Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes an energy recuperation device which harvests the energy generated from the stroking of a shock absorber. The energy recuperation device can function in a passive energy recovery mode for the shock absorber or an active mode for the shock absorber. The energy that is generated by the energy recuperation device can be stored as fluid pressure or it can be converted to another form of energy such as electrical energy.

Abstract: An energy recovery control circuit is provided with an energy recovery system for recovering energy of a work equipment. The energy recovery control circuit includes an recovery control valve block in which a plurality of valves that constitute the energy recovery system are incorporated. The recovery control valve block includes a main spool, in which a plurality of control characteristics concerning recovery of energy are consolidated.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first meterless circuit with a first pump fluidly connected to a first actuator in a closed-loop manner, and a second meterless circuit with a second pump fluidly connected to a second actuator in a closed-loop manner. The hydraulic system may also have at least one accumulator configured to receive pressured fluid from and discharge pressurized fluid to the first and second meterless circuits.

Abstract: A negative control type hydraulic pump control device mounted on a construction machine such as an excavator is provided. The hydraulic pump control device includes an accumulator storing a control signal pressure, a solenoid valve supplying any one of the signal pressure from the accumulator and a negative signal pressure to the regulator when a solenoid valve is shifted in accordance with applying of the control signal, and an operation lever locking unit turning ON/OFF the control signal applied to the solenoid valve in accordance with a driver's operation, wherein an inclination angle of a swash plate of a hydraulic pump is maintained with a minimum capacity by compensating for the negative signal pressure caused by hydraulic fluid supplied from the accumulator through shifting of the solenoid valve when an engine starts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a brake device of an electro-hydraulic brake system for vehicles which provides hydraulic braking force to transmit stable pedal feel and provides regenerative braking for fuel efficiency improvement. The brake device includes an actuator unit including a master cylinder, a housing including a boosting chamber and a simulation chamber, an input rod, a reservoir connected to the upper portion of the master cylinder and storing oil, a simulator connected to the simulation chamber and a pedal displacement sensor sensing displacement of the pedal, and a hydraulic control unit. The hydraulic control unit includes an accumulator, a pump sucking oil from the reservoir and discharging the oil to the accumulator, a motor, a first control valve, a second control valve, a third control valve, pressure sensors sensing the pressures of the accumulator, the boosting chamber and the simulation chamber, and an electronic control unit (ECU).

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump with variable-displacement, a first linear actuator, and a second linear actuator coupled to the first linear actuator to operate in tandem. The first and second linear actuators may be connected to the pump in closed-loop manner, and each of the first and second linear actuators may have a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a piston. The hydraulic system may also have an accumulator in fluid communication with the second chamber of only the second linear actuator.

Abstract: A sequence valve for a hydraulic circuit provides a control signal through a control signal port to a pressure responsive flow source to maintain pressure in an accumulator between a low pressure setting and a high pressure setting. The valve includes accumulator, flow source and drain ports, in addition to the control signal port. A spool controls communication between the control signal port and the drain port. A piston is moved by pressure in the accumulator port against a control spring to close communication between the control signal port and the flow source port, and to move the valve spool to close communication between control signal port and the drain port. A differential between the net cross sectional area of the spool establishes the differential between the high and low pressure settings of the accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive (1) having an energy storage device and a method for storing brake energy. A drive (1) has an energy storage device having a hydrostatic piston engine (9) and a storage element (11) which is connected thereto. In a high-pressure storage line (10), an adjustable throttle location (15) is arranged between the piston engine (9) and the storage element (11). During the braking operation, the adjustable throttle location (15) is adjusted in accordance with a detected requested brake torque. The pressure medium is conveyed from the hydrostatic piston engine (9) via the adjustable throttle location (15) into the storage element (11).

Abstract: A power generating apparatus of renewable energy type in which a hydraulic pipe between a hydraulic pump installed inside a nacelle and a hydraulic motor installed near a bottom part of a tower can handle the turning motion of the nacelle. In the power generating apparatus of renewable energy type, a hydraulic pump inside the nacelle and a hydraulic motor near a base end part of a tower are connected by a first double pipe and a second double pipe. The first double pipe is rotatably connected to the second double pipe. The first double pipe includes a first inner pipe and a first outer pipe. The second double pipe includes a second inner pipe and a second outer pipe. The first and second inner pipes communicate with each other to form an inner passage. The first and second outer pipes communicate with each other to form an outer passage.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus includes a rotating shaft, a hydraulic pump driven by the rotating shaft, a hydraulic motor driven by pressurized oil supplied from the hydraulic pump, and a generator coupled to the hydraulic motor. Each of the hydraulic pump and motor includes working chambers each defined by a cylinder and a piston, a high pressure manifold and a low pressure manifold. Each of the high and low pressure manifolds includes branch channels connected to the working chambers and a merging channel connected to a high or low pressure oil line. The branch channels are equipped with high or low pressures valves, joined together and merged into the merging channel.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump apparatus includes a pump chamber in a pipe system for receiving a pumping fluid, the pipe system having an inlet and an outlet which can be shut by a valve. The chamber is connected via an intermediate fluid chamber with a displacement element including a piston head and a piston rod, which is arranged to alternately carry out a suction stroke and a displacement stroke during its movement to displace fluid in the intermediate fluid chamber, thereby increasing or reducing the volume of the pump chamber. A flexible separating element including a diaphragm is provided at the pump chamber to separate the fluid in the intermediate fluid chamber from the pumping fluid. A force member is provided for applying force to the piston head during the displacement stroke to counteract force exerted on the piston head by the fluid in the intermediate fluid chamber.

Abstract: A method for adapting stiffness in a variable stiffness actuator includes a member configured to transmit motion that is connected to a fluidic circuit, into which a control fluid circulates. The fluidic circuit includes a supply and distribution unit of the control fluid having a reservoir of the control fluid and a pumping unit. The supply and distribution unit includes two distribution lines of the control fluid, which are fluidly connected to the actuator such that an increase and/or decrease in the pressure of the control fluid activates the member that transmits motion. The stiffness of the actuator is adapted by adapting the pressure of the control fluid into the two distribution lines. The present invention includes also a variable stiffness actuator utilizing the above method for adapting stiffness.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a powertrain includes a sump for storing a hydraulic fluid and a pump having an inlet in communication with the sump and an outlet. A valve system is in communication with the outlet of the pump. An accumulator for storing and releasing the hydraulic fluid is in communication with the inlet of the pump and with the valve system. A first control device is disposed between the accumulator and the valve system. A second control device is disposed between the accumulator and the inlet of the pump. The accumulator is charged with the hydraulic fluid when the pump is powered, the accumulator stores the hydraulic fluid when the first control device and the second control device are in the closed condition, and the accumulator releases the hydraulic fluid and primes the pump when the second control device is in the open condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydraulic pump systems and pump suction charging systems which reduce or eliminate cavitation in the systems, as well as methods of operating the same and work machines including the same.

Abstract: A hydraulic assembly for driving and controlling small hydraulic units, such as hydraulic cylinders of a brake and/or clutch of a forestry winch, is disclosed. The hydraulic assembly includes a means for establishing and also maintaining a pre-determined pressure of a hydraulic media. The hydraulic assembly is characterized by as low as possible hydraulic loss. Also, a quantity of hydraulic media required for a regular operation and maintaining the pressure within the hydraulic assembly is as low as possible.

Abstract: A system controlling pressure in a transmission including a variable displacement pump, a circuit carrying fluid from the pump to the transmission, a valve using fluid in said circuit to regulate pressure that controls displacement of the pump, a source of control pressure including an accumulator, a first spring acting with said source causing the valve to change the regulated pressure, and a second spring acting with feedback pressure from said circuit to oppose said change.

Abstract: A vehicle has an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission with an electrohydraulic transmission control unit, a transmission oil pump driven by the engine, and an electronic engine start and stop system. The start and stop systems switches off the internal combustion engine in operating phases, in which the vehicle is temporarily stopped, if predefined operating parameters are present, and starts the internal combustion engine if a restart signal is present. A purely mechanical pressure accumulator device provides stored hydraulic pressure to the electrohydraulic transmission control unit in a time period following the starting of the internal combustion engine, in which time period, the transmission oil pump is still building-up pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool movable to perform an excavation cycle having a plurality of segments, a motor configured to swing the work tool during the excavation cycle, and a pump configured to pressurize fluid directed to drive the motor. The hydraulic control system may also have at least one accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor and to discharge fluid to the motor during the plurality of segments, and a controller configured to implement a plurality of modes of operation. Each of the plurality of modes of operation includes a different combination of segments during which the at least one accumulator receives and discharges fluid.

