US5396141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radioisotope power cells
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1993-07-30
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Granted: 1995-03-07
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Expires: 2013-07-30
Abstract
Abstract An electrical power source or power cell (10) includes a semiconductor material (12) having an N region (14), a P region (16) and a P-N junction (18). A radioactive source (24) associates with P-N junction (18) and emits energy or radioactive particles (26) into semiconductor material (12). In semiconductor material (12), electron-hole pairs are formed in N region (14) and P region (16) to cause electrical current to pass through P-N junction (18) and produce, therefrom, electrical power.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott D. Jantz
- 👤 Thomas J. Aton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 12:40
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H1/00; G21H1/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A radioisotopic power source comprising: a substrate of semiconductor material, said substrate including integrated circuitry formed therein; a trench formed in said substrate; a PN junction formed along the wall of said trench; a first power lead connected to the P portion of said PN junction; a second power lead connected to the N portion of said PN junction; and a radioactive source deposited in said trench.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
A radioisotopic power source comprising: a substrate of semiconductor material, said substrate including integrated circuitry formed therein; a trench formed in said substrate; a PN junction formed along the wall of said trench; a first power lead connected to the P portion of said PN junction; a second power lead connected to the N portion of said PN junction; and a radioactive source deposited in said trench.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The radioisotopic power source of claim 1, wherein said radioactive source comprises an α particle emitting radioactive source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The radioisotopic power source of claim 1, wherein said radioactive source comprises a β particle emitting radioactive source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The radioisotopic power source of claim 1, wherein said radioactive source comprises a photon emitting radioactive source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The radioisotopic power source of claim 1, wherein said radioactive source comprises a charged particle emitting radiation source.
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) | 1998-03-06 | 1998-09-05 | 1999-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-06 | 2002-09-05 | 2003-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-06 | 2006-09-05 | 2007-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |