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A system and method for controlling a variable capacity compressor driven by a motor. Preferably, said system and method are used with a reversible, two-stage compressor motor. In one embodiment, the method includes, for example, operating the variable capacity compressor at a first capacity to sati

A system and method for controlling a variable capacity compressor driven by a motor. Preferably, said system and method are used with a reversible, two-stage compressor motor. In one embodiment, the method includes, for example, operating the variable capacity compressor at a first capacity to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling; detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling; operating the variable capacity compressor at a second, different capacity based on the detected change in demand; detecting an operating parameter that can indicate an opportunity to increase compressor efficiency when the compressor is operating at a given capacity; and varying the torque applied by the motor when the detected operating parameter indicates an opportunity to increase efficiency of the compressor by varying the torque.

대표청구항 ▼

A system and method for controlling a variable capacity compressor driven by a motor. Preferably, said system and method are used with a reversible, two-stage compressor motor. In one embodiment, the method includes, for example, operating the variable capacity compressor at a first capacity to sati

A system and method for controlling a variable capacity compressor driven by a motor. Preferably, said system and method are used with a reversible, two-stage compressor motor. In one embodiment, the method includes, for example, operating the variable capacity compressor at a first capacity to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling; detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling; operating the variable capacity compressor at a second, different capacity based on the detected change in demand; detecting an operating parameter that can indicate an opportunity to increase compressor efficiency when the compressor is operating at a given capacity; and varying the torque applied by the motor when the detected operating parameter indicates an opportunity to increase efficiency of the compressor by varying the torque. e mounted on said first surface of said base and positioned to provide feedback at a selected wavelength to said gain medium; (d) a pivot arm rotatably coupled to said base and located adjacent said second surface of said base; and (e) a second feedback device coupled to said pivot arm, said pivot arm configured to position said second feedback device adjacent said first side of said base, said second feedback device positioned to define a resonant cavity with said gain medium. 2. The laser apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pivot arm is configured to provide both rotational and translational motion to said second feedback device upon rotation of said pivot arm to vary said selected wavelength while maintaining a substantially constant integer number of half wavelengths in said resonant cavity. 3. The laser apparatus of claim 1, wherein: (a) said first feedback device comprises a diffraction element; and (b) said second feedback device comprises a retroreflector. 4. The laser apparatus of claim 1, wherein (a) said first feedback device comprises a retroreflector; and (b) said second feedback device comprises a diffraction element. 5. The laser apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bracket coupled to an end of said pivot arm, said bracket extending at least partially above said first surface of said base, said second feedback device mounted on said bracket. 6. The laser apparatus of claim 1, wherein said arm includes first and second ends, said first end pivotally coupled to said base, said second end supporting said second feedback device. 7. A laser apparatus, comprising: (a) a base having first and second surfaces; said second surface opposite said first surface; (b) a gain medium mounted on said first surface and emitting a light beam adjacent said first surface; (c) a first feedback device mounted on said first surface and positioned in said light beam; (d) a pivot member rotatably coupled to said base along a pivot axis perpendicular to said first and second surfaces, said pivot member movable adjacent said second surface; and (e) a second feedback device coupled to said pivot member, said pivot member configured to position said second feedback device in said light beam adjacent said first surface, said second feedback device positioned to define a resonant cavity with said gain medium. 8. The laser apparatus of claim 7, wherein said pivot member is rotatably coupled to said base at a pivot point, said pivot member and said pivot point being configured to provide both rotational and translational motion to said second feedback device upon rotation of said pivot member to vary said selected wavelength while maintaining a substantially constant integer number of half wavelengths in said resonant cavity. 9. The laser apparatus of claim 7, wherein: (a) said first feedback device comprises a diffraction element; and (b) said second feedback device comprises a retroreflector. 10. The laser apparatus of claim 7, wherein: (a) said first feedback device comprises a retroreflector; and (b) said second feedback device comprises a diffraction element. 11. The laser apparatus of claim 7, wherein said pivot element includes first and second ends, said first end pivotally coupled to said base at said pivot point, said second end supporting said second feedback device. 12. A method for operating a tunable laser, comprising: (a) positioning a gain medium on a first surface of a base; (b) emitting a light beam by said gain medium; (c) positioning a first feedback device on said first surface in said light beam; (d) rotatably coupling a pivot element to said base, said pivot element movable adjacent a second surface of said base, said second surface opposite said first surface; and (e) mounting a second feedback device on said pivot element, said pivot element configured to position said second feedback device in said light beam adjacent said first surface. 13. The method of claim 12, furt