Abstract: This invention concerns a device for emitting shock-waves, with adjustable capacity.Such a device comprises a valve, a barrel with a seat for this valve, barrel and valve being on the same axis, and forming between them an annular combustion chamber, which can be placed in communication with the outside atmosphere by axial movement of the valve, and which comprises means of admitting the oxidant-fuel mixture, the said valve forming a differential piston, one side of which forms a mobile wall of a pressurized fluid chamber, and part of the other side of which forms a mobile wall of the combustion chamber. In this device a fixed wall of the combustion chamber contains at least two regularly spaced apertures at its perimeter, into which fit removable plugs, each of which comprises a cavity opening into the combustion chamber, and which comprise means of admitting fuel and oxidant, and ignition means. The device generates compression waves for seismic exploration.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for emitting mechanical waves in an external medium.This device comprises an annular or axial combustion chamber, shut by a valve, and comprising means of introducing fuel and oxidant, and an ignition system; the valve is composed of a differential piston, one side of which forms a mobile wall of a chamber containing fluid under pressure, and part of the other side of which forms a mobile wall of the combustion chamber.This device is used mainly to generate compression waves for the purpose of seismic exploration.