Hall-effect plasma thruster
US8704444B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03H1/0075
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A Hall effect plasma thruster including an annular discharge channel around a main axis presenting an open downstream end and defined between an inner wall and an outer wall, at least one cathode, a magnetic circuit for creating a magnetic field in the channel, a pipe for feeding ionizable gas to the channel, an anode, and a manifold placed in the upstream end of the channel. The manifold is connected to the pipe and enables the ionizable gas to flow into the ionization zone of the channel in concentric manner around the main axis. The anode acts as a manifold, and the manifold includes a directional mechanism that gives rise at an outlet from the manifold to swirling motion of the gas around the main axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.