The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 07, 2026
Filed:
Sep. 30, 2025
Ut-battelle, Llc, Oak Ridge, TN (US);
Larry R. Baylor, Oak Ridge, TN (US);
Steven J. Meitner, Oak Ridge, TN (US);
William D. Mcginnis, Oak Ridge, TN (US);
Jeffrey R. Ulreich, Oak Ridge, TN (US);
UT-BATTELLE, LLC, Oak Ridge, TN (US);
Abstract
A cryogenic extrusion recirculation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a cryogenically-cooled extruder configured to form solid deuterium-tritium pellets and discharge the pellets through an extruder nozzle. Excess solid extrusion discharged from the extruder nozzle is received by a cryogenically-cooled auger, which conveys the excess material into a restrictive section. The excess material consolidates in the restrictive section as a solid fuel plug. A heater section is positioned downstream of the restrictive section and applies energy to the leading portion of the solid fuel plug, converting the leading portion of the solid fuel plug into a gaseous phase. This gaseous phase is then recirculated into the cryogenically-cooled extruder to support continuous pellet formation in a controlled and efficient manner. Other embodiments include one or more cryopumps in lieu of the cryogenically-cooled auger for converting the excess material into a gaseous phase for recirculation.