Valve for a rotary fluid displacement assembly and a rotary fluid displacement assembly comprising the same

Abstract

The rotary fluid displacement assembly has a rotor housing assembly that defines one or more valve cavities. Each valve cavity can be elongated along a longitudinal axis. Each valve cavity can define an opening in an internal cavity. The rotary fluid displacement assembly can have respective discharge valve assemblies for each valve cavity. Each discharge valve assembly can include a closure element configured to be movably disposed within a respective one of at least one of the valve cavities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit and priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 359,412, filed on July 8, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field) This application relates to devices and systems for rotary fluid displacement assemblies, such as spool compressors, for example.

Background Art

[0003] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 3, in a conventional spool compressor 100, a vane 102 rotates within an internal volume 104, compresses the gas within a compression chamber 106, and releases the compressed gas from the compression chamber through one or more discharge ports 108 that are adjusted by respective poppet valves 110. Conventionally, the poppet valves 110 are rounded and can rotate about an induction strut axis. Further, conventional poppet valves 110 have a valve face 112, and the valve face 112 is spaced a sufficient distance from the discharge ports within a cylinder to avoid the tip seal of the vane 102 striking the valve face 112 as the tip seal 120 of the vane progresses over the discharge port 108. These rounded poppet valves 110 have certain characteristics that lead to a reduction in the efficiency of conventional spool compressors. For example, the momentum of the discharged gas favors the rear side of the poppet valve, and the gas flows through 50% behind the valve. Further, the side - flow area requirements around the valve body limit the number of valves that can be installed and thus cause potential out - flow. Conventional poppet valves generally require a significant lift to achieve proper flow. Heavy valves and high lift result in a slow dynamic response to open and close the valves, causing pumping losses and back - flow. Therefore, a more efficient system is desirable.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Disclosed herein is a rotary fluid displacement assembly that, on one side, includes a rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface. The rotor housing assembly can have a longitudinal axis. The rotor housing assembly can include at least one valve cavity defined within the rotor housing assembly that extends radially from the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly. The at least one valve cavity can be elongated along the longitudinal axis. Each valve cavity of the at least one valve cavity can define an opening in the internal cavity. The rotor housing assembly can further include at least one discharge valve assembly. Each discharge valve assembly can include a closure element configured to be movably disposed within a respective valve cavity. The discharge valve assembly can further include at least one guide. The closure element can be slidable along at least one guide near and between a first position where at least a portion of the closure element closes the respective opening of the at least one valve cavity and a second position where at least a portion of the respective closure element is displaced from the respective opening of the at least one valve cavity. The discharge valve assembly can further include at least one biasing element that biases each closure element toward the first position. The rotor housing assembly can include a rotor having a peripheral surface. The rotor can be positioned within the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly. The rotor can be configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The rotor housing assembly can include vanes having opposing portions, each opposing portion having a distal end, and the opposing portions of the vanes being slidably coupled to the rotor. At least a portion of the peripheral surface of the rotor, a portion of the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, and the varying portion of the vanes proximate the distal ends of the opposing portions of the vanes can define a compression chamber of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.Each discharge valve assembly of the at least one discharge valve assembly is movable from a first closed position to a second open position when the compression chamber pressure reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the force against which it acts. The force against which it acts can be a combination of the biasing force of a biasing element and the back pressure within each valve cavity.

[0005] In some aspects, at least one closure element comprises a closure surface configured to cover an opening of at least one valve cavity. The inner wall surface of the inner cavity of the rotor housing assembly has a contour (e.g., a radius), and the closure surface has a curvature with a contour that is the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the inner wall surface of the inner cavity.

[0006] Additional advantages of the disclosed systems and methods will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed systems and methods. The advantages of the disclosed systems and methods will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods.

[0008]

Figure 1

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Figure 2A

Figure 2B

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

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Figure 5

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Figure 6

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Figure 7

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Figure 8

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Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The disclosed systems and methods may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of specific embodiments and the examples contained therein, and the figures and their foregoing and following descriptions.

