This patent doesn't show up on google searches of discussion boards.
I am curious how it fits into the various LENR categories, and also
whether the approach works on nano-scales, and in which atmospheres,
emulsions and for which crystal distributions.
Although the fusion is claimed to be initiated at low temperature,
the USPTO did not reject it as a "cold fusion" claim
- maybe because of the mention of particle beams?
One of the inventors, Seth Putterman, is also a sonofusion researcher.
Does anyone have any insights on the patent's value?
Do the claims conflict with any pending patents?
Does it overlap any current LENR approaches?
Thanks,
Lou Pagnucco
***** THE PATENT + EXCERPTS *****
HIGH ENERGY CRYSTAL GENERATORS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Patent 7741615 Issued on June 22, 2010.
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7741615/fulltext.html
Abstract
Ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric crystals are used to
generate spatially localized high energy (up to and exceeding 100 keV)
electron and ion beams
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the discovery that ferroelectric,
pyroelectric or piezoelectric crystal generator devices can be designed
that provide for the emission of high energy particles, such as 100 KeV
electrons from a three by one cubic centimeter ferroelectric material
that is heated just a few degrees above room temperature.
...
The following is a summary of the types of systems in which the
electron/ion beam generators of the present invention are directed
against a variety of different targets.
...
Fusion: The ion energies achieved with stimulated crystals in
accordance with the present invention are easily into the range where
collisions with deuterated [tritiated] targets create fusion with the
release of neutrons and energy and otherhigh energy particles.
....
it is possible to generate the emission of 100 KeV ions upon heating a
crystal on its positive `z` base. This happens because the compensating
charge on the opposite or negative `z` side is made up ofpositively
charged ions. When heated the domain flips, which brings a plus charge to
the surface and causes the ions to be blown off, with the same energy as
is supplied to the electrons. A compact source of fast ions (50 KeV)
provides a new route tofusion. With a deuterated atmosphere and a
deuterated surface, fusion at energies of 50 KeV is possible. Such fusion
was demonstrated using an exemplary crystal generator in accordance with
the present invention to generate the high field (greater than 25 V/nm)
that is required for gas phase field ionization of deuterium.
....
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
....
Some applications utilize deuterated systems. This means that deuterium
gas [or tritium gas] has been introduced into the region of the crystal
and/or that the hydrogen in the crystal has been replaced with
deuterium/tritium. And thatdeuterium has been adsorbed onto the crystal
surface or loaded into the crystal. Or that in addition a target made with
Deuteriu or tritium is used.
***** DESCRIPTION FROM NANOPATENTS WEBSITE *****
HIGH ENERGY 'Z' CRYSTAL GENERATORS FOR EARTH, MARS AND THE STARS,
NEW ROUTE TO FUSION -- This discovery brings to mind the fabled crystal
energy generators of Atlantis.
http://nanopatentsandinnovations.blogspot.com/2011/01/high-energy-z-crystal-generators-for.html
Two California scientists say they have found a way to transform heat
into electricity through the use of crystals that could be used as a power
source here on Earth on in exploratory space vehicles. The crystal energy
could even provide a new way to generate fusion energy....
The high-energy emission can be created by simply heating the material or
by application of external coercive electromagnetic and acoustic fields.
The high-energy emission can be created by simply heating the material or
by application of external coercive electromagnetic and acoustic
fields....
The inventors say, it is possible to generate the emission of 100 KeV ions
upon heating a crystal on its positive `z` base. This happens because the
compensating charge on the opposite or negative `z` side is made up of
positively charged ions. When heated the domain flips, which brings a plus
charge to the surface and causes the ions to be blown off, with the same
energy as is supplied to the electrons. A compact source of fast ions (50
KeV) provides a new route to fusion...
The invention is based on the discovery that ferroelectric, pyroelectric
or piezoelectric crystal generator devices can be designed that provide
for the emission of high energy particles, such as 100 KeV electrons from
a three by one cubic centimeter ferroelectric material that is heated just
a few degrees above room temperature. The crystal can be put to use for a
new class of detectors, microscopes and display panels. In addition the
generators can be used as an energy source for conducting fusion and in
any situation where a localized source of energy is required.
