US Patent 7748969 Foam reduction device for a compressor

A foam control device includes a first member coupled to an oil reservoir of a compressor and a second member to prevent foam from flowing into an interior section of the compressor. when a shaft of the compressor rotates. The second member controls a position of the first member based on at least one condition which, for example, may include an amount of oil in the reservoir, an environmental condition, or the type of oil or refrigerant used. According to one embodiment, the first member includes a plate containing one or more apertures that allow oil, suctioned from the reservoir, to pass back into the reservoir when the compressor shaft rotates.