Inertia-type Pumping Member Or Drive Means Patents (Class 417/211)
  • Patent number: 10871149
    Abstract: Multiple horizontal axis type rotors are coaxially attached along the upper section of an elongate torque transmitting tower/driveshaft, The tower/driveshaft projects upward from a cantilevered bearing means, and is bent downwind, until the rotors become sufficiently aligned with the wind to rotate the entire tower/driveshaft, Power is drawn from the shaft at the base. Surface mount, subsurface mount, and marine installations, including a sailboat, are disclosed. Blade-to-blade lashing, and vertical axis rotor blades may also be included. Vertical and horizontal axis type rotor blades may be interconnected along the length of the tower/driveshaft to form a structural lattice, and the central shaft may even be eliminated. Aerodynamic lifting bodies or tails, buoyant lifting bodies, buoyant rotor blades, and methods of influencing the tilt of the rotors, can help elevate the structure. This wind turbine can have as few as one single moving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Douglas Spriggs Selsam
  • Patent number: 10184464
    Abstract: A compressor includes a piston disposed in a housing and configured to be reciprocatably driven in the housing by an electromagnetic drive. A conventional linear motor drive assembly reciprocatably drives the piston in an embodiment. A magnetically-geared drive assembly reciprocatably drives the piston in another embodiment. A solenoid drive assembly reciprocatably drives the piston in another embodiment. A control system is coupled to the drive for varying piston displacement, and an accumulator conserves force by decelerating a translating assembly at the end of one stroke and accelerating the assembly in a subsequent stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE SRL
    Inventors: Riccardo Bagagli, Leonardo Tognarelli, Massimo Bargiacchi, Alessio Capanni
  • Patent number: 8740577
    Abstract: A damping compressor generates compressed air by damping a relative motion between an axle and a chassis of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Herges
  • Publication number: 20140105761
    Abstract: A reciprocating compressor is provided that may include a cylinder having a compression space; a piston inserted into the compression space of the cylinder and making a relative reciprocating movement with respect to the cylinder; and a plurality of resonance springs that supports both sides of a member that makes a reciprocating movement, among the cylinder and the piston, in a movement direction. The plurality of resonance springs may be compression coil springs, and at least one of the plurality of resonance springs may be arranged in a direction such that a direction of a side force of the spring does not correspond to a gravitational direction. Since the side force and a force based on self-weight may become zero, sagging of a vibrator due to self-weight may be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Jungsik PARK, Suho Park, Jongkoo Lee, Susok Lee
  • Patent number: 8651085
    Abstract: An improved lubrication system and method for the normally contacting and abutting piston pin and connecting rod journal bearing surfaces of an internal combustion engine that includes an inertia pump in a connecting rod. The inertia pump reacts to the movement of the connecting rod and conveys a predetermined measure of lubricating oil at a high enough pressure to overcome the forces which cause the surfaces to normally maintain contact. By separating the normally contacting surfaces of the pin and the connecting rod journal, the surfaces become lubricated. Several embodiments of inertia pumps provide variations in implementing the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 8070460
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an oil supply apparatus of a linear compressor. In the linear compressor including a main body frame, a cylinder installed on the main body frame, and a piston installed inside the cylinder, for performing linear reciprocation, the oil supply apparatus circulates the oil between the cylinder and the piston. The oil supply apparatus of the linear compressor includes an oil supply passage for supplying the oil to a gap between the cylinder and the piston, and an oil pumping means consisting of an oil cylinder fixed to the main body frame to communicate with the oil supply passage, a mass member installed in the oil cylinder and linearly reciprocated by vibration of the main body frame, for pumping the oil, and oil elastic members installed in the oil cylinder, for elastically supporting the mass member at both sides of the mass member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sangmin Lee
  • Patent number: 7727363
    Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either electric current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to electrokinetically inducing fluid flow to confine a selected material in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field. Other structures for inducing fluid flow in accordance with this invention include nanochannel bridging membranes and alternating current fluid pumping devices. Applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobson, J. Michael Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20100094223
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a functional thin tube device in which a pump and a liquid drawing device are constituted to be not separate without a sophisticated channel design and to correspond to various applications. A functional thin tube device includes a hollow tubular body, a plurality of vibrating ring bodies mounted as being kept in contact with the tubular body spaced an interval along an axial direction on an outer circumference of the tubular body, and an energy supply means of energy for vibrating the vibrating ring bodies. The energy supply means is constituted to supply energy such that the displacement caused by vibrations is mutually different among the vibrating ring bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: TOKAI UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Tsuchiya, Akifumi Morishima, Yasutomo Uetsuji, Takehiro Fukuzaki
  • Publication number: 20090290995
    Abstract: Dropping weights in series, keeping constant spin on shaft transferring mechanical energy to electrical energy or impacting objects to store energy into pressure system is important in the field of energy. A matter exchange must happen to implement the Double Gravity Energy Process of draining water into open environment. By cycling water back into the water system that it is expelled allows for no water flow into column of water or medium chosen. This allows for the Double Gravity Energy Process to be placed anywhere, within a gravity field or possible centrifugal force structure or situation until density equalization is reached. Non-polluting power plants extracting energy from the gravity field are possible with many designs viable. The KEIP is one viable way to exchange matter using the Double Gravity Energy Process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Troy McDermott
  • Patent number: 7509937
    Abstract: An improved lubrication system and method for an internal combustion engine that includes an inertia pump in a piston that reacts to the movement of the piston and conveys a predetermined measure of lubricating oil to the space between the piston and its adjacent cylinder wall immediately below the upper piston rings as the piston reaches top dead center of its stroke cycle. A first embodiment utilizes check valves to responsively open and close passages for the pump in order to control the injection of the proper amount of oil during each cycle. A second embodiment relies on a single moving plunger mass element to provide both the pumping and the valving functions of the inertia pump. A third embodiment utilizes throttle valves to control the injection of the proper amount of oil and allow for a spill path without additional passages. A fourth embodiment utilizes a throttle valve and a check valve in combination to provide secure pumping and a spill path for excess oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 7086840
    Abstract: An oil pump for a reciprocating hermetic compressor comprising a pump body, having a free end immersed in the oil, and an opposite end coupled to the compressor, so as to be driven by the latter in a reciprocating axial movement, said pump body defining at the free end thereof a valve seat, and further lodging a sealing means, which is displaced between a closing position, seated on said valve seat, and an opening position, spaced from said valve seat, said positions resulting from the displacements of approximation and spacing of the pump body in relation to the sealing means therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S.A. - Embraco
    Inventor: Dietmar Erich Bernhard Lilie
  • Patent number: 7052245
    Abstract: An oil pumping system for a reciprocating hermetic compressor having a shell, which defines in the interior thereof an oil sump; a motor compressor assembly; and an oil pump means. The oil pump means is coupled to the compressor by at least one dampening resilient means. The dampening resilient means is dimension to reduce the amplitude of displacement of the oil pump means to a value that is calculated so that the ratio between the natural frequency of resonance (Wn) of the oil pump means and an operation frequency (W) of the compressor results in a ratio between the displacements of the oil pump means and of the compressor with a value inferior to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S.A. -Embraco
    Inventors: Dietmar Erich Bernhard Lilie, Ingwald Vollrath, Egidio Berwanger, Rinaldo Puff
  • Patent number: 6953324
    Abstract: A stabilizing structure for a throw adjusting eccentric cam in a two-stage reciprocating compressor is provided. The compressor includes a block that has at least one cylinder with an associated compression chamber and piston, a crankshaft that includes an eccentric crankpin, and a reversible motor for rotating the crankshaft in a forward and a reverse direction. An eccentric, two position cam is rotatably mounted over the crankpin. The cam rotates to and operates at a first position relative to said crankpin when the motor is running in the forward direction and rotates to and operates at a second position relative to said crankpin when the motor is running in the reverse direction. The combined eccentricities of the crankpin and the cam cause the piston to have a first stroke when the motor operates in the forward direction and a second stroke when the motor operates in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Bristol Compressors, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Young, Joseph F. Loprete, David T. Monk, Philip C. Wagner, Joe T. Hill, Robert B. Peters
