Abstract: A hydraulic transmission, in particular for an automotive drive system including a combustion engine comprises at least a pair of hydrostatic pumps and at least a pair of hydrostatic motors each pump and/or motor having the same size or different size with a constant or adjustable through-put. Automatically actuated clutches are provided to connect the pumps to the engine and to connect the motors to a load. A variety of transmission ranges is obtained by activating selected ones of the individual pumps and motors by actuating corresponding clutches. Therefore, the combustion engine may be operated under conditions in which fuel comsumption is as low as possible.

Abstract: A motor vehicle which is more particularly adapted for stop and go traffic conditions such as a city omnibus plying on a regular service, a garbage collection vehicle or the like has a drive arrangement including a driven rear axle connected with an IC engine and a variable speed transmission, is fitted with a braking energy recovery means in the form of a self-contained system which is only connected with the variable speed transmission for charging and discharging of a high pressure accumulator. This coupling operation is performed by a clutch operated in accordance with certain operating conditions. One side of the clutch is joined to a secondary output of the variable speed transmission and the other side is connected with the drive shaft of a hydraulic transducer, of which only one is required.

Abstract: A system for wheeled land vehicles stores energy in a spring when the vehicle is braking, as when stopping or going downhill, and releases energy stored to help the vehicle engine when starting or when going uphill. A mercury switch can serve as an inclinometer in a simple version of the invention. The mercury switch when tipped in downhill direction, actuates a clutch system that, for braking, connects a first end of a coil spring to the engine driveshaft and a second end of the coil spring to the frame of the vehicle, for winding up the coil spring in braking and for steering braking energy in the coil spring. When the mercury switch is tipped in uphill direction, it actuates the clutch system so that it disconnects the first end of the coil spring from the engine driveshaft and connects it to the frame of the vehicle, and disconnects the second end of the coil spring from the frame of the vehicle and connects it to the engine driveshaft, helping power the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for controlling the pressure in an auxiliary-pressure supply system of a hydraulic brake unit for automotive vehicles, which device comprises a diaphragm-type or bladder-type accumulator equipped with a hydraulic and electric switching arrangement by way of which the hydraulic pressure in the pressure accumulator can be reduced to a predetermined value after the engine of the vehicle has been turned off. An electromagnetic multidirectional control valve is used to divert hydraulic fluid back to a reservoir through a pressure-limiting valve connected downstream thereof. After the engine of the vehicle has been turned off, the multidirectional control valve remains open until the accumulator pressure has decreased to at least the gas inflation pressure of the accumulator. The invention reduces permeation of gas molecules through the diaphragm of the accumulator into the hydraulic fluid and thus effects a longer useful life of the pressure accumulator.

Abstract: The invention contemplates hydraulic-lift mechanism which employs a power integrator in the connection between a charged hydraulic accumulator and the actuator for a vertically positionable load; the power integrator, additionally, has a prime-mover connection, and the pressurized charge of the accumulator is advisedly set to fully accommodate a preselected level of average load upon the actuator. The hydraulic circuit importantly includes check valves, with a pilot-operated check valve interposed between the power integrator and the accumulator and another pilot-operated check valve interposed between the power integrator and the load actuator. The pilot-operated check valves cooperate with other check valves to assure automatic transfer of hydraulic fluid under pressure from the accumulator to the load actuator, and vice versa, as may be determined by selected control of or via the power integrator.

Abstract: A battery-operated electric-motor driven hydraulic-lift mechanism for a fork-lift vehicle employs a hydraulic accumulator which serves an intertia-free counterweight function, designedly to the degree that such counterweight action is a direct offset of a predetermined average-load condition, as seen by the hydraulic-lift actuator of the system. Electric-motor drive is utilized for up/down operation of the fork lift, only to the extend needed to displace hydraulic fluid into or out of the "counterweighted" actuator. In some cases, such displacement will call for expending energy to add to or substract from the counterweight action; in other cases, the necessary fluid displacement results in an energy return to the system, i.e., in restoring energy to the battery.

Abstract: A mechanical power regeneration system for a movable object comprising a sole variable displacement hydraulic pump being driven by the movable object, a first check valve connected between the output side of the pump and a first hydraulic line of a high pressure accumulator unit, a second hydraulic line of a low pressure accumulator unit, a second check valve connected between the second hydraulic line and the input side of the pump, a first controlled valve connected between the first hydraulic line and the input side of the pump and a second controlled valve connected between the second hydraulic line and the output side of the pump. When the movable object is to be slowed down by placing it in a braking mode, hydraulic fluid is transferred by the pump from the low pressure accumulator to the high pressure accumulator.

Abstract: An energy storage device comprising a high pressure liquid accumulator, a low pressure liquid accumulator and at least one pump and motor unit, i.e. a device able to be used as a pump and a motor which is connected to a means, such as the drive train of a vehicle, supplying or absorbing energy as the case may demand and during charging of the high pressure liquid accumulator from the low pressure accumulator functions as a pump and on discharge thereof functions as a motor, at least that pressure line connecting the high pressure accumulator and the pump and motor unit having a shut off valve therein. A piston delimiting the storage space of the low pressure liquid accumulator is connected to a telescoping cylinder bearing against the end plate of the accumulator and the cylinder is connected via an operating pressure line with the high pressure accumulator for pressurization.

Abstract: A motor driven hydraulic lift pump assembly for oil wells includes a mechanical flywheel connected to a hydraulic pump/motor combination in turn incorporated in the hydraulic circuit of the well lift cylinder. The pump/motor and flywheel assembly with associated hydraulic control can be separately mounted on a skid and connected into the hydraulic and electrical circuitry for the well lift cylinder. The combination pump/motor reverses in mode as the vertically mounted well cylinder piston moves upwardly and downwardly to pump from a deep well. As the well cylinder piston moves downwardly the pump/motor is in motor mode storing energy by increasing the rotational speed of the flywheel. As the well cylinder piston moves upwardly the pump/motor is in the pump mode and energy is taken from the flywheel to assist in raising the well cylinder piston to pump crude oil from the deep well.

Abstract: The invention contemplates hydraulic-lift mechanism which employs a power integrator in the connection between a charged hydraulic accumulator and the actuator for a vertically positionable load; the power integrator, additionally, has a prime-mover connection, and the pressurized charge of the accumulator is advisedly set to fully accommodate a preselected level of average load upon the actuator. The hydraulic circuit importantly includes check valves, with a pilot-operated check valve interposed between the power integrator and the accumulator and another pilot-operated check valve interposed between the power integrator and the load actuator. The pilot-operated check valves cooperate with other check valves to assure automatic transfer of hydraulic fluid under pressure from the accumulator to the load actuator, and vice versa, as may be determined by selected control of or via the power integrator.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus is disclosed which uses a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic drive pump capable of pumping fluid under pressure. A hydraulic cylinder enclosing a piston is operatively connected to a port of the hydraulic drive pump. A fluid accumulator, which is precharged to a selected precharge pressure, is operatively connected to the other port of the hydraulic drive pump. The fluid accumulator supplies the fluid under the precharge pressure to the hydraulic drive pump. The hydraulic drive pump increases the pressure on the fluid to a working pressure required to drive the piston from a first position in a first direction to a second predetermined position. Upon reaching the second position, the hydraulic drive pump reverses direction to reverse the flow of fluid from the hydraulic cylinder thereby reciprocating the piston back to its first position, and directing the fluid to the fluid accumulator.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a hydraulically operated twin-cable suspension for a clamshell or the like load-handling device. In a preferred embodiment, a charged accumulator is effectively a counterweight and is the source of all hydraulic fluid needed for the full range of actuation of two traction cylinders, one for each of the respective cables. Both cables automatically share the load, without slack, in any elevational situation, and simple hydraulic control circuitry selectively enables (a) an automated closing dig into loadable material and (b) a quick opening for load discharge. A single power integrator is interposed between the accumulator and the two traction cylinders for directionally controlling hydraulic-fluid displacement between the accumulator and the traction cylinders, as needed for all cable displacements.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for actuating a first hydraulic motor with an under psure, i.e. pressurized fluid has an externally driven first hydraulic pump for introduction of fluid into the circuit from an open reservoir and a hydraulic accumulator to keep stand-by pressure fluid, the pressure in the accumulator being sufficient to actuate the first hydraulic motor. A fluid pressure intensifier, i.e. a second hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic pump coupled therewith, is also in the circuit. The second hydraulic pump has a smaller swept volume than the second hydraulic motor, and both are connected to an outlet of the first hydraulic pump for the second hydraulic pump to pump into an inlet of the hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: A hydraulic well pump for operating a pump sucker rod string including a hydraulic cylinder assembly for raising and lowering the sucker rod string and a fluid counterbalancing system for offsetting the combined weight of the reciprocating service equipment, the fluid column above the pump plunger, and the sucker rod string. One counterbalancing embodiment includes an air supported piston on the movable cylinder exposed to an air chamber below the air piston functioning independently of the hydraulic and power and logic system of the pump. Another counterbalancing system embodiment uses a hydraulic fluid accumulator connected into the system fluid power and logic for supercharging the hydraulic power pumps during the lift stroke and providing opposing force during the downstroke.

