Abstract:
A multi-stage vacuum pump, expander, or compressor, that incorporates one or more stages of a fixed scroll(s) and orbiting scroll(s) that operates simultaneously. The motor drives the orbiting scroll(s) within the structure, and the various fixed and orbiting scrolls are arranged for either parallel generation of a vacuum or high pressure gas, or arranged in series for generating of a significantly high vacuum or gaseous pressure, or a combination of parallel arranged and series arranged fixed and orbiting scrolls may be embodied within the structure, operated by a single motor means, in order to attain the high efficiencies of operation as a vacuum pump, or a gaseous compressor, during its functioning. The various combinations of orbiting and fixed scrolls, when arranged as aforesaid, can be reduced in size, or miniaturized, and used in conjunction with small appliances, or even in hand-held instruments, as for example, for use in conducting mass spectrometry, or for other purposes. The actual structure of the multi-stage devices can include the fixed and orbiting scrolls adjacent the motor, or the singular motor may be located intermediate various stages of the formed vacuum pump/compressor, in its assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This non-provisional patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/179,437, filed on May 7, 2015; and this non-provisional patent application claims priority to the non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 14/544,874, filed on Feb. 27, 2015, which claims priority as a continuation-in-part patent application to the patent application having Ser. No. 13/987,486, filed on Jul. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,028,230, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 13/066,261, filed on Apr. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,544, which claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/342,690, filed on Apr. 16, 2010, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 12/930,140, filed on Dec. 29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,479, which claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/336,035, filed on Jan. 16, 2010, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 11/703,585, filed on Feb. 6, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,655, which claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/773,274, filed on Feb. 14, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is related to the field of vacuum pumps, expanders and compressors, and scroll type vacuum pumps, expanders and compressors in particular. The invention describes several inventive configurations for multi-stage scroll type vacuum pumps, expanders and compressors, for the purpose of achieving higher vacuums or pressures, including related scroll devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Various stage vacuum pumps, and alternatively expanders, generally relate to devices that alter or reduce the pressure of gases within a container, typically to very low vacuums, or alternatively produce power as a gas expands. More specifically, these devices refer to multiple stages of scrolls that greatly increase the vacuums or pressures obtained during usage. 
         [0004]    Scroll devices have been used as compressors, expanders and vacuum pumps for many years. In general, they have been limited to a single stage of compression due to the complexity of two or more stages, formed for compression, and for operation. In a single stage, a spiral involute or scroll upon a rotating plate orbits within a fix spiral or scroll upon a stationary plate. A motor shaft turns a shaft that orbits a scroll eccentrically within a fixed scroll and the eccentric orbit forces a gas through and out of the fixed scroll, thus creating a vacuum in a container in communication with the outlet from the fixed scroll. An expander operates under the same principle, only turning the scrolls in reverse, during their operations. When referring to compressors, it is understood that a vacuum pump can be substituted for a compressor, and that the expander can be an alternate usage when the scrolls operate in reverse from an expanding gas. 
         [0005]    Often oil is used during manufacture and operations of compressors. Oil free or oil less scroll type compressors and vacuum pumps have difficult and expensive manufacturing, due to the high precision of the scroll in each pump and compressor. For oil lubricated equipment, swing links often minimize the leakage from gaps in the scrolls by allowing the scrolls to contact the plate of the scroll. Such links can not be used in an oil free piece of equipment because of the friction and wear upon the scrolls. If the fixed and orbiting scrolls and oil free equipment lack precision, leakage will occur and the equipment performance will decline as vacuums take longer to induce or do not arise at all. 
         [0006]    Prior art designs have previously improved vacuum pumps, particularly in the design of the tips of the scrolls. In the preceding work of this inventor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,308, a sealant is applied to the two stage scrolls during manufacturing. The pump with the sealant upon the scrolls is then operated which distributes the sealant between the scrolls. The pump is then disassembled and lets the sealant cure. After curing the sealant, the pump is reassembled for use. During use, this patented pump only achieves a vacuum on the order of 100 mt. 
         [0007]    In addition, the current inventor has a variety of patents that relate to two stage scroll devices. For example, Mr. Shaffer&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,864, is upon a Two Stage Scroll Vacuum Pump With Improved Pressure Ratio and Performance. The various stages of this pump and spiral involute wraps are of differing sizes in the different stages of the pump construction. This has an effect upon the compression ratio in the operations of the pump, in order to increase its efficiency. 
         [0008]    Another patent to Shaffer, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,655, discloses an advance scroll compressor, vacuum pump, and expander. This device uses bellows that spans between the fixed and orbiting scrolls and hermetically seals the scroll device during its functioning. The bellows also accommodates liquid cooling of the compressor during its operations. 
         [0009]    A further patent to Mr. Shaffer, U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,544, shows another three stage scroll vacuum pump. This pump has three stages of fixed scrolls and orbiting scrolls that operate simultaneously. The structure of the scrolls, or the housing for the pump, incorporates fins that have the effect of a heat sink for disseminating the generated heat of the vacuum pump, during its operations. 
         [0010]    A further published application of the inventor, U.S. 2011/0176948, discloses a semi-hermetic scroll compressor, vacuum pump, and expander. This invention also incorporated heat sinks upon its structure in order to increase the heat transfer from the compressor during its functioning. 
         [0011]    A further published application of the inventor herein is upon a three stage scroll vacuum pump, published under No. U.S. 2011/02560074. This device incorporates magnetic couplings in order to attain the functioning of its orbiting scroll, so that atmosphere does not infiltrate the pump during its usage. 
         [0012]    A unique aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a multi-stage scroll vacuum pump and/or compressor, that may be used to attain and is capable of achieving very high vacuums, (low absolute pressures), or high pressures for a multi-stage compressor that are very desirable for a number of applications. 
         [0013]    Other U.S. patents have shown related technology, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,809, which issued to Vulliez, disclosed a pump having a scroll orbiting within its fixed scroll. Beneath the fixed disc, a bellows guides the gases evacuated from a container. The bellows spans between the involute and the housing, nearly the height of the pump. The pump and many other parts are cooled by ambient air in the vicinity of the pump. 
         [0014]    The patent to Mulhouse, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,011,694, discloses an encapsulating device for expanders, compressors or the like. Thus, it shows an early multi type of compressor, pump or expander, as noted. 
         [0015]    A patent to McCullough, U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,799, shows a fluid-cooled, scroll-type, positive fluid displacement apparatus. It utilizes stationary and orbiting scroll members of a scroll-type apparatus. 
         [0016]    A further patent to McCullough, and the inventor herein, early on, U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,636, shows an axial compliance means with radial sealing for scroll-type apparatus. 
         [0017]    A further patent to McCullough, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,152, shows another scroll-type fluid displacement apparatus with peripheral drive. 
         [0018]    The patent to Hiraga, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,339, shows a scroll-type compressor with oil passageways through its housing. 
         [0019]    The patent to Buttersworth, U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,317, discloses a wrap element and tip seal for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll-type. The purpose for the seal is to enhance the efficiency of operations of the device for both compression and for pumping purposes. 
         [0020]    The patent to Eber, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,597, shows a further tip seal back-up member for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll-type. 
         [0021]    The patent to Teegarden, U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,771, shows another improvement upon a wrap element and tip seal for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll-type and the method for making same. 
         [0022]    The patent to Leclaire, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,836, shows a reciprocating completely sealed fluid-tight vacuum pump. 
         [0023]    The patent to Nakamura, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,375, shows a method for the assembly of a scroll-type apparatus. 
         [0024]    The patent to Kotlarek, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,657, shows a scroll compressor with axial balanced shaft. 
         [0025]    Another patent to McCullough, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,469, shows a compact scroll-type fluid compressor with swing-link driving means. 
         [0026]    The scroll-type fluid apparatus having sealing member in the recess forming the suction space, to Okada, et al, is disclosed in patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,253. 
         [0027]    It should be noted that most of these prior art patents relate to a single plate pair for use within compressor apparatus. 
         [0028]    A further patent to the inventor herein, Mr. Shaffer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,134, is upon a scroll compressor having idler cranks and strengthening and heat dissipating ribs. This is also upon a single plate pair for forming the scroll compressor. 
         [0029]    Another patent to the inventor herein, Mr. Shaffer, is U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,612, shows a scroll compressor incorporating a tip seal. 
         [0030]    The patent to Shin, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,613, shows a lubricating device for horizontal type hermetic compressor. 
         [0031]    Another patent to Shaffer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,816, shows a scroll fluid displacement apparatus with improved sealing means. 
         [0032]    A further patent to the inventor herein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,020, shows a scroll compressor having the tip seals and idler crank assemblies. 
         [0033]    The patent to Liepert, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,473, shows a displacement rate, scroll-type fluid handling apparatus. 
         [0034]    The patent to Pottier, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,268, shows a spherical vacuum pump having a metal bellows for limiting circular translation movement. 
         [0035]    A further patent showing various scrolls is disclosed in the patent to Claudet, U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,894, disclosing a temperature lowering apparatus using cryogenic expansion with the aid of spirals. 
         [0036]    Another patent to the inventor herein, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,792, shows a multi-stage scroll compressor. 
         [0037]    Another patent to the inventor herein, Mr. Shaffer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,530, discloses a scroll compressor with a two piece idler shaft and two piece scroll plates. This is just a plate pair forming a scroll compressor. 
         [0038]    The patent to Fujioka, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,145, shows a further scroll fluid machine. 
         [0039]    A patent to Lizuka, U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,134, discloses a scroll compressor having paired fixed and movable scrolls. This is a multi-scroll compressor that incorporates a pair of fixed scrolls, and orbiting scrolls. 
         [0040]    A published application to Ni, U.S. 2007/0172373, shows a scroll-type fluid displacement apparatus with fully compliant floating scrolls. 
         [0041]    The published application to Stehouwer, et al, No. U.S. 2009/0246055, shows a discharge chamber for dual drive scroll compressor. 
         [0042]    These are examples of the prior art known to the applicant herein. 
         [0043]    In some applications scroll-type vacuum pumps have notoriety for achieving high vacuums. A few large scroll vacuums pumps can achieve vacuums as high as 50 mt. However industry, science, and research still demands compact vacuum pumps, including compressors, that can yet achieve higher vacuums and high pressure gas. 
         [0044]    The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art where the need exist for higher vacuums in equipment of compact form. That is, the art of the present disclosure, a multi-stage scroll vacuum pump, utilizes structure that allows for the generation of very high vacuums, when formed as a pump, or when constructed as a compressor, can attain very high pressures, from smaller equipment, for use for operating more compact machinery and equipment, even in hand held devices, in both industrial and cooling and heating equipment, amongst other applications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]    The concept of this invention is to present, in the examples as set forth, three multi-stage and one single stage vacuum pump configurations, each with unique advantages for achieving high vacuum levels in a small package. 
         [0046]    Vacuum pumps that are capable of achieving very high vacuums are desirable in a number of applications as previously explained, such as in mass spectrometry. One way to achieve the higher vacuums is to use several stages in series. As previously reviewed in the background, several patents by the inventor herein have issued for a two stage and three stage scroll-type vacuum pump. However, there exist applications where a more compact, or higher vacuum is desirable, such as a hand held mass spectrometer device. Vacuum pumps for hand held mass spectrometers must be extremely compact and light of weight, as can be understood, while delivering very high vacuum levels with lower power consumption. 
         [0047]    It needs to be noted herein, that while the examples as described, shown and set forth in this application, for the invention, is described as a vacuum pump, that concepts could just as easily be configured for use as a compressor for generating higher pressures. 
         [0048]    The first design of this current invention is either a single stage or a two stage scroll vacuum pump of the spinning scroll or co-rotating scroll-type. The advantage of the spinning scroll is that the motion is pure rotation, so that the scrolls can be perfectly balanced. With the scrolls being balanced, very high rotational speeds are possible, resulting in a very compact vacuum pump, one that is highly efficient and effective of operations, and can be operated for lengthy periods of time. The spinning scroll can be configured as a single stage vacuum pump, when high vacuum is not needed, and as a two stage pump, or more, for higher vacuums. 
         [0049]    The second design of the improvements as described herein is a three stage vacuum pump. This design incorporates a first and second stage pumping section operating in parallel, flowing into a third pumping stage arranged in series to the said first and second stages. The design is of the orbiting scroll type, which is the most common type scroll device. The advantages of this design is that large displacements (flow) are possible in a compact package due to the first and second stages being in parallel, while high vacuums are achievable within the third stage during its operations, which is arranged, as aforesaid, in series with the first two stages. 
         [0050]    In a third design, this invention incorporates a four stage orbital type scroll vacuum pump. Once again, it could be incorporated and assembled into a four stage orbital compressor. This design has the first and second stages in parallel for high displacement (flow), and a third and fourth stage in series to attain ultra-high vacuums. This results in a relatively compact design for the generation of very high vacuums. 
         [0051]    In a fourth design, a two stage in series design with a first stage being arranged closer to the motor so that a part of the motor is within the first stage, and the second stage is outboard of the motor. The flow of the gasses are similar to U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,864. The advantage of this configuration is a more compact design and lighter weight. 
         [0052]    Regardless of the number of stages involved, the invention further incorporates a unique tip seal design related to spinning scroll technology that will self actuate into effective sealing due to the spinning motion of the scroll. This invention also incorporates a method for aligning the scrolls to each other, for proper running clearance, when the Idler shafts are not present. This is particularly so when the pump or compressor is of the co-rotating type. 
         [0053]    Once again the descriptions for a vacuum pump, and the designs as described herein could just as easily be made into a compressor, and the term “vacuum pump” and “compressor” will be used to mean either type of design, in the description of the developments herein. Obviously, when the orbiting scroll is moved in one direction, it functions as a pump, but when orbited in an opposite direction, can function as an expander. 
         [0054]    It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a multi-stage scroll vacuum pump or gas compressor, that may provide various scrolls arranged in parallel, and/or in series, in order to attain the generation of very high vacuums, or very high gas pressure, and because of the multi stages of the structures involved, can be miniaturized in their structure and assembly, to minimize the space requirement for the use and application of these devices, even in smaller instrumentation such as for use in mass spectrometry and related applications. 
         [0055]    Other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiments, in view of the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0056]    In referring to the drawings, 
           [0057]      FIG. 1  provides a cross sectional view of the single stage spinning or co-rotating scroll vacuum pump/compressor design of this invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 1A  provides a right end view of the design of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 1B  is a left end view of the design of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 2  shows a cross sectional view of the two stage spinning scroll vacuum pump or compressor design of this invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional view of the three stage scroll vacuum pump or compressor design of this invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view of the four stage vacuum pump or compressor design of this invention; 
           [0063]      FIGS. 5A through 5C  shows a new compact clamping method and apparatus for the bellows of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , which allows for clamping of the bellows within the same outer diameter of the bellows structure; 
           [0064]      FIG. 6  discloses an innovative alignment method for maintaining the phase relationship and running clearances for the scrolls of this invention, when assembled as the spinning scroll type or an orbiting scroll type where idler shafts are not present for alignment, with  FIG. 6  being a section taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 7  shows an alignment method for maintaining the phased relationship and running clearances for the scrolls used in this invention,  FIG. 7  taken along the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0066]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show an enlarged view of the tip seals used in the structure of the compressors/pump scrolls of this invention, generally as can be noted as located in  FIG. 6  of this disclosure; and 
           [0067]      FIG. 9  shows a cross section of a two stage pump or compressor of this invention. 
       
    
    
       [0068]    Identification of the various components parts of the pump/compressor designs of this invention are as follows: 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , the major component parts are:
         1 . Driven scroll housing     2 . Shaft seal     3 . Driven scroll     4 . Bellows     5 . Drive scroll housing     6 . Drive scroll     7 . Drive Shaft     8 . Motor     9 . Back motor bracket     10 . Inlet port     11 . Port     12 . Cross hole     13 . Inlet plenum     15 . O-rings     16 . Port     17 . Hole or Passage     18 . Clamp     19 . Screws       
 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the major component parts are:
         29 . Cross hole     30 . Outlet     31 . Bellows     32 . Second stage inlet plenum       
 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the major component parts are:
         33 . Fixed scroll first stage     34 . Orbiting scroll first and second stage     35 . Fixed scroll second stage     36 . Orbiting scroll third stage     37 . Fixed scroll third stage     38 . Crankshaft     39 . Motor housing     40 . Motor     41 . Counterweight     42 . Idler shafts     43 . Inlet port     44 . Second stage location port     45 . Discharge plenum     46 . Port     47 . Third stage inlet plenum     48 . Annular air movement space     49 . Counterweight     50 . Eccentric       
 
         [0112]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the major components are:
         51 . Fixed scroll first stage     52 . Orbiting scroll first and second stage     53 . Fixed scroll second stage     54 . Drive housing     55 . Motor housing     56 . Motor     57 . Fixed scroll third stage     58 . Orbiting scroll third and fourth stage     59 . Fixed scroll fourth stage     60 . Crankshaft and counterweight     61 . Motor drive shaft     62 . Idler shaft first stage     63 . Idler shaft third stage     64 . Crankshaft and counterweight     65 . Inlet port     66 . First and second stage inlet plenum     67 . Scroll passage     68 . Passage     69 . Annular air passage area     70 . Opening     71 . Port     72 . Third stage discharge plenum     73 . Fourth stage discharge port     74 . Cover     75 . Cover       
 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the major components are:
         3 . Driven scroll     6 . Drive scroll     18 . Bellows clamp     19 . Screws     20 . Hole     21 . Hole     22 . Hole     23 . Hole     24 . Plugs     25 . Plugs     26 . Fit       
 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the major components are:
         101 . Involute     100 . Tip seal     102 . Tip seal     103 . Groove for o-ring       
 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0155]    In referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of the single stage spinning or co-rotating scroll vacuum pump/compressor design of this invention. It includes the various components as previously identified, such as the driven scroll housing  1 , provided with a shaft seal  2 , and a driven scroll  3 . Item  4  provides a bellows that surrounds the driven scroll, that seals the generated pressures, whether it be derived from a vacuum pump, or a compressor that generates high pressure, in its operations: A drive scroll housing  5  surrounds these operative components. The drive scroll  6  has its various scrolls interconnected with the driven scroll  3 , as shown. A drive shaft  7 , connects with the drive scroll  6 , to provide for its rotation relative to the driven scroll, and the drive shaft  7  is rotated by means of the motor  8 , as can be noted. There is a back motor bracket  9  that is provided for mounting of the motor, and its pump/compressor, in its configured assembly. 
         [0156]    Gas to be evacuated or compressed enters the spinning scroll pump through the inlet port  10 , in the driven scroll housing  1 , as noted. The gas is sealed from leaking to the atmosphere through the rotary shaft seal  2 , as disclosed. In this figure, two lip seals are shown, however, other type seals such as a labyrinth or mechanical seal can also be utilized. The gas enters the driven scroll  3  through the central port  11 , as noted. The port  11  intersects a cross path  12 , that directs the gas to the inlet plenum  13 , on the peripheries of the arranged scrolls. The inlet plenum  13  is bounded on the outside by the identified flexible bellows  4 , which is sealed on its ends by use of the various o-rings  15 , as can be noted. The gas then enters the scrolls, and is compressed, through the operations of said scrolls, and-then discharged at the center of the drive scroll  6 , as at its port  16 . The gas then flows through the aperture  17 , within the shaft  7 , and is discharged to its site of usage. Obviously, the shaft  7  is turned by the motor  8 . The bellows  4  performs the function of sealing the inlet chamber  13  from the atmosphere, and also maintains the phase relationship between the drive scroll  6 , and the driven scroll  3 , in its operations. The driven scroll  3  is driven by the bellows  4 . The clamps  18  are designed so that the bellows  4  is retained without increasing the diameter of the assembly, thus keeping the entire pump very compact. As previously summarized, the concept of this invention is to provide for either a parallel arrangement of a series of scroll pump/compressors, or series arranged pump/compressors, or a combination of the two, which can provide for a very high generation of a pressure, or evacuation of a vacuum, within a small scale apparatus, that may even be accommodative of a hand-held type of device, during its usage and application. 
         [0157]    The phase relationship between the two scrolls  3  and  6 , and their alignment within its assembly is achieved by the alignment pins fixture as shown in  FIG. 6 , as subsequently described. 
         [0158]    As previously described,  FIG. 1A  provides a left end view of the pump housing, as noted in  FIG. 1 , while  FIG. 1B  provides a right end view of the housing, particularly its back motor bracket  9 , as previously defined. 
         [0159]      FIG. 2  discloses a further modifications to the single stage scroll vacuum pump/compressor design of  FIG. 1 , but in this particular instance, it includes, in series, a second scroll vacuum pump or compressor design, as noted. In this particular instance, the back motor bracket is integrally extended rearwardly, and mounts a second scroll vacuum pump or compressor design. As can be seen, the motor or drive shaft  7  further turns a driven scroll  27 , which is held into position for eccentrically shifting by means of the clamps  18 , that secure the o-rings  15  in position around the perimeter of the scroll plate. The high pressure or vacuum that is transferred through the passage  17 , within the drive shaft  7 , exits into the cross hole  29 , then into the second stage inlet plenum  32 . At this point the gas is subjected to the operations of the movable scroll  27  and the driven scroll  28 , and further increases in pressure, or generates further vacuum pressure, which then exits out of the passage  30 , for use for purposes of such generated vacuum or compressed gas, as a result of operations of the scroll vacuum pump or compressor design of this invention. Once again, a bellows means  31  is provided between the clamps  18 , to assure the hermetic sealing of the scroll compressor, therein, during its functioning. The various screws  19  cooperating with the clamps  18  secure the bellows  31  to the assembly. 
         [0160]    This is an example of how a pair of co-rotating scrolls, maintained in series, can provide for a high efficiency in generating a vacuum, or a high pressure gas, in a fairly reduced dimensioned design, as noted and described herein. 
         [0161]    The phase relationship between the two scrolls  3  and  6 , as previously explained, as positioned within the assembly is achieved through usage of the alignment pin fixture, in the manner as to be subsequently described in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0162]    In  FIG. 6 , in addition to  FIG. 7 , the apertures  20  and  21  are precision located into the driven scroll  3 . Likewise, the apertures  22  and  23  are precision located in the drive scroll  6 . There are four such apertures  20 - 23 , that are located such that when a close fitting pin is inserted into the apertures  20 , thereby engaging the aperture  22 , and another close fitting pin is inserted into the aperture  21 , engaging the aperture  23 , the alignment between the two scrolls will be precisely as desired so that the fit between the two scrolls will be maintained, and also so that the “phase” relationship between the scrolls is as required and desired for precise operation. In  FIG. 7 , the scroll and position of the drive scroll  6  relative to the drive scroll  3  must be properly aligned or “phased” for proper operation of the unit. 
         [0163]    While the alignment pins are engaged, the bellows clamp  18  is positioned and bolted into place through usage of the screw  19 , as previously described, so that the positioning of the scrolls  3  and  6  will be maintained after the alignment pins are removed. The final step is to seal the apertures  20  and  21  with plugs  24  and  25 , so there will be no leakage of the vacuum generated gas or compressed gas to the atmosphere. 
         [0164]      FIG. 8  shows the enlarged view of the tip seals located at the end of each scroll, generally as shown in the enlarged view identified at  8 , in  FIG. 6 . This shows the enlarged views of two different tip seal designs for use in the spinning type scroll devices, vacuum pumps, compressors, or expanders. In describing the schematics as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the centrifugal forces are shown as “R” and their direction of force as noted in said figure. This will cause the tip seals to jam in a traditional tip seal sense where the angle α is zero. By making the tip seal slides slightly tapered with an angle a greater than zero, the centrifugal forces in the “R” direction will cause a component of force in the axial direction “A”, thus forcing the tip seal to move in the “A” direction and engage the inner surface of the adjacent scroll, thereby effectively enhancing the sealing of any leakage from any pressure differential that exists across the involute, during its functioning. 
         [0165]      FIG. 8A  shows one embodiment of the invention where the tip seal  100  is trapezoidal of shape, and has the same a angle as the groove in the involute  101 .  FIG. 8B  is the same as  FIG. 8A , except the tip seal  102  has a groove  103  for placement of an o-ring cord stock therein, to further enhance the sealing activity of the scrolls, during their functioning. 
         [0166]    In referring to  FIG. 3 , and as previously summarized, this design is shown in a three stage vacuum pump. The design incorporates its first and second stage pumping sections, that operate in parallel, providing for the transfer of its compressed gas for flow into a third pumping stage, arranged in a series, with the first and second stages. The design is of the orbiting scroll type, as known in the art. The advantage of this design is that large displacements, or flow, are possible in a compact package due to the first and second stages being arranged in parallel, while the high vacuums are achievable through the use of the third stage, arranged in series. 
         [0167]    During its functioning, the gas to be evacuated or compressed enters the first stage fixed scroll  33 , at its inlet port  43 . The gas also enters the second stage at the location  44 , in the orbiting scroll  34 . The gas is then expanded in these first and second stages to the first and second stage discharge plenum  45 . The gas then travels through the port  46 , in the second stage fixed scroll  35 , and into the third stage inlet plenum  47 . The gas then enters into the third stage formed by the third stage fixed and orbiting scrolls  36  and  37 , respectively. The gas is then compressed in the third stage and is discharged through the annular space  48  between the third stage fixed scroll and the crank shaft  37  and  38 . The gas is then discharged through the housing  39 , for further usage. 
