This disclosure generally relates to an automatic bicycle, particularly to a hydraulic automatic transmission bicycle which can automatically and adaptively change gear ratios. More particularly, this disclosure relates to those hydraulic automatic transmission bicycles which use fluid pressure to change such gear ratios, and which include various hydraulic automatic transmissions which may be provided in various configurations and may operate in various methods and sequences to provide automatic and infinitely variable gear ratios.

This disclosure generally relates to an automatic bicycle, particularly to a hydraulic automatic transmission bicycle which can automatically and adaptively change gear ratios. More particularly, this disclosure relates to those hydraulic automatic transmission bicycles which use fluid pressure to change such gear ratios, and which include various hydraulic automatic transmissions which may be provided in various configurations and may operate in various methods and sequences to provide automatic and infinitely variable gear ratios.

A hydraulic transmission circuit is provided having at least two elementary hydraulic motors, each having a secondary enclosure and a main duct for fluid feed and a secondary enclosure and a main duct for fluid discharge. A fluid distributor distributes fluid from the main ducts to the elementary motors via the secondary enclosures. A control system controls the elementary motors. Valves connecting the fluid distributor to the secondary enclosures of the first motor put a secondary enclosure into communication with a main duct independent of an operating mode of any other elementary motor.

A hydraulic transmission circuit is provided having at least two elementary hydraulic motors, each having a secondary enclosure and a main duct for fluid feed and a secondary enclosure and a main duct for fluid discharge. A fluid distributor distributes fluid from the main ducts to the elementary motors via the secondary enclosures. A control system controls the elementary motors. Valves connecting the fluid distributor to the secondary enclosures of the first motor put a secondary enclosure into communication with a main duct independent of an operating mode of any other elementary motor.

A fluid machine for a pneumatic or hydraulic drive system, said fluid machine being able to work as a fluid motor or as a fluid pump, comprising: at least two piston assemblies each comprising a piston means (110a-c), the at least two piston assemblies being operable to cause sequential reciprocating movement of the pistons means (110a-c); a drive member (120) rotatable about an axis and providing an annular, wave-like surface (122) extending at least partially radially to the axis, towards which the piston means (110a-c) project, wherein, in case of working as a fluid motor, the pistons means (110a-c) are arranged to drive rotation of the drive member (120) about the axis at least by a pushing action on said wave-like surface (122) or, in the case of working as a fluid pump, the piston means (110a-c) are arranged to cooperate with said wave-like surface (122) so that rotation of the drive member (120) drives sequential reciprocating motion of the piston means (110a-c).

A closed dual-bladder wave energy system that is capable of capturing a continuous supply of energy derived from wave movements for nearshore implementations. Rather than employing an onshore bladder in communication with an offshore bladder, and rather than focusing on capturing more incremental potential energy derived from tidal movement, the system accomplishes continuous captures potential energy from waves via a dual-bladder system employed offshore. Fluid within the system translates between a first offshore bladder and a second offshore bladder based on a pressure differential between a crest and a trough of a wave external to the system. By utilizing compliant bladders, the system is capable of capturing energy even during inclement weather conditions without the risk of faults resulting from strong waves. As such, the system provides for the efficient and effective capture of potential energy from waves in any weather condition and in any water environment that experiences waves.

This disclosure generally relates to an automatic bicycle, particularly to a hydraulic automatic transmission bicycle which can automatically and adaptively change gear ratios. More particularly, this disclosure relates to those hydraulic automatic transmission bicycles which use fluid pressure to change such gear ratios, and which include various hydraulic automatic transmissions which may be provided in various configurations and may operate in various methods and sequences to provide automatic and infinitely variable gear ratios.

This disclosure generally relates to an automatic bicycle, particularly to a hydraulic automatic transmission bicycle which can automatically and adaptively change gear ratios. More particularly, this disclosure relates to those hydraulic automatic transmission bicycles which use fluid pressure to change such gear ratios, and which include various hydraulic automatic transmissions which may be provided in various configurations and may operate in various methods and sequences to provide automatic and infinitely variable gear ratios.

A generator is described comprising in particular a vertical supply column that can be filled with a certain quantity of liquid, an intake valve disposed at a base of the vertical supply column, and a leaktight tank communicating with the vertical supply column via the intake valve, which leaktight tank can be filled with liquid. The generator also comprises an exhaust valve disposed on the leaktight tank and capable of releasing pressure generated in the leaktight tank, and a piston-forming device disposed inside the leaktight tank so as to be immersed in the liquid contained in the leaktight tank. This piston-forming device is capable of being set in reciprocating movement between an upper position and a lower position, the piston-forming device comprising a first, float-forming portion capable of bringing the piston-forming device into the upper position and a second portion forming an output shaft. The generator further comprises a converter device coupled to the output shaft, which converter device is capable of converting the reciprocating movement of the piston-forming device into mechanical or electrical energy. The generator is configured in such a way that, in operation, the leaktight tank is filled with liquid, and in such a way as to repeat a sequence of operating phases in order to induce the reciprocating movement of the piston-forming device.

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 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.