Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft propulsion
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-10
2001-01-30
Eldred, J. Woodrow (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft propulsion
C244S172200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179250
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to modes of transportation, and is especially directed to manned and unmanned aerospace (i.e., air and/or space) vehicles. The invention is specifically directed to a drive system that can be employed in such vehicles.
A technique for suspending a communications platform (i.e., a communications mirror) at a low altitude (100 to 200 kilometers) is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,190 to Csonka. There, the mirror is kept aloft above the atmosphere by pressure of electromagnetic radiation that is beamed up at it from a ground antenna. A similar technique for suspending a platform at a high altitude in the atmosphere is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,732 to Csonka. In that arrangement, the platform is again kept aloft by radiation from a ground station. However, in this case, the energy received by the platform is transferred to air molecules that impinge on it, and these momentum transferred to these molecules (which move downwards) provide lifting force to the platform. The temperature density of the platform is controlled, so that the net direction of force is in the desired direction. The explanation for the principles that these two patents rely on, and the supporting engineering mathematics, are contained in these two patents, and their disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.
On the other hand, no one has proposed a system for manned or unmanned aerospace flight that relies on radiation pressure, nor has anyone suggested using an on-board electromagnetic source for propulsion, either by radiation pressure or by molecular momentum transfer. Currently, chemical-based rocket drives are employed for manned vehicles, unmanned space vehicles, and orbiting craft. There is a need for a clean and economical way to travel both in air and in space, which does not rely on chemically generated thrust.
Objects and Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an effective and efficient means for transportation, in space or in the atmosphere, which avoids the drawbacks of the prior art.
It is another object to provide a mode of transportation that can be modified for use underwater.
It is a further object to provide a transportation system that employs microwave circuits that can be located in the skin or hull of the aerospace craft, and which relies on radiant pressure and particle momentum transfer principles.
According to an aspect of this invention, an aerospace vehicle drive system is provided as a part of a vessel. The vessel hull is or may be formed of multiple layers, with a void or inter-layer space formed between an inner layer and an outer layer (or group of layers). Radiators of electromagnetic power, i.e. dipole antennas, are situated in the inter-layer space. These may have reflectors formed in a part of the inner surface of this space, with the dipoles situated at the reflector. A power source, i.e., a source of electromagnetic wave energy, such as microwaves, inside the vessel is coupled to these radiators. A control mechanism, such as a control console, which may be computerized, controls the application of power to the radiators to control the direction of the net force and the amount of force that results from the drive. There may be a ring of radiators around the rim of the vessel as well.
In a preferred mode, the hull of the vessel is configured as a series of segments, and there are radiators in each of the segments. In this way the power may be controlled segment by segment. The outer layer may have a grooved inner surface, and the outer layer may be formed of either beryllium or titanium. Again, in a preferred embodiment, the vessel hull may have upper and lower hemispheres, with each hemisphere being divided into segments, i.e., thirty-six segments each having an extent of about ten degrees of arc. The outer hull may be of Teflon over a beryllium or titanium alloy. A transistion metal may be used at the grooved surface (i.e., Cr
x
Mn
x
antimonide, or another energy conducting material.
The propulsion system of this invention provides a clean, economical way for travel in the atmosphere or in space, and if modified can be used for marine use (surface or underwater). In each case, microwaves or other electromagnetic energy creates radiant pressure and results in particle momentum from the grooved layer of the hull.
There may be laser or maser weaponry provided in the vessel, which fire through windows provided on the rim between the upper and lower hemispheres.
The above and many other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art from the ensuing description of a preferred embodiment, which should be considered in connection with the accompanying Drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3095163 (1963-06-01), Hill
patent: 3150363 (1964-09-01), Finvold
patent: 3151325 (1964-09-01), Kompfuer
patent: 3169245 (1965-02-01), Cutler
patent: 3373430 (1968-03-01), Croswell et al.
patent: 3495791 (1970-02-01), Drell et al.
patent: 3504868 (1970-04-01), Engelberger
patent: 3656166 (1972-04-01), Klopach et al.
patent: 3662554 (1972-05-01), De Broqueville
patent: 4253190 (1981-02-01), Czonka
patent: 4663932 (1987-05-01), Cox
patent: 4704732 (1987-11-01), Czonka
patent: 5142861 (1992-09-01), Schlicher et al.
patent: 5818649 (1998-10-01), Anderson
Eldred J. Woodrow
Molldrem, Jr. Bernhard P.
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