Abstract: One form of the invention is directed to an apparatus that comprises step-down circuitry to better match impedance between an input and an output that includes a number of stages each electrically coupled to another and each including a charge storage device. The circuitry further includes a number of switching devices operable in a first electrical connectivity state to connect the charge storage device of each of the stages in series to receive electrical charge from the input and in a second electrical connectivity state opposite the first state to connect the charge storage device of each of the stages in parallel to discharge electricity through the output. This circuitry can be used in connection with a radioisotopic conversion cell.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a technique of performing a catalytic oxidation reaction at an anode to provide hydrogen ions from molecular hydrogen and a catalytic reduction reaction at a cathode to provide hydroxyl ions from liquid hydrogen peroxide. Passage the molecular hydrogen to a reaction region is impeded with a proton exchange membrane and passage of the hydrogen peroxide to the reaction region is impeded with an ion-selective arrangement. Electric potential is generated between the anode and the cathode to provide electric power from a reaction of the hydrogen ions and the hydroxyl ions in the reaction region. In one variation, a regeneration technique is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a technique of performing a catalytic oxidation reaction at an anode to provide hydrogen ions from molecular hydrogen and a catalytic reduction reaction at a cathode to provide hydroxyl ions from liquid hydrogen peroxide. Passage of the molecular hydrogen to a reaction region is impeded with a proton exchange membrane and passage of the hydrogen peroxide to the reaction region is impeded with an ion-selective arrangement. Electric potential is generated between the anode and the cathode to provide electric power from a reaction of the hydrogen ions and the hydroxyl ions in the reaction region. In one variation, a regeneration technique is also provided.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention, are apparatus, systems, and methods for managing energetic charged particles emitted nearly isotropically from a fusion device. One apparatus of the present invention includes a fusion device in a container and an electric current carrying winding disposed about the container to provide a magnetic field to direct charged particles generated by the device. A pair of electric current carrying coils are positioned within the container to control the strength of the magnetic field in a region between these coils, such that effects on fusion plasma can be minimized. In other forms, charged particles provided from a fusion device are directed along a magnetic channel to an energy converter to provide electric power. One such form includes a magnetic expander and an electron-ion separator to provide a net electric current.

Abstract: One form of the invention is directed to an apparatus that comprises step-down circuitry to better match impedance between an input and an output that includes a number of stages each electrically coupled to another and each including a charge storage device. The circuitry further includes a number of switching devices operable in a first electrical connectivity state to connect the charge storage device of each of the stages in series to receive electrical charge from the input and in a second electrical connectivity state opposite the first state to connect the charge storage device of each of the stages in parallel to discharge electricity through the output. This circuitry can be used in connection with a radioisotopic conversion cell.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a technique of performing a catalytic oxidation reaction at an anode to provide hydrogen ions from molecular hydrogen and a catalytic reduction reaction at a cathode to provide hydroxyl ions from liquid hydrogen peroxide. Passage the molecular hydrogen to a reaction region is impeded with a proton exchange membrane and passage of the hydrogen peroxide to the reaction region is impeded with an ion-selective arrangement. Electric potential is generated between the anode and the cathode to provide electric power from a reaction of the hydrogen ions and the hydroxyl ions in the reaction region. In one variation, a regeneration technique is also provided.

Abstract: An electrostatic accelerated-recirculating-ion fusion neutron/proton source is disclosed. The device acts as a compact accelerator-plasma-target fusion neutron/proton source which can emulate a line-type source. The unit comprises an axially elongated hollow vacuum chamber having an inner and outer wall. Reflectors are located at opposite ends of the vacuum chamber so that their centers lie on the axis of the vacuum chamber. A cathode that is 100% transparent to oscillating particles is located within the vacuum chamber between the reflectors, defining a central volume and having the same axis as the vacuum chamber. Anodes that are 100% transparent to oscillating particles are located near opposite ends of the vacuum chamber between the reflectors dishes and the cathode, having axes coincident with the axis of the vacuum chamber. A means is also provided for introducing controlled amounts of reactive gas into the vacuum chamber, and its central volume.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention, are apparatus, systems, and methods for managing energetic charged particles emitted nearly isotropically from a fusion device. One apparatus of the present invention includes a fusion device in a container and an electric current carrying winding disposed about the container to provide a magnetic field to direct charged particles generated by the device. A pair of electric current carrying coils are positioned within the container to control the strength of the magnetic field in a region between these coils, such that effects on fusion plasma can be minimized. In other forms, charged particles provided from a fusion device are directed along a magnetic channel to an energy converter to provide electric power. One such form includes a magnetic expander and an electron-ion separator to provide a net electric current.