Patent · US Expired

Vehicle-actuated air compressor and system therefor

US4115034A · kind A · utility

24Cited by
18References
8Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 11, 1977
Grant dateSep 19, 1978
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 11, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle-actuated air compressor and a system are disclosed for utilizing compressed air to operate an electrical generator to generate electricity. The vehicle-actuated air compressor includes an actuator, a cylinder, and a piston in the cylinder reciprocatable in response to actuation of the actuator by a vehicle for compressing air in the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a first vent means for introducing air into the cylinder behind the piston during a forward stroke of the piston, a valve-controlled second vent means for introducing air into the cylinder on the other side of the piston during the reverse stroke thereof, and outlet means for supplying air compressed by the piston during the forward stroke thereof to a utilization device. In the system for generating electricity, the air compressor is combined with an electricity generator operated by compressed air to generate electricity, and at least one air storage unit coupled between the electricity generator and the outlet means of the cylinder for storing compressed air enroute to the generator. The air storage unit may be supplied with compressed air from other vehicle-actuated air compressors to provide a netwo…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.