Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
A power unit, comprising: a pair of rotatable rollers spaced vertically apart, said rollers having axial shafts extending outwardly thereof; fixed means for supporting the rollers in vertical alignment with each other; an endless belt operably disposed on said rollers, a portion of said belt being adapted to move upwardly and an opposite portion being adapted to move downwardly; a plurality of collapsible air buckets attached to said belt, said buckets extending transversely of said belt and spaced apart longitudinally thereon; said buckets including a movable panel hinged along one horizontal edge and attached to the belt so that said panel swings away from and toward the belt, the buckets on the portion of the belt moving upwardly opening downwardly and said buckets opening upwardly on the opposite downwardly moving portion of the belt; means for operably closing the ends of the bucket; air-discharge means adjacent the lower roller for discharging air upwardly into the buckets as said buckets move past said means; an air pump connected to one of said rollers, said air pump having an inlet and an outlet; means operably connecting the outlet of the air pump to the air-discharge means for delivering air under pressure thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
A power unit, comprising: a pair of rotatable rollers spaced vertically apart, said rollers having axial shafts extending outwardly thereof; fixed means for supporting the rollers in vertical alignment with each other; an endless belt operably disposed on said rollers, a portion of said belt being adapted to move upwardly and an opposite portion being adapted to move downwardly; a plurality of collapsible air buckets attached to said belt, said buckets extending transversely of said belt and spaced apart longitudinally thereon; said buckets including a movable panel hinged along one horizontal edge and attached to the belt so that said panel swings away from and toward the belt, the buckets on the portion of the belt moving upwardly opening downwardly and said buckets opening upwardly on the opposite downwardly moving portion of the belt; means for operably closing the ends of the bucket; air-discharge means adjacent the lower roller for discharging air upwardly into the buckets as said buckets move past said means; an air pump connected to one of said rollers, said air pump having an inlet and an outlet; means operably connecting the outlet of the air pump to the air-discharge means for delivering air under pressure thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention defined by claim 1, including a control valve controlling the air inlet of the air pump.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention defined by claim 1, wherein the air-discharge means comprises a horizontal air-discharge pipe having air outlets, said pipe being positioned adjacent the bottom of the belt and toward the side of the belt portion moving upwardly for discharging air into the buckets as they pass over the lower roller.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention defined by claim 1, wherein there is sealing means for sealing the hinge against escape of air therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention defined by claim 1, wherein the buckets have a second panel secured to the belt and to the movable panel by means of the hinge, said second panels being arcuate in cross-section and having a curvature the same as the circumference of the rollers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention defined by claim 1, wherein there is a small air chamber along the free edge of the movable panel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention defined by claim 1, wherein the means for closing the ends of the buckets comprise flexible impervious material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention defined by claim 7, wherein said flexible impervious material is accordian foldable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
The invention defined by claim 1, wherein there is a solid panel secured to the belt and to which the movable panel is hinged, the panel secured to the belt having outwardly turned end portions normal to the plane of said panel, each of the end portions having an inturned flange that serves as a stop for limiting opening movement of the movable panel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention defined by claim 1, including a container for water in which the rollers and belt are mounted.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention defined by claim 10, wherein there is a dry chamber which is vented to atmosphere and in which the air pump is disposed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention defined by claim 10, including a cover for the container for water, said cover providing an air space above the water level in said container, said cover having a vent to atmosphere.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention defined by claim 1, including means for starting the power unit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention defined by claim 13, wherein the means for starting the power unit comprises air under pressure from a source of pressure air.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
58 words
The invention defined by claim 14, including an air-control valve controlling the air inlet of the air pump; conduit means for connecting said source of pressure air with the inlet of the air pump posterior of the air-control valve; and a valve controlling the conduit means connecting said source of air with the inlet of the air pump.