Patent ID: 6821092
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: F04C

Abstract:
A scroll machine comprising:a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap projecting outwardly from a first end plate, said first scroll member defining a recess; a second scroll member having a second spiral scroll wrap projecting outwardly from a second end plate, said second spiral wrap being intermeshed with said first spiral wrap, said first scroll member being mounted for limited axial movement with respect to said second scroll member, said first scroll member being biased toward said second scroll member by a pressurized fluid disposed within said recess; a drive member for causing said scroll members to orbit relating to one another whereby said spiral wraps will create pockets of progressively changing volume between a suction pressure zone at suction pressure and a discharge pressure zone at discharge pressure; a seal disposed within said recess, said seal being biased toward a component of said scroll machine by said pressurized fluid to close a first leakage path extending between said discharge pressure zone and said suction pressure zone; a valve assembly for releasing said pressurized fluid whereby said first scroll member will move axially with respect to said second scroll member to open a second leakage path between said suction pressure zone and said discharge pressure zone.