Fusion Reaction By Plural Colliding Plasmas Or Particle Beams Patents (Class 376/107)
  • Patent number: 11615896
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate stability of an FRC plasma in both radial and axial directions and axial position control of an FRC plasma along the symmetry axis of an FRC plasma chamber. The systems and methods exploit an axially unstable equilibria of the FRC plasma to enforce radial stability, while stabilizing or controlling the axial instability. The systems and methods provide feedback control of the FRC plasma axial position independent of the stability properties of the plasma equilibrium by acting on the voltages applied to a set of external coils concentric with the plasma and using a non-linear control technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jesus Antonio Romero Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 11049621
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, devices, and systems for creating, controlling, conducting, and optimizing fusion activities of nuclei. In particular, the present inventions relate to, 5 among other things, fusion activities that are conducted individually or collectively on a very small scale, preferably on the nano-scale or smaller such as pico to femto scales, for the utilization of energy produced from these activities in smaller devices and for aggregation into larger devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 10966310
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a highly energetic plasma employs a low-energy neutral beam injected into a magnetically contained mirror plasma to produce plasma ions boosted in energy to fusion levels by a coordinated radiofrequency field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Cary Brett Forest, Jay Keith Anderson, John Philip Wallace, Robert W. Harvey, Yuri V. Petrov
  • Patent number: 10796806
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an interior surface of a fusion reactor vessel. The apparatus comprises a power supply operably connected to an electrode for insertion into the vessel. The apparatus supports a solid material within the vessel, and is configured such that power supplied to the electrode within the vessel causes a plasma located in proximity to the solid material to sputter the solid material in order to deposit a protective material on said interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Tokamak Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Vladimir Shevchenko, Christian Bradley
  • Patent number: 10764987
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in particular, to a method for generating neutrons comprising at least the series of steps that consists of: a) placing at least one beam of electrons and at least one beam of nuclei selected from among protons, deuterons and tritons into a predefined spin state and/or an interference state; and b) causing said at least one beam of nuclei and said at least one beam of electrons to collide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: NEUSCA SAS
    Inventors: Arash Mofakhami, Tarek Nassar
  • Patent number: 10763080
    Abstract: A simple and environment-friendly production equipment for carbon nano-materials includes a power source and an AC/DC rectifier. A vacuum device for producing the carbon nano-materials is connected with two output ends of the AC/DC rectifier. An alternate current is generated by the power source and then is rectified into a direct-current power supply through the AC/DC rectifier to provide a power supply for a first graphite rod and a second graphite rod in the same direction, so as to generate a high-voltage electric arc at a junction of the first graphite rod and the second graphite rod, and plasma ionization is conducted on substances on the two graphite rods through the high-voltage electric arc, so that carbon atoms in the two graphite rods are decomposed, and carbon nano-materials are separated out and collected into a collector through a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: WORLD LINKAGE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsz Kin Ho
  • Patent number: 10453575
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, devices, and systems for creating, controlling, conducting, and optimizing fusion activities of nuclei. In particular, the present inventions relate to, among other things, fusion activities that are conducted individually or collectively on a very small scale, preferably on the nano-scale or smaller such as pico to femto scales, for the utilization of energy produced from these activities in smaller devices and for aggregation into larger devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 10438713
    Abstract: An accelerator neutron source (ANS) including a field ionization (FI) array configured to generate deuterium and tritium ions and a plasma for containing the deuterium and tritium ions produced by the FI array. The ANS also includes a target comprising deuterium and tritium ions and the ANS is configured to accelerate deuterium and tritium ions produced by the FI array toward the target to generate neutrons by applying a voltage to an accelerating electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Navarro-Sorroche, Weijun Guo
  • Patent number: 10403405
    Abstract: A plasma containment system comprises a chamber, a magnetic field generator, and an annular plasma layer that comprises a circulating beam of ions. The chamber includes axial insulating breaks in the chamber wall that run along almost the entire length of the chamber. An inductive plasma source is mountable within the chamber and includes a shock coil assembly and a Laval nozzle to introduce gas into the inductive plasma source. A RF drive comprises a quadrupolar cyclotron located within the chamber and having four azimuthally symmetrical electrodes with gaps there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Vitaly Bystriskii, Eusebio Garate, Yuanxu Song, Michael Anderson
  • Patent number: 10181376
    Abstract: An Electron-coupled transformer for generating a high voltage output pulse as an amplified version of an input pulse includes a cylindrical triode electron tube with a central anode along main axis and a grid and cathode radially spaced from the anode. The anode has a first end directly grounded and a second end insulated from a direction connection to ground. The cathode and the grid form a traveling wave electron gun that produces, when the grid is grounded through a phase matching network, a radially symmetrical collapsing traveling wave of ground potential in the Transverse Electromagnetic mode. The foregoing wave of ground potential causes a beam of electrons to flow from the cathode to the anode and causes a voltage output pulse to be produced on the second end of the anode, whose magnitude is an amplified version of the input pulse that is injected into the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Patent number: 9949355
    Abstract: A plasma interaction simulator is presented. The simulator magnetically induces multiple distinct flows of plasma within a physical plasma vessel. The plasma flows collide with each other at flow interaction boundaries where discontinuities arising due to differences between the flows give rise to interactions. Sensors can be incorporated into the plasma simulator to observe and collect data about the plasma flow interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Torus Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Nassim Haramein
  • Patent number: 9524802
    Abstract: Systems and methods establish a magnetically insulated fusion process. An exemplary embodiment establishes a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) plasma, wherein the FRC plasma is a closed field, magnetically confined plasma; collapses a metal shell about the FRC plasma; and establishes a fusion reaction in response to collapsing the metal shell about the FRC plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MSNW LLC
    Inventor: John Thomas Slough
  • Patent number: 9406405
    Abstract: An improved fusion reactor design with provision for supplying plasma fuel inside a model reactor without consuming additional power in the process. Embodiments provide free choice of useful fuels from the full range of fusible isotopes. Other embodiments provide means of selectively extracting up-scattered electrons from the plasma, followed by replacing them with electrons of corrected energy. Computer simulations show fusion reactors constructed with these inventive improvements will demonstrate increased net-power compared to other fusion reactors of similar size. The Specification of the invention leads immediately to staged reactor development, starting from small-scale model-reactors, moving on to larger and larger scale models, culminating with commercial power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Joel Guild Rogers
  • Patent number: 9082517
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hardware module for confining a plasma of electrons and ions in a nuclear fusion energy generating device. In this embodiment, a complete energy generating device is composed of six identical modules, spaced close together in the shape of a cube. The modules confine the plasma inside a cubical enclosure, compress it to high density, and heat it to high temperature. The embodiment of the module is robust and easy to maintain. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Joel Guild Rogers
  • Patent number: 9008131
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing electromagnetic radiation with enhancement from a drift tube containing a cylindrical Smith-Purcell structure. The system includes a magnetically insulated linear oscillator. The oscillator includes a cylindrical resonant cavity having a traveling wave electron gun and a cooperating anode. The drift tube is formed of a hollow cylindrical conductive element that is positioned within a resonant cavity of the oscillator. The drift tube includes an inner surface and a pair of ends. The drift tube may be adapted such that the interaction between an electron beam, from the electron gun, passes through the inner space of the drift tube, and the internal grating, so as to produce RF radiation by the Smith-Purcell Effect. Spacing, face angle and shape of the grating, and the energy of the electron beam are determinants of the frequency of the RF radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Patent number: 8934599
    Abstract: Systems for enhancing preignition conditions of a fusion reaction are disclosed. A first system includes a target chamber for receiving a fusion fuel, and energy driving means oriented to direct plasma confinement structure onto to the fusion fuel to facilitate ignition of a controlled fusion reaction of said fusion fuel. A plurality of electron sources provides electron beams of a predetermined energy and one of fluence and quantity, directed onto and illuminating, a fusion fuel-derived plasma for controlling the ratio of ion temperature and electron temperature of the plasma. A second system comprises a central target chamber for receiving a spherical pellet of fusion target material and at least first and second pluralities of energy drivers oriented to supply temporally-staged X-ray pulses to the fusion target material in a 3-dimensionally symmetric manner about said pellet. A third system combines aspects of the first and second systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Publication number: 20150010123
    Abstract: A method and device for production of helium and recoverable energy is provided. The system directs a first directionalized flow of a of a first streaming population of deuterium ions to an intersection with a second directionalized flow of a second streaming population of deuterium ions opposite the first stream. At or proximate to an intersection of the two streams helium and waste energy are produced and captured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Burdick
  • Publication number: 20140226772
    Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus comprises a fuel storage unit 20 for storing a mixed liquid 61, a pressure application unit 10 for applying a pressure to the mixed liquid 61, a jet formation unit 30 for forming a jet 61a of the mixed liquid 61, a reaction unit 44 for forming the jet 61a of the mixed liquid 61 therein, a pressure adjustment unit 41 for setting a pressure in the reaction unit 44 lower than an internal pressure of the jet formation unit 30, and a light source unit 45 for irradiating a particle group 63a with laser light L1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Takeshi Watari, Katsunobu Nishihara, Masaru Takagi, Nakahiro Satoh, Toshiyuki Kawashima, Hirofumi Kan
  • Publication number: 20130148770
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in particular, to a method for generating neutrons comprising at least the series of steps that consists of: a) placing at least one beam of electrons and at least one beam of nuclei selected from among protons, deuterons and tritons into a predefined spin state and/or an interference state; and b) causing said at least one beam of nuclei and said at least one beam of electrons to collide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Arash Mofakhami, Tarek Nassar
  • Patent number: 8461516
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating neutrons with a high degree of anisotrophy in the direction of emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Dent International Research, Inc.
