Abstract: An electrodischarge apparatus has a nozzle that includes a discharge chamber that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet. The apparatus has a first electrode extending into the discharge chamber that is electrically connected to one or more high-voltage capacitors. A second electrode is proximate to the first electrode to define a gap between the first and second electrodes. A switch causes the one or more capacitors to discharge across the gap between the electrodes to create a plasma bubble which expands to form a shockwave that escapes from the nozzle ahead of the plasma bubble.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an ignition system that repeats an ignition cycle by providing hydrogen and oxygen and also provides a control spark with a sufficient amount of energy for igniting a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The combustion chamber is immersed in an aqueous fluid, fills with the same or other aqueous fluid, receives the hydrogen and oxygen therein, receive the control spark to ignite the combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to cause a combustion reaction to occur and form steam that yields a specific amount of heat energy, and provides the aqueous fluid from the combustion chamber in response to the substantial increase in pressure on the aqueous fluid contained therein.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system comprising, in one embodiment: a fuel-filled tank; an air compressor that generates compressed air; an engine that receives fuel from the tank, wherein the air compressor is powered by the engine; and at least one hot gas generator that receives compressed air from the air compressor, the hot gas generator comprising: (a) a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the compressed air injected into the combustion chamber at the inlet, the combustion chamber adapted to produce hot gas; (b) an injection nozzle that receives fuel from the tank, the injection nozzle positioned proximate to the inlet of the combustion chamber, the injection nozzle adapted to spray the fuel into the combustion chamber; and (c) an exhaust Coanda nozzle positioned at the outlet of the combustion chamber through which the hot gas produced in the combustion chamber is discharged from the hot gas generator.

Abstract: A nautical engine comprising at least one combustion chamber provided with a first opening for feeding an air and fuel mixture, at least one spark plug for igniting the mixture, at least one second opening for exhausting the exhaust gas derived from the ignition of the mixture, a device adapted to feed at least one combustion chamber by the at least one first opening, a control device adapted to control the feeding device for feeding the mixture into the combustion chamber and for igniting the spark plug for igniting the mixture. The feeding device comprises a nozzle adapted to spray the mixture at a pressure to open the first valve of the chamber, and, after having closed the first opening of the first valve, the second valve, for exhausting the gas, can be opened by the gas produced by the ignition of the mixture in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system comprising, in one embodiment: a fuel-filled tank; an air compressor that generates compressed air; an engine that receives fuel from the tank, wherein the air compressor is powered by the engine; and at least one hot gas generator that receives compressed air from the air compressor, the hot gas generator comprising: (a) a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the compressed air injected into the combustion chamber at the inlet, the combustion chamber adapted to produce hot gas; (b) an injection nozzle that receives fuel from the tank, the injection nozzle positioned proximate to the inlet of the combustion chamber, the injection nozzle adapted to spray the fuel into the combustion chamber; and (c) an exhaust Coanda nozzle positioned at the outlet of the combustion chamber through which the hot gas produced in the combustion chamber is discharged from the hot gas generator.

Abstract: A system or method of propelling a vehicle with a multimodal propulsion system is provided. This multimodal propulsion system includes a primary inlet, a high-pressure gas generator, a gas generator exhaust system, a secondary fluid inlet, and a propulsion exhaust system. The primary inlet receives an incoming fluid flow that is provided to the high-pressure gas generator. The high-pressure gas generator coupled to the primary inlet produces a high-pressure exhaust from the incoming fluid flow. The high-pressure gas generator exhaust and secondary inlet couple to the propulsive exhaust system which mixes the two flow streams. The secondary flow may be gaseous or liquid fluid flow such as air flow for airborne flight and water for waterborne operation. The mixed fluid flow is expelled by the propulsive exhaust system that can propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system comprising: a fuel-filled tank; an air compressor that generates compressed air; an engine that receives fuel from the tank, wherein the air compressor is powered by the engine; and at least one hot gas generator that receives compressed air from the air compressor, the hot gas generator comprising: (a) a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the compressed gas injected into the combustion chamber at the inlet, the combustion chamber adapted to produce hot gas; (b) an injection nozzle that receives fuel from the tank, the injection nozzle positioned proximate to the inlet of the combustion chamber, the injection nozzle adapted to spray the fuel into the combustion chamber; and (c) an exhaust nozzle positioned at the outlet of the combustion chamber through which the hot gas produced in the combustion chamber is discharged from the hot gas generator.

Abstract: A jet propulsion device and method for controlling movement of the jet propulsion device, where liquid inlets are positioned at a distance from the surface of the device. Preferably, the inlets are positioned in the stabilizing fins of the device. When the device reaches a certain speed, a Riabouchinsky cavity forms around the device, and the radius of the Riabouchinsky cavity is substantially equal to the distance between the inlets and the longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system having a simple configuration and high energy efficiency and a marine vessel having the same. A detonation device for generating a detonation wave and a detonation wave discharger for releasing a detonation wave generated in the detonation device into the water so as to propel the marine vessel. When a detonation wave generated in the detonation device is discharged into the water by the detonation wave discharger, the discharged detonation wave pushes against the water, so a thrust pushing against a hull is generated as a reaction to the pushing force. A large-scale mechanism such as a propulsion system using a mechanical drive mechanism such as a screw or a propulsion system for generating a high pressure gas by utilizing a compressor is not needed, so the configuration can be simplified. Further, the water is pushed away by the detonation wave, so turbulence becomes hard to occur in the water, and the loss of the energy due to turbulence can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained propulsion apparatus 1 suitable for a sub-sea ROV. The apparatus comprises: a reactor vessel 2 having at least one inlet 3, 4 and an exhaust 7; reservoirs 10, 11 for holding fuel and an oxidant material therefor, wherein the reaction products of said fuel and oxidant comprise steam; a remotely operable fuel and oxidant supply control device 12, 13; and a steam turbine 9 connected to the exhaust 7 so as to be driven by steam from the reactor vessel 2. The turbine 9 is drivingly connected 39 to a propulsion device 42 for propelling the ROV in use thereof. A degassing apparatus 17 is provided for substantially removing steam and any other gas phase reaction products, from the gas phase into the liquid and/or solid phase, downstream of the turbine 9.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system is disclosed that includes at least one nozzle having a combustion chamber therein. The nozzle has an exit end that is shaped so as to flare outwardly. A fuel reformer separates gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide and a fuel line feeds the hydrogen gas into the combustion chamber of the nozzle. Combustion air is also fed into the combustion chamber. In addition, measured quantities of raw sea water are also delivered into the combustion chamber. An electrical igniter within the combustion chamber ignites the hydrogen gas causing the water to flash into steam. The steam exhausts through the exit end of the nozzle resulting in a forward thrust.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained propulsion apparatus 1 suitable for a sub-sea ROV.

Abstract: A system for propelling a watercraft using hydrogen. The system comprises a combustion chamber, an accumulator system, an ignition system, and a propulsion control system. The combustion chamber defines an upper portion and a lower portion. The accumulator system stores pressurized fluid. A first check valve is arranged to allow water to flow from the exterior of the watercraft into the lower portion of the combustion chamber. A second check valve is arranged to allow water to flow from the lower portion of the combustion chamber to the accumulator system. A propulsion control valve is arranged to control the flow of water from the accumulator system to the exterior of the watercraft. A mixture of hydrogen and oxygen is introduced into the upper portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for substantially reducing water drag while increasing speed and fuel economy for both underwater and surface watercraft. The apparatus and process also provides a means to approach super-cavitation speeds without explosive acceleration which is damaging to equipment and passengers by strategically reinventing the thrust mechanisms.

Abstract: A boat includes a plurality of longitudinal keels below the deck. The space between the keels is closed, at both ends, to form an enclosed downwardly open cavity. Jet propulsion engines are provided at the forward end of each cavity, well above the waterline, to pressurize the cavities with exhaust gases. A cavity enclosing stern plate includes an open tube, fitted with a variable control valve, passing therethrough, well above the waterline. The stern plate, and a cavity enclosing bow plate are set at a forwardly leaning angle, and a flexible trailing seal is fixedly attached to the bottom faces of the plates.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having exhaust pipes which discharge exhaust gases to either side of the craft's hull, is disclosed The exhaust system of the personal watercraft has one or more valves which can be used to selectively direct exhaust gases to one side or the other of the hull to thereby generate a steering force to at least aid in the steering of the personal watercraft. Also disclosed, are a pair of sponsons with perforated bottoms which are attached to either side of the hull. Exhaust gases are directed into the sponsons which release exhaust gas bubbles under the waterline and thus muffle the exhaust noise. In conjunction with the sponsons, multi-compartment tuning chambers can be provided inside the hull. A method for steering a personal watercraft using exhaust gases and a method and arrangement for automatically shutting off exhaust gas flow when the craft leaves the water, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns an internal combustion engine with a combustion chamber (8) for burning the working gas in an explosion stroke and, connected to the combustion chamber (8), a pump chamber (18) which can be filled via an input orifice (181) with a driving fluid which can be ejected through an exhaust orifice (182) by the effect of the combustion gas formed during the explosion stroke; this internal combustion engine is provided with a spraying device (19, 50) with which a coolant can be sprayed into the pump chamber (18) during an implosion stroke subsequent to the explosion stroke.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a large, nuclear-powered ship includes a number of steam expansion thrusters rearwardly directed from the stern portion of the ship above the water line, a number of water jet drivers rearwardly directed from the stern portion below the water line, and a number of water jet thrusters downwardly directed from the hull portion of the ship. The frictional drag effect on the ship may be reduced by providing a curtain of air bubbles adapted to flow rearwardly in contact with the hull portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic propulsion device possessing an expansion chamber located downstream of a cross-sectional widening for the inflow of a medium which is to be expelled through a discharge nozzle. The propulsion device is constructed as a static propulsion mechanism without movable components, in that the gaseous operating medium is produced in the propulsion device through the reaction of a hydrofuel, such as NaK with water.

Abstract: The invention defines a propulsion system for an underwater vehicle. More particularly, the invention describes a turbo-hydroduct propulsion system which operates on stored, high energy fuel. The fuel is combusted and powers a turbopump which pressurizes ingested water to a very high pressure. The pressurized water is subsequently exhausted from the vehicle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A liquid turbojet engine includes an elongated shaft, a housing mounted about the shaft with the shaft being rotatable relative to the housing about the shaft longitudinal axis, a conduit fixed to the shaft within the housing filled with an inert motive liquid and nozzles for inducing combustible gas bubbles in the motive liquid. The conduit has a compression section extending generally radially from the shaft, a combustion section extending generally axially and parallel to the shaft and from the compression section at a radial distance from the shaft, and an expansion section extending generally radially relative to the shaft axis from an end of the combustion section remote from the compression section. The bubble nozzles are located at the inlet of the compression section. The motive liquid enters through an inlet in the housing. The burned bubbles are discharged with the motive liquid through an exit nozzle in the housing.

Abstract: A marine jet propulsion system for use as an inboard engine for boats is herein described. An engine or motor means is attached in a driving relationship to a pump and thrust output means. Heat generated by and rejected by the engine or motor is passed into the pump base for dissipation into the outputted jet thrust stream. Air and/or exhaust gas from the engine is ejected around the jet output stream to reduce against-the-hull and jet stream or thrust energy losses. Streamlining hull closures for the jet pump intake and output ports are provided to reduce system hull drag when not in use and to limit marine organism growth inside the pump.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit which is mounted externally of a marine vessel and receives supplies of compressed air and fuel from on board the vessel, comprises a housing, a duct in the housing, containing a ventilated flow rotor, the rotor having tip blading driven by the products of combustion from combustion apparatus located in the housing.

Abstract: A propulsion motor for an underwater vehicle such as an anti-submarine weapon. The motor includes a propulsion chamber into which water is admitted and then rapidly expelled through an exhaust nozzle, developing thrust to propel the vehicle. Gas generators are used to develop the successive hydropulses to expel the water following each filling of the motor chamber with water. In one particular embodiment of an anti-submarine weapon which is directed through the air to the vicinity of a submarine by a rocket motor, the hydropulse underwater propulsion system can use the same chamber as the rocket motor.