         [0168]    Counterweights are located at  49  and  41 , to balance the orbital motion of the orbiting scrolls  34  and  36 . The eccentric  50 , located on the crank shaft  38 , drives the orbiting scroll  36 . Three idler shafts  42  are arranged and positioned approximately 120° apart from each other, around the second stage fixed scroll  35 , and the third stage orbiting scroll  36 , in addition to the orbiting scroll  34 , that locate the orbiting scrolls  34  and  36  relative to the fixed scrolls  33 ,  35 , and  37 . The idler shafts  42  are supported by their ball bearings, as shown. The idler shafts  42  also serve to maintain the relative “phase” relationship between the fixed and orbiting scrolls, and also serve to drive the second stage orbiting scroll  34 . 
         [0169]    As noted in  FIG. 4 , this particular design is of a four stage orbital type scroll vacuum pump. This design has the first and second stages in parallel, for high displacement, or flow, and then includes a third and fourth stage in series, for generating ultra-high vacuums. This results in a relatively compact unit, for this design, that generates ultra-high vacuums. It may also be structured as a pump or compressor. 
         [0170]    In this four stage orbital type scroll vacuum pump or compressor, the gas to be evacuated enters the fixed scroll first stage  51 , at the inlet port  65 . The gas then travels into the first and second stage inlet plenum  66 . The first and second stages are in parallel to increase the displacement of the pump while keeping the unit of compact design. After compression, the gas in the first stage travels through the port  71 , and then into the passage  68  into the second stage. From there, the combined flow from the first and second stages travels through the annular area  69 , as noted, formed by the crank shaft  60  and the fixed scroll second stage  53 . The gas then travels past the motor  56  and into the opening  70 . The gas enters the center of the third stage through the annular area formed by the crank shaft  64 , and the fixed scroll third stage  57 . After expansion, the gas enters the plenum  72 , and is then compressed in the fourth stage, and exits the unit through the port  73 , in the fixed scroll fourth stage. From there, the gas exits out of the port  73 , as can be noted, after passing through the fourth compression stage. 
         [0171]    There are three idler shafts  62  and  63  at each scroll pair, that are positioned so that any axial forces can be counteractive and for maintaining the axial positioning of the orbiting scrolls  52  and  58 , and for attaining the “phase” relationship between the identified scrolls. The covers  74  and  75  are used to seal the openings in the fixed scrolls  51  and  57 . The two orbiting scrolls  52  and  58  are driven by the motor  56 , generally in the manner as previously described in earlier designs. The motor rotor turns the shaft  61 , which has eccentric crank shafts  60  and  64 , with their counterweights for balancing of the unit, during operations. These counterweights are noted at  60  and  64 . 
         [0172]      FIGS. 5A-5C  show the various types of compact clamping means that are used for holding the ends of the bellows sealed in place, as previously shown and described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0173]    In referring to  FIG. 9 , this shows a two stage orbital style scroll vacuum pump, but it may also be a pump, compressor, or expander. This design has first and second stages in series, but could have said stages in parallel, for generating ultra-high vacuums, pressures, and the like, as can be understood. This structure results in a very compact unit, for this design, and therefore may be made to much lessor dimensions. As noted, the pump  80  includes its structured orbital pump or compressor  81 , rendered operative from its motor  82 , and its first stage orbital type structures is noted at  83 , while the second stage is defined at  84 . The gas to be evacuated or pressurized enters the inlet  85  is conveyed past the motor  82  and its crank shaft  86  into the plenum  87  for processing by the first stage of the device. The processed air then passes to the second stage, for further pressuring or evacuation, or expansion, and is discharged through the outlet  88 . An alternative inlet  89  may be provided for entering gas directly into the first stage, as can be noted. There are a series of idler shafts  90  that are located within the structure of the device and positioned so that the axial forces can be counteractive and for maintaining the axial positioning of the orbiting scrolls of the stages, for obtaining that phased relationship between the various scrolls. The covers  91  and  92  form the housing and are provided to seal the various scrolls, in their operations, within the said first and second stages, and the orbiting scrolls are rendered operative by the identified motor  82 , as stated. 
         [0174]    As reviewed throughout this discussion, while the description generally is made for a vacuum pump, formed of the designs of the structure as shown and identified herein, the units can just as easily be made into a compressor; and thus the terms “vacuum pump” and “compressor” are used interchangeably, to mean either type of multi-stage pumps or compressors. Essentially, it is the combination of the various scrolls either in parallel, or in series, or a combination of such, that form the multi-stage scroll devices of this invention. 
         [0175]    Variations of modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiments in view of the drawings. Such variations, if within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing hereon. The description of the preferred embodiment, and its depiction in the drawings, are generally set forth for illustrative purposes only.