Abstract: Engine BMEP being a major contributor to the gap between conventional automobile road fuel mileage and the theoretically possible, indicates the desirability of a continuously variable road wheel/engine speed ratio. There is described a double swash plate, regenerative, hydrostatic system, with a mechanical bypass. The two swash plates facilitate optimization of hydraulic parameters as well as engine BMEP and the rear one which is the primary controller permits modulation of regenerated energy in both directions, with optimum efficiency and facility.

Abstract: An hydraulic apparatus for the storage of energy is provided having pump means driven by a source of energy, a pressure line receiving pressure fluid from said pump means, means in said line for maintaining a constant pressure therein from said pump means, at least one pressure reservoir connected to said pressure line receiving fluid pressure therefrom and returning fluid pressure thereto and a restrictor means in said pressure line between the pump means and reservoir restricting flow in said line to maintain a predetermined constant pressure therein.

Abstract: The invention in a preferred embodiment contemplates a dual-lift hydraulic arrangement in which each of two hydraulic-lift systems employs a power integrator in the connection between a charged hydraulic accumulator and a hydraulic actuator for cable suspension of a load. The accumulator may be a single device serving the respective hydraulic systems, each of which terminates in a traction cylinder for operating a cable lift for its end of the load suspension. A single prime mover serves both power integrators, and the pressurized charge of the accumulator is advisedly set to accommodate (counterbalance) a predetermined average of the combined load on the two actuators. The arrangement lends itself to single-handed control of both hydraulic systems and to the corrective tilt orientation of a load which may be relatively heavy at one end and relatively light at the other end.

Abstract: A vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging wheels has included, in at least one of said wheels, a hydraulic pump/motor device. The hydraulic fluid for the pump/motor device is stored in a toroidal tire portion of the wheel while the pump/motor is disposed in a hub portion of the wheel. The hydraulic fluid is drawn from a sump reservoir in the tire portion and is pumped to a high pressure liquid/gas accumulator in the tire portion during vehicle braking. When desired, the high pressure fluid is returned through the pump/motor to the sump reservoir during which time the energy of the high pressure fluid is delivered to the vehicle through the motoring action of the pump/motor.

Abstract: The invention contemplates oil-well pumping apparatus (a) in which a traction cylinder is mounted at the well-head for direct reciprocating operation of the polish rod from which a pumping piston is suspended in a well casing, and (b) in which hydraulic-counterweight principles of copending application, Ser. No. 601,481, filed Apr. 18, 1984 are employed to reduce lift-capacity requirements which would otherwise be imposed on the prime mover.

Abstract: A cylinder driving apparatus, wherein a head chamber and a rod chamber of a cylinder for driving a load upwardly and downwardly are communicated with a pressure accumulation tank by way of a balance pipeway equipped with an electromagnetic proportional flow control valve and a recycling pipeway equipped with a pressure control valve mechanism, respectively, and the load is driven by feeding air at reduced pressure to the rod chamber or discharging it to the external atmosphere by way of the pressure control valve mechanism while applying air pressure into the head chamber of the cylinder against the load by way of the electromagnetic proportional flow control valve for adjusting the driving speed.

Abstract: Hydropneumatic system for recovering braking energy for a vehicle comprising a power "shunt" transmission, characterized in that it comprises two hydraulic switches (19 and 20) or equivalent devices, the first of which permits two hydraulic machines or sets of machines (3a, 4a) to be combined or opposed and the second of which (20) enables the two-direction lines joining these machines to the hydropneumatic accumulator (17) and a low-pressure reservoir (18) to be connected straight through or crossed-over.Their operation enables the cylinder capacities of the machines to be controlled so as to store or restore the deceleration energy.

Abstract: Manipulator apparatus is provided with an energy efficient control arrangement. The control arrangement in a point-to-point mode of operation utilizes a servo valve to selectively admit fluid from a pressurized source to one end of a cylinder. A piston is slidably mounted within the cylinder and connected to move a manipulator arm that is movable in a plurality of axes. The servo valve is closed when a predetermined arm velocity is reached and a bypass valving arrangement is opened to interconnect the ends of the cylinder. At a predetermined position of the manipulator arm, the control arrangement closes the bypass valving arrangement and the manipulator arm is decelerated as the arm approaches the desired final position.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus includes a reversible variable displacement drive pump having two ports and a lifting apparatus connected to one of the ports. The lifting apparatus is designed to fit on the well-head of an oil well and attach to the polish rod of the well to operate a down-hole pump. A fluid accumulator containing a precharge is connected to the second port of the drive pump. A pump-off control system automatically adjusts the pumping rate of the lifting apparatus to the individual rate of formation flow of a particular well.

Abstract: A pumping method, principally for oil, allows the sucker rod to fall under gravity for the first part of the downward stroke, then decelerates the sucker rod to a slow rate of descent, so creating a pause in the sucker rod's motion. Shock-absorbing means are provided to eliminate the impulsive loadings imposed upon the sucker rod at either extremity of its motion in conventional pumping methods. Hydraulically and mechanically-driven apparatus is disclosed for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An internal combustion driven fluid pumping apparatus for accumulating fluid pressure to be applied against a load includes a two-stroke combustion cylinder having a piston drivingly connected to a piston of a linearly disposed compression cylinder, which is in turn connected by a fluid conduit to a pressure accumulator. The accumulator is operatively connected to the compression cylinder such that the frequency of cycles of the combustion cylinder varies with the changes in the demand of the load upon the fluid pressure stored in the accumulator, and such that the speed of the pistons in each individual stroke is substantially constant. To begin each cycle, fluid is forced into the compression cylinder at a pressure less than the pressure of fluid in the accumulator, but sufficient to compress and ignite combustible gases in the combustion cylinder. A fluid-driven power plant is disclosed including a motor and a combustion energy input device combined in a closed, pressurized system.

Abstract: An energy-saving hydraulic driving arrangement includes a motor having two chambers separated by a reciprocable or angularly movable output element which can accelerate or decelerate a mass. One of the chambers receives pressurized fluid from one of a battery of accumulators containing fluid at different pressures (namely, from the accumulator wherein the pressure is slightly higher than the desired pressure in the one chamber) during acceleration of the output element while the other chamber discharges fluid directly into a sump. During deceleration of the output element, the one chamber draws fluid directly from the sump whereas the other chamber discharges pressurized fluid into that accumulator wherein the pressure is slightly less than the pressure of fluid in the other chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system includes a pump and averaging accumulator for providing a source of substantially constant pressure hydraulic fluid for reciprocal movement of a piston within a cylinder to move a load such as a sawmill carriage attached to the piston, and a high pressure braking accumulator operable to receive and hold hydraulic fluid under a pressure higher than the pressure of the pump discharge and of the averaging accumulator to conserve energy during deceleration of the piston and load at each end of the piston stroke. The high pressure fluid stored in the braking accumulator during braking is employed to rapidly accelerate the piston and load at the beginning of each subsequent stroke, and a bypass circuit and relief valve may be provided between the accumulators to convey fluid to the averaging accumulator for further conservation of energy upon excessive build up of pressure in the braking accumulator.

Abstract: A power transmission system is provided, suitable e.g. for driving an electrical vehicle from a power supply such as on an electrochemical battery. The system provides an electric motor having two relatively rotatable motor portions. Each motor portion is relatively rotatable to an anchorage or mounting for the motor, coaxially with the axis of rotation between the motor portions. One motor portion is provided with the power output for the system and the other motor portion is drivingly connected to a hydrostatic machine capable of acting as a pump or motor which is in liquid flow communication with a hydrostatic accumulator and liquid source.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic transmission of the type in which a motor and a variable displacement pump are coupled within a casing, both the motor and the pump are of the radial displacement type and each includes two oppositely phased reaction surfaces, so as to enable improved dynamic balance and a simpler and more robust construction. An engine starting function may also be provided.

Abstract: In a wheeled vehicle engine system comprising a compressed air powered engine and tank assemblies, an engine connects to the vehicle drive wheels and is powered by compressed air and operates without emitting air pollutants and the tank assembly comprises a replaceable and/or rechargeable main air tank assembly containing air at high pressure and recovery tanks both so connected to the engine and arranged so as to recover and store energy of the vehicle and engine developed during braking and high speed engine operation and not fully used to propel the vehicle. Pressure sensors and alternative valving arrangements of the tank assemblies actuate compressors driven by the motor to maximize utilization of the energy content of the tank assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator and system for driving a subsurface reciprocating pump. The actuator is double acting and comprises a piston reciprocable in a cylinder on a guide tube, so that the maximum volume of the chamber below the piston is greater than that of the chamber above the piston, and the lower working area of the piston is greater than its upper working area. Ports in the cylinder above and below the piston are connected to a valving and control arrangement, and a source and receiver of hydraulic fluid and an accummulator are also provided. The valving arrangement is controlled so that when the piston reaches a lower level of travel fluid is discharged from the upper chamber to the receive, to enable upward movement of the piston, and when the piston reaches an upper limit of travel discharge of fluid from the upper chamber is interrupted and flow of fluid from the lower chamber to the upper chamber and accummulator is enabled. Several valving and control arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic positioning system for precisely and rapidly positioning objects of the type likely to impose impact loadings on the system. The system is particularly adaptable for use in sawmill setworks for precisely positioning logs preparatory to sawing thereof. High impact loads are compensated for by special rapid-acting shock-absorbing hydraulic relief circuitry responsive to differences between impact overpressure and system pressure.

Abstract: The plant described resolves the problem of recovering the energy generated by heat engines under test, acceptance trials or experimental tests by the generation of alternating electrical current for which the alternator is always connected to the supply network even in the absence of mechanical energy produced by said engines under test, there being provided hydraulic pumping dynamometric units which act upon said generator through an accumulation and regulation unit which provides for smoothing out the liquid delivery rate by the action of a differential piston group adapted for exposing and closing discharge or supply apertures for the hydraulic circuit in response to the variations of power which take place during the test or acceptance cycles of said heat engines and which manifest themselves in variations in output rate of said dynamometric pumping units.

Abstract: An electric power generating system adapted for use in a vehicle including at least one electric generator and one battery; and at least one energy converter for receiving superfluous movement of the vehicle and producing pressure fluid flow from such movement, and a power transmitting means for receiving and changing the fluid flow into rotational power. The power transmitting means transmits rotational power to the electric generator only when stored rotational power reaches a predetermined level. Therefore, the generator is operated by superfluous movement of the vehicle to generate electricity.

Abstract: An automotive energy managing transmission comprising a differential for splitting the power to mechanical and hydrostatic branches. The transmission is adapted to operate in several modes: hydrostatic in the city, hydromechanical and mechanical on the highway, regenerative braking and engine starting. The transmission includes an energy storage means and allows the engine to operate intermittently during city driving.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system has an engine and a multispeed transmission which can be selectively coupled with an energy storage system. The energy storage system includes a hydraulic member which is operable as a pump to store hydraulic fluid under pressure in an accumulator during certain drive system operations and to operate as a motor to use the stored fluid to drive the vehicle through the transmission, to start the engine or both during other drive system operations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is connected to a fixed displacement pump normally having its inlet connected to a reservoir and its outlet connected to an accumulator. To start the engine, selectively operable valves connect the inlet of the pump to the accumulator and the outlet to the reservoir to drive the pump as a motor to rotate the engine. Also, a fixed displacement motor has an inlet connected by a forward solenoid valve to the accumulator and pump and connected by a brake solenoid valve to the reservoir. The motor also has an outlet connected to the pump and the accumulator by a reverse solenoid valve and connected to the reservoir by a neutral solenoid valve.

Abstract: An auxiliary kinetic energy recovery system is provided for a vehicle with a rotary sliding vane engine including a compressor, a combustion chamber and a motor in which the braking is done by connecting the rotor of the compressor to a wheel and braking rotation of the rotor by controlling the gas flow through the rotary sliding vane compressor, such as by varying the outlet to increase the pressure ratio. This eliminates the conventional friction brakes. The compressed air generated during braking is fed to a surge tank for later use in operating the vehicle engine, thus recovering a portion of the kinetic energy of the vehicle. Additional amounts of kinetic energy are recovered by means of a closed circuit compressible gas circulating system which comprises an auxiliary compressor actuated by the same shaft as that attached to the engine compressor.

Abstract: A rotatable flywheel is selectively operatively connectable to the power drive train of a related vehicle and is effective to absorb energy from the vehicular ground-engaging drive wheels during vehicle deceleration thereby also providing for at least a degree of vehicular braking; a clutch is provided to enable the vehicular ground-engaging drive wheels to accelerate the flywheel while preventing the flywheel from driving such wheels through such clutch; an additional clutch is shown as being provided to enable selectively variable degrees of operative connection between the wheels and flywheel; and a related control is provided for affecting such selectively variable degrees of operative connection.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a vehicle comprising a hydrostatic transmission wherein the system typically includes an electric motor, a hydrostatic pump preferably of the continuous variable displacement type, hydrostatic motors for cooperation with the wheel axles of the vehicle, and a gas accumulator which provides for the compression and expansion of a gaseous medium depending on whether the transmission fluid is being pumped into or withdrawn from the gas accumulator. The gas accumulator comprises a pressure vessel which serves as a structural member of the vehicle. It may have a tubular configuration disposed as a load-bearing structural member of the chassis or it may comprise a number of interconnected pressure-retaining panels, that form the vertical sides and/or roof sections of the vehicle. Suitable mechanical and electrical/electronic controls are provided to monitor the gas pressure in the gas accumulator and to regulate the stroke and function of the hydrostatic pumps and motors.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is connected to a fixed displacement pump normally having its inlet connected to a reservoir and its outlet connected to an accumulator. To start the engine, selectively operable valves connect the inlet of the pump to the accumulator and the outlet to the reservoir to drive the pump as a motor to rotate the engine. Also, a fixed displacement motor has an inlet connected by a forward solenoid valve to the accumulator and pump and connected by a brake solenoid valve to the reservoir. The motor also has an outlet connected to the pump and the accumulator by a reverse solenoid valve and connected to the reservoir by a neutral solenoid valve.

Abstract: A hydromechanical/hydrostatic automotive energy management system comprising two hydraulic units, the system adapted to provide: An efficient, continuously variable optimal transmission ratio, an intermittent optimal engine operation in city traffic and regenerative braking, thereby, the system is able to reduce a car's fuel consumption by as much as one half while improving drivability.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine is arranged to drive the vehicle wheels through a mechanical transmission, an hydraulic system including a variable-output, reversible, hydraulic pump, a variable-output hydraulic motor usable reversibly as a pump and a two-speed gear box. The outlet and inlet of the pump are reversibly connected by delivery and return conduits respectively, through a distributor, to the inlet and outlet of the motor and an hydraulic accumulator is connected through a closable valve to the delivery conduit, the operation of the system being controlled by a microcomputer so that when the vehicle decelerates at a rate greater than that due to natural resistance, kinetic energy which is normally lost in the engine is stored in the accumulator and can subsequently be reused to drive the vehicle wheels, the engine being cut out or maintained at minimum power.

Abstract: A drive system useful for driving reciprocating equipment such as saw mill log carriages or the like is disclosed. The drive system includes a plurality of fixed displacement pumps driven by a prime mover. The pumps in turn drive one or more fixed displacement hydraulic motors which drive the carriage. The pumps are provided with pressure responsive unloading valves which unload at different pressures so that as pressure on the system builds up one or more pumps are sequentially unloaded. An accumulator is charged at low pressures and provides fluid for driving the motors when required at the higher pressures. The inertial forces in the heavy carriage, during the time when the carriage is slowing down, are used to drive the fixed displacement motors as pumps. During this portion of the cycle, the motors are interconnected with the accumulator so that the pumping action of the motors is used to recharge the accumulator.

Abstract: A gearless split torque (mechanical/hydrostatic), twin range (reduction/ overdrive) with a direct mechanical drive in-between, hydrostatic transmission with regenerative braking and engine starting capabilities comprising two hydraulic pumps tied together by a clutch.

Abstract: A gearless split torque (mechanical/hydrostatic), twin range (reduction/overdrive) with a direct mechanical drive in-between, hydrostatic transmission with regenerative braking and engine starting capabilities comprising two hydraulic pumps tied together by a clutch.

Abstract: A pump or generator is connected to the drive shaft of a vehicle to induce a braking effect not provided by the twin shaft gas turbine powering the vehicle. The output of the pump or generator is stored and used to drive the compressor of the turbine in place of fuel during coasting and/or idling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gearless split torque hydromechanical transmission with regenerative braking and engine starting capabilities comprising two hydraulic pumps tied together by a one-way clutch.

Abstract: The adaptation of a compressed-fluid (such as compressed-air) powered turbine in conjunction with the use of a flywheel as a hybrid propulsion system for nonstationary applications, such as vehicle drive, is shown and its practicality demonstrated. This propulsion system requires a nonpolluting fluid, such as air, and a source of mechanical or electrical energy to compress said fluid and energize said flywheel, both of which act as energy storage media. An expander/compressor unit, such as a turbine, is used for converting the stored energy of said compressed-fluid into shaft power by expanding said fluid, and recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration by compressing and storing the atmospheric air (if air is used). Said flywheel is used not only for providing peak powers necessary for vehicle acceleration but also for recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration and refilling said compressed-fluid in an emergency.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive assembly for use with a vehicle having a drive shaft and a driven shaft. The auxiliary drive assembly includes a flywheel as a source of energy. First and second hydraulic pump/motor units are hydraulically coupled to each other. Summation gearing is provided having a first input connected to the flywheel and to the first motor/pump unit, a second input connected to the second motor/pump unit, and an output from which power can be released. The summation gearing output can be connected to the drive shaft, by means of a releasable coupling, for driving the drive shaft or charging the flywheel. The second motor/pump unit has a brake so that the flywheel can be charged very rapidly by the drive shaft. The drive shaft and driven shaft can be separated to further increase the speed of charging the flywheel.