Patent ID: 6679155
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: F41A

Abstract:
A launcher adapted to launch a projectile comprising:a combustion chamber; a launch tube in fluid communication with said combustion chamber configured to receive a projectile; a separation chamber in fluid communication with said combustion chamber; a fuel cell mounted within said separation chamber adapted to isolate hydrogen from a supply of water; a power supply electrically coupled to said fuel cell; and spark generating means mounted within said combustion chamber for generating a spark to ignite gases within said combustion chamber, whereby water may be positioned within the separation chamber so as to immerse the fuel cell, and whereby energy supplied to the fuel cell causes it to convert a portion of the water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and whereby the spark generating means ignites the hydrogen gas causing a rapid pressurization of the launch tube which causes a projectile thereon to be propelled.