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).
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Patent number: 12215901Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2023Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
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Patent number: 11923746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu Sishtla
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Publication number: 20240068725Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Vishnu Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth, Biswajit Mitra, Macey Parrott, Puja Chopra
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Publication number: 20240035720Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
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Patent number: 11821665Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
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Publication number: 20230151818Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu M. Sishtla, Michael Bergin
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Patent number: 11499767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Patent number: 11306950Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Publication number: 20210364209Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2019Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Patent number: 11112148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu M. Sishtla
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Patent number: 11098934Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
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Publication number: 20210242744Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Scott A. Nieforth, Vishnu Sishtla
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Publication number: 20210239372Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li
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Patent number: 11022351Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Patent number: 10962263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Patent number: 10823198Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Kai Deng, Zhanbo Du, Xili Liu, Scott A. Nieforth, Biao Shu, Danni Yuan
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Publication number: 20200141617Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Publication number: 20190271491Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: September 5, 2019Applicant: Carrier CorporationInventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Scott A. Nieforth
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Publication number: 20190249687Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Kai Deng, Zhanbo Du, Xili Liu, Scott A. Nieforth, Biao Shu, Danni Yuan
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Publication number: 20190219314Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Michael A. Stark, Scott A. Nieforth, Kai Deng, Haiping Ding, Yuling Shi, HongYi Li