Ex Parte Hahn et al - Page 2




               Appeal No. 2003-1836                                                                          Page 2                   
               Application No.10/085,590                                                                                              


               compress entrapped refrigerant.  Modern compressors are typically enclosed in a                                        
               sealed housing and driven by a motor.  (Spec. at 1.)                                                                   


                       The appellants explain that conventional compressors include multiple protection                               
               devices, each actuated under certain conditions.  (Appeal Br. at 3.)  Aiming to eliminate                              
               the separate protection devices, (id.), the appellants mount a microprocessor ("µP") on                                
               a sealed scroll compressor.  During operation of the compressor, the µP analyzes a                                     
               number of system variables for faults.  If it identifies a fault, the µP actuates a warning                            
               signal.  (Id. at 2.)  Data representing the fault are stored for later analysis.  (Spec.                               
               at 14.)                                                                                                                


                       A further understanding of the invention can be achieved by reading the following                              
               claim.                                                                                                                 
                               20. A method of monitoring operation of a compressor comprising                                        
                       the steps of:                                                                                                  
                               (1) providing a scroll compressor mounted within a compressor                                          
                       housing, also providing a microprocessor control for controlling said                                          
                       compressor mounted on said scroll compressor housing, and providing                                            
                       sensors on said compressor to supply data to said control with regard to                                       
                       operation of said scroll compressor at both suction and discharge areas;                                       
                               (2) operating said compressor, and sending data to said control;                                       










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