Thermoelectric generator with hinged assembly for fins

Patent · Tue Nov 02 00:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:862689

Purdy, David L ^[1]; Shapiro, Zalman M ^[2]; Hursen, Thomas F ^[2]; Maurer, Gerould W ^[3]

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1. Indiana, PA
2. Pittsburgh, PA
3. Apollo, PA

A cylindrical casing has a central shielded capsule of radioisotope fuel. A plurality of thermonuclear modules are axially arranged with their hot junctions resiliently pressed toward the shield and with their cold junctions adjacent a transition member having fins radiating heat to the environment. For each module, the assembly of transition member and fins is hinged to the casing for swinging to permit access to and removal of such module. A ceramic plate having gold layers on opposite faces prevents diffusion bonding of the hot junction to the shield.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Sunnyvale, Calif.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(29-2)-2049
• Assignee: ARCO Medical Products Company (Leechburg, PA)
• Patent Number(s): US 3989546
• Application Number: 05/449,818
• OSTI ID: 862689
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

thermoelectric
generator
hinged
assembly
fins
cylindrical
casing
central
shielded
capsule
radioisotope
fuel
plurality
thermonuclear
modules
axially
arranged
hot
junctions
resiliently
pressed
shield
cold
adjacent
transition
radiating
heat
environment
module
swinging
permit
access
removal
ceramic
plate
gold
layers
opposite
prevents
diffusion
bonding
junction
electric generator
thermoelectric generator
fusion bonding
ceramic plate
diffusion bonding
cylindrical casing
resiliently pressed
fusion bond
/136/976/