Abstract: A mixing device for incorporating a light gas at low pressure into a working fluid at a very high pressure includes a mixing section in the form of a truncated conical section between the an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of inlets for the light gas into the mixing section, and a plurality of passages through the truncated conical section into a cylindrical section leading to the outlet.

Abstract: A mixing device for incorporating a light gas at low pressure into a working fluid at a very high pressure includes a mixing section in the form of a truncated conical section between the an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of inlets for the light gas into the mixing section, and a plurality of passages through the truncated conical section into a cylindrical section leading to the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid flow promoter for increasing and accelerating the flow of fluids through channels, and useful in marine propulsion and aeration of liquids includes 1) an outer shell including an inlet end wall, an outlet end wall, and a solid truncated wall, 2) a fluid inlet generally centrally located in the inlet end wall, 3) an inner truncated cone with an inlet corresponding to the outer shell inlet and an outlet corresponding to the outer shell outlet, disposed within the outer shell and comprising end and side walls defining a space between the outer shell and the inner cone, the end and side walls of the inner truncated cone being perforated to permit fluid flow therethrough, and 4) a plurality of secondary fluid inlets disposed in the end or side wall of the outer shell. The apparatus is also useful in increasing the thrust of rockets and other jet exhaust devices, and for moving light gases such as helium in modular helium reactors.

Abstract: A gas flow director for exhausting gases from chambers, and useful in the operation of operation of gas turbines, jet engines and rockets, as well as vacuum pumps and gas compressors. The gas flow director includes 1) an outer truncated cone including a closed larger end wall, a generally open smaller end comprising a gas outlet, and a solid truncated wall, 2) a gas inlet generally centrally located in the larger end, and 3) an inner truncated cone disposed within the outer truncated cone and corresponding generally in shape to the outer truncated cone, and including end and side walls generally parallel to the end and side walls, respectively, of the outer truncated cone to define a space therebetween. The end and side walls of the inner truncated cone are perforated to permit gas flow therethrough. The gas flow director also includes 4) a plurality of secondary gas inlets disposed in the side wall of the outer truncated cone, adjacent the end wall, or in the larger end wall adjacent the side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating gas from a chamber to reduce the pressure therein utilizes a housing having a lower, downwardly facing wall and an upper, upwardly facing wall, a first gas flow director of truncated conical shape having a larger end facing downwardly and a smaller end facing upwardly and disposed within the housing coupled to the lower wall. A plurality of stationary vanes is disposed adjacent the smaller end of the first gas flow director, for imparting a vortex flow to gas flowing therethrough. A second gas flow director of truncated conical shape and having a larger end facing downwardly and disposed within the housing and a smaller end facing upwardly is coupled to the upper wall, the surface of the second gas flow director within the housing including a plurality of longitudinal slits, each slit including outer and inner guide flaps to guide the flow of gas through the slit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method, heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas having a molecular weight no greater than the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir, separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir, compressed and returned to the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method, heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas having a molecular weight no greater than the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir and separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir.