Abstract: The present application provides a pulse detonation combustor heat exchanger. The pulse detonation combustor heat exchanger may include one or more pulse detonation combustors creating combustion gases therein, one or more inner pathways positioned about the pulse detonation combustors, and a working medium flowing in the inner pathways so as to exchange heat with the combustion gases in the pulse detonation combustors.

Abstract: A method of combustion stability control for a gas turbine engine is provided, and includes the steps of receiving by a stability controller, information regarding environmental and operating conditions, and comparing the environmental and operating conditions to pre-programmed information to determine if a likelihood of combustion instability exists. The method further includes the steps of determining optimal fuel modulation frequency and amplitude for the environmental condition to reduce combustion instability, if a likelihood of combustion instability exists, and actuating at least one fuel modulation valve to, at the optimal fuel modulation frequency and amplitude, reduce combustion instability, if a likelihood of combustion instability exists. Systems for modulating fuel flow are also provided.

Abstract: A pulse detonation combustor including a plurality of nozzles engaged with one another via mating surfaces to support a gas discharge annulus in a circumferential direction. The pulse detonation combustor also including multiple pulse detonation tubes extending for the nozzles and a plurality of thermal expansion control joints coupled to the plurality of pulse detonation tubes. Each of the plurality of thermal expansion control joints is configured to facilitate independent thermal growth of each of the plurality of pulse detonation tubes. The thermal expansion control joints may be configured as a bellows expansion joint or a sliding expansion joint.

Abstract: A pulse detonation wave engine (PDWE) detonation system provides for optical ignition. The detonation system has a plurality of detonation banks, where each detonation bank has a plurality of detonation chambers for receiving a fuel/oxidizer mixture from a propellant source. An optical ignition subsystem generates a plurality of optical pulses. The detonation system also has an optical transport subsystem for transporting the optical pulses from the ignition subsystem to the chambers, where the optical pulses ignite each fuel/oxidizer mixture such that the chambers detonate in a desired order. This allows the banks to be sequentially detonated and the chambers within each bank to be simultaneously detonated, without the increased tankage and toxic ignition associated with conventional approaches.

Abstract: An improved induced draft gas burner assembly (31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531, 631) for low NOx residential and light commercial gas furnaces (10, 10a) is disclosed. The improved burner includes an upstream assembly coupled to a fuel inlet (55) and an air inlet (43). The air inlet (43) is coupled to a neck (41, 141, 241, 341, 441, 541, 641) extending between the air inlet (43) and the outlet of the neck (41, 141, 241, 341, 441, 541, 641), both of which may be disposed within an optional chamber (42, 142, 242, 342, 442). If used, such a chamber (42, 142, 242, 342, 442) also includes an outlet coupled to a burner (46, 146, 246, 346, 546, 646). In practice, the chamber (42, 142, 242, 342, 442) and neck (41, 141, 241, 341, 441, 541, 641) behave as a Helmholtz resonator that can be tuned to provide an upstream impedance Zup that exceeds the downstream impedance Zdown of the components downstream of the burner assembly (31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531, 631).

Abstract: A method and a device for combusting gaseous fuel which contains hydrogen or consists of hydrogen, includes a burner which provides a swirl generator (1) into which liquid fuel is feedable centrally along a burner axis (A), forming a liquid fuel column which is conically formed and which is enveloped by, and mixed through with, a rotating combustion air flow which flows tangentially into the swirl generator (1). The gaseous fuel is fed inside the swirl generator (1) largely axially and/or coaxially to the burner axis (A), forming a fuel flow with a largely spatially defined flow pattern (9) which is maintained inside the burner and bursts open in the region of the burner outlet.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The igniter may have a body, and a pre-combustion chamber integral with the body and having at least one orifice. The igniter may further have a focusing device configured to direct at least one beam of light energy into the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: A water heater. The water heater includes a water circuit adapted to conduct water to be heated, a combustion system operable to produce products of combustion and operable to provide the products of combustion to heat water in the water circuit, and a fuel train assembly configured to provide fuel to the combustion system. The fuel train assembly includes a gas expansion chamber, a first gas shut-off valve positioned upstream of the expansion chamber, and a second gas shut-off valve positioned downstream of the expansion chamber.

Abstract: Pulse detonation combustors of valveless construction. One valveless pulse detonation combustor, having a tube with a closed end and an open end, is constructed with a flame accelerator within the tube, adjacent the open end. A valveless, apertured flow restrictor is positioned between the flame accelerator and the closed end of the tube. A sparking device is positioned within the tube, between the flow restrictor and the flame accelerator. Valveless fuel and air ports are positioned between the flow restrictor and the closed end of the tube. Substantially right-angle manifold passageways are in communication with each of the ports.

Abstract: A laser type ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a laser oscillator mounted in the internal combustion engine so as to focus its laser beam on an air-fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber, a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the combustion chamber, a power source for the laser oscillator and a control unit for controlling the power source to supply the laser oscillator with the current whose amount changes according to the pressure in the combustion chamber. The power of the laser beam increases as the pressure in the combustion chamber decreases to completely ignite the air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A pressure rise combustor is provided with fuel provided at intermittent periods. The fuel is pulsed at timings such that the phase lag between the addition of the fuel and a resultant pressure rise is minimised. The fuel is pulsed such that the unsteady addition of heat reinforces the amplitude of an unsteady pressure fluctuation.

Abstract: A communication float for an oceanographic instrument, such as a profiler, comprising an elongated buoyant float, connected at one to the instrument by means of a neutrally buoyant communication cable, and having an antenna mounted on the other end. The float is ballasted to float at an angle such that the antenna extends from the water when the float is on the surface of the water, and whereby the float is oriented substantially vertically when submerged. The communication float is configured to provide minimal effects on the profiler instrument for either the submerged or floating mode, and to maintain transmission while subjected to wave action on the ocean.

Abstract: A method for controlling a combustion dynamics level within a combustion device includes defining a high dynamics operating state at a first fuel split ratio. The first fuel split ratio is a ratio of an amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device through a first fuel line to a total amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device. A low dynamics operating state is defined at a second fuel split ratio different from the first fuel split ratio. The second fuel split ratio is a second ratio of an amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device through the first fuel line to a total amount of fuel supplied to the combustion device. The combustion dynamics level within the combustion device is controlled by periodically switching between the first fuel split ratio and the second fuel split ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid fueled pulse detonation air breathing engine. The invention also provides an embodiment of an engine which has an axial flow compressor final stage configured for momentary closure of air flow at the final stage of the compressor followed by pulse detonation combustion that powers compressor, appliances, propeller, and produce thrust. Fuel enters the configured final stage of the axial flow air compressor to allow a mixture of air and fuel before entering the engine's pulse detonation combustion chamber, also referred to as detonation canister, having an inlet opening for receiving the fuel and air mixture charge and an open end down stream to discharge the resulting combustion products. Once the fuel and air mixture enters the detonation chamber there is closure for an instant of the compressor final stage's novel stators and blades before detonation of the fuel and air mixture.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor is configured to process a reactive material to form one or more products. The reactor includes a reaction vessel defining a compartment configured to receive the reactive material. Attached to the reaction vessel is at least one heat transfer module. Each heat transfer module includes a pulse combustor and an associated acoustic chamber. The pulse combustor has at least one tailpipe that terminates in its associated acoustic chamber. Flue gases exiting the tailpipe(s) pass from the acoustic chamber, through a wall separating the acoustic chamber from the reactor vessel and into heat transfer tubes that protrude into a compartment of the reactor vessel. Feedstock inlets are configured to introduce the reactive material into a region that is vertically between the first and second clusters of heat transfer tubes.

Abstract: A method for operating a furnace with a multi-burner system for generating a hot gas is provided. The furnace has a combustion chamber with a plurality of burners, each having a fuel feed. The method includes regulating a first fuel feed to at least one of the plurality of burners as a function of pressure pulsations that occur in the combustion chamber so as to achieve a steady operation of the furnace. The multi-burner system may be a gas turbine, preferably of a power plant.

Abstract: A method is provided for initiating and sustaining a combustive reaction in a solid fuel. The method includes generating at least one pulsed optical signal and directing the pulsed optical signal to a plurality of ignition points within at least one combustion chamber containing a solid fuel. The pulsed optical signal is generated by an optical source, e.g. a laser pump, and modulated using an intensity profiler. The intensity profiler modulates the pulsed optical signal to initially have a first peak power sufficient to initiate a combustive reaction in a solid fuel. The intensity profiler further modulates the pulsed optical signal to subsequently have a second peak power sufficient to sustain the combustive reaction until sufficient exothermic energy is released by the combustive reaction to make the reaction self-sustaining.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to pulse combustion dryer apparatus and associated methods. The pulse combustion dryer apparatus may include a combustor that defines a combustion chamber that is in fluid communication with a tailpipe passage defined by a tailpipe. An air inlet communicates air into the combustion chamber through an air inlet passage. A fluid diode disposed within the air inlet passage allows airflow into the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage, and may generally prevent backflow of heated combustion products from the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pulse combustor, comprising two spaced apart outer plates, the outer plates having flat outer regions, conical regions inside of the flat regions and central hubs, where the volume between conical regions of the plates defines a combustion chamber. The pulse combustor further comprises a plurality of intermediate plates located between the outer plates, the plurality of intermediate plates being spaced apart to form tailpipe regions therebetween and between the outer plates and adjacent ones of the intermediate plates and a burner coupled to one of the hubs, the burner operative to ignite a fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber. The outer and intermediate plates have spiral coolant passageways therein for conducting cooling fluid to cool expanding gases traveling between the plates through the tailpipe regions. The invention further consists of a burner assembly for use in a combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ignition system for a combustion device utilizes an oscillating pressure force in a resonance system to generate thermal energy within a resonance driven glow plug. The resonance driven glow plug stores the thermal energy for transfer to ignitable propellant combinations within a torch assembly and thus within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The burning of fuel (e.g., coal) in industrial equipment generates an exhaust flow containing airborne particulate. The flow is passed through a rotary heat exchanger to preheat inlet air. The heat exchanger element is subject to fouling and is cleaned by a pulsed combustion device. The device is operated by introducing a fuel and oxidizer charge to at least one conduit and initiating combustion of the charge. The combustion generates a shock wave to which the element is exposed, dislodging and/or otherwise removing the deposits.

Abstract: In a known method for heating an industrial furnace by pulsating combustion, gaseous or liquid reactants, comprising an oxidizing agent and fuel, are fed to a burner (3), with the volumetric flow of at least one of the reactants which emerges from the burner mouth (7) being changed over the course of time. On this basis, to provide a method which allows a simple and flexible change to the flow during pulsating combustion, according to the invention it is proposed that the change in the volumetric flow of the reactant over the course of time is generated by electrical actuation imparting deflections to at least one membrane (14) in a membrane space (13) which is connected upstream of the burner mouth (3) and is accessible to the reactant, which deflections cause changes to the volume of the membrane space.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface within a vessel has an elongate combustion conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end is associated with an aperture in the wall of the vessel and is positioned to direct a shockwave toward the surface. At least one hanger supports the combustion conduit at at least one location along a length of the combustion conduit.

Abstract: An improved chemical mixing micro-device with features on the micro- and nano-scale. The micro-device is comprised of at least one chemical inlet port and one chemical outlet port, a micro-evaporator, a micro-chamber and a micro-initiator. Also, a method of mixing at least one chemical in an evaporative mixing and/or reacting chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and method for initiating detonation in a chamber of tubular or other shapes, which can be a combustor for a propulsion engine, such as a pulse detonation engine. This invention is characterized by detonation initiation at high pressure and temperature that is generated by imploding shocks induced by jets in different directions around the chamber. Further, the detonation initiation is achieved without energy depositing devices, such as electric spark plugs and lasers and without any fuel or other chemical additives.

Abstract: The combustion vibration estimating apparatus comprises an inputting unit for inputting limiting values of plant data, weather data and internal pressure variation, an internal pressure variation characteristic grasping unit for making internal pressure variation of a combustor into a mathematical model from the input plant data and weather data, a combustion vibration region estimating unit for applying a limiting value of the internal pressure variation to the mathematical model obtained by the internal pressure variation characteristic grasping unit to obtain combustion vibration-prone to be generated region, and an outputting unit for outputting a combustion vibration region estimation result by the combustion vibration region estimating unit.

Abstract: A shock wave reflector includes a number of reflective units positioned along a longitudinal direction and separated by a gap G. Each reflective unit has a length L. The length L and the gap G are governed by a relationship L+G??. The variable ? characterizes a cell size for a detonation mixture. A detonation chamber includes a receiving end, a discharge end, and a wall extending along a longitudinal direction between the receiving and discharge ends. The detonation chamber further includes a number of reflective units formed in the wall and positioned along the longitudinal direction. The reflective units are separated by a gap G, and each reflective unit has a length L.

Abstract: Method and apparatus enabling worldwide reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and/or deforestation, personal clean energy system providing for cooking and/or electricity needs, earning emission credits, monetizing values of tradable emission rights/credits accruing from emissions avoided by using the apparatus to pay for the cost of the apparatus and/or to provide ongoing revenue thereby inducing many people to substitute carbon containing fuels for cooking and/or electricity needs by a synergic combination of cooking 0 and electricity generation 21 on sunlight H through a low cost two-axis easy sun tracking mechanism including a bendable mirror 14 having variable curvatures rm and tilt angles sm, optimized for the solar altitudes &agr;s at the latitudes, seasons and day times from equator to arctic, resulting in greatly augmented cooking power enabling high quality meals 0 through much shorter cooking times and longer/higher PV cell 21 outputs charging batteries 24 powering lights, refrigerator, television,

Abstract: A device for igniting a fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, particularly a stationary gas engine, with at least one light source, an optical transmission device and launching optics for focusing light into the combustion chamber. At least one master light source is provided for the continuous or periodic delivery of untriggered master light pulses, which themselves, are not capable of igniting. The optical transmission device has at least one amplifier, which can be selectively triggered and which amplifies individual or groups of master light pulses to an energy level that is sufficient for igniting the fuel/air mixture.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus 2 has a fuel spraying nozzle 12, a feed canal 16 and a return canal 17, both the canals connected to the nozzle, with the former canal 16 feeding a fuel to the nozzle and with the latter canal 17 allowing an unsprayed portion of the fuel to flow back. An electromagnetic pump 18 disposed in the feed canal 16 serves to compress the fuel towards the nozzle 12, and an injector valve 25 is disposed in the return canal 17. A controller 40 regulates the operation of the injector valve 25 in the manner of duty-ratio control so as to adjust the flow rate of the fuel being sprayed out of the nozzle 12.

Abstract: A method, for inhibiting accumulation of light-colored ash on the walls of a furnace in which coal containing high levels of (coal-bound) calcium is burned, comprises adding an iron compound to the coal prior to burning the coal, burning the coal, and producing calcium ferrite, thereby improving heat transfer in furnaces and resultant plant efficiency without adverse environmental consequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable valve, particularly for delivering a pulsed flow of fluid. It comprises a valve body (10); a valve seat (12) dividing the inside of the body into an inlet chamber (14) and an outlet chamber (16); a valve shutter element (22) capable of moving; an actuator (24) comprising a stationary control part (26) for receiving control signals and a moving part (28); first rigid means of connection (30) for connecting the said moving part of the actuator (28) to the said shutter element (22); a mechanical stop (40′); a member (38) that can be compressed under the effect of a force applied to it, comprising a first end secured to the said mechanical stop; and second rigid means (36′) for dynamically connecting one of the faces of the said shutter element (22b) to the second end of the said compressible member (38).

Abstract: Sequenced pulses of light from an excitation laser with at least two resonator cavities with separate output couplers are directed through a light modulator and a first polarzing analyzer. A portion of the light not rejected by the first polarizing analyzer is transported through a first optical fiber into a first ignitor laser rod in an ignitor laser. Another portion of the light is rejected by the first polarizing analyzer and directed through a halfwave plate into a second polarization analyzer. A first portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer passes through the second polarization analyzer to a second, oscillator, laser rod in the ignitor laser. A second portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer is redirected by the second polarization analyzer to a second optical fiber which delays the beam before the beam is combined with output of the first ignitor laser rod.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention for reducing the creation of dioxins during the burning of a biomass containing a contaminant, wherein the contaminant is solvated or neutralized in the presence of a corresponding solvent, includes the steps of prior to the burning or reacting (herein collectively referred to as burning) of the biomass, conveying the biomass and the solvent into a biomass washing means, washing the biomass in the solvent in the washing means, and once at least a portion of the contaminant has been washed from the biomass, conveying the biomass from the washing means and into a biomass burner, and conveying the solvent from the washing means.

Abstract: Known gas-heated infrared radiators for infrared drying units have a radiator housing (1) that is subdivided by a gas-permeable burner plate (5) in a distribution chamber (6) for the gas-air mixture and a combustion chamber (7), the front side of which emits the radiation. The radiator is held by mixing tube (9) that is affixed to the rear side. A gas-air mixture is supplied to the distribution chamber (6) via said mixing tube (9). The mixing tube (9) has a gas nozzle (11) with a gas inlet (12) and an air inlet (17) on the end opposite the radiator housing (1). The mixing tube is affixed to a holding frame of the drying unit. In order to disassemble the infrared radiator from the infrared drying unit and to mount said radiator on said unit as rapidly as possible, the rear side of the radiator housing (1) is connected to the holding frame by releasable fixing means (20, 33-36) that can be released manually from the front side.

Abstract: A method for preventing flashback in a reaction chamber that includes providing a mixture of educts flowing through a mixture distribution zone and into the reaction chamber. The mixture distribution zone has an inlet opening and a variable flow cross-section between the inlet opening and the reaction chamber. The method also includes combusting the mixture in the reaction chamber at a combustion rate, and varying the flow cross-section as a function of a volume of the mixture so as to affect a flow rate of the mixture into the reaction chamber such that the flow rate is greater than the combustion rate. In addition, a reactor that includes, an inlet opening for receiving a mixture of educts, a mixture distribution zone disposed downstream of the inlet opening and having a variable flow cross-section, a reaction chamber disposed downstream of the mixture distribution zone, and a regulation device disposed in the mixture distribution zone for varying the flow cross section.

Abstract: In a method for the control of thermoacoustic instabilities or oscillations in a combustion system (15), pressure oscillations and/or heat release oscillations in the combustion system (15), which are linked to the thermoacoustic instabilities, are measured, the resulting measurement signal is filtered, time-delayed and amplified, and, according to the filtered, delayed and amplified measurement signal, the fuel stream to or the combustion air for the combustion system (15) is modulated. In such a method, the use of more cost-effective modulation devices is achieved in that modulation takes place at a subharmonic of a dominant instability frequency in the combustion system (15).

Abstract: This invention relates to air breathing engines, such as ramjets, scramjets and internal combustion, and more particularly to an active combustion control device for a combustor. In more particularity, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that applies active combustion control technology to advanced propulsion devices and closed-loop fuel injection at sub-harmonic frequencies of the instability frequency of the combustor. The problem of limited actuator frequency response is addressed by injecting fuel pulses at sub-harmonic frequencies of the instability. The fuel may be liquid, solid or gas. To achieve this desired result, a closed loop controller is designed to determine sub-harmonic frequencies using a divider to divide the instability frequency of a combustor, yielding a fraction of the harmonic frequency.

Abstract: A combustion chamber according to the invention has a number b0 of annularly arranged burners, of which a number k of modulatable burners have means for modulating a fuel mass flow, k being k<b0, and the modulatable burners being arranged in such a way that between every pair of adjacent modulatable burners are arranged in each case a1, a2, . . . ak nonmodulatable burners, and that the values a1+1, a2+1, . . . , ak+1 are not integral divisors of b0. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a highest value of LCM(b0, a1+1), LCM(b0, a2+1), . . . LCM(b0, ak+1) is maximum, LCM designating the lowest common multiple. It thereby becomes possible to damp a maximum number of azimuthal vibration modes of the combustion chamber by means of a minimum number of modulatable burners. Each pair of modulatable burners gives rise to at least one undesirable vibration or instability which, however, is damped by the other modulatable burner or burners arranged according to the invention.

Abstract: A high frequency pulsed fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector incorporates a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with a fuel nozzle. During operation the resonance tube provides a pulsating output which is directed into the fuel nozzle. The pulsating output of the resonance tube perturbs the flow of fuel in the fuel nozzle, effectively breaking it up into discrete slugs or chunks for subsequent combustion in a combustion chamber. The combustion process is greatly enhanced by this breakup of the fuel jet, improving combustion efficiency as well as reducing undesirable emissions.

Abstract: A method and device for controllably combusting combustible material, including a combustion device comprising an elongate combustion tube having an inlet section including an inlet for combustible material, an ignition section, including an igniter displaced along a length of the tube from the inlet section to ignite the combustible material, and at least one energy extraction device operatively coupled to the combustion tube and configured to extract energy from combustion of the combustible mixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow control system, comprising a controller, an ignition device whose activation is controlled by the controller, a combustion-driven jet actuator, and a fuel source in fluid communication with the jet actuator that supplies fuel to the jet actuator. Typically, the jet actuator comprises a combustion chamber, an orifice that serves as an outlet for combustion products emitted from the combustion chamber, and at least one inlet through which fuel is supplied to the chamber for combustion. In use, the combustion-based jet actuator can emit jets of fluid at predetermined frequencies.

Abstract: A gas appliance such as a gas burner or gas fire, has means to vary the factors producing flames in the appliance in a substantially random or pseudo-random manner. This means can take several forms, including a ‘liquid-bubbling’ device (FIG. 1), fan devices (FIGS. 2 and 3), flapper or governor valve devices (FIGS. 4, 5 or 9), feed back devices (FIG. 6) and other electrically controlled or motorised devices.

Abstract: In the apparatus of the invention, a first excitation laser or other excitation light source is used in tandem with an ignitor laser to provide a compact, durable, engine deployable fuel ignition laser system. Reliable fuel ignition is provided over a wide range of fuel conditions by using a single remote excitation light source for one or more small lasers located proximate to one or more fuel combustion zones. In a third embodiment, alternating short and long pulses of light from the excitation light source are directed into the ignitor laser. Each of the embodiments of the invention can be multiplexed so as to provide laser light energy sequentially to more than one ignitor laser.

Abstract: A pulsating combustor has a plurality of annular plate elements (12), which are stacked in spaced vertical alignment so as to define a central space (14). There is a plurality of slot-like passages (18), one such passage between each adjacent pair of elements. There is at least one combustion chamber (21) in communication with at least one slot-like passage. Fuel and combustion air are fed into the combustion chambers. There is a spark plug for igniting a fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Preferably there is a first housing (24) defining the combustion chamber and another housing defining a collection chamber for combustion gases emerging from the passages.

Abstract: In a method of controlling thermoacoustic vibrations in a combustion system having a combustion chamber and a burner, the fluid shear layer forming in the region of the burner is acoustically excited. An apparatus for controlling thermoacoustic vibrations in a combustion system having a combustion chamber and a burner is distinguished by the fact that device(s) for the acoustic excitation of the working gas are arranged in the region of the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a process chamber. The apparatus includes a furnace structure that defines a reaction zone that communicates with the process chamber. A burner structure defines a burner port and communicates with the reaction zone through the burner port. The burner structure includes a plurality of mixer tubes. The mixer tubes mix fuel and oxidant and define flow paths for the fuel and oxidant. Each of the flow paths extends through a respective mixer tube. A valve assembly interrupts a flow of fuel and oxidant along one of the flow paths. The valve assembly is shiftable between a closed condition interrupting a flow of fuel and oxidant along the flow path, and an open condition not interrupting the flow. A controller operates to shift the valve assembly into or out of its open condition. The controller has a mode of operation including consecutive cycles in which the valve assembly is shifted into and out of its open condition.

Abstract: A miniature heat source capable of being used in a hand-held device for delivering a metered pulse of fuel to a combustion chamber where it is converted into a pulsed amount of heat. For example, the heat source apparatus can be used in a hand-held cigarette smoking system or within a portable device wherein a microturbine generates electricity, as well as any type of environment where a high energy pulse of heat is desired. The heat source includes a valve such as a sliding, rotatable or timed valve which delivers a metered volume of fuel to the combustion chamber. The valve can deliver the fuel, in an expanded gaseous form, to a venturi conduit which increases the velocity of the gas flow, and delivers the fuel to a combustion chamber where the gas is mixed with air. The combustible mixture is then combusted within the combustion chamber by ignition and/or by catalyzed oxidation.

Abstract: In the apparatus of the invention, a first excitation laser or other excitation light source is used in tandem with an ignitor laser to provide a compact, durable, engine deployable fuel ignition laser system. The beam from the excitation light source is split with a portion of it going to the ignitor laser and a second portion of it being recombined with the first portion after a delay before injection into the ignitor laser. Reliable fuel ignition is provided over a wide range of fuel conditions by using a single remote excitation light source for one or more small lasers located proximate to one or more fuel combustion zones.

Abstract: In the apparatus of the invention, a first excitation laser or other excitation light source capable of producing alternating beams of light having different wavelengths is used in tandem with one or more ignitor lasers to provide a compact, durable, engine deployable fuel ignition laser system. Reliable fuel ignition is provided over a wide range of fuel conditions by using the single remote excitation light source for pumping one or more small lasers located proximate to one or more fuel combustion zones with alternating wavelengths of light.