US0092.

17329B1

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9.217,329 B1

Richey (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 22, 2015

(54) COMPRESSED AIR PROPULSION SYSTEM (56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71) Applicant: Robert John Richey, Campbell, CA
(US) 3,485,221 A * 12/1969 Feeback .................... FO1B 7/14
123,51AA
(72) Inventor: Robert John Richey, Campbell, CA 3,980,152 A * 9, 1976 Manor ................... B60G 13/14
(US) 180,165
4,370,857 A * 2/1983 Miller ...................... B6OK 3.02
180,165
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 4,560,323 A 12/1985 Orchard
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,515,675 A * 5/1996 Bindschatel ............ FO2B 69/06
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 60/370
6,629,573 B1* 10/2003 Perry ...................... FO1B 17? O2
(21) Appl. No.: 14/756,548 180,165
7,028,482 B2 * 4/2006 Cho ......................... B6OK 1.00
60/407
(22) Filed: Sep. 16, 2015 7.315,089 B2 * 1/2008 Lambertson .......... B6OL 11,005
180/302

Related U.S. Application Data * cited by examiner

(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 14/256,754, Primary Examiner — Michael Leslie
filed on Apr. 18, 2014, now abandoned. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Robert Charles Hill
(51) Int. C. (57) ABSTRACT
FI6D 3L/02 (2006.01) A compressed air propulsion system Supplies air utilized by a
FOIB 7/4 (2006.01) pair of opposing cylinders and their associated pistons and
FOIB II/00 (2006.01) push/pull rods to cause a pair of sprockets to rotate clockwise
FIB 25/04 (2006.01) in a controlled manner. The two pistons are acted upon by the
FIB 29/10 (2006.01) cycling of various valves which introduces and/or vents com
FOIL 3/6 (2006.01) pressed air as directed by a computer using a downloaded
(52) U.S. C. program through wireless interfaces. One of the two sprock
CPC ................. F0IB 7/14 (2013.01); F0IB 11/001 ets in turn, through additional sprockets/chain/axle devices, is
(2013.01); F0IB 25/04 (2013.01); F0IB 29/10 utilized to supply drive torque to a vehicle transmission. The
(2013.01); F0IL 3 1/16 (2013.01) other axle which is connected to the remaining sprocket and
(58) Field of Classification Search through an additional chain/sprocket/axle device operates a
CPC .......... F01B 7/14: F01B 11/001; F01B 25/04; direct current generator which produces electricity for charg
F01B 25/14: F01B 29/10; F01L 31/16 ing a battery.
USPC ............................................ 60/370, 408,409
See application file for complete search history. 5 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets

Cylinder
Nimber 2

The Filing
Station of
The Future
(not showa)
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 1 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

Fig. #1 248
30 234 248. 244. I
230. I. 234. I 212 252.1 2.38 29,(). I 242 244
/236 .. I
Yift 32. I Y i? 242.7
'Alali
-
ZElimitills
al g S.
G
| initiitiitiimi
Air g
Air YU" OTIOIIIE A
sS N. S.
H
CiA ES\ Yg KI Af IE E
TILLA
A \ I-II
220
20 \ . 228 (22 || | 1250.
202 204 25C
252 235 216
241 214
231 s 229 237
246

246, 1
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

Fig #2
Tank to Store
Compressed Air Battery
Double
436 Pack
Chamber 422
Cylinder #1 PC Compute
202 430 Maste
Light wD WID
Sprocket #1 Emitter procket #3 430.1
with Chain EZZ Receptor with Chain
Assembly O6 438
Split Channel s Chain
To House
Push/Pull Rod
To Car Drive Shaft
722
Light Beam
Interrupte
Emitter
Receptor
Assembly
#2
Ref Fig #6

Double
Sprocket #6
Chamber
Cylinder #2
TeGen.
214
433
Split Channel
To House
Push/Pull Rod
Ref Figh 11
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

Cylinder
Number 2
4 10 412.42 BElec,
s. O 228
4C notor
G) X To house plug-in 214
The Filling
Station of
Compressed The Future
Air (not shown)
436

s". 2 CE. --N. 433 N.

-O-

4.08 406. 406 0.

