Device for converting nuclear energy into electrical energy
Abstract
Abstract A device for converting nuclear energy into electrical energy comprising a radioactive nuclide, preferably a core of lithium enveloped by a coating of lithium hydride, an energy converting material enveloping the nuclide, and a pair of terminals connected in the converting material. The converting material preferably comprises silicon having diffused therein impurities of p-type and n-type material thereby defining opposite conductivity regions separated by a junction. The terminals are connected to corresponding ones of the regions, and electron-hole pairs are created in the regions upon bombardment by beta particles from the nuclide thereby creating a flow of current across the junction and an electrical potential across the terminals. The device advantageously can be utilized in conjunction with an artificial cardiac pacemaker whereby the stimulating pacemaker output pulses are generated at a non-linear rate.
Inventors
- 👤 W Greatbatch
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |