US 8,496,454 B2 · Unloader system and method for a compressor

Abstract

An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate having a plurality of ports, a header, and a plurality of cylinders disposed within the header. A plurality of pistons may be respectively disposed in the plurality of cylinders and may be movable between a first position separated from the valve plate and permitting flow through the plurality of ports and into the compression mechanism and a second position engaging the valve plate and restricting flow through the plurality of ports and into the compression mechanism. A chamber may be disposed within each of the cylinders and may receive a pressurized fluid in a first mode to move the piston into the second position and may vent the pressurized fluid in a second mode to move the piston into the first position. One of the chambers may include a different diameter than the other of the chambers.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus comprising:

a compression mechanism;
a valve plate associated with said compression mechanism and including a plurality of ports in fluid communication with said compression mechanism;
a header disposed adjacent to said valve plate;
a plurality of cylinders disposed within said header;
a plurality of pistons respectively disposed in said plurality of cylinders and movable between a first position separated from said valve plate and permitting flow through said plurality of ports and into said compression mechanism and a second position engaging said valve plate and restricting flow through said plurality of ports and into said compression mechanism;
and
a chamber disposed within each of said cylinders and receiving a pressurized fluid in a first mode to move said piston into said second position and venting said pressurized fluid in a second mode to move said piston into said first position, one of said chambers including a different diameter than the other of said chambers.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Unloader system and method for a compressor

Life of this patent

Unloader system and method for a compressor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20