[0018] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0019] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event, situation, or material may or may not occur or exist, and that the description includes cases where the event, situation, or material occurs or exists and cases where it does not occur or exist.

[0020] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, unless the context specifically dictates otherwise, and as specifically contemplated and considered to be disclosed, the range is from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, unless the context specifically dictates otherwise, when a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about", a particular value should be considered to be disclosed as forming another specifically contemplated embodiment. Further, unless the context specifically dictates otherwise, it should also be understood that each endpoint of a range represents its meaning both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint. Finally, it should be understood that all individual values and sub-ranges of values contained within the explicitly disclosed range are also specifically contemplated and should be considered to be disclosed, unless the context specifically dictates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed in a particular case.

[0021] Optionally, in some aspects, when values or characteristics are approximated by use of the antecedents "about", "substantially", or "generally", values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the specifically recited values or features may be assumed to be included within the scope of those aspects.

[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods belong. Any apparatus, systems, and methods, and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the apparatus, systems, and methods, but the particularly useful methods, devices, systems, and materials are as described.

[0023] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, words such as "comprising" and "comprises" and variations of the word "comprise" mean "including but not limited to" and are not intended to exclude, for example, other additional elements, components, integers, or steps. In particular, in a method described as "comprising one or more steps or operations", each step is specifically intended (unless the step includes a limiting term such as "consisting of") not to exclude, for example, other additional elements, components, integers, or steps not listed within the step, meaning that it is assumed to "comprises what is listed".

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, a rotary fluid displacement assembly 10 is disclosed herein. The rotary fluid displacement assembly 10 includes a rotor housing assembly 12 that defines an internal cavity 16 having an outer wall surface 14 and an inner wall surface 18. The rotor housing assembly can have a longitudinal axis 20.

[0025] The rotor housing assembly 12 can include at least one valve cavity 22 defined within the rotor housing assembly that extends radially from the inner wall surface 18 to the outer wall surface 14 of the internal cavity 16 of the rotor housing assembly. The at least one valve cavity 22 can be elongated (optionally, parallel or substantially parallel thereto) along the longitudinal axis 20. Each valve cavity 22 of the at least one valve cavity can define an opening 24 to the internal cavity 16.

[0026] The rotor housing assembly 12 can further include at least one discharge valve assembly 30. As further disclosed herein, it is envisioned that the disclosed discharge valve assembly 30 provides a flow perimeter per unit weight that is greater, requires less lift than a conventional poppet valve, thereby providing improved dynamic performance and compressor efficiency and reducing reverse flow.

[0027] Each discharge valve assembly 30 can include a closure element 32 configured to be movably disposed within respective valve cavities 22. The discharge valve assembly 30 can further include at least one guide 34. The closure element 32 is slidable along at least one guide 34 between a first position in which at least a portion of the closure element 32 closes respective openings 24 of at least one valve cavity 22 and a second position in which at least a portion of each closure element is displaced from respective openings 24 of at least one valve cavity 22. By providing elongate valve cavities 22 and corresponding elongate closure elements 32, the rotor housing assembly can provide a sufficient flow area to minimize pressure drop during discharge (and prevent corresponding momentum / pumping losses). Further, the elongate valve cavities 22 and corresponding elongate closure elements 32 provide an improved ratio of flow area to the mass of the moving closure element 32 (compared to a rounded poppet valve), thereby enabling an improved opening and closing rate. In various aspects, the openings 24 (and corresponding closure elements 32) can have a length that is at least twice the dimension that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 along the longitudinal axis 20. For example, the openings 24 (and corresponding closure elements 32) can have a length that is at least twice, at least three times, at least four times, at least five times, or at least six times the dimension that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 (e.g., a length that is from two to twenty times or from three to ten times the dimension that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20).

[0028] The discharge valve assembly 30 can further include at least one biasing element 36 that biases respective closure elements toward the first position. In an exemplary aspect, each guide 34 can define an inner bore 38 and at least one biasing element 36 can be respective springs that are at least partially received within the inner bore of each of the at least one guide.

[0029] The rotor housing assembly 12 can include a rotor 40 having a peripheral surface 42. The rotor can be positioned within the internal cavity 16 of the rotor housing assembly 12. The rotor 40 can be configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation 46 that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20. The rotor housing assembly 12 can include vanes 50 having opposing portions 52, each opposing portion having a distal end 54, and the opposing portions of the vanes being slidably coupled to the rotor 40.

[0030] At least a portion of the peripheral surface 42 of the rotor 40, a portion of the inner wall surface 18 of the rotor housing assembly, and the variable portion of the vane 50 proximate the distal end 54 of the opposing portion 52 of the vane can define a compression chamber 60 of variable volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. The vane 50 can include a tip seal 56 at the distal end 54 of the opposing portion 52.

[0031] Each discharge valve assembly 30 of the at least one discharge valve assembly can be movable from a first closed position to a second open position when the compression chamber pressure (i.e., the pressure within the compression chamber 60) reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the force against which it acts. The force against which it acts can be a combination of the biasing force of a biasing element and the back pressure within the respective valve cavity 22.

[0032] In some optional aspects, at least one biasing element 34 of the at least one discharge valve assembly 30 can include respective biasing elements for each of the at least one guide body.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 6 - 7, in some aspects, at least one guide body 34 can include a first guide body 34a and a second guide body 34b spaced along the longitudinal axis 20. By supporting the closure element 32 by a plurality of guide bodies, the closure element has enhanced stability, thereby enhancing the seal and reducing leakage of the discharge valve assembly 30.

[0034] At least one guide body 34 can define an outer surface 37. In some further aspects, at least one closing element 32 can define respective receptacles 39 for receiving each guide body 34 of at least one guide body of the discharge valve assembly 30. Each receptacle 39 can have an inner surface 41 that is complementary to the outer surface 37 of the respective guide body 34. In some optional aspects, the outer surface 37 defined by at least one guide body 34 can be cylindrical.

[0035] At least one closing element 32 can include a closing surface 70 configured to cover the opening 24 of at least one valve cavity 22. At least one closing element 32 can further include a chamfered edge or rounded edge 72 that extends peripherally near the closing surface 70. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the chamfered edge or rounded edge 72 of at least one closing element 32 can have a slightly convex surface. The rotor housing assembly 12 can define a corresponding peripheral chamfered surface 74 configured to mate with the chamfered edge or rounded edge 72 of at least one closing element 32. In this way, the rotor housing assembly 12 can adapt to the directional momentum of the gas exiting the valve and prevent additional pressure drop and loss.

[0036] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the inner wall surface 18 of the internal cavity 16 of the rotor housing assembly 12 can have a contour (e.g., a radius). The closing surface 70 can have a curvature with a contour (e.g., a radius) that is the same as or substantially the same as the contour (e.g., the radius) of the inner wall surface 18 of the internal cavity 16. In this way, the vanes can minimize flow across the tip seal 56 between the (front) compression chamber and the (rear) suction chamber as the vanes rotate. In some aspects, the closing element 32 is configured not to rotate around at least one guide body. For example, by supporting the closing element 32 by two or more guide bodies 34, the closing element 32 can be prevented from rotating. In other aspects, the cooperating geometries of the closing element 32 and the guide body 34 can prevent rotation of the closing element around the guide body. For example, the elongated outer surface 37 of the receptacle 39 and the corresponding elongated inner surface 41 can prevent rotational movement of the closing element around the guide body. In this way, the contour of the closing surface 70 can be made to closely match the contour of the inner wall surface 18. For example, when the tip seal 56 passes over the closing surface 70, the tip seal can maintain a gap of 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less, or 0.9 mm or less, or 0.8 mm or less, or 0.7 mm or less, or 0.6 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less, or 0.3 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less, or 0.1 mm, or about 0.1 to about 1 mm from the closing surface 70. This is in contrast to the conventional spool compressor of FIG. 2B where the tip seal increases its distance from the poppet as the tip seal moves away from the center of the poppet valve towards the radial edge of the poppet valve.

[0037] The closing surface 70 of each closing element 32 can optionally have a perimeter defined by generally parallel or parallel edges 76 extending (optionally, parallel thereto) along the longitudinal axis 20, and an arcuate edge 78 extending between adjacent ends of the parallel edges.

[0038] In some optional aspects, referring to FIG. 8, the rotor housing assembly 12 can include a plurality of valve cavities 22 and a corresponding plurality of discharge valve assemblies 30.

[0039] For example, in some aspects, referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of valve cavities 22 can include at least a first valve cavity 22a and a second valve cavity 22b that are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis. In a further aspect, referring additionally to FIG. 9, the plurality of valve cavities 22 can include at least a first valve cavity 22a and a third valve cavity 22c that are circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis 20.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 9, the rotor housing assembly 12 can define an air intake passage 80 that is in fluid communication with the compression chamber. In some optional aspects, the rotor housing assembly 12 can define a bypass gas return path 82 that extends between the internal cavity and the air intake passage. The rotary fluid displacement assembly 10 can further include a bypass valve 90 along the bypass gas return path 82. The rotor housing assembly 12 can define a bypass valve cavity 84 that extends from the inner wall surface 18 and defines a portion of the bypass gas return path 82. Optionally, the bypass valve cavity 84 can be elongated along the longitudinal axis 20. The bypass valve 90 can include a bypass valve closure element 92 configured to be movably disposed within the bypass valve cavity 84. In some optional aspects, the bypass valve closure element 92 can be elongated along the longitudinal axis 20.

[0041] The bypass valve 90 can further include at least one guide 94. The bypass valve closure element 92 can be slidable along at least one guide 94 near and between a first position where at least a portion of the bypass valve closure element blocks flow through the bypass gas return path and a second position where at least a portion of the bypass valve closure element is displaced from the first position to permit flow through the bypass gas return path 82. The bypass valve 90 can further include a valve actuator 96 configured to move the bypass valve closure element 92 near and between the first and second positions. In this way, the bypass valve 90 can be actuated to change the displacement amount of the rotary fluid displacement assembly 10. For example, with the bypass valve 90 in the second (open) position, the compression chamber 60 does not enclose a volume for beginning compression until after the vane 50 has passed through the bypass valve. Rather, gas is driven through the bypass gas return path. Accordingly, the displacement amount of the rotary fluid displacement assembly 10 is reduced. With the bypass valve 90 in the first (closed) position, the compression chamber 60 can have a larger starting volume of gas for compression.

[0042] The valve actuator 96 can be actuated mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically using a suitable associated control mechanism. For example, in some optional aspects, the valve actuator 96 can be a solenoid valve.

[0043] In an exemplary aspect, the bypass valve 90 can have the same geometry and structure as the discharge valve assembly 30 described herein.

[0044] In some aspects, each of the opposing portions 52 of the vanes 50 is axially movable near and between a respective first position where the distal end 54 of each portion of the vane is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor and a respective second position where the distal end of each portion of the vane is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor. The distal ends 54 of each portion 52 of the vanes 50 can be constrained to be spaced closely adjacent to the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. In some aspects, the first distance can exceed the second distance. In some aspects, the second distance can be close to the peripheral surface of the rotor.

[0045] In use, exemplary advantages of the disclosed system are a) a flow perimeter per unit weight for the discharge valve assembly 30 that is greater than that of a conventional poppet valve; b) the discharge valve assembly 30 requires less lift (e.g., advancement of the closure element 32) than a poppet valve to produce a larger flow area; c) the lower weight and less lift result in excellent dynamic performance and compressor efficiency; d) the lower lift reduces backflow (e.g., the discharge valve assembly 30 closes more efficiently to prevent backflow); e) the valve cavity can be shaped to accommodate a selective fluid flow to prevent momentum / pumping losses; f) the contoured closure element closure surface is concentric with the bore (defined by the inner wall surface) (or alternatively, has the same or complementary contours) and can reduce backflow between the working chambers including.

[0046] (Exemplary aspects) In light of the products, systems, and methods described, and their variations, certain more specifically described aspects of the invention are described below in this specification. However, these specifically enumerated aspects should not be construed as having any limiting effect on any different claims that encompass different or more general teachings described herein, nor should the "particular" aspects be construed as being limited in any way other than in the literal meaning of the language used therein.

