US3766747A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid sensor for reciprocating refrigerant compressor
Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1972-01-06
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Granted: 1973-10-23
•
Expires: 1992-01-06
Abstract
Abstract Method and means for preventing operation of a reciprocating refrigerant compressor in the event that there is liquid at the inlet to the valve mechanism in such compressor.
Inventors
- 👤 S Parker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:05
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B31/00; F25B31/02; F25B31/023; F04; F04B; F04B35/00; F04B35/04; F04B49/00; F04B49/06; F04B49/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
In a refrigerant compressor including an outer housing compression mechanism in the housing, cylinder and piston means in said compression mechanism, valve mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid to and from said cylinder and piston means, a sump for lubricant being defined in said housing and power means for actuating the piston means, characterized by the improvement comprising a state of matter sensor disposed adjacent the inlet to the valve mechanism for sensing a predetermined liquid condition at such location and preventing operation of the compressor until suCh liquid condition has been obviated said valve mechanism including suction valving said power means comprising an electric motor, said state of matter sensor comprising a thermistor secured to the compression mechanism and electrically connected in circuit with the electric motor for detecting the presence of an undesired quantity of liquid at the entrance to the suction valving.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a refrigerant compressor including an outer housing compression mechanism in the housing, cylinder and piston means in said compression mechanism, valve mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid to and from said cylinder and piston means, a sump for lubricant being defined in said housing and power means for actuating the piston means, characterized by the improvement comprising a state of matter sensor disposed adjacent the inlet to the valve mechanism for sensing a predetermined liquid condition at such location and preventing operation of the compressor until suCh liquid condition has been obviated said valve mechanism including suction valving said power means comprising an electric motor, said state of matter sensor comprising a thermistor secured to the compression mechanism and electrically connected in circuit with the electric motor for detecting the presence of an undesired quantity of liquid at the entrance to the suction valving.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of controlling the operation of a refrigerant compressor including an outer housing, compression mechanism in the housing, cylinder and piston means in the compression mechanism, valve mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the cylinder and piston means, a sump for lubricant defined in the housing, and power means comprising an electric motor for actuating the piston means, comprising the steps of actuating the electric motor in response to predetermined temperature conditions in a zone to be treated and preventing operation of the electric motor by sensing a predetermined liquid condition adjacent the inlet to the valve mechanism in the compressor, and permitting operation of the electric motor when such liquid condition has been obviated, thereby preventing damage to the valve mechanism.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of controlling the operation of a refrigerant compressor including an outer housing, compression mechanism in the housing, cylinder and piston means in the compression mechanism, valve mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the cylinder and piston means, a sump for lubricant defined in the housing, and power means comprising an electric motor for actuating the piston means, comprising the steps of actuating the electric motor in response to predetermined temperature conditions in a zone to be treated and preventing operation of the electric motor by sensing a predetermined liquid condition adjacent the inlet to the valve mechanism in the compressor, and permitting operation of the electric motor when such liquid condition has been obviated, thereby preventing damage to the valve mechanism.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein the compressor includes suction valving and the liquid is sensed at the entrance to said suction valving in the compressor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
109 words
In a refrigerant compressor including an outer housing, compression mechanism in the housing, cylinder and piston means in said compression mechanism, valve mechanism cooperating with the cylinder and piston means, and power means for actuating the piston means comprising an electric motor, the improvement comprising a state of matter sensor disposed adjacent the inlet to the valve mechanism for sensing the presence of an undesired quantity of liquid at the inlet to the valve mechanism, and said state of matter sensor being connected in circuit with said electric motor for preventing operation of the electric motor until the presence of the undesired quantity of liquid is no longer sensed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
109 words
In a refrigerant compressor including an outer housing, compression mechanism in the housing, cylinder and piston means in said compression mechanism, valve mechanism cooperating with the cylinder and piston means, and power means for actuating the piston means comprising an electric motor, the improvement comprising a state of matter sensor disposed adjacent the inlet to the valve mechanism for sensing the presence of an undesired quantity of liquid at the inlet to the valve mechanism, and said state of matter sensor being connected in circuit with said electric motor for preventing operation of the electric motor until the presence of the undesired quantity of liquid is no longer sensed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A refrigerant compressor as in claim 4 wherein the state of matter sensor comprises a thermistor connected to the compression mechanism.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |