Abstract: A personal mobility device includes a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame and one or more pneumatic motors. Each of the one or more pneumatic motors has a drive shaft in operative connection with at least one of the plurality of wheels. The personal mobility device further includes at least one tank (that is, a storage container) for storage of a pressurized gas in operative connection with the one or more pneumatic motors to supply pressurized gas to the one or more pneumatic motors and a control system in operative connection with the at least one tank and with the one or more pneumatic motors.

Abstract: An engine and corresponding driving propulsion system may provide continuous force necessary to keep the engine operating. Utilizing two pressurized tanks with high and low pressures may provide a continuous flow of pressure to the engine necessary for it to operate.

Abstract: A percussion mechanism contains a guide tube, an exciter piston, a hammer, a pneumatic chamber for coupling the hammer to the motion of the exciter piston, a striker, and a seat for the striker. The hammer has a striking point, defined by a striking surface of the striker when the striker lies against the seat. A check valve has an outlet opening and a closing mechanism for closing the check valve against an air flow from the interior of the guide tube. The outlet opening is arranged in such a way that the outlet opening is closed by the hammer during striking operation and otherwise is open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for operating an engine having a cylinder and a piston reciprocable therein on compressed gas. The apparatus comprises a source of compressed gas connected to a distributor which distributes the compressed gas to the cylinder. A valve is provided to selectively admit compressed gas to the cylinder when the piston is in an approximately top dead center position. Compressed gas is provided by a compressor comprising a axial compressor, a deflector blade which is located downstream of the axial compressor, a radial compressor which is located downstream of the deflector blade and a housing with a which encloses the axial compressor, deflector blade, and radial compressor.

Abstract: An air engine system includes an electric motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. An accelerator controls the speed of the electric motor, which in turn controls the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion.

Abstract: A compressed fluid motor comprising at least one solenoid valve, motor timing sensor, and controller for operating the motor.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A reciprocating-piston uniflow engine includes a harmonic oscillator inlet valve capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into the engine. In particular, the inlet valve includes an inlet valve head and a spring arranged together as a harmonic oscillator so that the inlet valve head is moveable from an unbiased equilibrium position to a biased closed position occluding an inlet. When released, the inlet valve head undergoes a single oscillation past the equilibrium position to a maximum open position and returns to a biased return position close to the closed position to choke the flow and produce a pressure drop across the inlet valve causing the inlet valve to close. In other embodiments, the harmonic oscillator arrangement of the inlet valve enables the uniflow engine to be reversibly operated as a uniflow compressor.

Abstract: Provided are an adiabatic compressed air energy storage for an automotive vehicle and an energy storage method using the same, whereby a new vehicle function is provided by using available energy from the discharged and expelled energy generated from a driven automotive vehicle or available energy source outside an automotive vehicle, and transforming the generated energy to convenient electric power and efficiently storing the energy, so that electric power can be supplied regardless of space or time constraint during the automotive vehicle in operation or parked or vehicle engine stop in view of the increase demands of electric power in automotive vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for generating air pressure in an eco-friendly vehicle that includes an engine driven air compressor operated by an engine, an electric air compressor operated by a battery, and an air tank connected to an outlet of the engine driven air compressor and to an outlet of the electric air compressor so as to store air which is pressurized. A method for generating air pressure in an eco-friendly vehicle includes an operation start air pressure determination step to compare air pressure in the air tank with operation start air pressure, an engine drive determination step to determine whether or not the engine is being operated when the air pressure is less than the operation start air pressure, an electric air compressor operation step to operate the electric air compressor, and an engine driven air compressor operation step to operate the engine driven air compressor accordingly.

Abstract: In a traditional hybrid air engine it is complicated to adjust valve timing to compensate for different engine operating modes. Provided is an air compression method and apparatus. The air compression method can be carried out in a single stage with a plurality of air tanks (61, 63) coupled to a compressor (51). The compressor (51) may be a cylinder Air is added to the compressor (51) at atmospheric pressure. Pressurized air is then added to the compressor (51) from a low pressure air tank (61). The compressor (51) compresses the air and transfers a portion of it to a high pressure air tank (63). The remaining portion of the compressed air is transferred to the low pressure air tank (61) for use in the next compression cycle A cam shaft (27) having a two stroke cam (93) and a four stroke cam (95) for each intake valve (59) and exhaust valve (55, 57) is provided to control valve timing during different operating modes.

Abstract: A pneumatic engine system uses gas circulation to recycle exhausted air, so as to reduce gas consumption, save energy, protect the environment, operate for a longer duration, and slow down the attenuation of the power output thereof. The pneumatic engine system includes a pneumatic engine, a gas storage device, a transit gas storage tank, and a suction device. The pneumatic engine receives a compressed air to generate power output. The gas storage device stores the compressed gas and supplies the compressed gas to the pneumatic engine. The transit gas storage tank receives gas discharged from the pneumatic engine. The suction device extracts gas from the transit gas storage tank and transport the extracted gas to the gas storage device for recycle.

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.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A cylinder driving apparatus using air pressure including: a plurality of flexible tubes arranged in a case to flexibly move via high-pressure air; a connecting rod fixed at each of the flexible tubes, and which penetrates through an upper portion of the case; a crank shaft sequentially coupled to the connecting rod to rotate via the elevating movement of the connecting rod; a high pressure tank for supplying high pressure air to the flexible tubes via an air line; and a valve arranged in each of the flexible tubes to divide the space in the flexible tube into an upper section and a lower section and to open or shut airflow in the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An engine and drive train system suitable for personal or commercial transportation vehicles. The system converts the expansive energy of compressed air or gas into mechanical energy to produce motion or force. The engine of the present invention further uses the intrinsic kinetic energy of the vehicle in motion to generate and store compressed air or gas for in-situ or later use. The engine may also be used for braking by the introduction of high pressure air or gas at maximum displacement.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An actuator, including a cylinder, an actuator piston displacably arranged in the cylinder, a pressure fluid circuit having a channel mouthing in the cylinder, an indirectly electrically controlled first valve body, arranged in the channel for controlling a flow of a pressure fluid in the channel, and a second valve body, arranged in or at the channel to open and close the channel, the second valve body being a member fixedly connected to the actuator piston, and the first valve body and the second valve body being arranged in series with each other in the channel. The actuator further includes an electrically controlled three-way valve that is arranged to alternately open for a pressure fluid flow from a high pressure source and a pressure fluid flow from a low pressure source, chosen pressure fluid flow being arranged to act against and admit displacement of the first valve body.

Abstract: An air-powered engine assembly uses compressed air as a complementary power source. The air-powered engine assembly includes an engine body (1), a multiple-column power distributor (2), a power equipment (4), a controller system (6), an intake speed control valve (23), a high pressure gas tank set (13), a constant pressure tank (16), an electronic control unit ECO (29) and a complementary compressed air circuit. The complementary compressed air circuit includes an air compressor (7), a condenser (11), a pressure limiting valve (702), sequence valve (705), an exhaust gas recycle tank (9), an electro-drive turbine unidirectional suction pump (19) and an exhaust gas muffler (22).

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a retention element retaining a component of the apparatus, and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston compresses gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. Compressed gas is communicated to the second cylinder and the retention force of the retention element is overcome, to release the retained component of the apparatus, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke of the first piston, a vacuum created in the first cylinder is communicated to the second cylinder, causing, along with an optional other retraction capacity, the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: A direct-fired plunger hydraulic pump, comprising a combustor (1), a high-temperature heat exchanger (2), a steam chamber (3), at least one cylinder plunger mechanism (10), a steam refrigerator (15) and a control system, wherein the high-temperature heat exchanger (2) is connected with the combustor (1) through a pipe; the steam chamber (3) is a sealed container, in which a water nozzle (4) is arranged above the high-temperature heat exchanger (2); the cylinder plunger mechanism (10) is mounted above the steam chamber (3) and mainly consists of a cylinder (20) and a plunger (21); a piston of the cylinder (20) is connected with a piston of the plunger (21) through a mandril (30) with a reset mechanism; an inlet valve (22) communicated with the steam chamber (3) is provided at the bottom end of the cylinder (20), and an exhaust valve (23) is provided on a side wall of the cylinder (20); an oil outlet and an oil inlet are provided at the top end of the plunger (21); the exhaust valve (23) is connected with the s

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a steam power plant, comprising a steam engine which is operated with a vaporous working medium, an evaporator for evaporating the working medium; a condenser for liquefying the working medium and a reservoir for the working medium. The invention is characterized in that a lubricant sump in a housing of the steam engine is heated to a temperature above the evaporating temperature of the working medium by means of a heating device during the starting phase of the steam engine.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An air engine system includes an electric motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. An accelerator controls the speed of the electric motor, which in turn controls the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion.

Abstract: A prime mover with recovered energy driven compression for stationary and motor vehicle application. Efficient low compression operation, especially beneficial to small gas turbines, is enabled with either ambient or cryogenic intake air. Two features, exhaust gas recirculation by a jet-compressor and a heat of fusion sink to liquefy motive air to the jet-compressor, decrease regenerative heat exchanger terminal temperature difference relative to turbine temperature drop in low pressure operation while reducing heat exchanger surface area.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air and liquid heat exchange is improved via control of the system operation and/or the properties of the heat-exchange liquid.

Abstract: A compressed fluid motor has a plurality of cylinders with a piston and a piston rod. A main bearing is concentric with a crankpin and coupled to a shaft. Compressed fluid on the piston pushes on the main bearing via its corresponding piston rod. Bearing guide plates hold the one or more piston rod in place on the main bearing. A timing and control mechanism controls flow of compressible fluid to press on the piston and turn the shaft to perform work.

