Patents by Inventor Scott M. Branch

Scott M. Branch 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: 11725661
    Abstract: Variable volume ratio compressors may be controlled using a switching parameter based on compressor speed and suction density to improve the matching of compressor volume ratio to desired discharge conditions. Delay periods may be implemented in the determination of when to change volume ratio to control the frequency of changes to the volume ratio. The switching parameter may be a product of the compressor speed and suction density. The volume ratio of the compressor may be controlled by switching valves directing pressure to a piston of a variable volume ratio system of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Espelien, Scott M. Branch
  • Patent number: 11162495
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system including a scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a compression mechanism having an orbiting scroll and a non-orbiting scroll aligned in meshing engagement. The scroll compressor also includes an electric motor. A bearing housing is disposed between the compression mechanism and the electric motor. A lubricant drain is formed in the bearing housing. The lubricant drain is disposed in a location that lubricant draining from the bearing housing via the lubricant drain is directed toward the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, Derrick Lepak
  • Publication number: 20210180598
    Abstract: Variable volume ratio compressors may be controlled using a switching parameter based on compressor speed and suction density to improve the matching of compressor volume ratio to desired discharge conditions. Delay periods may be implemented in the determination of when to change volume ratio to control the frequency of changes to the volume ratio. The switching parameter may be a product of the compressor speed and suction density. The volume ratio of the compressor may be controlled by switching valves directing pressure to a piston of a variable volume ratio system of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Espelien, Scott M. Branch
  • Patent number: 11022122
    Abstract: A screw compressor includes a compressor housing defining a working chamber, the housing including a plurality of bores; a first rotor having helical threads, the first rotor being housed in a first of the plurality of bores; a second rotor having helical threads intermeshing with the helical threads of the first rotor, the second rotor being housed in a second of the plurality of bores; an inlet port that receives a fluid to be compressed; an outlet port that receives a compressed fluid; and an intermediate discharge port disposed between the compression chamber and the outlet port, the intermediate discharge port including a sealing member and a biasing mechanism, fluid flow being prevented between the compression chamber and the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-blocked state, and fluid flow being enabled from the compression chamber through the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-permitted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, Timothy S. Hagen, Jerry A. Rood, Alberto Scala
  • Patent number: 10851787
    Abstract: A bearing housing drain in a scroll compressor and method for controlling lubrication of a thrust bearing in the scroll compressor are disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing; a non-orbiting scroll member and an orbiting scroll member; an orbiting scroll hub having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being disposed at a vertical elevation that is lower than the upper end; a thrust bearing; a lubricant sump; a housing drain cavity disposed within the compressor housing and configured to receive lubricant from the lubricant sump and to deliver the lubricant to the thrust bearing; and a bearing housing drain fluidly connected to the housing drain cavity and the lubricant sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Scott J. Smerud, Daniel R. Crum, Scott M. Branch
  • Patent number: 10844860
    Abstract: Variable volume ratio compressors may be controlled using a switching parameter based on compressor speed and suction density to improve the matching of compressor volume ratio to desired discharge conditions. Delay periods may be implemented in the determination of when to change volume ratio to control the frequency of changes to the volume ratio. The switching parameter may be a product of the compressor speed and suction density. The volume ratio of the compressor may be controlled by switching valves directing pressure to a piston of a variable volume ratio system of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Espelien, Scott M. Branch
  • Publication number: 20200200175
    Abstract: Variable volume ratio compressors may be controlled using a switching parameter based on compressor speed and suction density to improve the matching of compressor volume ratio to desired discharge conditions. Delay periods may be implemented in the determination of when to change volume ratio to control the frequency of changes to the volume ratio. The switching parameter may be a product of the compressor speed and suction density. The volume ratio of the compressor may be controlled by switching valves directing pressure to a piston of a variable volume ratio system of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Espelien, Scott M. Branch
  • Patent number: 10619635
    Abstract: A scroll member for a scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll member includes a base member and a wrap member formed on a major surface of the base member. The wrap member includes a modified portion. The modified portion includes a base, a step, and a scallop. The base extends a first distance from the major surface. The step extends a second distance from the base. The scallop extends a third distance from the scallop. The scallop is located at a wrap surface of the wrap member. The wrap surface is disposed relatively away from the major surface relative to the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, Eric S. Mlsna, Scott J. Smerud
  • Publication number: 20190113037
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system including a scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a compression mechanism having an orbiting scroll and a non-orbiting scroll aligned in meshing engagement. The scroll compressor also includes an electric motor. A bearing housing is disposed between the compression mechanism and the electric motor. A lubricant drain is formed in the bearing housing. The lubricant drain is disposed in a location that lubricant draining from the bearing housing via the lubricant drain is directed toward the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Scott M. BRANCH, Derrick LEPAK
  • Publication number: 20180223852
    Abstract: A bearing housing drain in a scroll compressor and method for controlling lubrication of a thrust bearing in the scroll compressor are disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing; a non-orbiting scroll member and an orbiting scroll member; an orbiting scroll hub having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being disposed at a vertical elevation that is lower than the upper end; a thrust bearing; a lubricant sump; a housing drain cavity disposed within the compressor housing and configured to receive lubricant from the lubricant sump and to deliver the lubricant to the thrust bearing; and a bearing housing drain fluidly connected to the housing drain cavity and the lubricant sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Eric S. Mlsna, Scott J. Smerud, Daniel R. Crum, Scott M. Branch
  • Publication number: 20180023569
    Abstract: A scroll member for a scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll member includes a base member and a wrap member formed on a major surface of the base member. The wrap member includes a modified portion. The modified portion includes a base, a step, and a scallop. The base extends a first distance from the major surface. The step extends a second distance from the base. The scallop extends a third distance from the scallop. The scallop is located at a wrap surface of the wrap member. The wrap surface is disposed relatively away from the major surface relative to the step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Scott M. BRANCH, Eric S. MLSNA, Scott J. SMERUD
  • Publication number: 20170350398
    Abstract: A screw compressor includes a compressor housing defining a working chamber, the housing including a plurality of bores; a first rotor having helical threads, the first rotor being housed in a first of the plurality of bores; a second rotor having helical threads intermeshing with the helical threads of the first rotor, the second rotor being housed in a second of the plurality of bores; an inlet port that receives a fluid to be compressed; an outlet port that receives a compressed fluid; and an intermediate discharge port disposed between the compression chamber and the outlet port, the intermediate discharge port including a sealing member and a biasing mechanism, fluid flow being prevented between the compression chamber and the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-blocked state, and fluid flow being enabled from the compression chamber through the intermediate discharge port when in a flow-permitted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Scott M. BRANCH, Timothy S. HAGEN, Jerry A. Rood, Alberto SCALA
  • Patent number: 6746264
    Abstract: A latch is controlled to latch and unlatch a device by using a portion of the insertion and extraction movement of the device being latched. The latch incorporates a pivoted latching member carried on the device being latched. The end or latching surface is positionable behind a latch bar, preventing the extraction of the latched device. The latch member is displaced to latch or release by a spring disposed between the frame of the device being latched and the latch member. When the actuator member is withdrawn from its ineffective position and if the latch arm occupies a latched position, the actuator member engages surfaces on the latch member and the module frame which are too closely spaced to permit free passage of the engaging portion of the actuator. This engagement with the surfaces results in spreading the engaged portions of the module frame and the latch member, thereby pivoting the latch member to unlatch the latching end of the latch member from a retaining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, David P. Gaio, Michael F. Hanley, William K. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6609838
    Abstract: An easily removable modular optical signal transceiver unit for conversion between modulated light signal transmission and electronic data signals and which conforms to the Small Form Factor standard for transceiver interfaces is disclosed. The structural details of its chassis include aspects which insure the proper positioning of electronic circuit boards of a transmitter optical subassembly and a receiver optical subassembly as well as the positioning of electromagnetic radiation shielding on the chassis. In conjunction with an interface device on an electronic circuit board of a host device, the chassis supports electromagnetic radiation shielding which substantially encloses the sources of electromagnetic radiation within the module and suppresses the escape of electromagnetic radiation, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference with sensitive components and devices in proximity to the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, David Peter Gaio, William K. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6544055
    Abstract: A spring-to-spring engagement of a kick-out spring and a secondary spring is disposed intermediate a structure supporting an electrical connector and an insertable and latchable electronic module or the like to enhance the disconnection and ejection of the module from the connector to which the module is connected. The spring-to-spring engagement insures both that adequate spring force is stored upon insertion and connection of the module and that disconnection and ejection forces are applied to the module. The forces are applied over a sufficient distance to fully displace the module from its latched position to its position of disconnection from the connectors and still provide spring force travel of the module to eject at least partially the module from the receiver or port into which the module was inserted and connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, William K. Hogan, James E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6519160
    Abstract: A latch is controlled to latch and unlatch a device by using a portion of the insertion and extraction movement of the device being latched. The latch incorporates a pair of tongs. The ends or latching extensions of the tongs are positionable behind a latch bar, preventing the extraction of the latched device. The tongs are positioned under the control of an actuator or latch control member which is moved to latch or unlatch the latch. The actuator member is pushed into the host device once the device being latched is positioned in the desired position. The tongs respond to the pushing of the actuator member by spreading the input ends under the influence of connecting input links moreover, the latching extensions are pivoted toward each other, positioning the latching extensions in a latched position. The latch extensions are spread to release the latch and the latched device by pulling the actuator member, pulling the input links as well as the input ends of the tongs, and thereby pivoting the tongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, David P. Gaio, Michael F. Hanley, William K. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6371787
    Abstract: A latch mechanism using a natural unlatching, releasing, pull movement has a slidable latch release which is carried on a device being latched, such as an electronic module. This slidable latch release has a pair of recesses or cavities at least partially defining cams that engage and displace a latch member from engagement with a latching surface on the device being latched. A latch release member is provided with a pair of wing members that are resilient and are deformed as a result of movement of the latch release relative to the latched device. Deformation provides a bias to restore the latch release member to a position capable of permitting latching upon the reinsertion of the device into a host device, such as a computer or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, David P. Gaio, Michael F. Hanley, William K. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6335869
    Abstract: An easily removable modular optical signal transceiver unit for conversion between modulated light signal transmission and electronic data signals and which conforms to the Small Form Factor standard for transceiver interfaces is disclosed. The structural details of its chassis include aspects which insure the proper positioning of electronic circuit boards of a transmitter optical subassembly and a receiver optical subassembly as well as the positioning of electromagnetic radiation shielding on the chassis. In conjunction with an interface device on an electronic circuit board of a host device, the chassis supports electromagnetic radiation shielding which substantially encloses the sources of electromagnetic radiation within the module and suppresses the escape of electromagnetic radiation, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference with sensitive components and devices in proximity to the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, David Peter Gaio, William K. Hogan