Abstract: A compressor assembly including a housing, a motor operatively linked to a compressor mechanism, a support structure, and a sheet of closed cell foam material. The motor and compressor mechanism are disposed within the housing. The housing, motor, and compressor mechanism define a compressor assembly weight. The foam material includes a first and an opposite second surface. The first and second surfaces are adhered to the housing and support structure, respectively, and substantially all of the compressor assembly weight is supported by the foam material. A method of mounting a compressor assembly including coupling a motor and a compressor mechanism, mounting the motor and compressor mechanism within a housing, and mounting the housing to a support structure wherein a sheet of closed cell foam material is disposed between the housing and the support structure and substantially all of the compressor assembly weight is supported by the foam material.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed compressor assembly including a housing, an electric motor located in the housing, a compression mechanism located in the housing and operatively coupled to the motor, and a terminal assembly comprising a cup-shaped terminal body and having electrically conductive pins extending therethrough. The cup-shaped terminal body extends through and is sealingly attached to the housing. A cluster block assembly is in communication with the terminal assembly and includes a cluster block fitted to the terminal body, the cluster block having free volume therein. The pins are electrically connected to the motor through the cluster block assembly. A cavity is defined between the interior of the cup-shaped terminal body and the cluster block, and a dielectric material substantially fills at least one of the cavity and the cluster block free volume.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed compressor assembly including a housing, an electric motor located in the housing, a compression mechanism located in the housing and operatively coupled to the motor, and a terminal assembly comprising a cup-shaped terminal body and having electrically conductive pins extending therethrough. The cup-shaped terminal body extends through and is sealingly attached to the housing. A cluster block assembly is in communication with the terminal assembly and includes a cluster block fitted to the terminal body, the cluster block having free volume therein. The pins are electrically connected to the motor through the cluster block assembly. A cavity is defined between the interior of the cup-shaped terminal body and the cluster block, and a dielectric material substantially fills at least one of the cavity and the cluster block free volume.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a pair of heat exchangers, a hermetic compressor assembly having a compressor housing containing refrigerant fluid, fluid conveying lines and a flow restriction device forming a working refrigerant system, an evacuation volume having one of a first, substantially evacuated state and a second, fluid-containing state, a control valve located between the working refrigeration system and the evacuation volume and having an initial, closed position and an open position, and at least one refrigerant gas detector located externally of the working refrigeration system and in communication with the control valve. The evacuation volume is fluidly isolated from the working refrigeration system in the valve closed position and in fluid communication with the working refrigeration system in the valve open position.

Abstract: A walk-behind self-propelled implement, such as a snow thrower or lawnmower, for example, is provided. The implement includes first and second transmission modules associated with a common single axle to which a pair of drive wheels is attached. The first and second transmission modules are operable exclusively with respect to one another to drive the axle and the wheels in a forward and reverse direction, respectively. A control member mounted to the handle of the implement includes a forward bail member pivotable to rotate the control member in a first direction to urge the wheel to rotate in a forward direction, and a reverse bail member pivotable to rotate the control member in a second direction opposite the first direction to urge the wheel to rotate in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a pair of heat exchangers, a hermetic compressor assembly having a compressor housing containing refrigerant fluid, fluid conveying lines and a flow restriction device forming a working refrigerant system, an evacuation volume having one of a first, substantially evacuated state and a second, fluid-containing state, a control valve located between the working refrigeration system and the evacuation volume and having an initial, closed position and an open position, and at least one refrigerant gas detector located externally of the working refrigeration system and in communication with the control valve. The evacuation volume is fluidly isolated from the working refrigeration system in the valve closed position and in fluid communication with the working refrigeration system in the valve open position.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed compressor assembly including a housing, an electric motor located in the housing, a compression mechanism located in the housing and operatively coupled to the motor, and a terminal assembly comprising a cup-shaped terminal body and having electrically conductive pins extending therethrough. The cup-shaped terminal body extends through and is sealingly attached to the housing. A cluster block assembly is in communication with the terminal assembly and includes a cluster block fitted to the terminal body, the cluster block having free volume therein. The pins are electrically connected to the motor through the cluster block assembly. A cavity is defined between the interior of the cup-shaped terminal body and the cluster block, and a dielectric material substantially fills at least one of the cavity and the cluster block free volume.

Abstract: A compressor is provided with a check valve which is disposed in a suction chamber adjacent a suction port opening. The check valve provides fast response and enhanced operating characteristics for preventing reverse refrigerant flow and reverse scroll operation during compressor shutdown. During normal compressor operation the check valve is open to allow communication of refrigerant into the suction chamber where the refrigerant is acted upon by the scroll mechanism and discharged through a discharge port. A positive pressure differential exists between the discharge port and the suction port which unimpeded causes reverse scroll operation upon compressor shutdown. The positive pressure condition in the suction chamber forces the check valve to pivot to a closed position whereby it covers and substantially seals the suction port. By preventing reverse refrigerant flow through the suction port the check valve effectively eliminates the pressure differential and thereby prevents reverse scroll operation.

Abstract: A rotary compressor including an orbiting piston is disposed within a cylinder bore. A drive shaft with an attached eccentric causes the piston to orbit within the cylinder block. Rotation of the piston is prevented by a pin radially disposed on the piston and slidably engaged through a recess in the cylinder bore. A plastic pinion is interfit about the radially outward end of the pin and disposed within the recess to prevent piston rotation and reduce re-expansion volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining a matched set of fixed and orbiting scroll members for use in a scroll compressor. The respective wrap surfaces of the scroll members are simultaneously machined by respective rotating cutting tools. Specifically, rotational and linear movement of the fixed and orbiting scroll members together, synchronized with linear movement of the cutting tools, causes the simultaneous machining of the scroll members along respective wrap surfaces that form a radially inwardly moving sealing line of contact therebetween during compressor operation. Accordingly, any systemic or random deviation from a true involute form during machining of the matching of the matched scroll member set results in complementary deviations in the respective wrap surfaces, whereby a sealed relationship between the wrap surfaces is maintained at such point of deviation during compressor operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a retainer for a piston and valve subassembly of a scotch yoke compressor and a method of assembling it. The subassembly is comprised of a piston head, a suction valve, a spacer, a stop washer, and a rod held together by a retainer. The suction valve is assembled on the rod, then the rod is inserted into the piston head. Next the retainer is installed on an end of the rod for frictionally engaging the piston and rod, thus axially securing the suction valve and the rest of the piston head subassembly during assembly to the yoke.