Abstract: A family of supersonic injectors for use on spaceplanes, rockets and missiles and the like is disclosed and claimed. Each injector maintains a specific constant (uniform) Mach number along its length when used while being minimally intrusive at significantly higher injectant pressure than combustor freestream total pressure. Each injector is substantially non-intrusive when it is not being used. The injectors may be used individually or in a group. Different orientations of the injectors in a group promotes greater penetration and mixing of fuel or oxidizer into a supersonic combustor. The injectors can be made from single piece of Aluminum, investment cast metal, or ceramic or they can be made from starboard and port blocks strapped together to accurately control the throat area. Each injector includes an elongated body having an opening which in cross section is an hour glass (venturi shaped) and the opening diverges in width and depth from the bow section to the stem section of the opening.

Abstract: A diffusion pump capable of separating impurities from its pump fluid during operation is disclosed. Skimming drains are provided in the pump's boiler for periodically skimming the evaporative surface of the working fluid. This eliminates nearly all contaminants of higher molecular weight than the pump fluid. In the foreline of the pump, a series of peripheral gutters are provided for trapping, separating and draining off condensates. The gutters facilitate the removal of impurities of lower molecular weight than that of the pump fluid. Means are also provided for further removing trace quantities of residual volatile impurities which tend to backstream up the diffusion pump barrel. The highly purified pump fluid allows for a more vigorously working evaporative surface, thereby increasing the throughput of the diffusion pump. Together with the elimination of volatile impurities from the pump barrel, this facilitates the attainment of significantly higher ultimate chamber vacuum.

Abstract: A high pressure multi-purpose seal for use with pressure vessels and other equipment requiring demountable access fittings withstands pressures thousands of times above atmospheric pressure at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures. The cryogenic high pressure seal comprises a stack of indium, brass and fluorocarbon plastic sealing rings disposed about an access opening in the pressure vessel. A gland nut type closure is tightened against the seal stack which compresses it and causes the indium rings to extrude and seal against the closure and pressure vessel walls. The seal exhibits negligible leakage and provides exceptional pressurization and depressurization cycle life at both high pressures and cryogenic temperatures. The instant invention also comprehends a high pressure seal suitable for use at elevated temperatures (370.degree. to 400.degree. Celsius or 700.degree. to 750.degree. Farenheit).

Abstract: A diffusion pump capable of separating impurities from its pump fluid during operation is disclosed. Skimming drains are provided in the pump's boiler for periodically skimming the evaporative surface of the working fluid. This eliminates nearly all contaminants of higher molecular weight than the pump fluid. In the foreline of the pump, a series of peripheral gutters are provided for trapping, separating and draining off condensates. The gutters facilitate the removal of impurities of lower molecular weight than that of the pump fluid. Means are also provided for further removing trace quantities of residual volatile impurities which tend to backstream up the diffusion pump barrel. The highly purified pump fluid allows for a more vigorously working evaporative surface, thereby increasing the throughput of the diffusion pump. Together with the elimination of volatile impurities from the pump barrel, this facilitates the attainment of significantly higher ultimate chamber vacuum.