Single stage to two stage compressor

Abstract

A compressor includes a cylinder having major and minor compression chambers. The major compression chamber includes an ambient intake and an outlet which can be directed either to the intake of the minor chamber or directly to a holding tank. The outlet from the minor chamber is likewise directed to the gas storage tank. In a preferred embodiment, the compressor includes two cylinders each with a major and minor chamber operated by a three-lobed cam. The compressor switches from single stage to dual stage operation with valves operable in response to attaining a preset gas pressure in the holding tank or output.

1 . A compressor having a major compression chamber and a minor compression chamber, and a piston operable in said compressor and dividing said major and minor chambers 
 an inlet into said major chamber;    an inlet into said minor chamber;    an outlet from said major chamber;    an outlet from said minor chamber leading to a compressed gas storage container;    a valve configured to connect said outlet from said major chamber to alternately said inlet to said minor chamber and said compressed gas storage container.    
   
   
       2 . The compressor claimed in  claim 1  wherein said valve is actuated by a preset output pressure.  
   
   
       3 . The compressor claimed in  claim 2  wherein said major and minor chambers are in a cylinder divided by said piston.  
   
   
       4 . The compressor claimed in  claim 1  including first and second cylinders having first and second major and first and second minor chambers and a second valve, said second valve configured to connect said outlet from said second major chamber to alternately said inlet to said second minor chamber or said compressed gas storage container.  
   
   
       5 . The compressor claimed in  claim 4  wherein said compressor is a rotary cam operated compressor.  
   
   
       6 . The compressor claimed in  claim 5  comprising a multi-lobed rotating cam; 
 a follower having two bearing surfaces riding on said cam, said follower movable back and forth along a first axis;    said follower having first and second ends fixed to said first and second pistons, said first and second ends being oppositely offset from said first axis wherein said pistons are movable on second and third axes which are offset and parallel to said first axis.    
   
   
       7 . The compressor claimed in  claim 6  wherein said follower includes a central body portion with first and second oppositely extended doglegs.  
   
   
       8 . The compressor claimed in  claim 6  wherein said cam is a three-lobed cam.