Patent ID: 8357884
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for extracting and collecting volatiles from regolith consisting of: an upward stream of volatiles; a downward stream of microwaves which propagates toward said regolith; a collection chamber having a collection chamber aperture; a triple-function tubular boring, delivery and transport structure having an inner tubular chamber; wherein said triple function tubular boring, delivery and transport structure further includes a volatile release aperture on an upper half of said triple-function tubular boring, delivery and transport structure, wherein said upward stream of volatiles and said downward stream of microwaves both move through said inner tubular chamber of said boring, delivery and transport structure; a microwave source which is configured to selectively generate said downward stream of microwaves, wherein said microwaves are within a critical frequency between 0.03 and 300 GHz and a critical wavelength of 1 millimeter to 1 meter to achieve the desired level of penetration of said regolith; wherein said volatile release aperture is aligned with said collection chamber aperture allowing said volatile stream to enter said collection chamber; a connecting structure which operatively couples said variable microwave source to said triple-function tubular boring, delivery and transport structure; and a volatile entry aperture on a lower portion of said triple-function tubular boring, delivery and transport structure opening to said regolith; and at least one remote sensor which measures volatile flow rate.