Transducer for converting linear energy to rotational energy
AssigneeThermal Dynamics Corporation
InventorEdward L. Simonds
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multiple steam powered cylinders reciprocate to pivot arms back and forth connected to output drive shafts through one way clutches with the output drive shafts being interconnected through gears such that when one shaft is powered, the other is coasting. The inlet and outlet valves for each cylinder chamber are controlled by an actuator which instantaneously snaps the valves between open and closed positions. The power cylinders may be operated individually, in parallel or in series and as required, a valve passageway through the piston may be operated to equalize pressure. A pair of O-rings on the piston engage the cylinder wall only when the adjacent chamber is pressurized, thereby reducing drag in operation of the piston.
Claims21
A transducer for converting linear energy to rotational energy comprising,
- a linear input power source connected to a connecting rod in turn connected to a first crank connected to a first output drive shaft having a first gear,
- a second crank operatively connected to said connecting rod and to a second output drive shaft having a second gear in engagement with said first gear on said first output drive shaft,
- one-way clutches interconnecting said first and second output drive shafts to said first and second cranks, and
- said power source reciprocating said connecting rod back and forth in opposite directions causing said first and second output drive shafts to be continuously rotated in a single direction, respectively.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.