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.

Abstract: A compressed air propulsion system is provided to be adapted for use with a vehicle, and comprises a transaxle mechanism adapted to be mounted to and driven by the vehicle wheels, and an air compressor coupled to the output shaft of the transaxle mechanism to be driven thereby. The air compressor supplies a flow of compressed air to an air distributor system connected to the vehicle engine. The air distributor system comprises a plurality of solenoids connected to the air lines leading to the engine cylinders, and a respective plurality of microswitches are electrically connected to the solenoids to sequentially operate the solenoids for sequentially supplying compressed air to the engine cylinders. The microswitches are sequentially actuated mechanically by a rotor secured to the distributor shaft, which is coupled to the vehicle crankshaft. An accelerator is also provided for controllably varying the flow rate of compressed air to the air distributor system.

Abstract: The servomotor is constructed in one embodiment with a partition which forms a constriction through which air is throttled during an emergency closing of the valve. The constriction is formed with a flow resistance equivalent to a free cross-sectional area of not more than 0.02D.sup.2 ; D being the inside diameter of the cylinder. In addition, the chamber defined between the piston and the partition is not more than 10% of the combined volume of this chamber and a pressurized chamber below the partition.In another embodiment, the pressurized chamber may be formed by a pressure tank which is connected via a line which forms a constriction to the chamber below the piston. In still another embodiment, a spherical pressure tank may be secured about a cup-shaped cylinder to form the pressurized chamber while radial grooves in a flange of the cylinder form a constriction with a cover secured to the cylinder and spherical tank.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator for deploying flexible bodies and the like is disclosed. The actuator is a plurality of telescoping tubes made of high temperature resistant graphite material which are extended by the pressure of gases produced internally by a gas generator contained within the innermost tube. The extended tubes are locked in position automatically and venting of the gases from the tube interior is provided for simultaneously with full and locked extension of the tubes.

Abstract: A compressed fluid reciprocating piston engine provides for cylinders radially disposed about a crankshaft and coupled thereto by means of piston rods engaging a disc rotatable with the crankshaft. Exhaust fluid feedback is merged into higher pressure fuel at a venturi throat section in the fuel conveyance line where the pressures are temporarily substantially equalized. A timer distributor mechanism consists of a disc rotatable by a shaft as journalled between two outer panels thereby with a rotating aperture hole to provide pressurized fluid through a scanned sequence of outlet lines serving to operate fluid input valves coupling a fluid pressure source selectively to power the reciprocating pistons.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for machines that provides precise incremental or continuous direction, position, velocity and acceleration control of a variety of machine functions, such as rotary or linear motions, tool positioning and the like. A compressed air supply is maintained accurately at a preselected minimum pressure necessary for a particular operation, by a digitally pulsed air flow control system. Air flow and pressure to the associated actuating mechanisms is also controlled by a digital dithering technique using individual sharp pulses of air, each of which instantly breaks the static friction of the mechanism and causes a discrete precise increment of movement, with rapid consecutive pulses providing continuous motion. The direction, amount, acceleration and speed of travel are controlled by varying the pulse width and rate of air flow and pressure as necessary and for efficiency in air consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus permitting the utilization of large volumes of water in the harnessing and extracting of a portion of the power generated by the rise and fall of ocean tides, ocean currents, or flowing rivers includes the provision of a dam, and a specialized single cavity chamber of limited size as compared wth the water head enclosed by the dam, and an extremely high volume gating system in which all or nearly all of the water between the high and low levels on either side of the dam is cyclically gated through the single chamber from one side of the dam to the other so as to alternately provide positive air pressure and a partial vacuum within the single chamber.

Abstract: A magnet attracts succeeding sites distributed about the periphery of a disk causing the disk to rotate. The resulting centrifugal force pulls radially outwards a plurality of piston-like weights mounted on the disk lowering the pressure within a housing for the weights and in a vacuum tank to which the housing is communicated via a check valve. When the weights are all the way out, they operate a trip which renders the magnet temporarily ineffective. Springs return the weights back toward the center of the disk. The vacuum tank is communicated to an opposed piston engine via timed valves which alternately communicate the engine cylinders to the vacuum, for oscillating the opposed pistons. A crank shaft connected to these pistons converts the reciprocating motion to rotary motion.

Abstract: A rotary power element for tensioning devices of safety mechanisms for protecting the occupants of vehicles by the use of safety belts has a rotatable drive mechanism, a compress-gas generator, and a tubular element between the drive mechanism and the compressed-gas generator. Also, the element includes at least one preformed acceleration member arranged in the tubular element. This member is capable of being driven forward against the drive mechanism under the action of compressed gas produced by said compressed-gas generator to accelerate the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for remote control of actuator of a shut-off member comprises an autonomous source of energy and a distributor connected therewith. The autonomous source of energy is fashioned as two units, each unit containing at least two gas generators with igniter means, a pneumatic OR gate and a selector. The input of each unit is connected to a corresponding control channel while outputs are connected to respective input and control channels of the distributor. The present invention improves the reliability of control of the shut-off member and facilitates the maintenance of the device during operation.

Abstract: A pneumatic power tool having a torque sensing control system is disclosed which is capable of consistently applying a precise torque to a fastener so that uniform tightening of any number of fasteners can be obtained. A torsional strain responsive transducer is mounted internally in the tool body and includes a strain gauge network mounted on a torsionally resilient portion of one of the gear cases of the drive train of the tool, the gear case being subject to a reaction component of the torque being transmitted through the drive train. The strain gauge network provides a control signal which effects energization of a solenoid-actuated air shut-off valve in the handle of the tool to automatically terminate the operation of the tool when a predetermined torque is obtained at the output spindle. The control system permits adjustment of the torque output of the tool and provides a visual readout of such output.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a power system based upon the use of compressed air. Each wheel of the vehicle is provided with a motor which is operated by compressed air from a respective storage tank through a system of valves and hydraulic or fluid pressure lines. The rotation of each wheel is also utilized to drive air compressors which may recapture some or all of the air which is exhausted from each motor and additionally to compress and store air brought in from outside of the vehicle during its motion. The present invention can be adapted for two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.The drive units for each wheel are substantially identical. The rear units are mounted on fixed axles whereas the front units are mounted on an axle having a universal joint therein and each wheel is mounted by means of a ball joint to a suspension frame which in turn is secured to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A spring motor for selectively rotating a drive shaft. The spring motor includes a spiral power spring for causing an axle to rotate, and a flywheel for being rotated by the axle. The power spring-flywheel combination is capable of providing continuous power to a drive shaft even while the power spring is being rewound or recoiled.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle that is powered by compressed air instead of by gasoline; the vehicle including air tanks that are filled with compressed air, while controls on a dashboard operate valves for flowing the air into cylinders of the vehicle engine in order to run the same.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a system for operating a turbine without production of steam by compressing a gas, supplying the gas to the turbine, and returning the reduced pressure gas to the compressing means.

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. In one embodiment of the present invention the timing of the opening of the valve is advanced such that the compressed gas is admitted to the cylinder progressively further before the top dead center position of the piston as the speed of the engine increases. In a further embodiment of the present invention a valve actuator is provided which increases the length of time over which the valve remains open to admit compressed gas to the cylinder as the speed of the engine increases.

Abstract: A system controls the flow of a drive fluid for driving a tool on a handpiece. The system comprises a drive fluid line communicating with the handpiece and a drive fluid control motor for controlling the flow of the drive fluid in the line. Control means is operatively associated with the fluid drive motor control, and responsive actuation means on the handpiece which is manually engaged by the finger of the user. Upon actuation, the control means controls the drive fluid control to provide initially a flow of the drive fluid such that the handpiece is powered at an initial level, the fluid motor then being continuously responsive for a time interval substantially coinciding with the operation of the actuation means by the finger of the user for altering the level of drive fluid flow to vary the power availabile in the handpiece. The level of flow when the finger releases the actuation means is then maintained until the actuation means is again actuated whereupon drive fluid flow is stopped.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a power turbine driven by gas flow across a nozzle arrangement that includes a partial admission gate valve therein that is movable into and out of overlying relationship with a limited number of vanes of the nozzle in order to control power output therefrom during part load operation of the engine.

Abstract: In an apparatus for driving fastening elements, such as bolts and nails, into receiving material, a first or driving piston is mounted in a first chamber through which it is axially displaceable. A pressure converter arrangement is connected to an inlet to the first chamber for supplying the compressed air required for displacing the first piston for driving in a fastening element. The pressure converter includes a storage chamber, a second chamber in communication with the storage chamber and a third chamber. A double headed piston has one head in the second chamber and the other head in the third chamber. The third chamber has a much greater transverse cross-sectional area than the second chamber. Compressed air supplied to the third chamber compresses air in the second chamber which is directed into the storage chamber. From the storage chamber, the compressed air is charged into the first chamber for driving the first piston forwardly for inserting the fastening element.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of transfer tanks which are located below the hydraulic head of a dam. Connected to the transfer tanks are air inlets extending from the transfer tanks to the atmosphere, and having check valves located therein. A water inlet and valve, interconnect the transfer tanks with the fluid behind the dam, and a water outlet and valve empty the transfer tank downstream of the dam. A storage tank is interconnected to the transfer tank by transfer lines having check valves at their transfer tank ends, and a turbine outlet extends from the storage tank to an air driven turbine. In one embodiment of the invention two transfer tanks and one open-bottomed storage tank are located on the upstream side of the dam at its base. In this embodiment water outlets pass from the bottom of the transfer tanks through the face of the dam.

Abstract: A system for converting compressed air to motive power for generating electricity, a part of the output being used to partially recharge an initial compressed air source, thereby permitting the device to operate for extended periods without an external source of energy.

Abstract: A system for selectively and controllably supplying pressurized fluids to dental or surgical tools requiring high pressure air at two levels of pressure and low pressure air and/or liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing for use, air that has been absorbed under pressure in sea water or in any other large free body of water. An elongated conduit, or equivalent means, is vertically disposed so that air released from its upper end is collected by an open-bottom container serving as a reservoir. The interface of the collected air and the submersion level of water within the reservoir is substantially below the free water surface level. A small amount of gas is introduced at the lower end of the conduit so as to rise upwardly through the conduit, thereby carrying water behind it, and to initiate a continuous process in which the rising water is under decreasing pressure, at times increasing temperature, thereby releasing more air, which in turn carries more water behind it, and so on. Air from the reservoir can be used as an energy source.

Abstract: A vacuum union having a tubular body adapted for transmitting a vacuum signal from an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle to a vacuum-operated brake booster of a vehicle brake device, and a branch pipe adapted for transmitting a vacuum signal from the tubular body to other vacuum-operated engine controlling devices. An orifice for restricting the level of the vacuum signal, to be transmitted to the brake booster, is located downstream of a branch pipe with respect to the intake pipe. Therefore, a drop in the vacuum level is effectively decreased for maintaining the proper operation of the brake device, even if the controlling devices are damaged, thereby causing the branch pipe to be opened to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A steering system includes a sensor device which is responsive to excessive steering effort to actuate a power assist for steering. A housing rotatably receives an input member and an output member which are rotatable relative to each other when the steering effort is excessive. The housing includes an inlet communicating with a source of pressurized air and an outlet opening to atmosphere. The input member and output cooperate to define a passage communicating the inlet with the outlet such that limited rotation between the input member and output member varies the communication of pressurized air through the passage. When the communication of pressurized air through the passage is varied, a relay valve in communication with the inlet is operable to actuate the power assist.

Abstract: A piston type power plant operable by any suitable pressure fluid available such as natural gas from a well for stationary applications, etc., or by compressed air in either stationary or mobile applications such as driving generators, saw mills or vehicles, etc., and embodying novel valve actuation and control means.

Abstract: A surge tank for a plurality of pneumatically operated motors which impart motion to a machine. The tank comprises at least one portion of a support table for the machine.

Abstract: The method converts a conventional four cycle internal combustion engine into a single acting reversible steam, or fluid pressure, operated engine by changing the timing cycle of the valves relative to the crankshaft and connecting the valve ports to a reversing valve for admitting live steam to the intake ports while connecting the exhaust ports to the atmosphere, and for reversing the connection, selectively.

Abstract: A plurality of tidal chambers are filled in succession during rising tide and then are allowed to sequentially empty during the half-cycle of falling tide. Power is generated by air flow across a turbine, as a manifold and valve means communicate air pressure from the tidal chambers during rising tide and vacuum pressure during falling tide. Sequential operation of the tidal chambers permits continuous generation of power during the full cycle of rising and falling tide.

Abstract: An actuator for operating a driven device in an emergency comprises: an actuator mechanism having a cylinder, a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder and coupled to the driven device, an operational chamber defined by the cylinder and piston, and a passage communicating with the operational chamber; a high pressure gas generating source comprising a container vessel having an opening, a high pressure gas generating medium contained within the vessel, and a sealing member for sealing the opening of the vessel; and unsealing means operating in response to an emergency operation signal from the outside to unseal the sealing member of the high pressure gas generating source. High pressure gas from the high pressure gas generating medium flows through the opening and passage into the operational chamber upon unsealing of the sealing member of the high pressure gas generating source and operates the piston thereby to drive the driven device.

Abstract: A pair of sealed, concentric metal tanks define a high pressure air storage chamber between the tanks, while the inner of the two tanks forms an air expansion chamber and carries a plurality of axially spaced impellers fixed to a shaft mounted for rotation coaxially through both concentric tanks. A plurality of tubular inductor nozzles are fixedly mounted to the motor and project at circumferentially and axially spaced positions into the inner chamber and carry high pressure expansion nozzles which receive air from the high pressure storage chamber and induce recirculated, low pressure air from the inner chamber to flow through the tubular inductor nozzles for impingement on the respective impellers. Planetary gearing couples the impellers to the shaft to effect high velocity rotation of the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A sea wave powered electrical generating apparatus includes converging dams 9 to funnel and amplify wave energy, a pressure chamber 8 having an entrance/exit gate 11 and a turbine rotor disposed on a vertical axis above the pressure chamber. The arcuate zig-zag configuration of the turbine blades coupled with windows 3 at the tops and bottoms of the blades results in a double action mode of continuous rotation as the wave surges pass up through and back down through the rotor.

Abstract: Air flow control system comprising a pump having an air pressure outlet and a vacuum outlet; an air utilization device such as a desolderer; and a multi-position switch having first and second input ports respectively connected to the air pressure and vacuum outlets of the pump, the switch being positionable in a number of different positions whereby either one of the pump outlets can be selectively connected to the desolderer and the other vented to the atmosphere to prevent loading of the pump. In a neutral mode of operation, the desolderer is disconnected from the pump and both pump outlets are vented to the atmosphere to again prevent loading thereof. The switch also includes means for continuously varying the amount of air pressure applied to the desolderer.

Abstract: A plurality of translation rods are mounted in a cage for pivoting about a common axis and pass through the pivot axis, being at fixed circumferentially spaced positions but movable bidirectionally along their individual axes during rotation about the fixed axis shaft. Cam follower rods pivotably mounted on respective ends of the translation rods are slidable axially relative to their axis and through their pivot axis. The cam follower rods carry rotatable cam followers through tension springs, which normally maintain the cam followers at a predetermined distance from the cam follower rod pivot axis in the absence of cam follower contact with a fixed cam mounted in juxtaposition to the path of the rotation of the translation rods. The major surface of the fixed cam is generally at right angles to the direction of constant forces applied to respective ends of each translation rod.

Abstract: A self-contained pneumatic starting system and method for initiating starting of a gas turbine machine includes a reservoir of pressurized gas which delivers motive gas flow to an expansion type pneumatic motor directly coupled to the compressor of the gas turbine machine for initiating rotation of the compressor during start up. Upon reaching self-sustaining speeds, the compressor delivers a flow of pressurized gas to replenish the reservoir for subsequent starting operation. A pressure amplifier increases the pressure of the recharging gas being supplied to the reservoir. Embodiments for driving the pressure amplifier both hydraulically and pneumatically are disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a press which includes a pair of start switches. The system is constructed so that the press can only be started if both of the start switches are actuated within a predetermined time interval. If one of the start switches is released during a down stroke of the press, the press is stopped. A cam operated switch permits continued operation of the press after the press has reached its bottom position even though start switches are released after the press has passed full down position. A brake cam operated switch prevents operation of the press if the press fails to stop at its full up position.

Abstract: The kinetic energy of the wind is converted into compressed air which is stored, in a system which maintains a predetermined output pressure, for use in driving a turbine coupled to an electrical power generator. The gas storage system includes two pair of serially connected storage tanks with the first tank in each pair receiving compressed air from wind driven compressors and including a hydraulically actuated piston for use in forcing the air into the second tank. Each of the second tanks of each pair includes a floating piston which will be caused to ascend in response to the delivery of pressurized gas thereto from the serially connected tank including the hydraulically actuated piston and the pressure in each of the second tanks will be maintained by the weight of the floating piston.

Abstract: An engine which includes a combustion chamber and a work function chamber enclosing the combustion chamber. A burner means is located in the combustion chamber for combustion. A rotatable turbine wheel is further mounted in an inlet of the work function chamber with one side of the blades in communication with the ambient atmosphere and the other side in communication with the interior of the work function chamber. The products of combustion are rapidly cooled and continuously removed from the combustion chamber by an exhaust means of the venturi type. This serves to create a pressure differential and provide a continuous stream of high velocity airflow against and through the blades of the turbine, through the work function chamber and out through the exhaust means. In this manner, a rapid rotative movement is provided for the turbine wheel and power output is taken from it and from the output shaft on which it is mounted.

Abstract: An engine for driving an automotive vehicle has a plurality of turbine rotors mounted on the main drive shaft. Compressed air is supplied to the rotors in succession from a distributing valve which is supplied with compressed air from a main air tank, and compressed air at reduced pressure from the delivery side of each rotor is supplied to a manifold which also supplies the main air tank through a second stage compressor.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine utilizes the pressure difference between a partial vacuum and the ambient atmospheric pressure as a source of power. The engine includes an engine block defining a plurality of cylinders each having a piston operating within it. The first or outer face of each piston is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure while the second or inner face of each piston is maintained at less than ambient atmospheric pressure during the power stroke of the piston by connection to a flame-free vacuum source. Once each piston has reached the end of this power stroke due to the pressure difference across the piston, a limited amount of air is permitted to enter the respective cylinder adjacent the second or inner face of the piston to thereby return the second face of the piston to substantially atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A compressed air generating device for forklift trucks in which a main pipeline connected to the end of the lift cylinder air chamber branches into a high-pressure air pipe and a return pipe, selectively communicating with the main pipeline through a switching valve means. With the main pipeline switched to communication with the main pipeline high-pressure air pipe, during the descending phase of the piston, air is sucked through an air suction pipe attached to the main pipeline into the lift cylinder air chamber, and during the rising phase of the piston, the air in the air chamber is compressed and is sent into an air tank as compressed air.

Abstract: The omnidirectional air driven power generating system is a system of valves and chambers which translate the potential energy of an air pressure differential into kinetic energy in the form of a compact air current of accelerated velocity. The valves relieve overpressure and assure one-way flow through an air driven power converter, regardless of the direction of the wind. The pressure differential is created across any convenient structure such as a house, church, cliff or mountain. A simple cruciform structure is disclosed which optimizes the pressure differential. There is no limit to the size or weight of the deflecting surfaces, and the power producing potential of the system increases as the projected frontal area which is exposed to the wind increases. The rotors of the air driven power converter are enclosed within a housing which provides a sheltered environment such that operation at its rated output power can continue through any extreme of wind or turbulence.

Abstract: An air-operated engine system usable for driving a vehicle by means of compressed air from a rechargeable storage tank. The engine of the system has cylinders containing driving pistons connected to a crankshaft. Compressed air from the storage tank is supplied at regulated pressure to the cylinders for power strokes by means of intake valves and the air is exhausted from the cylinders at the ends of the power strokes by means of exhaust valves. The intake and exhaust valves are operated by dual lobe cams on a camshaft driven from the crankshaft. The air is compressed by a hydrovane compressor which has a constant flow of air operating under 100 pounds pressure with control valves which will take in 25 pounds per minute up to 200 pounds. The output pressure is controlled by the input pressure.

Abstract: A passageway forming a nozzle supplies a positive pressure impulse, derived from an oscillatory pressure source, to blades of a turbine mounted in a chamber. The passageway conducts fluid in a direction from the source toward blades of the turbine during a first portion of the oscillatory cycle while the pressure of the source exceeds the pressure of the fluid proximate the turbine. The fluid is directed by the nozzle in a concentrated stream toward the blades. During a second portion of the cycle while the source pressure is less than the fluid pressure proximate the turbine, fluid diffusely flows in the chamber away from proximate the turbine toward the source. The diffusely drawn fluid produces a negative pressure impulse on the turbine. The negative pressure impulse is substantially weaker than the positive impulse, whereby a net positive torque is exerted on the turbine to continuously drive the turbine in a positive rotational direction.

Abstract: A walking beam pumping unit is provided for pumping liquid from wells having gas pressure therein. The unit is driven by gas pressure from the well reciprocating the piston of a pneumatic cylinder up and down to swing the walking beam correspondingly and pump the liquid from the well. Gas under pressure is directed from the wellhead through a two-way valve to the opposite ends of the hydraulic cylinder in alternating fashion, so the piston has power strokes in opposite directions. Each power stroke, besides moving the walking beam, serves to recompress the gas used for the preceding power stroke sufficiently to inject it into the sales line. The setting of the two-way valve is controlled by a pneumatic actuator supplied with gas under pressure from the wellhead and having a thimble valve responsive to the up and down movement of the walking beam by means of adjustable stops carried thereon.

Abstract: A control system for a diaphragm vacuum pump comprises a vacuum sensor disposed within the vacuum chamber of a pneumatically operated device for detecting a predetermined vacuum pressure to ensure the effective operation of the device and generating an output signal therefrom. A switchover solenoid valve is disposed within the pneumatic connection between the suction port of the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber of the device is energized in response to the output signal of the sensor to selectively open the pumping chamber of the pump to the air through the suction port and close the vacuum chamber of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and effective method and apparatus for hydraulically suspending a vehicle seat while regulating movement of the seat in response to vertical travel of the vehicle, a reciprocable power piston within a cylinder comprising a flexible coupling between the seat and a suitable support structure, a control valve selectively communicating a source of fluid with the cylinder in response to pressure variations developed by movement of the power piston within its cylinder. The invention also preferably includes load compensating means for limiting the control function in response to relatively minor movement of the piston as well as a damped leveling unit partially formed by the power piston for providing hydraulic response to limited movement of the piston.