US3638020A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mineral-detection apparatus
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1970-05-26
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Granted: 1972-01-25
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Expires: 1990-05-26
Abstract
Abstract A marine mineral-detection apparatus is described including a 252Cf source of neutrons and a lithium-drifted germanium radiation detector shielded from the neutron source. The neutron source is mounted on an extensible member supported within a mass of neutron-shielding material. The source is extended outside the neutron shield to bombard surrounding mineral values with neutrons. Elements capturing neutrons give off prompt gamma radiation with discrete energies. The radiation detector resolves the radiation into distinct energy peaks for identifying the elements present in the mineral values.
Inventors
- 👤 Dick Duffey
- 👤 Peter F Wiggins
- 👤 Frank E Senftle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/22; G01N23/221; G01N23/222; G01V; G01V5/00; G01V5/02; G01N2223/00; G01N2223/07; G01N2223/074; G01N2223/0745
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
16 words
hydrogenous shielding material disposed in the generally spherically shaped portion of said first housing member, and
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
means disposed in the generally spherically shaped portion of said second housing member for cooling said detector, and
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said neutron source unit includes a sealed elongated vessel, containing said extensible means and said 252Cf neutron source, mounted within said first housing member and extending into said projection of reduced diameter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The mineral-detection apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cooling means includes a. a closed reservoir of liquid refrigerant for cooling said crystal; and b. pressure relief valves within the walls of said reservoir and said second housing member for discharging refrigerant gas and for maintaining said second housing at a pressure slightly greater than ambient pressure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
neutron-absorbing material disposed between said Li-drifted Ge crystal and said neutron source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
extensible means for supporting said 252Cf neutron source in a retracted position near the center of said hydrogenous shielding material, and in an extended position within said projection of reduced diameter of said first housing member to bombard surrounding geologic strata with neutrons; C. a prompt gamma ray detector unit disposed in said second housing member including
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mineral detection apparatus of claim 1 wherein said 252Cf neutron source is encapsulated in a material seLected from the group consisting of tantalum, niobium, zirconium and alloys thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-24 | 1975-07-26 | 1976-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-24 | 1979-07-26 | 1980-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-24 | 1983-07-26 | 1984-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |