Abstract: A test capsule for measuring at least one property of a material exposed to nuclear radiation comprises a lattice structure configured to exhibit a change in at least one property responsive to exposure to nuclear radiation. The lattice structure comprises a first strut and a second strut connected to the first strut at a node. Related test capsules and methods are also described.

Abstract: A solid state electrical generator that is responsive to a relatively low level radiation field to power emergency equipment in a nuclear powered generating facility. The electricity is generated from materials, that are not initially radioactive, that are able to produce electrical power when placed inside a relatively low neutron and/or gamma radiation field and will essentially breed material to enhance the power produced by the device sufficiently to allow the device to provide sufficient power to the emergency equipment, even though the reactor or other source of neutron and/or gamma radiation has shut down.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a reactor core, a boom and a shield assembly supportively interposed between the reactor core and the boom, a heat pipe disposed in thermal communication with the reactor core, a thermoelectric power converter operably coupled to the heat pipe, struts supportively coupled to the heat pipe at opposite ends of the power converter and hinge joints to rotatably couple the struts to the boom, at least one of the hinge joints being spring-loaded.

Abstract: An underwater electricity generation module includes an elongate cylindrical casing (12) incorporating an electricity generation unit (25a, 25b) including a nuclear boiler (28, 29) associated with electricity generation elements (30, 31) connected to an external electricity distribution post by element of electric cables. The invention is characterised in that it includes two electricity generation units (25a, 25b) disposed symmetrically on each side of a central transverse plane of the casing (12) along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a reactor core, a boom and a shield assembly supportively interposed between the reactor core and the boom, a heat pipe disposed in thermal communication with the reactor core, a thermoelectric power converter operably coupled to the heat pipe, struts supportively coupled to the heat pipe at opposite ends of the power converter and hinge joints to rotatably couple the struts to the boom, at least one of the hinge joints being spring-loaded.

Abstract: The invention describes a product and a method for generating electrical power directly from nuclear power. More particularly, the invention describes the use of a liquid semiconductor as a means for efficiently converting nuclear energy, either nuclear fission and/or radiation energy, directly into electrical energy. Direct conversion of nuclear energy to electrical energy is achieved by placing nuclear material in close proximity to a liquid semiconductor. Nuclear energy emitted from the nuclear material, in the form of fission fragments or radiation, enters the liquid semiconductor and creates electron-hole pairs. By using an appropriate electrical circuit an electrical load is applied and electrical energy generated as a result of the creation of the electron-hole pairs.

Abstract: The invention describes a product and a method for generating electrical power directly from nuclear power. More particularly, the invention describes the use of a liquid semiconductor as a means for efficiently converting nuclear energy, either nuclear fission and/or radiation energy, directly into electrical energy. Direct conversion of nuclear energy to electrical energy is achieved by placing nuclear material in close proximity to a liquid semiconductor. Nuclear energy emitted from the nuclear material, in the form of fission fragments or radiation, enters the liquid semiconductor and creates electron-hole pairs. By using an appropriate electrical circuit an electrical load is applied and electrical energy generated as a result of the creation of the electron-hole pairs.

Abstract: The invention describes a product and a method for generating electrical power directly from nuclear power. More particularly, the invention describes the use of a liquid semiconductor as a means for efficiently converting nuclear energy, either nuclear fission and/or radiation energy, directly into electrical energy. Direct conversion of nuclear energy to electrical energy is achieved by placing nuclear material in close proximity to a liquid semiconductor. Nuclear energy emitted from the nuclear material, in the form of fission fragments or radiation, enters the liquid semiconductor and creates electron-hole pairs. By using an appropriate electrical circuit an electrical load is applied and electrical energy generated as a result of the creation of the electron-hole pairs.

Abstract: An energy cell, employed as a passive energy source or a detector for sensing high energy photons, takes advantage of the differing electrical properties of metals to produce an induced electromagnetic force charge when exposed to dosages of high energy photons such as x-ray or gamma rays.

Abstract: An electrical energy generator with improved efficiency has a base on which is mounted an elastically deformable micromechanical element that has a section that is free to be displaced toward the base. An absorber of radioactively emitted particles is formed on the base or the displaceable section of the deformable element and a source is formed on the other of the displaceable section or the base facing the absorber across a small gap. The radioactive source emits charged particles such as electrons, resulting in a buildup of charge on the absorber, drawing the absorber and source together and storing mechanical energy as the deformable element is bent. When the force between the absorber and the source is sufficient to bring the absorber into effective electrical contact with the source, discharge of the charge between the source and absorber allows the deformable element to spring back, releasing the mechanical energy stored in the element.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: An activator has a base on which is mounted an elastically deformable micromechanical element that has a section that is free to be displaced toward the base. An absorber of radioactively emitted particles is formed on the base or the displaceable section of the deformable element and a source is formed on the other of the displaceable section or the base facing the absorber across a small gap. The radioactive source emits charged particles such as electrons, resulting in a buildup of charge on the absorber, drawing the absorber and source together and storing mechanical energy as the deformable element is bent. When the force between the absorber and the source is sufficient to bring the absorber into effective electrical contact with the source, discharge of the charge between the source and absorber allows the deformable element to spring back, releasing the mechanical energy stored in the element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting radioactive energy into electrical energy is provided and includes a first radioisotope (24) emitting alpha particles and a second radioisotope (28) emitting beta particles. A first plate (16) is positioned proximate the first radioisotope (24) and is adapted for capturing the alpha particles wherein the first plate (16) is positively charged. A second plate (18) is positioned proximate the second radioisotope (28) and is insulated from the first plate (16). The second plate (18) is adapted for capturing the beta particles wherein the second plate (18) is negatively charged for establishing an electrical potential between the first plate (16) and the second plate (18). A housing accommodates the radioisotopes (24,28) and plates (16,18) and has a first contact (40) connected to the first plate (16) and a second contact (42) connected to the second plate (18). An electrical potential is generated between the two contacts (40,42).

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting personnel and the environment from harmful emissions of radiation from a source thereof includes a plurality of shielding parts so located as to be in the path of the radioactive emissions and to absorb them so that an electrical potential difference between the shielding parts is established, due to different absorptions of radiation by them, a variable electrical load for consuming electrical power at a location remote from the radioactive source, and electrical conductors communicating the variable electrical load with such shielding parts. Although the invention is primarily intended for protecting personnel and the environment against emissions from radiation sources, such as radioactive wastes, it is also useful for shielding other sources of harmful radiated emissions. Also within the invention are processes for protecting personnel and the environment against radiation hazards.

Abstract: A stand-alone low-voltage direct current power supply, for use as a battery, which is energized by the decay of a radioactive isotope in response to neutron capture. During this decay, either .alpha.- or .beta.-particles are emitted. The emitting radioactive isotope should have adequate half-life and no .gamma.-emission. The preferred .beta.-emitting radioisotope is thallium, which decays directly to the ground state of Pb.sup.204 by 763-keV .beta.-decay with no .gamma.-emission. The resulting .beta.-particles are collected to form a current which can be used for various purposes inside a reactor. The preferred .alpha.-emitting radioisotope is americium.

Abstract: A plasma thermoelement which is built into the immediate volume of a nuclear fuel mass of a nuclear fuel element is described which comprises a snorkel (12) which is surrounded by a nuclear fuel mass (14) which in turn is surrounded by a cladding (16). Both the exit end of the snorkel and the cladding are connected electrically only via an external load. The nuclear fuel mass is formed from a multitude of the ceramic nuclear fuel microspheres (24). The use of plasma as high-temperature conductor of thermoelement permits to increase conversion efficiency and decrease mass of conversion system.

Abstract: By using the helium generated by the alpha emissions of a thermoelectric generator during space travel for cooling, the thermal degradation of the thermoelectric generator can be slowed. Slowing degradation allows missions to be longer with little additional expense or payload.

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a thermionic fuel element which includes a collector base supporting a collector adjacent and closely spaced from an emitter which is supported by an emitter base, the emitter base being adapted to be heated by a heat source. In accordance with the invention a thermal shield structure is located between a portion of the emitter and the collector. The shield structure insulates that portion of the collector opposite the shield structure from receiving at least a portion of the radiation developed by the heat source.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting personnel and the environment from harmful emissions of radiation from a source thereof includes a plurality of shielding parts so located as to be in the path of the radioactive emissions and to absorb them (one such part being located farther away from the source of emissions than the other) so that an electrical potential difference between the shielding parts is established, due to different absorptions of radiation by them, means for consuming electrical power at a location remote from the radioactive source, and electrical conductors communicating the consuming means (or load) with such shielding parts. Although the invention is primarily intended for protecting personnel and the environment against emissions from radiation sources, such as radioactive wastes, it is also useful for shielding other sources of harmful radiated emissions. Also within the invention are processes for protecting personnel and the environment against radiation hazards.

Abstract: A nuclear battery in which the energy imparted to radioactive decay products during the spontaneous disintegrations of radioactive material is utilized to sustain and amplify the oscillations in a high-Q LC tank circuit is provided. The circuit inductance comprises a coil wound on a core composed of radioactive nuclides connected in series with the primary winding of a power transformer. The core is fabricated from a mixture of three radioactive materials which decay primarily by alpha emission and provides a greater flux of radioactive decay products than the equivalent amount of a single radioactive nuclide.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator has a cylindrical high temperature reactor as a heat source. A carbon-fiber reinforced graphite lattice structure supports a multiplicity of thermoelectric units which surround and receive heat from the core of the reactor. The reactor core is composed of fuel rods made of graphite in which nuclear fuel particles are embedded. The central portion of the core contains reflector elements. Power regulation is provided by control rods that are insertable into the core in openings among the fuel rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting personnel and the environment from harmful emissions of radiation from a source thereof includes a plurality of shielding parts so located as to be in the path of the radioactive emissions and to absorb them (one such part being located farther away from the source of emissions than the other) so that an electrical potential difference between the shielding parts is established, due to different absorptions of radiation by them, means for consuming electrical power at a location remote from the radioactive source, and electrical conductors communicating the consuming means (or load) with such shielding parts. Although the invention is primarily intended for protecting personnel and the environment against emissions from radiation sources, such as radioactive wastes, it is also useful for shielding other sources of harmful radiated emissions. Also within the invention are processes for protecting personnel and the environment against radiation hazards.

Abstract: An electric power generating apparatus that is powered primarily by the emission of electrically charged particles from radio-active materials enclosed in an evacuated vessel of glass or the like. An arrangement of reflecting electrodes causes a beam of particles to switch back and forth at a high frequency between two collecting electrodes that are connected to a resonating tuned primary circuit consisting of an inductor with resonating capacitor. The reflecting electrodes are energized in the proper phase relationship to the collecting electrodes to insure sustained oscillation by means of a secondary winding coupled inductively to the primary winding and connected to the reflecting electrodes. Power may be drawn from the circuit at a stepped down voltage from a power take-off winding that is coupled to the primary winding.

Abstract: A self pulsating nuclear reactor plant comprising of a reactor cylinder concealing a pair of mobile nuclear mass blocks chosen for pendent radially motion inside a radial cylinder, whereby the arch of mobile mass blocks is limited by stationary mass blocks in such a fashion that when mobile mass blocks making contact in center of reactor they become super critical and repulsing each other from vertical position toward horizontal position vice versa.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a nuclear reactor having a core which in addition to generating heat generates a high frequency electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation chamber is positioned to receive at least a portion of the radiation generated by the reactor core. Hydrogen and chlorine are connected into the electromagnetic reactor chamber and react with controlled explosive violence when exposed to the radiation from the nuclear reactor. Oxygen is fed into the reactor chamber as a control medium. The resulting gases under high pressure and temperature are utilized to drive a gas turbine generators.In an alternative embodiment the highly ionized gases, hydogen and chlorine are utilized as a fluid medium for use in magnetohydrodynamic generators which are attached to the electromagnetic reactor chambers.

Abstract: A nuclear fission electrical generator for extracting electrical power from fissionable material having semi-conductor characteristics without the necessity of an intervening thermal energy. Unwanted, randomly created electron-hole pairs are depleted from the semiconductor material. Phthalocyanine semiconductor are suitable, and uranium phthalocyanine is particularly suitable for use in this invention.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparati for use of collisions of high energy atoms and ions of He, Ne or Ar with themselves or with high energy neutrons to produce short wavelength radiation (.lambda..apprxeq.840-1300 .ANG.) that may be utilized to produce cathode-anode currents or photovoltaic currents.