US3651644A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for initiating decomposition of an exothermic propellant
Assignee: Marshall Industries
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Filing: 1969-06-25
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Granted: 1972-03-28
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Expires: 1989-06-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for initiating decomposition of exothermic propellants by developing an electric potential across spaced electrodes located in the propellant inlet stream, the electric potential being at a level high enough to effect decomposition and accompanying heat evolvement to facilitate starting of a rocket engine or the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard P Breen
- 👤 Bill R Lawver
- 👤 James R Kliegel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 20:50
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02K; F02K9/00; F02K9/42; F02K9/60; F02K9/68; F02K9/95
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
Apparatus for liberating the heat of decomposition of an exothermic propellant capable of being electrolyzed, said apparatus comprising: means defining a path for a stream of exothermally decomposable propellant and including a pair of spaced-apart, oppositely polarized electrodes adjacent to said path; and means for developing across said electrodes an electric potential greater than the decomposition voltage of said propellant whereby said propellant is electrolytically decomposed exothermally and without disruptive electric discharge across said electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
Apparatus for liberating the heat of decomposition of an exothermic propellant capable of being electrolyzed, said apparatus comprising: means defining a path for a stream of exothermally decomposable propellant and including a pair of spaced-apart, oppositely polarized electrodes adjacent to said path; and means for developing across said electrodes an electric potential greater than the decomposition voltage of said propellant whereby said propellant is electrolytically decomposed exothermally and without disruptive electric discharge across said electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and including a source of propellant and a conduit connecting said source to said path; and wherein said prOpellant is hydrazine fuel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means defining said path comprises an elongated cylindrical element and an elongated sleeve surrounding said element, said element and said sleeve constituting said electrodes, whereby said path is an elongated annular space.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said element includes a hollow chamber in communication with said path, and wherein said sleeve includes an expansion nozzle and a passage connecting said nozzle and said chamber whereby the propellant decomposition products are dischargeable through said nozzle to derive thrust.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-28 | 1975-09-27 | 1976-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-28 | 1979-09-27 | 1980-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-28 | 1983-09-27 | 1984-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |