Patent · US Active

Propulsion systems including an electrically actuated valve

US11346329B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
0References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 30, 2019
Grant dateMay 31, 2022
Priority date—
Expiry dateMay 10, 2040

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB05B5/1608
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Propulsion systems, such as electrospray thrusters, may include an electrically actuated valve to permit a selective flow of propellant to a thruster. The valve may be located and arranged such that it physically separates a propellant, such as a source of ions, from a thruster of the propulsion system. In some embodiments, the application of a voltage potential to the valve may wet a plurality of through holes formed in the valve with the propellant such that the propellant flows through the valve to the thruster. After the valve has been opened, the propulsion system may be operated normally.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.