Abstract: A hybrid rocket engine is described that achieves stable, highly efficient hybrid combustion by having a core flow of fuel-rich gas generator gases, with the flow being surrounded with an annular injection of oxidizer. The fuel-rich gas serves to vaporize and decompose the oxidizer, such as nitrous oxide, and prepare it for effective, stable combustion. In one embodiment, this is done at the head-end of a combustion chamber. The combustion products can then be expanded through a nozzle to create thrust. The engine can be an upper stage engine that can include modular thrust chambers and an integrated aerospike nozzle. The thrust chambers can be arranged in an array that rings the top of the aerospike nozzle.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket engine is described that achieves stable, highly efficient hybrid combustion by having a core flow of fuel-rich gas generator gases, with the flow being surrounded with an annular injection of oxidizer. The fuel-rich gas serves to vaporize and decompose the oxidizer, such as nitrous oxide, and prepare it for effective, stable combustion. In one embodiment, this is done at the head-end of a combustion chamber. The combustion products can then be expanded through a nozzle to create thrust. The engine can be an upper stage engine that can include modular thrust chambers and an integrated aerospike nozzle. The thrust chambers can be arranged in an array that rings the top of the aerospike nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is a lighting system for providing illumination to an aircraft evacuation slide. Light sources are safely utilized with an existing evacuation slide, a substantial improvement over prior assemblies that use a hard, plastic housing enclosing the light source. The invention increases light transmission, eliminates housing cracking, inadvertent puncturing, clouding, and decreases weight and cost of conventional slide systems. Each assembly comprises a mounting surface and a printed circuit board thereon, light sources, preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the mounting surface, the light sources illuminating the aircraft evacuation slide, and a flexible containment covering, such as a heat shrink wrap that covers the assembly and protects the light sources. A protective shield can cover the mounting surface while allowing the LEDs to protrude through an aperture in the shield, protecting the LEDs from damaging forces while allowing light to illuminate the landing area.