Patents by Inventor Shimao Ni

Shimao Ni 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).

  • Publication number: 20140140877
    Abstract: A scroll-type volume displacement apparatus with an orbiting thrust bearing. A scroll element of the first end plate in a fixed scroll engages with a scroll element of the second end plate in an orbiting scroll, the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll are set in the main housing respectively. The purpose of the apparatus is to set the thrust ball bearing between the orbiting scroll and the base shell, which can orbit along the orbiting scroll, so as to balance the potential shake generated in the orbiting movement along the orbiting scroll through the multi-group thrust ball bearings. And, by the sealed contact between the orbiting scroll and the thrust ball bearing, the axial deviating force of the orbiting scroll can seal the pressure chamber to keep the slight contact of the front and behind face of the two scrolls which engages with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED SCROLL TECHNOLOGIES (HANGZHOU) INC.
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 8177534
    Abstract: An axial air cooling system for scroll-type positive fluid displacement apparatus provides needed cooling. The system includes an axial fan and centrifugal pump and internal cooling air channels inside parts integrating main housing, base housing and motor housing with their corresponding shell parts by cooling fins. The cooling air channel also includes passages inside the orbiting scroll, shaft central hole and gaps inside stator slots and winding. Heat pipes are installed inside the fixed and orbiting scrolls to conduct heat from inside of the apparatus to the peripheral condenser portion of the heat pipes to be cooled by the cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Scroll Technologies (HangZhou), Inc.
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 8167594
    Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a non-orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base, and an orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The wraps of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A drive shaft causes the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member. At least one of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll operate to move in an axial direction toward the other of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. The scroll compressor supplies a bias force to bias the at least one scroll member toward the other. A first of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members have at least a portion of its surface formed of a material that is harder than the material that it will contact on a second of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members, such that upon start-up there will be run-in and removal of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Scrolllabs Corporation
    Inventors: Shimao Ni, Stéphane Watts
  • Patent number: 8157551
    Abstract: A face of a base of an orbiting scroll member is aligned with a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing includes a back pressure pocket and a seal for sealing the back pressure pocket to entrap a compressed fluid. There is a tap for tapping fluid at a discharge pressure into said back pressure pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Scrollabs Corporation
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Publication number: 20100202911
    Abstract: At least one of the scroll members is composed of a metallic insert having substantial the same configuration of the scroll member, i.e. an end plate and spiral wraps fixed to and extended from the end plate. The metallic insert has anchor holes and connecting holes for bonding the plastic coating layer on to the metallic insert. The anchor holes also serve as gas escaping passages during injection molding process. The mold has multiple poring gates to minimize the pressure gradients across the spiral wraps during the injection molding process. The metallic insert has also tubers sticking out from the tip of its spiral wraps. The tubers are firmly held by the mold in the injection molding process to prevent movement of the spiral wraps under the pressure from the injected plastic flow. The metallic inserts can be fully or partially coated by the plastic compound such that there is no metallic to metallic contact between the scroll members during operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: SCROLL LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Shimao NI, Zhen REN
  • Publication number: 20100196184
    Abstract: A face of a base of an orbiting scroll member is aligned with a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing includes a back pressure pocket and a seal for sealing the back pressure pocket to entrap a compressed fluid. There is a tap for tapping fluid at a discharge pressure into said back pressure pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Publication number: 20100196183
    Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a non-orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base, and an orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The wraps of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A drive shaft causes the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member. At least one of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll operate to move in an axial direction toward the other of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. The scroll compressor supplies a bias force to bias the at least one scroll member toward the other. A first of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members have at least a portion of its surface formed of a material that is harder than the material that it will contact on a second of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members, such that upon start-up there will be run-in and removal of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Shimao Ni, Stephane Watts
  • Publication number: 20100111740
    Abstract: An axial air cooling system for scroll-type positive fluid displacement apparatus provides needed cooling. The system includes an axial fan and centrifugal pump and internal cooling air channels inside parts integrating main housing, base housing and motor housing with their corresponding shell parts by cooling fins. The cooling air channel also includes passages inside the orbiting scroll, shaft central hole and gaps inside stator slots and winding. Heat pipes are installed inside the fixed and orbiting scrolls to conduct heat from inside of the apparatus to the peripheral condenser portion of the heat pipes to be cooled by the cooling air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Scroll Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimao NI
  • Patent number: 7611344
    Abstract: An improved sealing mechanism for a positive fluid displacement apparatus, where sealing tabs are located on the orbiting scroll. The sealing tabs can be integrally formed with the orbiting scroll or disposed on a piston that is mounted on the orbiting scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Scroll Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Publication number: 20090098001
    Abstract: An improved sealing mechanism for a positive fluid displacement apparatus, where sealing tabs are located on the orbiting scroll. The sealing tabs can be integrally formed with the orbiting scroll or disposed on a piston that is mounted on the orbiting scroll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SCROLL LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Shimao NI
  • Patent number: 7467933
    Abstract: A central drive shaft-sliding knuckle combined with a peripheral crank pin-swing link mechanism (CSPS) to provide an orbiting scroll with radial and axial compliant capability. The CSPS mechanism can be applied to both dual floating scroll and single floating scroll structures to improve performances of scroll devices, particularly in oil-free operations. In addition, an orbiting dual thrust ball bearing mechanism is provided to take thrust load in, for example, a floating scroll compressor with a CSPS mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Scroll Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Publication number: 20070172373
    Abstract: A central drive shaft-sliding knuckle combined with a peripheral crank pin-swing link mechanism (CSPS) to provide an orbiting scroll with radial and axial compliant capability. The CSPS mechanism can be applied to both dual floating scroll and single floating scroll structures to improve performances of scroll devices, particularly in oil-free operations. In addition, an orbiting dual thrust ball bearing mechanism is provided to take thrust load in, for example, a floating scroll compressor with a CSPS mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SCROLL LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 6758659
    Abstract: The invention includes a “floating scroll” mechanism for scroll type fluid displacement apparatus. The dual orbiting scroll has spiral vanes on both sides of the end plate. In a floating scroll, the orbiting scroll is dynamically well balanced, axially and radially. The scrolls are fully or semi-axially and radially compliant for maintaining minimum contacting forces between components, hence achieving good sealing for high speed, high efficiency, low friction wear and power loss. A crank shaft-sliding knuckle and/or peripheral crank handles-sliding knuckle mechanism provide the dual orbiting scroll with radial compliant capability. A synchronizer is used to synchronize the orientation of the crank handles to avoid the mechanism from jamming during operation and start up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Publication number: 20040007879
    Abstract: Thermodynamic energy methods and systems that provides all electrical energy and heat needs of a single residential house, commercial business or office building. The system is small enough to be stored inside the house or building. The system can generate excess electrical energy which can be sold over the power grid and allow for the house owner, building owner or energy provider (utility company) to provide income or additional electrical generating capacity and the ability to sell/provide co-generated heat. The method and system can have combined energy conversion efficiency up to approximately 97%. Components can include amorphous materials, and the mono-tube steam generator boiler, which is explosion proof when punctured, and only emits a puff of steam when punctured. The tubes can be built to pressure vessel code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Ruggieri, Shimao Ni, Dave Lackstrom, Napoleon Salvail
  • Publication number: 20030194340
    Abstract: The invention includes a “floating scroll” mechanism for scroll type fluid displacement apparatus. The dual orbiting scroll has spiral vanes on both sides of the end plate. In a floating scroll, the orbiting scroll is dynamically well balanced, axially and radially. The scrolls are fully or semi- axially and radially compliant for maintaining minimum contacting forces between components, hence achieving good sealing for high speed, high efficiency, low friction wear and power loss. A crank shaft-sliding knuckle and/or peripheral crank handles-sliding knuckle mechanism provide the dual orbiting scroll with radial compliant capability. A synchronizer is used to synchronize the orientation of the crank handles to avoid the mechanism from jamming during operation and start up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 6193487
    Abstract: A scroll-type vacuum pump wherein an expander and a compressor are arranged in series, in two stages, in the same housing and driven by the same shaft. The first stage is a scroll-type expander. It is in series with a scroll-type compressor, which is the second stage. The volume of the suction pockets of the second stage, the compressor, is not significantly smaller than the volume of the discharge pockets of the first stage device, the expander. Thus, the amount of heat associated with the re-expansion and compression process is reduced. The two stage pump also includes a double shaft seal mechanism which seals off the suction chamber of the expander from both the ambient and the discharge chamber of the expander. The two stage pump of the invention further includes a labyrinth structure at the tip surfaces of the scroll elements to tightly control the axial gap between the tips and bases of the mating scroll elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Mind Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 6190148
    Abstract: In a scroll-type fluid displacement compression apparatus, the structure, names as a two-way gas suction and an oil-gas mixed lubrication plate thrust bearing and a one-side Oldhams ring, makes the mixture of oil and gas, which is entered into the apparatus, flowing in two directions such that most of the working gas media is changed the flowing direction and sucked into the suction chamber of the scroll members directly while most of lubrication oil-fog flows on the sliding plate thrust bearing through certain passages and lubricates it well. The supporting area of the sliding plate thrust bearing can be enlarged due to the structure of the one-sided Oldhams rings. As a result, the displacement scroll-type fluid compression apparatus can be used in a wide variable range of speed and variable angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mindtech Corporation
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 6071101
    Abstract: A scroll-type fluid displacement device has two interfitting spiral-shaped scroll members which have predetermined geometric configurations. The novel design provides a flow diverter mechanism which directs intake fluid flow to break incompressible liquid accumulated into fine droplets which can be evenly engulfed by two suction pockets formed by the scrolls. This invention also provides a multiple groove tip seal mechanism for radially sealing off the compression pockets. This invention further provides a semi-radial compliant mechanism which maintains the radial compliant function of the orbiting scroll and at the same time transfers the load caused by the centrifugal force of the orbiting scroll from the scroll elements to the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Mind Tech Corp.
    Inventors: Shimao Ni, Philip C. Heitz
  • Patent number: 6059540
    Abstract: A scroll-type fluid displacement apparatus has two interfitting spiral-shaped scroll members which have predetermined geometric configurations. The novel design provides an oil-gas separation and circulation system in which the oil, through a reservoir in the close proximity of the thrust bearing and metering orifices network, is properly and promptly directed to the scroll compression chamber, Oldham ring and bearings to provide lubrication and cooling. This invention also provides a notch mechanism at the tip of the orbiting scroll member during operation to avoid the orbiting scroll wrap from completely blocking the oil injection ports of small size on the fixed scroll base. This invention further relates to a gas intake system which directs gas from the oil-gas separator/sump to close the intake control valve and maintain low power consumption during unload mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Mind Tech Corp.
    Inventor: Shimao Ni
  • Patent number: 5458471
    Abstract: A scroll-type fluid displacement apparatus has two interfitting spiral-shaped scroll members which have predetermined geometric configurations. The novel design provides desired displacement and a high built-in volume ratio, while at the same time achieving the optimum number of turns. The two scroll members can be either identical or non-identical. One scroll member is non-orbital and movable along its center axis. The non-orbital scroll member is urged by forces, mechanical or hydraulic, toward the other scroll member and is stopped by a positioning mechanism such that gaps are maintained between tips of one scroll member and bases of the other scroll member. A stabilizing mechanism prevents the scroll members from tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Shimao Ni