SpudFiles

So, I had an idea, but couldn't find any posts that mentioned it. Forgive me if this is not a new idea... I am throwing this out in hopes of receiving some commentary.

I like how combustion guns are made with meter pipes, but find the two ball valves to be cumbersome. Could the two be combined, practically and economically?

Enter:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_valve ... all_valves

If you use an 3-way "L" ball valve and attach in the following configuration:
<a href="" title="Overview by k mur, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/506 ... 43ca50.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt="Overview"></a>

You could accomplish the same with one valve, with the following (left to right) sequence.
<a href="" title="SOE by k mur, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/506 ... a93291.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt="SOE"></a>

Thoughts? Has this been done before?

On a related note:
I don't like having to open a cap or large valve to vent for fresh air after a shot. Has anyone ever added a compressed air cylinder to a combustion gun, that would vent into the combustion chamber and force the spent fuel out of the barrel?
If this works, I think it could be incorporated into a 4-way valve, similar to the method outlined above.

Edit: Image update

A very similar system has been used (with a 3-way valve, sometimes a 3-way solenoid valve) on several cannons to great success. Some people have even created a "one-touch meter". So yes, your idea works perfectly. Unfortunately, it's not new - but it's still a great idea.

Nice rendering, by the way.

Now what would be REALLY cool is if you figured out a way to "one-touch" fuel a hybrid using 3-way or 4-way valves.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

yeap, it has been suggested before

The blue flame launcher on sponsor site launchpotatoes.com uses a 3-way lever valve for the one-touch metering system. I found the same valve on Grainger.com but the link will not work. I also found a diagram on McMaster-carr for three and four-way valve setups: http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/116/970/=97xera[/url]
My nextr combustion will definatley have a three-way/one-touch metering setup. Much easier to use, and way less bulky. Good idea.

Has anyone ever added a compressed air cylinder to a combustion gun, that would vent into the combustion chamber and force the spent fuel out of the barrel?

I have done this, it works but i added the fan anyway for mixing and venting

A difficulty with many 3 way valves is the size of the port in the middle. With a large port, many 3 way valves open all ports at 45 degrees instead of sealing all ports. This would permit an unmeasured burst of fuel while turning the valve. Be sure to use a valve that closes one port before opening the second.