Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine includes at least one work function and a control valve unit for controlling hydraulic fluid to and from the work function, and a recovery unit connected to a return port of the control valve unit for recovering energy from the work function. The system further includes an arrangement for limiting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the return port, which pressure limiting arrangement has a pilot-operated valve adapted to set a maximum allowable pressure at the return port of the control valve unit. The pressure is variable by controlling the pilot-operated valve by a control unit.

Abstract: An orientation-independent electro-hydraulic actuator that includes a housing having an interior space forming a fluid reservoir, a pump connected to the housing, an electric motor drivingly coupled to the pump; and a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston axially movable within a cylinder. The cylinder is in fluid communication with the pump to effect movement of the piston in response to fluid flow between the cylinder and the fluid reservoir. The pump has one or more inlet/outlet ports communicating with a volumetric centroid region of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir includes a volume of hydraulic fluid such that when the piston is fully extended, the volume of fluid in the reservoir is at a minimum and at least one of the inlet/outlet ports is submerged in hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A hydrostatic fan drive for internal combustion engines is disclosed, having a primary unit that can be driven by the internal combustion engine, and having a fan motor by means of which a blower fan can be driven. A hydraulic reservoir is disposed at a high-pressure line connecting the primary unit to the fan motor. A hybrid fan drive for internal combustion engines is thus provided, allowing fan operation even if the internal combustion engine is switched off. An increased maximal available power of the internal combustion engine is available in transition, despite the fan operation, because the fan motor can be supplied with pressurized media by the hydraulic reservoir in such cases (in transition).

Abstract: A rotor rotates about a spindle and has one or more sliders which are movable between two stop points. An actuator is activated by pressurized fluid and causes the slider or sliders to move back and forth between the stop points. The back and forth movement causes the spindle to rotate and the rotational energy of the spindle is harnessed to produce electricity.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a pneumatic system with a pressure source adapted for generating a medium under pneumatic pressure, a control valve coordinated with the pressure source, via a first conduit, a piston-cylinder arrangement or a “motor”, whose working chamber is coordinated, via a second conduit, with said control valve and whose low-pressure or return chamber is coordinated, via a third conduit, with one side of a coupling arrangement whose other side is coordinated, via a fourth conduit, with said pressure source. Said coupling arrangement is in the form of a unit coordinated with the piston-cylinder arrangement but discrete or separated from the piston-cylinder arrangement. Within said unit and extending between connections associated with the unit there is disposed at least one direct or indirect coupling-in of a high pressure regulator and a low-pressure regulator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a propulsion system for a vehicle or the like having a two part turbine system comprising a main turbine portion for driving the vehicle drive train and a smaller, accessory turbine system to provide auxiliary power for other components of the engine and vehicle. The turbines are both liquid driven by having a two-stage pressure system wherein the first stage raises the pressure to approximately 50 psi and the second stage system raises the pressure to approximately 3,000 to 5500 psi which pressurized fluid is then sprayed or injected onto the blades of a turbine so as to make the turbines rotate about a central drive axle. The fluid chosen as the hydraulic fluid of the present invention is extended life antifreeze.

Abstract: A system, including a motion-driven air compressor, configured to compress air in response to motion of a vehicle, and an air storage enclosure configured to store a compressed air from the motion-driven air compressor, wherein the system is configured to deliver the compressed air to a vehicle subsystem to decrease a cost of operating the vehicle.

Abstract: The rotary engine includes a circular stator, a circular rotor rotating about the stator; the rotor and the stator being separated by a circular cylinder and at least one element with two flanges. The rotor includes two compression pistons attached to the inner surface of the rotor. These two pistons are located at the two extremities of a first diameter of the rotor and kept substantially in contact with the outer surface of the stator. The stator includes a recess at each extremity of a diameter. Each recess forms a compression chamber with the compression piston positioned at the end of the recess in the direction of rotation of the rotor and one of the flanges of the element with two flanges, referred to as the cylinder head flange. The motive force is applied to the compression piston when the pressure of the gases inside the compression chamber is suddenly increased to a predefined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for osmotic power generation and desalination of seawater using a salinity difference is provided.

Abstract: A system comprises a first piston comprising a first piston shaft and a first drive pin. A first piston cylinder comprises a first body and a first groove, wherein the first groove defines a first aperture, the first aperture oriented axially along the first body and configured to receive the first drive pin. The first body encloses the first piston and allows the first piston to travel axially within the first piston cylinder. A drive shaft comprises an axis, a drive groove, and a surface, wherein the drive groove forms a continuous channel along the surface and receives the first drive pin. In one embodiment, a first distribution wheel comprises a first face, a second face, a first inlet aperture, and a first outlet aperture. The first distribution wheel couples to the first piston cylinder and to the drive shaft at a first end of the drive shaft, and rotates axially with the drive shaft along the axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to degradation of biomass with a peroxide in the presence of a metal catalyst. The process can result in ethanol production from cellulosic biomass, fuel gases, useful chemicals and biochemicals from decomposition products, heat and/or pressure for direct use, and electricity generation.

Abstract: An electric power accumulating means (30) includes a DC bus connected to an electric power accumulator (19) and supplies a direct current, a smoothing capacitor provided to the DC bus, and a voltage detector (23) that detects a voltage of the DC bus. The generator (12) generates an induced voltage E by being rotationally driven by an engine (11) when starting the engine (11). Degaussing of a permanent magnet of the generator is determined by performing a comparison between the induced voltage E detected by the voltage detector (23) and a previously set reference induced voltage RE.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing a process fluid at a remote location, with the apparatus including a pump located at a first location and configured to provide a pressurized working fluid. The apparatus also includes an umbilical coupled to the pump such that the umbilical receives the pressurized working fluid from the pump and transports the pressurized working fluid therefrom. The apparatus further includes a hydraulic turbine disposed at the remote location and coupled to the umbilical such that the hydraulic turbine receives the pressurized working fluid from the umbilical. The apparatus additionally includes one or more shaft energy conversion devices operatively coupled to the hydraulic turbine and disposed at the remote location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tractor trailer power system for powering a hydraulic liftgate and other components in the trailer so the tractor engine does not have to run to maintain the battery charge of the trailer batteries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent, integrated facility and fireground management system which is efficient, assures first responder, pedestrian and appliance safety, as well as precise performance in extreme emergency situations, regulatory compliance, easy and flexible integration with building systems and add-on components, as well as advanced internal component monitoring and event logging. The present invention additionally provides systems and method for real-time first responder situational awareness and real-time fireground situational awareness.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an expander having two or more hydraulic stages with different physical geometries. In an embodiment, a first hydraulic stage uses nozzle vanes machined with a first geometry, while a second hydraulic stage uses nozzle vanes machined with a second geometry. Different nozzle vanes can be combined to tune the performance of the expander as the optimal operating conditions change. In yet another embodiment, an expander is equipped with a generator having a double wound stator with two sets of parallel windings. For high operating loads greater than a threshold, a first set of windings operates while a second set of windings, operating at a lower frequency, is disconnected. For operating loads that are less than the threshold, the first set of windings is disconnected and the second set of windings operates, enabling the generator to continue to operate close to 100% load for less expander power.

Abstract: A system for moving an object in one axis that creates highly dispersed but precisely controlled mechanical force to support, manipulate, and maintain an object, tool or application in precise alignment or orientation with respect to a stationary or moving target is disclosed. The system includes one or more fluid containers within a cylindrical enclosure or drum, and a shaft running through longitudinal axis of the drum. The shaft is coupled to the drum by rotating assemblies so that the drum may rotate around the shaft or the draft may rotate inside the drum. The fluid inflatable containers are arranged in a inside the drum around the shaft so that each container exerts expansive force between a vane fixed to the drum and a vane fixed to the shaft. A volume of the fluid may be placed in the one or more fluid containers by control systems. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers, forces are exerted on the vanes and the object is moved.

Abstract: An actuator is equipped with a moveable part 160 that moves according to changes in an intake amount of air, a cylinder 140 that contains air and pumps the air through a fluid pipe 150 to the moveable part 160 according to pressure applied to the air, and a piston 130 that applies pressure to the air in the cylinder 140. Further, the actuator is equipped with a motor 100 that generates rotational force, and a screw 110 and a slide nut 120 that convert the rotational force to a force to move the piston 130. The air is enclosed in the moveable part 160, the cylinder 140 and the fluid pipe 150.

Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transmission including a reservoir housing having at least two openings, wherein a pre-assembled motor module can be received in one of the openings for closing the opening, and a cover can be attached to the other opening for closing the opening. As a result, the motor can be mounted at a left or right side opening depending on which side of a zero-turn-radius mower or other vehicle the transmission is being mounted, and because the transmission is modular, the design provides for ease of service of both the hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method and apparatus, wherein said methods and apparatus comprises an actuator comprising a first plate, a pocket extending through the first plate, the pocket in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and a second plate coupled to a component that is to be actuated, wherein the first plate, the second plate, and the pocket are dimensioned such that when a pressurized fluid is discharged through the pocket, the velocity of the fluid through a gap between the first plate and the second plate creates a pressure drop sufficient to pull the second plate toward the first plate.

Abstract: A multiple cell horizontal turbine type engine that is capable of developing high speed (RPM) and high torque (Ft-Lbs) capacity that can be used widely in automotive industries and other types of applications that require movement. The engine does not require gasoline or any type of fuel to operate, it uses re-circulating high pressure liquid (mixture of water and anti-freeze solution) to turn the turbine.

Abstract: The hydraulic engine includes first and second reaction chambers, the first and second reaction chambers each having an enclosure within which is disposed a floating piston. An impulse turbine is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers. A delay valve is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers and the impulse turbine, the delay valve operable to switch between a first position and a second position, the first position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the first reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein and the second position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the second reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein. Successive explosions in the first and second reaction chambers provide flows of high pressure fluid to drive the impulse turbine and to switch the delay valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for renewable power generation utilizes the chemical potential dissimilarity between solutions of differing ionic formulations. A train is formed by a sequentially ordered set of a plurality of cells in which each successive cell is related to the preceding cell. Each cell has pumping means and hydro-power generation turbine means to form a closed hydraulic loop configured for specified volumetric and flow capacity. Adjacent cells share semipermeable membranes. Each cell is charged with a brine of specified ionizable inorganic salt quantity and type with the brine being cycled in a controlled concentration-pressure loop, with each of the cells operating at progressively increasing concentration and osmotic pressure ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing liquid flow in a pipeline which is provided with at least one turbine device to extract energy from the liquid flow, wherein stream is used to produce liquid flow in the pipeline and through the turbine.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for performing cardiovascular training, including: an exercise device that is adapted to enable a user to perform a specific motion pattern; an ergometer that provides an indication of the amount of work performed by the user of the exercise device; an alarm system that provides an indication to the user responsive to the readings of the ergometer; wherein the alarm system is preprogrammed to provide indications responsive to one or more readings of the ergometer based on the results of a cardiorespiratory exercise test performed on the user with the exercise device.

Abstract: In a rotation device using a hydraulic actuator, a rotation angle range is increased. A placement member rotatable coupled to a rotary member has a projecting part on an upper face, A hydraulic actuator is arranged on a projecting face of the projecting part; the actuator and the rotary member coupled with a wire material. The projecting part is formed such that it becomes higher from a leading edge on the side of the rotary member to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and becomes lower from the intermediate portion to a trailing edge. Thereby, when fluid is supplied to the actuator and shortens the actuator length, a tip of the actuator moves along the projecting face of the projecting part, and is located high, separated from the upper face of the placement member such that the rotation angle range of the rotary member becomes large.

Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus and method for recovering and harvesting energy from passing air is disclosed. Energy recovery and harvesting from passing air is accomplished by creating a pressure differential using high and low pressure ports. The energy represented by the pressure differential is extracted using a mass airfoil device which, in turn, is used to create alternative forms of energy which, in turn, is used to support auxiliary and main systems aboard any moving object or form of transport.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an operator controlled machine, the system including at least one actuator for moving a machine component, a source of pressurized fluid for delivering pressurized fluid at a system pressure to a control valve which is operable under operator control, to control the flow of fluid from the source to the actuator at a load pressure, along a load pressure path, a flow control apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid from the source to the control valve, the flow control apparatus including an actuating part which is biased by a resilient device to a condition in which the flow control apparatus provides for a maximum flow of fluid to the control valve, actuating part movement by the resilient device being resisted by system pressure fluid and being supported by fluid at a control pressure, the control pressure being derived from the load pressure, and wherein the system includes a pressure control device to which the load pressure is communicated, the pressure control device being opera

Abstract: An accessory drive attachment is provided. The accessory drive attachment may be attached to a lawnmower that has a hydrostatic transmission. The transmission system of the lawnmower may be used to drive a shaft of the accessory drive attachment. An accessory such as a leaf blower, air compressor, pressure washer, or electric generator may be attached to the accessory drive attachment and driven by the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small-size light-weight electric motor integrated hydraulic motor which is simple in configuration, integrally includes an electric motor and a hydraulic motor, and is capable of efficiently operate, by being configured such that: a swash plate type hydraulic motor and an electric motor driven by the swash plate type hydraulic motor are provided in one casing; the casing is filled with oil; a driving shaft of the swash plate type hydraulic is configured to extend from a front end portion of the casing up to a rear end portion thereof and be supported at the front and rear end portions of the casing; the swash plate type hydraulic motor and a rotor of the electric motor are provided in series at the driving shaft; and a stator of the electric motor is fixed to an inner side portion of the casing.

Abstract: This new type of vehicle engine is a zero emission engine. It uses low consumption of electric power from electric batteries, which is transformed in hydraulic power through the hydraulic pumps system, which is transformed in mechanical power through the cylinders of the engine. The engine develops a great mechanical force based on the fact that electrical force is multiplied by hydraulic force and the fact that liquids do not compress when a mechanical force is applied on.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A pressure grid system and method suitable for obtaining and/or generating, storing, distributing and using a pressurized gas. The pressure grid system obtains and/or generates pressurized gas by using the energy from various sources, preferably natural resources such as wind power, hydro power, etc. At least a portion of the pressurized gas is stored in one or more subterranean locations, from which the pressurized gas can be transported to end users for their use, for example, by converting the energy of the pressurized gas to another form of energy, such as electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprising a receiving body with electrohydraulic valve, with at least one hydraulic pump, and with channels for connecting the pump to at least one hydraulic load. A pulsation situation arises as a result of the delivery of a pressure medium by the pump and/or as a result of pressure medium being withdrawn by the load. At least one damping unit is provided, having a plurality of pulsation damping means such as, in particular, a damping chamber, and orifice. The hydraulic system provides a uniform and cost-effective solution for different operating situations and prevents a decrease in comfort. The damping unit has at least one switching means for adjusting the action of said damping unit to a varied pulsation situation by connecting or disconnecting one or more damping means.

Abstract: Metal coated organic polymer compositions are useful as vehicular transmission parts. Such parts may have lighter weight, and/or superior corrosion resistance, and/or be more easily fabricated than similar conventional transmission parts.

Abstract: A method for stepping a first member relative to a second member. The method including: providing one of the first and second members with one of a plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; providing the other of the first and second members with the other of the plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the first spacing; and engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the first and second members a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic piston engine (11) and a drive (1) for recovering brake energy. The drive comprises a driving shaft (4) and a first accumulator (12) for accumulating pressure energy. The first accumulator (12) is connected to a hydrostatic piston engine (11). Said hydrostatic piston engine (11) has a coupling (9) and can be connected to the driving shaft (4) by means of the coupling (9). The hydrostatic piston engine (11) comprises a housing in which a cylinder drum and the driving shaft (4) are rotatably received. The cylinder drum can be connected to the driving shaft (4) by means of the coupling (9) in a rotationally fixed manner.

Abstract: A vehicular peripheral device control system includes a peripheral device, an input device, and a hydraulic control apparatus. The input device is coupled to the hydraulic control apparatus and when actuated generates an input to the hydraulic control apparatus. The peripheral device is coupled to the hydraulic control apparatus, which actuates the peripheral device in response to the input device generating the input to the hydraulic control apparatus.

Abstract: A Hydraulic valve device includes a first engine port and a second engine port to a double acting hydraulic motor, and a pump, a hand valve, which is arranged such that it connects the engine ports to the tank and the pump, and which hand valve has two open positions, wherein the pump in the first open position via a line is connected to the first engine port and the tank via a line is connected to the second engine port, and wherein the pump in the second open position via the line is connected to the second engine port and the tank via the line is connected to the first engine port, and a first nonreturn valve, arranged between the pump and the second engine port and opens towards the second engine port.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes batteries and a DC motor. A rotary member is driven by a hydraulic pump, which acts through pistons engaging a eccentric U-shaped rod to impart torque to the rotary member. Bevel gears transfer the torque to the rotary member, which can be connected to a DC generator or a battery charger. The pistons include hollow piston head and piston rods, which reduce the amount of hydraulic fluid that must be pumped. This energy conversion device may be employed in a vehicle. Hydraulic fluid, activated steam or air may be employed as a working medium.

Abstract: System for controlling the motion of an actuator of a hydraulic system that may be embodied as a circuit or device that, interposed between a pump and the actuator, controls the motion of the actuator, causing the actuator to follow the movement of the pump. The present invention relates both to a system and a device providing such result just on the basis of the measures of the fluid circulating within the hydraulic circuit or device. The system according to the present invention is suited both with opposing loads and dragging loads.

Abstract: 1-100 nm metal ferrite spinel coatings are provided on substrates, preferably by using an atomic layer deposition process. The coatings are able to store energy such as solar energy, and to release that stored energy, via a redox reaction. The coating is first thermally or chemically reduced. The reduced coating is then oxidized in a second step to release energy and/or hydrogen, carbon monoxide or other reduced species.

Abstract: A variable-displacement piston-cylinder device may be adapted for providing work output, and/or for pumping or compressing fluids. The piston-cylinder device defines two or more coaxial cylindrical expansion chambers between a piston having two or more coaxial and conjoined piston members, and a correspondingly-shaped cylinder. Substantially any combination of the expansion chambers may be activated or deactivated in order to vary the effective displacement of the piston-cylinder device. The effective displacement of each piston-cylinder may be changed in mid-operation in order to reduce power output and fuel consumption (or pumping or compressing capacity), without introducing vibration. In addition, a control system is provided for managing the effective displacement of each piston-cylinder according to output required, desirable operating parameters, and other parameters that can effect the operation of the device.

Abstract: An orientation-independent hydraulic system comprises a dynamic fluid reservoir defining a first volume substantially equal to the volume of the fluid therein, and a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with the dynamic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder has a second volume of hydraulic fluid and a piston rod configured to extend and retract in response to changes in the second volume. A first hydraulic pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the dynamic fluid reservoir, thereby moving the piston rod between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand alone system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a weighted object is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the weighted object and thereby store energy in the elevated object. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: An adaptive, low-impact vehicle energy harvester system, and a method of harvesting vehicle energy, is provided. The system includes a plurality of channels disposed longitudinally in a trafficway, wherein each of the plurality of channels includes one or more compressible, elongated hollow bodies such that a movement of a vehicle along the trafficway causes contents in the elongated hollow bodies to be expelled from one end, a motor in communication with the hollow bodies such that the contents expelled from one end of the hollow bodies actuate the motor, and a control unit that varies a resistance to the movement of the contents in the elongated hollow bodies based on at least one of a mass of the vehicle, a velocity of the vehicle, and a rate of change of velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A construction machine that permits an exhaust gas after-treatment device to be disposed while suppressing an increase of height. An upper surface of a hydraulic pump is positioned lower than an upper surface of an engine, a tank device having at least one of a working oil tank and a fuel tank is provided at a rear portion thereof with a small height portion which has an upper surface of a height almost equal to or smaller than the height of the upper surface of the hydraulic tank, and an exhaust gas after-treatment device is disposed at a position above both the small height portion and the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: There may be a case where, by simply coupling the first compressor (expander compressor unit) and the second compressor with an oil-equalizing pipe, the first compressor is not lubricated sufficiently, thereby decreasing reliability. The volumetric capacity (V1) of the first available oil space (130) of the first compressor (101) is set larger than the volumetric capacity (V2) of the second available oil space (140) of the second compressor (102). With this configuration, even if the oil level (S1) of the first oil sump (13) decreases in transition to a state of steady operation, it is possible to maintain a sufficient amount of oil in the first compressor (101), and thus high reliability as a fluid machine can be achieved.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for producing renewable electrical power energy which does not require the consumption of fossil-based, petroleum-based or other combustible fuels, nor release hazardous emissions or byproducts to the atmosphere or otherwise to the environment. The system utilizes closed-loop fluid recirculation and is not dependent upon an external unlimited sources of water flow and head as with dam-style hydro-electric power systems and is not dependant upon predefined favorable environmental and/or weather conditions to function. The system includes a DC magnetic system adapted to be coupled between an AC generator and a hydro-rotor/centrifugal pump system; a DC power source and charging system; a propulsion pump system; and a containment housing with a plurality of thrust producing vanes, fluid management infrastructure and reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydromechanical pendular generator generating electricity on vessels by making use of the energy of waves.