Patent US4622277A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3633033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Controlled vent for isotope fuel capsule
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1969-05-19
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Granted: 1972-01-04
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Expires: 1989-05-19
Abstract
Abstract A controlled vent for an isotope fuel capsule utilizes physical passages for gas flow which are large enough to permit flow to take place be viscous or free molecular flow and are small enough or sufficiently tortuous to prevent passage of fuel particles. A plurality of punctured thin metal discs or foils are stacked together with the holes misaligned to form a continuous flow channel, thereby permitting gas generated within the capsule to escape through the vent. Thus, the weight and volume of the fuel capsule can be reduced since the internal pressure is reduced.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred E Cottam
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:35
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H1/00; G21H1/10; G21H1/103
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
In a radioisotope generator, in combination, a capsule containing a radioisotope fuel, a controlled vent for the capsule, said vent comprising a plurality of punctured metal discs stacked one upon another, and means retaining said discs in a wall of the capsule.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
In a radioisotope generator, in combination, a capsule containing a radioisotope fuel, a controlled vent for the capsule, said vent comprising a plurality of punctured metal discs stacked one upon another, and means retaining said discs in a wall of the capsule.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein each disc has at least one hole therethrough and the discs are assembled with the holes in misalignment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination defined in claim 2, including means retaining the discs in said assembled relationship.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 2, wherein the discs are secured in assembled relationship by being welded together at their periphery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein each disc has at least two diametrically opposed holes therethrough and the discs are assembled with the holes in alternate discs angularly rotated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein each disc has two pairs of diametrically opposed holes therethrough spaced substantially 90* apart.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 6, wherein the discs are assembled with the holes in alternate discs angularly rotated substantially 45*.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
A controlled vent for a capsule containing a radioisotope fuel, said vent comprising a plurality of punctured metal discs stacked one upon another with the holes through the discs in misalignment, and means retaining said discs in a wall of the capsule.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A controlled vent for a capsule containing a radioisotope fuel, said vent comprising a plurality of punctured metal discs stacked one upon another with the holes through the discs in misalignment, and means retaining said discs in a wall of the capsule.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The vent defined in claim 8, including means retaining the discs in said assembled relationship.
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) | 1975-01-03 | 1975-07-05 | 1976-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-03 | 1979-07-05 | 1980-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-03 | 1983-07-05 | 1984-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |