USRE31697E
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radiolytic dissociative gas power conversion cycles
Assignee: KMS Fusion Inc
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Filing: 1981-08-14
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Granted: 1984-10-09
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Expires: 2001-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Gas and combined gas/steam power cycles in which chemical energy is stored in a gaseous working fluid by radiolytic dissociation at a temperature below the temperature of thermodynamic macroscopic dissociation, such that the dissociated portion of the working fluid exists under conditions of macroscopic thermal non-equilibrium. The dissociated fluid components are then recombined with the energy of recombination adding heat to the working fluid for extraction in the power cycle.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry J. Gomberg
- 👤 John G. Lewis
- 👤 John E. Powers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 07:05
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01K; F01K3/00; F01K3/18; F01K3/188; F02; F02C; F02C1/00; F02C1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
In a power cycle which includes the steps of adding heat to a working fluid .[.at high pressure.]. to raise said working fluid to high temperature and .Iadd.subsequently .Iaddend.withdrawing heat from said working fluid .[.at reduced pressure.]., the improvement wherein said step of adding heat to said working fluid comprises the steps of: (a) chemically dissociating at least a portion of said working fluid by radiolysis at a temperature below the thermal equilibrium temperature of said dissociated working fluid such that said dissociated working fluid is at macroscopic thermal non-equilibrium, and (b) chemically reacting dissociated components of said working fluid with each other to recombine said components and simultaneously heat said working fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
In a power cycle which includes the steps of adding heat to a working fluid .[.at high pressure.]. to raise said working fluid to high temperature and .Iadd.subsequently .Iaddend.withdrawing heat from said working fluid .[.at reduced pressure.]., the improvement wherein said step of adding heat to said working fluid comprises the steps of: (a) chemically dissociating at least a portion of said working fluid by radiolysis at a temperature below the thermal equilibrium temperature of said dissociated working fluid such that said dissociated working fluid is at macroscopic thermal non-equilibrium, and (b) chemically reacting dissociated components of said working fluid with each other to recombine said components and simultaneously heat said working fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The power cycle set forth in claim 1 .Iadd.wherein said step (a) is carried out at elevated pressure, and .Iaddend.wherein said step (b) is carried out while substantially simultaneously: (c) expanding said components so as to maintain a constant temperature of the working fluid throughout the process of recombination and expansion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The power cycle set forth in claim 2 wherein said step (c) is performed in a rotary fluid engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power cycle set forth in claim 2 wherein said steps (b) and (c) are performed while directing said fluid through means including rotary fluid engine means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The power cycle set forth in claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein said steps (b) and (c) are carried out under substantially isothermal and adiabatic conditions.
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) | 1987-10-09 | 1988-04-09 | 1988-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-09 | 1992-04-09 | 1992-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-09 | 1996-04-09 | 1996-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |