Abstract: A launching system is provided having a launch cylinder with an open bottom and propulsion means in the form of a rocket motor attached within the cylinder adjacent the top thereof. The cylinder is formed of a lightweight material which floats with a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the sea. The spacecraft is attached to the upper end of the cylinder in a vertical position for launching. Water cooling apparatus is provided for cooling the cylinder walls in proximity to the exhaust gases. On initial firing of the rocket motor, the hot exhaust gases from the rocket motor are confined therebelow and create expanding pressure within the cylinder in the space above the water surface, while generating steam, which also expands, thus lifting the cylinder and spacecraft from the water until approximately three-quarters of the cylinder is out of the sea. Thereafter, the engines of the spacecraft are ignited, while release of the craft from the cylinder is effected.

Abstract: This invention provides a valving arrangement for a reciprocating engine in which there are two valve assemblies, each with a pressure responsive valve member. As the piston approaches the end of its stroke in either direction, the exhaust port is closed, such as by an extension on the piston, causing fluid pressure to build up in the end of the cylinder. This pressure is conducted to the valve assemblies through fluid lines, causing the pressure-responsive valve members to move in response to the pressure build-up in the end of the cylinder. These valve members control the inlet and exhaust connections to the cylinder so that the piston is caused to reciprocate by the working fluid as the valve members are moved pneumatically to open and close the lines.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed in which a very cold gas, e.g. air, is injected into an upflowing stream of water to aerate and help lift the liquid at accelerated velocity. The gas-liquid mixture is discharged at high velocity into a separating zone converting dynamic energy into pressure energy; gas flows out to drive an expansion engine while the liquid next flows to a deep storage zone, entrapping gas as it descends at considerable velocity. The expanding gas is cooled by expansion and returned to the first stage. Meanwhile, the entrapped downflowing gas is allowed to collect above the liquid in deep storage under pressure, from whence it can be released for expansion, as in an engine, with further cooling to lower still further the temperature of the gas going to the first step. In a modification, a very cold gas, such as liquid nitrogen, may be used in the first step, means being provided for obtaining work and reliquefying the latter gas.

Abstract: This invention provides a floating structure made up of a plurality of individual modules, each of which has conduits extending through its walls. Tension members are threaded through the conduits and placed under tension to hold the modules together in a rigid assembly. Fasteners also may be used in securing the walls together, along with complementary aligning means to assure that the modules are held in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing a floating structure in which triangular modules are formed from flat slabs of ferrocement interconnected by rods which are bent to provide a triangular shape, the rods being interconnected at the portions between the slabs to provide larger triangular units, to which are applied reinforced concrete skins including wire mesh and rods extending from the apexes to the opposite sides to provide outwardly projecting portions for attachment in still larger units. Alternatively, modules may be made by casting in a mold which defines triangular sections, between which are spaces in which are placed reinforcing units that include rods and wire mesh, with the rods projecting outwardly beyond the mold to provide end portions used in assembling the modules into larger units.