Abstract: A pulsating combustor has a plurality of annular plate elements (12), which are stacked in spaced vertical alignment so as to define a central space (14). There is a plurality of slot-like passages (18), one such passage between each adjacent pair of elements. There is at least one combustion chamber (21) in communication with at least one slot-like passage. Fuel and combustion air are fed into the combustion chambers. There is a spark plug for igniting a fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Preferably there is a first housing (24) defining the combustion chamber and another housing defining a collection chamber for combustion gases emerging from the passages.

Abstract: A pulsating combustion unit includes an elongate combustion chamber having an interior cross-section, an intake end and an exhaust end and sides which are parallel from the intake end to the exhaust end. There is an intake portion adjacent to the intake end and an exhaust portion adjacent to the exhaust end. Preferably the combustion chamber has a generally equal cross-section between the intake end and the exhaust end. The combustion chamber may have an intake bulkhead adjacent to the intake end. The intake portion includes a slot in the bulkhead. The intake portion may also include a pair of spaced-apart plates extending outwardly from the slots in the bulkhead. Preferably these plates are spaced-apart closer together than the combustion chamber. The exhaust portion may include an exhaust bulkhead having an opening therein.

Abstract: A pulsating combustor includes a combustion chamber having a hollow cylindrical form and a tailpipe having a similar hollow cylindrical form, such that the internal chambers are annular in section. Air and fuel are admitted to the combustion chamber and pulsating combustion is initiated, with exhaust gases being removed from the tailpipe. A water jacket is defined both inside and outside the pulsating combustor, with water being moved from one to the other as it is being warmed. Fuel is preferably admitted along needles or short pipes which are such as to have a natural resonant frequency which is a small number multiple of the natural resonant frequency of the combination of the combustion chamber and the tailpipe. Preferred frequencies are 440 cps for the combination combustion chamber and tailpipe, and 1320 cps for the fuel delivery needle or pipe.

Abstract: A pulsating combustor includes a combustion chamber having a hollow cylindrical form and a tailpipe having a similar hollow cylindrical form, such that the internal chambers are annular in section. Air and fuel are admitted to the combustion chamber and pulsating combustion is initiated, with exhaust gases being removed from the tailpipe. A water jacket is defined both inside and outside the pulsating combustor, with water being moved from one to the other as it is being warmed. Fuel is preferably admitted along needles or short pipes which are such as to have a natural resonant frequency which is a small number multiple of the natural resonant frequency of the combination of the combustion chamber and the tailpipe. Preferred frequencies are 440 for the combination combustion chamber and tailpipe, and 1320 cps for the fuel delivery needle or pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining wind characteristics, including compass direction and inclination to the horizontal, includes a hemispherical frame on which a plurality of resonant chambers are mounted, defined by tubes with axes passing through the center of curvature of the hemisphere. One end of each tube is closed, and the end toward the center of curvature is open. Wind blowing across openings appropriately orientated will cause air within the chamber to resonate and create a sound. Each tube has a sound detecting unit for producing a signal when the chamber is resonating, and a computer receives the signals and determines from them the direction of the wind.

Abstract: A fluid container includes at least one pulsating combustion unit which defines an elongate exhaust passageway between two substantially parallel plates, along with an elongate combustion chamber communicating with the exhaust passageways. Two end caps close the ends of the elongate passageway and the elongate chamber. Inlets are provided for admitting a combustible fuel mixture to the combustion chamber, and spark plugs provide ignition means to ignite the mixture. The unit is disposed in the container in such a way that a major part of each of the plates defining the exhaust passageway is in direct contact with the fluid. By initiating and sustaining pulsating combustion in the combustion chamber, a high-amplitude shockwave passes through the exhaust gases, which effectively "scrubs" away the gaseous, laminar surface film on the plates, thus enhancing heat transfer through the plates.

Abstract: There is provided a magneto-hydrodynamic generator which utilizes pulsating combustion. The generator has a central combustion chamber and a radial expansion chamber annularly surrounding the combustion chamber and communicating with it. The expansion chamber is defined between two opposing walls. A combustible fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber and pulsating combustion is initiated in the combustion chamber, so that gas flow in the expansion chamber fluctuates with time. Means are provided for ionizing gas in the expansion chamber, and further means are provided for applying an external magnetic field to the expansion chamber. Finally, electrically conductive means are provided for extracting electrical power from the ionized fluctuating gas flow in the expansion chamber.