially circular baseplate and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. A first seal is disposed proximal to the outer periphery of the orbiting scroll baseplate to provide an external seal between the baseplate and the housing. A second seal is disposed radially inward from the first seal to provide an internal seal between the baseplate and the housing. A space between the internal seal and the external seal defines a balance piston chamber. The balance piston chamber is pressurized via a high or intermediate pressure oil source to reduce thrust loading on the baseplate caused by an axial pressure differential across the baseplate.

Abstract: An oil lubrication system for a multi-stage compressor separates oil from a refrigerant at an intermediate pressure following the first stage of compression and then routes the separated oil at the intermediate pressure to the compressor suction cavity bearings at the intermediate pressure, thus avoiding further compression of oil in subsequent stages of compression. The efficiency of the multi-stage compressor can be increased by not raising the pressure of the oil through the subsequent stages of compression.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member disposed within a compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member has a substantially circular baseplate and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. A first seal is disposed proximal to the outer periphery of the orbiting scroll baseplate to provide an external seal between the baseplate and the housing. A second seal is disposed radially inward from the first seal to provide an internal seal between the baseplate and the housing. A space between the internal seal and the external seal defines a balance piston chamber. The balance piston chamber is pressurized via a high or intermediate pressure oil source to reduce thrust loading on the baseplate caused by an axial pressure differential across the baseplate.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes one or more stage of compression disposed within a compressor housing. One or more of the stages includes a stationary scroll member including a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from the base of the stationary scroll member. One or more of the stages further includes an orbiting, scroll member including a substantially circular base and a substantially spiral wrap extending from the base of the orbiting scroll member. A coupling is disposed between the first scroll member base and the second scroll member base and in surrounding relationship to the first and second scroll member spiral wraps. At least one stabilizing pad is disposed between the first scroll member base and the second scroll member base and in axial thrust force relationship with the coupling to at least partially prevent tipping of the second scroll member.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a compressor includes a flow passage defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat located proximate the inlet. The valve assembly also has a valve member that includes a head portion engageable with the valve seat. The head portion has a front face, a rear face located closer to the outlet than the front face, and a side face extending between the front and rear faces. The head portion further has a first convex curvature formed between the front face and the side face. The valve member also includes a collar portion extending toward the outlet from the rear face of the head portion.

Abstract: Yarns and fabrics formed from such yarns incorporating an arrangement of discrete zones of variable heat treat history thereby imparting differential dye affinity and structural character at discrete zones along the yarn length are described. The differential dye affinity permits variable shading along the yarn length when the yarn is subjected to a dye bath. Processes and equipment for manufacturing such yarns are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a swimming stroke wherein the resistance is supplied by resilient members connected to the user's arms and legs. In one aspect the invention is an exercise system comprising: a bench for supporting a user; means for securing to the user's left arm; means for securing to the user's right arm; means for securing to the user's left leg; means for securing to the user's right leg; and each of the left arm securing means, the right arm securing means, the left leg securing means, and the right leg securing means connected to the bench by at least one resilient member. Preferably the resilient members are connected to a pair of specially adapted gloves and socks. In another aspect, the invention is a method of using the system to simulate a swimming stroke wherein the user's movement is resisted during the entire range of motion.

Abstract: A folding chair includes collapsible rungs in a backrest and seat permitting folding in two directions. Stability is further enhanced by the upholstery which further forces the top rung of the chair downward and the center rung rearward, making the chair rigid in the open position. Siderails and back supports slide freely along the chair's rear legs creating a folding mechanism that folds the seat upwards while also pulling the rear leg upwards in the same direction resulting in greater stability without increasing the height of the folded package.

Abstract: Apparatus to continuously draw, texture and warp polyester yam in which the texturing apparatus includes texturing balls mounted on a common mount for a plurality of texturing positions which individually can be rotated into and out of position without individual adjustment of each ball after rotation back into operative position.

Abstract: A water jet loom having means for forming a shed including heddles upon which warp yarns are mounted, a weft inserting jet for inserting weft yarns into the shed, a stainless steel reed for beating the weft yarns into the apex of the shed and means for supplying alkaline feed water to the weft inserting jet is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved circular knitting machine which provides for semiautomatic doffing of large diameter rolls of knit fabric. The doffing of the fabric can be accomplished by a woman operator without strain. The improved circular knitting machine provides a quick disconnect from the drive to take the tension of the machine to allow machine repair without extensive dismounting of the machine.

Abstract: An improved circular knitting machine which provides for semiautomatic doffing of large diameter rolls of knit fabric. The doffing of the fabric can be accomplished by a woman operator without strain. The improved circular knitting machine provides a quick diconnect from the drive to take the tension of the machine to allow machine repair without extensive dismounting of the machine.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alternanthera plant named ‘Raspberry Rum’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; strong and healthy leaves; leaves that are hot pink and brown in color; good garden performance; and resistance to leaf spot pathogens.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea plant named ‘Adam Saul’, characterized by its upright and columnar plant habit; freely branching habit; numerous long-lasting single inflorescences with dark pink-colored ray florets with large inflorescence discs; strong flowering stems that hold the inflorescences upright; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Antirrhinum, ‘Snap Daddy Yellow’, characterized by its variegated foliage with distinct cream-colored margins and soft, sea green centers, its yellow flowers, and its high degree of heat tolerance with a long blooming period in the southeast region of the U.S.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Antirrhinum, ‘Snap Daddy Pink’, characterized by its variegated foliage with distinct cream-colored margins and grey-green centers, its new growth tips with yellow margins and yellow-green centers, its multiple branches, and its 20 to 30 pink flowers per stem.