Abstract: An improved control system for a pulse combustion apparatus is disclosed. The system includes starter means operable to activate blower means for starting the apparatus. First switch means is provided and is responsive to a first predetermined air velocity in the air intake of the apparatus as representing satisfactory operation of the blower means. The first switch means is coupled to and adapted to activate the gas supply means and ignition means of the apparatus when the first predetermined velocity is achieved. Second switch means is also provided and is responsive to a second predetermined air intake velocity representing establishment of combustion in the combustion chamber and adapted to deactivate the ignition means and blower means while maintaining the gas supply when the second predetermined air intake velocity is achieved.

Abstract: Devices and processes are provided for intermittently exploding smoke charges in such a way as to extract thermal energy cheaply and efficiently for various applications.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pulse combustion apparatus generally and to air furnaces of the pulse combustion type. In one aspect, the invention provides a furnace which includes a combustion chamber and an exhaust system disposed in a passageway for air to be heated. The exhaust system includes a primary exhaust pipe, a manifold to which the primary exhaust pipe is coupled, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes which extend from the manifold across the air passageway. The primary exhaust pipe, manifold and heat exchange pipes form a reasonant system with the combustion chamber so that the ignition of successive fuel charges in the chamber causes pressure waves to oscillate throughout said exhaust system including the heat exchange pipes for promoting transfer of heat from the pipes to air flowing through the passageway in use.

Abstract: Oil or other combustible material polluting the sea is burned by apparatus having a partly submergible burner equipped with a transducer for generating high frequency acoustic vibrations. The transducer is surmounted by a velocity transformer designed to concentrate the acoustic vibration at a region of maximum intensity adjacent an upper end of the transformer. A float arrangement on the burner allows buoyancy to be adjusted so that the upper end of the velocity transformer is disposed a suitable distance above the surface of the water. An ignition system on the burner projects upwardly above the velocity transformer to ignite a cloud of the oil which is vaporized over the apparatus by energization of the transducer.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a first half wavelength double-dummy section having a pair of quarter wavelength ultrasonic horns and a driving element sandwiched therebetween. A second half wavelength stepped amplifying section extends from one end of the first section and has a theoretical resonant frequency equal to the actual resonant frequency of the first section. When used as a liquid atomizer, the small diameter portion of the stepped amplifying section has a flanged tip to provide an atomizing surface of increased area. To maintain efficiency, the length of the small diameter portion of the second section with a flange should be less than its length without a flange. A decoupling sleeve within an axial liquid passageway eliminates premature atomization of the liquid before reaching the atomizing surface. In a fuel burner incorporating the atomizer, ignition electrode life is increased by locating the electrodes outside the normal flame envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat-pulsed recuperation of energy includes a vessel defining a pulse chamber and a recuperator chamber. Gates selectively open an inlet to the pulse chamber for the introduction of the gas to the pulse chamber, open a passage for partial release of the gas from the pulse chamber to the recuperator chamber, and close the pulse chamber for confinement during compression and after release. A pulse-heat source in the pulse chamber pulse-heats the confined gas to cause the compression. Heat transfer apparatus in the chambers transfers heat from the remainder and the released portion to a heat transfer medium. A method of recuperation of heat energy, which is the method by which the apparatus operates, includes heat-pulsed compression of a confined gas. The gas is partially, adiabatically released after compression. Heat energy is recuperated by heat transfer from the released portion and the remainder.

Abstract: A boiler control system comprising an oil burner, one or more electrically-operated oil-injecting devices for injecting oil into a combustion chamber of the oil burner, and switch means for periodically energizing the or each oil-injecting device, and switch-control means for varying the ON/OFF time ratio of the energization of the or each oil-injecting device.

Abstract: A continuous flow water heater utilizes a submersible pulsating heating mechanism. A continuous flow water heater is provided with a caldron which may be closed by means of a cover. The pulsating heating mechanism may be mounted to the caldron cover with the pulsating heating mechanism and the cover being readily removable. The pulsating heating mechanism extends downward into the caldron. The pulsating heating mechanism is formed by a vertically standing sound muffling air cylinder with an intake muffler, a combustion chamber and a pulsation pipe connected to the combustion chamber. The pulsation pipe exhausts into a cylindrically shaped substantially vertically mounted exhaust muffler cylinder mounted adjacent to the air cylinder within the caldron. The caldron may be made of a synthetic material as the highest temperature which it must withstand is that of the temperature of the water to be heated.

Abstract: A resonant or pulsating combustion heating apparatus of the present invention provides a high thermal efficiency heater with low concentrations of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas. The pulsation heater is constructed to provide an afterburner or late-combustion reactor in the pulsation tube. Combustion in the combustion chamber is of a relatively rich fuel/air mixture in which no nitrogen oxides are produced. The afterburning in the pulsation tube is carried out in the presence of excess air providing late combustion to remove carbon monoxide (CO).

Abstract: A flaming trumpet or a musical instrument which emits a flame under the control of the musician playing the instrument. The intensity and duration of the flame are controlled by the musician activating a control valve which controls the amount of gas emanating from a cartridge mounted on the instrument. The gas is directed through tubing so that it emanates from the flared end of the instrument and is ignited by means of a spark mechanism which is operated by the musician.

Abstract: A pulse combustion heater is described and includes a combustion chamber and at least one exhaust pipe forming a resonant system with a chamber. In one aspect of the invention, the combustion chamber has an internal cavity of flattened spherical shape which causes combustion gases returning to the combustion chamber to flow into said cavity in a double toroidal flow pattern. In another aspect, the apparatus has an exhaust system which includes a primary exhaust pipe of a length selected so that combustion of gases is at least substantially complete before the gases leave the pipe. The pipe terminates at a manifold to which is connected a plurality of heat exchange coils of helical shape from which heat is transferred to a fluid circulated around the coils.

Abstract: A method of direct ignition of pulverized coal to furnish energy for warm-up or low load operation of a coal burning furnace comprises forming a fuel stream consisting of a mixture of pulverized coal and air, the fuel stream having an air to coal ratio and/or a flow velocity which fluctuates. The fluctuating fluid stream is introduced into a combustion area where the coal is ignited by an energy source. The fluctuation of the air to coal ratio and/or the fluctuation of the flow speed provide for the air to coal ratio and/or the flow speed to be swept through a range of values which includes the optimum conditions for ignition.

Abstract: An engine combustion system is provided wherein fuel is supplied to the engine combustion chamber in the form of a hot vapor. The system preferably includes a preburner wherein a portion of a liquid fuel supply is burned internally to provide a hot, gaseous admixture of gasified fuel and products of combustion. A portion of the output of the preburner is used to heat air induced into the intake manifold, the heated air being thence supplied to the combustion chamber. The output of the preburner can also be used in auxiliary units such as a heating system for the passenger compartment. For a piston-type engine, the gaseous fuel is released into the combustion chamber formed by the clearance volume above the piston at the top center position of the piston, air being compressed within a recess in the cylinder during the cylinder head and rushing past the fuel inlet upon the downstroke of the piston to provide thorough mixing and, hence, complete burning of the gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A burner with an ultrasonic vibrator wherein a plurality of electrostrictive vibrator elements are clamped between a front metal plenum having an atomizing surface formed at the leading end thereof and a rear metal plenum; an intermediate supporting member is joined to said front or rear metal plenum in proximity to one of said vibrator elements most closest thereto; the intermediate supporting member is in turn supported by a supporting member; means is provided for supplying a liquid fuel to the atomizing surface; and means for feeding the combustion air in front of the atomizing surface, whereby no undesired load is added to the vibration system; the atomizing surface is subjected to stable ultrasonic vibration and consequently the atomized fuel particles may be well mixed with combustion air.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a first half wavelength double-dummy section having a pair of quarter wavelength ultrasonic horns and a driving element sandwiched therebetween. A second half wavelength stepped amplifying section extends from one end of the first section and has a theoretical resonant frequency equal to the actual resonant frequency of the first section. When used as a liquid atomizer, the small diameter portion of the stepped amplifying section has a flanged tip to provide an atomizing surface of increased area. To maintain efficiency, the length of the small diameter portion of the second section with a flange should be less than its length without a flange. A decoupling sleeve within an axial liquid passageway eliminates premature atomization of the liquid before reaching the atomizing surface. In a fuel burner incorporating the atomizer, ignition electrode life is increased by locating the electrodes outside the normal flame envelope.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary burner of the type wherein the liquid fuel (to be referred to as "the oil" hereinafter in the specification) is atomized by uniform and stable ultrasonic waves and the oil particles are prevented from being sprayed outwardly so that the non-uniform distribution of concentrations of oil particles results, whereby the uniform combustion may be ensured.

Abstract: A combustion device of the type for atomizing liquid fuel by an ultrasonic atomizer and mixing the atomized fuel particles with air for combustion. A first air passage is defined around a horn of the ultrasonic atomizer by an inner cylinder, and a second air passage is defined around the first air passage by the inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The air flowing through the first air passage is discharged into a cylindrical combustion section substantially in parallel with the axis thereof while the air flowing through the second air passage is swirled in the direction substantially tangential to the inner wall of the combustion section and discharged toward the atomizing surface of the horn, whereby the satisfactory mixing of the atomized fuel particles with the combustion air may be attained and the flame may be optimumly stabilized.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safety control for a pulse combustion system. In a pulse combustion process, a combustible fuel and air are introduced into a combustion chamber through check valves in pulses and ignite to generate an alternating sinusoidal pressure wave. The control system of the invention comprises rectifying the sinusoidal pressure wave to obtain therefrom a differential pressure signal and applying the pressure signal to a control circuit to position a valve in the combustible fuel supply. Any interruption in combustion within the chamber causes a cessation of the differential pressure signal and closes the control valve.

Abstract: Fuel feeding apparatus is provided for a vehicle heater of the type having a combustion air fan connected by a combustion air feed line to a heater combustion chamber. A venturi tube is arranged in the feed line downstream of the combustion air fan and a fuel feed line and fuel nozzle opens into the air feed line at the venturi tube. A diaphragm pump is provided which has a first chamber, a fuel supply line inlet and an outlet at the fuel feed line to the venturi tube and a second chamber communicated with the air feed line at a position spaced from the venturi tube. A check valve is provided in the fuel feed line and a closure valve is provided at the fuel supply line leading to the first chamber. Movement of the diaphragm in the pumping direction is controlled exclusively by a pressure difference at the venturi tube and at the air feed line upstream of the venturi tube, while the suction stroke is controlled by an electromagnet.

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: In a process for incinerating liquid, gaseous or pasty waste, the steps of producing a high frequency vibratory flow of a fluid in a pulverzing chamber, introducing the liquid, gaseous or pasty waste into the chamber to be pulverized in said high frequency vibratory fluid flow, providing combustion air to be drawn into said high frequency vibratory flow to be mixed with said pulverized waste and igniting the mixture of pulverized waste and combustion air. In addition the present arrangement provides a chamber in which waste material is pulverized. The chamber is equipped with first aperture means and second aperture means. Within the chamber and disposed to face said first aperture is a cavity resonator so that when high pressure fluid passes through said first aperture there results a high frequency vibratory flow of said fluid.

Abstract: A combustion process in which a water-in-oil emulsion of liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrocarbons, containing from 10 to 50% water and preferably 10 to 30% water is burned. The emulsion is produced, with little or no added emulsifying agent, by sonic agitation, including a sonic generator and an acoustic transformer having a larger cross-section coupled to or in contact with the sonic generator than at its other end, at which emulsification takes place, whereby the sonic energy density is increased. With the increased sonic density an emulsion is produced which when burned produces a quality of burn such that the combustion is faster, more complete, and cleaner, with an increase in efficiency even up to 30% of water. The increase in efficiency often equals that obtained by the burning of the same weight of pure fuel in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A lamp burning a vaporizable oil produces both a steady light and a regularly recurring bright flash. The lamp has a non-combustible wick in a cooled metal tubular wick holder, the upper part of the wick holder being surrounded by an open-topped combustion chamber which extends inwardly towards a pilot flame on the wick. Heating of the combustion chamber induces air flow causing an explosive mixture to form in the chamber; this is ignited by the pilot flame to give a bright flash.

Abstract: A power plant for producing heat. A frame is rotatably mounted within a container with an inertia wheel mounted to and rotatable with the frame. A fuel storage tank mounted within the frame is connected between and to an external source of fuel and a plurality of fuel injectors mounted to the inertia wheel. Cooling means within the container cover the frame and at least a portion of the inertia wheel with a combustion chamber provided within the container above the cooling means. Igniting means mounted to the container projects into the combustion chamber and is operable to ignite fuel intermittently injected into the combustion chamber by the injectors mounted to the inertia wheel. Pumping means provided on the frame is operable to pump fuel from the storage tank to the injectors in a timed relationship to the position of the injectors relative to the cooling means and combustion chamber. Heat is withdrawn from the container resulting from the combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: A compressed oil burner which includes an operating nozzle having a valve body which is yieldingly loaded against a valve seat in a direction opposite to the flow direction so that fuel is supplied at a pulsating pressure, a sleeve surrounding the operating nozzle with adjustable dampers for supplying air thereto and check valves for exhausting fuel and air mixtures, a separate starting nozzle having an air fuel mixing chamber with outflow apertures positioned on the sleeve in front of the operating nozzle and fuel and air inlets into the chamber to supply fuel and air thereto when the fuel supply to the operating nozzle is closed.

Abstract: After a combustion chamber is filled with a combustion mixture of gases, channels extending upward from the valves for admitting the gas components of the mixture to a gas inlet bore are flooded with a quantity of water injected through an additional valve by a hydraulically driven piston. After the hydraulic pressure behind the piston is turned off, the water chamber in front of the piston is refilled by the inflow of water at water line pressure, which is not sufficiently high enough in pressure to reopen the water outlet valve until the piston is again driven.

Abstract: Burners of an oven are operated to satisfy heat loads changeable between a high load and substantially smaller loads. At least under the smaller loads the burners are cyclically controlled in a cycle of time periods T-1 and T-2. During the periods T-1 the burners are steadily regulated to maintain a uniform temperature in the oven. For periods T-2 the burners are periodically controlled to admit one of two selected magnitudes of fuel flow to the oven. At least under the smallest loads the latter magnitudes are periodically controlled to be zero or close to zero.

Abstract: A vaporizing type liquid fuel combustion keyboards is disclosed which is particularly suitable for heating individual rooms and which includes a fuel supply system capable of delivering very small volumes of fuel reliably and without the need for excessively complicated components. The apparatus includes an intermittently driven electric fuel pump which is controlled by a flame detector for the the fuel feed at a proper level. An adjustable damper is also provided in the combustion air supply system for regulating the air flow delivered to the combustion apparatus, and is coupled to the fuel feed system for coordinating control thereof.

Abstract: A burner comprises means for directing combustion air into a combustion space for ignition with fuel which is directed into the space by an electromagnetic fuel pump which is operated off the shaft of a blower motor through the operation of a rotatably perforated disc which is rotated by the shaft to operate a photoelectric switching device for intermittently actuating the electromagnet of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A pulse-action detonation combustion chamber enables the speed-, temperature- and pressure-modulated flow of the combustion products at a peak temperature of up to 4000.degree.C, pressure up to 30 atm and speed up to 1000 m/s with a repetition frequency of impulses of up to 100 c/s. The combustion chamber comprises a combustion chamber proper is in the form of a tube closed at one end, manifolds are provided for the supply of fuel, oxidizer and a non-combustible material respectively, an ignition arrangement and means for cooling the fuel and oxidizer supply manifolds. The chamber can be filled with fuel in an amount sufficient to develop detonation due to the measures preventing the fuel from being prematurely ignited. Such premature ignition may take place because of the contact of the fresh fuel with the hot combustion products expelled by such fuel.

Abstract: An improved burner assembly, especially useful to heat a thermoelectric generator, comprising an ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing liquid fossil fuels into a mist of fine particles; baffle means for causing an appropriate mixture of fuel and air; and, usually, a mantle for uniformly distributing the heat of combustion over a cylindrical hot plate against which thermoelectric legs are disposed.