The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 12, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 15, 2000
James K. Rasmusson, Holland, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing a propulsive force to a dynamic body without having to interact with an external mass. The technique is based on an internal exchange of kinetic energy working in concert with the influence of an ancillary force such as gravity to produce a net momentum change in the body. In one embodiment a body may be rotated through space without having to expel propellant or otherwise resort to an interaction with an external mass. In another embodiment, the invention can be used to dampen a swaying motion or vibration of a body such as a tall, earth-bound tower or a beam in a space station when there is no convenient external mass to which the body may be anchored.