Location History:
- Seymour, IL (US) (1995)
- Urbana, IL (US) (2018)
- Champaign, IL (US) (2004 - 2022)
Company Filing History:
12 out of 20 
1 out of 5 
1 out of 833,002 Years Active: 1995-2025
Title: Rodney L Burton: Innovating Propulsion Systems for Space Exploration
Introduction:
Rodney L Burton, hailing from Urbana, IL, has left an indelible mark in the field of propulsion systems through his innovative designs and patents. With a total of 11 patents to his name, Burton has revolutionized the capabilities of plasma thrusters and monofilament vaporization propulsion systems. In this article, we delve into his latest patents, career highlights, notable collaborations, and the impact of his contributions.
Latest Patents:
Burton's recent inventions showcase his prowess in propellant technology. One notable patent is the Fiber-fed Advanced Pulsed Plasma Thruster (FPPT). This remarkable design employs a motor to feed Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber to its discharge region, enabling high propellant throughput and variable exposed fuel area. The FPPT's highly parallel ceramic capacitor bank significantly reduces system specific mass and achieves impulse bits (I-bits) ranging from 0.057-0.241 mN-s. The FPPT's specific impulse (Isp) ranges from 900-2400 s, surpassing state-of-the-art PPT technology. With a compact 1-U volume, the FPPT enables significant delta-V capabilities for CubeSats.
Another compelling invention by Burton is the Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion System. This system consists of a mechanical feed, elongated barrel, heater block, tube, and nozzle. By winding a monofilament solid propellant around a spool and feeding it into the mechanical feed, the system can transform the propellant into a liquid state using a heater block. The liquid propellant then enters the tube, where it is evaporated into a gaseous state. The generated gaseous propellant is directed into a nozzle, where it expands, creating propulsion. This innovation boasts enhanced efficiency and has broad applications in the space industry.
Career Highlights:
Throughout his career, Burton has worked with esteemed organizations such as Cu Aerospace, LLC, and Packer Engineering, Inc. His tenure with these companies has provided him with invaluable experiences and collaborative opportunities, resulting in the development of cutting-edge propulsion systems. Burton's expertise has fueled advancements in the field, enabling space exploration missions to reach new heights.
Collaborations:
Burton's contribution to the field of propulsion systems has not been limited to individual endeavors. Working alongside esteemed colleagues such as David L Carroll and Gabriel F Benavides, Burton has actively collaborated to push the boundaries of innovation. These partnerships have led to the creation of groundbreaking technologies, contributing to the collective progress of the space industry.
Conclusion:
Rodney L Burton's commitment to innovation and his remarkable patents in propulsion systems have made a significant impact on space exploration capabilities. With his highly efficient Fiber-fed Advanced Pulsed Plasma Thruster and the impressive Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion System, Burton has empowered scientists and engineers to propel CubeSats and other space vehicles to unprecedented destinations. Through his collaborative efforts and dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering, Burton continues to shape the future of space exploration.