Patent ID: 6626079
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: F01B,F01L,F16J

Abstract:
A pneumatic motor for rotating an axle comprising:a housing defining at least an intake chamber to receive a compressed fluid, an intake channel in fluid communication with the intake chamber, and a cylinder in fluid communication with the intake channel, the housing further defining an exhaust that is distal to the intake channel and in fluid communication with the cylinder such that the compressed fluid may exit the cylinder; a member positioned in the intake channel to seal the cylinder from the intake channel, when the cylinder contains a pressure less then the compressed fluid in the intake channel; a piston attached to the axle and sized to be received in the cylinder such that the piston exhibits an oscillating power stroke and exhaust stroke, when the axle is rotating; an actuator extending away from the piston for a predetermined length and having a profile defined such that, during a predetermined portion of the power stroke, the actuator exerts a force against the member sufficient to push the member into the intake channel allowing compressed fluid in the intake channel to enter the cylinder; and a section defined by the piston and having a diameter to create a temporary seal against the cylinder during a predetermined portion of the power stroke, such that compressed fluid that enters the cylinder via the intake channel will exert a force against the section pushing the cylinder through the power stroke, the section further includes exhaust grooves formed therein and positioned such that said temporary seal is broken during a predetermined portion of the exhaust stroke, wherein when the seal is broken compressed fluid in the cylinder below the section may vent past the section and out through the exhaust, which causes the pressure in the cylinder to become lower than the pressure of the compressed fluid in the intake channel and ensures that the member re-seals the cylinder from the intake channel.