Method for the assembly of a scroll-type apparatus

A process for assembly of a scroll-type apparatus, comprising the steps of:

• (a) supporting a gap adjustment element on the top portion of the spiral wrap of a moving scroll comprising a base plate and a spiral wrap integrally formed with the base plate such that the gap adjustment element extends beyond the top surface of the spiral wrap of the moving scroll for most of the height of the gap adjustment element;
• (b) supporting a gap adjustment element on the top portion of the spiral wrap of a stationary scroll comprising a base plate and a spiral wrap integrally formed with the base plate such that the gap adjustment element extends beyond the top surface of said spiral wrap for most of the height of the gap adjustment element;
• (c) combining said moving scroll and said stationary scroll such that the base plate of said moving scroll is parallel to the base plate of said stationary scroll and such that the top surface of each spiral wrap is separated from the base plate of the other scroll by a gap smaller than the amount by which each of said gap adjustment elements extended beyond the top surface of their respective spiral wraps prior to said combining, such that each gap adjustment element is pushed in the axial direction by the base plate of the other scroll so that the top surface of each gap adjustment element extends beyond the top surface of its respective spiral member by an amount equal to said gap to form a non-pressurized seal.