US5260639A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for remotely powering a device such as a lunar rover
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1992-01-06
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Granted: 1993-11-09
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Expires: 2012-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A method of supplying power to a device such as a lunar rover located on a planetary surface is provided according to the present invention. At least one, and preferably three, laser satellites are set in orbit around the planet. Each satellite contains a nuclear reactor for generating electrical power. This electrical power is converted into a laser beam which is passed through an amplifying array and directed toward the device such as a lunar rover. The received laser beam is then converted into electrical power for use by the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Russell J. De Young
- 👤 Michael D. Williams
- 👤 Gilbert H. Walker
- 👤 Gregory L. Schuster
- 👤 Ja H. Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 14:28
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F10/00; H10F10/10; H10F10/14; H10F10/144; B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/10; B64G1/105; B64G1/1064; B64G1/1071; B64G1/22; B64G1/42; B64G1/421; B64G1/422; B64G1/428; B64G1/4282; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/22; H01Q1/24; H01Q1/248; H02; H02J; H02J50/00; H02J50/30; H02J50/40; B64G1/16; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/40; H01S5/4025; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/544; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S136/292
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of supplying power to a device located on the surface of a planet, comprising the steps of: orbiting at least one satellite around the planet, wherein the satellite comprises a nuclear reactor for generating electrical power; generating electrical power via the nuclear reactor; converting the generated electrical power into a GaAlAs laser beam; directing the GaAlAs laser beam from the at least one satellite to the device; and converting the power of the GaAlAs laser beam into electrical power for use by the device, said converting step comprising directing the GaAlAs laser beam through a layer of n-GaAlAs semiconductor, through a layer of p-GaAlAs semiconductor, and then through a layer of p-GaAs semiconductor, whereby an electric current is generated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of supplying power to a device located on the surface of a planet, comprising the steps of: orbiting at least one satellite around the planet, wherein the satellite comprises a nuclear reactor for generating electrical power; generating electrical power via the nuclear reactor; converting the generated electrical power into a GaAlAs laser beam; directing the GaAlAs laser beam from the at least one satellite to the device; and converting the power of the GaAlAs laser beam into electrical power for use by the device, said converting step comprising directing the GaAlAs laser beam through a layer of n-GaAlAs semiconductor, through a layer of p-GaAlAs semiconductor, and then through a layer of p-GaAs semiconductor, whereby an electric current is generated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said orbiting step comprises orbiting three satellites having respective nuclear power sources such that at least one of the satellites is always in position to direct a laser beam to the device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the laser beam is passed through a plurality of amplifying arrays prior to said directing step.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of cooling the semiconductor layers when the electrical power is generated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 4, wherein said cooling step comprises cycling a coolant fluid past the semiconductor layers, compressing the fluid, passing the fluid through a radiator, and directing the fluid through an expansion valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising gathering the directed laser beam to a focused area.
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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) | 1996-11-08 | 1997-05-10 | 1997-11-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-08 | 2001-05-10 | 2001-11-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-08 | 2005-05-10 | 2005-11-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |