Patent ID: 6341945
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: F04C

Abstract:
A scroll compressor comprisinga first scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from said base; a second scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from said base; a shaft for driving said second scroll member to orbit relative to said first scroll member; a sealed housing enclosing said first and second scroll members on said shaft; and a mechanism for limiting the orbit radius of said second scroll member relative to said first scroll member, said mechanism being actuated in response to a condition internal to said sealed compressor, said mechanism limiting said orbit radius of said second scroll member between at least a greater and a smaller orbit radius, with said second scroll member continuing to orbit at each of said orbit radii as controlled by said mechanism, and with said internal condition being a condition of a refrigerant being compressed between said first and second scroll members.