Reciprocating chemical muscle(RCM) and method for using same
US6446909B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A preferred apparatus for generating power from a non-combustive chemical reaction with the power being sufficient to enable motion of the apparatus includes a reaction chamber containing a catalyst that is configured to receive monopropellant fuel. The catalyst is chemically reactive with the monopropellant fuel so that, in response to a fuel metering device providing the fuel to the reaction chamber, a chemical reaction occurs which produces heat and gas. Additionally, a reciprocating motion-producing mechanism is provided that is configured to generate reciprocating motion from the heat and gas so as to enable motion of the apparatus. Thereafter, at least a portion of the remaining heat and gas may be utilized to influence a motion characteristic of the apparatus, such as during flight. Methods also are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.