    Inventor: William V. Dent
  • Patent number: 8315350
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing heat is disclosed. The method involves the steps of accelerating one or more first particle(s) to a first velocity; colliding the accelerated particle(s) with one or more second particles in a collision zone located within a housing causing the first particle(s) and second particle(s) to form one or more collision mass(es) containing subatomic particles of the first and second particles; controlling the position of the collision mass(es) with electric and/or magnetic fields; and introducing one or more further particle(s) into the collision mass(es), the further particle(s) undergoing nuclear fusion with the one or more particles in the collision mass(es) producing fusion products and releasing heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Charles Sturt
  • Publication number: 20120170700
    Abstract: Our device realize nuclear (or proton) fusion in void thanks to 2 or more nuclear (or proton) beams. Between 2 consecutive beams there is the same angle (and sum is 360°). Beams' angles with horizontal plane are equal and small. Beams' momentum are equal. Like this, fusion products evacuate vertically from the fusion point. Beams' speeds are well tuned not to produce new particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Olivier Jean-Marie Rene Gorre
  • Publication number: 20120148003
    Abstract: Systems for enhancing preignition conditions of a fusion reaction are disclosed. A first system includes a target chamber for receiving a fusion fuel, and energy driving means oriented to direct plasma confinement structure onto to the fusion fuel to facilitate ignition of a controlled fusion reaction of said fusion fuel. A plurality of electron sources provides electron beams of a predetermined energy and one of fluence and quantity, directed onto and illuminating, a fusion fuel-derived plasma for controlling the ratio of ion temperature and electron temperature of the plasma. A second system comprises a central target chamber for receiving a spherical pellet of fusion target material and at least first and second pluralities of energy drivers oriented to supply temporally-staged X-ray pulses to the fusion target material in a 3-dimensionally symmetric manner about said pellet. A third system combines aspects of the first and second systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Publication number: 20120069945
    Abstract: A method of generating an energy release reaction including providing a surface or interface formed between a first medium and a second medium. Depositing a plurality of like-charged particles in the first medium adjacent to the surface wherein a potential binding energy between the plurality of like-charged particles and the repulsive force that exists between the like charged particles causes the particles to move until a state of equilibrium is reached. Wherein the movement of the particles over said surface generates dissipation energy. Further wherein the state of equilibrium results in a distance between at least two of the like-charged particles to be sufficiently small to result in reaction of the at least two like-charged particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: SOLARIS NANOSCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
  • Publication number: 20120057666
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrying out fusion reactions by changing the Coulombic energy barrier via Muon Catalyzed Fusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph M. JACOBSON
  • Patent number: 8130893
    Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic simulator that includes a plasma container. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes an first ionizable gas substantially contained within the plasma container. In addition, the magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes a first loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container, wherein the first loop includes a gap, a first electrical connection on a first side of the gap, a second electrical connection of a second side of the gap, and a first material having at least one of low magnetic susceptibility and high conductivity. The first loop can be made up from an assembly of one or a plethora or wire loop coils. In such cases, electrical connection is made through the ends of the coil wires. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator further includes an electrically conductive first coil wound about the plasma container and through the first loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Nassim Haramein
  • Publication number: 20120033775
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing usable heat by fusion of two atoms within a vessel filled with a gas. The fusion is performed under pressure within an electric arc between two electrodes within the vessel. The electron clouds of the atoms are deformed into a toroidal shape by a magnetic field of the electric arc, thereby exposing the nuclei of both atoms. Upon such exposure, a trigger such as a sudden change in the arc or a sudden increase of pressure in the vessel forces the nuclei of the atoms to fuse, producing a new atom. Selection of the gas, the electrodes, as well as the operating power, pressure and flow through the arc results in the production of energy that is greater than the electric energy consumed by the arc. Heat produced by the fusion is used for the production of electricity or other commercial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: HIGHFUELS, INC.
    Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 8090071
    Abstract: A generally spherical sealed reactor vessel defining a volume. A target sphere shaped electrode 11 is centered within a nonconductive reactor vessel 21. The target sphere is insulated from and fixedly centered within the nonconductive reactor vessel by an insulated stalk 22. This vessel is suspended in an insulating and cooling medium 241 composed of transformer oil. Deuterium gas 235 is released into and contained within the volume at a predetermined pressure. A source of high voltage, high frequency potential 130 is connected to the target electrode by an electrical connection 13. The other terminal of the high voltage, high frequency potential source is connected to Earth ground 153. The applied alternating electrical potential creates an alternating electrical field within the reaction chamber. This an oscillating electric field is formed within the enclosed space of nonconductive reactor vessel 21, extending between target electrode 11 and heat absorbent container 238.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: James Robert DeLuze
  • Patent number: 8073094
    Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic simulator that includes a plasma container. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes an first ionizable gas substantially contained within the plasma container. In addition, the magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes a first loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container, wherein the first loop includes a gap, a first electrical connection on a first side of the gap, a second electrical connection of a second side of the gap, and a first material having at least one of low magnetic susceptibility and high conductivity. The first loop can be made up from an assembly of one or a plethora or wire loop coils. In such cases, electrical connection is made through the ends of the coil wires. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator further includes an electrically conductive first coil wound about the plasma container and through the first loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Nassim Haramein
  • Publication number: 20110293056
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating and/or compressing plasmas to thermonuclear temperatures and densities are provided. In one aspect, at least one of at least two plasmoids separated by a distance is accelerated towards the other. The plasmoids interact, for instance to form a resultant plasmoid, to convert a kinetic energy into a thermal energy. The resultant plasmoid is confined in a high energy density state using a magnetic field. One or more plasmoids may be compressed. Energy may be recovered, for example via a blanket and/or directly via one or more coils that create a magnetic field and/or circuits that control the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MSNW, LLC
    Inventor: John T. Slough
  • Patent number: 8059779
    Abstract: An improved 3He nuclear reactor with provision for direct electric conversion of a relativistic proton stream into useable electric power at a voltage level compatible with the national power grid (one million V DC). Various embodiments include multiple collector cages for extracting relativistic protons of various energy levels, diverter wires for deflecting high-energy proton streams to either side of lower energy cages to avoid unwanted impact. Other embodiments include arrangements for dividing multi-megavolt voltages down to a useable one megavolt level compatible with the national power grid. Further embodiments comprise guiding the proton stream by the cusps of magnetron cavities to permit conversion of the relativistic proton energies into microwave power. A proposal is also made for harvesting 3He from the Moon to supply earth-bound and space-bound reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Wilson Greatbatch
  • Patent number: 8031824
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Vitaly Bystriskii, Eusebio Garate, Yuanxu Song, Michael Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110158369
    Abstract: A cellular electron cooled storage ring system and method for achieving particle-fusion based energy, including a vacuum chamber to allow electron beam and ion beam merging and separation, cathodes to generate the electron beams, collectors to collect the electron beams, and magnetic field generation devices to guide the electrons and ions on their desired trajectories as well as contain neutralizing particles. By overlapping the electron and ion beams, thermal energy is transferred from the ion beams to the electron beams, which allows the invention to overcome particle losses due to resonances, scattering and heating of the ion beams. Advantageously, ions are accelerated to an energy that is near optimum for fusion reactions to occur, and uses electron energies that maintain this advantageous situation. Advantageously, the recirculation of ions that do not fuse or scatter at too large of an angle is allowed, giving such ions additional chances to participate in a desired fusion reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Delbert John Larson
  • Patent number: 7968838
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating particles with a high degree of anisotropy in the direction of emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Dent International Research, Inc.
    Inventor: William V. Dent
  • Publication number: 20110044417
    Abstract: The Physical Revolution (with End of Einstein-Bohr and PostEinstein-Bohr Physics) continues its numerous convergent confirmations. With general structure of neutron, proton and neutro, I resolved the very concrete mechanisms of “Strong” and “Weak” Nuclear Forces, which are, finally, similar, in basis, to mechanisms of Electromagnetic and Gravitational Forces, resolved by me earlier. Consequently, the use of rays (summary or individual) of particles, which are in origins of these Nuclear Forces, must provoke facilitated nuclear fusions and nuclear fissions, liberating colossal energies, never seen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Yuly Zagyansky
  • Publication number: 20110044416
    Abstract: It comprises a process for controlled nuclear fusion of deuterium atoms that takes place inside a combustion chamber after the combustion of a gaseous fuel that comprises deuterium atoms in the presence of an oxidizing gas and a gaseous catalyst, under positive pressure. It also comprises a controlled nuclear fusion reactor for carrying out the process described, and also the internal combustion engine that comprises the controlled nuclear fusion reactor and a motorized vehicle that comprises said internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: ALSET TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jose Ignacio Galindo Cabello, Jose Lopez Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20100303188
    Abstract: A method of generating a chemical and nuclear reactions includes providing a surface formed between a first medium and a second medium, the first medium having a first dielectric constant, ?, and the second medium having a second dielectric constant, ?S, wherein ? and ?S satisfy the relationship ( ? - ? S ) ( ? + ? S ) < - 1 2 ; depositing a plurality of like-charged parties, e.g., ions or nuclei capable of fusion, in the first medium adjacent to the surface; and wherein a potential binding energy between the plurality of charged particles causes a distance between at least two of the charged particles to be sufficiently small to result in chemical reaction or nuclear fusion of the at least two charged particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
  • Publication number: 20100284501
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hardware module for confining a plasma of electrons and ions in a nuclear fusion energy generating device. In this embodiment, a complete energy generating device is composed of six identical modules, spaced close together in the shape of a cube. The modules confine the plasma inside a cubical enclosure, compress it to high density, and heat it to high temperature. The embodiment of the module is robust and easy to maintain. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Joel Guild Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100104058
    Abstract: Systems for enhancing preignition conditions of a fusion reaction are disclosed. A first system includes a target chamber for receiving a fusion fuel, and energy driving means oriented to direct plasma confinement structure onto to the fusion fuel to facilitate ignition of a controlled fusion reaction of said fusion fuel. A plurality of electron sources provides electron beams of a predetermined energy and one of fluence and quantity, directed onto and illuminating, a fusion fuel-derived plasma for controlling the ratio of ion temperature and electron temperature of the plasma. A second system comprises a central target chamber for receiving a spherical pellet of fusion target material and at least first and second pluralities of energy drivers oriented to supply temporally-staged X-ray pulses to the fusion target material in a 3-dimensionally symmetric manner about said pellet. A third system combines aspects of the first and second systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Publication number: 20100063344
    Abstract: Disclosed are a hybrid reactor, method, and device for improved nuclear fusion reactors to provide sufficient flux of fast neutrons with sufficient energy to transmutate transuranic wastes from nuclear fission and to be used in improved nuclear fuel cycles so as to effectively reduce the amount radio-toxicity, and the risks and costs of the disposal of nuclear waste, thereby reducing the cost of nuclear energy and increasing its acceptability as an energy source. This abstract is intended for use as a scanning tool only and is not intended to be limiting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Michael T. Kotschenreuther, Swadesh M. Mahajan, Prashant M. Valanju
  • Patent number: 7639770
    Abstract: A cylindrical neutron generator is formed with a coaxial RF-driven plasma ion source and target. A deuterium (or deuterium and tritium) plasma is produced by RF excitation in a cylindrical plasma ion generator using an RF antenna. A cylindrical neutron generating target is coaxial with the ion generator, separated by plasma and extraction electrodes which contain many slots. The plasma generator emanates ions radially over 360° and the cylindrical target is thus irradiated by ions over its entire circumference. The plasma generator and target may be as long as desired. The plasma generator may be in the center and the neutron target on the outside, or the plasma generator may be on the outside and the target on the inside. In a nested configuration, several concentric targets and plasma generating regions are nested to increase the neutron flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Ka-Ngo Leung
  • Publication number: 20090213975
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing heat is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accelerating one or more first particle(s) to a first velocity; colliding the accelerated particles(s) with one or more second particles in a collision zone located within a housing causing the first particle(s) and second particle(s) to form one or more collision mass(es) comprising subatomic particles of the first and second particles; controlling the position of the collision mass(es) with electric or/and magnetic fields; and introducing one or more further particle(s) into the collision mass(es), the further particle(s) undergoing nuclear fusion with the one or more particles in the collision mass(es) producing fusion products and releasing heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Charles Sturt
  • Patent number: 7550741
    Abstract: A device for accelerating ions between a potential towards a central point in space is disclosed. The device can be used to accelerate ions along a collision path with other accelerated ions or other present particles resulting in a nuclear fusion reaction. The device improves upon the prior art by using a plasma as one of the electrodes forming the potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Sanns, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090135980
    Abstract: A method for producing nuclear fusion in a fusion chamber, comprising the steps of: (a) Obtaining cooled high velocity nuclear particles; (b) Causing said particles to impact a target, and (c) Harvesting the energy thereby released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Rafael Adler
  • Publication number: 20090135981
    Abstract: To provide a reliable method for producing energy by means of nuclear condensation. A method for transforming element comprises a deuterium nuclear is located on vertical angle of each surface composing regular hexahedron inside the metal crystal and an electron is located on the rest of vertical angle, wherein four deuterium nuclei are fused by Coulomb attraction between four protons and four electrons and transform to two helium atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: High Scientific Research Laboratory
    Inventor: Norio Yabuuchi
  • Publication number: 20090052603
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating recoilless nonthermal nuclear fusion reaction, wherein deuterium ions accelerated by pulsed gas discharge plasma are implanted onto a surface of an electrode (2) formed of liquid lithium (9), and the momentum to be transferred to the lithium atoms coming into collision with the deuterium atoms is carried out by neutrons, so that the lithium atoms are prevented from being recoiled, and the recoilless nonthermal nuclear fusion reaction is enhanced without reducing a cohesion acting between atoms in the liquid lithium (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Hidetsugu Ikegami
  • Patent number: 7486758
    Abstract: A novel arrangement that combines in a single compact embodiment a plasma flow switch source of ultrahigh speed plasma and an electromagnetically-imploded cylindrical shell. The shell, known as a liner, forms the wall of a cavity that receives and stagnates the plasma flow. The plasma and the liner are connected electrically in series so that a single multi-megampere current serves both elements and operates from the same power source and switch. The operation is timed so that the plasma is injected into the cavity once the liner has attained sufficient implosion speed. The liner then continues to implode, reducing the cavity volume and compressing the plasma further to very high temperatures and densities, thereby creating a compact, intense pulsed neutron source generated by thermonuclear reactions in the compressed plasma. Such a neutron source has application for neutralizing bio/chemical warfare agents, radiography, and material processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Peter J. Turchi
  • Publication number: 20080226011
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for a magnetized plasma nuclear fusion reactor, incorporating special design features which induce a plasma heat engine cycle in a rapidly rotating plasma. The heat engine operates either continuously or by oscillations. A continuous heat engine is formed in the open field outside a field reversed configuration. The oscillatory system operates in synchronism with cyclic acceleration, collision, and deceleration of plasma masses to produce nuclear fusion reactions at an economically useful rate with a relatively small driving power required. A special magnetic field design is combined with applied electrical voltages at the end of the field lines to produce required conditions. Design features allow recovery of large fraction of collision heat which would otherwise be dissipated as a parasitic loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel C. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20080205573
    Abstract: A cellular electron cooled storage ring system and method for achieving particle-fusion based energy, including a vacuum chamber to allow electron beam and ion beam merging and separation, cathodes to generate the electron beams, collectors to collect the electron beams, and magnetic field generation devices to guide the electrons and ions on their desired trajectories as well as contain neutralizing particles. By overlapping the electron and ion beams, thermal energy is transferred from the ion beams to the electron beams, which allows the invention to overcome particle losses due to resonances, scattering and heating of the ion beams. Advantageously, ions are accelerated to an energy that is near optimum for fusion reactions to occur, and uses electron energies that maintain this advantageous situation. Advantageously, the recirculation of ions that do not fuse or scatter at too large of an angle is allowed, giving such ions additional chances to participate in a desired fusion reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Delbert J. Larson
  • Patent number: 7391160
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignees: Regents of the University of California, University of Florida Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker