Abstract: A system may include a first methanol tank and a second methanol tank connected to the first tank. The system may include a first valve fluidly connected to the first methanol tank and the second methanol tank. The system may include a heat exchanger connected to the second methanol tank and a turbine of a turbocharger. The system may include a second valve fluidly connected to an intake system of an engine.

Abstract: A pressure-controlling device (10) includes a pump (21), a connection pipe (30), a first valve (41), and a second valve (42). The pump (21) has an inlet port (211) and an outlet port (212). The connection pipe (30) has a first end in communication with the outlet port (212), and a second end in communication with the inlet port (211) and that has a first space (31) that contains the first end, a second space (32) that contains the second end, and a third space (33) that is located between the first space (31) and the second space (32).

Abstract: A control system includes: a target volume module configured to determine a target volume of hydraulic fluid within a suspension system of a vehicle based on a target pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the suspension system; a volume command module configured to generate a volume command based on the target volume and a present volume of the hydraulic fluid within first and second circuits; a command module configured to, based on the volume command, generate: a pump command for an electric hydraulic fluid pump; and first and second valve commands for first and second seat valves that regulate hydraulic fluid flow to and from the first and second circuits, respectively; a valve control module that actuates the first and second seat valves based on the first and second valve commands, respectively; and a pump control module that controls operation of the pump based on the pump command.

Abstract: A CO2 bottoming cycle system includes a first compressor operatively connected to a first turbine through a first shaft. A first generator is operatively connected to the first shaft. A second compressor is fluidically connected to the first compressor. The second compressor is operatively connected to a second turbine through a second shaft. A second generator is operatively connected to the second shaft. The first turbine is fluidically connected to the second turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft propulsion system, comprising a main transmission unit (12) and at least two turbojet engines connected to the main transmission unit (12), respectively a first turbojet engine (14a) and a second turbojet engine (14b), each turbojet engine comprising a free turbine (24a, 24b), characterized in that the first turbojet engine (14a) comprises a heat exchanger (30) configured to recover some of the thermal energy from the exhaust gas at the outlet of the free turbine, and in that the propulsion system comprises at least one computer (28a, 28b) configured to control the two turbojet engines and to limit the acceleration and the deceleration of the first turbojet engine (14a) when neither of the turbojet engines is broken down, in order to limit the reactor power transients at the heat exchanger (30).

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method comprises flowing a carrier liquid through a reactor. A fluid comprising one or more reactants is introduced into the carrier liquid. The fluid is at a first temperature and first pressure and is sufficiently immiscible in the carrier liquid so as to form a plurality of microreactors suspended in the carrier liquid. Each of the microreactors comprise a discrete volume of the fluid and have a surface boundary defined by an interface of the fluid with the carrier liquid. The fluid is heated and optionally pressurized to a second temperature and second pressure at which a chemical vapor deposition reaction occurs within the microreactors to form a plurality of chemical vapor deposition products. The plurality of chemical vapor deposition products are separated from the carrier liquid. A system for carrying out the method of the present disclosure is also taught.

Abstract: A system and approach for a vehicle system. The vehicle system may include a vehicle, a propulsion device (e.g., a combustion engine or electric motor), and a controller. The propulsion device may at least partially power the vehicle. The controller may be in communication with the propulsion device and may control the propulsion device according to a target speed of the vehicle. The controller may include a model of energy balances of the vehicle and may use the model to estimate energy losses over a travel horizon of the vehicle. The controller may optimize a cost function over the travel horizon of the vehicle based at least in part on the estimated energy losses to set an actual speed for the vehicle. The estimated energy losses may include one or more of aerodynamic drag, vehicle friction, and conversion efficiency from the propulsion device.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a SiC monocrystal growth furnace provided with an in-furnace substrate composed of a 3C-SiC polycrystal having at least a surface in which an intensity ratio of a (111) plane with respect to other crystal planes is at least 85% but not more than 100% according to powder XRD analysis, the method including flowing a mixed gas of fluorine gas and at least one of an inert gas and air in a non-plasma state through the inside of the SiC monocrystal growth furnace, thereby selectively removing a SiC deposit deposited inside the SiC monocrystal growth furnace, wherein the mixed gas comprises at least 1 vol % but not more than 20 vol % of fluorine gas, and at least 80 vol % but not more than 99 vol % of an inert gas, and a temperature inside the SiC monocrystal growth furnace is from 200° C. to 500° C.

Abstract: An omnidirectional building integrated wind energy power enhancer system is configured to produce electrical power from a wind turbine(s) concealed within and/or on top of a building by means of a flow of pressurized air from the prevailing wind that enters and flows through a portion of a building. A building may provide large exterior surface areas for receiving and directing airflow to the turbine(s). At least a portion of the wind energy power enhancer system is configured within a building, such as between floors, on a single floor, and/or a roof structure. The wind turbine(s) may be configured to receive airflow directly from an inflow chamber that is configured with a building, or from a flow tube coupled with the inflow chamber. Air deflectors may be fixed or dynamic to direct air flow into a flow tube regardless of the direction of the incoming airflow relative to the building.

Abstract: A system and approach for a vehicle system. The vehicle system may include a vehicle, a propulsion device (e.g., a combustion engine or electric motor), and a controller. The propulsion device may at least partially power the vehicle. The controller may be in communication with the propulsion device and may control the propulsion device according to a target speed of the vehicle. The controller may include a model of energy balances of the vehicle and may use the model to estimate energy losses over a travel horizon of the vehicle. The controller may optimize a cost function over the travel horizon of the vehicle based at least in part on the estimated energy losses to set an actual speed for the vehicle. The estimated energy losses may include one or more of aerodynamic drag, vehicle friction, and conversion efficiency from the propulsion device.

Abstract: The present invention takes the form of an apparatus or system that provides an alternate source of the pneumatic fluid to a system inside containment of a nuclear powerplant. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a nearly radiation-proof and nearly leak-proof, pneumatic fluid supply for some systems of the nuclear powerplant. These systems may include, but is not limited to, actuators, valves, and the like. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a device that may propel an object with a sufficient force to puncture a seal of a pressure vessel. The released pneumatic fluid may be ported to an actuator, valve, or the like, for immediate operation of a system of the nuclear powerplant. Alternately, in an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic fluid may be used to resupply a depleted accumulator, or the like.

Abstract: A turbocharger has a turbine housing and a bearing housing that is connected to the turbine housing. Coolant is supplied to the bearing housing via the turbine housing.

Abstract: A turbocharger has a turbine housing and a bearing housing that is connected to the turbine housing. The turbine housing is formed with a coolant inlet, a cooling jacket in the interior of the turbine housing, and a coolant outlet. The bearing housing has a coolant inlet, a cooling jacket in the interior of the bearing housing, and a coolant outlet. The coolant inlet of the bearing housing is connected to a branched coolant outlet of the turbine housing. The coolant outlet of the bearing housing is connected to a coolant return inlet of the turbine housing.

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 invention relates to a liquid piston arrangement for compressing and expanding gases. The liquid piston arrangement includes a liquid piston which is embodied by a liquid level formed by a liquid in a high-pressure space and a stack of sheets with mutually spaced apart sheet metal plates which is supported in the high-pressure space dipping in the liquid and is sequentially flowed around by the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reciprocating internal combustion engine with at least one piston and cylinder set and an intake stream; at least one liquid atomizer in fluid communication with the intake stream operable to provide a plurality of liquid droplets with a diameter less than 5 ?m to the intake stream; and a controller where the controller is able to adjust an index of compression for the engine by: calculating a wet compression level in response to an engine operating limit and adjusting the at least one liquid atomizer in response to the wet compression level.

Abstract: A piston for a pretensioner device (10) for a motor vehicle seat belt system of a type having a gas generator (17) with the piston (21) guided in a tube (16) that closes a pressure space (20) in the tube (16). The pressure space (20) can be pressurized by the gas generator (17), driving the piston (21) to undergo pretensioning operation transmitted to the seat belt system by a force transmission means. The piston has a dome shaped front side adapted to engage a force transmission element and a skirt forming a sealing lip oriented toward the pressure space. At least one slot is formed in the outer surface of the piston extending axially from the sealing lip. The slot can be enlarged by the material erosion caused by the pressure and/or pressure conditions in the pressure space produced by gas from the gas generator.

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) for a seat belt, in particular in a motor vehicle, having a gas generator (17) and a piston (21) guided in a tube (16) that closes a pressure space (20) in the tube (16), whereas the pressure space (20) can be pressurized by the gas generator (17), as a result of which the piston (21) can be driven to perform a tensioning operation which can be transmitted to the seat belt by means of the force transmission means. The piston (21) having a closed or constricted opening (1, 1a), and the opening (1, 1a) can be enlarged and/or opened by the material erosion caused by the pressure and/or pressure conditions in the pressure space (20).

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: There are described an apparatus, a system and a method for the reduction of a pressure of a gaseous operating medium by expansion means which are arranged parallel with pressure reduction means, a portion of the gaseous operating medium being directed through the expansion means, the expansion means being configured to transform at least a portion of the energy released during the pressure reduction into mechanical energy by expansion of the gaseous operating medium, and for the transformation of at least a portion of the energy released during the pressure reduction into mechanical energy by the expansion means during the expansion of the portion of the gaseous operating medium which is directed through the expansion means.

Abstract: A compressed air supply installation for operating a pneumatic installation, especially an air suspension installation of a vehicle, includes an air supply unit and an air compression unit for supplying a compressed air supply unit with compressed air, a pneumatic connection, especially a bleeding line, comprising a bleeding valve and a bleeding port for bleeding air, and a pneumatic connection, especially a compressed air supply line having an air drier and a compressed air port for supplying the pneumatic installation with compressed air The air drier has a drier container through which compressed air can flow and which contains a desiccant. The drier container has a wall forming a desiccant-free recess, and at least part of the bleeding valve system is arranged in the recess.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine that includes a compressor section and a pneumatic actuator system is delivered. The pneumatic actuator system includes a bleed air duct that receives bleed air from the compressor section and delivers the bleed air through an accumulator and to an actuator. The accumulator includes a chamber that attenuates a fluctuation in a pressure of the bleed air.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system integrated with a source of secondary heat, such as a simple cycle gas turbine, to increase power production and to provide power regulation through the use of stored compressed air heated by said secondary heat to provide power augmentation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a soft robot is provided. In one system, a robotic device includes a flexible body having a fluid chamber, where a portion of the flexible body includes an elastically extensible material and a portion of the flexible body is strain limiting relative to the elastically extensible material. The robotic device can further include a pressurizing inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a pressurizing device in fluid communication with the pressurizing inlet, the pressurizing device including a reaction chamber configured to accommodate a gas-producing chemical reaction for providing pressurized gas to the pressurizing inlet.

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 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 present invention relates to a Pneumatic System that can be employed within the residential environment. The system includes both a section mode and a pressure mode. Both of these modes, in turn, have both a low and a high pressure range. A variety of applications are disclosed for use in conjunction with the various modes of the system. These various applications are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: An actuator structure includes two half cylinders made respectively from the same mold and the two half cylinders engaged with each other to form an actuator. The actuator has an air reservoir chamber and a vane chamber dividing by a dividing unit, and the vane chamber has a vane inside. An O-shaped ring is formed around the vane and an elastic stopping edge is formed protrudingly from the O-shaped ring and linearly contacted an inner surface of the actuator. The volume ratio of the air reservoir chamber and the vane chamber is about three to one, and a channel groove is formed at an interface of the two half cylinders to connect an air inlet hole and a left side and a right side wall of the actuator. A fail-safe or dual-movement control structure is formed to control the direction of air supply to drive the shaft to rotate toward a predetermined direction, or utilizing the compressed air in the air reservoir chamber to force the vane to restore to its original position.

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: Methods and systems for using compressed gas in a vehicle. The methods include generating mechanical energy by expanding stored compressed gas through a turbine-compressor and distributing the mechanical energy to the engine, motor-generator, or a wheel. The compressed gas vehicle system includes a flask connected to a turbine-compressor, which may be interconnected to the engine and the motor-generator. The system may also include an electric wheel-motor connected electrically to the motor-generator.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator includes, but is not limited to a pressurized gas source, a cylinder, and a piston which is moveable between a rest position and an extended position. Together with the cylinder, the piston borders a first working chamber which is connected with the pressurized gas source via a first inlet opening and which can be pressurized with a first portion of the pressurized gas of the pressurized gas source for moving the piston out of the rest position, and a second working chamber which is connected with the pressurized gas source via a second inlet opening for moving the piston into the rest position and which can be pressurized in a delayed manner with a second portion of the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A compressed air supply installation for operating a pneumatic installation, especially an air suspension installation of a vehicle, includes: an air supply unit and an air compression unit for supplying a compressed air supply unit with compressed air, a pneumatic connection, especially a bleeding line, comprising a bleeding valve system in the form of a controllable solenoid valve system and a bleeding port for bleeding air, and a pneumatic connection, especially a compressed air supply line, comprising an air drier and a compressed air port for supplying the compressed air. The solenoid valve system comprises a primary valve and a secondary valve, which are actuatable by a controller of the solenoid valve system that is common to both valves and acts upon both valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed air supply installation (10, 10?) for operating a pneumatic installation (90), especially an air suspension installation of a vehicle, comprising the following: an air supply unit (0) and an air compression unit (21) for supplying a compressed air supply unit (1) with compressed air, a pneumatic connection, especially a bleeding line (30), comprising a bleeding valve and a bleeding port (3) for bleeding air, and a pneumatic connection, especially a compressed air supply line (20) having an air drier (22) and a compressed air port (2) for supplying the pneumatic installation (90) with compressed air, the air drier (22) having a drier container (58) through which compressed air can flow and which contains a desiccant. According to the invention, the drier container (58) has a wall forming a desiccant-free recess (G) and at least part of the bleeding valve system is arranged in the recess (G).

Abstract: A multiple-stage fluid operated actuator (100) is provided. The multiple-stage fluid operated actuator (100) comprises a housing (101) including a first bore (212) with a first cross-sectional area and a second bore (215) with a second cross-sectional area. The multiple-stage fluid operated actuator (100) further comprises a piston assembly (210) including a first piston (210a) movable within the first bore (212) and a second piston (210b) movable within the first and second bores (212, 215). The piston assembly (210) separates the first and second bores (212, 215) into a first fluid chamber (214a) selectively in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source (220) or an exhaust, an airtight second fluid chamber (214b), and a third fluid chamber (214c) selectively in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source (220) or the exhaust.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units.

Abstract: A maintenance auxiliary tool of brake system includes a main body, a locking module, a pneumatic module and a controller. The main body includes an outer rod, a support rod and an adjusting rod. The pneumatic module includes a pneumatic cylinder, a first airflow device, a second airflow device and an action rod. When the switch is operated to push a high pressure air into the pneumatic cylinder through the second airflow device, the action rod is pushed to drive the brake pedal toward. When the switch is operated to push a high pressure air into the pneumatic cylinder through the first airflow device, the action rod is pushed to drive the brake pedal backward. The replacement of the brake oil will be completed by repeating the above operation which drives the brake pedal to go backward and toward in a manner to expel air within an oil pipe.

Abstract: The Remotely Controlled Vehicle Pedal Actuator is a pneumatically powered tool for use in the motor vehicle repair and maintenance industry that enables a mechanic to solely, remotely, and repetitively depress and retract a vehicle accelerator, clutch or brake pedal. The device comprises a pneumatic linear actuator (commonly termed an air cylinder) that is pneumatically connected to a foot, hand or electronically activated pneumatic valve and a pneumatic power source. One end of the actuator is attached to a vehicle steering wheel with the opposite end attached to the vehicle accelerator, clutch or brake pedal. Activating the pneumatic valve pressurizes the actuator causing the actuator rod arm to extend and depress the vehicle pedal. Deactivating the pneumatic valve depressurizes the actuator causing the actuator rod arm to withdraw and retract the vehicle pedal.

Abstract: Air suspension installation (110) for a vehicle (100) comprising a pneumatic installation (200) which is adapted such that it can be operated in conjunction with a compressed air supply installation (2) and comprises: a pneumatic line (3) having a port connecting it to the compressed air supply installation (2), a plurality of air bellows (43, 45, 47, 49), each serving as a pressure chamber for an air spring, one air bellows being connected to the pneumatic line (3) via a controllable directional valve in the form of a solenoid valve, and the air bellows being fillable or bleedable depending on a switching state of the controllable directional valve, a first directional valve (11, 18) and a second directional valve (13,19) forming a controllable solenoid valve system (120, 130) which has a pneumatic part that can be actuated by a magnetic part, the first directional valve (11, 18) forming a primary valve and the second directional valve (13, 19) forming a secondary valve of the solenoid valve system (120, 130

Abstract: A pressure reducing gas storage device, an air-jet system and a motor vehicle are disclosed herein, wherein the pressure reducing gas storage device comprises a gas storage tank including an inlet for receiving compressed air and an outlet for outputting air and a heat exchanger for heating the air in the air input into the gas storage tank. By providing a heat exchanger to heat the air input in the gas storage tank, the phenomenon of being frozen is eliminated and the pressure reducing gas storage device is able to work continuously and stably.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas pressure actuator whose actuator body has a cylinder, a piston and a gas generator in which a powder is loaded, and the gas generator is positioned at an end portion of the cylinder. The gas generator injects a high pressure gas into the cylinder by the combustion of the powder, thereby moving the piston. The actuator body is provided with a coating which covers the entire actuator body from outside. The coating is a resin coating having electrically insulating, waterproof, and dustproof characteristics.

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 various embodiments, energy-storage systems are based upon an open-air arrangement in which pressurized gas is expanded in small batches from a high pressure of, e.g., several hundred atmospheres to atmospheric pressure. The systems may be sized and operated at a rate that allows for near isothermal expansion and compression of the gas.

Abstract: Provided are various devices and processes that harness the inherent kinetic energy of a flowing pressurized fluid to drive a compressor to compress a fluid without any need for electrical or chemical energy. The flowing fluid flows over a boundary layer disk turbine, or Tesla turbine, which is mechanically coupled to a compressor that compresses a fluid. The flowing fluid may be a natural gas from a hydrocarbon recovery operation. The compressed fluid may be a vapor gas from a hydrocarbon production, processing, or storage facility. Harnessing the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid increases economic efficiency of the process, while also avoiding unwanted emissions adverse to the environment and public health.

Abstract: When an excitation of a servo motor is released due to an emergency stop, a power outage, or another operation performed on a positioning device, the positioning device uses air supplied from an air supply source to vary pressure of an air balance, which cancels a self-weight of a vertical axis driven by the servo motor, thereby moving the vertical axis.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system integrated with a source of secondary heat, such as a simple cycle gas turbine, to increase power production and to provide power regulation through the use of stored compressed air heated by said secondary heat to provide power augmentation.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus for a heat exchanger exhausting pressurized gas includes an air circulation device for moving an air flow at a first atmosphere to contact the heat exchanger; a battery connected to the an air circulation device for providing electrical energy to power the air circulation device; a generator electrically connected to the battery to charge the battery with the electrical energy; a gas motor mechanically connected to the generator to drive the generator to provide the electrical energy; and a pipe connected to the heat exchanger for receiving the pressurized gas from the heat exchanger and directing said pressurized gas to the gas 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 portable linear fastener driving tool is provided that drive staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool uses a gas spring principle, in which a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement, while a driver also drives a fastener into a workpiece. The piston/driver is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above the piston, thereby preparing the tool for another driving stroke. The driver has protrusions along its edges that contact the lifter, which lifts the driver during a return stroke. A pivotable latch is controlled to move into either an interfering position or a non-interfering position with respect to the driver protrusions, and acts as a safety device, by preventing the driver from making a full driving stroke at an improper time.

Abstract: A portable linear fastener driving tool is provided that drive staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool uses a gas spring principle, in which a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement, while a driver also drives a fastener into a workpiece. The piston/driver is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above the piston, thereby preparing the tool for another driving stroke. The driver has protrusions along its edges that contact the lifter, which lifts the driver during a return stroke. A pivotable latch is controlled to move into either an interfering position or a non-interfering position with respect to the driver protrusions, and acts as a safety device, by preventing the driver from making a full driving stroke at an improper time.