[0047] Aspect 1: A rotary fluid displacement assembly, the rotary fluid displacement assembly comprising A rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, the rotor housing assembly having a longitudinal axis, The rotor housing assembly At least one valve cavity defined within the rotor housing assembly extending radially from the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, being elongated along the longitudinal axis, and each valve cavity of the at least one valve cavity defining an opening in the internal cavity, the at least one valve cavity, At least one discharge valve assembly, The rotor housing assembly comprising A rotor having a peripheral surface and positioned within the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly, the rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor rotation axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, A vane having opposing portions, each opposing portion having a distal end, the opposing portions of the vane being slidably coupled to the rotor, Comprising At least a portion of the peripheral surface of the rotor, a portion of the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, and a varying portion of the vane proximate the distal ends of the opposing portions of the vane define a compression chamber of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor rotation axis, Each discharge valve assembly of at least one discharge valve assembly is a rotary fluid displacement assembly movable from a first closed position to a second open position when the pressure in the compression chamber reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the force against which the compression chamber pressure acts.

[0048] Side 1A: Each discharge valve assembly of at least one discharge valve assembly a closing element configured to be movably disposed within each of at least one valve cavity of at least one valve cavity, at least one guide body, wherein the closing element is slidable along at least one guide body near and between a first closed position in which at least a part of each closing element closes each opening of at least one valve cavity and a second open position in which at least a part of each closing element is displaced from each opening of at least one valve cavity, at least one biasing element biasing each closing element toward the first closed position The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to Side 1, comprising

[0049] Side 2: At least one biasing element of at least one discharge valve assembly of the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to Side 1A, comprising respective biasing elements for each guide body of at least one guide body.

[0050] Side 3: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to Side 1A or Side 2, wherein at least one guide body comprises a first guide body spaced along a longitudinal axis and a second guide body.

[0051] Side 4: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of Sides 1A - 3, wherein at least one guide body defines an outer surface, at least one closing element defines respective receptacles for receiving each of at least one guide body, and each receptacle has an inner surface complementary to the outer surface of each guide body.

[0052] Side 5: The outer surface defined by at least one guide body is cylindrical, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to Side 4.

[0053] Side 6: At least one guide body defines an inner bore, and at least one biasing element comprises respective springs received within the inner bore of each of the at least one guide body, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of Sides 1A-5.

[0054] Side 7: At least one closing element comprises a closing surface configured to cover an opening of at least one valve cavity, and at least one closing element further comprises a chamfered edge or a rounded edge extending peripherally near the closing surface, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of Sides 1A-6.

[0055] Side 8: The rotor housing assembly, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to Side 7, defines a corresponding peripheral chamfered surface configured to mate with the chamfered edge or the rounded edge of at least one closing element.

[0056] Side 9: The inner wall surface of the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly has a radius, and at least one closing element comprises a closing surface configured to cover an opening of at least one valve cavity, the closing surface having a curvature with a radius that is the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the inner wall surface of the internal cavity, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of Sides 1A-8.

[0057] Side 10: At least one closing element comprises a closing surface having a periphery defined by generally parallel edges extending along a longitudinal axis and an arcuate edge extending between adjacent ends of the parallel edges, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of Sides 1A-9.

[0058] Side 11: At least one valve cavity comprises a plurality of valve cavities, and at least one discharge valve assembly comprises a plurality of discharge valve assemblies, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of the preceding sides.

[0059] Side 12: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to side 11, wherein the plurality of valve cavities includes at least a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity axially spaced along the longitudinal axis.

[0060] Side 13: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to side 11 or side 12, wherein the plurality of valve cavities includes at least a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis.

[0061] Side 14: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the rotor housing assembly defines an air supply passage in fluid communication with the compression chamber.

[0062] Side 15: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to side 14, wherein the rotor housing assembly defines a bypass gas return path extending between the internal cavity and the air supply passage, and the rotary fluid displacement assembly further includes a bypass valve along the bypass gas return path.

[0063] Side 16: The rotor housing assembly defines a bypass valve cavity extending from the inner wall surface and defining a part of the bypass gas return path, and the bypass valve includes a bypass valve closing element configured to be movably disposed within the bypass valve cavity, at least one guide body, wherein the bypass valve closing element is slidable along at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element blocks the flow through the bypass gas return path and a second position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element is displaced from the first position to allow the flow through the bypass gas return path, and a valve actuator configured to move the bypass valve closing element near and between the first position and the second position. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to side 15.

[0064] Side 17: The opposing portions of the vanes are each axially movable near and between a respective first position where the distal end of each portion of the vane is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor and a respective second position where the distal end of each portion of the vane is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and the distal end of each portion of the vane is constrained to be spaced closely adjacent to the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to any one of the preceding sides.

[0065] Side 18: The first distance is greater than the second distance. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to side 17.

[0066] Side 19: The second distance is adjacent to the peripheral surface of the rotor. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to side 17.

[0067] Side 20: A discharge valve assembly for a rotary fluid displacement assembly, the discharge valve assembly comprising A closing element configured to be movably disposed within each of at least one of the valve cavities, the closing element being elongated along a longitudinal axis, the closing element, and At least one guide body, the closing element being slidable along at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a portion of each closing element closes an opening of each of at least one of the valve cavities and a second position where at least a portion of each closing element is displaced from the opening of each of at least one of the valve cavities, the first position and the second position being offset by a valve movement axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At least one guide body, and At least one biasing element that biases each closing element toward the first position And a discharge valve assembly.

[0068] Side 21: A rotary fluid displacement assembly, the rotary fluid displacement assembly comprising A rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, the rotor housing assembly having a longitudinal axis, the rotor housing assembly A bypass gas return path extending between the internal cavity and the air supply passage, the rotary fluid displacement assembly further comprising a bypass valve along the bypass gas return path, the bypass gas return path, A bypass valve cavity extending radially from the inner wall surface and defining a part of the bypass gas return path defining, the bypass valve A bypass valve closing element configured to be movably disposed within the bypass valve cavity, At least one guide body, the bypass valve closing element having a first position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element blocks the flow through the bypass gas return path, and at least a part of the bypass valve closing element being displaced from the first position, and at least one guide body slidable along at least one guide body near and between a second position allowing the flow through the bypass gas return path, A valve actuator configured to move the bypass valve closing element near and between the first position and the second position The rotary fluid displacement assembly comprising.

[0069] Side 22: A rotary fluid displacement assembly, the rotary fluid displacement assembly A rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, the rotor housing assembly having a longitudinal axis, The rotor housing assembly At least one valve cavity defined within the rotor housing assembly extending radially from the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, each valve cavity of the at least one valve cavity defining an opening in the internal cavity, the at least one valve cavity, At least one discharge valve assembly comprising, Each discharge valve assembly of the at least one discharge valve assembly An occlusion element configured to be movably disposed within each of at least one valve cavity; At least one guide body, wherein the occlusion element is slidable along at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a part of each occlusion element closes the respective opening of at least one valve cavity and a second position where at least a part of each occlusion element is displaced from the respective opening of at least one valve cavity. The inner wall surface of the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly has a radius, and at least one occlusion element has an occlusion surface configured to cover the opening of at least one valve cavity. The occlusion surface has a curvature with a radius that is the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the inner wall surface of the internal cavity. At least one guide body; At least one biasing element that biases each occlusion element toward the first position; A rotor housing assembly comprising: A rotor having a peripheral surface and positioned within the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly, the rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; A vane having opposing portions, each opposing portion having a distal end, and the opposing portions of the vane being slidably coupled to the rotor; Comprising: At least a portion of the peripheral surface of the rotor, a portion of the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, and a varying portion of the vane proximate the distal ends of the opposing portions of the vane define a compression chamber of varying volume when the rotor rotates about the rotor axis; A rotary fluid displacement assembly, wherein each discharge valve assembly of at least one discharge valve assembly is movable from a first closed position to a second open position when the compression chamber pressure reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the force against which it acts.

[0070] Side 23: The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to Side 22, wherein the occlusion element is configured not to rotate around at least one guide body.

[0071] One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to recognize, or will be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the methods and compositions described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A rotary fluid displacement assembly, wherein the rotary fluid displacement assembly comprises: A rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, the rotor housing assembly having a longitudinal axis, and the rotor housing assembly: At least one valve cavity defined within the rotor housing assembly extending radially from the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, the at least one valve cavity being elongated along the longitudinal axis, and each valve cavity of the at least one valve cavity defining an opening in the internal cavity; at least one valve cavity; At least one discharge valve assembly Comprising Each discharge valve assembly of the at least one discharge valve assembly: A closure element configured to be movably disposed within one of the at least one valve cavities; At least one guide body, wherein the closure element is slidable along the at least one guide body near and between a first position in which at least a portion of the respective closure element closes the respective opening of the at least one valve cavity and a second position in which at least a portion of the respective closure element is displaced from the respective opening of the at least one valve cavity; at least one guide body; At least one biasing element biasing the respective closure element toward the first position A rotor housing assembly provided with A rotor having a peripheral surface and positioned within the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly, the rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation, the rotor axis of rotation being parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; a rotor; A vane having opposing portions, each opposing portion having a distal end, the opposing portions of the vane being slidably coupled to the rotor; a vane Comprising At least a portion of the peripheral surface of the rotor, a portion of the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, and a varying portion of the vane proximate the distal end of the opposing portion of the vane define a compression chamber of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. Each discharge valve assembly of the at least one discharge valve assembly is a rotary fluid displacement assembly that is movable from the first closed position to the second open position when the pressure in the compression chamber reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the force against which the compression chamber pressure acts. **Claim 2** The at least one biasing element of the at least one discharge valve assembly comprises respective biasing elements for each of the at least one guide body, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1. **Claim 3** The at least one guide body comprises a first guide body and a second guide body spaced along the longitudinal axis, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1. **Claim 4** The at least one guide body defines an outer surface, and the at least one closing element defines respective receptacles for receiving each of the at least one guide body, each of the respective receptacles having an inner surface complementary to the outer surface of the respective guide body, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The outer surface defined by the at least one guide body is cylindrical, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 4. **Claim 6** The at least one guide body defines an inner bore, and the at least one biasing element comprises respective springs received within the inner bore of each of the at least one guide body, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1. **Claim 7** The at least one closing element comprises a closing surface configured to cover the opening of the at least one valve cavity, and the at least one closing element further comprises a chamfered edge or a rounded edge extending peripherally near the closing surface, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1. **Claim 8** The rotor housing assembly defines a corresponding peripheral chamfered surface configured to mate with the chamfered edge or the rounded edge of the at least one closing element, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 7. **Claim 9** The inner wall surface of the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly has a radius, and the at least one closing element comprises a closing surface configured to cover the opening of the at least one valve cavity, the closing surface having a curvature with a radius that is the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the inner wall surface of the internal cavity, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1.

10. The at least one closing element comprises a closing surface having a periphery defined by substantially parallel edges extending along the longitudinal axis and an arcuate edge extending between adjacent ends of the parallel edges, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1.

11. The at least one valve cavity comprises a plurality of valve cavities, and the at least one discharge valve assembly comprises a plurality of discharge valve assemblies, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1.

12. The plurality of valve cavities comprises at least a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity axially spaced along the longitudinal axis, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 11.

13. The plurality of valve cavities comprises at least a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 11.

14. The rotor housing assembly defines an air intake passage in fluid communication with the compression chamber, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1.

15. The rotor housing assembly defines a bypass gas return path extending between the internal cavity and the air intake passage, and the rotary fluid displacement assembly further comprises a bypass valve along the bypass gas return path, the rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 14.

16. The rotor housing assembly defines a bypass valve cavity extending from the inner wall surface and defining a part of the bypass gas return path, and the bypass valve a bypass valve closing element configured to be movably disposed within the bypass valve cavity, At least one guide body, wherein the bypass valve closing element is at least partially slidable along the at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element blocks the flow through the bypass gas return path and a second position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element is displaced from the first position to enable the flow through the bypass gas return path, the at least one guide body, A valve actuator configured to move the bypass valve closing element near and between the first position and the second position The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 15, comprising.

17. The opposing portions of the vanes are each axially movable near and between a first position where the distal end of each respective portion of the vane is positioned at a first distance from the circumferential surface of the rotor and a second position where the distal end of each respective portion of the vane is positioned at a second distance from the circumferential surface of the rotor, and the distal end of each respective portion of the vane is constrained to be spaced closely adjacent to the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 1.

18. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 17, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

19. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 17, wherein the second distance is close to the circumferential surface of the rotor.

20. A discharge valve assembly for a rotary fluid displacement assembly, the discharge valve assembly comprising A closing element configured to be movably disposed within each respective valve cavity of at least one valve cavity, the closing element being elongated along a longitudinal axis, the closing element, At least one guide body, wherein the closing element is slidable along the at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a part of each of the closing elements closes an opening of each of the at least one valve cavity and a second position where at least a part of each of the closing elements is displaced from the opening of each of the at least one valve cavity, and the first position and the second position are offset by a valve movement axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the at least one guide body; At least one biasing element that biases each of the closing elements toward the first position A discharge valve assembly comprising.

21. A rotary fluid displacement assembly, wherein the rotary fluid displacement assembly A rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, the rotor housing assembly having a longitudinal axis, The rotor housing assembly A bypass gas return path extending between the internal cavity and the air supply passage, the rotary fluid displacement assembly further comprising a bypass valve along the bypass gas return path, the bypass gas return path; A bypass valve cavity extending radially from the inner wall surface and defining a part of the bypass gas return path Defining, The bypass valve A bypass valve closing element configured to be movably disposed within the bypass valve cavity; At least one guide body, wherein the bypass valve closing element is slidable along the at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element closes the flow through the bypass gas return path and a second position where at least a part of the bypass valve closing element is displaced from the first position and enables the flow through the bypass gas return path, the at least one guide body; A valve actuator configured to move the bypass valve closing element near and between the first position and the second position A rotary fluid displacement assembly comprising.

22. A rotary fluid displacement assembly, wherein the rotary fluid displacement assembly A rotor housing assembly having an outer wall surface and defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, the rotor housing assembly having a longitudinal axis, The rotor housing assembly At least one valve cavity defined within the rotor housing assembly and extending radially from the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, wherein each valve cavity of the at least one valve cavity defines an opening in the internal cavity, at least one valve cavity and at least one discharge valve assembly comprising wherein each discharge valve assembly of the at least one discharge valve assembly a closing element configured to be movably disposed within one respective valve cavity of the at least one valve cavity, at least one guide body, wherein the closing element is slidable along the at least one guide body near and between a first position where at least a part of the respective closing element closes the respective opening of the at least one valve cavity and a second position where at least a part of the respective closing element is displaced from the respective opening of the at least one valve cavity, the inner wall surface of the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly has a radius, and the at least one closing element comprises a closing surface configured to cover the opening of the at least one valve cavity, and the closing surface has a curvature with a radius that is the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the inner wall surface of the internal cavity, at least one guide body, at least one biasing element for biasing the respective closing element towards the first position A rotor housing assembly comprising A rotor having a peripheral surface and positioned within the internal cavity of the rotor housing assembly, the rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a rotor, A vane having opposing portions, each opposing portion having a distal end, and the opposing portions of the vane being slidably coupled to the rotor, a vane comprising At least a part of the peripheral surface of the rotor, a part of the inner wall surface of the rotor housing assembly, and a varying portion of the vane proximate to the distal end of the opposing portion of the vane define a compression chamber of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. Each of the at least one discharge valve assembly of the rotary fluid displacement assembly is movable from the first closed position to the second open position when the pressure in the compression chamber reaches a pressure sufficient to overcome the force against which the compression chamber pressure acts.

23. The rotary fluid displacement assembly according to claim 22, wherein the closing element is configured not to rotate around the at least one guide body.

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