Patents by Inventor Michael T. Kotschenruether

Michael T. Kotschenruether has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240130029
    Abstract: A toroidally confined plasma vessel defines a magnetically confined (MC) plasma region that is substantially symmetric by rotation around a central axis and where particles traveling along magnetic fields substantially never strike a wall. A plurality of magnetic field coils provides at least one X-point and guides plasma particles from the magnetically confined plasma region to the divertor target. A total magnetic field strength (comprising all components of the magnetic field) at the divertor target differs substantially from a total magnetic field strength (comprising all components of the magnetic field) at a position of the X-point on a last closed flux surface nearest to it; and a current drive means is operative in the MC plasma, including in the region near the Last Closed Flux Surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Fusion Energy Associates LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Kotschenruether, Swadesh M. Mahajan, David R. Hatch
  • Publication number: 20230245792
    Abstract: A toroidally confined plasma vessel with a substantially symmetric magnetically confined plasma region where a plurality of magnetic field coils are configured to provide at least one X-point, and to guide plasma particles from the magnetically confined region to the divertor target; and wherein the total magnetic field strength (comprising all components of the magnetic field) at the divertor target is lower than the total magnetic field strength (comprising all components of the magnetic field) of a position in the SOL between the divertor target and X-point on the last closed flux surface that is nearest to it. When the mean free path of the neutrals is longer than the width of the SOL, one can separate the two critical functions: a) withstanding high-heat flux, and b) pumping of plasma particles to maintain a low density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Fusion Energy Associates LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. Kotschenruether