Abstract: A swing energy recovery system for a machine is disclosed. The swing energy recovery system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a motor driven by a flow of pressurized fluid from the pump, and an energy recovery arrangement configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor. The swing energy recovery system may also have a pressure relief valve associated with the motor, and a controller in communication with the energy recovery arrangement and the pressure relief valve. The controller may be configured to selectively adjust a setting of the pressure relief valve based on an operating condition of the energy recovery arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for electrically and hydraulically driving a hydraulic cylinder, including a hydraulic pump rotatable in opposite directions, an electric motor for driving the hydraulic pump, a reservoir tank containing hydraulic fluid therein, and a servo-valve. The hydraulic cylinder makes fluid-communication at a head-sided hydraulic chamber with a first port of the hydraulic pump, and makes fluid-communication at a rod-sided hydraulic chamber with a second port of the hydraulic pump. The servo-valve allows ones of the head-sided hydraulic chamber and the rod-sided hydraulic chamber to make fluid-communication to the reservoir tank in accordance with a direction in which the hydraulic pump rotates, and varies a degree at which one of the head-sided hydraulic chamber and the rod-sided hydraulic chamber makes fluid-communication with the reservoir tank, to a designated degree.

Abstract: Embodiments of a subsea accumulator system are disclosed. The system includes a subsea skid structure, a pre-charged fluid accumulator mounted in the subsea skid structure and fluidly coupled to a flowline in the skid structure, and a subsea device coupled to the flowline to receive hydraulic fluid power from the pre-charged fluid accumulator. The system may include a fill port having a releasable connection to selectively couple with a hydraulic fluid supply separate from the skid structure. Certain embodiments may include a subsea pump, instead of a pre-charge, for delivering pressurized fluid to a piston in the accumulator, and multiple accumulators for mixing fluids or discharging the fluids sequentially.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator system for providing pressurized oil to a transmission in a vehicle. The system includes a transmission oil storage chamber to store oil at a predetermined level; and a hydraulic accumulator mounted in the oil storage chamber and including an accumulator piston mounted below the level of oil, separating an accumulator oil area from a remainder of the oil storage area and movable to increase and decrease the oil in the accumulator oil area, and a spring biasing the piston toward the accumulator oil area. The system also has a hydraulic assembly including a first oil passage for removing the oil from the remainder of the oil storage area, a second oil passage for directing oil into and out of the accumulator oil area below the predetermined oil level and a hydraulic circuit directing the oil from the first oil passage into the second oil passage.

Abstract: A shut off valve is configured to shut off flow from the high pressure fluid line to the high pressure accumulator in a series hydraulic hybrid vehicle in order to quickly raise system pressure in the high pressure fluid line and enable additional torque output from the hydraulic motor for vehicle propulsion. A pressure relief valve is further provided to vent excess flow from the high pressure line to the high pressure accumulator as needed to avoid exceeding a maximum desired system pressure in the high pressure fluid line, thereby providing for safe and efficient hydrostatic operation in the vehicle.

Abstract: A device (1) for performing mechanical work and/or producing electrical or thermal energy, the energy necessary for operation is obtained from the oxidation of carbonaceous fuels (20) into carbon dioxide (24) and water (23). The device comprises means (14) for compression and/or condensation of the exhaust gas (21), and storage means (15) for receiving the compressed and/or condensed exhaust gas (21).

Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic piston-cylinder unit comprising a working cylinder in which a piston rod with a piston is guided so as to be axially movable, wherein the working cylinder carries a hollow pump rod aligned in the longitudinal axis of the piston-cylinder unit, wherein a radial control bore in the pump rod cooperates with a pump sleeve on the piston rod side, wherein the pump rod and the pump sleeve are connected to a fluid reservoir and form a pumping device by which a determined level position is automatically adjusted, wherein the pump sleeve is controllable by an actuator to adjust the determined level position, characterized in that the axial position of the pump sleeve relative to the control bore is adjustable by means of the actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid system for a mobile machine includes a closed loop hydraulic fan circuit. The hydraulic fan circuit includes a primary pump, a motor fluidly connected to the primary pump, and a fan driven by the motor. The hydraulic fan circuit also includes a supply passage extending from the primary pump to the motor, a return passage extending from the motor to the primary pump, and a first accumulator selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the supply and return passages via a charge valve. The hydraulic fluid system also includes at least one open loop hydraulic circuit fluidly connected to the first accumulator.

Abstract: An energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle, including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a first reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir and selectively drivably coupled to the output shaft of the engine, a second reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir and selectively drivably coupled to an output shaft of the transmission, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with at least one of the first and second reversible pump/motors to deliver pressurized working fluid to the one of the first and second reversible pump/motors when operating as a motor, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the one of the first and second reversible pump/motors when operating as a pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing undesirable pressure fluctuations over predetermined pressure and frequency ranges in a working fluid system, facilitating maintenance of appropriate levels of stored energy in the fluid system. Embodiments may be employed within a fluid system to dampen pressure fluctuations over an adequately large pressure range, for example in a resonant vibratory system. In such systems, pressures vary dramatically depending on whether resonance is achieved. An apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having a self equilibrating flexible piston device. The piston separates a gas volume from a fluid volume exposed to the system flow. The piston translates within the pressure vessel to equilibrate the gas and fluid pressures. A flexible portion of the piston deflects at high frequency and adequate volume to reduce undesirable pressure fluctuations. The flexible portion translates force via its outer periphery to a ring portion which translates within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a prime mover and a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes an accumulator to store energy and supplement that available from the prime mover. A control monitors torque imposed on the prime mover and utilises energy stored in the accumulator to offload the prime mover when its operating conditions are to be changed. Effecting a change under reduced load conditions mitigates inefficient operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine having a hydraulic energy source, a hydraulic accumulator, a digital hydraulic system having a digital hydraulic transformer, a hydraulic actuator and a movable element. The hydraulic accumulator being fluidically couplable with the hydraulic energy source. The digital hydraulic system including a digital hydraulic transformer fluidically couplable with the hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic actuator being fluidically couplable with the digital hydraulic transformer. The movable element being movable by the hydraulic actuator. The control system including means to estimate at least one of potential energy and kinetic energy in the movable element; means to measure a fill level of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic accumulator; and means to vary the amount of hydraulic energy added to the hydraulic accumulator by the hydraulic energy source responsive to the potential energy, the kinetic energy and/or the fill level of the hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller includes: an accumulator connected to a main oil passage; a pressure storage use oil passage which branches off from the main oil passage and leads to the accumulator; an inlet port; a priority port; and a bypass port. The hydraulic controller includes a priority valve configured such that, at the time of storing pressure in the accumulator, of pressure oil that flows into the inlet port, the pressure oil at a flow rate for storing of pressure in the accumulator, which is a preset flow rate, flows out of the priority port, and the pressure oil at a surplus flow rate, which is a flow rate obtained by subtracting the flow rate for storing of pressure from the flow rate of the pressure oil flowing into the input port, flows out of the bypass port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and actuating actuators that perform multiple functions in a machine. Such systems and methods encompass a hydraulic system adapted to control and actuate the actuators of the machine. The hydraulic system includes variable displacement pump/motors connected to the engine in parallel. A first of the pump/motors controls a first of the actuators, and a second of the pump/motors is adapted to draw power from and deliver power to the engine and the first actuator, as well as control at least a second of the actuators. An energy storage device is connected in series with the second pump/motor and the second actuator, and accumulates a fluid pumped thereto by the second pump/motor, as well as delivers the fluid to the second pump/motor, depending on whether the second pump/motor delivers is delivering or drawing power from the engine or first actuators.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift system for artificial lift pumping or industrial hoisting comprises a three chamber cylinder, a gas over oil accumulator, a large structural gas accumulator and a large flow pilot operated check valve. A matrix variable frequency drive, a standard variable frequency drive, an electrical squirrel cage motor or a natural gas engines are part of the main prime mover alternatives.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator, especially a pulsation damper, comprises a metal bellows (19) that has a terminal element (35) which can be displaced along the wall of a housing (1) at least on one bellows end (31) during expansion and compression of the bellows (19), a guiding means (47) being interposed between the terminal element and the housing (1). Said guiding means comprises, on at least one peripheral zone of the terminal element (35), on its outer periphery, first annular sections (51) that are radially spaced apart from the wall of the housing (1) and that are separated from each other by second annular sections (53) that radially project over the first annular sections (51). The terminal element (35) is axially elongated by a peripheral sleeve part (63) which extends towards the immobile bellows end (29), the end of the sleeve part (63) resting as a stop element on a part (25) which is fixed to the housing when the bellows (19) is compressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: A thermal source provides heat to a heat engine and or one or more thermal demands, including space and water heating and heat storage. Additionally the output of the heat engine may be used for local in situ electricity needs, or directed out over the grid. A system controller monitors conditions of the components of the system, and operates that system in modes that maximize a particular benefit, such as a total accrued desired benefit obtained such as reduced electricity cost, reduced fossil fuel use, maximized return on investment and other factors. The controller may use past history of use of the system to optimize the next mode of operation, or both past and future events such as predicted solar insolation.

Abstract: A Control apparatus for a piston/cylinder arrangement, having a valve arrangement connected to a first part space, which assumes a closed position preventing a fluid held in the first part space from flowing out if the pressure in the fluid is smaller than a pressure control value set on the valve arrangement and which assumes an opening position if the pressure in the fluid is greater than the set pressure control value, and having a priming device which is coupled to the valve arrangement and the first part space serving to prepare for the damping of a pressure increase in the fluid which is brought about by a movement of the piston caused by a load acting on the piston in the direction of the first part space such that a pressure increase can be generated in the fluid to a predefined pressure priming value independently of the load.

Abstract: A fluid system includes a controllable first pump unit for supplying fluid pressure to at least one implement; a prime mover arranged to supply a driving torque to the first pump The first pump unit is arranged to supply fluid pressure to the implement. The fluid system further includes a controllable second pump unit connected to a fluid accumulator. The prime mover is arranged to supply a driving torque to the second pump unit in order to accumulate fluid pressure in the accumulator during periods of low demand. Fluid pressure from the accumulator is arranged to drive the second pump unit to assist the prime mover during periods of high demand in order to supply an additional driving torque in excess of the available driving torque from the prime mover.

Abstract: In various embodiments, cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for capturing heat energy in a power generation system. The system includes: a first compressor configured to exhaust a first compressed, heated air flow; a heat exchanger connected to the first compressor and configured to receive the first compressed, heated air flow and configured to transfer heat energy from the first compressed, heated air flow to an oil; at least one pump connected to the heat exchanger and configured to pump the heated oil in a closed-loop system from the heat exchanger to an insulated storage tank; a second compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to exhaust a second compressed, heated air flow; and an energy storage unit connected to the second compressor and configured to store heat energy from the second compressed, heated air flow.

Abstract: An accumulator system includes an accumulator containing working fluid and gas, an isolation valve through which working fluid selectively flows to and from the accumulator, an actuator operably coupled to the isolation valve, and a passageway fluidly communicating the actuator with gas in the accumulator. The actuator maintains the isolation valve in an open configuration at a first gas pressure to allow working fluid to flow to and from the accumulator. The actuator also allows the isolation valve to close at a second gas pressure less than the first gas pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for driving a load includes a drive shaft; first and second hydraulic pumps driven by the drive shaft, and a control system that operates the hydraulic drive system in a plurality of modes including: a) a first mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from a supply line to an accumulator; b) a second mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the supply line; c) a third mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from the supply line to a reservoir; and d) a fourth mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the supply line. At least the second hydraulic pump is a variable displacement bidirectional pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit architecture for use in a drive circuit having a hydraulic pump for driving a load is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit architecture includes a flow control valve for controlling a hydraulic fluid flow rate supplied from the hydraulic pump to the load. The hydraulic circuit architecture also includes a hydraulic fluid accumulator arranged in parallel with respect to the flow control valve. Hydraulic circuit architectures having multiple accumulators arranged in parallel with respect to the flow control valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.

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 magnetic motor automobile carries a magnetic motor and star rotor compressor to pack high-pressure input air into its on-board storage tanks. The compressor and storage tanks deliver the high-pressure working air and operational flows to several stages of compressors that boost the pressures during driving to very high-pressure, then ultra high-pressure, then super high-pressure, and finally to extremely high-pressure. A pneumatic torque converter uses jets of the extremely high-pressure to turn an input shaft of a transmission and differential. These, in turn, drive the powered wheels of a car.

Abstract: A system for energy storage, in particular for mechanical energy, including a system for quasi-isothermal compression of a gas via a hydraulic fluid. The mechanical energy stored is then released by quasi-isothermal expansion of the gas. The system is also configured to store electrical energy, in particular from intermittent sources such as photovoltaic or wind energy. The storage of excess electrical energy can also be considered for use during consumption peaks.

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: In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.