Patent ID: 8689673
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: F01B,F01L,F02B,F04B,F25B

Abstract:
1. An energy conversion device, comprising: a cylinder defining first and second longitudinal ends; a piston located within the cylinder and movable relative to the cylinder; an intake valve associated with the first longitudinal end of the cylinder and including an outlet and an intake valve member, the intake valve member being movable, between an open position in spaced relation to the outlet and a closed position that abuts the outlet, and biased to the open position by a biasing force; a protrusion carried by the piston or the intake valve member such that the piston moves the intake valve member to the open position when the piston is adjacent to the intake valve; and an exhaust valve associated with the first longitudinal end of the cylinder and including an outlet and an exhaust valve member, the exhaust valve member being movable between an open position in spaced relation to the outlet and a closed position that abuts the outlet and biased to the open position by a biasing force; wherein at least one of the intake valve member and the exhaust valve member comprises a resilient structure that is self-biasing and includes first and second substantially planar portions and a curved portion between the first and second substantially planar portions.