US3877837A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compressor control with thermal density sensor
Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc
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Filing: 1973-12-27
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1993-12-27
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure describes a thermal density sensor for preventing the start-up of a compressor motor operatively connected to the piston and cylinder means of a compression mechanism when the temperature of the compression mechanism is below a predetermined value to prevent damage to the running parts of the compression mechanism due to inadequate lubrication. Control circuitry for operating the compressor motor is contained in a single control box on the compressor so that the wiring of the circuitry is simplified. The control circuitry is entirely factory wired and the circuitry is maintained in a tamper-proof environment.
Inventors
- 👤 Sidney A Parker
- 👤 Richard E Cawley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:26
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B49/00; F25B49/02; F25B49/022; F04; F04B; F04B49/00; F04B49/02; F04B49/022; F04B49/10; F25B31/00; F25B31/02; H; H02; H02K; H02K11/00; H02K11/20; H02K11/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
In a refrigerant compressor of the type having a compression mechanism within an outer casing, said compression mechanism comprising a block for defining a cylinder, a movable member inside the cylinder receiving refrigerant gas and discharging the compressed refrigerant gas through a discharge line, shaft means for moving the movable member, a motor for rotating the shaft means and control means for controlling the operation of the motor, the improvement comprising thermal densiy sensor means including a thermostat mounted on the compression mechanism responsive to the temperature of the compression mechanism for preventing the start-up of the motor when the temperature of the compression mechanism is below a predetermined value to prevent damage to the compression mechanism.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
In a refrigerant compressor of the type having a compression mechanism within an outer casing, said compression mechanism comprising a block for defining a cylinder, a movable member inside the cylinder receiving refrigerant gas and discharging the compressed refrigerant gas through a discharge line, shaft means for moving the movable member, a motor for rotating the shaft means and control means for controlling the operation of the motor, the improvement comprising thermal densiy sensor means including a thermostat mounted on the compression mechanism responsive to the temperature of the compression mechanism for preventing the start-up of the motor when the temperature of the compression mechanism is below a predetermined value to prevent damage to the compression mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermostat comprises switch contacts operated when the temperature of the block decreases below a predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control means comprises: high pressure switch means for switching between a closed circuit state and an open circuit state when the pressure in the discharge line rises above a predetermined value; low pressure switch means for switching between a closed circuit state and an open circuit state when the pressure in the outer casing falls below a predetermined value; motor protection switch means for switching between a closed circuit state and an open circuit state in response to a predetermined condition of the motor; and discharge gas switch means for operating between a closed circuit state and an open circuit state when the temperature of the discharge gas rises above a predetermined value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control means further comprises: an enclosed control box mounted on the outer casing; tErminal means located inside the control box; first conductor means for connecting the terminal means to the high and low pressure switch means, motor protection switch means, and discharge gas switch means; second conductor means located inside the control box for interconnecting the terminal means; a contactor located inside the control box; and a module located inside the control box for operating the motor protection switch means.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of operating a refrigerant compressor of the type having a compression mechanism with an outer casing and motor means for actuating the running parts in the compression mechanism, comprising the steps of preventing start-up of the motor means when the temperature of the running parts in the compression mechanism is below a predetermined value so as to prevent damage to the running parts due to inadequate lubrication or inadequate clearance.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of operating a refrigerant compressor of the type having a compression mechanism with an outer casing and motor means for actuating the running parts in the compression mechanism, comprising the steps of preventing start-up of the motor means when the temperature of the running parts in the compression mechanism is below a predetermined value so as to prevent damage to the running parts due to inadequate lubrication or inadequate clearance.
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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) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |