You can freely build on Robert Goddard's Early Design for Liquid-Fueled Rocket Engines
This patent expired in 1933. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1914
Expired
1933
Forward citations
59
What this patent covers
This patent describes a rocket apparatus designed to improve efficiency by using a combustion chamber and a nozzle to accelerate exhaust gases. It outlines a system where liquid fuel and an oxidizer are injected into a chamber to create controlled thrust. By focusing on the geometry of the combustion chamber and the expansion of gases, it established the fundamental architecture for modern liquid-propellant rockets. This was a significant shift from the solid-fuel rockets used for centuries, as it allowed for more controlled and sustained flight.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 1102653 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover modern guidance or navigation systems for rockets.
Does not cover multi-stage rocket designs or separation mechanisms.
Does not cover specific chemical compositions of modern high-performance rocket fuels.
Does not cover electronic ignition systems or computer-controlled thrust vectoring.
Who is building on this today
Modern aerospace giants like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance continue to refine the liquid-propellant combustion cycles pioneered by these early designs. These companies have scaled the basic principles of fluid injection and nozzle expansion to achieve orbital flight.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Liquid-fueled rocket engines
SpaceX Merlin engines
Blue Origin BE-4 engines
Early sounding rockets
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 1102653. Rocket apparatus.. Granted 1914, expired 1933. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.