Abstract: An active front wheel deflector assembly (10) including a deflector panel (20) moveable between a stowed position and at least one deployed position wherein the deployment of the deflector panel (20) moves the deflector panel (20) into an airflow to direct air and improves aerodynamics. The active front wheel deflector assembly (10) combines linear actuation with rotational motion.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump silencer including a body defining an inner volume and having at least one wall including an air outlet orifice, and an attenuating pad having a face arranged across from the air outlet orifice, wherein a gap is arranged between the face of the attenuating pad and an outer face of the wall including the air outlet orifice, the thickness of the gap being between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

Abstract: A method of reducing drag on the underside and rear wheels of a commercial vehicle which is a drag reduction system including an airfoil designed to mount on the underside or slider assembly of a commercial vehicle that would reduce the air drag forces and improve fuel economy for the vehicle, a hydraulic system that operates to adjust the angle of the airfoil, and at least two sets of controllers, one controller that operates automatically in conjunction with the speed of the vehicle and a second controller that allows the operator to manually adjust the angle of the airfoil from within the driver's compartment. The purpose of drag reduction system is to provide a more fuel efficient design for commercial vehicle application, resulting in fuel cost savings for the vehicle operation.

Abstract: The invention is a combined motor that combines or integrates electric and hydraulic power producing technologies into a single compact motor by means of common or shared rotor and stator elements. The invention allows optimized power, torque, performance and energy usage in electric and electric-hybrid vehicles and offers reduced weight and lower production costs due the use of common or shared components. The combined motor's electric and hydraulic power producing elements are preferably coaxial and coplanar, permitting axial compactness and enabling efficient space utilization in the vehicle. In typical electric vehicle drive cycles disproportionately large energy losses occur during the launch acceleration and brake energy recovery modes of vehicle torque demand. The combined motor increases overall efficiency by substituting high-efficiency hydraulic torque for low-efficiency electric torque during these modes.

Abstract: The invention provides for a hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system that automatically maintains the position of a lock nut (36) that engages a plunger (16) on a hydraulic actuator such that if hydraulic pressure is lost, the lock nut prevents retraction of the plunger into the hydraulic cylinder (14). The hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system also provides for a position sensing feature that allows for the calculation of the axial stroke position of the plunger based on rotary movement of the lock nut. In addition, the invention provides for a synchronous hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system and methods of using both the hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system as well as the synchronous hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for compressing and expanding a gas includes a chamber (22), a positive displacement device (24) moveable relative thereto, first and second valves (26, 28) activatable to control flow of gas into and out of the chamber (22) and a controller (80) for controlling activation of the valves (26, 28) that selectively switches operation between a compression and an expansion mode with selective switching between modes being achieved by selectively changing the activation timing of at least one of the valves during the first mode. An energy storage system including the device may be operatively coupled via a rotary device for power transmission to an input/output device, whereby the direction and speed of rotation are preserved during switching, and the input/output device may be synchronised to the grid.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to energy storage systems, and in particular to energy storage systems using compressed gas as an energy storage medium. In various embodiments, a compressed gas storage system may include a plurality of stages to convert energy into compressed gas for storage, and then to recover that stored energy by gas expansion. In certain embodiments, a stage may comprise a reversible compressor/expander having a reciprocating piston. Pump designs for introducing liquid for heat exchange with the gas, are described. Gas flow valves featuring shroud and/or curtain portions, are also described.

Abstract: In a method for influencing the traction force during shifting operations of a manual transmission in vehicles having at least two drive axles, the drive system of the first axle is activated in such a way that the interruptions in traction force occurring at the second axle during shifting operations of the manual transmission are at least partially compensated for.

Abstract: A power unit that can periodically determine a leakage of a compressed gas to early discover a defect, such as a crack, and a vehicle in which the power unit is used are provided. A vehicle that runs with an air engine including a gas machinery includes a control device. The control device includes an adjuster that controls an output of the gas machinery such that a target output is obtained, a pressure measuring unit that measures the pressure of the compressed gas at the piping unit of the air engine, and a determination unit that determines a leakage state of the compressed gas based on a change in pressure, which is measured by the pressure measuring unit every time the target output of the gas machinery becomes substantial zero. The control device suspends the determination of the leakage state when the target output of the gas machinery changes from substantial zero during the determination.

Abstract: A multistage pneumatic motor includes a shell (1) and a power output main shaft (2). The shell (1) is provided with a gas inlet (3) and a gas outlet (4). Two or more pneumatic motor stages (11, 12, 13) are installed in the shell (1). The first pneumatic motor stage is communicated with the gas inlet (3), and the last pneumatic motor stage is communicated with the gas outlet (4). Compressed gas enters the shell (1) through the gas inlet (3), drives the first pneumatic motor stage, then drives the next pneumatic motor stage, and is exhausted from the shell (1) through the gas outlet (4) at last. Every pneumatic motor stage is provided with a power output shaft (112, 122, 132) which is connected to the power output main shaft (2), so that the powers produced by all pneumatic motor stages (11, 12, 13) are jointed together and then output by the power output main shaft (2). The multistage pneumatic motor improves working efficiency greatly, saves energy source and reduces noise.

Abstract: A negative-emission pressurized air or other compressible gas operated high-efficiency reciprocating or rotary piston engine, as autonomously considered or as part of a complex system, comprises at least a tank, at least a turbo-alternator and one or more optional fluid heaters.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows a working apparatus, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, having an element movable via at least one hydraulic working cylinder, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for recovering energy from the movement of the movable element, said energy recovering cylinder being filled with gas at the base side and having an annular space filled with a medium. In this respect, a flow restricting element is provided which restricts the flow of the medium from the annular space on a sudden moving out of the piston rod.

Abstract: The present invention is a pneumatically driven oscillatory motor. It features fan gear with an eccentrically mounted hub which imparts a wobbling motion on a bearing and associated collar. This wobbling motion then translated in to a vertical oscillatory motion of a collar arm extending radially from said collar. Additional structures to direct flow of expelled air are also provided. The collar arm may be removable from the collar. The motor has many applications where oscillatory motion is required, such as in tattoo needles.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device having a body having a inlet connection, an outlet connection, a discharge port and a booster module disposed within the body. The booster module including a control element and an actuator element having a noise-reducing trim element with a supply path extending between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. The noise-reducing trim element being coupled immediately adjacent to the discharge port such that the noise-reducing trim element distributes a fluid flow to the discharge port via the exhaust path into a plurality of fluid jets to substantially inhibit jet recombination at the discharge port.

Abstract: A hydraulic/magnetic engine, comprising an engine assembly. Crankcase means are affixed within the engine assembly, and crankshaft means are positioned in the crankcase means. Cylinder means comprise at least two first cylinders being encased in the engine assembly and each including a first piston, at least two second pistons, and an electro-magnetic third piston. A hydraulic system has a hydraulic fluid chamber. First electro-magnetic means generates a first electromotive force, wherein switching magnetic polarity between a first and second openings forces a first piston, at least two second pistons, and an electro-magnetic third piston to move upward and downward within their respective cylinders. Thus, rotating the crankshaft means in a predetermined direction after an initial activation of the crankshaft means by applying a short period of an electrical force. The first electro-magnetic means is within the engine assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning system for a pneumatic cylinder powered differential engine door opening and closing device for use in passenger transportation vehicles wherein the cushioning initiation point can be adjusted. This cushioning initiation point is adjusted through the use of a linearly adjustable slider member within the large cylinder. The slider is linearly adjustable through the use of an adjustment screw located outside of the pneumatic cylinder and allows one to adjust the time and the mode of the opening/closing of power doors, without disassembly of the cylinder, and significantly improve the safety of the passenger.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder designed to convert compressed air into mechanical output is disclosed. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston and rod assembly with supporting components coaxially disposed and arranged to achieve a linear mechanical force in accordance with a differential pressure across the piston. A cylindrical sleeve, secured to end caps on both openings, encircles the piston and rod assembly and helps guide the piston during travel. A conductive coil is coupled to the cylindrical sleeve to provide sensing of a position of the piston. Additionally, a manifold, which serves as a conduit for airflow between each individual cylinder volume and an external air control device, is disposed such that the cylindrical sleeve and end caps are nested, in a concentric manner, within the manifold. A manifold divider assembly is disposed such that a plurality of end channels are isolated from each other.

Abstract: A pump including a reciprocating piston movable in a piston chamber by pneumatic pressure. The pneumatic pressure is directed through air channels by one or more valves. At least one of the valves and/or air channels is located in a removable portion of the pump.

Abstract: A device to prevent freezng of a reciprocating air motor which drives a reciprocating plunger pump for liquid pressurized transport in which a passage exclusively for exhaust which is connected to an exhaust passage and a exhaust pipe which is connected to this passage exclusively for exhaust are installed, as is a compressed air switch valve and an air tube which supplies hot air to the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A trim and tilt mechanism angularly moves an outboard engine assembly into a desired trimmed position and also into a tilted position above the surface of the water. The outboard engine assembly is detachably mounted on the stern of a boat through a transom bracket and a swivel bracket coupled to the transom bracket for vertical angular movement relative to the transom bracket about a horizontal axis. The trim and tilt mechanism has a hydraulic cylinder unit including a casing which has one end pivotally coupled to the transom bracket and a piston rod which has one end pivotally coupled to the swivel bracket and which is reciprocally movable in the casing. Working oil to be supplied to and discharged from the casing is stored in a main tank and an auxiliary tank which are disposed in diametrically opposite relation to each other across the casing. The auxiliary tank is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a circular opening defined in its upper end and normally closed by an end cap.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston and cylinder pneumatic motor with a sound-reducing system that diffuses exhausting air by directing it across the curved outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-freezing device for pneumatic tools to avoid the immobilization of the striker piston because of freezing up. A thermally insulating sleeve, broken only at the level of the air exhaust apertures of the cylinder, separates the body of the hammer from an annular chamber into which the apertures open. An exhaust passage connects the annular chamber with the exterior and extends along the external wall of the exhaust silencer parallel to the striker piston. The exhaust silencer also is provided, above and below the annular chamber with two hermetically sealed chambers, which prevent the cooling of the naturally hot zones of the hammer by the air in the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A defrost and water drain valve suitable for use with air cylinders, such as used to furnish power to material handling equipment, is connected to receive air from the exhaust side of the piston and direct this air against the inlet end of the cylinder and is constructed so that it can also automatically function to permit drainage of condensed water in the cylinder. The valve includes means to control flow to and from the exhaust side of the piston and the use of its features in a flow control valve and a check valve is also disclosed.