  • Publication number: 20040234394
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design of linear motor as well as an improved control strategy. The design allows for a shorted stator, where the armature magnets are controlled to reciprocate to a greater maximum displacement that for a equivalent conventional linear motor. The control strategy is such that a minimum of external sensors are required. The linear motor is driven at its resonant frequency ensuring optionally efficient operation. A determination of the maximum current is made based on a relationship with the resonant frequency and the evaporating temperature/pressure of the vapour entering the compressor. The current is then limited to control the maximum displacement to avoid damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Gerald David Duncan, John Henry Boyd
  • Patent number: 6733245
    Abstract: A piston support structure for a reciprocating compressor is provided that includes a piston receiving a linear reciprocating driving power generated by a reciprocating motor. The piston is in a compression space formed in a cylinder and a first resonant spring and a second resonant spring are positioned on both sides of the piston. The first resonant spring and the second resonant spring elastically support the linear reciprocating motion of the piston. The spring constant of the second resonant spring opposite to the first resonant spring is larger than the spring constant of the first resonant spring positioned on the side of the compression space of the cylinder. Accordingly, the stress concentration of the second resonant springs for elastically supporting the piston is reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the fatigue of the second resonant springs and to extend the durability of the resonant springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won Sik Oh, Hyuk Lee, Gyoo Jong Bae
  • Patent number: 6631787
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a vibratory apparatus such as a hydraulic striking device. The system includes a lubricant pump for pumping lubricant to one or more points of lubrication on the device and a drive for the pump powered in response to vibration of the device. The system includes a base for attachment to the device for vibration therewith, and a lubricant pump for pumping lubricant from a supply. The pump includes a cylinder and a plunger reciprocable in the cylinder through a stroke between a retracted position for intake of lubricant into the cylinder and a forward position for delivery of the intake from the cylinder. A weight is mounted on the base for oscillation in response to the vibration of the device, oscillation of the weight effecting reciprocation of the plunger through a stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, Thomas M. Arens, Zdravko Paluncic, Andreas Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 6571917
    Abstract: A linear compressor including a well-closed container filled with oil at its bottom; a compressive unit having a frame of a hollow inside the well-closed container to which a cylinder inserted, a piston inserted into the hollow of the cylinder, for linearly moving upward and downward by driving of a motor installed at the cylinder, and a discharge cover for covering one end of the cylinder; and an oil supply unit mounted at the lower side of the compressive unit, for pumping oil, wherein the oil supplied from the 01 oil supply unit to the compressive unit exists within the compressor unit in either case that the compressor is operated or stopped. Accordingly, even when the compressor is stopped, the oil remains in the compressive unit, so that when the compressor is re-started, the friction portion between the cylinder and the piston is lubricated, preventing abrasion of the friction portion. Thus, a reliability of the compressor is highly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seong Yeol Hyun
  • Patent number: 6511305
    Abstract: A biphase conveyor of a mixture of fine solid components with pasty and liquid components based on the use of rotational and periodic inertial forces is described. In accordance with the present invention the conveyor comprises a mechanism which impresses on the identical rotor pair R1 and R2 a periodic oscillatory motion with identical frequency and with phase other than 90°. The oscillation mechanism can consist indifferently of a connecting rod & crank system or a rotating bearing with eccentric axis between two guides fastened to the rotor. On R1 is rigidly fastened a biphase circuit whose inlet E01 is connected with the feeder of the materials to be conveyed and the outlet U01 with the inlet E02 of an identical biphase circuit fastened on R2 whose outlet U02 is connected with the user. All this develops a resultant of continuous inertial forces with constant direction from E01 to U02 which causes the flow of the materials making up the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Gino Franch
  • Patent number: 6494293
    Abstract: An opening and closing system for an oil path of a linear compressor that facilitates smooth oil supply during the operation of the compressor and has the oil which has been supplied to the compressor partly remained therein when suspending the operation of the compressor for smooth lubrication when re-operating the compressor includes a hermetic vessel in which oil is filled in a bottom part thereof, a frame disposed in the hermetic vessel and communicating with a first oil groove and a second oil groove, a cylinder inserted into a through hole formed in a predetermined portion of the frame, a piston linearly reciprocating by the driving of a motor by being inserted into the cylinder, the second oil groove being formed on a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the piston, an exhaust cover coupled to one side of the cylinder, an oil supplier disposed at the frame for pumping out oil and communicating with the first oil groove through an oil inflow path, and a switching means formed between the first
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Won Hyun Jung
  • Patent number: 6447260
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus for delivering water upwardly from a holding area and over a holding area bank includes a trailer having wheels and a trailer bed; a composite water drawing pipe including structure for telescoping from a shorter pipe transport length to a longer pipe deployment length to access water at lower levels in the holding area; a water drawing pipe movement mechanism including a mechanism for moving the drawing pipe between a transport position on top of the trailer bed and a deployed position substantially behind and angling downwardly from the trailer bed into water in the holding area. The composite water delivery pipe preferably includes a wider outer pipe and a narrower inner pipe, at least a portion of the narrower inner pipe being slidably retained within the wider outer pipe, the narrower inner pipe being mounted on an annular guiding carriage extending radially between the outer pipe and the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: James David Eller, Dana J. Eller, Daren J. Eller
  • Patent number: 6220772
    Abstract: A pump used in a power toothbrush for fluid delivery to the bristles. The pump moves fluid provided to it to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The pump includes a pump chamber with a piston ball located therein. The piston ball moves within the chamber in response to movement of the brushhead, moving fluid out a discharge end of the pump chamber under pressure. The pump includes a fluid exit channel which connects the discharge end of the pump chamber with an opening in the brushhead in which the dispensing valve is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Optiva Corporation
    Inventor: Richard K. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6220393
    Abstract: An oil supply apparatus for a linear compressor reduces the number of valves which control oil suction and discharge, thereby enabling fabrication and assembly of an apparatus and supplying an oil of an adequate amount to friction areas of driving elements, and increases a compression force of a mass, thereby increasing circulation volume of an oil. The oil supply apparatus for the linear compressor, includes: a compressor unit in which an oil discharge outlet is formed; an oil supply pipe disposed at an outer side of the compressor unit, an end of which communicates with an end of the oil discharge outlet; an oil valve an end of which is fixedly engaged with a side portion of the compressor unit and the other end of which is selectively in contact with the other end of the oil discharge outlet; and a discharge cover positioned at an outer side of the oil valve and engaged with the compressor unit, so that an oil path is formed between the discharge cover and the compressor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Won Sik Oh, Kyung Bum Hur, Hyeong Kook Lee
  • Patent number: 6089352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil supply apparatus for a linear compressor in which elastic members are excluded, wherein oil contained in an oil supply unit is exhausted by inertia and flowed into an oil pocket which communicates with a friction portion between a cylinder and a piston in the process of which the oil supply unit reciprocates in accordance with the vibration of a compressor unit. Thus, the oil supply apparatus for the linear compressor has advantages of reducing manufacturing costs and improving the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung Jin Kim, Ki Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 5782302
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading fluid into subterranean formations includes a housing, a sleeve slidably disposed within the housing, a piston defining an interior volume, the piston slidably disposed within the sleeve and within the housing such that a fluid pressure within the interior volume causes the sleeve to oscillate relative to the housing and causes the piston to oscillate relative to the sleeve and the housing, and a pump which is operably associated with the piston such that the fluid pressure from the interior volume is intensified in the pump and injected into the formation as the piston oscillates relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5667606
    Abstract: An apparatus for pressurizing a pneumatic tire mounted on a vehicle wheel which includes a displacement type air pump having a spring loaded piston and cylinder combination for generating air under pressure. The air pump is axially attached to the vehicle wheel and an air pressure connection conduit introduces air under pressure generated from the pump into the pneumatic tire. A cam and cam follower arrangement is mounted in the housing for the pump for creating relative cam actuated movement therebetween which is utilized for driving the air pump. A pendulum is mounted for free axial rotation relative to the pump housing and the pendulum is connected to one of the cam or cam follower, and the other is secured to the pump housing for rotation therewith to provide this cam actuated driving movement. The axis of piston reciprocation in its cylinder is substantially aligned axially with the wheel axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Cycloid Company
    Inventor: Grant J. Renier
  • Patent number: 5591281
    Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining desired air pressure within a vehicle tire utilizes inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed. The device includes a flywheel attached to and concentric with the vehicle wheel but free to rotate relative the wheel, and an air compressor attached to the vehicle wheel and connected to the tire, the compressor piston responsive to rotation of the flywheel with respect to the vehicle wheel to pass air into the tire. Preferably a connecting rod converts the rotation of the flywheel relative the wheel into the reciprocating sliding of a piston to operate the air compressor. Additionally, a centrifugal intake valve is preferably provided that seals off the inlet passageway to the air compressor when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly to prevent contaminants from entering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Richard T. Loewe
  • Patent number: 5558730
    Abstract: A self-inflating tire pump is integrally fixed to a wheel of a vehicle for automatically pumping air into an inflation region of a tire which is mounted on the wheel. The pump includes a piston which is movable radially outward in a cylinder by centrifugal force to draw air from the atmosphere into a compression chamber and is movable radially inward by a biasing element to compress the air in the compression chamber and pump it into the inflation region. The biasing element includes a surface of the piston which is exposed to air pressure in the inflation region, and prevents the piston from moving outward until the wheel rotates above a certain speed, thereby preventing contaminants such as water and dirt from entering the compression chamber during low speed operation of the vehicle in adverse terrain. A stopper mechanism prevents the piston from moving when the tire pressure is above a normal value, thereby reducing frictional wear of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ross D. Olney, David E. Schnelker, William S. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5556489
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the maintenance of pressure within a vehicle wheel tire to a pre-set level with the air supply being produced by a pump which is driven by centrifugal force, i.e., the wheel rotation creates a centrifugal force which activates a weight to move a piston which pumps the tire inlet air. The pump can be mounted outside or inside the tire volume. Another pump uses the impetus from bumps encountered by the wheel to drive the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Pacific Aeromotive Corporation
    Inventors: John Curlett, Glen J. Brown
  • Patent number: 5484268
    Abstract: A positive displacement centrifugal pump comprises (a) a pressure generating mass rotatable about a first axis and radially movable relative to it upon rotation of the mass, (b) a pumping unit, and (c) a flexible, non-elastic tensioning element operatively connected to the mass and operable in the course of rotation of the mass to cause the mass to move radially inwardly toward the axis so as to effect intake and/or exhaust of fluid within the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Impact MST Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert P. Swank
  • Patent number: 5409049
    Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing and utilizing, inter alia, gravitational and centrifugal forces generated at a location eccentric from the axis of rotation of a rolling wheel. The apparatus includes pumps that can be attached in a tangential relationship to a path of wheel rotation of an automobile wheel in order to pressurize under-inflated tires and maintain tire pressure at a preset value. A double acting unitary piston assembly is supported for antifrictional reciprocation in a pump housing along a line tangential with respect to a path of wheel rotation so that gravitational force will principally displace the piston assembly to effect working strokes for inflating a pneumatic tire. Compression ratio parameters of the pump are preselected to cause the pump to be effective at wheel rotation velocities above which gravitational forces are no longer effective to operate the pump. A device is also provided to adjust the compression ratio of the pump to thereby adjust the air pressure to be maintained in the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Cycloid Company
    Inventor: Grant J. Renier
  • Patent number: 5355924
    Abstract: A reservoir is formed in a wheel of a vehicle for storing high pressure air for inflating a tire mounted on the wheel. A regulating valve communicates the reservoir with the tire when the air pressure in the tire drops below a predetermined value to maintain the tire fully inflated. A mechanism for automatically replenishing the high pressure air in the reservoir includes a radially extending bore formed in the wheel, and a piston which is sealingly movable in the bore. A variable volume compression chamber is defined in the bore between the radially outer ends of the bore and the piston. When the vehicle is stopped, a relatively weak spring urges the piston to a radially innermost position in which an inlet check valve opens to allow communication of the chamber with the atmosphere so that the chamber can be filled with fresh air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Ross D. Olney
  • Patent number: 5346369
    Abstract: A pump actuated by a reciprocal oscillating motion, the pump including a casing member enclosing an elongated substantially cylindrical chamber therewithin, a pair of flexible bellows disposed at the opposing distal ends of the chamber, each of the bellows, in a normal unflexed state, extending inward into the chamber, and each of the bellows enclosing a pumping chamber, each of the pumping-chambers having a one way intake port and a one way output port, a piston positioned within the chamber for reciprocation therewithin under the influence of gravity in response to the reciprocal oscillating motion, the piston including a substantially spheroid member, the piston having a reciprocal stroke such that, at the extremes of the reciprocal stroke, the piston alternately compresses each of the flexible bellows, thereby alternately decreasing the volume of each of the pumping, and a cap member disposed at each of the distal ends of the casing member, each of the cap members abutting one of the flexible bellows to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: William L. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5228840
    Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprises a mass such as a liquid filled pressure chamber or an annular ring which is rotated at high speed about a first axis so that centrifugal force acting on the liquid or ring creates zones of differential pressure within the interior of the pressure chamber or along the wall of the ring. At least one pumping unit having a pressure-responsive member is oscillated or rotated between the zones of differential pressure while the center of gravity of the pressure chamber or ring is maintained at a fixed distance from the first axis. In the course of moving into one zone having one pressure, the pressure-responsive member of the pumping unit is effective to intake a fluid such as air into the pumping unit. Air is discharged from the pumping unit by the pressure-responsive member in the course of moving from such one zone into another zone having a different pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Impact MST Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert P. Swank
  • Patent number: 5228291
    Abstract: A novel motor and method for converting rotary input motion to axial reciprocating motion of an output shaft in which input work and energy are transferred by creating unbalanced reaction forces with a motor driven unbalanced rotating mass as it acts on a pair of first pistons in direct communication with hydraulic fluid. The reaction forces created by the spinning unbalanced mass are converted to axial reciprocating motion by constraining the motion of the mass drive shaft, the supporting structure and the first pistons. A pair of second pistons, being integral with an output shaft, transfers oscillating pulses from the first pistons to a common output shaft where it can be applied to do work on an external system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Ralph A. Meyering
  • Patent number: 5201968
    Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing and utilizing, inter alia, cyclic forces generated at a location eccentric from the axis of rotation of a rolling wheel. The apparatus may include, for example, pumps that can be attached to the valve stem of an automobile wheel in order to pressurize under-inflated tires and maintain tire pressure at a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Cycloid Company
    Inventor: Grant J. Renier
  • Patent number: 4990062
    Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprises a mass such as a liquid filled pressure chamber or an annular ring which is rotated at high speed about a first axis so that centrifugal force acting on the liquid or ring creates zones of differential pressure within the interior of the pressure chamber or along the wall of the ring. At least one pumping unit having a pressure-responsive member is oscillated or rotated between the zones of differential pressure while the center of gravity of the pressure chamber or ring is maintained at a fixed distance from the first axis. In the course of moving into one zone having one pressure, the pressure-responsive member of the pumping unit is effective to intake a fluid such as air into the pumping unit. Air is discharged from the pumping unit by the pressure-responsive member in the course of moving from such one zone into another zone having a different pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Impact MST Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert P. Swank
  • Patent number: 4651792
    Abstract: A tire pressurizing system is provided for automatically pressurizing a pneumatic tire. The system employs centrifugal force to actuate a pump which is attached to the interior of the tire. Centrifugal force causes a pump actuating member to follow a different orbital path around a rotating tire from the path of the pump housing, which is attached to the tire. The difference is due to the flexing of the tire in the load bearing "footprint" area. The result is reciprocation of the actuating member, which in turn operates a pump. Piston and diaphragm pump embodiments are disclosed. An automatic pressure regulator is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Allen F. Ehle
    Inventor: Robert D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4541781
    Abstract: A rotary fluid pump is disclosed which uses rotating rollers running along a circular track to successively depress a plurality of lever arms which in turn operate pistons in a like number of pumps to thereby pump a fluid. The rollers are free to rotate on a frame, which frame rotates co-axially within the track. The rollers are carried on sleeves which slide on arms extending from the hub of the frame, such that the rollers are free to move radially outwardly, as well as inwardly, in response to inertial (i.e., centrifugal) forces associated with the rotation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sheffer
  • Patent number: 4416589
    Abstract: A positive displacement liquid pump having a free-moving weight mass spaced from and oscillatably positioned concentrically within a cylindrical housing is disclosed. A pair of cooperating one-way valves, one valve communicating with a central passage defined by the weight mass while the other valve communicates with an inlet to the housing, coact to draw in fluid or liquid from a supply source. As the oscillatable weight mass moves away from the inlet, the one-way inlet valve opens, filling a chamber behind the weight mass. The one-way valve in the weight mass simultaneously closes enabling the weight mass to drive fluid out of the reservoir chamber at an exit end of the housing, the valves acting oppositely when the weight mass oscillates back toward the housing inlet. The free-moving weight mass suspended within the pump housing is set in motion by the oscillatory motion of a vibration source without direct mechanical actuation of the device from a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Inventor: John C. Perry
  • Patent number: 4406587
    Abstract: A positive displacement liquid pump having a free stroking piston slidably positioned within a cylindrical housing is disclosed. A pair of cooperating one-way valves, one valve communicating with a central passage defined by the piston while the other valve communicates with an inlet to the housing, coact to draw in fluid from a source of liquid. As the piston moves away from the inlet the one-way inlet valve opens filling a chamber behind the piston. The one-way valve in the piston simultaneously closes enabling the piston to drive fluid out of the reservoir chamber at an exit end of the housing, the valves acting oppositely when the piston oscillates back toward the housing inlet. The free stroking piston within the pump is set in motion by the oscillatory motion of vibration alone without direct mechanical piston actuation from a power source. The pump may cooperate with a fluid regulator to control flow of fluid from the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Inventor: John C. Perry
  • Patent number: 4392583
    Abstract: A cap and valve assembly for a liquid reservoir has a cover in which is disposed a flexible valve member. The flexible valve member has an annular sealing portion engaging the reservoir and a diaphragm portion. An air chamber is formed between the diaphragm portion and the cover, which chamber expands and contracts in response to mechanical vibrations of the reservoir, whereby air is drawn from atmosphere and pumped to the interior of the reservoir. The valve member is spring-loaded when the cap assembly is secured to the reservoir in a manner to assist the annular sealing contact and to establish the at rest volume of the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Tom C. Wong
  • Patent number: 4364715
    Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting wave energy by utilizing the movement of the waves has a support or foundation suitably anchored so as to be relatively stable to wave movement. Pivotally attaching to the support is a pontoon member. The pontoon is so pivoted on the support that it moves in respect to the support in response to wave movement. The interior of the pontoon is partitioned to include two chambers, one located at each end of the pontoon. Each of the chambers includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet which are equipped with one way valves which restrict gas flow into the chambers via the inlet and out of the chambers via the outlet. A gas collecting system is attached to the gas outlet. The two chambers are connected together near the bottom of the pontoon by a connecting member. A movable member within the interior of the pontoon which is operatively associated with the connection member moves in response to wave movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Inventor: Richard D. Bolding
  • Patent number: 4349064
    Abstract: A tire pump that is mounted on the rim, inside the tire. The pump is operated by centrifugal force when the tire rolls along the highway; it is designed to keep the air pressure within the tire at a constant, pre-set, level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventor: George R. Booth
  • Patent number: 4307997
    Abstract: A free piston inertia compressor comprises a piston assembly including a connecting rod having pistons on both ends, the cylinder being split into two substantially identical portions by a seal through which the connecting rod passes. Vents in the cylinder wall are provided near the seal to permit gas to excape the cylinder until the piston covers the vent whereupon the remaining gas in the cylinder functions as a gas spring and cushions the piston against impact on the seal. The connecting rod has a central portion of relatively small diameter providing free play of the connecting rod through the seal and end portions of relatively large diameter providing a limited tolerance between the connecting rod and the seal. Finally, the seal comprises a seal ring assembly consisting of a dampener plate, a free floating seal at the center of the dampener plate and a seal retainer plate in one face of the dampener plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: William D. C. Richards, Denis Bilodeau, Thomas Marusak, Leonard Dutram, Jr., Joseph Brady
  • Patent number: 4242053
    Abstract: The specification describes a fluid energy transfer device, comprising: a body means having at least one fluid chamber and fluid inlet and outlet passages for delivering fluid to and from the chamber; means for continuously accelerating the body means; whereby acceleration of the body means causing fluid flow inwardly and outwardly of the chamber and a change in fluid flow rate being effective to change the acceleration of the body means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Inventor: Charles A. Mulvenna
  • Patent number: 4148619
    Abstract: An aerator for use in the neck of a flask for increasing the flow of gas from the exterior to the interior of the flask. The aerator has a gas-impervious exterior wall a plurality of gas moving members are positioned within the wall and tend to urge gas through the aerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Inventor: Daniel H. Deutsch
  • Patent number: 3980152
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air powered vehicle including a chassis and wheels to which is connected an airpowered, reciprocating piston engine having intake and exhaust systems. A suspension type compressor is operatively connected between a wheel and the chassis whereby vertical movement of the wheel due to unevenness of the road or bumps provided on the wheel causes the compressor to operate and provide compressed air. This compressor is provided with inlet and exhaust ports connected, respectively, to a reservoir, whereby operation of the compressor pumps air to the reservoir for operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Inventor: Robert T. Manor
  • Patent number: 3945763
    Abstract: An improved pumping apparatus featuring a rotating frame having lever-actuated pump assemblies located thereabout. The levers are weighted at their distal ends and pivot about fixed fulcrum points as the frame rotates. The proximal ends of the levers are spur gears that engage and reciprocate a pump rod of each pump assembly via a rack gear portion of the pump rod. Pistons disposed in pump cylinders are connected to ends of the pump rods, and these pistons apply pumping force to a fluid, the fluid being communicated to the pump cylinders via conduit means that communicate with external fluid sources through an annulus pipe, and through an interdisposed inner pipe, these pipes also serving as the axle support for the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1976
    Inventor: George E. Terhune
  • Patent number: 3937168
    Abstract: A wave-actuated bilge pump for pumping foul bilge gases from a boat. The pump includes a generally inverted U-shaped section of hollow tubing with generally downwardly directed legs having open ends. One of the ends is positioned to receive bilge gases from within the boat, and the other end is immersed below the surface of the water outside the boat. A freely-opening check valve permits bilge gases to flow within the tubing only away from the fume-receiving end. A gas-escape port opened to the atmosphere is provided in the tubing above the lower, open tubing end immersed in the water, and a second, freely-opening check valve is provided to permit flow of bilge fumes through the port only outwardly of the tubing of the atmosphere. Wave-action causes the level of water in the exterior leg of the tubing to rise and to fall such that bilge gases are drawn into the tubing as the water level falls, and the gases are exhausted from the tubing as the water level rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Inventor: Lyle E. Doak