US4242147A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for converting waste nuclear energy to electricity
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1978-11-15
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Granted: 1980-12-30
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Expires: 1998-11-15
Abstract
Abstract A device for converting waste nuclear energy to electricity comprising a shielded casing housing, a plurality of holders of radioactive materials surrounded by tubes of phosphorescent material to convert the radiation to electricity in adjacent photocells such as photoelectric or photovoltaic cells. The walls of the casing have mirrored top and bottom surfaces. Shade-type control means adjustably cover the photocells so as to regulate the amount of electricity produced.
Inventors
- 👤 Vincent D. DeToia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:49
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H1/00; G21H1/12; H; H10; H10F; H10F10/00; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A device for converting radiation of nuclear waste material to electricity, comprising a shielded casing; a frame in said casing; a plurality of hollow first containers, each housing a volume of radioactive waste materials in fluid or powder form, with said first containers mounted on said frame, said first containers further comprising closeable inlet means for replenishing said waste materials in said first containers, light-emitting materials in at least one or more transparent second containers and at least partially surrounding each of said first containers and receiving radiation therefrom, thereby producing light; a plurality of photocells mounted on said frame in spaced relation thereto and receiving said light; current collecting means connected to said photocells for collecting electricity therefrom; and means for evacuating said casing, so as to provide a fluid-free interior space between said photocells and said light-emitting materials.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
140 words
A device for converting radiation of nuclear waste material to electricity, comprising a shielded casing; a frame in said casing; a plurality of hollow first containers, each housing a volume of radioactive waste materials in fluid or powder form, with said first containers mounted on said frame, said first containers further comprising closeable inlet means for replenishing said waste materials in said first containers, light-emitting materials in at least one or more transparent second containers and at least partially surrounding each of said first containers and receiving radiation therefrom, thereby producing light; a plurality of photocells mounted on said frame in spaced relation thereto and receiving said light; current collecting means connected to said photocells for collecting electricity therefrom; and means for evacuating said casing, so as to provide a fluid-free interior space between said photocells and said light-emitting materials.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said light emitting materials in said second containers are encapsulated with said first containers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as recited in claim 1, further including light reflective surfaces above and below said photocells.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as in claim 1 wherein said radioactive materials consist of waste heavy water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 in which said second containers house said light emitting material in fluid form.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as recited in claim 5 in which said second containers are fitted with closeable inlet means for replenishing the light-emitting material in said second containers.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
92 words
A device for converting radiation to electricity comprising a shielded casing; a frame in said casing; a plurality of containers of radioactive materials mounted on said frame; light-emitting materials at least partially surrounding each of said containers and receiving radiation therefrom thereby producing light; a plurality of photocells mounted on said frame in spaced relation thereto and receiving said light; current collecting means connected to said photocells for collecting electricity therefrom; and means for evacuating said casing; further including mechanically operated shading means mounted between said light emitting materials and said photocells.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
92 words
A device for converting radiation to electricity comprising a shielded casing; a frame in said casing; a plurality of containers of radioactive materials mounted on said frame; light-emitting materials at least partially surrounding each of said containers and receiving radiation therefrom thereby producing light; a plurality of photocells mounted on said frame in spaced relation thereto and receiving said light; current collecting means connected to said photocells for collecting electricity therefrom; and means for evacuating said casing; further including mechanically operated shading means mounted between said light emitting materials and said photocells.
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) | 1983-12-30 | 1984-06-30 | 1984-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-30 | 1988-06-30 | 1988-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-30 | 1992-06-30 | 1992-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |