Compressor intake system

Abstract

A compressor intake system including an end cap having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a perimeter rim, a groove proximate the perimeter rim, and a substantially centrally disposed extended portion including a plurality of air inlet passages, an O-ring configured to be circumferentially disposed proximate the interior surface of the end cap at the groove, a filter including a first end configured to be disposed adjacent the air inlet passages and the interior surface of the end cap and a second end, and a retainer including a plurality of openings wherein the retainer is configured to be disposed proximate the second end of the filter so as to retain the filter proximate the air inlet passages and the openings.

1 . A compressor intake system, comprising:
 an end cap having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a perimeter rim, a groove proximate the perimeter rim, and a substantially centrally disposed extended portion including a plurality of air inlet passages;   an O-ring configured to be circumferentially disposed proximate the interior surface of the end cap at the groove;   a filter including a first end configured to be disposed adjacent the air inlet passages and the interior surface of the end cap and a second end; and   a retainer including a plurality of openings wherein the retainer is configured to be disposed proximate the second end of the filter so as to retain the filter proximate the air inlet passages and the openings.   
     
     
         2 . The compressor intake system of  claim 1  further including first fastening means for fastening the retainer to the end cap and second fastening means for attaching the end cap to a compressor housing. 
     
     
         3 . The compressor intake system of  claim 1  wherein the extended portion does not extend beyond the plane of the exterior surface of the end cap perimeter rim. 
     
     
         4 . The compressor intake system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of air inlet passages extend radially at regular angle intervals with respect to the center of the extended portion. 
     
     
         5 . The compressor intake system of  claim 4  wherein the plurality of air inlet passages includes eight air inlet passages extending radially at 45 degree angle intervals. 
     
     
         6 . The compressor intake system of  claim 4  wherein the air inlet passages do not overlap or converge. 
     
     
         7 . The compressor intake system of  claim 4  wherein the end cap further includes:
 a plurality of spoke portions extending radially at substantially similar regular angle intervals as the air inlet passages from the extended portion toward the perimeter rim of the end cap; and 
 at least one recessed portion disposed between at least two spoke portions. 
 
     
     
         8 . The compressor intake system of  claim 1  wherein the filter does not extend beyond the plane of the furthest interior portion of the interior surface of the end cap. 
     
     
         9 . The compressor intake system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of openings are substantially concentric and disposed substantially radially with respect to the center of the retainer. 
     
     
         10 . The compressor intake system of  claim 1  wherein the extended portion has an inner diameter, the retainer has a diameter and the filter has a diameter, and wherein the retainer diameter is greater than the extended portion inner diameter and the filter diameter is less than the extended portion inner diameter. 
     
     
         11 . The compressor intake system of  claim 10  wherein the retainer is configured to be disposed substantially flush with the interior surface of the end cap and means for fastening the retainer to the end cap including at least one aperture in the retainer, at least one threaded bore disposed proximate the interior surface of the end cap, and at least one threaded fastener for extending through the retainer aperture and threading to the threaded bore. 
     
     
         12 . A compressor, comprising:
 a housing including a head wherein the head includes a circumferentially disposed interface;   an end cap having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a perimeter rim, a groove proximate the perimeter rim wherein the groove has a substantially similar circumference as and is configured to receive the interface, and a substantially centrally disposed extended portion including a plurality of air inlet passages;   an O-ring configured to be circumferentially disposed proximate the interior surface of the end cap at the groove;   a filter including a first end configured to be disposed adjacent the air inlet passages and the interior surface of the end cap and a second end;   a retainer including a plurality of openings wherein the retainer is configured to be disposed proximate the second end of the filter so as to retain the filter proximate the air inlet passages and the openings; and   means for fastening at least the housing and end cap.   
     
     
         13 . The compressor intake system of  claim 10  wherein the fastening means is selected from the group consisting of press fit, adhesive, and at least one threaded bore disposed proximate an interior surface of the housing wherein each bore is configured to receive a threaded fastener disposed through an aperture in the end cap. 
     
     
         14 . The compressor intake system of  claim 10  wherein the perimeter rim further includes a lip portion configured to extend beyond the interface and adjacent an exterior surface of the housing when the interface is received by the groove of the end cap. 
     
     
         15 . A compressor, comprising:
 an end cap including an interior surface, an exterior surface, a perimeter rim, and:
 a groove proximate the perimeter rim wherein the groove has a substantially similar circumference as, and is configured to receive, the interface; 
 a substantially centrally disposed extended portion including a plurality of air inlet passages extending radially at 45 degree angle intervals with respect to the center of the extended portion; 
 a plurality of spoke portions, each extending radially proximate the air inlet passages and extending from the extended portion toward the perimeter rim of the end cap; and 
 at least one recessed portion disposed between at least two spoke portions; 
   an O-ring configured to be circumferentially disposed proximate the interior surface of the end cap at the groove;   a filter including a first end configured to be disposed adjacent the air inlet passages and the interior surface of the end cap and a second end;   a retainer including a plurality of concentric openings disposed substantially radially with respect to the center of the retainer, wherein the retainer is configured to be disposed proximate the second end of the filter so as to retain the filter proximate the air inlet passages and the openings; and   means for fastening at least the housing and end cap.