Abstract: This invention relates to synchronous motor starters and provides a starter including a flywheel connected to the rotor shaft of a synchronous motor by yieldable connection means. When the synchronous motor reaches operating speed as an induction motor the yieldable connection means is in a stressed state and acts to subsequently accelerate the flywheel relative to the rotor shaft of the motor and further to decelerate the flywheel relative to the rotor shaft so that the motor reaches synchronism.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat engine where heated gas is introduced into a venturi or a convergent/divergent nozzle. The heated gas is cooled in a low pressure region by fluid injection the resultant mixture then being passed through the divergent or diffuser part of the venturi or nozzle to a working apparatus. A heat engine is also disclosed which operates according to this method which includes a heat source coupled to a venturi or convergent/divergent nozzle. The nozzle can be substituted by a loop or cyclone. Means are provided to inject fluid into the gas stream in the nozzle loop or cyclone.