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System and method for providing a launch assist system

  • US 7,654,354 B1
  • Filed: 09/08/2006
  • Issued: 02/02/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A hydraulic system for a vehicle comprising:

  • at least one accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid;

    a control system for controlling fluid flow to and from the at least one accumulator such that;

    in a steady state mode, a first hydraulic pump/motor is energized by an engine to cause hydraulic fluid to flow and actuate a drive line attached to a second hydraulic pump/motor;

    in a deceleration mode, the second hydraulic pump/motor is operated as a hydraulic pump and hydraulic energy from slowing the vehicle down is stored in the at least one accumulator; and

    in an acceleration mode, hydraulic fluid is released from the at least one accumulator to cause the second hydraulic pump/motor to actuate the drive line to accelerate the vehicle, wherein excess heat is gathered in a secondary closed-loop thermodynamic cycle that is utilized to generate electricity.

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