Patents Examined by Linda Palomar
  • Hybrid liquid-vapor propellant feed system for aerospace vehicles
    Patent number: 5129599
    Abstract: A fuel system for horizontal takeoff and hypersonic aerospace vehicles. The fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank is mixed with the liquid fuel from the tank. The mix is compressed and supplied to the engine system as usable fuel. The compressor used for compressing the combination gas and liquid can be driven from a turbo expansion cycle using aerodynamic heating of the vehicle. Several different embodiments for mixing the fuel vapor with liquid fuel are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Division
    Inventor: Mark A. Wollen