John P Brandenburg

US Patent:

6441552, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Apr 29, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/301998

Inventors:

John E. Brandenburg - Springfield VA
John F. Kline - Hopewell NJ
Joshua H. Resnick - Annandale VA

Assignee:

Physical Sciences Inc. - Andover MA

International Classification:

H01J 724

US Classification:

31511121, 31511171, 31511151

Abstract:

A persistent ionization plasma generator is described that forms a plasma in a cavity that persists for a time after termination of the exciting RF electric field. The plasma generator includes a RF cavity that is in fluid communication with a source of ionizing gas. The RF cavity can be at substantially atmospheric pressure. An RF power source that generates an RF electric field is electromagetically coupled to the RF cavity. An ultraviolet light source is positioned in optical communication to the cavity. An antenna is positioned within the cavity adjacent to the ultraviolet light source. A chamber for confining the plasma can be positioned in the cavity around the antenna.

US Patent:

6838831, Jan 4, 2005

Filed:

Jun 24, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/178438

Inventors:

John E. Brandenburg - Springfield VA, US
John F. Kline - Hopewell NJ, US
Joshua H. Resnick - Annandale VA, US

Assignee:

Physical Sciences, Inc. - Andover MA

International Classification:

H01J 724

US Classification:

31511121, 31511151, 118723 I

Abstract:

A persistent ionization plasma generator is described that forms a plasma in a cavity that persists for a time after termination of the exciting RF electric field. The plasma generator includes a RF cavity that is in fluid communication with a source of ionizing gas. The RF cavity can be at substantially atmospheric pressure. An RF power source that generates an RF electric field is electromagnetically coupled to the RF cavity. An ultraviolet light source is positioned in optical communication to the cavity. An antenna is positioned within the cavity adjacent to the ultraviolet light source. A chamber for confining the plasma can be positioned in the cavity around the antenna.

US Patent:

59569387, Sep 28, 1999

Filed:

Oct 25, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/738449

Inventors:

John E. Brandenburg - Annandale VA

Assignee:

Research Support Instruments, Inc. - Lanham MD

International Classification:

F03H 100

US Classification:

602031

Abstract:

The present invention comprises a compact coupling for microwave-electro-thermal thrusters which use water-based fuels and microwave isolators.

US Patent:

62057693, Mar 27, 2001

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/484513

Inventors:

John E. Brandenburg - Annandale VA
Michael Micci - Lancaster CA

International Classification:

E03H1/00

US Classification:

602031

Abstract:

Microwave-Electro-Thermal thrusters produce a high temperature rocket exhaust by sending microwaves into a resonant cavity where an excited mode then creates an electrodeless discharge that heats gaseous fuel. Heretofore, the microwave power coupling between the microwave generator and the resonant cavity and plasma has consisted of rigid waveguide with impedance matching equipment. This waveguide and impedance matching hardware greatly adds to the weight and size of the system making it impractical for spaceflight. The foregoing problems are overcome by greatly reducing or eliminating the waveguide and impedance matching equipment.