Patents Examined by Salvatore Cungialosi
  • Patent number: 3939816
    Abstract: A self-energized plasma compressor which compresses plasma discharged from coaxial plasma generator. The device includes a helical shaped coil which is coaxially aligned with the center axis of the coaxial plasma generator. The plasma generator creates a current through the helical coil which, in turn, generates a time varying magnetic field that generates a force which acts radially upon the plasma. A seal is carried on the end of the coaxial plasma generator for containing gas therein. As the plasma is accelerated out the outer end of the generator, it forces the gas outwardly also compressing such. Beads are carried adjacent the small end of the helical shaped coil for being accelerated to hypervelocities by the plasma and gas. As a result of utilizing gas in the coaxial plasma generator, such minimizes ablation of the beads as well as accelerates such to higher velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of General Counsel-Code GP
    Inventor: Patrick N. Espy