Abstract: A long-life, electrical energy source having an adjustable output is comprised of a light emitting phosphor activated by a radioisotope and coupled to a plurality of photovoltalic cells that have their outputs electrically connected together. The output power of the electrical energy source is effectively regulated by selectively changing the connections of the outputs of the photovoltaic cells in response to the progression of time.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for converting radioactive energy into electrical energy, with the apparatus including an outer radioactive protective shell and a radioactive fuel source located within that shell. In a preferred embodiment, three mutually perpendicular magnetic fields are provided to separate alpha and beta particles emitted from the radioactive fuel source and to direct the alpha particles to a first predetermined region of the shell while directing the beta particles to a second predetermined region. An alpha collector is situated adjacent the first region to collect the alpha particles directed to that region, while a beta collector is situated within the second region to collect beta particles directed thereto. Structure is provided to permit removal of gaseous by-product from within the shell, and output leads are provided to utilize the collected alpha and beta particles to create electric current.

Abstract: A flat plate alkali metal thermoelectric converter module having a plurality of generally flat plate cells grouped in stacks that are electrically connected in series within the stack, the cells being disposed to minimize the heat energy radiated to a condenser to provide a high efficiency module.

Abstract: An electrical energy generating device which utilizes the potential difference between two dissimilar materials having different work functions and the ionizing properties of radioactive decay products is provided. A current generating cell includes a pair of electrodes of electro-chemically dissimilar materials separated by a space filled with a solid medium having a relatively high dielectric constant and a relatively low ionization constant. A current flows in an external circuit coupling the two electrodes together when the solid medium is ionized. Utilizing a suitable radioactive material mixed or dispersed in the solid medium provides an internal ionizing flux. Similarly, a current is generated in the external circuit when each of the electrodes are constructed of two plates of dissimilar materials in physical contact with each other and the medium is ionized.

Abstract: A power cell for generating useful electrical power from high frequency electromagnetic radiation comprising a spiral-wound, multi-layer film forming a cylindrical body with a central opening for receiving the radiation source. The film has in succession a conductive grounded emitter layer, a first intermediate layer of dielectric material, a second intermediate layer of a material having a substantial Compton effect, a conductive collector layer, a third intermediate layer of the same dielectric material, a conductive retarding layer, and an insulating layer. The collector and emitter layers are to be connected to the opposite terminals of a load. A bleeder regulator is connected between the retarding and collector layers to pass excess charge on the retarding layer to the collector layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing electricity from a fuel gas containing hydrogen and/or compounds capable of dissociating into hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell and a catalyst. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid or uranyl orthophosphate in a mutually miscible solvent.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to improved redox type electrochemical cells, preferably those of the iron (+3)/iron (+2) electrolyte variety, incorporating polymeric, ion-exchange separator membranes produced by radiation grafting techniques.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a radioisotope photoelectric generator for producing electrical energy. The construction of the generator is similar to that of a well-known storage battery. The generator is composed of alternate layers of high-Z, (high atomic-number) and low-Z(low atomic number) material which are insulated by vacuum or other insulating material. Low-energy photons from a radioactive source interact predominantly with the high-Z material by the photoelectric process, ejecting photoelectrons whose energy extends up to the incident gamma-ray energy E. By selecting the high-Z material thickness to be less than one electron range (at energy E) and the low-Z material thickness to be more than one electron range, there is a net electron transfer from the high-Z plates to the low-Z plates because electrons are emitted predominantly from the high-Z plates and stop in the low-Z plates. After start-up, a potential difference will build up between the high-Z and low-Z plates.

Abstract: An electrical battery comprised of a substrate of a radioactively ionized, electrically polarized, polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramic material, which is disposed between a pair of conductive electrodes. The radioactive ionization produces non-equilibrium carriers in the substrate, resulting in the development of an emf across the electrodes.

Abstract: A thermal shunt is provided to recover the rejected heat from a radioisot thermoelectric generator utilized in a hybrid configuration with a chemical battery to maintain the chemical battery at a temperature above the environmental ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter having the formula M.sub.2 UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 where each M is any alkali metal ion or mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to electrochemical cells having anodes containing anode-active alkali metal, electrolytes capable of conducting ions of said alkali metal, and cathodes containing cathode-active material having the formula M.sub.2 UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 where each M is any alkali metal ion or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment the cathode-active material has the formula UO.sub.2 F.sub.2.

Abstract: 1. A deferred action battery comprising:A thermal battery comprising a plurality of cells having a metallic positive electrode and a metallic negative electrode spaced by a normally inactive electrolyte that becomes electrically active when heated and a combustible composition for supplying heat to the electrolyte when ignited;A body containing radioactive isotope associated with thermal battery so that a major portion of the thermal energy generated by said isotope is not received by said thermal battery;First means for igniting said combustible composition to render said thermal battery functionally active;And second means movable to permit the said thermal battery to receive a major portion of the thermal energy generated by said isotope.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of increasing ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes, such as salts, metal oxides and the like, and an electrochemical galvanic cell utilizing a solid, anhydrous electrolyte which includes a radioactive source for increasing conductivity of the solid electrolyte.