Apparatus providing improvement in the longevity of reed valves

Abstract

An apparatus for increasing the longevity of reed valves. Machines such as automotive air conditioning compressors operate with a centrally-located rotating shaft that requires lubricant seals. Assembly of such machines with access for installation of one or more shaft seals commonly dictates an annular cavity between the shaft outer diameter and the housing inner diameter. For reed valves radially deployed around the shaft, the result is an anchor point that, coupled with the commercial need for minimum overall machine diameter, restricts the allowable length of the valve reeds. A cylindrical insert that fits in the annular cavity provides for an anchor point close to the shaft, and a clamping device that anchors the reed to a retainer and its valve plate permits the use of longer reeds that offer enhanced life.

1 . A machine comprising: 
 a housing;    within said housing a component around which one or more reed valves are radially deployed; and    a first apparatus deployed between the perimeter of said component and the inside surface of said housing, said first apparatus providing for the reed of said reed valve an anchor point substantially adjacent to said perimeter of said component, said anchor point providing for said reed a greater length than would be achievable in the absence of said fist apparatus.    
   
   
       2 . A machine as in  claim 1  wherein said component is a shaft.  
   
   
       3 . A machine as in  claim 1  wherein said machine is a compressor.  
   
   
       4 . A machine as in  claim 1  wherein said machine is an internal combustion engine.  
   
   
       5 . A machine as in  claim 1  wherein said machine is a pump.  
   
   
       6 . A machine as in  claim 1  wherein said machine is a turbine.  
   
   
       7 . In a reed valve partially comprised of a reed having a free end and an anchored end, a second apparatus capable of clamping said anchored end of said reed to a third apparatus capable of limiting displacement of said free end of said reed.  
   
   
       8 . A second apparatus as in  claim 7  further capable of clamping said anchored end of said reed to a valve plate.  
   
   
       9 . A machine embodying said second apparatus of  claim 7 .  
   
   
       10 . A machine embodying said first apparatus of  claim 1  and said second apparatus of  claim 7.