Propellant gas control valve
US8312705B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
14References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7782
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gas control valve is configured to controllably supply propellant gas to a thruster so that the thruster may produce thrust over a relatively wide range, and so that the thruster exhibits relatively fine minimum impulse bit (MIB) performance. The gas control valve includes a pilot stage having a pilot valve, and a main stage having a main valve. The gas control valve responds to control signals supplied to the pilot stage and is configured such that for commands of relatively short duration, only the pilot valve responds. Conversely, for commands of relatively longer duration, the pilot valve and main valve both respond.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.