Abstract: A stream of primary gas flowing through a bi-stable thrust vectoring nozzle becomes attached to a first or second surface extending downstream of the nozzle, each surface incorporating one or more control ports for controlling to which surface the stream is attached, wherein relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, the angle of discharge from the first surface is substantially different from the angle of discharge from the second surface, preferably with the first surface substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzles are arranged with the respective first surfaces substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle combination and each of the respective second surfaces arranged to laterally deflect a respective portion of the stream of primary gas in a respective direction along each of two orthogonal lateral axes.

Abstract: A foil air bearing for a rotatable shaft comprises a plurality of discrete air chambers disposed in a circumferential array. Each of the chambers has a radially displaceable radially inner wall for positioning a bearing foil disposed radially inwardly thereof. A like plurality of valves control the flow of pressurized air to the air chambers, respectively. Sensors respond to radial deflection of the shaft so as to control the flow of pressurized air to the chambers, selectively, thereby to compensate for radial deflection of the shaft.

Abstract: A turbojet engine one-shot start system utilizes ignition and fuel delivery system components capable of pneumatic actuation and pressurization to initiate the engine start sequence thereby obviating the need for expensive shielded electrical controls and pumps.

Abstract: A conical microlith catalyst reaction system for use in automotive catalytic converters or gas turbine catalytic combustors advantageously utilizes a microlith catalyst bed formed from a wire cloth (10) woven into a spiral wound flat helix (or coil). The spiral windings of the wire cloth helix are wound to form a uniform angle less than 90.degree. relative to a ceramic housing formed from an inner ceramic hub (102) and an outer ceramic shroud (104). Warp wires (12) further carry electrical current via bus bars (106, 108) for electrically heating the catalyst bed. Lightoff time for the bed is significantly reduced due to the heating. The angled spiral windings create the conical shape to prevent buckling of the spiral windings due to thermal stress caused by the microlith catalyst bed becoming hot.

Abstract: A microlith catalyst bed for use in automotive catalytic converters or gas turbine catalytic combustors. The microlith catalyst bed of the present invention advantageously utilizes a wire cloth (10) woven to form a spiral wound flat helix (or coil). Woof wires (14) are woven into warp wires (12) in a polar weave pattern. There is no leftover scrap when forming the microlith catalyst bed. Warp wires (12) further carry electrical current via bus bars (106, 108) for electrically heating the catalyst bed. Lightoff time for the bed is significantly reduced due to the heating.

Abstract: A fuel control system for providing steady state fuel flow to a gas-turbine engine comprises a pulse-width modulated, solenoid-operated fuel metering valve, an engine speed transducer, and a remote microprocessor communicating with the valve and the speed transducer through an optical fiber. The valve is operated by a direct current signal which is pulsed at a frequency substantially higher than the natural frequency of the valve spring/plunger system, whereby the plunger remains axially displaced from the valve seat to provide continuous flow through the valve. The amount of axial plunger displacement and, hence, the fuel flow are prescribed by the pulse width of the signal directed through the valve.

Abstract: A fuel control system for providing steady state fuel flow to a gas-turbine engine comprises a pulse-width modulated, solenoid-operated fuel metering valve, an engine speed transducer, and a remote microprocessor communicating with the valve and the speed transducer through an optical fiber. The valve is operated by a direct current signal which is pulsed at a frequency substantially higher than the natural frequency of the valve spring/plunger system, whereby the plunger remains axially displaced from the valve seat to provide continuous flow through the valve. The amount of axial plunger displacement and, hence, the fuel flow rate are prescribed by the pulse width of the signal directed through the valve.

Abstract: A ramjet combustor operates on a slurry fuel that is atomized to 25 microns or less droplet size. A ram air turbine drives a fuel slinger which injects the fuel into the swirl stabilized ramjet combustor.

Abstract: A construction of a gas turbine combustion chamber which facilitates relighting the fuel immediately after flame-out. The construction comprises a catalytic coating on the combustor wall, preferably with areas left uncoated to allow the flame to propagate away from the combustor wall and into the bulk gas flow.