Including Traction Motor Of Kind Driven By Expansible Fluid From Source External Of Motor Patents (Class 180/302)
  • Patent number: 11236610
    Abstract: A corrective product addition treatment or surface treatment to a wellbore fluid is based on performing an artificial intelligence technique and/or a closed form solution with respect to one or more fluid properties. Pilot testing and operational testing to operatively dose a fluid at a drilling site may be integrated into the corrective product addition treatment or surface treatment to a wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gregory Kleinguetl, Dale E. Jamison, Jason Glen Bell
  • Patent number: 10399440
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is permitted during conditions of wheel slip so that a greater portion of a vehicle's kinetic energy may be recovered and stored as electrical energy. Additionally, in some examples, the amount of regenerative braking is adjusted responsive to a torque of a differential clutch during wheel slip conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Xiaoyong Wang, Dale Scott Crombez, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10363946
    Abstract: A pneumatic regenerative system for a railway vehicle equipped with a plurality of axles includes a plurality of pneumatic drive mechanisms coupled to each of the plurality of axles. Each pneumatic drive mechanism includes an accumulator and a pneumatic device. The pneumatic device may in some examples be a reversible air motor device. The accumulator is operable to receive and store pressurized air. The reversible air motor device is coupled to the accumulator and one of the plurality of axles of the vehicle. The reversible air motor device is operable in a first configuration and a second configuration. During a braking operation of the railway vehicle, the reversible air motor device in the first configuration is driven by rotation of the one of the plurality of axles to generate and store pressurized air in the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Keith C. Sneddon
  • Patent number: 10173616
    Abstract: A compressed air system for a motor vehicle with an air supply system, including: an electric drive motor, which can be controlled for variable speed, an air compressor coupled to be driven by the electric drive motor, an electric power supply for supplying electric power to the electric drive motor, at least one air reservoir connected with the air compressor to receive air from the air compressor, an air utilization system connected to the at least one air reservoir to receive air from the at least one air reservoir, a controller to control the speed of the electric drive motor. The controller controls the electric drive motor to determine the speed of the electric drive motor so that during filling of the air reservoir, when the pressure level in the air reservoir passes a setpoint that is between a minimum level and a higher cut off pressure level, the controller changes the compressor speed so that specific power consumption per unit mass of air compressed is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Tamas Adler, Huba Nemeth
  • Patent number: 10144247
    Abstract: A wheel with an intelligent suspension system that includes a hub, a rim and a set of spokes with dynamically adjustable spoke lengths. Further included is one or more sensors associated with at least the hub and the rim and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that receives sensory signals from the one or more sensors, and transmits control signals to the set of spokes to dynamically control spoke lengths of the set of spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventors: Darien Joso, Leigh Goldstein
  • Patent number: 10090734
    Abstract: An electricity generation system using tire deformation comprises driving mechanisms converting deformation of a tire into a driving force; and an electricity generation mechanism generating electricity using the driving force converted by the driving mechanisms, wherein the driving mechanisms convert only deformation due to expansion after compression of the tire into the driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Gye Jeung Park
  • Patent number: 9896068
    Abstract: An energy recovery system may include a compressor, an air tank, and a motor. The compressor may have a swashplate member and one or more piston and cylinder assemblies aligned with a compressor axis. The swashplate member may be able to tilt relative to the compressor axis between a no-compression position and a maximum compression position in which each piston can move within its respective cylinder between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position. The swashplate member may be arranged to be coupled to a shaft so that the compressor axis is substantially aligned with a shaft axis and so that the swashplate member is able to rotate in tandem with the shaft, and also may be able to tilt relative to the compressor axis between no-, maximum-, and intermediate-compression positions. In the no-compression position, each piston may be located at the top dead center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Eurekagen Limited
    Inventor: Ryan Bowen
  • Patent number: 9855835
    Abstract: A pneumatic drive system for a motorized vehicle includes an air compressor that is operable to couple with a main drive shaft of the motorized vehicle so as to activate the air compressor and generate pressurized air during a braking operation of the motorized vehicle, an accumulator that is operable to receive and store pressurized air from the air compressor during the braking operation, and a pneumatic motor that receives the pressurized air from the accumulator to activate the pneumatic motor. During activation, the pneumatic motor provides energy to the main drive shaft during an acceleration operation of the motorized vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Keith C. Sneddon
  • Patent number: 9758103
    Abstract: The present invention is an air tank running board. The running boards are tubular and the running boards also double as compressed air tanks. Each running board is provided with a hollow interior that is sealed at one end and has a ¼ NPT threaded pipe on its opposite end that communicates between the hollow interior of the tank and the exterior of the tank. The threaded pipe of each running board is connected to a mounted manifold with regulator so that the running board tanks can be pressurized to a desired pressure. The tubular running boards can be used as steps or step structures can be added to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Justin Layne Weant
  • Patent number: 9718540
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear arrangement comprises a nose landing gear assembly and at least one main landing gear assembly. The nose landing gear assembly has a nose landing gear wheel with a high energy brake apparatus therein. The main landing gear assembly has a main landing gear wheel with a high energy brake apparatus therein and a main landing gear wheel with a motor therein. The motor is used for driving the main landing wheel during taxiing of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Fraser Wilson
  • Patent number: 9718341
    Abstract: Power systems, heat exchanger systems, electrical regeneration systems and air drag reduction systems for a wheeled vehicle are provided. The systems comprise a vehicle that includes a compressed air system and electrical system. The power and drag reduction system also comprises a plurality of pneumatic motors, one each connected to each wheel, the pneumatic motors using compressed air to drive each wheel. The electrical system supports vehicle braking and regenerates electricity for vehicle batteries. A heat exchanger heats expanding air and is configured to substantially evenly distribute said heated air to the pneumatic motors. Air from a front grill is diverted to impellers that turn electric generators to regenerate power and reduce drag. A drag reducing arrangement blending mirrors with camera into the vehicle body is included as is a plug-in 120-volt trickle charge system and a quick charge (DC) system for battery charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Craig Antrobus, Ibrahim Dincer, Reza Mohammadali zadeh, Calin Zamfirescu
  • Patent number: 9676424
    Abstract: A ceiling portion of a service plug cover that is made of resin is convex toward a vehicle vertical direction lower side (floor panel side), and a groove-shaped concave portion is formed in a top surface. Further, the concave portion of the top surface of the ceiling portion is groove-shaped, and both end portions thereof in a groove direction (vehicle longitudinal direction) are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Masahiro Ishikawa, Yutaka Yamada, Kenichiro Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 9650130
    Abstract: An electric hydraulic motor system for aircraft having a taxing and takeoff mode and a braking mode. While in the taxiing and takeoff mode, a battery and optionally other sources of energy stored within the aircraft together provide energy to drive an electric motor which in turn drives a hydraulic pump creating hydraulic pressure within the aircraft hydraulic system. The increase in hydraulic pressure within the system actuates a hydraulic motor connected to the aircraft wheels, thereby providing rotation to the wheels of the aircraft, moving the aircraft forward. Alternatively, while in the braking mode, the rotation of the wheels of the aircraft drive a second hydraulic pump which imparts an increase of the hydraulic pressure within the aircraft hydraulic system. The increase in hydraulic pressure within the aircraft hydraulic system drives a second hydraulic motor which drives an electric generator which simultaneously slows the aircraft and charges the aircraft battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Mohammed Bouzmane
  • Patent number: 9643492
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a fuel cell, an air compressor provides input air under pressure at the fuel cell and an electric drive motor for driving the motor vehicle, which drive motor can be supplied with electric current by the fuel cell for that purpose, wherein the air compressor is driven by the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Haase, Andreas Buchner, Michael Bauer
  • Patent number: 9371785
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle is provided with an electric machine connected to a battery of less than 150 volts and coupled to an internal combustion engine such that a crankshaft of the engine rotates at all times the electric machine operates to supply power from the battery and all times the electric machine operates to capture power for storage in the battery. Motive force is provided to the vehicle with power output by the internal combustion engine. During movement of the vehicle, ignition of the engine is ceased in response to an engine load below a specified threshold. Pumping losses and drive train drag are reduced by altering at least one mechanical property of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jason Schwanke, Jeffrey S. Sterniak
  • Patent number: 9038755
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises front and rear axle assemblies supported in mutually spaced relation by one or more vehicle frame members that also support a drive train comprising: a) one or more air compressors; b) one or more fuel sources; c) a fuel cell comprising one or more fuel cell modules; and d) one or more electric motors, that are operatively connected together. The air compressor feeds air to the fuel cell, the or each fuel source feeds fuel to the fuel cell and the electric motors are connected or connectable to the fuel cell such that electrical power generated during operation of the fuel cell causes activation of one or more of the motors to power the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Enrico Sedoni, Roberto Ferrari, Riccardo Morselli, Riccardo Spadoni
  • Patent number: 8996222
    Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to a “COMPEL” system. The word compel is an acronym of the words “compressed air and electricity”. The compel system is a system of mechanical devices aligned together to propel a vehicle without employing any fossil fuel and creating very little or no detectable pollution. The motion source is a single electric engine that drives the vehicle by way of a transmission. The source/s for producing the electricity originate in two different manners. One source is of the motion of the vehicle itself and responsible for the action of the second source. Conversely, the second source provides the energy to propel the vehicle, Thus, each source is generally dependent upon the other. However, the holding reserve capacity of the fuel tank allows for the compressed air engine source to mobilize the vehicle from a dead stop and thereby re-engage the other generating source/s. The other energy generating sources are elements driven by the axle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Fred F. Penrod
  • Patent number: 8972084
    Abstract: A vehicle having a hydraulic hybrid powertrain comprises a power take off unit, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic accumulator, an accumulator isolation valve, an accumulator solenoid, and a vehicle hydraulic component. The hydraulic pump mechanically connects to the power take off unit and is driven by the power take off unit. The hydraulic accumulator is disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump and receives and stores pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The accumulator isolation valve has a first position and second position. The accumulator isolation valve is disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic accumulator. The accumulator solenoid connects to the accumulator isolation valve and positions the accumulator isolation valve to the first position and the second position. The vehicle hydraulic component is disposed in fluid communication with the accumulator isolation valve and the hydraulic accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E Bissontz
  • Patent number: 8960358
    Abstract: A speed-based system for controlling a pump displacement to control a pump flow rate of a hydraulic pump in a vehicle, such as a hybrid. The system includes a plurality of sensors, a controller, and a hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to receive data from the sensors, ascertain a speed of the vehicle, determine a target pump displacement, and transmit the target pump displacement. The target pump displacement is less than a predetermined maximum value when the speed of the vehicle is greater than a first predefined threshold, and equal to the predetermined maximum value when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the first predefined threshold. The hydraulic pump is configured to ascertain an actual pump displacement, receive the target pump displacement from the controller, and alter the actual pump displacement to the target pump displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Sowards, Brian Leslie, Frank Kachinski
  • Patent number: 8919485
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Asai
  • Patent number: 8910739
    Abstract: A pressure control device for a vehicle comprises an electronic control unit and a valve device for controllably connecting a compression chamber of the vehicle's air compressor to the vehicle's compressed-air supply and storage system. The pressure control device is configured to (i) connect the compression chamber to the compressed-air supply and storage system in a compressed-air production mode to convey compressed air from the compression chamber into the compressed-air supply and storage system, (ii) connect the compression chamber to the compressed-air supply and storage system in a compressed-air expansion mode to convey compressed air from the compressed-air supply and storage system into the compression chamber, and (iii) switch from the compressed-air production mode to the compressed-air expansion mode and vice-versa by electrically actuating one or more electrically operable valves of the valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Eisfelder, Ingo Stumberg, Christian Wiehen, Christoph Wilken
  • Patent number: 8886379
    Abstract: This device is an ultra-thin vehicle where no more than twenty five percent of its solar array extends beyond the vehicle when it is being driven and the solar array is undeployed. However, this same solar array will cover an area at least twice as large as the vehicle and approximately the same size as a parking space when the array is fully deployed. This solar array is also designed to make it possible to easily orient it towards the sun during the majority of time when it is parked. Hence, solar power can be the primary source of power for a typical driver due to the lowered power needs of this tapered ultra thin vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin David Freeman
  • Patent number: 8727064
    Abstract: A hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system is provided and includes at least one chamber having a drivable member and at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, and a reservoir connected to the chamber through at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve. The system further comprises a computer configured to calculate air compressor efficiency during an air compressor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or a computer configured to calculate air motor efficiency during an air motor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency. A method for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun Tai
  • Patent number: 8701804
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle. The system includes electric and compressed gas modes, a plurality of electric motors/generators and compressed gas motors, battery arrays, and transfer switches. The plurality of electric motors/generators and compressed gas motors are operatively connected to the wheels of the vehicle. When the system is in the electric mode, a portion of the plurality of electric motors/generators operate as motors and propel the vehicle, while a remaining portion of the plurality of electric motors/generators operate as generators and charge the battery arrays. When the system is in the gas mode, a portion of the plurality of compressed gas motors operate as motors and propel the vehicle. The transfer switches determine automatically—based upon predetermined—when the system should operate in the electric or the compressed gas mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Craig L. Antrobus
  • Publication number: 20140097030
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, a heat exchanger to heat the compressed air, and an air motor driven by the heated air and connected to at least one wheel. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to a wheel. The vehicle also has a ventilation system for the passenger compartment, a heat exchanger, and a restrictive solenoid valve for directing ventilation system air to the heat exchanger. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, an aluminum compressed air tank, a carbon filament reinforced plastic layer over the tank, a fiberglass and aramid-fiber layer over the carbon filament reinforced plastic layer, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to at least one wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Deakin University
  • Patent number: 8657046
    Abstract: An engine system includes three different types of motors with complementary characteristics, which together provide increased performance and efficiency. The engine system generally includes a fuel-consuming engine (such as an internal combustion engine), an electric motor and an air motor. The air motor is powered by compressed air stored in air tanks. The air tanks can store energy much more quickly and efficiently than electric batteries. Therefore, the air tanks are a more efficient way of recouping the energy of braking the vehicle. The air tanks can be used to power the vehicle, especially at cruising speed, and can recharge the batteries over time. The three motors are complementary to one another in several ways which provide improved performance and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caudill Energy Systems, Corporation
    Inventor: LeRoy Caudill
  • Patent number: 8567544
    Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic power transmission system for all terrestrial's vehicles comprises a prime mover and an accumulator which could also be used as the main load bearing full or partial frame for all those vehicles. A hydraulic power integrator is operatively connected to the prime mover and the accumulator and selectively able to draw power for the vehicle from the prime mover, the accumulator, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Allan Rosman
    Inventor: Allan Rosman
  • Patent number: 8561747
    Abstract: An mechanical power system provides torque without using a heat engine where fossil-fuel engines have conventionally been used, by replacing the fossil-fuel burning engine with a rotary pneumatic motor and feeding pressure-regulated compressed gas to the rotary pneumatic motor. The rotary pneumatic motor can be used anywhere, and requires preferably compressed nitrogen in a non-liquid state. Automotive, marine and electrical generating applications are adaptable, and auxiliary power is available for emergencies where a supply of compressed gas has been exhausted. A screw-type compressor can be electrically powered to supply compressed gas to the pneumatic motor where tanks of compressed gas have been exhausted. An electrical generating power plant includes an array of solar panels for generating direct current (DC) and a DC/AC converter for converting the DC to alternating current (AC) and outputting a portion of the AC via a power plant output port to supply an AC load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Domes
  • Patent number: 8534401
    Abstract: The utility model relates to hybrid drive for vehicles that significantly decreases the consumption of fuel because it uses a turbine motor (7), which is turned on solely when the charge of the accumulator batteries (3) drops and always works at best rpm. The device increases the distance covered by the vehicle without need for frequent recharge of the batteries from the power supply network. Furthermore, the turbine motor is lighter than the petrol piston engine and in the same time more efficient. The device includes installed accumulator batteries (3) that supply power to at least one electric motor coupled via transmission to the drive wheels of the vehicle, and fuel tank (4) supplying fuel to turbine motor (7) coupled via reducer (11) to generator (6) that is connected to the accumulator batteries. Control unit (9) monitors the charge of the accumulator batteries (3) and turns on and off the turbine motor (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Emil Dimitrov, Nikolai Ganev
  • Patent number: 8517137
    Abstract: A hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system is provided and includes at least one chamber having a drivable member and at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, and a reservoir connected to the chamber through at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve. The system further comprises a computer configured to calculate air compressor efficiency during an air compressor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or a computer configured to calculate air motor efficiency during an air motor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun Tai
  • Patent number: 8490738
    Abstract: A compressed air engine comprises a housing and an impeller body fixed on a primary power output shaft and located within the housing. An ejecting inlet ejects air to the impeller body in the housing. Working chambers are provided on the impeller body. The inner surface of the housing closes the working chambers so that the compressed air ejected to the working chambers pushes the impeller body to rotate and is temporarily stored in the working chamber, and an ejecting outlet is provided on the housing so that the compressed air temporarily stored in the working chamber expands outwards when the compressed air is rotated to the gas ejecting outlet and do work to further push the impeller body to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Patent number: 8459391
    Abstract: A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an engine to cause it to do mechanical work. The engine is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the engine. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the engine, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas form. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the engine to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the engine, the working fluids are is exhausted from the engine, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Averill Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Jeffrey Brookman, Douglas M. Read, Michael Anthony Cocuzza
  • Patent number: 8403091
    Abstract: A pneumatic-internal combustion (IC) engine based power management system with improved energy efficiency for automobile application. More particularly, the pneumatic IC engine based power management system comprises a compressor, a pressure vessel, a pneumatic motor and related control mechanisms to provide energy on demand and reduce environmental pollution. The compressor is driven by the IC engine during low power demand by the vehicle. The lightweight pressure vessel wrapped with high strength metal wire and/or fibers provide impact resistance adequate to store compressed air at rated pressure. For low/no load condition of engine or compressor, the IC engine will shut off rather than idling to save fuel. The stored compressed air drives the air motor that powers the vehicle's initial motion and then starts the IC engine to provide continuous power. A controller monitors the power demand and actuates different system components accordingly through sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Amit Prakash, George Richard Sharp
  • Patent number: 8342283
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, a heat exchanger to heat the compressed air, and an air motor driven by the heated air and connected to at least one wheel. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to a wheel. The vehicle also has a ventilation system for the passenger compartment, a heat exchanger, and a restrictive solenoid valve for directing ventilation system air to the heat exchanger. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, an aluminum compressed air tank, a carbon filament reinforced plastic layer over the tank, a fiberglass and aramid-fiber layer over the carbon filament reinforced plastic layer, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Deakin University
    Inventors: Bernard Frank Rolfe, Timothy Ian De Souza, Gregory Ryan Pitts, Stuart James McFarlane Hanafin, Steven Lewis Anthony Agius, Benjamin Paul Adamson, Michael Pio Gordon Pereira, Timothy John Black, Christopher James Hurren, Noel Egan Miller
  • Patent number: 8313121
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with an elongate compressed air tank, a chassis assembled with the tank oriented longitudinally in the chassis where the tank is a load-bearing structural chassis member, wheels connected to the chassis, and a powertrain driven by the compressed air and operably connected to one of the wheels. A chassis for a pneumatic vehicle is provided with an elongate compressed air tank, a first series of side support members connected laterally to the air tank, a second series of side support members connected laterally to the air tank, a first side panel connected to the first series of side support members, a second side panel connected to the second series of side support members, wheels connected to the side panels, and a powertrain driven by the air in the compressed air tank and connected to one of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Deakin University
    Inventors: Bernard Frank Rolfe, Timothy Ian De Souza, Gregory Ryan Pitts, Stuart James McFarlane Hanafin, Steven Lewis Anthony Agius, Benjamin Paul Adamson, Michael Pio Gordon Pereira, Timothy John Black, Christopher James Hurren, Noel Egan Miller
  • Patent number: 8240416
    Abstract: A wind-powered pneumatic engine including one or more impeller chambers and one or more impellers disposed in the impeller chambers is provided. One or more air inlets for receiving external wind resistance airflow are disposed on the impeller chambers, and the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. The wind-powered pneumatic engine further includes an air-jet system for jetting HPCA into the impeller chambers, and the internal high-pressure compressed air jetted by the air-jet system in conjunction with the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. In the present invention, the external resistance airflow around a motor vehicle moving at a speed is converted into power for use, which greatly reduces energy consumption and improves the moving speed of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle equipped with wind-powered pneumatic engine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Yang Cong
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Patent number: 8225900
    Abstract: An mechanical power system is provided for providing torque without using a heat engine in virtually any non-aviation application where fossil-fuel engines have conventionally been used, by simply replacing the fossil-fuel burning engine with a rotary pneumatic motor of appropriate size for the application and feeding pressure-regulated compressed gas to the rotary pneumatic motor. The rotary pneumatic motor can be used virtually anywhere, and requires merely a supply of compressed gas to run it, preferably compressed nitrogen. Automotive, marine and electrical generating applications are easily adaptable, and auxiliary fossil-fuel engines can be added for emergencies where a supply of compressed gas has been exhausted. A screw-type compressor can be electrically powered to supply compressed gas to the pneumatic motor where tanks of compressed gas have been exhausted. Tanks of compressed gas are to be conveniently user replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Domes
  • Publication number: 20120132477
    Abstract: A compressed air engine comprises a housing and an impeller body fixed on a primary power output shaft and located within the housing. An ejecting inlet ejects air to the impeller body in the housing. Working chambers are provided on the impeller body. The inner surface of the housing closes the working chambers so that the compressed air ejected to the working chambers pushes the impeller body to rotate and is temporarily stored in the working chamber, and an ejecting outlet is provided on the housing so that the compressed air temporarily stored in the working chamber expands outwards when the compressed air is rotated to the gas ejecting outlet and do work to further push the impeller body to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Patent number: 8181724
    Abstract: A wind-powered pneumatic engine including one or more impeller chambers and one or more impellers disposed in the impeller chambers is provided. One or more air inlets for receiving external wind resistance airflow are disposed on the impeller chambers, and the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. The wind-powered pneumatic engine further includes an air-jet system for jetting HPCA into the impeller chambers, and the internal high-pressure compressed air jetted by the air-jet system in conjunction with the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. In the present invention, the external resistance airflow around a motor vehicle moving at a speed is converted into power for use, which greatly reduces energy consumption and improves the moving speed of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle equipped with wind-powered pneumatic engine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Patent number: 8177002
    Abstract: A wind-powered pneumatic engine including one or more impeller chambers and one or more impellers disposed in the impeller chambers is provided. One or more air inlets for receiving external wind resistance airflow are disposed on the impeller chambers, and the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. The wind-powered pneumatic engine further includes an air-jet system for jetting HPCA into the impeller chambers, and the internal high-pressure compressed air jetted by the air-jet system in conjunction with the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. In the present invention, the external resistance airflow around a motor vehicle moving at a speed is converted into power for use, which greatly reduces energy consumption and improves the moving speed of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle equipped with wind-powered pneumatic engine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Patent number: 8177016
    Abstract: A hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system is provided and includes at least one chamber having a drivable member and at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, and a reservoir connected to the chamber through at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve. The system further comprises a computer configured to calculate air compressor efficiency during an air compressor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or a computer configured to calculate air motor efficiency during an air motor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency. A method for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun Tai
  • Patent number: 8087487
    Abstract: A hybrid turbo transmission for reduced energy consumption is disclosed. A hybrid turbo transmission configured as a multi-purpose unit (MPU). The MPU recovers energy from the cooling system, exhaust system, ram pressure and the breaking system. The MPU unit is an automatic transmission, supercharger, air compressor for other uses, and starter for the engine using a multi-purpose unit that will eliminate the need for a torque converter or clutch, flywheel, catalytic converter, starter and supercharger. The MPU reduces pollution to near zero and reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient on the vehicle. The MPU uses two or more in-line compressors to transfer power from the power source, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE) to a turbine or multi-stage turbine that acts as an automatic transmission. The hybrid turbo transmission system uses plug-in power as a second source of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Rez Mustafa
  • Patent number: 8079437
    Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic power transmission system for all terrestrial's vehicles comprises a prime mover and an accumulator which could also be used as the main load bearing full or partial frame for all those vehicles. A hydraulic power integrator is operatively connected to the prime mover and the accumulator and selectively able to draw power for the vehicle from the prime mover, the accumulator, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Allan Rosman
  • Patent number: 8020659
    Abstract: A hydrostatically driven vehicle has an engine operating a variable displacement propel pump, a displacement of which can vary based on an angle of a rotating swashplate, such that a fluid flow impelled by the pump transfers power to at least one propel motor rotating a wheel of the vehicle. An electronic controller of the vehicle senses an operating parameter of the system, for example, the angle of the rotating swashplate or the direction and speed of rotation of the propel motor with a sensor to yield an actual signal, and relays the actual signal to an electronic controller. The controller determines a desired angle for the rotating swashplate based on the control signal, and compares it to the actual signal from the sensor. Motion of the vehicle is stalled when the angle signal differs from the desired angle by a predetermined extent and for a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J Schultz, John Marsolek, Corwin E. Storer
  • Patent number: 7926274
    Abstract: The Rankine engine with efficient heat exchange system provides a rapidly rechargeable thermal energy storage bank operably connected to a heat engine capable of propelling a vehicle. Microwave energy is supplied to the system via a network of waveguides. Thermal storage bank has a slurry in a heat exchanger capable of sustaining operation of the engine without requiring the microwave source. The slurry provides a mixture of powdered stainless steel and silicone oils functioning as the working fluid in the hot side of the heat exchanger. The slurry may be heated by plugging the system into standard AC power for a predetermined microwave heat charging duration. A closed, triple-expansion, reciprocating Rankine cycle engine capable of operating under computer control via a high pressure micro-atomized steam working medium is provided to propel the vehicle. A variety of working fluids are capable of powering the Rankine cycle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: FSTP Patent Holding Co., LLC
    Inventor: Stephen J. Farkaly
  • Patent number: 7926610
    Abstract: A compressed-air powered drive system for a vehicle (10) or a propeller-driven aircraft (12). In a land vehicle (10), the drive system includes a plurality of air motors (20) each driving a wheel (16) through a transmission device (18). Compressed air from an air storage tank (12) is supplied through a heat exchanger (40) to drive air motors. A fuel is burned in the heat exchanger (40) to provide hot, high pressure air to the first air motors. Water may be injected into the heat exchanger to provide a hot steam. A plurality of air pumps (22) are engaged with and driven by the wheels to pump air into the tank during driving. When braking, the air pumps (22) driven by the wheels (16) recapture kinetic energy by pumping air into the tank. The air motors can also act as pumps to pump air into the tank during braking by reversing the transmission devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Manoucher Adli
  • Publication number: 20110014828
    Abstract: An mechanical power system is provided for providing torque without using a heat engine in virtually any non-aviation application where fossil-fuel engines have conventionally been used, by simply replacing the fossil-fuel burning engine with a rotary pneumatic motor of appropriate size for the application and feeding pressure-regulated compressed gas to the rotary pneumatic motor. The rotary pneumatic motor can be used virtually anywhere, and requires merely a supply of compressed gas to run it, preferably compressed nitrogen. Automotive, marine and electrical generating applications are easily adaptable, and auxiliary fossil-fuel engines can be added for emergencies where a supply of compressed gas has been exhausted. A screw-type compressor can be electrically powered to supply compressed gas to the pneumatic motor where tanks of compressed gas have been exhausted. Tanks of compressed gas are to be conveniently user replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy J. Domes
  • Patent number: 7743872
    Abstract: A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different fluids to provide pressure volume work to an engine. The engine is started by providing a compressed fluid at a sufficient pressure to move internal components of the engine that in turn rotate a shaft to generate power. At the same time the compressed fluid is provided to the engine, a liquid fluid is provided to a heater to be heated. The liquid fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to gas form. Additional heat is provided to increase the pressure of this gas fluid. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the gas fluid is injected into the engine to generate power. The gas is exhausted from the engine, and is cooled and separated back into the two separate fluids. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Jeffrey Brookman
  • Publication number: 20100116578
    Abstract: A hybrid turbo transmission for reduced energy consumption is disclosed. A hybrid turbo transmission configured as a multi-purpose unit (MPU). The MPU recovers energy from the cooling system, exhaust system, ram pressure and the breaking system. The MPU unit is an automatic transmission, supercharger, air compressor for other uses, and starter for the engine using a multi-purpose unit that will eliminate the need for a torque converter or clutch, flywheel, catalytic converter, starter and supercharger. The MPU reduces pollution to near zero and reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient on the vehicle. The MPU uses two or more in-line compressors to transfer power from the power source, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE) to a turbine or multi-stage turbine that acts as an automatic transmission. The hybrid turbo transmission system uses plug-in power as a second source of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: REZ MUSTAFA
  • Publication number: 20100096209
    Abstract: An Air-propelled Vehicle complete with wheels mounted on axels, equipped with all appropriate steering, braking, lighting and safety mechanisms required to operate the said Air-propelled Vehicle in a safe manner and that such said Air-propelled Vehicle is propelled in both forward and reverse directions with the propulsion provided by either one or more than one air motors either unidirectional or reversible and such Air-propelled Vehicle also includes, equipment to produce the required compressed air, the storage tanks to store such compressed air, a system of hoses to allow the compressed air to be distributed amongst the various components of the Air-propelled Vehicle and a compressed air flow control mechanism capable of allowing or stopping the compressed air to enter such air motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Mohammad Fahar Usmani