Abstract: A moisture removal apparatus for a vehicular compressed air storage system includes a canister of mist-eliminating mesh that collects moisture and oil droplets in the air and exhausts them through a gravity drain. The mesh coalesces droplets of both water and oil vapor in the air stream, and is not contaminated by either. The mist eliminating canister can be a stand-alone device through which compressed air is delivered to a pressure tank, or may be integrated into a pressure tank for space efficiency.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided with one or more integral pressure ports formed by extrusion of the pressure vessel wall. The portion of the vessel to receive the port is drilled or punched to form an opening into which an extrusion tool is inserted. The inner periphery of the vessel surrounding the opening is backed-up by a cylindrical die, and the extrusion tool is pressed into the die to extrude a marginal portion of the vessel material surrounding the opening into the die to form an integral internal sleeve with an O-ring seal area, and to form straight threads in the extruded sleeve by roll-deformation. The pressure ports can be formed in the body or end-caps of the pressure vessel, and the portion of the vessel to receive a port may be locally flattened prior to formation of the port.

Abstract: A road vehicle utilizes hydraulic machines for primary and accessory vehicle drive functions. An internal combustion engine directly drives a first variable capacity hydraulic machine selectively operable as pump or motor, an electric machine electrically coupled to a storage battery is selectively operable as motor or generator and is mechanically coupled to a second hydraulic machine operable as pump or motor, and at least one hydraulic drive motor is coupled to a vehicle drive wheel. A controller regulates the capacity of the first hydraulic machine, and controls the functionality of the first and second hydraulic machines to selectively crank the engine or charge the storage battery. The first hydraulic machine also supplies hydraulic fluid to accessory drive motors including a power steering drive motor, an air compressor drive motor and a supercharger drive motor.

Abstract: An improved and cost-effective plug-in coupling for leak-proof attachment of a pressure pipe to a pressure vessel, including a weldable ferrule secured in an opening in the pressure vessel, a plug-in fitting attached to the pressure pipe and having a plug portion inserted into a central bore of the ferrule, a pair of O-rings sealingly engaging the plug portion of the fitting and the central bore of the ferrule, and a snap ring for retaining the plug portion of the fitting in the central bore of the ferrule. The ferrule includes a broad cylindrical head that contacts the outer periphery of the pressure vessel, the ferrule being welded to the pressure vessel at the outer radial periphery of such head to form a leak-proof and durable seal between the ferrule and the pressure vessel. The broad ferrule head absorbs and dissipates the heat from the welding operation, minimizing any heat-related distortion of the central bore.