Liquid rocket engine and method of operating same

Claim 2

In liquid propellant rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases being driven thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second antecombustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 3

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; and second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamberS to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 4

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; and second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamberS to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 5

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers constituting the sole sources of combustible mixture delivered to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 6

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers constituting the sole sources of combustible mixture delivered to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 7

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising turbines equal in number to said ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with a respective ante-combustion chamber.

Claim 8

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising turbines equal in number to said ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with a respective ante-combustion chamber.

Claim 9

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-coMbustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising turbines equal in number to said ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with the respective ante-combustion chamber; and feed pumps constituting said feed pump means and equal in number to said turbines and each driven by a respective turbine.

Claim 10

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-coMbustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising turbines equal in number to said ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with the respective ante-combustion chamber; and feed pumps constituting said feed pump means and equal in number to said turbines and each driven by a respective turbine.

Claim 11

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly operatively associated with both said first and said second ante-combustion chambers; the combustion gases from said first and second ante-combustion chambers flowing in separate paths through said common turbine to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 12

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly operatively associated with both said first and said second ante-combustion chambers; the combustion gases from said first and second ante-combustion chambers flowing in separate paths through said common turbine to said main combustion chamber means.

Claim 13

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly operatively associated with both said first and said second ante-combustion chambers; the combustion gases from said first and second ante-combustion chambers flowing in separate paths through said common turbine to said main combustion chamber means; said feed pump means comprising plural feed pumps commonly driven by said common turbine.

Claim 14

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly operatively associated with both said first and said second ante-combustion chambers; the combustion gases from said first and second ante-combustion chambers flowing in separate paths through said common turbine to said main combustion chamber means; said feed pump means comprising plural feed pumps commonly driven by said common turbine.

Claim 15

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other.

Claim 16

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other.

Claim 17

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in pairs, each including a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber in coaxial relation; one ante-combustion chamber of each pair being arranged in circumferentially embracing relation with the other ante-combustion chamber of each pair.

Claim 18

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in pairs, each including a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber in coaxial relation; one ante-combustion chamber of each pair being arranged in circumferentially embracing relation with the other ante-combustion chamber of each pair.

Claim 19

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in coaxial relation with each other; said main combustion chambers means comprising at least one main combustion chamber arranged in coaxial relation with said ante-combustion chambers.

Claim 20

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in coaxial relation with each other; said main combustion chambers means comprising at least one main combustion chamber arranged in coaxial relation with said ante-combustion chambers.

Claim 21

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for Delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in pairs, each including a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber in coaxial relation; one ante-combustion chamber of each pair being arranged in circumferentially embracing relation with the other ante-combustion chamber of each pair; said main combustion chamber means comprising at least one main combustion chamber arranged coaxially with said ante-combustion chambers.

Claim 22

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for Delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in pairs, each including a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber in coaxial relation; one ante-combustion chamber of each pair being arranged in circumferentially embracing relation with the other ante-combustion chamber of each pair; said main combustion chamber means comprising at least one main combustion chamber arranged coaxially with said ante-combustion chambers.

Claim 23

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged in laterally adjacent pairs each comprising a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber.

Claim 24

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged in laterally adjacent pairs each comprising a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber.

Claim 25

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately froM delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged in laterally adjacent and laterally spaced pairs each comprising a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber.

Claim 26

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately froM delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged in laterally adjacent and laterally spaced pairs each comprising a first ante-combustion chamber and a second ante-combustion chamber.

Claim 27

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in coaxial relation with each other; said turbine means comprising a number of turbines equal to the number of ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with a respective ante-combustion chamber; said feed pump means comprising feed pumps equal in number to said turbines and each driven by a respective turbine through a respective drive shaft; said drive shafts being coaxially arranged.

Claim 28

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; said ante-combustion chambers being arranged in coaxial relation with each other; said turbine means comprising a number of turbines equal to the number of ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with a respective ante-combustion chamber; said feed pump means comprising feed pumps equal in number to said turbines and each driven by a respective turbine through a respective drive shaft; said drive shafts being coaxially arranged.

Claim 29

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising a number of turbines equal to the number of ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with a respective ante-combustion chamber; said feed pump means comprising feed pumps equal in number to said turbines and each driven by a respective turbine through a respective drive shaft; said drive shafts being in laterally adjacent relation with each other.

Claim 30

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber therein under excess fuel conditions; and means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said turbine means comprising a number of turbines equal to the number of ante-combustion chambers and each operatively associated with a respective ante-combustion chamber; said feed pump means comprising feed pumps equal in number to said turbines and each driven by a respective turbine through a respective drive shaft; said drive shafts being in laterally adjacent relation with each other.

Claim 31

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gaseS for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel condition; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; and second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second delivery means being arranged coaxially of each other.

Claim 32

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gaseS for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel condition; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; and second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second delivery means being arranged coaxially of each other.

Claim 33

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; said main combustion chamber means comprising plural main combustion chambers each having cooling means operatively associated therewith; and means for supplying a combustible mixture component to each of said cooling means.

