US3582849A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electromagnetic apparatus for producing and containing high temperature plasmas
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1969-12-03
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Granted: 1971-06-01
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Expires: 1989-12-03
Abstract
Abstract Electromagnetic apparatus including a pair of C-shaped field coil segments which produce a magnetic field defining a quadrupole-type magnetic potential well suitable for containing a high temperature plasma. The segments are adapted to be separately or concurrently energized with equivalent or relatively variable electrical currents so as to produce deeper potential wells for more effective containment and to permit a wide variety of manipulations, not possible with previous designs, to facilitate trapping and heating of the plasma. Other operations involved in the production and utilization of high temperature plasmas may also be effected.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard F Post
- 👤 Ralph W Moir
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:45
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01F; H01F7/00; H01F7/06; H01F7/20; H01F7/202; H05; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/02; H05H1/10; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
An electromagnetic coil structure for producing a quadrupoletype magnetic field defining a magnetic potential well containment zone for confining a high temperature plasma comprising a pair of generally C-shaped magnet coil segments, said coil segments each comprising a pair of spaced coextensive generally arcuate sectored C-shaped lobe members joined at the open ends by curved segments with the conductor member thereof being wound unidirectionally along the perimeter length of a respective segment, said C-shaped coil segments being arranged in mirror image rotated intermeshing relationship with the open ends of each of the C-shaped coextensive lobe configuration disposed in opposition across the closed spaced portion of the C-shaped lobe configuration of the other, said coil segments thereby defining a generally spheroidal central volume in which said quadrupole magnetic field is produced, said magnetic field including a centroidal plasma containment zone defined by magnetic field lines having an inwardly bowed good curvature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
An electromagnetic coil structure for producing a quadrupoletype magnetic field defining a magnetic potential well containment zone for confining a high temperature plasma comprising a pair of generally C-shaped magnet coil segments, said coil segments each comprising a pair of spaced coextensive generally arcuate sectored C-shaped lobe members joined at the open ends by curved segments with the conductor member thereof being wound unidirectionally along the perimeter length of a respective segment, said C-shaped coil segments being arranged in mirror image rotated intermeshing relationship with the open ends of each of the C-shaped coextensive lobe configuration disposed in opposition across the closed spaced portion of the C-shaped lobe configuration of the other, said coil segments thereby defining a generally spheroidal central volume in which said quadrupole magnetic field is produced, said magnetic field including a centroidal plasma containment zone defined by magnetic field lines having an inwardly bowed good curvature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
98 words
An electromagnetic coil structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said C-shaped coil segments are rotated substantially 90* with respect to each other so that the median planes between the parallel lobes of said segments intersect to define a Z-axis of a coordinate system along which Z-axis the separation distance, Delta Z, of said segments may be indicated, said median planes comprising X-Z, and Y-Z, planes respectively, and with the origin being at the center of said central volume when the separation distance Delta Z 0, whereat the Z 0 plane transversely bisects all of said segment lobes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
An electromagnetic coil structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said separation distance Delta Z is in a range whereat the magnetic mirror ratio R Bmax/Bmin, the ratio of maximum to minimum magnetic field intensities of the magnetic containment field produced in said central volume is in the range of about 1.5 to about 7.0.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electromagnetic coil structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said magnet coil segments occupy an arcuate angular sector in the range of about 180* to about 270*.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said magnet coil segments produce a magnetic field in the range of about 1 kilogauss to above about 200 kilogauss.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
A structure as defined in claim 2 having evacuable vessel means defining at least a central region in said central volume, said vessel including generally parallel sided boxlike portions disposed between said parallel C-lobe portions and joined along the lines of intersection within said central volume, said vessel including port means for attachment of a source for directing a beam of energetic particles into said containment zone for forming a plasma therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said vessel means includes generally cylindrical segments intersecting with and joined to said parallel sided portions and defining an enlarged evacuable central region in said central volume.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said magnet coil segments are provided with a magnetically permeable encasement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3356976A
Cited
US3431523A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |