Fusion Reaction By Plural Colliding Plasmas Or Particle Beams Patents (Class 376/107)
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Patent number: 11615896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: TAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Jesus Antonio Romero Gonzalez
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Patent number: 11049621Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
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Patent number: 10966310Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Cary Brett Forest, Jay Keith Anderson, John Philip Wallace, Robert W. Harvey, Yuri V. Petrov
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Patent number: 10796806Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Tokamak Energy Ltd.Inventors: Vladimir Shevchenko, Christian Bradley
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Patent number: 10764987Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: NEUSCA SASInventors: Arash Mofakhami, Tarek Nassar
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Patent number: 10763080Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: WORLD LINKAGE HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventor: Tsz Kin Ho
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Patent number: 10453575Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
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Patent number: 10438713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Juan Navarro-Sorroche, Weijun Guo
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Patent number: 10403405Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Vitaly Bystriskii, Eusebio Garate, Yuanxu Song, Michael Anderson
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Patent number: 10181376Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLCInventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
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Patent number: 9949355Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Torus Tech, LLCInventor: Nassim Haramein
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Patent number: 9524802Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: MSNW LLCInventor: John Thomas Slough
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Patent number: 9406405Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Inventor: Joel Guild Rogers
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Patent number: 9082517Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Inventor: Joel Guild Rogers
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Patent number: 9008131Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLCInventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
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Patent number: 8934599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLCInventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
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Publication number: 20150010123Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventor: Charles Burdick
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Publication number: 20140226772Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Takeshi Watari, Katsunobu Nishihara, Masaru Takagi, Nakahiro Satoh, Toshiyuki Kawashima, Hirofumi Kan
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Publication number: 20130148770Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2010Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Arash Mofakhami, Tarek Nassar
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Patent number: 8461516Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating neutrons with a high degree of anisotrophy in the direction of emission.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Dent International Research, Inc.Inventor: William V. Dent
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Patent number: 8315350Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventor: Alan Charles Sturt
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Publication number: 20120170700Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Olivier Jean-Marie Rene Gorre
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Publication number: 20120148003Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
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Publication number: 20120069945Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: SOLARIS NANOSCIENCES CORPORATIONInventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
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Publication number: 20120057666Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrying out fusion reactions by changing the Coulombic energy barrier via Muon Catalyzed Fusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventor: Joseph M. JACOBSON
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Patent number: 8130893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Nassim Haramein
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Publication number: 20120033775Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: HIGHFUELS, INC.Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
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Patent number: 8090071Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: James Robert DeLuze
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Patent number: 8073094Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Nassim Haramein
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Publication number: 20110293056Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: MSNW, LLCInventor: John T. Slough
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Patent number: 8059779Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Wilson Greatbatch
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Patent number: 8031824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Vitaly Bystriskii, Eusebio Garate, Yuanxu Song, Michael Anderson
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Publication number: 20110158369Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Delbert John Larson
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Patent number: 7968838Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating particles with a high degree of anisotropy in the direction of emission.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Dent International Research, Inc.Inventor: William V. Dent
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Publication number: 20110044417Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Yuly Zagyansky
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Publication number: 20110044416Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: ALSET TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Jose Ignacio Galindo Cabello, Jose Lopez Alvarez
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Publication number: 20100303188Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
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Publication number: 20100284501Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Joel Guild Rogers
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Publication number: 20100104058Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
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Publication number: 20100063344Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Michael T. Kotschenreuther, Swadesh M. Mahajan, Prashant M. Valanju
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Patent number: 7639770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Ka-Ngo Leung
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Publication number: 20090213975Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Alan Charles Sturt
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Patent number: 7550741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: Frank Sanns, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090135980Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2006Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: Rafael Adler
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Publication number: 20090135981Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: High Scientific Research LaboratoryInventor: Norio Yabuuchi
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Publication number: 20090052603Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Hidetsugu Ikegami
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Patent number: 7486758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Peter J. Turchi
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Publication number: 20080226011Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2006Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Daniel C. Barnes
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Publication number: 20080205573Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Delbert J. Larson
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Patent number: 7391160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignees: Regents of the University of California, University of Florida Research FoundationInventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker