Radioisotope fueled rotary actuator for micro and nano vehicles
US8395298B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N1/004
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides an actuator apparatus and method where a source provides electrons to a target material wherein electrical work is performed. A beta emission process comprises a source material emitting electrons which are then captured by a target material. The actuator's source vanes rotate within an electric field between the target chutes' walls, generating torque. The principal providing torque and power is the change in energy as a vane gets closer to the outer walls. During the release and capture process, electrical work is performed which, in turn, is transferred into mechanical work in the form of rotation of the rotor. Specific applications include a radioisotope fueled rotary actuator for micro and nano air vehicles employed as the main form of propulsion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.