Abstract: A propulsion system. An illustrative embodiment of the propulsion system includes a drive shaft, a flywheel drivingly engaged by the drive shaft, a turbine unit having a plurality of turbine blades drivingly engaging the drive shaft and an air manifold having a plurality of air manifold nozzles directed toward the plurality of turbine blades, and an air tank reservoir pneumatically connected to the air manifold.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, a heat exchanger to heat the compressed air, and an air motor driven by the heated air and connected to at least one wheel. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to a wheel. The vehicle also has a ventilation system for the passenger compartment, a heat exchanger, and a restrictive solenoid valve for directing ventilation system air to the heat exchanger. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, an aluminum compressed air tank, a carbon filament reinforced plastic layer over the tank, a fiberglass and aramid-fiber layer over the carbon filament reinforced plastic layer, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to at least one wheel.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis supporting an air tank. The second sub-assembly has part of the vehicle body and is bonded to the first-sub-assembly using a structural adhesive. Another pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis, air tank, part of the vehicle body, a pair of B-pillars, and a pair of rear rails. The second sub-assembly has a part of the vehicle body, a pair of A-pillars, and a pair of roof rails. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat base and upright seat back providing a seating area. A bladder located in the central region of the seating area inflates to provide two bucket seats, and deflates to provide a bench seat. The vehicle seat also has inflatable inserts to provide cushioning.

Abstract: A compressed-air powered drive system for a vehicle (10) or a propeller-driven aircraft (12). In a land vehicle (10), the drive system includes a plurality of air motors (20) each driving a wheel (16) through a transmission device (18). Compressed air from an air storage tank (12) is supplied through a heat exchanger (40) to drive air motors. A fuel is burned in the heat exchanger (40) to provide hot, high pressure air to the first air motors. Water may be injected into the heat exchanger to provide a hot steam. A plurality of air pumps (22) are engaged with and driven by the wheels to pump air into the tank during driving. When braking, the air pumps (22) driven by the wheels (16) recapture kinetic energy by pumping air into the tank. The air motors can also act as pumps to pump air into the tank during braking by reversing the transmission devices.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure The invention concerns a gas storage system, in particular for supplying a motor vehicle power source, comprising at least two storage modules (GrA, GrB, GrC) each including an outlet conduit (Ci) connectable, by a quick-connect device (Cri) via an electromagnetic valve (vpA/B/C), to a supply line (L) of a user station, the modules, including for example different capacities, being produced with identical tanks (Ri). The invention is characterized in that the modules are used sequentially allowing one module to be completely emptied before the other module is used, and in that only the first empty module can be replaced with an identical full module, without replacing, at that stage, the other module in operation.

Abstract: A work machine with an engine control device is provided, which is capable of ensuring fine controllability and providing further improved fine controllability with a simple construction. To this end, the work machine includes: an engine control device for controlling the output of an engine in accordance with each of a plurality of operation modes which are set according to the contents of operations; and operation mode selector switches for selecting any one of the plurality of operation modes. If the operation mode selector switches select, from the plurality of operation modes, an operation mode for setting a set revolution speed for the engine to a relatively low value, the engine control device performs isochronous control for maintaining the revolution speed of the engine to a constant value irrespective of load fluctuations.

Abstract: A power system includes a device configured to store pressurized fuel. An air motor having an air motor output member is in fluid communication with the storage device, and is configured to transfer the mechanical energy of the fuel to the air motor output member. A chemical energy conversion system is in fluid communication with the air motor to receive fuel therefrom. The chemical energy conversion system is configured to convert the chemical energy of the fuel to another form of energy, such as mechanical energy or electrical energy.

Abstract: A powertrain for driving a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine including first and second rotors supported for rotation about an axis, a first epicyclic gear unit including a first component fixed against rotation, a first driving component, and a first driven component, a first power path alternately producing a first drive connection between the driven component and the first rotor, and opening said first drive connection, and a second power path producing a second drive connection between the driven component and the second rotor, and opening said second drive connection.

Abstract: A steam driven road vehicle having a firebox, a boiler, a drive mechanism operated by steam from the boiler, a water supply supplying water to the boiler, and a drive connection connected between the drive mechanism and an axle of the vehicle. A fuel bin is supported by the vehicle frame holds a supply of fuel to be fed to the firebox. A power driven conveyor conveys fuel from the fuel bin to the firebox. An electrical system is made up of a plug-in element which connects with an electric source, and a preheating element on the boiler for producing preheat in the boiler. A heat control device controls the temperature of the output of the preheating element, and a time control device is arranged to energize the preheating element prior to driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A powertrain system comprises a compressed air supply apparatus, a compressed air engine, a rotary power conversion apparatus and an electrical power conversion apparatus. The compressed air engine is configured for extracting energy from compressed air. The compressed air engine receives compressed air from the compressed air supply apparatus and produces rotary power through extraction of energy from the compressed air. The rotary power conversion apparatus is connected to the compressed air engine and is configured for converting the rotary power of the compressed air engine to electrical power of a first specification. The electrical power conversion apparatus is connected to the rotary power conversion apparatus and is configured for converting the first specification electrical power to electrical power of a second specification different than the first specification.

Abstract: A power control unit for electric vehicle which can easily detach the high voltage cables even if the motor room is deformed, for example, by head-on collision and/or rear-end collision of the vehicle, which is difficult to be deformed, which can make small, and which can avoid an influence of heat generated by the reactor is disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for vehicles. The system includes the connection of an engine and a motor, one as a combustion engine (1) and the other as a pneumatic motor (2), with this connection being made through a mechanical coupling (3) and, at once, through a pneumatic connection between the exhaust (8) of the pneumatic motor (2) and the input (9) of the combustion engine (1), including a control unit (19) which controls both the coupling (3) and the engine (1) and motor (2) and supplementary equipment associated to the latter. The pneumatic and mechanical coupling between both engine (1) and motor (2) provides comburent overfeeding to the combustion engine (1) and, at the same time, a sum of the drives provided by both engine and motor, with this sum of drives being applied to the pertinent clutch (6) of the system, in order to achieve a reduction in the consumption of the latter and greater power.

Abstract: A power control unit for electric vehicle which can easily detach the high voltage cables even if the motor room is deformed, for example, by head-on collision and/or rear-end collision of the vehicle, which is difficult to be deformed, which can make small, and which can avoid an influence of heat generated by the reactor is disclosed.

Abstract: A gravity-fed, tire pumped, vehicle energy generating power wheel includes an axle on a vehicle; a wheel on the axle; a tire on the wheel having deflection characteristics; a pump mechanism for activation by the tire when the tire is characterized by the deflection; the pump mechanism operating via a mechanical linkage, the operation of the mechanical linkage being activated by a ratcheting gear system operable by the deflection; and the mechanical linkage activating at least one of: power generator, at least one hydraulic motor and at least one pneumatic power device.

Abstract: An automobile inertial kinetic energy regeneration system which saves energy and enhances safety includes a driving element installed on the automobile drive shaft. The driving element clutches at a clutch that drives a power generator. With the power generator, the braking inertia kinetic energy is converted into pressurized air to be stored in a power tank. Once the driver steps on the gas pedal again in an attempt to start the vehicle, the automobile drive shaft will be driven by a driving installation connected to a clutch which clutches at the driving element. Given the aforesaid design, braking inertia kinetic energy is stored to assist in driving a vehicle, saving energy, shortening the braking distance and enhancing driving safety effectively.

Abstract: A power plant for a use device wherein liquid nitrogen and a heated transfer fluid are alternately used to expand and contract a liquid metal like mercury to drive a piston, a crankshaft, and subsequent drive apparatus. A control device is timed with operation of the piston to control various solenoid valves and pumps to cause liquid nitrogen to flow into a jacket around a reservoir containing the liquid metal thereby causing it to cool and move the piston in a return stroke. When appropriate, the heated transfer fluid is pumped into a different enclosure of the jacket to force out remaining nitrogen and thereby to heat the liquid metal and move the piston in a power stroke. The process continues so as to provide continuous power to the use device.

Abstract: In a hybrid drive for a vehicle, an exhaust gas turbocharger is coupled to an electrical machine. The machine is actuated by an electronic control device to limit the supercharge pressure of the exhaust gas turbocharger.

Abstract: A gas augmented drive system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle. The system and method utilizes compressed gas to turn a turbine, the rotation of which generates power that can be used, among other things, to power the vehicle batteries and/or power a secondary electrical system.

Abstract: A new and improved air powered vehicle and power plant therefore which include an engine having an engine block and at least one cylinder therein. A piston is mounted for reciprocation within the cylinder and the cylinder is provided with an air inlet valve, and exhaust valve and an intake valve. The piston within the cylinder is connected to a crank shaft. The valves are also operatively connected to the crank shaft whereupon the valves are opened and closed in sequence as the crank shaft rotates whereby time blasts of air may be introduced into the cylinder through said air intake valve and air may be exhausted through the exhaust valve to rotate the crank shaft.

Abstract: A method and device for reaccelerating a vehicle equipped with a compressor supplying high-pressure compressed air for cleansed or cleansing engine is provided, in which, during decelerating and/or braking phases, the on-board compressor being operated, the high pressure compressed air flow is derived and stored in a reaccelerating reservoir, thermally insulated and maintained at very high pressure and very high temperature, to be used when the vehicle is put back in driving phase by being injected at high temperature and at high pressure in the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle with drive apparatus having a liquid nitrogen driven engine for primary power coupled with a liquid nitrogen driven fly wheel for acceleration and power consumption. The drive apparatus includes a fuel tank for containing liquid nitrogen. A heating device converts the liquid nitrogen to nitrogen gas to be held in a plenum tank. There is mechanism for directing the nitrogen gas from the plenum tank to the turbine engine, the fly wheel and/or the alternator. The alternator is turbine driven and charges a battery which powers control mechanism for the drive apparatus.

Abstract: A wheel thruster for converting rotary motion to a unidirectional thrust resulting from an unbalance of centrifugal force produced by air or steam pressure and rotation of weights about an axis, comprising a housing, a rotatable wheel within the housing, the rotatable wheel mounted on a shaft for rotation about a common axis, a plurality of weights connected to the wheel; a plurality of bearings located between the shaft and the wheel; the shaft being powered by a motor; and, a means for supply air or steam pressure, which pressure is distributed within the housing producing ambient pressure to the rotating wheel.

Abstract: A method and a system for converting kinetic energy of a vehicle and part of energy supplied by its engine into energy of compressed air and using it to assist in vehicle propulsion later. A novel system of valves employing variable valve timing and valve deactivation is used to implement and control a two-way flow of compressed air between the engine and an air-reservoir where air-temperature control is maintained. During operation with compressed-air assist the engine operates both as an air-motor and as an internal combustion engine during each cycle in each cylinder. The engine can selectively and interchangeably operate either as a four-stroke or as a two-stroke internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle driving method and hybrid propulsion system are disclosed. In the vehicle driving method and hybrid propulsion system, a heat engine is intermittently operated to provide a first power output and hot exhaust. A heat recovery unit containing thermal storage means is utilized to recover and store waste of hot exhaust, thereby enabling continuous production of motive gases during non-operation period of the heat engine. An expansion turbine is coupled to the heat engine and expands the motive gases to produce a second power output in a continuous fashion. The vehicle is driven by the first and second power outputs. A control unit operates the heat engine in an on/off mode to intermittently supply the hot exhaust to heat recovery unit, thereby providing remarkable fuel economy with reduced pollutants.

Abstract: An air powered drive system for a vehicle such as an automobile or a propeller driven aircraft. In a land vehicle air pumps are connected to drive, or be driven by, each wheel. At least two air storage tanks are connected to the air pumps. A fuel is burned in one tank to provide hot, high pressure air that can be directed to selected air pumps to drive associated wheels. Meanwhile, other air pumps connected to a cool, lower pressure tank are driven by an associated wheels to act as an air compressor to compress cool ambient air in the tank. When air pressure in the heated tank drops, combustion is shut off there and begun in the other tank and the driving and filling tanks and pumps are reversed. Similarly, two such tanks are connected through air pumps to an aircraft propeller shaft. Alternately, on tank is heated to produce hot, high pressure air to drive one air pump while the other air pump is driven by the shaft to compress air in the cooler tank.

Abstract: A compressed air powered motor vehicle includes an engine having an intake and an exhaust pipe. The engine is configured for operating on compressed air received in the intake and expelling exhaust air through the exhaust pipe. A compressed air storage container is in fluid communication with the intake of the engine. At least one compression mechanism is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe of the engine and with the compressed air storage container. The at least one compression mechanism is configured for compressing the exhaust air and replenishing the compressed air storage container. Each compression mechanism includes a reciprocable connecting rod having a direction of travel. A rocker arm has a first end, a second end and a pivot point disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the rocker arm is attached to the connecting rod. The rocker arm is configured for pivotal oscillation about the pivot point, thereby reciprocating the rod within the compression mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system fueled by a source of compressed air includes a main air motor connected with and adapted to drive a vehicle wheel, a combined rotatable flywheel-impeller assembly acting in turbine fashion during a charge-up phase to spin-up with compress air from the source, and acting in compressor fashion to alternately compress ambient air from the source and subsequently deliver the resulting compressed air to the air motor while being disposed in a substantial vacuum and an air tank connected to the main air motor and adapted to store compressed air from the flywheel-impeller assembly. A controller is connected to the flywheel-impeller assembly, air tank and main air motor to automatically and continuously control the flow of compressed air between the flywheel-impeller assembly and the air tank, and between the air tank and main air motor in response to the demand for compressed air required by the main air motor to drive the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Motive power unit comprising an internal combustion engine associated with a hydrostatic transmission, in particular for fitting to an automobile vehicle.In accordance with the invention, the motive power unit comprises an internal combustion engine (60) mechanically coupled to a hydrostatic transmission device comprising at least one pump (12) with a piston (13) driven by said engine and an elastic accumulator coupled to the or each pump; the pumps being connected to a volumetric motor (14).

Abstract: A vehicle kinetic energy reclaiming system employs the vehicle's engine (10) to compress air when the vehicle decelerates and reuses the stored compressed air to drive an air motor (78) which assists in powering the vehicle when it is underway again. When the vehicle begins to decelerate, an accelerator switch (24) causes a valve (38) in a carburetor (34) bypass pipe to open, allowing ample air to enter and be compressed by the engine, which is driven by the vehicle's kinetic energy through the transmission (42). This helps decelerate the vehicle and saves its brakes. The same switch closes a valve (22) in the exhaust line (18-19), causing the compressed air to be diverted to a storage tank (26). When enough pressure in accumulated in the tank, a pressure release valve (74) in the tanks' output opens and a valve switch (72) closes, allowing air to reach an accelerator-controlled valve (88). This enables a clutch (76), which connects the air motor to the vehicle's transmission, to be operated.

Abstract: A compressed air propulsion system is provided to be adapted for use with a vehicle, and comprises a transaxle mechanism adapted to be mounted to and driven by the vehicle wheels, and an air compressor coupled to the output shaft of the transaxle mechanism to be driven thereby. The air compressor supplies a flow of compressed air to an air distributor system connected to the vehicle engine. The air distributor system comprises a plurality of solenoids connected to the air lines leading to the engine cylinders, and a respective plurality of microswitches are electrically connected to the solenoids to sequentially operate the solenoids for sequentially supplying compressed air to the engine cylinders. The microswitches are sequentially actuated mechanically by a rotor secured to the distributor shaft, which is coupled to the vehicle crankshaft. An accelerator is also provided for controllably varying the flow rate of compressed air to the air distributor system.

Abstract: In a moving vehicle such as an automobile, compressed air is used for powering the vehicle, for minimizing friction in the wheel bearings so as to maintain the vehicle's momentum and decrease the amount of energy required for maintaining the vehicle at a predetermined desired speed, and for braking the vehicle. The present invention can be used instead of a conventional internal combustion engine, or as an auxiliary means for decreasing the amount of energy that is consumed by an internal combustion engine to increase the speed of a vehicle and maintain a vehicle at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: In a wheeled vehicle engine system comprising a compressed air powered engine and tank assemblies, an engine connects to the vehicle drive wheels and is powered by compressed air and operates without emitting air pollutants and the tank assembly comprises a replaceable and/or rechargeable main air tank assembly containing air at high pressure and recovery tanks both so connected to the engine and arranged so as to recover and store energy of the vehicle and engine developed during braking and high speed engine operation and not fully used to propel the vehicle. Pressure sensors and alternative valving arrangements of the tank assemblies actuate compressors driven by the motor to maximize utilization of the energy content of the tank assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a power system based upon the use of compressed air. Each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a motor which is operated by compressed air from a respective storage tank through a system of valves and hydraulic or fluid pressure lines. The rotation of each wheel is also utilized to drive air compressors which may recapture some or all of the air which is exhausted from each motor and additionally to compress and store air brought in from outside of the vehicle during its motion. The present invention can be adapted for two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.The drive units for each wheel are substantially identical. The rear units are mounted on fixed axles whereas the front units are mounted on an axle having a universal joint therein and each wheel is mounted by means of a ball joint to a suspension frame which in turn is secured to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An air driven vehicle utilizes pressurized air contained in storage tanks for actuating double-acting cylinders which in turn transmit a driving force to an axle of the vehicle. The compressed air in a first air tank under high pressure is fed to a first actuating cylinder so as to drive a crank which operates a main drive gear in communication with an axle gear attached to the vehicle axle. Upon a reversal of movement of the piston contained in the first actuating cylinder, a supply of exhaust air is directed from the cylinder to a second air pressure tank in which the exhaust air is collected under a lower pressure than the air contained in the first air pressure tank.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is operated with a hot gas power system which includes a compressor which compresses air in normal driving when being driven by the motor and upon slowing or running down hill when being driven by vehicle momentum, a storage tank which holds the compressed air and a heat exchanger which cools the compressed air and supplies the removed heat to heat air as it is released from a storage tank to the motor. An additional heater is used where required. When required, fuel is added to the compressed air and the mixture is ignited and combusted before entering the motor.

Abstract: In a moving vehicle such as an automobile, compressed air is used for powering the vehicle, for minimizing friction in the wheel bearings so as to maintain the vehicle's momentum and decrease the amount of energy required for maintaining the vehicle at a predetermined desired speed, and for braking the vehicle. The present invention can be used instead of a conventional internal combustion engine, or as an auxiliary means for decreasing the amount of energy that is consumed by an internal combustion engine to increase the speed of a vehicle and maintain a vehicle at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A motor utilizing compressed air as the working fluid. Compressed air circulates from a first or high pressure tank through an air reactance member, then to pressure regulating member and to a second or intermediate pressure tank and the air reactance member. The drive shaft of the air reactance member delivers mechanical power. An air compressor is driven from the drive shaft and is employed to recharge or supplement pressure in each tank.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle that is powered by compressed air instead of by gasoline; the vehicle including air tanks that are filled with compressed air, while controls on a dashboard operate valves for flowing the air into cylinders of the vehicle engine in order to run the same.

Abstract: A non-pollution motor powered from a source of a low pressure liquified cryogenic is disclosed. A means for converting, upon demand, a quantity of the cryogenic into a high pressure gas is connected between a gas expander and a storage volume tank. The high pressure gas stored in the volume tank is used to power a gas turbine motor. The gas turbine in turn drives a DC-generator to produce a voltage that both charges a battery pack and drives an output DC-drive motor. When the battery pack is fully charged, the gas turbine is turned off, and the DC-drive motor is powered solely from the battery pack. When the batteries have discharged, the turbine is turned on to drive the DC-generator once again. Both the DC-generator and the DC-drive motor are contained in the cryogenic in heat exchange relationship to cool the units to essentially the temperature of the cryogenic.

Abstract: The adaptation of a compressed-fluid (such as compressed-air) powered turbine in conjunction with the use of a flywheel as a hybrid propulsion system for nonstationary applications, such as vehicle drive, is shown and its practicality demonstrated. This propulsion system requires a nonpolluting fluid, such as air, and a source of mechanical or electrical energy to compress said fluid and energize said flywheel, both of which act as energy storage media. An expander/compressor unit, such as a turbine, is used for converting the stored energy of said compressed-fluid into shaft power by expanding said fluid, and recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration by compressing and storing the atmospheric air (if air is used). Said flywheel is used not only for providing peak powers necessary for vehicle acceleration but also for recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration and refilling said compressed-fluid in an emergency.

Abstract: A piston type power plant operable by any suitable pressure fluid available such as natural gas from a well for stationary applications, etc., or by compressed air in either stationary or mobile applications such as driving generators, saw mills or vehicles, etc., and embodying novel valve actuation and control means.