Abstract: A regenerative energy management system (1) adapted for use with a compound vehicle including a prime mover, drive train and a trailer (2) including independent wheels (3) isolated from the prime mover drive train. The system (1) includes energy accumulation means (5) operable selectively to store and release energy through controlled receipt and release of pressurised hydraulic fluid; a positive displacement hydraulic pump/motor assembly (8) in fluid communication with the energy accumulation means (5); and a low-pressure hydraulic reservoir (9) in fluid communication with pump/motor assembly. The pump/motor assembly (8) has a drive shaft for connection to at least one of the wheels (3).

Abstract: An energy management system operable in three modes of operation including a driving mode to drive a vehicle drive shaft (110), a retarding mode to retard the vehicle drive shaft and a neutral mode to have no driving or retarding influence on the vehicle drive shaft. The system comprises an energy accumulator (100, 101) operable to store and release energy through receipt and release of fluid, a pump (104) having a pump drive shaft and being in fluid communication with the energy accumulator, a reservoir (107) of fluid in communication with the pump, and a coupler adapted to couple the pump to the vehicle drive shaft. In the retarding mode, the vehicle drive shaft drives the pump to pump fluid to the energy accumulator. In the driving mode, the energy accumulator releases fluid to drive the pump which drives the vehicle drive shaft. In the neutral mode, the pump is inoperative to exert any driving or retarding influence on the vehicle drive shaft.

Abstract: An energy management system operable in three modes of operation to either drive or retard the drive shaft (110) of a vehicle, or in a neutral mode, to have no driving or retarding influence on the drive shaft. The system includes energy accumulating means (100, 101) which is operable to store and release energy through receipt and release of fluid, pumping means (104) in fluid communication with the energy communication means (100, 101), a reservoir (107) of fluid in communication with the pumping means (104), and coupling means for coupling the pumping means (110) to the drive shaft (110). Whereby in the retarding mode of the system, the drive shaft (110) drives the pumping means (104) to pump fluid to the energy accumulating means (100, 101), and whereby in the driving mode of the system, the energy accumulating means (100, 101) releases fluid to drive the pumping means (104) which drives the drive shaft (110).

Abstract: A positive displacement hydraulic pump/motor assembly (1) includes a rotary cylinder block (3) having a central axis (5) and a generally circular array of cylinders (6) disposed around the axis. A corresponding plurality of pistons (10) is reciprocably disposed within the respective cylinders. A drive shaft (12) extends through a bore (13) formed in the cylinder block to effect rotation of the cylinder block about the central axis. A drive plate (15) is disposed at one end of the cylinder block to effect sequentially staggered reciprocation of the pistons in response to rotation of the cylinder block. A stationary valve plate (20) is disposed at an opposite end of the cylinder block, the valve plate having a valve face (21) adapted for sliding rotational engagement with a complementary mating face (22) formed on the cylinder block.

Abstract: A positive displacement hydraulic pump/motor assembly (1) includes a rotary cylinder block (3) having a central axis (5) and a generally circular array of cylinders (6) disposed in parallel relationship around the axis. A corresponding plurality of axial pistons (10) is reciprocably disposed within the respective cylinders. A drive shaft (12) effects rotation of the cylinder block about the central axis and a drive plate (15) is disposed at one end of the cylinder block (3) to effect sequentially staggered reciprocation of the pistons (10) in response to rotation of the cylinder block. A stationary valve plate (20) is disposed at an opposite end of the cylinder block. The valve plate (20) includes a valve face (21) adapted for sliding rotational engagement with a complementary mating face (22) formed on the cylinder block.

Abstract: A positive displacement hydraulic pump/motor assembly (1) includes a rotary cylinder block (3) having a central axis (5) and a generally circular array of cylinders (6) disposed in parallel relationship around the axis. A corresponding plurality of axial pistons (10) is reciprocably disposed within the respective cylinders. A drive shaft (12) effects rotation of the cylinder block about the central axis and a drive plate (15) is disposed at one end of the cylinder block (3) to effect sequentially staggered reciprocation of the pistons (10) in response to rotation of the cylinder block. A stationary valve plate (20) is disposed at an opposite end of the cylinder block. The valve plate (20) includes a valve face (21) adapted for sliding rotational engagement with a complementary mating face (22) formed on the cylinder block.

Abstract: A positive displacement hydraulic pump/motor assembly (1) includes a rotary cylinder block (3) having a central axis (5) and a generally circular array of cylinders (6) disposed in parallel relationship around the axis. A corresponding plurality of axial pistons (10) is reciprocably disposed within the respective cylinders. A drive shaft (12) effects rotation of the cylinder block about the central axis and a drive plate (15) is disposed at one end of the cylinder block (3) to effect sequentially staggered reciprocation of the pistons (10) in response to rotation of the cylinder block. A stationary valve plate (20) is disposed at an opposite end of the cylinder block. The valve plate (20) includes a valve face (21) adapted for sliding rotational engagement with a complementary mating face (22) formed on the cylinder block.

Abstract: An energy management system operable in three modes of operation to either drive or retard the drive shaft (110) of a vehicle, or in a neutral mode, to have no driving or retarding influence on the drive shaft. The system includes energy accumulating means (100, 101) which is operable to store and release energy through receipt and release of fluid, pumping means (104) in fluid communication with the energy communication means (100, 101), a reservoir (107) of fluid in communication with the pumping means (104), and coupling means for coupling the pumping means (110) to the drive shaft (110). Whereby in the retarding mode of the system, the drive shaft (110) drives the pumping means (104) to pump fluid to the energy accumulating means (100, 101), and whereby in the driving mode of the system, the energy accumulating means (100, 101) releases fluid to drive the pumping means (104) which drives the drive shaft (110).