U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 4 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

518
226 519
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 5 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 6 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

724
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 7 Of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

Fig. #7 Direction of
88.1 Rotation
810.1
SA

502
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 8 of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

Direction of
Rotation

908.1

604
U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 9 Of 9 US 9.217,329 B1

Fig #9
One Complete Operational Cycle
Step #1
Cylinder 202 Sprocket 226 Sprocket 228 Cylinder 214
I/V 230 Open Pivot Point 212 Pivot Point 224 I/V 238 Closed
WFW 232 Closed Rotates from/to Rotates from/to V/V 240 Open
V/V 234 Open +45 to --13S --135 to -135 V/V 242 Open
I/V 236 Closed Refer to Fig's #1;#2 & #3 I/V 244 Closed
Push Mode Vent Mode

Step #2
/W 230 Cosed AV 238 Closed
V/V 232 Open Rotates from/to Rotates from/to V/V 240 open
V/V 234 Open --135 to -13S -35 to -45 W/V 242 Closed
/W 236 Closed I/V 244 Open
Vent Mode Push Mode
Step #3
IAW 230 Closed If V 238 Closed
V/V 232 Open Rotates from/to Rotates from/to V/V 240 Open
W/V 234 Closed -135 to -45 -45 to +45 V/V 242 Open
I/V 236 Open I/V 244 Closed
Pull Mode Vent Mode

Step #4
I/V 230 Closed Rotates from/to Rotates from/to I/V 238 Open
V/V 232 Open -45 to --45 --45 to 35 V/V 240 Closed
V/V 234 Open V/V 242 Open
I/V 236 Closed /V 244 Closed
Vent Mode Pill Mode

Step #5
I/V 230 Open Pivot Point Pivot Point AV 230 Closed
W/V 232 Closed Rotates from/to Rotates from/to V/V 240 Open
V/V 234 Open --45 to --135 -135 to -35 V/V 242 Open
/V 236 Closed I/V 244 Closed
Push Mode Vent Mode

This completes one complete Operational cycle for the invention

 US 9,217,329 B1
1. 2
COMPRESSED AIR PROPULSON SYSTEM FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED FIG. 5 is a view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3.
APPLICATIONS FIG. 6 is a top view of the drive shaft and its housing.
5 FIG. 7 shows five brackets affixed to fixed disc 502.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. FIG. 8 shows 4 brackets affixed to fixed disc 604.
14/256,754 filed Apr. 18, 2014 for THE CAR OF THE FIG.9 is a listing that depicts all of the various modes of the
FUTURE POWERED BY COMPRESSED AIR.
two cylinders for one cycle of the sprockets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a propulsion system, and in Many of the details of the present invention are shown in
particular to a propulsion system using compressed air in FIGS. 1 through 5 including a compressed air tank 436 (FIGS.
which Supplies drive torque to a vehicle transmission as well 2 and 3). First 202 and second 214 identical opposing cylin
as drive torque to an electronic generator for charging a bat 15
ders include a piston connected to a piston rod. First cylinder
tery.
2. Description of the Related Art 202 has piston 204 connected to piston rod 206 while second
The proposed invention can be related to providing propul cylinder 214 has piston 216 connected to piston rod 218.
sion of a vehicle in a more efficient and less expensive man Each piston is divided into two chambers. As shown in FIG.
ner, meanwhile reducing the amount of pollution being 1 first cylinder 202 has chambers 231 and 233 while second
released into the atmosphere. The current method is not only cylinder 214 has chambers 235 and 237.
wasteful and inefficient but is prone to producing vast amount Each chamber has inlet valves and outlet or vent valves.
of pollutants into the atmosphere on a daily basis while not Left chamber 231 of first cylinder 202 is provided with inlet
doing useful work at the same time. This vast amount of valve 230 and vent or outlet valve 232 and pressure gauge
pollution is believed to be contributing to the global warming 25 246. Right chamber 233 of first cylinder 202 is provided with
of the earth and all of the ills that are attendant with it, like inlet valve 236 and vent or outlet valve 234 and pressure
flooding of lower coastal regions etc. The basic reason, as gauge 248. Likewise left chamber 235 of second cylinder 214
concerns motor vehicles, is the ever increasing congestion on is provided with inlet valve 238 and vent or outlet valve 240
all of the nations roadways whether city streets; state high and pressure gauge 252. Right chamber 237 of second cylin
ways or federal freeways. This massive congestion results in 30 der 214 is provided with inlet valve 244 and vent or outlet
prolonged delay of vehicles of all types in trying to reach their valve 242 and pressure gauge 250.
destinations. The impressive gas mileages that all of the auto
mobile manufacturing companies extol are meaningless The cylinder chambers are connected to the compressed air
when all of the vehicles during the rush hour spend long tank 436 via inlet valves. As shown in FIG. 3 inlet line 431
periods of time stalled and idling in traffic. Although the connects tank 436 with first cylinder 202 via inlet valves 230
electric car is subject to the same traffic delays as all of the 35 and 236 while inlet line 433 connects tank 436 with second
other vehicles propelled by a different method such as gas or cylinder 214 via inlet valves 238 and 244.
diesel engine, still the electric car is in the off mode when not First sprocket 226 and second sprocket 228 are joined by
in motion. Yet the problem with the electric car and hybrid car, common chain 229. First sprocket 226 is mounted on first
even though to a lesser degree, is the limited amount of axle 241 and second sprocket 228 is mounted on second axle
storage of electricity available with the current technology in 40 243.
battery manufacturing. The piston rods of the first and second cylinders are con
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
nected to a corresponding one of the first and second sprock
ets at a pivot point. As shown in FIG. 1, piston rod 206 of first
The compressed air propulsion system of the present cylinder 202 is connected to first sprocket 226 at pivot point
invention includes a compressed air tank. First and second
45 212 via joint 208 and push rod 210 while piston rod 218 is
identical opposing cylinders have a piston connected to a connected to second sprocket 228 at pivot point 224 via joint
piston rod. Each piston divides the cylinder into two cham 220 and pushrod 222. Since pivot 212 is at 90° and pivot point
bers and each chamber is connected to inlet and outlet valves 224 is at +1-180° the pivot points are 90° out of phase.
with the inlet valves connected to the compressed air tank. Each axle has a fixed disc mounted adjacent to the sprocket.
First and second sprockets joined by a common chain are 50 As shown in FIG. 4, first axle 241 has fixed disc 502 mounted
mounted on corresponding first and second axles. The piston adjacent to first sprocket 226. In FIG. 5 second axle 243 has
rods of the first and second cylinders are connected to corre a fixed disc 604 mounted adjacent to second sprocket 228.
sponding first and second sprockets at a pivot point. Each axle Each fixed disc 502 and 604 includes plural light beam
has a fixed disc mounted adjacent to the sprocket. The fixed emitter/receptor devices 530 (FIG. 4) and 630 (FIG. 5) that
disc includes plural light beam emitter/receptor devices that 55 send signals to an electronic control unit 435 for controlling
send signals to an electronic control unit for controlling the the opening and closing of the inlet valves 230 236,238,244
opening and closing of the inlet and outlet valves based on the and outlet valves 232,234, 240, 242 based on the position of
position of interrupters mounted to each sprocket. The first interrupts 518 and 602 mounted to each sprocket 226 and 228.
axle connected to the first sprocket Supplies drive torque to a The first axle 241 is connected to the first sprocket 226
vehicle transmission and the second axle connected to the 60 Supplying drive torque to a vehicle transmission (FIG.3); and
second sprocket Supplies drive torque to an electronic gen the second axle 243 is connected to the second sprocket 228
erator which charges a battery. Supplying drive torque to an electronic generator (FIG. 3)
which charges a battery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS As shown in FIG.3 the electronic control unit 435 includes
65 a computer 430, a master wireless interface device 430.1 and
FIG. 1 is an end view of the present invention. a monitor 432. Various wireless interface devices (WID)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the present invention. serve as the wireless link with the master wireless interface
 US 9,217,329 B1
3 4
device 430.1 which enables the computer 430 to command FIG. 3 also shows connecting sprocket 434 rotating gen
the opening and closing of inlet and/or outlet valves in a erator axle to supply electricity to DC generator 424 which
preprogrammed order. goes into battery 422 via line 423. DC from the battery 422
FIG. 1 shows first cylinder 202 having WID 230.1 associ goes through inverters 426 and 428 to become AC which then
ated with inlet valve 230, WID 232.1 associated with outlet goes through electric lines 429 to supply power to all valves,
valve 232, WID 234.1 associated with outlet valve 234, WID WIDS, pressure gauges and other equipment that require
236.1 associated with inlet valve 236, WID 246.1 associated electricity.
pressure gauge 246, and WID 248.1 associated with pressure The lower portion of FIG. 4 is a larger view of the emitter/
gauge 248. Likewise, second cylinder 214 had WID 238.1 receptor assembly, generally indicated 530, which has a light
associated with inlet valve 238, WID 240.1 associated with 10
beam interrupter 518 attached to the back side of first sprocket
outlet valve 240, WID 242.1 associated with outlet valve 242, 226 and bracket 531 attached to fixed disc 502. Bracket 531
WID 244.1 associated with outlet valve 244, WID 250.1 houses light beam emitter 526 and light beam receptor 532
associated with pressure gauge 250, and WID 252.1 associ having light beam 533 therebetween. As sprocket 226 is
ated with pressure gauge 252.
The master wireless interface device 430.1 is the link 15 rotated finger 519 of light beam interrupter 518 breaks the
between the computer 430 and the various switches, pressure light beam 533 between emitter 526 and receptor 532, the
gauges and emitter/receptor devices. consequences of which will be described later.
The opening and closing of the various Switches are depen Supports 504 and 508 on base 524 house first axle 241
dent on which light beam has been intercepted or blocked by which is connected to first sprocket 226 and downstream
the light beam interrupter. For cylinder 202 that would be 518 sprocket 506. Flange 514 attaches to support 504 and flange
from FIG. 4 and for cylinder 214 that would be light beam 510 attaches to support 508. Fixed disc 502 is connected to
interrupter 602 of FIG. 5. support 504 by bolts 520 and 522. Brake 534 is on axle 241
Each light beam that is blocked informs the computer to and is activated by WID 534.1.
command a particular inlet valve to change to the open or The lower portion of FIG. 5 is a larger view of the emitter/
closed mode or for a particular vent valve to change to the 25 receptor assembly, generally indicated 630, which has a light
open or closed mode. beam interrupter 602 attached to the back side of second
The changes by valves of both cylinders are made at the sprocket 228 and a bracket 631 attached to fixed disc 604.
same time. The only difference is that each sprocket has its Bracket 631 houses light beam emitter 632 and light beam
own light beam interrupter attached to the back of it. And receptor 634 having light beam 636 therebetween. As
since the two cylinders work together it is required that the 30 sprocket 228 is rotated finger 603 of light beam interrupter
particular valves open and close in conformance with instruc 602 breaks the light beam 636 between emitter 632 and recep
tions that have been programmed in the computer program tor 634, the consequences of which will be described later.
that has been downloaded on the computer hard drive. Supports 606 and 610 on base 628 house second axle 243
The device is intended to work when each piston produces which is connected to second sprocket 228 and downstream
power in sequence, not simultaneously. When one piston is in 35 sprocket 608. Flange 626 attaches to support 606 and flange
the push or pull power mode the other piston is in the vent 624 attaches to support 610. Fixed disc 604 is connected to
mode. support 606 by bolts 614 and 616.
As stated, the device operates in several modes. First is the FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 wherein
start up mode in the clockwise direction, then operation supports 720 and 724 hold housing/drive shaft 718 which
mode. This can be of the push or pull mode by either of the 40 engages differential 708. Rotation of sprocket 722 rotates
pistons. There is also the shut down mode where the device is drive shaft 718 which through differential 708 rotates left axle
brought to a halt. These modes apply only to the two cylin 710 and right axle 716 thereby rotating wheels 702 and 704.
ders. Brake 706 is adjacent wheel 702 while brake 712 is adjacent
In FIG. 2 compressed air from tank 436 goes through inlet wheel 704.
line 431 to first cylinder 202 to drive push rod 210 which 45 FIG. 7 shows brackets 810, 812, 814 and 816 attached to
rotates first sprocket 226 and downstream sprocket 506 on fixed disc 502 at angles of +45, +135, -135, and -45 respect
first axle 241. Then downstream sprocket 506 by means of fully. Bracket 818 at +90 is de-energized in operational mode
chain 438 rotates connecting sprocket 722 which connects to and is activated during the shut down mode. As described
a vehicle drive shaft. In the same manner compressed air from above for FIG. 4 each bracket houses a light beam emitter and
tank 436 goes through inlet line 433 to second cylinder 214 to 50 a light beam receptor having a light beam therebetween.
drive push rod 222 which rotates second sprocket 228 and WIDS 810.1, 812.1, 814.1, 816.1, and 818.1 are associated
downstream socket 608 on second axle 243. Then down with their respective brackets.
stream socket 608 by means of chain 440 rotates connecting FIG. 8 shows the four brackets on fixed disc 604. Bracket
sprocket 434 which connects to electric generator 424. The 902 is attached at +45, bracket 904 at 45°, bracket 906 at
electric generator Supplies power to battery pack 422. 55 +135°, and bracket 908 at-135°. WIDs 902.1,904.1,906.1
FIG.3 has another mode that involves the valves and pres and 908.1 are associated with their respective brackets. As
Sure gauges that are involved in introducing air under high described above for FIG.5 each bracket houses a light beam
pressure into the various tanks from one or more external emitter and a light beam receptor having a light beam ther
sources. One would be from a filling station of the future or ebetween.
from a compressor located in the owners garage. 60 FIG.9 lists the open and closed positions of the inlet and
Electric motor 418 operates air compressor 414 which vent valves as the sprockets 226 and 228 complete one opera
supplies compressed air via line 417 to tank 436 through tional cycle. This will be explained in detail later on.
valve 412. Also, station 420 supplies compressed air via line The invention has two power units consisting of two cyl
403 to tank 436 through valve 402 when valve 406 is closed. inders that are in opposition. Each cylinder has an enclosed
Pressure within tank 436 should be around 600 psi while the 65 piston which divides the cylinder into two chambers. Each
pressure within cylinders 202 and 214 as regulated by the chamber of each cylinder is furnished with an inlet valve and
various pressure gauges is between 10-15 psi. an outlet or vent valve.
 US 9,217,329 B1
5 6
Each inlet valve allows air under pressure from the internal cylinder 214 is in the closed mode and vent valve 242 in the
storage tank(s) to flow into the particular chamber in con right chamber of cylinder 214 is in the open mode. Inlet valve
formance with instructions previously included in a computer 238 is in the closed mode while vent 240 is in the open mode.
program downloaded on the computer hard drive. This pres Air flows into the left chamber of cylinder 202 and out
Sured air in turn applies force to a piston. Each piston is 5 through vent valve 234 of the right chamber. During the same
connected to a push/pull bar that moves right or left with the interval in time air flows in or out of either vent valve 240 or
piston. Each horizontal push/pullbar in turn is connected to a 242 as the two sprockets rotate.
second push/pull bar that pivots at the connection point with Cylinder 202 is in either of the two vent modes when both
its respective horizontal push/pull bar. inlet valves 230 and 236 are in the closed mode and the two
Functioning of the individual vent valves is identical to that 10 vent valves 232 and 234 are in the open mode. During the
of any inlet valves. Commands to change from the open or same interval in time inlet valves 238 and 244 of cylinder 214
closed mode are transmitted wirelessly through commands are in the closed mode. Conversely vent valves 240 and 242
from the electronic control unit through electronic pulses. are in the open mode. Air may flow in or out of either chamber
Any one of the four individual pressure gauges serves only depending on the direction the particular piston is moving.
to provide a constant readout to the computer wirelessly of the 15 Cylinder 202 is in the pull mode when pressure enters
pressure existing in a particular chamber at a particular chamber 233 through inlet valve 236 which is in the open
moment in time. Pressure gauges play no active role in gen mode and vent valve 234 located in the same chamber is in the
erating force by the power unit. closed mode. Inlet valve 230 is in the closed mode and vent
The two sprockets rotate in unison due to a common chain valve 232 is in the open mode. For cylinder 214 both inlet
that links them together. Each of the two sprockets is identical valves 238 and 244 are in the closed mode and vent valves 240
in size and shape and functions the same way. and 242 are in the fully open mode.
Operation of the inlet valves or vent valves in either the Cylinder 214 is in the push mode when inlet valve 244 is in
open or closed position is determined by instructions from the open mode, vent valve 242 is in the closed mode, inlet
and through the master wireless interface device 430.1 to the valve 238 is in the closed mode and vent valve 240 is in the
individual wireless interface devices that are part of each of 25 open mode. At the same time both inlet valves 230 and 236 of
the inlet or vent valve assemblies. cylinder 202 are in the closed mode while both vent valves
The compressed air propulsion system operates in one of 232 and 234 are in the fully open mode.
three modes. These modes are startup, operation, and shut Cylinder 214 is in either of the two vent modes when inlet
down. valves 238 and 244 are in the closed mode and vent valves 240
Each of the two cylinders operates in one of four modes. 30 and 242 are in the fully open mode. Cylinder 202 is in the
The modes are push, vent, pull and vent. These modes are either the push mode or the pull mode.
repetitive. When either cylinder is in the push or pull mode the Cylinder 214 is in the pull mode when inlet valve 238 is in
opposite cylinder is in the vent mode. the open mode, vent valve 240 is in the closed mode, inlet
Only one inlet valve of the four inlet valves on the cylinders valve 244 is in the closed mode and vent 242 is in the open
can be in the open position mode at any time during the 35 mode.
operation mode. More than one vent valve in either cylinder As shown in FIG.9, cylinder 202 is also in the push mode
may be in the open mode at any one time. when pivot point 212 rotates between +45 and +135 relative
to fixed disk 502 (FIG.3 & FIG.7) and in the vent mode when
Startup Mode pivot point 212 rotates between +135 and -135. It is in the pull
40 mode when pivot point 212 rotates between -135 and -45. It
When the system is placed in the startup mode on computer is in a second vent mode when pivot point 212 rotates between
command inlet valve 230 is ordered to the open mode. Pivot -45 and +45. Any following rotation repeats itself. The rota
point 212 rotates between locations +90 and +135 relative to tion of either sprocket depends on direction of rotation of
fixed disk 502. This causes finger 519 of light beam inter either push/pullbar depending on which is in the power mode.
rupter 518 attached to the back side of sprocket 226 to break 45 Cylinder 214 is in the push mode when pivot point 224
light beam 533 housed within bracket 812 at location +135 of rotates between -135 and -45 offixed disk 502. It is in one of
fixed disk 502 resulting in inlet valve 230 changing from the two vent modes when pivot point 224 rotates between -45
open mode to the closed mode. and +45. It is in the pull mode when pivot point 224 rotates
Pivot point 224 has been resting at location +180 relative to between +45 and +135. It is in a second vent mode when pivot
fixed disk 604 during the shutdown mode. Pivot point 224 50 point 224 rotates between +135 and -135.
rotates from +180 to location-135. This causes finger 603 of Opening or closing of any of the four inlet valves of the two
light beam interrupter 602 attached to the back side of cylinders or the vent valves thereof depends on pulses trans
sprocket 228 to break the light beam 636 housed within mitted through wireless interfaces devices (WIDs). The
bracket 908 of fixed disk 604 causing inlet valve 244 to pulses generated by the master wireless interface device
change from the off mode to the on mode. Meanwhile vent 55 430.1 are determined by instructions embedded in the com
valve 242 changes from the on mode to the off. puter program. These pulses are transmitted in a predeter
The power unit of the invention continues to operate on mined order to achieve a smooth rotation of the two sprockets.
commands transmitted by wireless pulses to the various Rotation of the sprockets in turn causes the axles they are
valves and switches until the next shutdown operation is mounted on to rotate. One axle 241 serves to provide motion
reached. 60 for a vehicle while rotation of a second axle provides rotation
of the armature of the DC generator to generate electricity to
Operation Mode power the invention.
In operation starting with cylinder 202 in the push mode
For cylinder 202 the push mode occurs when inlet valve with inlet valve 230 in the open mode, vent valve 232 in the
230 is in the open mode, vent valve 232 is in the closed mode 65 closed mode, vent valve 234 in the open mode while inlet
and inlet valve 236 is in the closed mode while vent valve 234 valve 236 is in the closed mode. In the same interval of time
is in the open mode. At the same time inlet valve 244 of both inlet valve 238 and 244 of cylinder 214 are in the closed
 US 9,217,329 B1
7 8
mode and vent valves 240 and 242 are in the open mode. Air LBI 518 breaks the light beam E/R/D within 818 the electric
underpressure is introduced through inlet valve 230 and flows current to E/R/D within 818 is placed in the off mode. At the
out of right chamber vent valve 234. Air that is in the cham same instant brake 534 mounted on axle 241 is placed in the
bers 235 and 237 flows in or out of either chamber depending engaged mode and the rotation of axle 241 is brought to a halt.
on the motion of piston 216. In the shutdown mode both cylinders rest in the vent mode
Each sprocket has a light beam interrupter device (LBI) where inlet valves 230 and 236 of cylinder 202 rest in the
mounted on the reverse side of the sprocket. Sprocket 226 has closed mode and vent valves 232 and 234 rest in the open
LBI 518 (refer to FIG. 4) mounted along a radius extending mode. Inlet valves 238 and 244 of cylinder 214 rest in the
from the center of axle 241 (refer to FIG. 1) vertically to a closed mode while vent valves 240 and 242 rest in the open
10 mode.
position opposite to pivot point 212. LBI 602 (refer to FIG.5) Although particular embodiments of the present invention
is mounted along a radius extending from the center of axle have been described and illustrated, such is not intended to
243 (refer to FIG. 1) to a point opposite to pivot point 224). limit the invention. Modifications and changes will no doubt
The finger 519 of LBI 518 breaks in succession the light become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended
beams 533 housed in brackets 818,812, 814 and 816 (refer to 15 that the invention only be limited by the scope of the
FIG. 4 & FIG. 7). appended claims.
Meanwhile the finger 603 of LBI 602 breaks successively The invention claimed is:
through the light beams 636 housed in brackets 902,906,908 1. A compressed air propulsion system, comprising:
and 904 (refer to FIG. 5 & FIG. 8). a compressed air tank;
For the emitter/receptor assembly 530 mounted on the face first and second identical opposing cylinders each includ
offixed disc 502 (refer to FIG. 3) pulses are generated when ing a piston connected to a piston rod, each piston divid
the finger 519 of LBI 518 momentarily breaks the light beam ing the cylinder into two chambers;
existing between the particular emitter/receiver device gap. each chamber connected to inlet valves and outlet valves;
This also occurs simultaneously when the finger 603 of LBI the cylinder chambers connected to the compressed air
602 momentarily breaks the light beam existing between the tank via the inlet valves;
particular emitter/receptor devices that are mounted on the 25
face of fixed disk 604. first and second sprockets joined by a common chain, the
The emitter/receptor housed in bracket 818 is provided sprockets mounted on corresponding first and second
with electrical power only during the shutdown mode but is axles;
not active in the startup or operational mode. the piston rods of the first and second cylinders are con
Blockage of the light beam within bracket 810 at location 30 nected to a corresponding one of the first and second
+45 on fixed disk 502 causes the computer through the master sprockets at a pivot points;
wireless interface device 430.1 to transmit a pulse or pulses each axle having a fixed disc mounted adjacent to the
that cause inlet valve 230 to change from the closed mode to sprocket, wherein the fixed disc includes plural light
the open mode. Another pulse generated at the same time beam emitter/receptor devices that send signals to an
causes vent valve 232 to change from the open mode to the 35 electronic control unit for controlling the opening and
closed mode as cylinder 202 changes from the vent mode to closing of the inlet valves and outlet vales based on the
the push mode. Other pulses when LBI 602 breaks the light position of interrupters mounted to each sprocket;
beam at -45 on fixed disk 604 (refer to FIG. 8) causing inlet the first axle connected to the first sprocket Supplying drive
valve 244 to change from the open mode to the closed mode torque to a vehicle transmission; and
and another pulse causes vent valve 242 to change from the 40 the second axle connected to the second sprocket Supply
closed mode to the open mode as cylinder 214 changes from ing drive torque to an electronic generator which charges
a battery.
the push mode to the vent mode. 2. The compressed air propulsion system of claim 1
Blockage of the particular light beam of any of the emitter/ wherein:
receptor devices in like manner causes inlet and outlet valves 45 each cylinder has 2 inlet valves, 2 outlet valves, and a
of both cylinders to command the particular inlet or vent pressure gauge.
valves to open or close as cylinders change from one mode to 3. The compressed air propulsion system of claim 1
the next mode. wherein:
Shutdown Mode each emitter/receptor device has a light beam interrupter
50 attached to the back side of a sprocket.
When the shutdown activating device (not shown) is in the 4. The compressed air propulsion system of claim 3
wherein:
on mode and on the second rotation of pivot point 212 through
location +45 offixed disk502 inlet valve 230 is changed to the a bracket attached to a fixed disc which houses a light beam
open condition until pressure gauge 246 by pulse verifies that emitter, and a light beam receptor having a light beam
therebetween.
the design pressure of 10 psi in chamber 231 has been 55
5. The compressed air propulsion system of claim 4
reached. At this time inlet valve 230 is placed in the closed wherein:
mode. This is imposed on inlet valve 230 so that the pressure rotation of the sprocket causes a finger on the light beam
in chamber 231 decreases as sprocket 226 continues to rotate interrupter to break the light beam between the light
and chamber 231 increase in Volume causing a decrease in beam emitter and the light beam receptor.
pressure. This preprogrammed decrease in pressure results in 60
a decrease in the force exerted on the face of piston 204. When k k k k k