Abstract: A simple propulsion engine utilizing unheated atmospheric air as the propellant, and driven by a single cycle (unicycle) engine with internal combustion cylinder and free piston is disclosed. A free piston with an annularly arranged thrust piston to divide a dual-diameter cylinder into two combustion chambers and two thrust chambers is provided. Scavenge feeder lines connected the thrust chambers to the combustion chambers via check valves provide exhaust scavenging, additional thrust output through exhaust nozzles, and feeding of fresh air into the combustion chambers. Also, pressure-actuated fuel injectors utilize pressure changes in respective combustion chambers to inject fuel at the appropriate time. The fuel injector includes an intensifier piston and pintle to raise the fuel pressure.

Abstract: A simple propulsion engine utilizing unheated atmospheric air as the propellant, and driven by a single cycle (unicycle) engine with internal combustion cylinder and free piston is disclosed. A free piston with an annularly arranged thrust piston to divide a dual-diameter cylinder into two combustion chambers and two thrust chambers is provided. Scavenge feeder lines connected the thrust chambers to the combustion chambers via check valves provide exhaust scavenging, additional thrust output through exhaust nozzles, and feeding of fresh air into the combustion chambers. Also, pressure-actuated fuel injectors utilize pressure changes in respective combustion chambers to inject fuel at the appropriate time. The fuel injector includes an intensifier piston and pintle to raise the fuel pressure.

Abstract: A simple propulsion engine utilizing unheated atmospheric air as the propellant, and driven by a single cycle (unicycle) engine with internal combustion cylinder and free piston is disclosed. A plain piston is slidably displaceable in an elongated cylinder containing cylinder heads on opposite ends. The piston receives a combustive impulse at each end of its stroke. The cylinder also has exhaust/inlet ports and propulsive nozzles at each end with relevant valves and actuators to effect the requisite timing of the combustion, air induction, and propulsion functions. During the piston's traverse of the elongated cylinder's midsection, air is induced into the expanding volume of the moving piston/cylinder chamber while air is compressed and expelled through the nozzle of the decreasing volume chamber, producing usable thrust. The large amounts of atmospheric air induced provides inherent internal cooling and exhaust scavenging of the propulsion engine.

Abstract: A high force gain valve including a fluid inlet, a diverter to absorb pressure and flow forces, a fluid outlet, a moveable gate surrounding the diverter and interposed between inlet and outlet to effect fluid metering, and actuation rods extending out of the pressure region for positioning of the gate. The gate has a beveled sealing edge exposed to the fluid pressure within the housing which permits the gate to be force biased in the open direction. The high force gain valve is designed to reduce tensile and shear stresses so that the valve can be constructed of moderate or low tensile and shear strength materials, such as refractory materials.

Abstract: An electromechanical motion amplifier in accordance with this invention is useful for controllably converting an input displacement into an amplified output displacement. This device comprises a first piston movable within a predetermined range of travel along an axis in response to the input displacement, and a second piston movable within a predetermined amplified range of travel along such axis. Force transmission means cooperating with the first and second pistons is utilized for effecting movement of the second piston in response to movement of the first piston. The relationship between the first and second pistons is such that movement of the first piston along the axis produces amplified movement of the second piston along the axis in a selected direction. In a preferred embodiment, the force transmission means is an elastomer, and the second piston is connected to a valve located in a nearby chamber, so as to directly control the positioning of the valve.

Abstract: A high force-gain valve including a housing having first and second openings therein, a fluid diverter fixed in position within the housing and aligned with the second opening, a translatable gate closely surrounding the diverter and having a sealing edge which in the closed position seats against the portion of the housing adjacent the second opening, and a positioner for translating the gate between open and closed positions. The gate is hollow, its interior being in fluid communication with the interior of the housing, and has a beveled sealing edge, exposing most of the sealing edge to the fluid pressure within the housing, and is therefore force balanced. The force balancing permits the gate to be easily and quickly translated and positioned between the open and closed positions.