Back in the late '80s, two scientists at the University of Utah, Martin Fleichmann and Stanley Pons, announced they had created the foundation for a virtually limitless supply of energy through "cold fusion." Other scientists quickly tried to reproduce the results and failed. More recently, researchers have reported positive and reproducible results at the annual Low Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) / Condensed Matter Nuclear Science conferences . Several theories have been proposed to account for the reported results.
After the initial flurry, the PTO has refused to grant cold fusion patents. Nonetheless, there are several applications pending at the PTO. This list is almost certainly incomplete since some relevant applications never explicitly refer to "cold fusion", LENR, and other generally synonymous terms. In addition, some inventors may choose to postpone publication until the patent is issued by the PTO.
This document contains a list with abstracts of published US patent applications related to Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (“LENR”), sometimes referred to as “Cold Fusion.” Each item has a link to the text (HTML) version in the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) application database and a link to the PDF version stored on the Patent Kinetics, LLC web site.
Beginning in 2001, the PTO began requiring publication of US patent applications (unless the inventor(s) requested no publication and at the same time agreed not to pursue foreign filings of the same application. The list is provided in reverse chronological order and is current as of January, 2011. The list is necessarily incomplete for several reasons: (1) one or more applications may not have been published; (2) the patent application may have been classified at the PTO in a category I have not searched; and (3) I may have erred in deciding what should and should not be included in this list. I’ve made no attempt to evaluate the patents on their merits.
(As time permits, I will add pages with relevant US issued patents and foreign pending and issued patents.)
20100195780, "Apparatus and process for thermal gradient-driven metal catalyzed fusion reactor," Inventor: Chubb, T.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A deuterium-fueled heat-generating reactor that uses a nano-metal catalyst in a catalyst bed, in combination with an operator adjustable means for imposing a temperature gradient within the catalyst bed so as to stimulate and control an exothermic nuclear reaction rate.
20100067637, "Apparatus and process for generating flow-stimulated nuclear heat," Inventor: Chubb, T.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A deuterium-fueled heat generating reactor that uses a nanometal catalyst to promote an exothermic nuclear reaction, and which increases the reaction rate by using a cation-conducting solid-electrolyte electrochemical cell to pull deuterium flow through the catalyst bed in a closed-loop path.
20100008461, "Cold fusion apparatus," Inventor: Hodgson, J.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, this invention creates the process of cold fusion with the creation of electromagnetic scalar waves and the deuterium loading of cathode in the invention. This process of combining the deuterium loading and current flow of the cathode with the electromagnetic wave and electromagnetic scalar waves are used to allow temporary changes of the electron to electron repulsion, proton to proton repulsion Via the changing of the 3d plus linear time structure into the direction of 12d space time structure in the palladium core. Once all these conditions are met cold fusion will occur.
20090122940, "Low temperature fusion," Inventor: Breed, B.R., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: Methods for low-temperature fusion are disclosed. In one embodiment, a symmetrical crystal lattice including a plurality of deuterons either absorbed or embedded in a heavy-electron material is selected. The method provides alternatives for initiating a vibration mode involving the deuterons on the crystal lattice that induces them to converge. The oscillating convergence of the deuterons is enhanced by the charge screening effect of electrons. The electron screening effect is in turn enhanced by the high effective-mass associated with the selected materials. The vibration modes are excited, for example, by applying an electrical stress, a uniform magnetic field, mechanical stress, non-uniform stress, acoustic waves, the de Haas van Alphen effect, electrical resistivity, infrared optical radiation, Raman scattering, or any combination thereof to the crystal lattice.
20090116604, "Machine for producing flow of Isotopic fuel through a material," Inventor: Swartz, M., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A machine for producing flow of isotopic fuel through a material with a wire or rod anode which does not corrode, such as platinum, a solution, such as deuterium oxide (D2O), in which are immersed the electrodes, anode and cathode, which will provide the isotopic fuel (hydrogen or deuterons) and load the cathode, a power supply capable of apply an electric field intensity between the electrodes, able to produce loading and intraelectrode flux of the isotopic fuel, with a potential in the range of 4 to 4000 volts, a cathode of helical shape, long axis parallel to the anode, of palladium, able to load with the isotopic fuel to support intraelectrode flux of the isotopic fuel, a ratio of diameters between the full width of the helical wound cathode and the anode of 4 to 1000, a distance between the electrodes, adjusted to create direct loading, and over each portion of the helical cathode, closest to the anode, over a two dimensional angle of 45 to 130 degrees.
20090086877, "Methods and apparatus for energy conversion using materials comprising molecular deuterium and molecular hydrogen-deuterium," Inventors: Hagelstein, P.L., et al., assigned to Spindletop Corporation. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A method and apparatus are described which employ processing a host material to cause molecular deuterium (D2) and/or molecular hydrogen deuterium (HD) to be present within the host material, and processing the host material to cause at least one of He-4 and He-3 to be present within the host material. Stimulating the host material generates reactions, and energy is withdrawn from the host material.
20080205572, "Apparatus and process for generating nuclear heat," Inventor: Chubb, T.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A deuterium-fueled heat source that utilizes solid state electrolysis device(s) that deposit D atoms onto, and remove D atoms from, a metal reactor plate containing deuterium diffusion-impeding inclusions.
20080159461, "Apparatus and process for generating nuclear heat," Inventor: Chubb, T.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here )
Abstract: A deuterium-fueled heat source that utilizes solid state electrolysis device(s) that deposit D atoms onto, and remove D atoms from, a metal reactor plate containing deuterium diffusion-impeding inclusions.
20070280398, "Modified electrodes for low energy nuclear reaction power generators," Inventors: Darkik, I.I., et al., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here )
Abstract: A low energy nuclear reaction power generator in which hydrogenous atoms are driven to increase atom-packing in a lattice and to increase the flux of hydrogenous atoms. An electrolytic cell is provided containing an anode-cathode electrode pair and an electrically-conductive electrolyte. Modifying substances, such as diamond, diamond-like, boron, beryllium, and/or carbon-based constituents, may be grown in and/or on the electrodes for enhancing the nuclear reactions. Applied across these electrodes may be a train of electrical packets, each comprised of a cluster of pulses. The amplitude and duration of each pulse, the duration of intervals between pulses, and the duration of intervals between successive packets in the train are in a predetermined pattern in accordance with superwaving waves in which each wave is modulated by waves of different frequency.
20070237279, "System and method for fusion power generation using very high electrical potential difference, Inventor: Cheang, S-H, no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A fusion reactor system includes a reactor core containing a device capable of generating very high electrical potential difference on nuclear fusionable material. The reactor core produces very high electrical potential difference such that the high voltage circuit causes the fusionable material to generate a plasma in the form of artificial lightning. The electricity generated from the fusion reaction will then be conducted through a lightning conductor system. The lightning conductor system is not in the scope of this invention.
20070206715, "Energy generation apparatus and method," Inventor: Godes, R.E., assigned to Profusion Energy. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A practical technique for inducing and controlling the fusion of nuclei within a solid lattice. A reactor includes a loading source to provide the light nuclei which are to be fused, a lattice which can absorb the light nuclei, a source of phonon energy, and a control mechanism to start and stop stimulation of phonon energy and/or the loading of reactants. The lattice transmits phonon energy sufficient to affect electron-nucleus collapse. By controlling the stimulation of phonon energy and controlling the loading of light nuclei into the lattice, energy released by the fusion reactions is allowed to dissipate before it builds to the point that it causes destruction of the reaction lattice.
20070140400, "Cold fusion apparatus," Inventor: Hodgson, J.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, this invention creates the process of cold fusion with the creation of electromagnetic scalar waves and the deuterium loading of cathode in the invention. This process of combining the deuterium loading and current flow of the cathode with the electromagnetic scalar waves are used to allow temporary changes of the columbic barrier and the van der walls forces to lower levels that will allow fusion of the deuterium atoms in the helium atoms and the release of energy that is involved. Once all these conditions are met cold fusion will occur.
20060165207, "Commutator, gazelectrode, a method of electroplating and method of initiating cold fusion," Inventor: Adler, J.M., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A commutator comprising a first and a second plate arranged to move relative to one another is provided. One of the plates comprises at least one input port arranged to allow a fluid to enter the commutator and one of the plates comprises at least one output port arranged to allow a fluid to exit the commutator. At least one of the plates comprises at least one connector, which is capable of connecting at least one input port to at least one output port. The plates are arranged such that the plates move relative to one another and the connector periodically connects the input port to the output port.
20050276366, "Low temperature nuclear fusion," Inventor: Dash, J., Assignee: Electrochemical Innovations, Inc. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A method of producing energy is described. The method comprises providing a container for receiving an electrolyte composition, a cathode and an anode. An electrolyte composition is formed comprising D.sub.2O and an ionizable acid. A sufficient amount of the electrolyte composition is placed in the container to at least partially cover a cathode made from a metal selected from the group consisting of nonhydride forming metals and to at least partially cover an inert anode situated inside the container. The cathode and anode are connected to a source of electricity, and a voltage is applied across the cathode and anode. The present invention can be used to reproducibly produce heat energy.
20050129160, "Apparatus and method for facilitating nuclear fusion," Inventor: Indech, R., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating nuclear fusion, wherein micro-scale, controlled hydrogen nuclear fusion is effectuated without the introduction of extreme temperatures and pressures, and wherein the utilization of a geometrically-enhanced reacting surface induces and/or facilities multiple room temperature fusion reactions thereon.
20050105664, "Process for generating nuclear heat," Inventor; Chubb, T.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here )
Abstract: A deuterium-fueled heat source that utilizes solid state electrolysis device(s) that deposit D atoms onto, and remove D atoms from, a metal reactor plate containing deuterium diffusion-impeding barriers.
20050105663, "Apparatus for generating nuclear heat," Inventor: Chubb, T.A., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A deuterium-fueled heat source that utilizes solid state electrolysis device(s) that deposit D atoms onto, and remove D atoms from, a metal reactor plate containing deuterium diffusion-impeding barriers.
20040137289, "Fuel cells that operate on nuclear reactions produced using rapid temperature changes," Inventor: Lin, P-W., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A method of generating a nuclear reaction from a gas stream containing water which involves heating a gas stream at a rapid rate sufficient to dissociate the water into hydrogen and oxygen and to transform hydrogen ions into protons which produce nuclear reactions, including nuclear fusion. Once the reaction state is reached, no additional heat needs to be inputted into the reaction system. Electrons that are freed from chemical species during the resulting nuclear reaction can be collected and used to produce electricity. In addition, hydrogen that is produced during the resulting nuclear reaction can be collected and used as a fuel in internal combustion engines, engine driven machine or piece of equipment.
20030202623, "Low cost elimination of long-lived nuclear waste," Inventor: Hora, H.W., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a non-metal, a hydrogen absorbing metal, a selected isotope to be exposed to ions of hydrogen or ions of isotopes of hydrogen, and a hydrogen source. The hydrogen source can be an electrolytic solution, a gas or plasma. In some embodiments the hydrogen absorbing metal covers the non-metal to form a microsphere. The hydrogen absorbing metal is positioned to contact the hydrogen source. Further, the hydrogen absorbing metal can be made of multiple layers of dissimilar metals with different Fermi energy levels. The multiple layers of metals have interfaces where swimming electron layers exist. Interfaces between the non-metal, hydrogen absorbing metal, and the hydrogen source also exist with swimming electron layers. The selected isotope is placed in these regions of swimming electron layers to be exposed to the ions of hydrogen and its isotopes from the hydrogen source.
20030165210, "Nuclear reactions produced using rapid temperature changes," Inventor: Lin, P-W., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A method of generating a nuclear reaction from a gas stream containing water which involves heating a gas stream at a rapid rate sufficient to dissociate the water into hydrogen and oxygen and to transform hydrogen ions into protons which produce nuclear reactions, including nuclear fusion. Once the reaction state is reached, no additional heat needs to be inputted into the reaction system. The resulting nuclear reaction can be used to produce heat for buildings, heat that can be used to generate electricity, and heat that can be used for other purposes.
20030112916, "Cold nuclear fusion under non-equilibrium conditions," Inventors: Keeney, F.W., et al., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: A method of producing cold nuclear fusion and a method of preparing a fusion-promoting material for producing cold nuclear fusion are disclosed. The method of producing fusion includes selecting a fusion-promoting material, hydriding the fusion-promoting material with a source of isotopic hydrogen, and establishing a non-equilibrium condition in the fusion-promoting material. The method of producing fusion may include cleaning the fusion-promoting material. The method of producing fusion may also include heat-treating the fusion-promoting material. The method of preparing a fusion-promoting material for producing fusion includes selecting a fusion-promoting material and hydriding the fusion-promoting material with a source of isotopic hydrogen. The method of preparing a fusion-promoting material for producing fusion may include cleaning the fusion-promoting material. The method of preparing a fusion-promoting material for producing fusion may also include heat-treating the fusion-promoting material.
20030053579, "Deuterium heat generator," Inventors: Waisman, J.L., et al., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: This invention is a reactor and system with a method for containing and controlling a deuterium nuclear fusion reaction in a palladium host metal lattice, now generally referred to as ‘solid state fusion’. The reactor is designed for high temperature operation at moderate deuterium gas pressures and is operable over a temperature range of 400° C. to more than 1400° C. The solid state fusion reaction is enabled and controlled by providing specific combinations of reactor temperatures and deuterium gas pressures. The invention is capable of generating heat densities that are suitable for commercial applications. The highest heat densities are produced at higher temperatures and moderate pressures where the system is most efficient and cost effective.
20020021777, "Method and apparatus to monitor loading using vibration," Inventor: Swartz, M., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems involving loading, such as palladium internally filling ["loading"] with deuterons. The system includes a novel cathode able to vibrate at a natural frequency, means to drive said frequency, and means to monitor said frequency, means to relate frequency changes to changes in the cathodic mass which herald loading. In one configuration said means to vibrate said cathode occurs by an applied external magnetic field intensity.
20020018538, "Method to increase loading of isotopic fuel into a metal," Inventor: Swartz, M.R., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus to increase the loading of isotopic fuels in a metal, such as hydrogen within palladium. The method and apparatus uses an electrical system with anode and cathode, each composed of the same metal with the electrochemical anodic sacrifice of the anode composed of said metal, and an electrolyte containing said metal as an ion and containing said isotopic fuel, thereby codepositing said fuel and said metal ions upon the cathode to increase the loading. In one configuration the anode has a cruciform shape. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided for coaxial loading from a concentric outer cathode.
20020009173, "Method to control reactions involving isotopic fuel within a material using orthogonal electric-fields," Inventor: Swartz, M.R., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems to control reactions involving isotopic fuels within a material, such as hydrogen within palladium. The method and apparatus uses at least two non-parallel electric-fields to control the loading into the material and redistribution of the isotopic fuel within the material.
20010040935, "Commercial power production by catalytic fusion of deuterium gas," Inventor: Case, L.C., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: After much experimentation, I have developed, a new, cost-effective, process for commercial-scale production of power by catalytic fusion of D2 gas, under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure. This process can be scaled up to any desired size, and can employ a variety of “hydrogenation” catalysts, both precious metal, and non-precious metal. Briefly, the process comprises absorbing D2 gas in or on the selected catalyst, then bringing the temperature into the range of very roughly 150° to 250° C., and then degassing the catalyst bed under reduced pressure. The process is necessarily run on a cyclic basis, with a multiplicity of catalyst bed entities, with one or more being in the D2-absorption mode, concurrently with one or more being in the heat-generation node.
20010019594, "Method and apparatus to control loaded isotopic fuel within a material," Inventor: Swartz, M.R., no assignee given. (PDF: Download Here)
Abstract: The present invention to control loaded isotopic fuel within a material uses a two-stage method which involves a first stage of electrode loading, and then, a second stage of sudden rapid ("catastrophic") flow of hydrogen within the metal. In one configuration means are provided to minimize the degradation of the loaded material. The apparatus includes a novel cathode, novel anode, and heat pipes, to improve reaction rates. The apparatus includes means to extract products. The apparatus includes intraelectrode barriers to obstruct the movement of the isotopic fuel. The apparatus includes thermal and electrical busses, and enables integration of smaller units into larger assemblies.
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