Abstract: A N2O decomposition reactor and a method of its use to produce an effluent suitable for use in an ignition device or in the main fuel injection system in high speed aircraft. N2O decomposition is an exothermic reaction and produces a high temperature product containing high concentrations of O2. Combination of fuel with this effluent ignites quickly and is an effective ignition source for the aircraft combustor. Reactor performance is adjusted to meet the conditions required for a selected application by changing the relative concentrations of CO2 and N2O, modifying the reactor length, and varying the quantity of catalyst in the reactor. For use in a pilot ignition device, the desired effluent temperature is between 500° C. and 1200° C. in order to ignite and combust the fuel within the design residence time, between 0.5 and 10 ms. For application as a barbotage gas generator in a fuel injection system, the temperature of the effluent can range from 300° C. up to 800° C.

Abstract: A golf alignment device for use in adjustment of golf stance and golf swing and used to train a user to properly position his/her feet (stance) and the golf club (aim, ball and club head position) when hitting a golf shot. The device includes components for measurement of distance and orientation, including the position of the shoes with respect to each other, the position and/or orientation of the golf club head of the golf club being held by the user and position of the golf ball intended to be struck by the user relative to the device. The alignment device allows determination of the aim of the user as determined by the position of his/her feet as well as the orientation of the golf club head face. A method is also provided for measurement of and adjustment of a golfer's stance and golf swing. This method can be employed in training a golfer and during golf practice.

Abstract: Endothermic fuel compositions comprising 50% or more by volume decahydronaphthalene, including cis-decahydronaphthalene, trans-decahydronaphthalene or a mixture thereof, for use as endothermic fuels in hypersonic vehicles and particularly for use in dual-mode ramjet or supersonic combustion ramjet air breathing engines. Methods for operating a ramjet or scram jet engine wherein the endothermic fuel is used for cooling the combustor and for combustion in the combustor.

Abstract: Endothermic fuel compositions comprising 50% or more by volume decahydronaphthalene, including cis-decahydronaphthalene, trans-decahydronaphthalene or a mixture thereof, for use as fuels in hypersonic vehicles and particularly for use in dual-mode ramjet or supersonic combustion ramjet air breathing engines.

Abstract: A system including a catalytic heat exchanger reactor configured to carry out exothermic decomposition of stable chemical species possessing positive heats of formation. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface. The catalytic heat exchanger is configured to receive N2O and create N2 and O2. A torch is created by fuel together with the hot N2 and the O2. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to, after an initial period of time, to allow a rapid transfer of products of the decomposition reaction into an engine. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface, and the catalytic heat exchanger reactor is configured to promote the atomization and vaporization of liquid and gelled fuels with gas. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system including a catalytic heat exchanger reactor configured to carry out exothermic decomposition of stable chemical species possessing positive heats of formation. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface. The catalytic heat exchanger is configured to receive N2O and create N2 and O2. A torch is created by fuel together with the hot N2 and the O2. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to, after an initial period of time, to allow a rapid transfer of products of the decomposition reaction into an engine. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface, and the catalytic heat exchanger reactor is configured to promote the atomization and vaporization of liquid and gelled fuels with gas. Other embodiments are also disclosed.