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 the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

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.

Abstract: An external combustion engine 10 is disclosed, wherein a container 11 sealed with a working medium adapted to flow in a liquid state includes a heating unit 13 for generating a vapor of the working medium 12 by heating part of the working medium, and a cooling unit 14 for liquefying by cooling the vapor. The volume of the working medium 12 is changed by the generation and liquefaction of the vapor, and the displacement of the liquid portion of the working medium 12 caused by the volume change of the working medium 12 is converted into and output as mechanical energy. The heating unit 13 is structured so that inner members 51a, 53a arranged on the inside and outer members 51b, 53b arranged on the outside are bonded to each other. The outer members 51b, 53b are made of a second material higher in heat resistance than the first material of the inner members 51a, 53a. Further, the thickness of the inner members 51a, 53a is not smaller than the thermal penetration depth ? of the first material.

Abstract: We present a high-efficiency crankless reciprocating steam engine that loses only a small amount of energy when the rectilinear motion of its piston is changed into the rotary motion of its driveshaft. The present invention continuously rotates a valve in one direction while alternately introducing steam into two piston housing chambers to generate the rotary force of the driveshaft. Therefore, engine efficiency is greatly increased because the inertial force losses in the valve are much smaller compared to the case when the valve rotation stops or changes direction.

Abstract: A rechargeable pneumatic reciprocating piston engine that uses a mixture of compressed air and water as the working fluid with a combination of gravity and spring force functioning to return the piston after completion of the power stroke whereafter repeated power strokes may be achieved from a single charge of compressed fluid thereby providing a rechargeable pneumatic engine capable of running for an extended period of time on a single charge is disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid supplied to an actuating cylinder having a piston driven by the pressurized fluid along a stroke path therewithin, the pressurized fluid being applied to alternative driving sides of the piston. The valve assembly comprises a first and a second valve pistons, which cooperate to block the supply of pressurized fluid to the current driving side of the piston when the piston reaches the end of its stroke path, thereby limiting the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied to the driving side to a level reduced compared to a pressure level applied to drive said piston. If a leak occurs within the actuating cylinder at the end of the stroke path of the piston, it will be at the reduced pressurized fluid pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating piston engine that uses a mixture of compressed air and water as the working fluid with a combination of gravity and spring force functioning to return the piston after completion of the power stroke is disclosed. A working fluid, preferably comprising a source of compressed air, is in fluid communication with the bottom portion of a generally vertically disposed cylinder via an inlet valve biased to a normally closed position. A piston is configured for reciprocating motion within the cylinder and traverses between bottommost and topmost positions. The piston is configured to engage the inlet valve when at the bottommost position thereby actuating the valve for a limited period of time to an open position so as to allow the introduction of compressed air and initiating of the power stroke to drive the piston upward. In a preferred embodiment, water is injected into the compressed air stream entering the cylinder to provide lubrication for the piston.

Abstract: Ambient temperature thermal energy cryogenic engine with constant pressure with continuous “cold” combustion at constant pressure and with an active chamber operating with a cryogenic fluid stored in its liquid phase, and used as a work gas in its gaseous phase and operating in a closed cycle with return to its liquid phase. The initially liquid cryogenic fluid is vaporized in the gaseous phase at very low temperatures and supplies the inlet of a gas compression device, which then discharges this compressed work gas, still at low temperature, and through a heat exchanger with the ambient temperature, into a work tank or external expansion chamber fitted or not fitted with a heating device, where its temperature and its volume will considerably increase in order to then be preferably let into a relief device providing work and for example comprising an active chamber according to international patent application WO 2005/049968.

Abstract: A motor including a piston disposed within a cylinder and a valve configured to control a flow of a fluid into the cylinder. In some embodiments, the valve has a housing, a valve member disposed in the housing, and a magnetic detent configured to resist movement of the valve member within the housing.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor that includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder, and a pneumatically-reset pilot valve. In certain embodiments, the pneumatically-reset pilot valve is configured to move to a first position in response to a change in pressure in the cylinder.

Abstract: In a drive device, two cylinders filled with air pressure are interconnected, and the pistons of the cylinders are pressed under the same pressure by compressed air supplied to the cylinders. The drive device has an external input device for applying an external input to the cylinders so that the pistons reciprocate alternately. The external input device causes the pistons to reciprocate alternately, and the reciprocation motion provides rotational force. The interconnected cylinders are multi-stage cylinders, pressurized air flow paths (22A, 22B) connected to each cylinder stage are formed in the multi-stage cylinders, and (17A, 17B) for opening and closing the flow paths are also provided in the cylinders.

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 variable flow reducing valve and distribution system is disclosed for compressed air injection engines operating on mono or dual energy with dual or triple supply mode and comprising a high pressure compressed air tank and a buffer capacity. The system can control the stroke of an engine piston and stop the piston at the dead centre. Moreover, the air supply in the buffer capacity and to the cylinders is controlled by pilot valves. A cam for the pilot valves is positioned directly on the flanges of a crankshaft and drives the rocker arm rods to pivot rocker arms around corresponding mobile shafts that can move between two ends of the rocker arms, thereby controlling lifting of the pilot valves according to the movement of the rocker arm rods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic pig advance system comprising a control volume chamber containing hydraulic fluid and a force transmitting member. The system further comprises two directional control valves which can be selectively repositioned to cause hydraulic fluid to cycle the force transmitting member back and force such that in each cycle, a metered amount of hydraulic is transmitted into a pig housing where it causes a pig to move a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying energy to a sensor co-moved with a wheel of a vehicle, which contains a generator co-moved with the wheel of the vehicle, the generator generating electrical energy from vibrational motions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pneumatic hybrid electric engine includes an electric source, an air supply part for compressing air and storing the compressed air, a pneumatic engine part for generating power using air supplied from the air supply part, an electric engine part for generating power using electric power applied from the electric source, a power transmission part for transmitting the power generated by the pneumatic engine part and the electric engine part, and a control part for selectively operating the pneumatic engine part and the electric engine part so that the pneumatic and electric engines parts can be switched on the basis of a predetermined torque range.

Abstract: A piston air engine comprises an intake system at an outer side of a cylinder and parallel to the cylinder; a piston in the cylinder; a piston inner exhaust valve device in an interior of the piston; and a piston positioning actuating device for actuating an engine and positioning in a power stroke. The lever force apply point of the intake lever is at an upper dead point of the piston to be confined by the movement of the piston; and the lever force accept point of the intake lever is installed at the intake valve door for confining the intake valve.

Abstract: A compressed gas engine includes a plurality of reciprocating pistons within cylinders, the pistons being driven by compressed gas from a source tank. Intake and exhaust valves selectively open to direct compressed gas to the piston to drive the piston, and to exhaust air, respectively. The valves are opened by a lift rod in engagement with cams on a crankshaft, and are closed by the compressed air.

Abstract: A pneumatic oil pump has a cylinder, a piston, a pedal and an oil reservoir. The cylinder has a central bore, a sealed front end and a sealed rear end. An air connector is mounted in a cover on the front end of the cylinder. An actuating valve is mounted in the cover on the front end of the cylinder and communicating with the air connector and the central bore of the cylinder. The piston is movably mounted in the bore of the cylinder to divide the central bore of the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber. A piston seat is attached to the piston at an end facing the rear end of the cylinder. A ventilative, sound-absorbing material is arranged between the air outlets of the piston and the piston seat. By such an arrangement, the shock of the air flow can be absorbed by the ventilative, sound absorbing material. Therefore, noise and shock will not occur when the pneumatic pump is in operation.

Abstract: A high efficiency not polluting engine comprises at least a cylinder and at least a piston movable therein, the cylinder including, alternately, a pre-chamber in the cylinder head and/or a chamber for a direct injection mode of operation, the pre-chamber forming a plenum chamber having a size proportional to the swept volume of the engine and to the power to be obtained, the pre-chamber of the chamber being continuously supplied from the outside by pressurized air at a variable pressure controlled by at least two adjustment controls.

Abstract: A method for reducing pollution in a mono-mode air-air combustion engine having an intake and compression chamber, connected to a constant volume expansion chamber, which is connected in turn to an expansion and exhaust chamber. External air is drawn into the intake chamber and compressed to an increased pressure and temperature. The compressed air is transferred to the constant volume expansion chamber, wherein additional, ambient temperature, compressed air is injected therein. The injected air, when contacting the elevated pressure and temperature of the compressed air causes an expansion of the air within the constant volume expansion chamber. The energy associated with the air expansion is transferred to the expansion and exhaust chamber, wherein the continued compressed air expansion produces a work force that is imparted to a piston. The energy depleted air is then exhausted through an exhaust value.

Abstract: A fluid engine for use in pneumatically operated toys such as wheeled vehicles or airplanes includes an engine having a fluid input cavity which is in continuous fluid communication with a source of compressed air, a fluid delivery cavity which is in continuous communication with a piston cavity bounded by a moveable piston mounted in a cylinder member and which is separated from the fluid input cavity by a wall having a valve opening, and exhaust apertures which are separated from the fluid delivery cavity. A valve rod is movably housed to open the valve opening and close the exhaust apertures during the piston's power stroke, and to close the valve opening and open the exhaust opening during the piston's exhaust stroke. The valve rod is operatively connected to a piston to act in synchronism with it by the use of a cam integrally secured to a propeller power shaft.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention a vapor engine is provided having a first piston of a given diameter and a second piston having a larger diameter than the first piston. Walls are provided within which the pistons travel so as to define a first piston space and a second piston space. An apparatus are provided for connecting the first and the second piston to a power output. A rotary valve, having passageways therein for communicating with the first piston space and with the second piston space and for receiving vapor under pressure from an input source and for discharging exhaust vapor from the engine, is a part of the combination.

Abstract: A productive, efficient and environmentally friendly Steam Powered Head Device for integral use with an engine which operates at high RPM. The inventive device includes a head block with integral cylindrical rotating valve through a longitudinal cylindrical aperture in the head block. A high temperature seal bearing is circumferentially pressed fit around the cylindrical rotating valve at each end of the aperture within said head block. The head block and cylindrical rotating valve include intake steam ports and larger exhaust steam ports to allow rapid discharge of steam which are aligned and sequentially arranged through the axis of the cam shaft according to the degrees recommended by the manufacturer of the high RPM engine to which the inventive device is adapted. One intake steam port and one exhaust steam port is typically aligned to each cylinder chamber of the high RPM engine to which the inventive device is adapted.

Abstract: A class of micromachine linear actuators whose function is based on gas driven pistons in which capillary forces are used to seal the gas behind the piston. The capillary forces also increase the amount of force transmitted from the gas pressure to the piston. In a major subclass of such devices, the gas bubble is produced by thermal vaporization of a working fluid. Because of their dependence on capillary forces for sealing, such devices are only practical on the sub-mm size scale, but in that regime they produce very large force times distance (total work) values.

Abstract: A pumping machine is disclosed which comprises valve means and air intakes, the valve means comprising a plurality of check valves and having a double-layer structure, the valve means being caused to vertically reciprocate by delivery of compressed air, the air intakes being so formed that external air is introduced in mid course of the reciprocating motion of the valve means, wherein external air is introduced in parallel with suction of water to be pumped up in mid course of the reciprocating motion of the valve means, the introduced air is then compressed, and then expansion force of the air generated by releasing the water with air from the pressure is utilized as water pumping force.

Abstract: A handle extension for an air powered tool. The extension has been designed for use with a nail gun, but the mechanism is suitable for any air powered hand tool. The device includes a jointed, tubular extension that is affixed to the tool. The device further includes a trigger mechanism that controls the operation of the tool, and a grip to allow the user to more easily support the weight of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) to convert a four-stroke internal combustion engine to a two-stroke pneumatically powered engine. An air compressor (60) is driven using the rotation of the crankshaft (22) and compressed air is delivered through a supply line (74) to at least one holding tank (68). A supply line (76) delivers compressed air from the tank (68) through a regulator (20), which controls the pressure and volume, to the pneumatic distributor (24). A plurality of high pressure hoses (50) finally communicates the compressed air to the cylinders (86) of the engine (12) via the spark plug orifices (18). The pneumatic distributor (24) has a rotor (42) which opens gate valves (44) to supply compressed air to the cylinders (86) wherein the pistons (88) are at top dead center, making every downstroke a power stroke. The modified dual-lobed camshaft (80) operates the exhaust valves (84) so that every upstroke of a piston (88) is an exhaust stroke and exhaust freely escapes through the exhaust manifold (90).

Abstract: An engine (32) driven by compressed air, including an electric motor (36) driven by a battery (B), a compressor for generating the compressed air by use of a drive power of the electric motor (36), an intake manifold (40) connected with an outlet of the compressor with the intake manifold (40), a crank shaft having four separate crank pins being connected to a piston in the cylinder by a connecting rod, and a cam shaft connected with the crank shaft by a belt or chain.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor having a plurality of cylinders, with each cylinder having an expansion chamber (15), defined in part by a piston plate (2); and a diversion chamber (16) which is divided into two chambers by a slide plate (11), with the diversion chambers connected to a pressure supply line (27) and to a pressure diversion line (28). The piston plate is connected to a piston rod (5) by a lock (3). The expansion chamber holds an amount of compressed air held constant throughout the operation cycle. Expansion of the expansion chamber moves the piston plate and piston rod (5) to rotate a crankshaft (5a). At the end of the expansion stroke, the piston rod is disconnected from the piston plate. The expansion chamber is compressed by pressurizing the diversion chamber below the slide plate (11), forcing the slide plate and push rods (7) upwards, which pushes the piston plate upwards, until the piston plate can be held at a top position by a lock (3').

Abstract: Energy of shock force normally absorbed by shock absorber in an automotor vehicle is recovered and converted to electric power.

Abstract: A compressed gas engine (20) has a piston (25) mounted for reciprocating movement within a cylinder (22). A valve (29) is slideably mounted on the cylinder head (31) to control the flow of compressed gas from a source (24) through an inlet (23) to a plenum chamber (28). The valve is arranged to be selectively engaged and opened by the piston to permit flow of compressed gas into the plenum chamber. When the valve is closed, compressed gas within the plenum chamber is permitted to flow into the variable-volume chamber (26). Spent gases are exhausted through ports (69) as the piston approaches its bottom dead center position. Residual gases in the variable-volume chamber are recompressed into the plenum chamber (28) as the piston moves upwardly toward its top dead center position.

Abstract: An external air valve for a reciprocating air motor is provided with a the ability to transfer heat from incoming compressed air into the valve cups to prevent icing and a low friction mechanism for the valve slide to enhance reliability. The design has a housing which forms an air chamber, and located in the air chamber is a slide member containing two cups which alternately cover ports leading to the upper and lower chambers of the air motor piston. The slide has slotted rollers to reduce pneumatic loading and decrease friction during sliding. The shift rod is provided with a central valve spring located in an aperture in the slide, along with spring retaining plates to provide and assist in shifting the valve in conjuction with a detent to assure that the valve is positioned in one of two operating positions. The pressurized chamber, in conjunction with fins, apertures and other heat transfer apparatus in the slide assures that heat is applied to the cups of the slide in order to prevent icing.

Abstract: An hydraulic liquid system wherein a pump moves liquid from one location to another such as in supplying one or more loads in an underwater environment. The system includes two hydro-pneumatic chambers utilized such that one is filled by liquid from the pump while the other supplies the load, and as one hydro-pneumatic chamber empties, valves reconfigure the system such that the hydro-pneumatic chamber reverse roles. Each hydro-pneumatic chamber includes a liquid side and a gas side separated by a movable barrier with the gas sides of the hydro-pneumatic chambers being connected to one another thereby providing a large acoustic transmission drop across a liquid-gas boundary and subsequent gas-liquid boundary to interrupt the liquid noise path from the pump to the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating hydraulic motor having a differential piston interposed between an inlet pipe for fluid at a pressure P1 and an exhaust pipe for fluid at a pressure P2 which is less than the pressure P1 The moving assembly constituted by the different-section pistons that slide in a stepped cylinder includes a flap having two positions and controlling three ports, the flap being mounted to pivot about an axis. In each of its positions, the flap bears against two wall portions disposed on opposite sides of the flap and at different distances from the pivot axis so that the effect of the pressures P1 and P2 on the faces of the flap is to establish a positive closure torque.

Abstract: A gravitational window shutter in a water gate for a system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a of water is disclosed. The gate is formed with a door for closing the port through which the water may flow. The door has a window in an upper portion thereof which is closed by a rotatable shutter. The shutter opens before the door, allowing a flow of water through the window, which reduces the drag on the door. The door is then able to open more rapidly. A gravitational closure causes the shutter and door to close. The gravitational closure is formed by a counter weight on the shutter. An improved configuration of the chambers is also disclosed. The chambers have an upper portion of a rectangular configuration with a larger volume to increase the volume of air flowing through the system and a lower portion of a cylindrical configuration to reduce the hydraulic losses due to vortices during water inflow and outflow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cyclic hydraulic actuator, and more particularly to an actuator for a rock drill and includes: a housing; at least two chambers in the housing; a fluid passage between a first of the chambers and the outside of the housing for feeding a liquid at supply pressure to the chamber during operation of the actuator; a fluid passage between a second of the chambers and the outside of the housing for exhausting liquid from the second chamber during operation of the actuator; a piston reciprocable on an axis in at least the first and second chambers with the piston including an exposed piston area in each of the two chambers for causing, with the liquid at supply pressure, reciprocation of the piston; an inlet valve for opening and closing the second chamber to liquid at supply pressure in the first chamber; an exhaust valve for opening and closing the exhaust passage; the inlet and exhaust valves, chambers and exposed piston areas being so arranged that during cyclic operation of the actua

Abstract: A speed control device for a pneumatic cylinder of the invention is characterized in that a speed control of the pneumatic cylinder can be changed from air pressure to air mass flow by a two-way valve and an airflow control valve. Therefore, an ordinary and low moving speed of a load is maintained even if the load changes its speed or stops moving, and thus any accidents caused by a change of the moving speed of the load are prevented beforehand. Additionally, since in this invention only a two-way valve and an airflow control valve are added to a conventional pneumatic cylinder and high relief type pressure reducing valve, the device of the invention is simply constructed and has a wide variety of usage. Furthermore, since the device of the invention is provided with a pressure accumulator and a checking valve, the pneumatic cylinder can be stably controlled even when the load moves at a high speed.

Abstract: Controls for operating fluid pressure fueled reciprocating piston engines are simplified by passing fuel directly to a cylinder inlet port from a synchronously timed rotary distributor. This permits a snap acting diaphragm transfer valve normally opening the inlet fuel path to the cylinder to respond to a decrease in fuel pressure to quickly snap open an exhaust port and close the inlet port. Several embodiments include a battery operated fuel supply source, recycling of spent fuel, and auxiliary exhaust paths from bottom dead center cylinder positions, to increase efficiency, speed and reliability.

Abstract: The invention, which provides a system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a body of water, comprises first and second hydro-pneumatic chambers each having ingress and egress below the water surface near the river or ocean floor and water gates operative to open or seal the ports to the passage of water. In an exemplary embodiment, the gates are sychronized by shafts so that the ingress ports of each chamber are connected to the egress ports of each other chamber. Thus, one set of gates is closed, while the other is open, thereby allowing water to flow into one chamber and build air pressure therein and allowing water to flow out of the other chamber and create a partial vacuum therein. A pipe connects the chambers, and an air turbine harnesses the air movement within the pipe. When water levels are equilibrated, the open set of gates is closed by a counterweight, and the other set is allowed to open by natural force of the water differential.

Abstract: A vibration cancellation device is provided for an air motor with a reciprocating drive piston. The device consists of an anti-phase piston which is axially aligned with the drive piston and reciprocates in the opposite direction of the drive piston. In one embodiment, the stroke of the anti-phase piston is adjustable to permit optimizing its vibration cancellation characteristics.

Abstract: A wellhead mounted pneumatic actuator for bottom hole oil pumps designed for operation by compressed air or gas. The preferred embodiment utilizes a single action cylinder with the downstroke actuated by the weight of the sucker rods and the fluid contained therein. Sufficient relatively high pressure air or gas from an external source is supplied under the piston of the cylinder to lift the piston at all times. A pressure or solenoid control floating piston bleeder valve selectively routes air or gas into the power cylinder on both sides of the piston to accomplish the downstroke. First and second contactors are mounted to cables suspended from a spreader reciprocating with the piston to contact respective first and second pivot arms to pivot the pivot arms into engagement with the respective first and second activator buttons of the bleeder valve to shift the bleeder valve from one position to the other to effectuate the selective routing of air or gas to the top of the piston as well as under the piston.

Abstract: A pressurized-fluid-operated engine having a plurality of reciprocatable pistons carried within cylinders through connecting rods with an output shaft. The engine is adapted to operate on pressurized air or pressurized gases, without combustion, and it includes a recirculation device of the ejector type to provide recirculation of a part of the lower pressure exhaust gas and to permit mixing of the recirculated exhaust gas with incoming inlet gas. The device is particularly adapted for use where the source of compressed gas provides a very high pressure of gas, but a relatively low volume, and it permits the mixing of very high pressure inlet gas with lower pressure exhaust gas to provide an operating gas a sufficiently high level to provide a desired engine output.

Abstract: A compact electric adjusting drive for locking systems, fan flaps or the like in motor vehicles includes a fluidic force transmission system between the electric motor and the adjusting element movable to and fro between two end positions.

Abstract: A flat, elongate, laminated plate of ceramic piezoelectric material is fixedly mounted on one end to permit movement of the other end responsive to the application of a variable electronic control signal to electrodes on the outer surfaces of the laminated plate. The movement and force applied by the movable end of the plate controls the release of air pressure from the pressure chamber so that the pressure in the chamber varies in response to the variations of the electronic control signal.

Abstract: An energy recovery system is disclosed for recovering energy of highly pressurized natural gas when it is depressurized prior to distribution. The system includes a processing vessel which defines a bounded volume. The vessel is partially filled with water. A shaft extends through an aperture formed in the processing vessel with the shaft reciprocally moveable through said aperture. A conduit connects the high pressure natural gas to a gas inlet disposed within the processing vessel. The inlet is disposed beneath the level of the water within the vessel. Gas flows from the inlet in a predetermined path toward the water level. An exhaust conduit connects an outlet of the processing vessel to an expansion tank. The outlet is disposed above the water level within the vessel. A lift chamber is connected to the shaft and has an opening disposed to admit gas flowing along the predetermined path. The chamber is sized for gas collected within the chamber to urge the shaft to move toward the water level.

Abstract: A compressed air power plant which includes a piston disposed within a cylinder and connected to a drive shaft. The piston is operated through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke upon each rotation of the drive shaft. The power plant includes compressed air means for supplying compressed air at a high pressure and at a second pressure lower than the high pressure. A distributing means is operatively associated with the compressed air means for selectively communicating the high pressure compressed air to the cylinder at the initial portion of the power stroke of the piston. An intake means is operatively associated with the cylinder and the compressed air means for selectively admitting compressed air at the second lower pressure to the cylinder at a predetermined time in the power stroke after the communication of high pressure air to the cylinder.

Abstract: A controller and method are provided for controlling pneumatic presses, and similar machines. The controller comprises a gauge to measure increments of stock length passing through the press, a length recorder to set the desired piece length, and a length comparator which compares the readout of the gauge with the preset recorder piece length, and when equal, generates a stroke initiate signal. The stroke initiate signal opens an air valve portion of the pneumatic press to communicate pressurized air with the power side of an air actuated ram, which in turn converges the press platens to perform the desired press function, such as punching holes, notching, cutoff, or the like. The controller also includes a timer to measure time beginning from the stroke initiate signal, a time recorder to set the time the air valve is to remain open, and a time comparator which compares the readout of the timer with the preset valve open time, and when equal, generates a stroke halt signal.

Abstract: An impulse injector apparatus operates to produce pulsed delivery of injected material, with the material moving during a delivery pulse at high velocity and under the urging of a compressed captured gas supply which is permitted to rapidly expand. The device includes an elongate cylinder and an actuating piston mounted for reciprocal movement within the cylinder. A captured compressible gas supply is located within a chamber which is defined between one end of the piston and one extremity of the cylinder. Another chamber is defined between the opposite end of the piston and the opposite extremity of the cylinder. A pressurized fluid is controllably admitted into the other chamber, thereby causing movement of the actuating cylinder towards the one extremity of the cylinder and resulting in compression of the captured gas supply.

Abstract: A piston of a gas engine is reciprocatingly guided in a cylinder. A gas inlet valve whose valve closure component consists of a ball is situated in the cylinder head. The ball is pushed open in the top dead-center position of the piston by a protrusion formed on the upper portion of the piston in order to admit propellant gas into an expansion chamber formed by the cylinder. The gas engine must be set into operation by turning a crankshaft. If the piston accidentally lies near top dead-center when starting, the piston must be moved against full gas pressure. In order to alleviate starting, a shut-off device is provided which has a start position and an operational position. The shut-off device connects the inlet side of the gas inlet valve with an air conduit opening into ambient air and obturates a pressurized gas container in the start position.