Patents by Inventor Derek Keith Messer

Derek Keith Messer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240327313
    Abstract: The throttleable solid propellant system includes a substantially solid propellant, a shape-altering structure, and an actuation source. The shape-altering structure is at least partially disposed within the substantially solid propellant. The actuation source is to be coupled to the shape-altering structure. The actuation source is to be configured to actuate the shape-altering structure between a first position and a second position. Transitioning the shape-altering structure between the first position and the second position may crack and/or deform the substantially solid propellant. Cracking and/or deforming the substantially solid propellant may increase the burning surface area of the propellant, thereby altering the thrust produced from the throttleable solid propellant system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Steven F. Son, Derek Keith Messer, Cohen Thomas Vestal Nunes, Thomas Hafner