Patents by Inventor Scott A. NIEFORTH

Scott A. NIEFORTH 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: 11923746
    Abstract: A shield for controlling the cooling within a hermetically cooled motor, and a compressor incorporating the shield are provided. The shield includes an insulator, at least one fastener, and a venting aperture. The insulator restricts the flow of a working fluid between a first side and a second side. The at least one fastener secures the insulator. The venting aperture controls a pressure differential between the first side and the second side. The venting aperture may include at least one hole through the insulator. The venting aperture may be provided as a hole through the insulator for the rotating shaft of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu Sishtla
  • Publication number: 20240068725
    Abstract: A vapor compression system and method for operating the vapor compression system are provided. The vapor compression system includes a compressor, a condenser, and at least one check valve disposed between the compressor and the condenser. The method provides for the transmitting of a shutdown command to the compressor, the compressor including a rotating shaft and a magnetic bearing, the magnetic bearing having an active mode and an inactive mode, the magnetic bearing levitating the rotating shaft in the active mode. The method further provides for the maintaining of the magnetic bearing in the active mode during a minimum time period, the magnetic bearing switching from the active mode to the inactive mode after the minimum time period is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Vishnu Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth, Biswajit Mitra, Macey Parrott, Puja Chopra
  • Publication number: 20240035720
    Abstract: A deflector for a condenser. The condenser has an inlet in communication with a compressor, and a deflector for guiding a refrigerant gas flow from the compressor is arranged in the condenser and at a position close to the inlet. The deflector is provided with a deflecting structure projecting toward the inlet, and the deflecting structure is configured as impermeable to the refrigerant gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
  • Patent number: 11821665
    Abstract: A deflector for a condenser. The condenser has an inlet in communication with a compressor, and a deflector for guiding a refrigerant gas flow from the compressor is arranged in the condenser and at a position close to the inlet. The deflector is provided with a deflecting structure projecting toward the inlet, and the deflecting structure is configured as impermeable to the refrigerant gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
  • Publication number: 20230151818
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a compressor assembly includes a compressor housing having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet. A flow restricting valve allows unrestricted fluid flow in a first direction into the housing through the suction inlet and out of the discharge outlet during a first operating condition. The flow restricting valve allows a restricted fluid flow in a second, opposite direction into the housing through the discharge outlet in a second operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu M. Sishtla, Michael Bergin
  • Patent number: 11499767
    Abstract: A method of operating a heat exchanger system in which a compressor, which is drivable by a motor, is fluidly interposed between an evaporator and a condenser following receipt of a shutdown command is provided. The method includes positioning inlet guide vanes (IGVs) of the compressor in a first position in the event of at least one of a first precondition being in effect and the first and a second precondition both not being in effect. The method further includes positioning the IGVs in a second position in an event the first precondition is not in effect but the second precondition is in effect, ramping a speed of the compressor down until a third precondition takes effect, removing power from the motor and positioning the IGVs in the first position once power is removed from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Patent number: 11306950
    Abstract: A lubrication additive recovery system is provided for use with a vapor compression system. The vapor compression system includes a compressor having a bearing, a condenser and an evaporator. The lubrication additive recovery system includes a lubrication ring formed to define first and second through-holes, a first system by which a portion of a required supply of lubrication is drawn from the condenser and provided to the bearing through the first through-holes and a second system by which a remainder of the required supply of lubrication is recovered from the evaporator and provided along with compressor discharge gas to the bearing through the second through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Publication number: 20210364209
    Abstract: A method of operating a heat exchanger system in which a compressor, which is drivable by a motor, is fluidly interposed between an evaporator and a condenser following receipt of a shutdown command is provided. The method includes positioning inlet guide vanes (IGVs) of the compressor in a first position in the event of at least one of a first precondition being in effect and the first and a second precondition both not being in effect. The method further includes positioning the IGVs in a second position in an event the first precondition is not in effect but the second precondition is in effect, ramping a speed of the compressor down until a third precondition takes effect, removing power from the motor and positioning the IGVs in the first position once power is removed from the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Patent number: 11112148
    Abstract: A vapor compression system (20; 400; 420) comprises: a compressor (22) having a suction port (40) and a discharge port (42); a heat rejection heat exchanger (58) coupled to the discharge port to receive compressed refrigerant; a heat absorption heat exchanger (88); a first lubricant flowpath (120, 126) from the heat rejection heat exchanger to the compressor; a second lubricant flowpath (121, 126) from the heat absorption heat exchanger to the compressor; at least one lubricant pump (190); and a controller (900) configured to control lubricant flow along the first lubricant flowpath and the second lubricant flowpath based on a sensed fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu M. Sishtla
  • Patent number: 11098934
    Abstract: The present utility model relates to a deflector for a condenser. The condenser has an inlet in communication with a compressor, and a deflector for guiding a refrigerant gas flow from the compressor is arranged in the condenser and at a position close to the inlet. The deflector is provided with a deflecting structure projecting toward the inlet, and the deflecting structure is configured as impermeable to the refrigerant gas flow. The present utility model further provides a condenser having the deflector for a condenser and a refrigeration system equipped with the condenser. The deflector for a condenser according to the present utility model not only can alleviate the impact of high-temperature high-pressure gas from the compressor but also can reduce noise and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
  • Publication number: 20210239372
    Abstract: A deflector for a condenser. The condenser has an inlet in communication with a compressor, and a deflector for guiding a refrigerant gas flow from the compressor is arranged in the condenser and at a position close to the inlet. The deflector is provided with a deflecting structure projecting toward the inlet, and the deflecting structure is configured as impermeable to the refrigerant gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
  • Publication number: 20210242744
    Abstract: A shield for controlling the cooling within a hermetically cooled motor, and a compressor incorporating the shield are provided. The shield includes an insulator, at least one fastener, and a venting aperture. The insulator restricts the flow of a working fluid between a first side and a second side. The at least one fastener secures the insulator. The venting aperture controls a pressure differential between the first side and the second side. The venting aperture may include at least one hole through the insulator. The venting aperture may be provided as a hole through the insulator for the rotating shaft of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu Sishtla
  • Patent number: 11022351
    Abstract: A vapor compression system comprises a compressor (22). The compressor comprises an inlet (40) and an outlet (42) and an electric motor (28). The motor has a stator (30) and a rotor (32). A plurality of bearings (36) support the rotor. A fluid flowpath (126) extends to the plurality of bearings. A branch (310) from the fluid flowpath extends to the compressor. A liquid sensor (330) is along the branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Patent number: 10962263
    Abstract: A vapor compression system (20, 400, 420, 440, 460, 480) has: a compressor (22) having a suction port (40) and a discharge port (42); a heat rejection heat exchanger (58) coupled to the discharge port to receive compressed refrigerant; a heat absorption heat exchanger (88); a first lubricant flowpath (120, 126; 120) from the heat rejection heat exchanger to the compressor; a second lubricant flowpath (121, 126; 121) from the heat absorption heat exchanger to the compressor; at least one lubricant pump (190; 190, 191); at least one liquid level sensor (180, 181; 180, 181, 330); and a controller (900) configured to control lubricant flow along the first lubricant flowpath and the second lubricant flowpath based on output of the at least one liquid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Patent number: 10823198
    Abstract: A diffuser for a centrifugal compressor and a centrifugal compressor having the same. The diffuser (100) comprises a drive component (110), a transmission assembly (120), an adjustment assembly (130), a spool valve assembly (140) and a rear wall (150); wherein the transmission assembly is used for transmitting power produced by the drive component to the adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly is capable of circumferentially reciprocating with respect to the rear wall and driving the spool valve assembly to reciprocate axially; and wherein a rolling element (160) is provided between the adjustment assembly and the rear wall. Intervention of a mechanism for adjusting a flow passage width is better achieved by such an arrangement in combination with an existing configuration of the diffuser; and a low-friction fit between the adjustment assembly and the rear wall is achieved by the rolling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Kai Deng, Zhanbo Du, Xili Liu, Scott A. Nieforth, Biao Shu, Danni Yuan
  • Publication number: 20200141617
    Abstract: A lubrication additive recovery system is provided for use with a vapor compression system. The vapor compression system includes a compressor having a bearing, a condenser and an evaporator. The lubrication additive recovery system includes a lubrication ring formed to define first and second through-holes, a first system by which a portion of a required supply of lubrication is drawn from the condenser and provided to the bearing through the first through-holes and a second system by which a remainder of the required supply of lubrication is recovered from the evaporator and provided along with compressor discharge gas to the bearing through the second through-holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Publication number: 20190271491
    Abstract: A vapor compression system (20, 400, 420, 440, 460, 480) has: a compressor (22) having a suction port (40) and a discharge port (42); a heat rejection heat exchanger (58) coupled to the discharge port to receive compressed refrigerant; a heat absorption heat exchanger (88); a first lubricant flowpath (120, 126; 120) from the heat rejection heat exchanger to the compressor; a second lubricant flowpath (121, 126; 121) from the heat absorption heat exchanger to the compressor; at least one lubricant pump (190; 190, 191); at least one liquid level sensor (180, 181; 180, 181, 330); and a controller (900) configured to control lubricant flow along the first lubricant flowpath and the second lubricant flowpath based output based on output of the at least one liquid level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
  • Publication number: 20190249687
    Abstract: A diffuser for a centrifugal compressor and a centrifugal compressor having the same. The diffuser (100) comprises a drive component (110), a transmission assembly (120), an adjustment assembly (130), a spool valve assembly (140) and a rear wall (150); wherein the transmission assembly is used for transmitting power produced by the drive component to the adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly is capable of circumferentially reciprocating with respect to the rear wall and driving the spool valve assembly to reciprocate axially; and wherein a rolling element (160) is provided between the adjustment assembly and the rear wall. Intervention of a mechanism for adjusting a flow passage width is better achieved by such an arrangement in combination with an existing configuration of the diffuser; and a low-friction fit between the adjustment assembly and the rear wall is achieved by the rolling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Kai Deng, Zhanbo Du, Xili Liu, Scott A. Nieforth, Biao Shu, Danni Yuan
  • Publication number: 20190219314
    Abstract: The present utility model relates to a deflector for a condenser. The condenser has an inlet in communication with a compressor, and a deflector for guiding a refrigerant gas flow from the compressor is arranged in the condenser and at a position close to the inlet. The deflector is provided with a deflecting structure projecting toward the inlet, and the deflecting structure is configured as impermeable to the refrigerant gas flow. The present utility model further provides a condenser having the deflector for a condenser and a refrigeration system equipped with the condenser. The deflector for a condenser according to the present utility model not only can alleviate the impact of high-temperature high-pressure gas from the compressor but also can reduce noise and vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
  • Publication number: 20190178537
    Abstract: A vapor compression system (20; 400; 420) comprises: a compressor (22) having a suction port (40) and a discharge port (42); a heat rejection heat exchanger (58) coupled to the discharge port to receive compressed refrigerant; a heat absorption heat exchanger (88); a first lubricant flowpath (120, 126) from the heat rejection heat exchanger to the compressor; a second lubricant flowpath (121, 126) from the heat absorption heat exchanger to the compressor; at least one lubricant pump (190); and a controller (900) configured to control lubricant flow along the first lubricant flowpath and the second lubricant flowpath based on a sensed fluctuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu M. Sishtla