Abstract A radioisotope support structure has a fuel capsule defining a first and a second end preferably with a foil insulation surrounding the capsule and first and second insulating end sections adjacent the first and second capsule ends respectively. Means urge the end sections toward toe capsule to firmly support the capsule therebetween in fixed position with respect to the end sections. First and second end caps are interposed between the capsule and the first and second end sections respectively to distribute a pressure load on the end sections and preferably a two-part housing encloses the fuel capsule and insulation with sufficient space therein to mount means for utilizing heat generated by the fuel capsule. In the preferred embodiment, thermoelectric means are assembled within the housing to convert heat generated by the fuel capsule into electrical energy whereby the assembly provides an efficient low weight high wattage output generator. In some cases, the foil insulation is omitted or used as a heat sink means.
Inventors
👤 J Sullivan
👤 Champs N Des
👤 C Fink
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-01 16:34
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H1/00; G21H1/10; G21H1/103
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
15 words
A radioisotope thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means comprises a housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
A radioisotope thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 2 wherein said capsule is in the form of a cylinder, said housing comprising a first half and a second half with said end sections lying partially in both halves, said thermoelectric means being supported in fixed position in said housing between said end sections.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A radioisotope thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 3 wherein said end caps, said capsule and said housing are all axially aligned.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A radioisotope thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 3 wherein said fuel capsule contains a heat producing radioisotope material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A radioisotope support structure in accordance with claim 2 wherein said housing comprises two mating shell halves with said thermoelectric means being mounted wholly within one of said shell halves whereby said one shell half and its associated thermoelectric means can be separately fabricated and tested.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A radioactive isotope support structure in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first and second housing halves each define mating outwardly extending peripheral flanges for attachment of said shell halves into an integral housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A radioisotope support structure in accordance with claim 7 wherein said end sections and said housing each define frustro-conical portions for positioning said end sections, end caps and fuel capsule within said housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A radioisotope thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 1, said thermoelectric means being spaced from said fuel capsule by a gap.