Micro-colloid thruster system
US6516604B2 · kind B2 · utility
13Cited by
8References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/26
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A micro-colloid thruster system may be fabricated using micro electromechanical system (MEMS) fabrication techniques. A beam of charged droplets may be extracted from an emitter tip in an emitter array by an extractor electrode and accelerated by an accelerator electrode to produce thrust. The micro-colloid thruster system may be used as the main propulsion system for microspacecraft and for precision maneuvers in larger spacecraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.