Patents by Inventor James E. Torkelson

James E. Torkelson 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: 20080064914
    Abstract: A robust, high-temperature catalyst comprising a catalytic component supported on a porous ceramic carrier is provided for propellant decomposition. The catalyst comprises a porous, high-surface-area ceramic carrier material and up to 40% of metal and/or metal oxide, based upon the total weight of the catalyst. The supported species include metals and/or oxides of transition and lanthanide metals that possess high activity for the decomposition of liquid propellants. The carrier can be produced via a wet chemical process and then impregnated with salt solutions containing desired active-phase precursors. The catalyst can cause a liquid propellant to react upon contact with the catalyst and to produce hot gases that can be used to provide thrust, drive turbines, inflate devices, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Mark D. Fokema, James E. Torkelson