Claim 34

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; said main combustion chamber means comprising plural main combustion chambers each having cooling means operatively associated therewith; and means for supplying a combustible mixture component to each of said cooling means.

Claim 35

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; means for delivering the combustion gases from the said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; cooling means operatively associated with said main combustion chamber means; and means for supplying both components of the combustible mixture to said cooling means.

Claim 36

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, at least one first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; at least one second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; means for delivering the combustion gases from the said first ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means separately from delivery of the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; cooling means operatively associated with said main combustion chamber means; and means for supplying both components of the combustible mixture to said cooling means.

Claim 37

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, a first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; a second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to said first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to said second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other with one of said ante-combustion chambers circumferentially embracing the other ante-combustion chamber; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly associated with both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and including a stator forming one end wall of both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and a rotor coaxial with said ante-combustion chambers; and an annular partition extending from said common turbine and separating said first and second ante-combustion chambers from each and further separating said first and second delivery means from each other.

Claim 38

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, a first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; a second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to said first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to said second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chambers to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other with one of said ante-combustion chambers circumferentially embracing the other ante-combustion chamber; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly associated with both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and including a stator forming one end wall of both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and a rotor coaxial with said ante-combustion chambers; and an annular partition extending from said common turbine and separating said first and second ante-combustion chambers from each and further separating said first and second delivery means from each other.

Claim 39

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, a first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; a second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other with one of said ante-combustion chambers circumferentially embracing the other ante-combustion chamber; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly associated with both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and including a stator forming one end wall of both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and a rotor coaxial with said ante-combustion chambers; and an annular partition extending from said common turbine and separating said first and second ante-combustion chambers from each other and further separating said first and second delivery means from each other; said partition being fixed to said rotor for rotation therewith.

Claim 40

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, a first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; a second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other with one of said ante-combustion chambers circumferentially embracing the other ante-combustion chamber; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly associated with both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and including a stator forming one end wall of both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and a rotor coaxial with said ante-combustion chambers; and an annular partition extending from said common turbine and separating said first and second ante-combustion chambers from each other and further separating said first and second delivery means from each other; said partition being fixed to said rotor for rotation therewith.

Claim 41

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means dRiven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, a first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; a second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other with one of said ante-combustion chambers circumferentially embracing the other ante-combustion chamber; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly associated with both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and including a stator forming one end wall of both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and a rotor coaxial with said ante-combustion chambers; and an annular partition extending from said common turbine and separating said first and second ante-combustion chambers from each other and further separating said first and second delivery means from each other, said partition including a first partition portion fixed relative to said stator and a second partition portion, aligned with said first partition portion, and fixed relative to said rotor for rotation therewith.

Claim 42

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means dRiven by the turbine means: the improvement comprising, in combination, a first ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; a second ante-combustion chamber positioned in advance of said main combustion chamber means; means for supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to each first ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; means for supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to each second ante-combustion chamber for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; first delivery means for delivering the combustion gases from said first ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; second delivery means, separate from said first delivery means, for delivering the combustion gases from said second ante-combustion chamber to said main combustion chamber means; said first and second ante-combustion chambers being arranged coaxially of each other with one of said ante-combustion chambers circumferentially embracing the other ante-combustion chamber; said turbine means comprising a turbine commonly associated with both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and including a stator forming one end wall of both said first and second ante-combustion chambers and a rotor coaxial with said ante-combustion chambers; and an annular partition extending from said common turbine and separating said first and second ante-combustion chambers from each other and further separating said first and second delivery means from each other, said partition including a first partition portion fixed relative to said stator and a second partition portion, aligned with said first partition portion, and fixed relative to said rotor for rotation therewith.

Claim 43

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the method of operating said engine comprising the steps of supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to a first ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to a second ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and separately delivering the combustion gases from the first and second ante-combustion chambers to the main combustion chamber means.

Claim 44

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the method of operating said engine comprising the steps of supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to a first ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to a second ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; and separately delivering the combustion gases from the first and second ante-combustion chambers to the main combustion chamber means.

Claim 45

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the method of operating said engine comprising the steps of supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to a first ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to a second ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; separately delivering the combustion gases from the first and second ante-combustion chambers to the said main combustion chamber means; and supplying a combustible mixture to said main combustion chamber means only from said first and second ante-combustion chambers.

Claim 46

In a liquid fuel rocket engine including ante-combustion chamber means, main combustion chamber means, means for supplying fuel and oxidizer to the ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein, means for delivering the combustion gases from the ante-combustion chamber means to the main combustion chamber means, turbine means interposed in the path of the combustion gases for driving thereby, and feed pump means driven by the turbine means: the method of operating said engine comprising the steps of supplying fuel and an excess of oxidizer to a first ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess oxidizer conditions; supplying oxidizer and an excess of fuel to a second ante-combustion chamber forming part of said ante-combustion chamber means for combustion therein under excess fuel conditions; separately delivering the combustion gases from the first and second ante-combustion chambers to the said main combustion chamber means; and supplying a combustible mixture to said main combustion chamber means only from said first and second ante-combustion chambers.