Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a vehicle includes a pressurizing circuit and a working circuit. The pressurizing circuit incorporates a pump driven by a prime mover having a nominal horsepower rating. The prime mover is either shut off or idled when the pressure sensed within the pressurizing circuit is within a desired range and run at an optimum high RPM range when the pressure falls below the desired range. At least one accumulator is provided in the pressurizing circuit. The working circuit includes a plurality of motors for driving at least one vehicle wheel and a motor control valve arrangement which isolates one or more motors from the flow of pressurized fluid while deactivated and drives the motors while activated. As vehicle speed increases and drive resistance decreases, the number of motors propelling the vehicle is progressively reduced. A flow control valve alters flow to the motors.

Abstract: A heating apparatus (2) draws in a liquid medium through a motor (7) driven, high pressure pump (5, 172), the liquid medium is greatly increased in pressure and temperature through frictional heating thereof and then the liquid medium is discharged in a heated, reduced pressure state for use directly or for heat exchange with another fluid. A method of utilizing the heating apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas cap assembly for use on an automobile having a pivotable gas filling port access door is provided wherein access to the filling port of the automobile's gas tank is automatically provided upon pivoting of the access door. The gas cap assembly includes a body unit that is adapted to be sealingly engaged about the filling port of the fuel fill tube associated with the gas tank and which includes a central opening for receiving a gas filling nozzle; a cover member that is movably attached to the body unit between a closed position in which the cover member is sealed against the central opening and an open position wherein direct access to the central opening is provided; and an arrangement for interconnecting the cover member with the pivotable access door such that opening of the access door automatically shifts the cover member from its closed to open positions. A spring arrangement is provided to bias the cover member towards the closed position.

Abstract: A heating apparatus draws in a liquid medium through a motor driven, high pressure pump, the liquid medium is greatly increased in pressure and temperature through frictional heating thereof and then the liquid medium is discharged in a heated, reduced pressure state for use directly or for heat exchange with another fluid. A method of utilizing the heating apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a vehicle includes a pressurizing circuit and a working circuit that are interconnected by suitable valving. The pressurizing circuit incorporates a fixed displacement pump which is driven by a prime mover having a nominal horsepower rating. The prime mover is shifted between an idling speed when the pressure sensed within the pressurizing circuit is within a desired range and an optimum high RPM range when the pressure within the pressurizing circuit falls below the desired range. At least one accumulator is provided in the pressurizing circuit. The working circuit includes a plurality of motor units for driving the vehicle wheels and a plurality of motor control valves which can be placed in a de-activated position to isolate the associated motor unit from the flow of pressurized fluid and an activated position wherein the motor unit aids in driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A pneumatic cleaning device attachment includes an elongated, rigid tubular section, a flexible tubular section and a rigid tubular end piece that are connected together in series. The rigid and flexible tubular sections, as well as at least a portion of the end piece, have generally commensurate inner and outer diameters. A tubular, rigid cover member, having an associated length greater than an associated length of the flexible tubular section and an associated inner diameter that is greater than the diameters of the rigid and flexible tubular sections, is slidable mounted between a first position wherein the cover member extends between the rigid tubular section and the end piece in order to maintain the flexible tubular section in a straight posture and a second position wherein the cover member extends about the rigid tubular section such that the flexible tubular member is exposed. The attachment is further provided with a handle member which is detachably mounted to the rigid tubular section.

Abstract: A pool heating and circulating system incorporates an internal combustion engine that drives a pump for developing a flow of water. The internal combustion engine has associated therewith an exhaust pipe which is connected to a heat exchanger. An outlet of the pump is also connected to the heat exchanger such that the water extracts the heat generated by operation of the internal combustion engine. The water flowing out of the heat exchanger is then delivered to a filter and a return line. A heat insulating shield is provided about the exhaust pipe to shield the exhaust pipe from excess exposure to cool air. A bypass line can be provided between the outlet of the pump and the heat exchanger so that water can bypass the heat exchanger and flow directly to the return line and filter when it is determined that the pool water temperature is at a desirable temperature. A valve is actually positioned in the bypass line to vary the flow through the heat exchanger.