US3570784A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low ballistic coefficient radioisotope heat source
Assignee: Teledyne Inc
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Filing: 1967-10-20
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Granted: 1971-03-16
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Expires: 1987-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A radioisotope containing heat source for use in artificial satellites and space vehicles. The source is configured so as to have a low ballistic coefficient allowing its random reentry into the earth''s atmosphere at low terminal velocities. The low velocity prevents burnup and allows intact reentry of the radioisotopic fuel capsules. The heat source may typically be configured as a flat rectangular panel through which empty cylindrical channels are formed for lowering its weight and within which capsules containing the radioisotope are disposed. Graphite may be used to form the body of the panel.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin R Scheve
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:28
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H1/00; G21G; G21G4/00; G21G4/04; G21G4/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A radioisotopic heat source for use in supplying power to space vehicles and the like, said heat source being adapted for transport from outside the earth''s atmosphere to the surface of the earth and comprising: a. a streamlined, planar body structure adapted to supply thermal energy to a space vehicle power system; b. said structure being shaped so as to develop a relatively high average profile area during free fall through the earth''s atmosphere; c. said structure being formed having a weight with respect to said area permitting it to retain a substantially low ballistic coefficient during free fall through the earth''s atmosphere; and d. containment means disposed within said body structure for retaining a preselected quantity of radioisotopic fuel remote from the edge thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A radioisotopic heat source for use in supplying power to space vehicles and the like, said heat source being adapted for transport from outside the earth''s atmosphere to the surface of the earth and comprising: a. a streamlined, planar body structure adapted to supply thermal energy to a space vehicle power system; b. said structure being shaped so as to develop a relatively high average profile area during free fall through the earth''s atmosphere; c. said structure being formed having a weight with respect to said area permitting it to retain a substantially low ballistic coefficient during free fall through the earth''s atmosphere; and d. containment means disposed within said body structure for retaining a preselected quantity of radioisotopic fuel remote from the edge thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The heat source of claim 1 wherein the said body structure is formed of a material having low density, high melting point, high emissivity and low absorbtivity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heat source of claim 1 wherein said body structure material is graphite.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heat source of claim 1 wherein said body structure material is beryllium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The heat source of claim 1 wherein said body structure is configured having an average ballistic coefficient value less than 20.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The heat source of claim 1 including channel means disposed within said body structure for reducing the weight of said structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The heat source of claim 1 wherein said containment means comprise a plurality of spaced channels each adapted to retain an encapsulated radioisotopic material in intimate, thermal exchange relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The heat source of claim 7 wherein said containment means and said channel means are alternately disposed within said body structure in parallel spaced relationship.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heat source of claim 1 in which said body structure is fashioned substantially as a thin parallelepiped.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The heat source of claim 9 wherein said containment means comprise cylindrical channels disposed in spaced parallel relationship across said body; and including plug means situate at the termini of said channels for retaining said fuel within said channels.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The heat source of claim 10 including channel means disposed within said body structure in alternating parallel spaced relationship with said containment means channels.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The heat source of claim 10 wherein said radioisotopic fuel is retained within said channels a select distance from the periphery of said body structure so as to remain isolated from the heat energy developed by the aerodynamic heating of said periphery during free fall through the atmosphere.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The heat source of claim 12 wherein said body structure is formed from graphite.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-15 | 1974-09-14 | 1975-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-15 | 1978-09-14 | 1979-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-15 | 1982-09-14 | 1983-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |