US3629063A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vent for nuclear-thermionic fuel rod
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1968-09-23
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1988-09-23
Abstract
Abstract Cesium vapor, ordinarily lost to space, is carried through a venting tube to an area where a lowered temperature causes it to condense onto a wick and to be carried by capillary action back to an area sufficiently high to vaporize it and return it to the Cs vapor region of the fuel rod. The condensing, wicking and evaporation are effected by telescoping sections of a hollow tube. The vapor is conveyed through the tube to a cooler area, is condensed on a wick inside the outer tube and is vaporized from the wick on the outside of the inner tube.
Inventors
- 👤 John M Houston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:51
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/04; G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/16; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 1
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A device for salvaging vapor which device comprises a vent tube comprising teLescoping inner and outer portions, the inner portion leading from a vapor region, the outer portion leading to an area of sufficiently lowered temperature to condense said vapor, a wick surrounding said inner tube, lining said outer tube and lying between said inner and outer tubes in their telescoping area, whereby the vapor is conducted through said inner tube to an area of sufficiently lowered temperature to condense said vapor to a liquid condition, and whereby said wick absorbs said vapor in a liquid condition and conveys it by capillary action back to a region of sufficiently high temperature to again vaporize and return it to said vapor region.
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) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |