Abstract: A deflector at the downstream end of a fuel tube deflects incoming fuel into an annular fuel channel in a fuel swirler of an injector. The deflector prevents direct impact of the cooler fuel on the exposed walls of the swirler body. The deflector can be formed by a tab or other integral portion of the heatshield, or as a separate piece fixed to the heatshield or swirler body. The deflector minimizes disruption of flow through any flow slots that are covered by the deflector, and may have i) a relatively small circumferential extent, such that the deflector covers only a few flow slots, ii) flow openings or slots that allow a portion of the fuel to flow inwardly of the deflector into the otherwise covered flow slot(s), or iii) a space or gap between the side(s) of the deflector and the inner walls of the annular channel.

Abstract: A spray nozzle comprising a nozzle body and a swirl chamber in the nozzle body, the swirl chamber extending axially from a back wall of the swirl chamber to a discharge orifice axially opposite the back wall. The nozzle further comprises a plurality of fluid channels opening to the swirl chamber for conveying fluid from an inlet to the swirl chamber. The fluid channels are disposed to cause swirling of the fluid within the swirl chamber for discharge through the discharge orifice to form a conical spray, and the fluid channels each have a center line projection thereof at least partially radially overlapping the discharge orifice. This construction enables the formation of higher density streaks in the conical spray, which higher density streaks have higher kinetic energy than the lower density mist of the conical spray between the streaks for improved penetration into an air stream, as may be desired for mixing fuel with combustion air, as in a gas turbine combustion system.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly for a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine thermally isolates the heat shield from the fuel nozzle. The heat shield assembly includes a pair of U-shaped heat shield members secured together to form an enclosure for the fuel nozzle, and at least one clip member which secures the heat shield members to the fuel nozzle at about the midpoint of the fuel nozzle stem. The clip member includes a base which is attached to the stem of the fuel nozzle such as by brazing or welding. The clip member also includes at least one, and preferably two, outwardly-extending flexible connector arms which are attached to the heat shield members. The arms are preferably attached to the heat shield such as by welding the arms into the seams of the heat shield members when the heat shield members are initially secured together.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improved combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber of a stirling engine and the like by dividing combustion into primary and secondary combustion zones through the use of a diverter plate.

Abstract: A multiple volume compressor for use in a hot gas (Stirling) engine having a plurality of different volume chambers arranged to pump down the engine when decreased power is called for and return the working gas to a storage tank or reservoir. A valve actuated bypass loop is placed over each chamber which can be opened to return gas discharged from the chamber back to the inlet thereto. By selectively actuating the bypass valves, a number of different compressor capacities can be attained without changing compressor speed whereby the capacity of the compressor can be matched to the power available from the engine which is used to drive the compressor.

Abstract: A mean pressure power control system for a hot gas (Stirling) engine utilizing a plurality of supply tanks for storing a working gas at different pressures. During pump down operations gas is bled from the engine by a compressor having a plurality of independent pumping volumes. In one embodiment of the invention, a bypass control valve system allows one or more of the compressor volumes to be connected to the storage tanks. By selectively sequencing the bypass valves, a capacity range can be developed over the compressor that allows for lower engine idle pressures and more rapid pump down rates.

Abstract: A blower having a stationary casing for rotatably supporting a rotor assembly having a series of open ended chambers arranged to close against the surrounding walls of the casing. Pistons are slidably mounted within each chamber with the center of rotation of the pistons being offset in regard to the center of rotation of the rotor assembly whereby the pistons reciprocate in the chambers as the rotor assembly turns. As inlet port communicates with the rotor assembly to deliver a working substance into the chamber as the pistons approach a top dead center position in the chamber while an outlet port also communicates with the rotor to exhaust the working substance as the pistons approach a bottom dead center position. The displacement of the blower is varied by adjusting the amount of eccentricity between the center of rotation of the pistons and the center of rotation of the rotor assembly.