US3663306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High pressure resistant compact housing structure
Assignee: CAMBRIDGE NUCLEAR Corp
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Filing: 1968-11-06
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1988-11-06
Abstract
Abstract A high pressure resistant compact housing structure is provided which is particularly useful in connection with thermoelectric radioisotope generator constructions. The housing is particularly constructed for use at high external pressures as at great depths in the ocean and is resistant to galvanic corrosion and high pressure. An outer housing shell transfers high pressures to interior structure which absorbs substantially the entire pressure load. Preferably a radioisotope heat source is enclosed in the housing. Heat at both ends of the source is utilized to obtain maximized efficiency of the source in thermoelectric conversion. A novel mounting structure for the heat source and associated thermoelectric conversion means comprises utility mounting plates and associated radiation shielding preferably incorporating a novel double seal arrangement in accordance with this invention. The construction permits low power-weight ratios in high pressure resistant radioisotope thermoelectric generators.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas Howard Des Champs
- 👤 Kenneth E Mayo
- 👤 Douglas Arthur Messier
- 👤 Ronald William James
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:36
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H1/00; G21H1/10; G21H1/103
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
A thermoelectric generator comprising an interior structure comprising a hollow open-ended cylindrically shaped biological shielding material, first and second utility support plates arranged at and in contact with the top and bottom ends of said interior structure, said support plates closing said open ends, top and bottom end caps comprising a biological shielding material arranged at and in contact with the outer surfaces of said first and second support plates, respectively, a hermetically sealed outer housing shell enclosing said interior structure, said support plates, and said end caps, a radioisotopic heat source located within said interior structure, thermoelectric conversion means located between said support plates and said heat source within said interior structure for converting the energy of said heat source to electrical energy, means for coupling electrical energy from said conversion means to the outside of said outer housing shell, said all portions of interior structure having greater compressive strength than said outer housing shell, and a substantially incompressible static fluid lying between said outer housing shell and said biological shielding material so that high pressure forces acting on the outside of said shell are transmitted to and supported by said interior structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
194 words
A thermoelectric generator comprising an interior structure comprising a hollow open-ended cylindrically shaped biological shielding material, first and second utility support plates arranged at and in contact with the top and bottom ends of said interior structure, said support plates closing said open ends, top and bottom end caps comprising a biological shielding material arranged at and in contact with the outer surfaces of said first and second support plates, respectively, a hermetically sealed outer housing shell enclosing said interior structure, said support plates, and said end caps, a radioisotopic heat source located within said interior structure, thermoelectric conversion means located between said support plates and said heat source within said interior structure for converting the energy of said heat source to electrical energy, means for coupling electrical energy from said conversion means to the outside of said outer housing shell, said all portions of interior structure having greater compressive strength than said outer housing shell, and a substantially incompressible static fluid lying between said outer housing shell and said biological shielding material so that high pressure forces acting on the outside of said shell are transmitted to and supported by said interior structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the entire outer housing shell is formed of a corrosion resistant high strength material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 2 wherein a portion of said outer housing shell has a predetermined thickness less than the thickness of other portions of said shell so that said forces are transmitted to said interior structure after movement of said predetermined thickness portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second utility plates and said annular interior structure define an interior chamber for carrying conversion means for converting the energy of said heat source to electrical energy.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 4 and further comprising first and second seal means for sealing said chamber said first seal means being softer than said second seal means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 5 wherein said first and second means comprise O-rings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 4 and further comprising substantially incompressible solid filler means positioned within said housing shell.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 4 and further comprising a mounting ring and means for locking said heat source, utility plates, radiation shielding member and additional radiation shielding end caps to said mounting ring.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |