Abstract: A dual speed fluid control apparatus is provided which includes a valve b having a high pressure passageway and a low pressure passageway extending vertically therethrough in a spaced apart relationship. A top portion of the passageways is interconnected by a top plenum, a middle portion of the passageways is interconnected by a middle plenum, and a bottom portion of the passageways is interconnected by a bottom plenum. The valve body has the following: an ambient pressure inlet into the top plenum, a fluid bypass outlet into the middle plenum, and a pressurized fluid inlet and fluid outlet into the bottom plenum. A valve is located within each passageway and is responsive to pressure in the bottom plenum for bypassing fluid from the bottom plenum to the middle plenum. A spring biased device is located in each passageway and is responsive to the ambient pressure in the top plenum for pushing each valve toward the closed position against the pressure in the bottom plenum.

Abstract: Tablets of aluminum and potassium perchlorate (ALCLO), used to ignite a perred fuel in a closed cycle steam engine, are wrapped in aluminum foil to avoid the creation of powdered ALCLO. The prevention of powdering the ALCLO tablets reduces the possibility of inadvertent ignition from electrostatic discharge, ignition by mechanical or other means. Also, the creation of higher than intended burn rates is prevented when intentional ignition is initiated.