US3929119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-energized plasma compressor
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1974-08-27
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Granted: 1975-12-30
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Expires: 1994-08-27
Abstract
Abstract A self-energized plasma compressor which compresses plasma discharged from a coaxial plasma generator. The device includes a helically shaped coil which is coaxially aligned with the center axis of the coaxial plasma generator. The plasma generator creates a current through the helical coil which, in turn, generates a time varying magnetic field that creates a force which acts radially upon the plasma. The coaxial plasma generator and helical coil move the plasma under high pressure and temperature to the narrow end of the coil. Positioned adjacent the narrow end of the coil are beads which are engaged by the plasma to be accelerated to hypervelocities for simulating meteoroids.
Inventors
- 👤 James C Administrator Fletcher
- 👤 Edward L Shriver
- 👤 Eduard B Igenbergs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 09:57
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/02; H05H1/10; H05H1/24; H05H1/52; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
302 words
An apparatus for producing high temperature compressed plasma comprising: a. an elongated cylindrical first elecTrode; b. a central rod electrode disposed coaxially of said first electrode out of contact therewith; c. an electrically conductive element extending between said central rod electrode and an inner end of said first electrode; d. means for applying a high voltage to said first electrode and said central rod electrode for causing said electrically conductive element to ionize producing a plasma which is accelerated out of the outer end of said first electrode; e. an insulating connecting means carried on an outer end of said first electrode; f. an elongated electrically conductive helical coil having a large diameter end and a small diameter end; g. said large diameter end of said helical coil being connected to said connecting means and said small diameter end being spaced longitudinally therefrom; h. means for electrically connecting said small diameter end of said helical coil to said first electrode; i. said helical coil being in axial alignment with said elongated cylindrical first electrode so that a current path is formed between an outer end of said central rod electrode and said helical coil as said plasma is accelerated out the outer end of said first electrode producing current flow through said helical coil which in turn produces a time varying magnetic field that compresses said plasma adjacent said small diameter end of said coil; j. whereby a source of high temperature compressed plasma is produced adjacent said small diameter end of said helical coil; k. a thin foil member carried adjacent said small diameter end of said helical coil; and l. a supply of beads carried on an outer surface of said thin foil member so that said compressed plasma penetrates said thin foil member propelling said beads to high velocities.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
302 words
An apparatus for producing high temperature compressed plasma comprising: a. an elongated cylindrical first elecTrode; b. a central rod electrode disposed coaxially of said first electrode out of contact therewith; c. an electrically conductive element extending between said central rod electrode and an inner end of said first electrode; d. means for applying a high voltage to said first electrode and said central rod electrode for causing said electrically conductive element to ionize producing a plasma which is accelerated out of the outer end of said first electrode; e. an insulating connecting means carried on an outer end of said first electrode; f. an elongated electrically conductive helical coil having a large diameter end and a small diameter end; g. said large diameter end of said helical coil being connected to said connecting means and said small diameter end being spaced longitudinally therefrom; h. means for electrically connecting said small diameter end of said helical coil to said first electrode; i. said helical coil being in axial alignment with said elongated cylindrical first electrode so that a current path is formed between an outer end of said central rod electrode and said helical coil as said plasma is accelerated out the outer end of said first electrode producing current flow through said helical coil which in turn produces a time varying magnetic field that compresses said plasma adjacent said small diameter end of said coil; j. whereby a source of high temperature compressed plasma is produced adjacent said small diameter end of said helical coil; k. a thin foil member carried adjacent said small diameter end of said helical coil; and l. a supply of beads carried on an outer surface of said thin foil member so that said compressed plasma penetrates said thin foil member propelling said beads to high velocities.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: a. a first insulating plate spaced from an outer end of said cylindrical first electrode; b. a centrally disposed hole provided in said plate aligned with said small diameter end of said helical coil; and c. said thin foil member with said beads carried thereon extending over said hole.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further comprising: a. means for attaching said small diameter end of said helical coil to said insulating plate, b. a second spacer plate carried on said cylindrical first electrode, and c. elongated rods extending between said first and second insulating plates for aiding in maintaining said helical coil extended.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-29 | 1979-06-30 | 1979-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-29 | 1983-06-30 | 1983-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-29 | 1987-06-30 | 1987-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |