Within a stationary upstanding cylindrical housing, a piston and a base member resting on the ground are separated by an expansible detonation chamber. Means are provided for feeding successive charges of a combustible gas mixture into the chamber at a rapid rate and initiating a corresponding series of gas explosions therein. Recoil of the piston following each explosion compresses a first air spring which then forcibly thrusts the piston downwardly. Piston recovery for the next cyclic operation is thereafter slowed by means of a second air spring-dashpot combination.
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