Abstract: A system and method includes a secondary energy storage system (SESS) and a control system. The SESS is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and conductively connected via switch devices to a primary battery and a cranking device of the vehicle. The control system is configured to control the switch devices to close a conductive path to discharge electric current from the SESS for powering the cranking device to rotate an engine shaft during a cranking operation. The control system is configured to control the switch devices to open the conductive path and prevent discharge of electric current from the SESS after the cranking operation is complete.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic drivetrain is configured to propel a vehicle and regenerate propulsion energy. The drivetrain includes a prime mover, an accumulator, an axle, a first rotating group, a second rotating group, and a hydraulic transformer. The first rotating group is configured to receive shaft energy from the prime mover, receive shaft energy from the drive axle, send shaft energy to the drive axle, receive hydraulic energy from the hydraulic accumulator, and send hydraulic energy to the accumulator. The second rotating group is configured to receive shaft energy from the prime mover. The hydraulic transformer is configured to charge the accumulator with hydraulic energy received from the second rotating group. The hydraulic transformer may be remotely mounted from the second rotating group. The second rotating group may supply hydraulic energy to an auxiliary circuit of the vehicle. The auxiliary circuit may operate with the prime mover shut down.

Abstract: An energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle, including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a first reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir and selectively drivably coupled to the output shaft of the engine, a second reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir and selectively drivably coupled to an output shaft of the transmission, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with at least one of the first and second reversible pump/motors to deliver pressurized working fluid to the one of the first and second reversible pump/motors when operating as a motor, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the one of the first and second reversible pump/motors when operating as a pump.

Abstract: An automotive starting system includes an accumulator, a hydraulic motor, and an engine controller. The accumulator is adapted for holding a charge of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic motor has a fluid input operatively connected to the accumulator and has an output shaft operatively connected to an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The engine controller shuts off the engine if an idle engine condition exists and restarts the engine using the hydraulic motor following an idle engine shut-off if a predetermined engine-start condition exists. A method for starting an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle includes having the engine controller shut off the engine if an idle engine condition exists and thereafter having the engine controller restart the engine using the hydraulic motor if a predetermined engine-start condition exists.

Abstract: A system and method for starting an engine having a crankshaft is provided. Pressurized fluid is stored in an accumulator. A flow of pressurized fluid is released from the accumulator. The flow of pressurized fluid released from the accumulator is directed to a pump that is operatively engaged with the crankshaft of the engine. The flow of pressurized fluid drives the pump to generate a rotation of the crankshaft and thereby start the engine.

Abstract: An energy storage automotive drive system wherein energy from deceleration of a vehicle is stored, preferably in pressurized fluid form, for use upon acceleration. The drive system is designed primarily for retrofitting of existing vehicles and has control features adapted to facilitate installation, maximize efficiency and protect the system against malfunction, wear and excessive stress.

Abstract: A method for driving a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine having a plurality of compression chambers divided into a first set and a second set, each of said sets being able to be separately operated and to be convertible in operation so as to take on compression action.

Abstract: A method for driving a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine having a plurality of compression chambers divided into a first set and a second set, each of said sets being able to be separately operated and to be convertible in operation so as to take an compression action.

Abstract: When reversing a marine power plant, due consideration must be given to the fact that the inertia of the ship will continue to force the ship through the water during a moment of time after the shut down of the prime mover, with the propeller then acting as a water turbine tending to rotate the propeller shaft in the same direction as before. If the propulsion plant includes a gas turbine and a reversing gear, the reversing gear is designed in such a manner that the part thereof connected to the turbine will represent, in use, a smaller inertia than the part connected to the propeller shaft, with the propeller shaft together with the propeller attached thereto representing a considerable rotating body.