Abstract: The invention herein described consists of a single-cylinder free-piston engine system comprising a combustion cylinder, a compression cylinder, a seal between the two cylinders and a piston assembly, capable of being produced in a miniature scale (e.g., less than 10 cubic centimeters volume). The combustion cylinder consists of a holding chamber wherein fuel enters through a fuel inlet port before combustion, a combustion chamber wherein combustion occurs according to an HCCI process, after which the excess fuel and exhaust leaves the engine system through a port for exhaust, and a port extending from the holding chamber to the combustion chamber. The compression cylinder comprises a compression chamber wherein a compressible a compressible fluid enters through an inlet port, is compressed by the single-cylinder engine system, and the compressed fluid exits through an outlet port, and a rebound chamber wherein energy from the combustion process is conserved by a rebound element.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multistage compressed gas engine, comprising: impellers and at least one impeller chamber where the impeller is installed, the impellers including a first impeller and a second impeller; a plurality of working chambers being formed by the side plates on both sides between the teeth on the circumferential surface of the first and second impellers, and a plurality of gas chambers allowing relative sealing of injected gas being formed by inner surface of the impeller chamber where the impeller is installed and each of the working chambers; the impeller chamber where the first impeller is installed being provided correspondingly with a first-stage compressed gas injection hole and a first-stage compressed gas discharge hole, and the impeller chamber where the second impeller is installed being provided correspondingly with a second-stage compressed gas injection hole and a second-stage compressed gas discharge hole, the first-stage compressed gas discharge hole being connected at its output to the

Abstract: A piston type pneumatic engine, including a cylinder block, a piston, a cylinder, a crankshaft, a connecting rod, a camshaft, and a device for controlling the opening or closing of a gas valve. A cylinder cover arranged on the cylinder block is provided with an inwardly-opened type compressed-gas intake valve and an exhaust valve. An intake cam and an exhaust cam are arranged on the camshaft. The opening or closing of the intake and the exhaust valves is controlled by a rocker arm which is driven by the camshaft. The camshaft is driven by the rotated crankshaft via a timing chain or belt.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An engine with an active chamber, having at least one piston (2) mounted in a cylinder (1) in a sliding manner and driving a crankshaft (5) via a slider-crank device (3, 4) and operating according to a four-phase thermodynamic cycle includes: an isothermal expansion without work; a transfer—slight so-called quasi-isothermal expansion with work; a polytropic expansion with work; and an exhaust at ambient pressure, preferentially supplied by compressed air contained in a high-pressure storage tank (12), through a buffer capacity, called a working capacity (11), which is expanded at an average pressure, called a working pressure, in a working capacity, preferentially through a dynamic pressure-reducing device (13), wherein the active chamber is included in the engine cylinder, the cylinder volume being swept by the piston and divided into two separate parts, a first part forming the active chamber (CA) and a second part forming the expansion chamber (CD).

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An engine and drive train system suitable for personal or commercial transportation vehicles. The system converts the expansive energy of compressed air or gas into mechanical energy to produce motion or force. The engine of the present invention further uses the intrinsic kinetic energy of the vehicle in motion to generate and store compressed air or gas for in-situ or later use. The engine may also be used for braking by the introduction of high pressure air or gas at maximum displacement.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: In a traditional hybrid air engine it is complicated to adjust valve timing to compensate for different engine operating modes. Provided is an air compression method and apparatus. The air compression method can be carried out in a single stage with a plurality of air tanks (61, 63) coupled to a compressor (51). The compressor (51) may be a cylinder Air is added to the compressor (51) at atmospheric pressure. Pressurized air is then added to the compressor (51) from a low pressure air tank (61). The compressor (51) compresses the air and transfers a portion of it to a high pressure air tank (63). The remaining portion of the compressed air is transferred to the low pressure air tank (61) for use in the next compression cycle A cam shaft (27) having a two stroke cam (93) and a four stroke cam (95) for each intake valve (59) and exhaust valve (55, 57) is provided to control valve timing during different operating modes.

Abstract: An engine and drive train system suitable for personal or commercial transportation vehicles. The system converts the expansive energy of compressed air or gas into mechanical energy to produce motion or force. The engine of the present invention further uses the intrinsic kinetic energy of the vehicle in motion to generate and store compressed air or gas for in-situ or later use. The engine may also be used for braking by the introduction of high pressure air or gas at maximum displacement.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air and liquid heat exchange is improved via control of the system operation and/or the properties of the heat-exchange liquid.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: The dual rotor turbine configuration efficiently harnesses oceanic wave energy within an oscillating water column system. The up and down movement of the waves creates a bi-directional pneumatic airflow which spins the twin turbine assemblies. The resulting rotary force is then utilized to drive two electrical generators simultaneously. Each turbine rotor set is composed of a radial array of identical asymmetrical airfoil blades (similar to NASA GA(W)-1). The two rotor sets are assembled as back-to-back mirror images. Both rotor sets are locked to a common axle by means of sprag-type freewheeling clutches. This configuration provides for smooth and continuous unidirectional movement of the axial drive line which drives the two generators.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a valve arrangement and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston is configured to compress gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. At the predetermined pressure, the valve arrangement assumes an open position for communicating the compressed gas to the second cylinder, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke, at a predetermined position of the first piston in the first cylinder, the valve arrangement assumes the open position for communicating a vacuum created in the first cylinder to the second cylinder and thereby causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.