Device for the efficient conversion of compressed gas energy to mechanical energy or thrust

Abstract

A mechanical device efficiently converts energy stored in a highly compressed gas, such as air in a pipeline or SCUBA tank, to mechanical energy, such as might be used to drive an electrical generator or to propel a water craft.

1 . Apparatus for converting energy from a compressed gas into propulsion of a non-compressible fluid; the apparatus comprising:
 a housing having a first flow path in which said compressed gas is introduced and a second flow path in which said non-compressible fluid is introduced, said first and second flow paths being isolated from one another;   at least one rotatable member having blades in said first flow path and having fluid propulsion units in said second flow path, interaction between said blades and said compressed gas causing said member to rotate and causing said propulsion units to rotate and impart propulsion to said non-compressible fluid.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein said compressed gas and said non-compressible fluid flow in opposed directions. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1  comprising at least two of said rotatable members. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus recited in  claim 3  wherein said at least two rotatable members rotate concurrently in opposite directions. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein said compressed gas is air and said non-compressible fluid is water. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus for converting energy from a compressed gas into electrical energy; the apparatus comprising:
 a housing having a flow path in which said compressed gas is introduced;   at least one turbine having blades in said flow path for rotating said turbine;   said turbine having an electrical generator responsive to rotation of said turbine for producing electrical energy.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus recited in  claim 6  comprising at least two of said turbines. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus recited in  claim 7  wherein said at least two turbines rotate concurrently in opposite directions. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus recited in  claim 8  wherein each of said at least two turbines having oppositely oriented blades. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus recited in  claim 6  wherein said compressed gas is air.