3039results about "Reciprocating piston engines" patented technology

An opposed-piston engine that forms an inviscid layer between pistons and the respective cylinder walls. In an aspect, the opposed-piston engine utilizes a Scotch yoke assembly that includes rigidly connected opposed combustion pistons. In an aspect, the Scotch yoke assembly is configured to transfer power from the combustion pistons to a crankshaft assembly. In an aspect, the crankshaft assembly can be configured to have dual flywheels that are internal to the engine, and can be configured to assist with an exhaust system, a detonation system, and / or a lubrication system.

PCT No. PCT / NZ95 / 00084 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 28, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 28, 1997 PCT Filed Sep. 14, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96 / 08683 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 21, 1996A solar concentrator for producing usable power as heat and / or electricity uses a self-steering heliostat 1502 to concentrate solar radiation 1509 onto an absorbing surface such as, or including, a solar cell array 1511 capable of absorbing power from the radiation, meanwhile removing heat (such as from long-wave infra-red radiation or resistive losses) from the surface with fluid heat transfer means 1503, 1504, then making effective use of that low-grade heat. Thus the solar cell array is kept relatively cool and a larger proportion of the solar energy incident on the reflector unit is used. The invention uses electricity 1506 from the solar cells to move a transporting fluid through a heat exchanger 1504. Excess electricity may be available for local storage or use 1510, or feeding 1512 to the power distribution grid. Applications include warming swimming pools 1501, heating hot-water supplies using excess electricity, or warming, lighting and ventilating open spaces.

A two-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having opposed cylinders, each cylinder having a pair of opposed pistons, with all the pistons connected to a common central crankshaft. The inboard pistons of each cylinder are connected to the crankshaft with pushrods and the outboard pistons are connected to the crankshaft with pullrods. This configuration results in a compact engine with a very low profile, in which the free mass forces can be essentially totally balanced. The engine configuration also allows for asymmetrical timing of the intake and exhaust ports through independent angular positioning of the eccentrics on the crankshaft, making the engine suitable for supercharging.

The invention relates to a wind energy system with hydraulic energy transmission with non-symmetric actuation. The non-symmetric actuation is caused by valve control and mechanical means for controlling the actuation of the pistons. A cylinder unit is provided comprising a drive unit and an output unit associated with two hydraulic connections. The drive and the output unit comprise a minimum of two cylinders, in which pistons are reciprocating. Some of the cylinders can be switched off during low wind speeds. The cylinders communicate with a low pressure manifold and a high pressure manifold. These manifolds are part of the hydraulic connections. Use of the fluid-working machine as transmission in wind energy systems increases the overall economical efficiency.

The disclosure relates to reciprocating fluid working devices including internal combustion engines, compressors and pumps. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, mostly intended for use in IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, a single piston reciprocating between a pair of working chambers, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston-crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components which reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons mare rotate while reciprocating. High temperature exhaust emissions systems are described, including those containing filamentary material, as are procedures for reducing emissions during cold start by means of valves at reaction volume exit. Also disclosed are improved vehicles, aircraft, marine craft, transmissions and exhaust emission systems suited to the engines of the invention.

Provided is a consumer to industrial scale renewable energy based quintuple-generation systems and energy storage facility. The present invention has both mobile and stationary embodiments. The present invention includes energy recovery, energy production, energy processing, pyrolysis, byproduct process utilization systems, separation process systems and handling and storage systems, as well as an open architecture for integration and development of additional processes, systems and applications. The system of the present invention primarily uses adaptive metrics, biometrics and thermal imaging sensory analysis (including additional input sensors for analysis) for monitoring and control with the utilization of an integrated artificial intelligence and automation control system, thus providing a balanced, environmentally-friendly ecosystem.

The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD), subassemblies, and components therefor. Embodiments disclosed cover power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and / or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor / generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.

Actuators suited for use with, for example, vehicular suspension systems. In some embodiments, the present actuators include a reversible hydraulic pump configured to produce variable hydraulic pressure; a hydraulic cylinder assembly having a cylinder bore, and a piston positioned within the cylinder bore that is axially movable relative to the cylinder bore; and a hydraulic circuit hydraulically coupling the reversible hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cylinder assembly. In these embodiments, actuated axial motion of the piston relative to the cylinder bore is accomplished without the use of check valves, pressure regulating valves, or actively controlled valves.

Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD), subassemblies, and components therefor. Embodiments disclosed cover power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and / or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor / generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.

The invention provides a variable speed hydraulic pump designed to operate at a maximum horsepower throughout its pressure range by adjusting motor speed according to motor load parameters. In particular, the variable speed hydraulic pump includes a hydraulic pump unit coupled to a variable speed electric motor by a drive unit and to a hydraulic fluid tank for pressurizing and pumping hydraulic fluid when operated by the motor. A motor controller is electrically connected to the motor to supply drive signals to the motor based on electrical characteristics of the drive signals which are dependent on the load exerted on the motor. Suction from the load is provided by both the main pump and a bidirectional supercharging pump by reversing the direction of the motor and shifting a 4 / 3 valve to connect the main pump inlet to the load and its outlet to tank. In addition, the controller reduces the motor speed at the maximum rated pressure to just maintain the pressure, to reduce the amount of fluid pumped through the maximum pressure relief valve.

The invention relates to a two-stroke engine, in particular to a two-strike compressed air engine assembly which takes compressed air as a power source. The compressed air engine assembly comprises an engine body (1), a multi-cylinder power divider (2), a power plant (4), a controller system (6), an air inlet control and speed regulation valve (23), a high-pressure gas tank group (13), a constant-pressure tank (16), an electronic control unit (ECU) (29) and a tail gas recovery loop. The tail gas recovery loop comprises an air compressor (7), a condenser (11), a tail gas recovery tank (9), an electric turbine one-way air pump (19) and a tail gas noise deadener (22).

A method of determining the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in a blood sample is disclosed wherein at least one of the assay steps is performed electrochemically. The method includes determining the total amount of hemoglobin in a sample by electrochemically measuring, in an oxygen electroreduction reaction at a cathode, the amount of oxygen in the sample. Because the amount of oxygen dissolved in the sample is known, the total hemoglobin is determined by subtracting the amount of free oxygen from the total oxygen measured, recognizing the fast equilibrium Hb+O2⇄HbO2. This can be followed by determining the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the sample. The cathode reaction is accomplished by contacting the sample with an enzyme, the enzyme being a copper-containing enzyme having four copper ions per active unit. The family of these enzymes includes, for example, laccases and bilirubin oxidases. A device associated with such a process or method is also provided.

A hybrid engine installation (200) includes drive element (204) suitable for driving a mechanical element (BTP, BTA) in rotation. In addition, the hybrid engine installation is remarkable in that it includes at least one gas turbine (253, 254) and at least one electric motor (201) mechanically linked to the drive element (204) to drive it in rotation.

An engine is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the engine comprises a compressor, and combustor, and an expander. The compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The expander receives the exhaust gases from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The compressor may be a gerotor compressor or a piston compressor having variable-dead-volume control. The expander may be a gerotor expander or a piston expander having variable-dead-volume control. In another embodiment, an engine comprises a piston compressor, a combustor, a piston expander, and a pressure tank. The piston compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The piston expander receives the exhaust gasses from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The pressure tank receives and stores the compressed air from the compressor. In another embodiment, a gerotor compressor or a gerotor expander comprises an inner gerotor, and an outer gerotor. The inner gerotor and the outer gerotor are driven so that they do not touch. The gerotors may be cantilevered or non-cantilevered.

An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.

A linear energy harvesting device that includes a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when it is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator that produces electricity. Both the motor and generator are central to the device housing. Exemplary configurations are disclosed such as monotube, twin-tube, tri-tube and rotary based designs that each incorporates an integrated energy harvesting apparatus. By varying the electrical characteristics on an internal generator, the kinematic characteristics of to the energy harvesting apparatus can be dynamically altered. In another mode, the apparatus can be used as an actuator to create linear movement. Applications include vehicle suspension systems (to act as the primary damper component), railcar bogie dampers, or industrial applications such as machinery dampers and wave energy harvesters, and electro-hydraulic actuators.

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.

The invention relates to an engine, in particular to a V-shaped multi-cylinder aerodynamic engine assembly adopting compressed air as motive power. The V-shaped multi-cylinder aerodynamic engine assembly comprises a multi-cylinder engine body (1), a multi-column motive power distributor (2), motive power equipment (4), a controller system (6), an air inlet control speed regulating valve (23), a high-pressure gas tank group (13), a constant pressure tank (16), an electronic control unit (ECU) (29), a compressed air heating device (101) and an optional second gas supply loop. The second gas supply loop comprises an air compressor (7), a condenser (11), a pressure limiting valve (702), a sequence valve (705) and a tail gas recovery tank (9).

A hybrid electro-hydraulic drive system is provided for a vehicle and comprises a hydraulic transmission including a first hydraulic machine and at least one second hydraulic machine drivingly connected to drive wheels of the motor vehicle for driving thereof, an electric motor / generator operatively connected to the first hydraulic machine, and at least one energy storage device operable to store and release a hydraulic fluid energy or an electrical energy. The second hydraulic machine is a reversible hydraulic pump / motor unit capable to function both as a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. The energy storage device is operatively connected to either the hydraulic transmission or the electric motor / generator. In a retarding mode the hydraulic transmission and / or the electric motor / generator retard the vehicle, while in a driving mode they supply a supplementary power to the drive wheels to assist propulsion of the vehicle.

A thermoacoustic generator includes a housing with a thermoacoustic core supported in the housing. The core is operable to introduce acoustical power into the housing to thereby oscillate the pressure of the gas in the housing at a frequency. A piezoelectric alternator is also supported in the housing and has a face that is movable when acted on by the acoustical power. The alternator includes a portion of piezoelectric material operable to produce electrical power when acted upon by a stress. The piezoelectric material is in mechanical communication with the movable face so that movement of the face stresses the piezoelectric material. The alternator has a moving mass that serves as a substantial portion of the resonating mass inside the housing, thereby providing a pressure oscillation frequency in the housing substantially lower than for a similar system with a rigid member replacing the alternator.

The present invention concerns the method and installation to apply ocean energy to power generation. It is consisted of the floater, lever, chain, ratchet wheel, flywheel, generator, cable, etc. It is characterized by the fact that the float and weight fixed to it move up and down with the motion of wave, which drive the strength enlargement mechanism made up of a number of levers to travel alternately and pull the heavy flywheel to rotate constantly. By this way, the generator runs and yields electricity. The present invention has simple structure and high efficiency and can easily increase or decrease the enlargement mechanism according to the capacity of generation. This installation with low cost can be widely utilized for pollution-free power generation in the coast.

A thermoacoustic generator includes a housing with a thermoacoustic core supported in the housing. The core is operable to introduce acoustical power into the housing to thereby oscillate the pressure of the gas in the housing at a frequency. A piezoelectric alternator is also supported in the housing and has a face that is movable when acted on by the acoustical power. The alternator includes a portion of piezoelectric material operable to produce electrical power when acted upon by a stress. The piezoelectric material is in mechanical communication with the movable face so that movement of the face stresses the piezoelectric material. The alternator has a moving mass that serves as a substantial portion of the resonating mass inside the housing, thereby providing a pressure oscillation frequency in the housing substantially lower than for a similar system with a rigid member replacing the alternator.

A new Kalina thermodynamic cycle is disclosed where a multi-component working fluid is fully vaporized in a boiler utilizing waste heat streams such as flue gas streams from cement kilns so the energy can be extracted from the streams and converted to usable electrical or mechanical energy in a turbine subsystem and after extraction, the spent stream is fully condensed in a distillation-condensation subsystem using air and / or water coolant streams. A new method for implementing the improved Kalina thermodynamic cycle is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for power generation including a method and system for electrical power generation by utilizing forces due to vehicle weights from traffic on roadways. An embodiment of the invention uses multiple compressible hydraulic cylinders of different types, the cylinders used being dynamically selected responsive to the various weights of the vehicles presenting.

A high-efficiency heat cycle system including a compressor, a first turbine, first and second heat exchangers 7 and 8, a first pump, and an expander, and a composite heat cycle power generator using the high-efficiency heat cycle system. Working gas Fg compressed in the compressor (C) drives a first turbine (S) and is thereafter cooled by passing through a heat dissipating side of a first heat exchanger (7) and then raised in pressure by a first pump (P) to form high-pressure working liquid Fe, the high-pressure working liquid is expanded and evaporated in a expander (K) to form working gas Fg, said working gas Fg is heated by passing through a heat receiving side 82 of the second heat exchanger before being introduced into the compressor C. A heat dissipating side 81 of the second heat exchanger comprises a heat dissipating portion of a refrigerating machine or a heat dissipating portion for waste heat from a heating machine.

The present invention discloses an apparatus for preventing abrasion in a reciprocal compressor, including a cylinder, a reciprocal motor having a stator and a mover, and generating a linear reciprocation driving force, a piston inserted into an inside space of the cylinder to be linearly movable, a piston rod coupled to the piston to be movable in the radial direction of the piston, and coupled to the mover of the reciprocal motor, for transmitting the linear reciprocation driving force of the reciprocal motor to the piston, and a concentricity control means coupled to a junction between the piston and the piston rod, for fixing the piston and the piston rod in the axial direction, and allowing a relative motion thereof in the radial direction. The apparatus for preventing abrasion in the reciprocal compressor prevents abrasion from being generated between the cylinder and the piston due to processing errors and assembly errors of components of the reciprocal compressor.

Motion-converter apparatus for converting bidirectional rotary movements to unidirectional rotary movements includes: an input shaft for inputting the bidirectional rotary movements; an output shaft for outputting the unidirectional rotary movements, the output shaft having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the input shaft; a drive bevel gear coaxial with, and driven bidirectionally by, the input shaft; a pair of driven bevel gears coaxial with the output shaft and meshing with the drive bevel gear on opposite sides of the axis of the drive bevel gear so as to be driven bidirectionally thereby but in opposite directions with respect to the output shaft; and a pair of one-way clutches coupling the driven bevel gears to the output shaft such that both one-way clutches are effective to drive the output shaft only in one direction. Various applications of such apparatus are also described, including wave and tide motors, wind turbines and bidirectional-movement measuring devices.