Patent US3693002A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3693002A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coaxial high density, hypervelocity plasma generator and accelerator with ionizable metal disc
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1970-12-31
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Granted: 1972-09-19
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Expires: 1990-12-31
Abstract
Abstract A coaxial, high density, hypervelocity plasma generating and accelerating device having a tubular outer electrode and a rodlike central electrode. A foil disc mounted over the central electrode extends radially outward to the outer electrode so as to bridge the electrode gap and form a shorting path therebetween. A capacitor bank is connected across the electrodes and it discharges through and ionizes the foil disc to produce a dense plasma or ionized particles. The plasma is accelerated by the electrical and magnetic fields set up when a potential is applied to the electrodes of the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick N Espy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:06
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/24; H05H1/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
In a plasma generator gun mounted at one end of a vacuum chamber, said generator gun comprising an outer tubular electrode, an inner rod electrode positioned within and along the center axis of the tubular electrode and in spaced relationship thereto, and means for applying a high electrical potential between said electrodes, the improvement comprising: a metal foil disc having its center positioned on said inner rod electrode and its outer periphery continuously engaging the inner surface of said outer electrode so said metal foil disc will be ionized to produce a dense plasma of ionized particles that is accelerated to a high velocity when a high electrical potential is applied to said electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a plasma generator gun mounted at one end of a vacuum chamber, said generator gun comprising an outer tubular electrode, an inner rod electrode positioned within and along the center axis of the tubular electrode and in spaced relationship thereto, and means for applying a high electrical potential between said electrodes, the improvement comprising: a metal foil disc having its center positioned on said inner rod electrode and its outer periphery continuously engaging the inner surface of said outer electrode so said metal foil disc will be ionized to produce a dense plasma of ionized particles that is accelerated to a high velocity when a high electrical potential is applied to said electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
In a plasma generator gun according to claim 1, wherein said metal foil disc is slightly larger than the inner opening of said outer tubular electrode and the outer periphery of said disc is folded against the inner surface of said outer electrode to make a good electrical contact therewith, and said mEtal foil disc has small triangular shaped tabs about its center engaging said inner electrode for good electrical contact.
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) | 1975-09-19 | 1976-03-20 | 1976-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-19 | 1980-03-20 | 1980-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-19 | 1984-03-20 | 1984-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |