On 2/15/07, Kyle R. Mcallister <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
All,
As far as the lifters go, I can say this: I have worked with these little
gizmos quite a bit in the past, particularly several years ago when
"Transdimensional" and all started the hype. I don't know what NASA has to
say about them, nor do I particularly care, given their (NASA's) rather
dubious track record.
Kyle,
Here's what NASA has to say about them in their patent. I can find no
reference to ionic wind in it:
http://snipurl.com/1aef8
"United States Patent 6,317,310
Campbell November 13, 2001
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Apparatus and method for generating thrust using a two dimensional,
asymmetrical capacitor module
Abstract
A capacitor module system is provided for creating a thrust force. The
system includes a capacitor module provided with a first conductive
element having a cylindrical geometry. The first conductive element
can be a hollow cylinder or a solid cylinder. The capacitor module
also includes a second conductive element axially spaced from the
first conductive element and of smaller axial extent. The second
conductive element can be a flat disk, a dome, or a conductive tip at
the end of a dielectric rod. A dielectric element is disposed between
the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The
system also includes a high voltage source having first and second
terminals connected respectively to the first and second conductive
elements. The high voltage source applies a high voltage to the
conductive elements of sufficient value to create a thrust force on
the module inducing movement thereof.
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Inventors: Campbell; Jonathan W. (Harvest, AL)
Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(Washington, DC)
Appl. No.: 09/520,817
Filed: March 8, 2000
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Current U.S. Class: 361/306.1 ; 361/811
Current International Class: H02N 1/00 (20060101)
Field of Search: 361/306.1,15,16,17,715,821,311
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References Cited [Referenced By]
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U.S. Patent Documents
4392179 July 1983 Nelson et al.
Primary Examiner: Dinkins; Anthony
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McGroary; James J.
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Government Interests
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ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION
This invention was made by an employee of the United States Government
and may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for
Governmental purposes without the payment of royalties.
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Claims
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What is claimed is:
1. A capacitor module system for creating a thrust, said system comprising:
a capacitor module comprising a first conductive element having a
cylindrical geometry;
a second conductive element axially spaced from said first conductive
element and having a geometry of smaller axial extent than said first
conductive element; and a dielectric element disposed between said
first conductive element and said second conductive element so as to
form the capacitor module; and,
a high voltage source, having first and second terminals connected
respectively to said first and second conductive elements, for
applying a high voltage to said conductive elements of sufficient
value to create a thrust force on said module inducing movement
thereof. "
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