US3600585A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plutonium heat source
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1967-02-03
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Granted: 1971-08-17
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Expires: 1987-02-03
Abstract
Abstract A radioisotopic heat source for a thermoelectric generator having a plutonium-238 alloy enclosed within a tantalum container and an arc melting method and apparatus to produce said alloy.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald P Kelly
- 👤 James A Powers
- 👤 Philip A Tucker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:48
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21G; G21G4/00; G21G4/04; G21H; G21H1/00; G21H1/10; G21H1/103
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
17 words
The radioisotopic heat source of claim 1 in which the zirconium content is about 20 atom percent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
The radioisotopic heat source of claim 1 in which the plutonium-238 contains not more than about 2 atom percent impurities.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The radioisotopic heat source of claim 1 in which said alloy mass fills only a portion of said container.
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) | 1974-08-16 | 1975-02-15 | 1975-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-16 | 1979-02-15 | 1979-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-16 | 1983-02-15 | 1983-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |