Re: Nuclear Batteries

[tdc@ehssun.lbl.gov (Ted M. de Castro)]

Sounds like you are interested only in the small power sources??

Back just out of High School - I did some work for a company building parts 
for the SNAP 27 and 30.  I know I _HAD_ some drawings - and MAYBE still do - 
a pretty simple device!!  Retrieving that may take a while - but I could do 
so if this is within you scope of inquiry and no one else has such.

Also - you MIGHT check with the Coast Guard to see if they have info on very 
similar devices (except they use Sr-90 instead of Pu-238) for powering 
bouys.

Also - some oceanography projects use SNAP devices.


>>#1. I am interested in information--past and present--about
>>"nuclear batteries" or miniature radioisotopic power sources.  Of
>>particular interest are photographs, design sketches, product
>>lieterature, etc. for use in a publication.  Example: NASA
>>recently patented a tiny battery design using so-called
>>betavoltaic materials, etc.  Past efforts: In the 1960s, the
>>Elgen Watch Co. (?) was working on a tiny atomic battery for use
>>in watches and home appliances including portable radios.
>>#2. I am also interested in anyone who could help me track down
>>information, prototype concepts re: radioisotope powered/heated,
>>deep-diving pressure suits (again from the 1960s).  This work may
>>have been conducted for the U.S. Navy (?).  Thank you.--Louis
>>Varricchio.  E-mail to: INET:Varricch@champlain.edu