Annular compression system and method of operation thereof

Abstract

Various embodiments of systems and methods for compressing air are provided herein. In at least some embodiments, a compressor apparatus is provided that includes an annular chamber, at least one inlet port, at least one blade, at least one dynamic partition, and at least one outlet, wherein air is compressed by the at least one blade approaching the at least one partition when the at least one partition is in a closed position, and the at least one blade moves from a first side to a second side of the at least one partition when the at least one partition is in an open position. The compressor apparatus can include a gearbox train configured to move the at least one partition from the closed position to the open position when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The described embodiments relate generally to compression devices and corresponding methods of operation thereof, and more particularly to compression devices and methods of operation thereof that can be used to compress gases and / or fluids. [Background technology]

[0002] Compressor systems are commonly used to compress gases (such as air), fluids, or a combination of both. Compressor systems can be bulky; they can become more complex, especially when combined with other devices that process and / or filter the gases and / or fluids. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One challenge with building a compressor system is that it must have a physical chamber in which the air and / or fluid to be compressed is received, and this physical chamber must decrease in volume over time, in a continuous, repeatable manner. This can further increase the complexity of the compressor design. It is desirable to provide a compact and simple compressor system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect, a compressor apparatus is provided that includes an annular chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall, at least one inlet port within the annular chamber, the at least one inlet port configured to receive air into the annular chamber, at least one blade movable around the annular chamber in communication with the inner wall, the at least one blade configured to compress the air received through the at least one inlet port, and at least one partition between the inner and outer walls, movable between a closed position and an open position, the at least one partition configured to close a space between the inner and outer walls of the annular chamber when in the closed position and to form a space between the inner and outer walls of the annular chamber when in the open position. When the at least one partition is in the closed position, the at least one blade adjacent to the at least one corresponding partition compresses the air to generate compressed air, and when the at least one partition is in the open position, the at least one blade moves from a first side of the at least one corresponding partition to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition. The compressor device has at least one outlet port within the annular chamber and is configured to discharge compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition wall.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the compressor unit has at least three blades and at least three partitions, the at least three partitions forming at least three interior chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the at least one blade is configured to create a suction force between the at least one blade and a second side of the at least one corresponding partition wall to draw air from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the at least one septum forms an airtight seal between the inner and outer walls of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the at least one partition is movable between a closed position and an open position by a gearbox train, the gearbox train configured to open the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from and approaches the at least one partition, and the gearbox train configured to close the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from and passes through the at least one corresponding partition.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the gearbox train includes a hub gear engaged with the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the apparatus, a motion conversion gear engaged with the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall and convert the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear, and a speed amplification gear engaged with the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear. The gearbox train includes a reciprocal gear system engaged with the speed amplification gear and configured to rotate upon interacting with the speed amplification gear, a central spur gear engaged with the reciprocal gear system and configured to rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction, and at least one partition spur gear engaged with the central reciprocal gear and configured to move the at least one partition wall. When the central spur gear moves in a first direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in a second direction, and when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction. When the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one partition wall is moved from a closed position to an open position, and when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one partition wall is moved from an open position to a closed position.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear in communication with the speed multiplier gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the second direction, and a second reciprocal gear in communication with the first reciprocal gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the first direction.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central reciprocal gear to rotate the central reciprocal gear in a first direction, and the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central reciprocal gear to rotate the central reciprocal gear in a second direction.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the motion converting gear has a hexagonal first layer and a second layer above the first layer, the second layer having an involute curve profile.

[0013] In a second aspect, a method of compressing air using a compressor apparatus includes receiving air through an inlet port of the compressor apparatus, the compressor apparatus having an annular chamber including inner and outer walls, at least one inlet port in the annular chamber configured to introduce air into the annular chamber, at least one blade movable around the annular chamber in communication with the inner wall, the at least one blade configured to compress the air received from the at least one inlet port, at least one partition between the inner and outer walls movable between a closed position and an open position, the at least one partition configured to close a space between the inner and outer walls of the annular chamber when in the closed position and to form a space between the inner and outer walls of the annular chamber when in the open position, and at least one outlet port in the annular chamber configured to release the compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition. The method further includes moving at least one blade in a continuous motion around the annular chamber, compressing air received in the annular chamber between the at least one blade and the at least one partition wall in a closed position, and discharging the compressed air through an outlet port of the compressor device when the at least one partition wall moves to an open position.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving at least one bulkhead from a closed position to an open position to allow at least one blade to move from a first side of the at least one bulkhead to a second side of the at least one bulkhead.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the at least one partition from an open position to a closed position after the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one partition.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the compressor unit includes at least three blades and at least three partitions, the at least three partitions forming at least three interior chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a suction force is created between the at least one blade and a second side of the at least one bulkhead, drawing airflow from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving at least one bulkhead between a closed position and an open position with a gearbox train, the gearbox train configured to open the at least one bulkhead when at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from and approaches the at least one bulkhead, and the gearbox train configured to close the at least one bulkhead when at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from and passes by at least one corresponding bulkhead.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the method includes driving at least one blade around an annular chamber by a hub gear of a gearbox train, the hub gear being in communication with a motion conversion gear; converting, by the motion conversion gear, the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; rotating, by the motion conversion gear, a speed amplification gear configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; and rotating, by the speed amplification gear, the reciprocal gear system. The method further includes rotating, by the reciprocal gear system, a central spur gear configured to rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction; rotating at least one partition spur gear in the second direction when the central spur gear moves in the first direction; moving at least one partition wall from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; rotating at least one partition spur gear in the first direction when the central spur gear moves in the second direction; and moving at least one partition wall from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one bulkhead.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear in communication with the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the second direction, and a second reciprocal gear in communication with the first reciprocal gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the first direction, wherein the first reciprocal gear rotates in the second direction when at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from a first side of the at least one corresponding partition, and the second reciprocal gear rotates in the first direction when the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate it in a first direction, and the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate it in a second direction.

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor unit; [Figure 2] 2 is a top view of the exemplary compressor device of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a top view of the exemplary compressor device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a top view of the exemplary compressor device of FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a top view of the exemplary compressor device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a compressor device; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a compressor device; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor unit; [Figure 9] 9 is a side view of the exemplary compressor unit of FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor unit; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train; [Figure 12] 12 is a top view of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a top view of two separated components of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a top view of two separated components of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 12 is a top view of the three separated components of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 12 is a top view of the three separated components of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 18] 12 is a top view of the separated layers of the exemplary gearbox train of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train; [Figure 22] 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an internal combustion engine; [Figure 23] Top view of an exemplary internal combustion engine DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Various embodiments according to the teachings herein are described below, providing an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. The embodiments described herein do not limit any of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to devices, systems, or methods having all of the features of any one of the devices, systems, or methods described below, or to features common to more than one or all of the devices, systems, or methods described herein. It is possible that there may be devices, systems, or methods described herein that are not embodiments of the claimed subject matter. Any subject matter described herein that is not claimed herein may be the subject of other means of protection, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant, inventor, or owner does not intend to abandon, reject, or make available to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure herein.

[0026] It will be understood that, for brevity and clarity of description, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Moreover, the description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0027] It should also be noted that the terms "coupled" or "coupling," as used herein, can have several different meanings depending on the context in which the terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have mechanical, chemical, or electrical connotations. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices may be directly connected to each other, or may be connected to each other through one or more intermediate elements or devices, via electrical or magnetic signals, electrical connections, electrical elements, or mechanical elements, depending on the particular context. Furthermore, coupled electrical elements may transmit and / or receive data.

[0028] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the following specification and claims, the word "comprise" and variations thereof (such as "comprises" and "comprising") are to be interpreted in their open and inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to."

[0029] It should be noted that, as used herein, terms of degree such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" refer to a reasonable amount of deviation from the modified term so that the end result is not significantly altered. These terms of degree should be construed to include deviations from the modified term unless such deviation negates the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0030] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to represent an inclusive or. That is, "X and / or Y" is intended to mean, for example, X or Y or both. As a further example, "X, Y and / or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0031] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "at least one embodiment," or "some embodiments" mean that one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, unless otherwise specified as incombinable or alternative options.

[0032] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally used in its broadest sense, i.e., meaning "and / or," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] The titles and abstracts of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0034] Reference is first made to Figure 1, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an annular dynamic partition compressor 100. Compressor 100 can be used to compress air. Compressor 100 can also be used to compress fluids. While the description herein refers to the compression of air, the same principles apply to facilitate fluid compression.

[0035] As shown, the compressor 100 generally includes an annular chamber 102, an inlet port 104, at least one blade 106, at least one bulkhead 108, and an outlet port 110. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 may include a motor designed to facilitate movement of the at least one blade 106. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 may include a gearbox train 200 to facilitate movement of the at least one bulkhead 108.

[0036] Compressor 100 is designed with a continuous, annular hollow chamber 102. This allows compressor 100 to have a compact design and the smallest possible physical volume while still fulfilling its desired purpose. In some cases, compressor 100 may be used in space or deep-sea exploration, or in applications where compressor 100 must be transported long distances. Similarly, compressor 100 may be used in applications where access to compressor 100 may be limited (e.g., compressor 100 may be located in a tight space or may require significant time and / or resources to access compressor 100). Compressor 100 may also be used in applications where repair or maintenance of compressor 100 is limited and requires significant time and / or resources to facilitate such maintenance. In such applications, it is highly desirable to have a compressor 100 that is compact, simple to design and manufacture, and less complex to operate. For example, in one application, compressor 100 may be used in space exploration to process the atmosphere of another planet, making it easier for astronauts or civilians to breathe. In another application, compressor 100 may be used to compress air to levels higher than standard air pressure to fill oxygen tanks. In a further embodiment, compressor 100 may also be used as an internal combustion engine, as discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 22 and 23.

[0037] Compressor 100 designed as shown allows for the addition of additional air treatment components within the inner chamber 136 of compressor 100. For example, a heater, a filter, an oxygen scrubber, or any other air treatment component, or combinations thereof, may be added within inner chamber 136. To this end, a very compact, vertically integrated air treatment system is created.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the annular chamber 102 is contained within an inner wall 112 and an outer wall 114. The annular chamber 102 may be of any radial thickness, and the thickness may be as wide or narrow as desired. For example, certain applications in tighter spaces may require the annular chamber 102 to be very narrow, while in other applications, the annular chamber 102 may be wider to allow for greater volumes of air compression. For example, an air compressor for personal use may only require a narrower chamber 102 than an air compressor for commercial or similar applications.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the annular chamber 102 includes three blades 106a-c that are sized to close the space between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102. The three blades 106a-c are interlocked with one another via a ring 138 located on the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. Thus, the blades 106a-c are provided around the periphery of the annular chamber 102 such that they are generally equidistant from one another. The blades 106a-c are configured to rotate simultaneously around the periphery of the annular chamber 102 so that they can remain equidistant from one another.

[0040] The blades 106a-c may have a curved profile, as shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the blades 106a-c may have a straight profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the blades 106a-c extend along the entire height of the annular chamber 102. In some embodiments, the blades 106a-c may extend along a portion of the height of the annular chamber 102.

[0041] The blades 106a-c may have seals along the edges where the blades 106a-c meet the inner and outer walls 112, 114 of the annular chamber. The seals may ensure that the space between the inner and outer walls 112, 114 remains airtight and therefore does not allow air leakage. This ensures an efficient compression system.

[0042] As shown, the annular chamber 102 includes three partitions 108a-c. The partitions 108a-c are designed to have the same curvature and configuration as the blades 106a-c. The partitions 108a-c are positioned equidistant from one another within the annular chamber 102, covering the distance between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102 and completely blocking airflow within the annular chamber 102. The partitions 108a-c extend along the entire height of the annular chamber 102. The space between two adjacent partitions 108a-c provides a closed compression chamber 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions 108a-c divide the annular chamber 102 into three compression chambers 144 of equal arc lengths and volumes.

[0043] The partitions 108a-c are movable between a closed position 116 (shown in FIGS. 1-3) and an open position 118 (shown in FIG. 4). When in the closed position 116, the partitions 108a-c form a compression chamber 144 within the annular chamber 102 and close the distance between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102. The extension of the partitions 108a-c along the entire height of the annular chamber 102 ensures that the compression chamber 144 is completely enclosed.

[0044] The partitions 108a-c, like the blades 106a-c, may have seals along their outer edges where the edges meet the inner and outer walls 112, 114 of the annular chamber. When in the closed position 116, the seals in the partitions 108a-c can ensure that the compression chamber 144 remains airtight and does not allow any air leakage.

[0045] The compressor 100 may include a partition chamber 124 for each partition 108a-c, as shown in Figure 1. The partition chamber 124 may be located along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102 and may be designed to receive the partitions 108a-c as they move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118.

[0046] When the partitions 108a-c are in the open position 118, the partitions 108a-c can be moved from within the annular chamber 102 into the partition chamber 124. This increases the distance between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102, allowing the blade 106 to pass through.

[0047] The compressor 100 may also include an outlet chamber 126. The outlet chamber 126 may be located along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102 and beside the partition chamber 124. The outlet chamber 126 may be designed to receive air from within the annular chamber 102 and direct the flow outside the compressor 100. In some embodiments, the outlet chamber 126 may direct the flow of air along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102 to the base of the compressor 100. In such cases, there may be multiple outlet chambers 126 of the compressor. For example, in some embodiments, there may be as many outlet chambers 126 as there are compression chambers 144. Each of the outlet chambers 126 may direct the airflow to a single outlet within the compressor 100, the outlet being in fluid communication with the ambient environment. In some cases, each of the outlet chambers 126 may direct the airflow from the base of the compressor 100 to a single outlet.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 112 includes an inlet port 104 between each of the partitions 108a-c. The inlet ports 104 are configured to admit air from the ambient environment into each compression chamber 144 within the annular chamber 102.

[0049] In another embodiment, the inlet port 104 may be located along the outer wall 114. In another embodiment, the inlet port 104 may be located on either the top wall 146 or the bottom wall 148 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) of the annular chamber 102.

[0050] In various embodiments, the compressor 100 includes an outlet port 110 configured to discharge air from within the annular chamber 102. In some cases, the outlet port 110 may be located between the partition chamber 124 and the outlet chamber 126. In some other cases, the outlet port 110 may be located along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102. In another example, the outlet port 110 may be located along the inner wall 112. In further examples, the outlet port may be located on either the top wall 146 or the bottom wall 148 of the annular chamber 102.

[0051] In some cases, the compressor 100 may have only one outlet port 110. In some other cases, the compressor 100 may have multiple outlet ports 110.

[0052] Compressor 100 can be constructed of any metal or polymer capable of maintaining a rigid profile with minimal deformation under stress. In some embodiments, compressor 100 may be constructed of metal components such as, for example, steel or aluminum. In some embodiments, compressor 100 can be constructed of a polymer such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate glycol or polyetherimide.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 2, compressor 100 is shown in the first stage of the compression cycle, with blades 106a-c positioned within the compression chamber of annular chamber 102 near bulkheads 108a-c.

[0054] For illustrative purposes, blades 106a-c move in a counterclockwise direction around annular chamber 102. To illustrate the method and compression of compressor 100, blade 106a is followed through a compression cycle.

[0055] In the first stage, air is received into the annular chamber 102 through the inlet port 104 of the compressor 100. The air enters each compression chamber 144 of the annular chamber 102 through the inlet port 104 and fills the space between the blades 106a and the partition wall 108b, which is in the closed position 116 as shown.

[0056] The blade 106a moves in a continuous motion in a counterclockwise direction around the annular chamber 102 towards the partition wall 108b, compressing air from the inlet port 104 between the blade 106a and the partition wall 108b.

[0057] 3, the blade 106a moves through the annular chamber 102 toward the first side 120 of the partition wall 108b, which remains in the closed position 116. The blade 106a applies pressure to the air trapped within the annular chamber 102 between the blade 106a and the partition wall 108b. The compressed air is then forced out of the annular chamber 102 and out the outlet port 110.

[0058] As blade 106a moves along annular chamber 102, a space is formed between blade 106a and partition wall 108a, creating a suction force between blade 106a and partition wall 108a. When suction is created, fresh air from outside compressor 100 is drawn in through suction port 104 and fills the space between blade 106a and partition wall 108a in annular chamber 102. The air that filled the space is then used in the second stage of the compression cycle for compression by blade 106c.

[0059] When the blade 106a arrives within a predetermined angle and / or angular distance from the partition 108b, the partition 108b is moved from the closed position 116 to the open position 118, allowing the blade 106a to move from the first side 120 of the partition 108b to the second side 122 of the partition 108b.

[0060] In some cases, the predetermined distance may be a 10 degree offset between the blade 106a and the bulkhead 108b. In some other cases, the predetermined angle may be approximately 5 degrees. In some further cases, the predetermined angle may be less than 5 degrees.

[0061] The compression cycle ends when the partitions 108a-c move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118, releasing the previously airtight seal within the annular chamber 102. Once the partitions 108a-c have moved, the blades 106a-c can no longer compress the air within the annular chamber 102. Therefore, it is advantageous to have a smaller predetermined angle or distance to ensure a longer compression cycle and therefore provide the most efficient compression.

[0062] 4, the compression cycle is completed: the bulkhead 108b has moved to the open position 118, and the blade 106a is in the process of moving from the first side 120 to the second side 122 of the bulkhead 108b.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the partition wall 108b moves from the annular chamber 102 to the partition chamber 124, thereby allowing the blade 106a to pass from the first side 120 of the partition wall 108b to the second side 122 of the partition wall 108b.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bulkhead 108b can transition from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 by vertical movement. The open position 118 of the bulkhead 108b can be vertically higher than the closed position 116. This allows the blade 106a to pass from the first side 120 of the bulkhead 108b to the second side 122 of the bulkhead 108b by moving underneath the raised bulkhead 108b.

[0065] 5, the compression cycle resumes, with blades 106a-c continuing to move around annular chamber 102, compressing air from inlet port 104. As shown, blade 106a has moved from second side 122 of bulkhead 108b toward first side 122 of bulkhead 108c.

[0066] 6, an exemplary embodiment of a compressor 100 is shown having two blades 106a-b and two partitions 108a-b that form two compression chambers 144 when in the closed position 116, as shown.

[0067] 7, an exemplary embodiment of the compressor 100 is shown having four blades 106a-d and four partitions 108a-d. The four partitions 108a-d form four compression chambers 144 within the annular chamber 102 when in the closed position 116, as shown.

[0068] The compressor 100 can be designed to have any number of blades 106, partitions 108, and resulting compression chambers 144. However, in each design, the compressor 100 must have an equal number of blades 106, partitions 108, inlets 104, and outlets 110.

[0069] 8, an exemplary embodiment of compressor 100 is shown having an upper module 128 and a lower module 130. Upper module 128 may be configured to process air before the air reaches annular chamber 102 of compressor 100. Lower module 130 may be configured to process air after the air is compressed within annular chamber 102 of compressor 100.

[0070] For example, additional air treatment components such as heaters, filters, oxygen scrubbers, etc. may be incorporated into the system within the upper module 128 or lower module 130 .

[0071] The upper module 128 may include a module inlet 140 that acts similarly to the inlet port 104 of the compressor 100, with incoming air from the surrounding environment being drawn into the module inlet 140. The airflow passes through the upper module 128, where the air may be treated and / or filtered, and enters the module inlet 140, where it may enter the compressor 100 for compression.

[0072] The lower module 130 may include a module outlet 142 that acts similarly to the outlet port 110 of the compressor 100, with the released compressed air exiting the compressor 100 through the module outlet 142. The airflow passes through the compressor 100 into the lower module 130, where the air may be treated and / or filtered, and then may exit the system.

[0073] 9, which shows a side view of the compressor 100 of FIG. 8 shown with both an upper module 128 and a lower module 130, in some embodiments, the compressor 100 includes only the upper module 128. In some other embodiments, the compressor 100 includes only the lower module 128.

[0074] In various cases, multiple upper modules 128 and / or lower modules 130 can be attached to the compressor 100 to complete the desired air filtration and / or treatment before or after compression. Any combination of upper modules 128 and lower modules 130 can be added. The airflow reaching the compressor may not be affected by the additional upper modules 128. In some embodiments, a more powerful motor can be used to increase the suction force by the blades 106 to force the air through the upper modules 128.

[0075] 10 , an exemplary embodiment of compressor 100 is shown having additional components disposed within inner chamber 136. The additional components may include a filter 132 and a heater 134, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the additional components may include an oxygen scrubber. The additional components may be sized and shaped to be accommodated within inner chamber 136 and designed to receive radial airflow.

[0076] The inlet port 104 of the compressor 100 may be located along the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102, as described above. Thus, incoming air into the annular chamber 102 may first reach the inner chamber 136 of the compressor 100 before moving radially outward into the annular chamber 102. Additional components may be included within the inner chamber 136 to process the air before it enters the compressor 100 through the inlet port 104. As shown, the air may be processed in multiple ways (e.g., filtered by a filter 132 and heated by a heater 134) before entering the annular chamber for compression.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow passes through a filter 132 into a heater 134 and into the annular chamber 102 of the compressor 100 .

[0078] In some embodiments, the compressor 100 may include additional components within the inner chamber 136 as well as additional upper modules 128 and / or lower modules 130 .

[0079] 11 and 12, an exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 200 is shown. The gearbox train 200 may be located along the bottom of the compressor 100. The gearbox train 200 may be configured to couple the movement of the blades 106 with the movement of the partitions 108 between the closed position 116 and the open position 118. In particular, the gearbox train 200 controls the movement of the partitions 108 between the closed position 116 and the open position 118 when a blade 106 is detected to be within a predetermined distance from the corresponding partition 108. As described above, this allows the corresponding blade to move from one side of the partition to the other and resume compression operation.

[0080] In some embodiments, sensors and motors may be used to control the movement of the bulkhead 108, with the sensors sensing the position of the blades and the motor triggering the opening and closing of the bulkhead based on the sensed position. However, depending on the application of the compressor 100, the use of sensors may not be preferred. For example, if the compressor 100 is used in space or deep-sea applications, or in applications where accessibility to the compressor 100 is generally limited and maintenance or repair of the compressor 100 is difficult, the use of sensors may not be preferred. The use of gears may provide benefits in terms of compressor system longevity and stability, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the bulkhead.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox train 200 interfaces with and provides transmission for the motor designated to move the blades 106 of the compressor 100. The gearbox train 200 is designed to complete three sets of motions: first, the conversion of continuous rotational motion to intermittent rotational motion; second, the increase in speed of the intermittent rotational motion; and third, the conversion of high-speed intermittent rotational motion to reciprocating motion.

[0082] To convert continuous rotational motion to intermittent motion, a partial rotation must occur when the gear rotation reaches a predetermined angle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are three blades 106 in the compressor 100. Therefore, a partial rotation may occur approximately every 120 degrees of rotation of the blades 106. In other embodiments, a partial rotation may occur at any other angle of rotation of the blades 106. For example, if the compressor 100 includes four blades 106, a partial rotation occurs approximately every 90 degrees of rotation of the blades 106. Generally, if the compressor 100 has "n" blades or partitions, the angular distance the blades 106 must clear for intermittent motion is 360 / n degrees. In some cases, a partial rotation of the gear is triggered at a predetermined angular distance between the blades 106 and the partition 108.

[0083] Increasing the rotational speed of the intermittent rotational motion may involve including gears of different sizes to achieve the increased speed.

[0084] Conversion of the high-speed intermittent motion into reciprocating motion rotates a gear in a first direction and then rotates the gear in a second, opposite direction. In some cases, the reciprocating motion may be approximately 90 degrees in the first direction and approximately 90 degrees in the second direction. In some cases, the reciprocating motion may be approximately 30 degrees in the first direction and approximately 30 degrees in the second direction. In other cases, the reciprocating motion may be any angle in the first and second directions.

[0085] The gearbox train 200 is designed to allow the bulkhead 108 to move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 when the blades 106 are at a predetermined angular distance from the bulkhead 108 .

[0086] The bulkhead 108 may be designed to move at a speed faster than the rotational speed of the blades 106. For example, if the predetermined angular distance of the blades 106 from the bulkhead 108 is determined to be 5 degrees, the bulkhead 108 must be able to move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 and back to the closed position 116 while the blades 106 move a total of 10 degrees around the annular chamber. The speed of movement of the bulkhead 108 compared to the speed of movement of the blades 106 may be accounted for by a gearbox train 200. To ensure that the speed of movement of the bulkhead 108 is appropriate and implemented at the desired time, the gearbox train 200 is used to couple the movement of the blades 106 with the movement of the bulkhead 108.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox train 200 includes a hub gear 202. The hub gear 202 may be co-circumferential with the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 202 is designed to interface with the blades 106 of the compressor 100 and drive the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 202 rotates around the gearbox train 200 at the same angular velocity as the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102.

[0088] The hub gear 202 is in communication with a motion conversion gear 204. The motion conversion gear 204 is designed to engage with the hub gear 202 when the blade 106 is within a predetermined angle and / or angular distance from the bulkhead 108.

[0089] 13 and 14, an isolated view of the hub gear 202 and the motion converting gear 204 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub gear 202 includes two sets of teeth 218. The hub gear 202 includes two teeth 218 corresponding to each blade 106 of the compressor 100. For example, the illustrated embodiment shows the hub gear 202 with three sets of two teeth 218, corresponding to the embodiment of the compressor 100 shown in FIG. 1 having three blades 106a-c. The sets of teeth 218 are equidistantly spaced.

[0090] The set of teeth 218 of the hub gear 202 can interact with the motion conversion gear 204. The motion conversion gear 204 is designed with two layers: a hexagonal lower layer 220 and a profiled upper layer 222.

[0091] The hexagonal underlayer 220 of the motion translating gear 204 may have a curved arc replacing the outer edge of the hexagon. The curved arc may match the curvature of the hub gear 202. Thus, if the hub gear 202 rotates as shown and a set of teeth 218 does not contact the motion translating gear 204, the motion translating gear 204 will not rotate.

[0092] The profiled top layer 222 may have a modified involute curve. The involute curve of the profiled top layer 222 may be conjugate to the curve of the set of teeth 218 of the hub gear 202.

[0093] The motion converting gear 204 may be produced in any size, thereby allowing for variations in the thickness of the compressor 100 and the annular chamber 102 .

[0094] In some embodiments, a Geneva gear or modified Geneva gear may be used in place of the motion conversion gear 204 to convert the continuous rotation of the hub gear 202 to intermittent rotation. However, a potential drawback of these embodiments may be the set size of the Geneva mechanism. Furthermore, because the Geneva mechanism uses a pin structure, it may become a failure point for the system if the compressor 100 is used in a high-stress environment. In such embodiments, it may be possible to use stronger materials to compensate for the failure point.

[0095] The motion translating gear 204 may be designed to provide intermittent motion at larger gear size ratios and in high stress environments. The involute curve of the motion translating gear 204 replaces the pin of a typical Geneva mechanism, allowing the gear to function in high stress environments without fear of failure.

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 14, the hub gear 202 is shown rotated such that one of the sets of teeth 218 contacts the profiled top layer 222 of the motion translating gear 204 .

[0097] Interaction between the hub gear 202 and the motion conversion gear 204 can occur only when a set of teeth 218 contacts the profiled top layer 222 of the motion conversion gear 204. At all other points of rotation of the hub gear, the motion conversion gear 204 can remain stationary. Thus, the continuous motion of the hub gear 202 is converted into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 204.

[0098] In some embodiments, the hub gear 202 can include notches under each set of teeth 218 to allow the hexagonal lower layer 220 of the motion conversion gear 204 to rotate unimpeded.

[0099] The conversion of the continuous motion of the hub gear 202 to the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 204 may further include an increase in rotational speed. Because the motion conversion gear 204 is smaller in size than the hub gear 202, the motion conversion gear 204 may rotate at a speed corresponding to the size difference. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the motion conversion gear 204 is one-third the size of the hub gear 202. The rotational speed of the motion conversion gear 204 may be three times the rotational speed of the hub gear 202.

[0100] Increasing the rotational speed of the motion conversion gear 204 may be beneficial to increase the rotational speed of the remaining gears in the gearbox train 200 , thereby increasing the rotational speed of the bulkhead 108 of the compressor 100 .

[0101] In some embodiments, the motion conversion gear 204 may have a conventional spur gear located directly below the motion conversion gear 204 for interlocking with other gears in the gearbox train 200.

[0102] 11 and 12, the motion conversion gear 204 is coupled to a speed amplification gear 206. The speed amplification gear 206 may be implemented to increase the rotational speed of the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 204.

[0103] The speed amplification gear 206 may be in contact with a conventional spur gear located below the motion conversion gear 204 .

[0104] The speed amplification gear 206 may be comprised of two spur gears, with an upper spur gear 224 of a smaller circumference interlocking with a lower spur gear 226 of a larger circumference. The motion conversion gear 204 may interlock with the upper spur gear 224. When the motion conversion gear 204 rotates in contact with the upper spur gear 224, the lower spur gear 226 rotates synchronously with the upper spur gear 224.

[0105] The use of a conventional spur gear below the motion conversion gear 204 and the use of the upper spur gear 224 and lower spur gear 226 on the speed amplification gear 206 has the effect of increasing the speed of the motion conversion gear 204 by many times. For example, this gear assembly can increase the speed of the motion conversion gear 204 by a factor of two.

[0106] In some embodiments, instead of a single speed multiplier gear 206, two or more gears may be used to increase the speed of the intermittent motion.

[0107] The speed multiplier gear 206, in turn, is coupled to a reciprocal gear system 208. As shown, the reciprocal gear system 208 includes two gears: a first reciprocal gear 210 and a second reciprocal gear 212.

[0108] 15, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 200. As shown, a first reciprocal gear 210 is in communication with the speed multiplier gear 206, and a second reciprocal gear 212 is in communication with the first reciprocal gear 210. The first reciprocal gear 210 and the second reciprocal gear 212 are configured to rotate in opposite directions.

[0109] For example, the speed amplification gear 206 may rotate in a first direction. When the speed amplification gear 206 contacts the first reciprocal gear 210, the first reciprocal gear 210 can rotate in a second direction. The first reciprocal gear 210 can then contact the second reciprocal gear 212 and rotate the second reciprocal gear 212 in the opposite direction to the first reciprocal gear 210, i.e., the first direction.

[0110] In some embodiments, when the speed amplification gear 206 transfers motion to the first reciprocal gear 210, the first reciprocal gear 210 may rotate 90 degrees in a first direction. In such embodiments, when the first reciprocal gear 210 transfers motion to the second reciprocal gear 212, the second reciprocal gear 212 rotates 90 degrees in a second direction.

[0111] The first reciprocal gear 210 and the second reciprocal gear 212 are each coupled to a central spur gear 214 .

[0112] In some embodiments, the reciprocal gear system 208 as disclosed herein may be replaced by a standard reciprocal gear system, such as a fast acting Geneva gear or a reciprocating Geneva gear. The reciprocating motion resulting from the standard reciprocal gear system may directly contact the central spur gear 214.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 16, a diagram of the reciprocal gear system 208 in conjunction with the central spur gear 214 is shown.

[0114] Each of the first and second reciprocating gears 210, 212 may be comprised of main sections 228a-b, upper sections 230a-b, and lower sections 232a-b. The lower section 232a of the first reciprocating gear 210 may contact the lower spur gear 226 of the speed amplification gear 206. The upper sections 230a-b of each of the first and second reciprocating gears 210, 212 may contact each other to convert rotation of the first reciprocating gear 210 in a first direction into rotation of the second reciprocating gear 212 in the opposite direction.

[0115] Each main section 228a-b of the first and second reciprocating gears 210, 212 may have two exaggerated gear teeth, as shown in FIG. 16. Each main section 228a-b may include a cutout on the opposite side of the gear teeth to allow the opposing reciprocal gear to rotate unimpeded. The gear teeth on the main sections 228a-b are designed to rotate the central spur gear 214.

[0116] 16, rotation of the main section 228b of the second reciprocal gear 212 in the clockwise direction may initiate contact between the gear teeth of the main section 228b and the central spur gear 214, causing the central spur gear 214 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Because the gear teeth of the second reciprocal gear 212 are no longer in contact with the central spur gear 214 after the central spur gear 214 completes its angle of rotation, movement of the central spur gear 214 may be limited to approximately 30 degrees in the second direction.

[0117] After the central spur gear 214 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the first reciprocating gear 210 may contact the central spur gear 214 and begin to rotate in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 17 , the gear teeth of the main section 228a of the first reciprocating gear 210 contact the central spur gear 214, causing it to rotate in the clockwise direction. Because the gear teeth of the first reciprocating gear 210 are no longer in contact with the central spur gear 214 after the degree of rotation of the central spur gear 214 is completed, the movement of the central spur gear 214 may be limited to approximately 30 degrees in this direction.

[0118] The interlocking between the reciprocal gear system 208 and the central spur gear 214 may cause the central spur gear 214 to rotate a predetermined angle, for example, about 30 degrees in one direction, and then rotate a predetermined angle, for example, about 30 degrees in the opposite direction.

[0119] The central spur gear 214 may have a mating surface 234 located on the central spur gear 214 and configured to contact the reciprocal gear system 208, as shown in FIGS.

[0120] 18, there is shown a central spur gear 214 in communication with three partition spur gears 216a-c that are configured to move the partition walls 108a-c of the compressor 100 between open and closed positions.

[0121] Like the partition walls 108 of the compressor 100, the gearbox train 200 may include fewer or more partition spur gears 216 than shown. The number of partition spur gears 216 of the gearbox train 200 should be equivalent to the number of partition walls 208 and blades 206 of the compressor 100.

[0122] Each partition spur gear 216 is in contact with a central spur gear 214. The central spur gear 214 may rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in an opposite second direction.

[0123] For example, counterclockwise rotation of the central spur gear 214 causes the partition spur gear 216 to rotate clockwise. This clockwise rotation of the partition spur gear 216 moves the partition 108 from the closed position 116 to the open position 118.

[0124] Once the central spur gear 214 has completed a predetermined angle of rotation in the counterclockwise direction, the central spur gear 214 rotates in the clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the central spur gear 214 causes the partition spur gear 216 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the partition spur gear 216 moves the partition 108 from the open position 118 to the closed position 116.

[0125] In some embodiments, the partition spur gear 216 may be rotated approximately 90 degrees in the first and second directions.

[0126] Referring now to FIG. 19, another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 300 is shown that may be implemented to move the bulkhead 108 from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 and back to the closed position 116 .

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox train 300 includes a hub gear 302. The hub gear 302 may be co-circumferential with the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 302 may be designed to interface with the blades 106 of the compressor 100 and drive the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 302 rotates around the gearbox train 300 at the same angular velocity as the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102.

[0128] Hub gear 302 is in communication with motion conversion gear 304. Motion conversion gear 304 is designed to engage with hub gear 302 when blade 106 is within a predetermined angle and / or angular distance from bulkhead 108.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the motion conversion gear 304 of the gearbox train 300 is a three-slot Geneva gear. Thus, the motion conversion gear 304 converts the continuous motion of the hub gear 302 into intermittent motion.

[0130] The motion conversion gear 304 is coupled to a speed amplification gear 306. The speed amplification gear 306 is implemented to increase the rotation speed of the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 304.

[0131] The speed amplification gear 306 is in communication with a central spur gear 314. The central spur gear 314 is configured to convert the high speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear 306 into a reciprocal gear system 308.

[0132] As shown, the gearbox train 300 can include multiple reciprocating gear systems 308a-c. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three reciprocating gear arrangements 308a-c corresponding to the three bulkheads 108a-c, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, there may be fewer or more reciprocating gear systems 308 than shown. The number of reciprocating gear arrangements 308 may correspond to the number of compressor bulkheads 108.

[0133] Reciprocal gear system 308 includes a first reciprocal gear 310, a second reciprocal gear 312, and a third reciprocal gear 316. In some embodiments, reciprocal gear system 308 may include three conventional spur gears.

[0134] The central spur gear 314 is configured to contact the first reciprocal gear 310, causing the first reciprocal gear 310 to rotate in a first direction, which in turn contacts the second reciprocal gear 312, causing the second reciprocal gear 312 to rotate in a second direction.

[0135] Both the first reciprocal gear 310 and the second reciprocal gear 312 are in contact with a third reciprocal gear 316. When the first reciprocal gear 310 rotates in a first direction, the third reciprocal gear 316 rotates in a second direction. When the third reciprocal gear 316 rotates in the second direction, the partition 108 of the compressor 100 moves from the closed position 116 to the open position 118.

[0136] For example, counterclockwise rotation of central spur gear 314 initiates clockwise rotation of first reciprocal gear 310. Clockwise rotation of first reciprocal gear 310 causes counterclockwise rotation of third reciprocal gear 316. The counterclockwise rotation of third reciprocal gear 316 moves bulkhead 108 of compressor 100 from closed position 116 to open position 118.

[0137] Rotation of the second reciprocal gear 312 in the second direction may cause rotation of the third reciprocal gear 316 in the first direction. Rotation of the third reciprocal gear 316 in the first direction may cause the partition 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the open position 118 to the closed position 116.

[0138] For example, clockwise rotation of central spur gear 314 causes second reciprocal gear 312 to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn causes clockwise rotation of third reciprocal gear 316. Clockwise rotation of third reciprocal gear 316 moves bulkhead 108 of compression device 100 from open position 118 to closed position 116.

[0139] The third reciprocal gear 316 first contacts the first reciprocal gear 310 to move the partition 108 to the open position 118. Once the partition 108 has moved to the open position 118, the second reciprocal gear 312 contacts the third reciprocal gear 316 to move the partition 108 to the closed position 116. For example, the third reciprocal gear 316 is initially engaged with the first reciprocal gear 310 and only interacts with the second reciprocal gear 312 after the third reciprocal gear 316 has completed a predetermined angular rotation to move the partition 108 to the open position 118.

[0140] 21, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the gearbox train 400. In this embodiment, the gearbox train 400 includes a set of gears for each bulkhead, excluding the gears used to rotate the blades.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox train 400 includes a hub gear 402. The hub gear 402 may be co-circumferential with the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 402 may interface with the blades 106 of the compressor 100 and may be designed to drive the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 402 rotates around the gearbox train 400 at the same angular velocity as the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102.

[0142] The hub gear 402 is in communication with a motion conversion gear 404. The motion conversion gear 404 is designed to engage with the hub gear 402 when the blade 106 is within a predetermined angle and / or angular distance from the bulkhead 108.

[0143] As shown, the gearbox train 400 includes multiple motion conversion gears 404. Each motion conversion gear 404 generates a gear train configured to move a single bulkhead 108. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three motion conversion gears 404a-c and three gear trains. In some embodiments, there may be fewer or more gear trains than shown. In this embodiment, the number of gear trains in the gearbox train 400 corresponds to the number of bulkheads 108 in the compressor.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, the motion conversion gear 404 of the gearbox train 400 is generally similar to the motion conversion gear 204 of the gearbox train 200. However, as shown, the lower layer 420 of the motion conversion gear 404 is circular in shape compared to the hexagonal lower layer 220 of the motion conversion gear 204. The motion conversion gear 404 is configured to convert the continuous motion of the hub gear 402 into intermittent motion. In some embodiments, the motion conversion gear 404 may be the same as the motion conversion gear 204. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 21 , which illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 500.

[0145] The motion conversion gear 404 is coupled to a speed amplification gear 406. The speed amplification gear 406 is implemented to increase the rotational speed of the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 404.

[0146] The speed multiplier gear 306 is in communication with a reciprocal gear system 308. In some embodiments, the reciprocal gear system 308 may be a dual reciprocating Geneva mechanism.

[0147] As shown, the reciprocal gear system 408 includes a first reciprocal gear 410 , a second reciprocal gear 412 , and a third reciprocal gear 414 .

[0148] The speed amplification gear 406 is configured to contact the first reciprocal gear 410, causing the first reciprocal gear 410 to rotate in a first direction. After the first reciprocal gear 410 undergoes a predetermined rotation, the speed amplification gear 406 engages with the second reciprocal gear 412, causing the second reciprocal gear 412 to rotate in a second direction.

[0149] Both the first reciprocal gear 410 and the second reciprocal gear 412 are in contact with a third reciprocal gear 414. Rotation of the first reciprocal gear 410 in a first direction causes the third reciprocal gear 414 to rotate in a second direction. Rotation of the third reciprocal gear 414 in the second direction moves the dividing wall 108 of the compressor 100 from the closed position 116 to the open position 118.

[0150] Rotation of the second reciprocal gear 412 in the second direction causes rotation of the third reciprocal gear 414 in the first direction. Rotation of the third reciprocal gear 414 in the first direction causes the partition 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the open position 118 to the closed position 116.

[0151] 22 and 23, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of an internal combustion engine 600. The internal combustion engine 600 is exemplary of an application of the compressor discussed in this application. Any of the embodiments of the compressor 100 discussed herein may be used in the internal combustion engine 600 application.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 600 includes three annular chambers 602, at least one inlet port 604, three blades 606, three bulkheads 608, and three combustion chambers 626. This embodiment is similar to the compressor embodiment of FIG.

[0153] In a manner similar to compressor 100, air enters engine 600's annular chamber 602 through inlet port 604, and blades 606 move continuously around annular chamber 602. Blades 606 compress the air within annular chamber 602 between blades 606 and bulkhead 608. Annular chamber 602 may also be referred to as a compression chamber.

[0154] Combustion chamber 626 has an airflow port 614 that fluidly connects combustion chamber 626 with annular chamber 602. Airflow port 614 may have a mechanism that can close the port and seal the combustion chamber. For example, airflow port 614 may include a door, a valve, etc., or any other closure mechanism.

[0155] The compressed air is forced out of the air flow ports 614 in the annular chamber 602 and into the combustion chamber 626. The air flow ports 614 can then close off the combustion chamber 626, trapping the compressed air.

[0156] Combustion chamber 626 may further include an atomizing mechanism configured to inject a fuel spray into combustion chamber 626, and a spark plug. Thus, when compressed air is trapped within combustion chamber 626, the fuel spray may be injected into combustion chamber 626, thereby creating a combustible mixture of the compressed air and the fuel spray. The spark plug may then ignite the mixture of compressed air and the fuel spray, forcing expanding gases from combustion chamber 626 into annular chamber 602. The expanding gases are discharged into annular chamber 602 through passage 612 (shown in FIG. 22 ).

[0157] Inflation gas forced back into the annular chamber 602 through the passages 612 can force the blades 606 around the annular chamber 602 .

[0158] As inflation gases are returned to the annular chamber 602, the blades 606 can push the exhaust gases out of the annular chamber 602 through the outlet ports 610 of the annular chamber 602. The movement of the blades 606 through the annular chamber 602 can create a suction force, drawing air into the annular chamber 602 through the inlet ports 604.

[0159] Movement of the bulkhead 608 of the engine 600 may be facilitated using any of the methods disclosed above with respect to the gearbox trains 200, 300, 400, 500.

[0160] Referring again to FIG. 22, engine 600 is shown in the first stage of the combustion cycle, with blades 606a-c positioned within annular chamber 602 near bulkheads 608a-c.

[0161] For illustrative purposes, blades 606a-c move in a counterclockwise direction around annular chamber 602. To illustrate the process and compression of engine 600, blade 606a is tracked through a compression cycle.

[0162] In the first stage, air is received into annular chamber 602 through inlet port 604 (shown in FIG. 23) of engine 600. Air enters annular chamber 602 through inlet port 604 and fills the space between blades 606a and bulkhead 608b, which is in the closed position as shown.

[0163] The blade 606a moves in a continuous motion in a counterclockwise direction around the annular chamber 602 towards the partition wall 608b, compressing air from the inlet port 604 between the blade 606a and the first side 620 of the partition wall 608b.

[0164] 23, blade 606a moves through annular chamber 602 toward bulkhead 608b and remains in a closed position, applying pressure to air trapped within annular chamber 602 between blade 606a and bulkhead 608b.

[0165] Bulkhead 608b is then moved from the closed position to the open position, opening airflow port 614. As blade 606a moves from first side 620 of bulkhead 608b to second side 622 of bulkhead 608b, compressed air is moved through airflow port 614 and into combustion chamber 626.

[0166] Blades 606a advance counterclockwise through annular chamber 602 toward bulkhead 608c, compressing air introduced through inlet port 604. Simultaneously, fuel spray is injected into the compressed air to create a combustible mixture within combustion chamber 626.

[0167] The partition 608c then moves from a closed position to an open position, allowing the blade 606a to pass from the first side 620 to the second side 622 of the partition 608c. At the same time that the blade 606a passes through the partition 608c, a spark plug in the combustion chamber 626 ignites a combustible mixture, causing the air in the combustion chamber 626 to expand. This air expansion forces the expanding air from the combustion chamber 626 through the passage 612 and back into the annular chamber 602 (as shown in FIG. 22 ).

[0168] The expanded air is forced through passages 612 into the annular chamber 602 between the blade 606a and the second side 622 of the corresponding bulkhead 608c located outside the combustion chamber 626. The expanded air continues the rotational motion of the blade 606a through the annular chamber 602.

[0169] Then, as blade 606a completes one revolution around annular chamber 602 by approaching first side 620 of partition wall 608a, the exhaust gases travel through annular chamber 602 and are forced by blade 606a out outlet port 610. As blade 606a forces the exhaust gases out outlet port 610, suction created between blade 606a and the second side of partition wall 608c draws fresh air through inlet port 604, restarting the combustion cycle.

[0170] While the above description provides examples of embodiments, it will be understood that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments can be modified without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described content is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the present invention, and that other variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be accorded the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0171] Terms Item 1: A compressor device comprising: an annular chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port in the annular chamber through which the annular chamber receives air, the at least one inlet port configured to receive air into the annular chamber; at least one blade associated with the inner wall and movable around the annular chamber, the at least one blade configured to compress air received from the at least one inlet port; at least one partition between the inner wall and the outer wall, movable between a closed position and an open position; and at least one outlet port in the annular chamber configured to discharge compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition. The at least one partition is configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in a closed position, and to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in an open position; when the at least one partition is in the closed position, the at least one blade approaching the at least one corresponding partition compresses air to generate compressed air; when the at least one partition is in the open position, the at least one blade moves from a first side of the at least one corresponding partition to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition.

[0172] Item 2: The compressor device according to Item 1, further comprising at least two blades and at least two partition walls, the at least two partition walls forming at least two internal chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0173] Item 3: The compressor device according to item 1 or 2, further comprising at least three blades and at least three partition walls, the at least three partition walls forming at least three internal chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0174] Item 4: A compressor device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, further comprising at least four blades and at least four partition walls, the at least four partition walls forming at least four internal chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0175] Item 5: The compressor apparatus of Item 1, wherein the at least one blade is configured to generate a suction force between the at least one blade and a second side of the at least one corresponding partition wall to draw air from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0176] Item 6: The compressor device according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the at least one partition forms an airtight seal between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0177] Item 7: The compressor apparatus described in Item 6, wherein the at least one partition is movable between a closed position and an open position by a gearbox train, the gearbox train is configured to open the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition and approaches the at least one partition, and the gearbox train is configured to close the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the at least one corresponding partition and passes through it.

[0178] Item 8: The gearbox train includes: a hub gear engaged with at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the device; a motion conversion gear engaged with the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, the motion conversion gear converting the continuous motion of the hub gear to an intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear engaged with the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear to a high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; a reciprocal gear system engaged with the speed amplification gear and configured to rotate upon interacting with the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear engaged with the reciprocal gear system and configured to rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one partition spur gear engaged with the central reciprocal gear and configured to move the at least one partition wall, When the central spur gear moves in a first direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in a second direction, and when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction; the at least one partition wall is moved from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; and the at least one partition wall is moved from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction. Item 8. The compressor device according to item 7.

[0179] Item 9: The reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear configured to rotate in a first direction in conjunction with the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear; and a second reciprocal gear configured to rotate in a second direction in conjunction with the first reciprocal gear and the central spur gear. Item 9. The compressor device according to item 8.

[0180] Item 10: The second reciprocal gear interacts with the central reciprocal gear to rotate the central reciprocal gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central reciprocal gear to rotate the central reciprocal gear in a second direction. Item 10. The compressor device according to item 9.

[0181] Item 11: The compressor device according to any one of Items 8 to 10, wherein the motion converting gear has a hexagonal first layer and a second layer above the first layer, and the second layer has an involute curve profile.

[0182] Item 12: A method of compressing air in a compressor device, comprising: receiving air through an inlet port of a compressor device, the compressor device comprising: an annular chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port within the annular chamber configured to admit air into the annular chamber; at least one blade movable around the annular chamber in communication with the inner wall, the at least one blade configured to compress the air received through the at least one inlet port; at least one partition between the inner wall and the outer wall movable between a closed position and an open position, the at least one partition configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position and to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position; and at least one outlet port within the annular chamber configured to discharge compressed air from the annular chamber; moving the at least one blade around the annular chamber in a continuous motion; compressing the received air in the annular chamber between the at least one blade and the at least one partition when in the closed position; and discharging the compressed air through the outlet port of the compressor device when the at least one partition is moved to the open position. method.

[0183] Item 13: The method of item 12, further comprising moving at least one bulkhead from a closed position to an open position to allow the at least one blade to move from a first side of the at least one bulkhead to a second side of the at least one bulkhead.

[0184] Item 14: The method of item 13, further comprising moving the at least one partition from an open position to a closed position after the at least one blade moves to the second side of the at least one partition.

[0185] Item 15: The method according to Item 14, wherein the compressor device comprises at least two blades and at least two partition walls, the at least two partition walls forming at least two internal chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0186] Item 16: The method according to Item 15, wherein the compressor device comprises at least three blades and at least three partitions, the at least three partitions forming at least three internal chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0187] Item 17: The method according to Item 16, wherein the compressor device comprises at least four blades and at least four partition walls, the at least four partition walls forming at least four internal chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0188] Item 18: The method of any of Items 12 to 17, further comprising generating a suction force between the at least one blade and a second side of the at least one partition wall to draw airflow from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0189] Item 19: The method according to any one of Items 12 to 18, wherein the at least one partition forms an airtight seal between the inner and outer walls of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0190] Item 20: The method of item 19, further comprising moving the at least one partition between a closed position and an open position by a gearbox train, the gearbox train configured to open the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition and approaches the at least one partition, and the gearbox train configured to close the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from and passes through at least one corresponding partition.

[0191] Item 21: Driving at least one blade around an annular chamber by a hub gear of a gearbox train, the hub gear being in communication with a motion conversion gear; converting the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear by the motion conversion gear; rotating a speed amplification gear configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear by the motion conversion gear; rotating a reciprocal gear system by the speed amplification gear; rotating the reciprocal gear system by a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction. rotating the at least one partition spur gear in a second direction when the central spur gear moves in a first direction; moving the at least one partition wall from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; rotating the at least one partition spur gear in the first direction when the central spur gear moves in the second direction; and moving the at least one partition wall from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction.

[0192] Item 22: The method of item 21, wherein the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall.

[0193] Item 23: The reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear that is coupled to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocal gear that is coupled to the first reciprocal gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the first direction, The first reciprocal gear rotates in the second direction when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from a first side of the at least one corresponding partition; and the second reciprocal gear rotates in the first direction when the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition. 23. The method according to item 21 or 22.

[0194] Item 24: The method of Item 23, wherein the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction.

[0195] Item 25: A control mechanism for movement of a bulkhead, the control mechanism including a gearbox train in communication with at least one blade and at least one bulkhead of the apparatus, the gearbox train configured to open the at least one bulkhead when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from and approaches the at least one bulkhead, and the gearbox train configured to close the at least one bulkhead when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from and passes through at least one corresponding bulkhead.

[0196] Item 26: The gearbox train includes a hub gear engaged with at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the device; a motion conversion gear engaged with the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined angular distance from at least one partition wall, the motion conversion gear converting the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear engaged with the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear engaged with the speed amplification gear and configured to transmit the high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear to at least one reciprocal gear system; and at least one reciprocal gear system engaged with the central spur gear and configured to rotate upon interacting with the central spur gear, the at least one reciprocal gear system configured to control at least one corresponding partition wall. Item 26. The control mechanism according to item 25, comprising:

[0197] Item 27: At least one reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear engaged with the central spur gear and configured to rotate in a first direction when at least one blade is within a predetermined distance of a first side of at least one corresponding partition; a second reciprocal gear engaged with the first reciprocal gear and configured to rotate in a second direction when at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition; and a third reciprocal gear engaged with the first reciprocal gear and the second reciprocal gear, the third reciprocal gear configured to rotate a predetermined angle in the second direction when engaged with the first reciprocal gear and to rotate a predetermined angle in the first direction when engaged with the second reciprocal gear. Equipped with The at least one partition moves from a closed position to an open position when the third reciprocal gear rotates in a second direction; and the at least one partition moves from an open position to a closed position when the third reciprocal gear rotates in a first direction. Item 27. The control mechanism according to item 26.

[0198] Item 28: The control mechanism described in Item 27, wherein rotation of the first reciprocal gear in a first direction causes the third reciprocal gear to move in a second direction, and rotation of the second reciprocal gear in the second direction causes the third reciprocal gear to move in the first direction.

[0199] Item 29: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 25 to 28, wherein the number of reciprocal gear systems corresponds to the number of blades and partitions of the device.

[0200] Item 30: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 25 to 29, wherein the motion converting gear is a three-slot Geneva gear.

[0201] Item 31: The gearbox train includes a hub gear engaged with at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the device; at least one motion conversion gear engaged with the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, converting the continuous motion of the hub gear to an intermittent motion of the at least one motion conversion gear; at least one speed amplification gear engaged with the at least one motion conversion gear and configured to increase the speed of rotation; and at least one reciprocal gear system engaged with the at least one speed amplification gear and configured to rotate when interacting with the at least one speed amplification gear, the at least one reciprocal gear system configured to control at least one corresponding partition wall. Item 26. The control mechanism according to item 25, comprising:

[0202] Item 32: The at least one reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear coupled to the at least one speed amplifying gear and configured to rotate in a first direction when at least one blade is within a predetermined distance of a first side of the at least one corresponding partition; a second reciprocal gear coupled to the first reciprocal gear and configured to rotate in a second direction when at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition; and a third reciprocal gear coupled to the first reciprocal gear and the second reciprocal gear, the third reciprocal gear configured to rotate a predetermined angle in the second direction when coupled to the first reciprocal gear and to rotate a predetermined angle in the first direction when coupled to the second reciprocal gear. Equipped with The at least one partition moves from a closed position to an open position when the third reciprocal gear rotates in a second direction; and the at least one partition moves from an open position to a closed position when the third reciprocal gear rotates in a first direction. Item 32. The control mechanism according to item 31.

[0203] Item 33: The control mechanism according to item 32, wherein at least one reciprocal gear system is a double reciprocating Geneva mechanism.

[0204] Item 34: A control mechanism described in Item 32 or 33, wherein rotation of the first reciprocal gear in a first direction causes the third reciprocal gear to move in a second direction, and rotation of the second reciprocal gear in the second direction causes the third reciprocal gear to move in the first direction.

[0205] Item 35: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 31 to 34, wherein the number of motion conversion gears, speed amplification gears, and reciprocal gear systems corresponds to the number of blades and corresponding partitions of the device.

[0206] Item 36: The gearbox train comprises: a hub gear engaged with at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the device; a motion conversion gear engaged with the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, the motion conversion gear converting the continuous motion of the hub gear to an intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear engaged with the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear to a high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; a reciprocal gear system engaged with the speed amplification gear and configured to rotate upon interacting with the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear engaged with the reciprocal gear system and configured to rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one partition spur gear engaged with the central reciprocal gear and configured to move the at least one partition wall, When the central spur gear moves in a first direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in a second direction, and when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction; the at least one partition wall is moved from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; and the at least one partition wall is moved from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction. Item 26. The control mechanism according to item 25.

[0207] Item 37: The reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear that is coupled to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocal gear that is coupled to the first reciprocal gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in a first direction, The first reciprocal gear is rotated in the second direction when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance of a first side of the at least one corresponding partition; and the second reciprocal gear is rotated in the first direction when the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition. Item 37. The control mechanism according to item 36.

[0208] Item 38: The control mechanism described in Item 37, wherein the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction.

[0209] Item 39: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 35 to 37, wherein the number of partition spur gears corresponds to the number of blades and corresponding partition walls of the device.

[0210] Item 40: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 35 to 38, wherein the motion converting gear has a hexagonal first layer and a second layer above the first layer, and the second layer has an involute curve profile.

[0211] Item 41: The control mechanism according to any one of Items 25 to 40, wherein the device is an air compressor.

[0212] Item 42: The control mechanism according to any one of Items 25 to 40, wherein the device is an internal combustion engine.

[0213] Item 43: A method of controlling movement of at least one partition of a device using a control mechanism, comprising: approaching at least one blade of the device to at least one partition wall, and when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall, a hub gear configured to engage with the at least one blade and to continuously move the at least one blade within the device interacts with a motion conversion gear; converting the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear by the motion conversion gear; rotating a speed amplification gear configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear by the motion conversion gear; rotating a reciprocal gear system by the speed amplification gear; rotating a central spur gear configured to rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction by a predetermined angle; rotating at least one partition spur gear in the second direction when the central spur gear moves in the first direction; moving at least one partition wall from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; rotating at least one partition spur gear in the first direction when the central spur gear moves in the second direction; and moving at least one partition wall from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction. A method comprising:

[0214] Item 44: The method of item 43, wherein the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall.

[0215] Item 45: The reciprocal gear system includes a first reciprocal gear that is coupled to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocal gear that is coupled to the first reciprocal gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in a first direction, The first reciprocal gear rotates in the second direction when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from a first side of the at least one corresponding partition; and the second reciprocal gear rotates in the first direction when the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition. Item 45. The method according to item 43 or 44.

[0216] Item 46: The method of Item 45, wherein the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction.

Claims

1. A compressor device, an annular chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port in the annular chamber, the annular chamber receiving air through the at least one inlet port configured to receive air into the annular chamber; at least one blade movable about the annular chamber in communication with the inner wall, the at least one blade configured to compress air received from the at least one inlet port; at least one partition between the inner wall and the outer wall movable between a closed position and an open position, the at least one partition configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position and configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position; at least one outlet port in the annular chamber configured to discharge compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding bulkhead; Equipped with When the at least one bulkhead is in a closed position, the at least one blade adjacent to the at least one corresponding bulkhead compresses air to generate compressed air; When the at least one bulkhead is in an open position, the at least one blade moves from a first side of the at least one corresponding bulkhead to a second side of the at least one corresponding bulkhead. A compressor device comprising:

2. 2. The compressor unit of claim 1, further comprising at least three blades and at least three partitions, said at least three partitions defining at least three interior chambers of said annular chamber when in a closed position.

3. 2. The compressor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade is configured to create a suction force between the at least one blade and a second side of the at least one corresponding bulkhead to draw air from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

4. 2. The compressor unit of claim 1, wherein said at least one partition forms an airtight seal between an inner wall and an outer wall of said annular chamber when in a closed position.

5. 5. The compressor apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one partition is movable between a closed position and an open position by a gearbox train, the gearbox train configured to open the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from and approaches the at least one partition, and the gearbox train configured to close the at least one partition when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from and passes through the at least one corresponding partition.

6. The gearbox train comprises: a hub gear associated with the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the apparatus; a motion conversion gear configured to interface with the hub gear and to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is positioned within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition, the motion conversion gear converting continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear configured to communicate with the motion conversion gear and convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into a high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; a reciprocating gear system configured to engage the speed multiplier gear and rotate upon interaction with the speed multiplier gear; a central spur gear coupled to the reciprocating gear system and configured to rotate through a predetermined angle in a first direction and through a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one partition spur gear coupled with the central reciprocal gear and configured to move the at least one partition wall; Equipped with When the central spur gear moves in the first direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction, and when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction; the at least one partition wall is moved from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear is rotated in the second direction; The at least one partition wall is moved from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear is rotated in the first direction.

6. A compressor device according to claim 5.

7. The reciprocating gear system comprises: a first reciprocating gear coupled with the speed multiplication gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the first direction; and a second reciprocating gear coupled with the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the second direction; 7. The compressor unit of claim 6, comprising:

8. 8. The compressor apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central reciprocal gear to rotate the central reciprocal gear in the first direction, and the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central reciprocal gear to rotate the central reciprocal gear in the second direction.

9. 7. The compressor apparatus of claim 6, wherein the motion converting gear has a hexagonal first layer and a second layer above the first layer, the second layer having an involute curve profile.

10. 1. A method of compressing air in a compressor device, comprising: receiving air through an inlet port of the compressor unit, the compressor unit comprising: an annular chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port within the annular chamber configured to admit air into the annular chamber; at least one blade movable about the annular chamber in communication with the inner wall, the at least one blade configured to compress air received from the at least one inlet port; at least one partition between the inner wall and the outer wall movable between a closed position and an open position, the at least one partition configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position and configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position; and At least one outlet port within the annular chamber configured to discharge compressed air from the annular chamber. a process comprising: moving the at least one blade in a continuous motion around the annular chamber; compressing air received in the annular chamber between the at least one blade and the at least one partition in a closed position; and Discharging compressed air through the outlet port of the compressor unit when the at least one bulkhead is moved to an open position. A method comprising:

11. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising moving the at least one bulkhead from a closed position to an open position to allow the at least one blade to move from a first side of the at least one bulkhead to a second side of the at least one bulkhead.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the at least one bulkhead from an open position to a closed position after the at least one blade moves to the second side of the at least one bulkhead.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the compressor unit comprises at least three blades and at least three partitions, the at least three partitions defining at least three interior chambers of the annular chamber when in a closed position.

14. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising creating a suction force between the at least one blade and a second side of the at least one partition to draw airflow from the inlet port into a full annular chamber.

15. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one septum forms an airtight seal between an inner wall and an outer wall of the annular chamber when in a closed position.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the at least one bulkhead between a closed position and an open position with the gearbox train, the gearbox train configured to open the at least one bulkhead when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from and approaches the at least one bulkhead, and the gearbox train configured to close the at least one bulkhead when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from and passes through the at least one corresponding bulkhead.

17. driving the at least one blade around the annular chamber by a hub gear of the gearbox train, the hub gear being in communication with a motion transfer gear; converting the continuous motion of the hub gear into the intermittent motion of the motion converting gear by the motion converting gear; rotating, by the motion conversion gear, a speed amplification gear configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into a high-speed intermittent motion of a speed amplification gear; rotating a reciprocating gear system with said speed multiplier gear; rotating, by the reciprocal gear system, a central spur gear configured to rotate a predetermined angle in a first direction and a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite the first direction; rotating the at least one partition spur gear in a second direction as the central spur gear moves in the first direction; moving the at least one partition wall from a closed position to an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; rotating the at least one partition spur gear in a first direction when the central spur gear moves in the second direction; and moving the at least one partition wall from an open position to a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one bulkhead.

19. The reciprocating gear system comprises: a first reciprocating gear coupled with the speed multiplication gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the second direction; and a second reciprocating gear coupled with the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the first direction; Including, the first reciprocal gear rotates in the second direction when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from a first side of the at least one corresponding partition; The second reciprocal gear rotates in the first direction when the at least one blade moves to a second side of the at least one corresponding partition.

18. The method of claim 17.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate it in the first direction, and the first reciprocal gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate it in the second direction.

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