Abstract: A hydraulic multi-speed, multi-torque transmission system for vehicles for storing and converting energy resulting from braking of the vehicle, such transmission utilizing multiple fixed displacement hydraulic pump-motors coupled to the vehicle wheels and a fixed displacement pump driven by the engine.

Abstract: An inertial turbine system is provided which stores energy in a rotating flywheel shell by passing a fluid, such as mercury, in and out of the shell during braking or acceleration of the vehicle in which the system is installed. The resulting fluid flywheel is coupled to an input/output shaft through a turbine transmission system. The transmission system is constructed to effect optimal energy transfer over a wide range of relative speeds between the rotating flywheel shell and the input/output shaft to which the shell is coupled.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic-pneumatic thrust generator wherein pneumatic action is used for cocking and for cushioning while hydraulic action is used for providing the driving force. The output can be increased by reducing the cocking or cushion gas pressure required to dislodge the poppet valve from its seated position in the driving port by introducing pressurized oil into the driving port between the poppet valve and poppet actuator. The thrust generator of this invention has a relatively flat thrust pattern making it especially suitable as a driving mechanism for high velocity water jets for fracturing concrete and the like.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine for vehicles in which an infinitely variable transmission in the form of a hydraulic transmission is coupled to the engine. A flywheel stores and releases braking energy, and has a disengageable coupling connecting the flywheel with the variable transmission to at least one wheel drive shaft. The hydraulic transmission has a pump unit and a motor unit which are hydraulically operable. The pump unit and motor unit are reversible for braking the vehicle, whereby the motor is driven by the wheels of the vehicle and operates as a pump, and the pump unit operates as a motor.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic press drive system comprising a pressure transformer h variable ratio of displacement volume connected in series in a drive hydraulic circuit between a gas-hydraulic accumulator and a press cylinder. The pressure transformer consists of a hydraulic motor, which is connected mechanically with a hydraulic pump, the source of drive power of the pressure transformer being the gas-hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: An accumulator arrangement for the storage and release of braking energy, and for the braking and driving of a rotating shaft by means of a flywheel. The rotating shaft which is to be braked or driven, is connected to a drive or gear unit having 2.degree. of freedom; one output of which is coupled to the flywheel via an installation operable either as a generator or a motor, and whose other output is connected with a second installation operable as a generator or a motor, and the two installations are connected with each other for energy transmission, preferably through a buffer or shock absorbing device.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic-pneumatic thrust generator wherein pneumatic action is used for cocking and for cushioning while hydraulic action is used for providing the driving force. The thrust generator of this invention has a relatively flat thrust pattern making is especially suitable as a driving mechanism for high velocity water jets for fracturing concrete and the like.

Abstract: A power shovel comprising a body; a front end assembly mounted on the body including a dipper; means for crowding the dipper; means for hoisting the dipper; and an energy regeneration system including an energy storing means and means actuated by a predetermined movement of at least one component of the front end assembly for charging the energy storing means, the energy storing means providing in the loaded condition a force applicable to a component of the front end assembly for at least biasing such component toward a predetermined movement.

Abstract: A closed center hydraulic system is provided for a lift truck which includes an accumulator, a motor driven pump for supplying fluid under pressure to the accumulator, a plurality of closed center proportional electrohydraulic control valves for a plurality of hydraulically operated devices on the truck such as the lift jack, the mast tilt jack and the hydraulic powered steering mechanism. The pressure to the steering control valve is reduced by a pressure reducing valve and the pressure fluid supply circuit from the accumulator to the lift and tilt circuits is controlled by a blocking valve which is opened when the manual control member for either the lift or tilt control valve is moved from neutral to an operating position. Initial movement of either manual control member causes the blocking valve to open and further movement meters flow, thus permitting the operator to regulate lift and tilt speeds.