The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 29, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 02, 2001
Carlos Zamudio, Arkadelphia, AR (US);
Zili Sun, Arkadelphia, AR (US);
Jason Hugenroth, Hope, AR (US);
Greg Hahn, Arkadelphia, AR (US);
Thomas Barito, Arkadelphia, AR (US);
James W. Bush, Skaneateles, NY (US);
Joe T. Hill, Bristol, VA (US);
John R. Williams, Bristol, VA (US);
Scroll Technologies, Arkadelphia, AR (US);
Abstract
A number of improvements increase the flow of lubricant within a scroll compressor. A centrifugal oil separator is mounted on the discharge port to remove oil from the refrigerant. The oil is returned through a leak path such that the oil can easily return back to a suction pressure chamber. The leak path is preferably upstream of a check valve. Thus, at shutdown, the leak path will not allow upstream components to also equalize in pressure with the suction pressure chamber of the compressor. Further, a number of embodiments include ways of resisting flow of refrigerant through the leak path, while still allowing oil flow. A number of valve elements are described which perform this function. Alternatively, labyrinth flow paths, or positioning of the return paths such that it will be closed when the compressor is shut down are disclosed.