Probe vehicle for removing chippings

Abstract

The present application envisages a vapor collection system usable on extraterrestrial celestial bodies for collecting target gaseous atoms and molecules (species) floating in a shielded environment having a pressure equal to or less than 1 bar. In one embodiment, a shielded environment is defined within a cover and skirt arrangement that lies over granular soil, in one embodiment, the granular soil is a topsoil layer. Advantageously, the topsoil layer beneath the cover is substantially free of loose rocks that can reduce mining efficiency and / or obstruct sealing of the cover from the surface of the topsoil layer. Thus, certain embodiments contemplate the use of a zero tailing device to exploit a topsoil layer that utilizes a front plough to clear loose rock at a location on the topsoil layer where a cover is to rest, and uses a redeposition blade to collect and redeposit the cleared loose rock behind the cover.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This continuation-in-part application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 377,275, entitled GAS MINING COVERARRANGEMENT, filed on October 5, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the use of ultra-low pressure environments (less than 1×10 -5 The topsoil layer that is broken up and cleared of loose debris when gaseous substances are mined below 2000 bar. Background Art

[0004] Helium-3 (He-3) has great potential as a clean and efficient energy source, offering many benefits for a variety of applications. He-3 has been found to be an efficient fuel for nuclear fusion, which has the potential to provide a nearly unlimited and environmentally friendly energy solution. When He-3 fuses with deuterium, helium atoms, protons, and a huge amount of energy are produced. Unlike traditional nuclear fission, fusion reactions release energy without producing harmful radioactive waste or greenhouse gas emissions. Harnessing He-3 for fusion could revolutionize the energy landscape, providing a stable and sustainable source of energy for the future.

[0005] However, despite its significant benefits, mining He-3 on Earth faces significant limitations. First, He-3 is extremely scarce on our planet. It is found primarily in trace amounts in the soil on the lunar surface, called the regolith, and is sparsely present in Earth's atmosphere. As a result, extracting He-3, either on Earth or on the Moon, is a difficult and expensive undertaking. Furthermore, mining on the Moon would present logistical difficulties, requiring advanced technology and significant investment. Even assuming that mining on the Moon is successful, there are significant technical challenges and high costs associated with transporting the mined He-3 from the Moon to Earth. These limitations highlight the need for further research and development to find more readily available and cost-effective sources of He-3, or to explore alternative fusion fuel options that do not rely solely on He-3.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to innovations related to the collection of He-3 and other usable gaseous elements on extraterrestrial bodies. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for mining and collecting He-3 and other target gaseous elements from extraterrestrial bodies under very low pressure environments. Very low pressure is defined as less than 1x10 -5 bar.

[0008] In view of this, certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate a mining device that generally includes a self-powered rover that includes a cover having a cover body extending from an outer edge to a cap vertex. The powered rover has a front end and a rear end and a rover side located therebetween. The cover forms a shielded environment when the outer edge is located above the granular soil. The shielded environment is substantially not in communication with the external environment through the cover body. A front plow is connected to the front end. The front plow includes a plow leading edge and a plow trailing edge, wherein the plow trailing edge is closer to the rear end than the plow leading edge. The front plow is configured to guide a plurality of randomly dispersed loose rocks with a concentrated side tail along at least one side edge when the powered rover moves in a forward direction. A rear redeposition blade is connected to the rear end of the powered rover and extends behind the rear end. The phrase "connected to and extending behind the rear end" is taken to mean that the rear redeposition blade can be connected to the rear end of the rover more or less directly, or through some intermediate element, such as a secondary gas collection device. The rear redeposition blade includes a blade leading edge and a blade trailing edge that is further away from the rear end than the blade leading edge. The rear redeposition blade is configured to collect and deposit at least some of the loose rock from the centralized side tails into a centralized rear tail that is behind and in line with the powered rover as the powered rover moves forward.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a zero tailings plow system that generally includes a probe vehicle that defines a gas collection environment that is prepared and cleared by a front plow extending from the front of the probe vehicle. The probe vehicle defines a probe vehicle width between walking treads (e.g., wheels) extending from either side of the probe vehicle. In addition, a rear redeposition blade is connected to the rear end of the probe vehicle. The front plow is configured to direct plow debris to one of the sides, and the rear redeposition blade is configured to redirect and deposit plow debris in a line behind the probe vehicle within a track defined by the probe vehicle width. The gas collection environment is defined within a cover that rests on top of the topsoil layer.

[0010] Yet another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a loose rock locating system that generally includes a rover having a gas collection environment and a front plow extending from the front of the rover. The rover defines a rover width between walking treads extending from either side of the rover. A rear redeposition blade is connected to the rear end of the rover. The plurality of loose rocks above the topsoil layer include a first arrangement of loose rocks randomly dispersed in front of the front plow, a second arrangement of loose rocks located in a centralized side tail along one side, and a third row of loose rocks located in a centralized rear tail that is in a line behind the rover within a track defined by the rover width. The loose rock locating system also includes a cover having a cover body extending from an outer edge to a cap vertex. When the outer edge is located at the top of the topsoil layer, the gas collection environment is confined within the cover body, wherein the topsoil layer is substantially free of loose rocks.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining apparatus comprising a cover having a rigid cover extending from a cover edge to a cover top / apex in a first direction and a skirt extending from the cover edge in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. When the skirt edge is disposed above (on a surface of) granular soil, such as topsoil, the cover and skirt edge form a shielded environment. The shielded environment is substantially not in communication with an external environment through the cover and skirt. A heat source is disposed in the shielded environment, wherein the heat source is configured to heat the granular soil. A gas collection surface is disposed in the shielded environment, wherein the gas collection surface is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a variation of an environmental shielding device comprising a cover having a skirt, wherein the cover terminates at a cover outer edge. The cover outer edge defines a cover outer edge periphery. The skirt outer edge extends from the cover outer edge along the cover outer edge periphery to the skirt outer edge. When the skirt outer edge is on the topsoil layer, the cover and the skirt outer edge define a shielding environment. The shielding environment is substantially not in communication with the external environment through the cover and the skirt. When in use, the pressure of the shielding environment will never exceed 10 millibars because the topsoil layer is outside the earth and is inherently at a low pressure of less than 10 millibars.

[0013] In yet another optional embodiment of the present invention, an environmental shielding device is contemplated, comprising a cover that, when disposed on a surface of a regolith layer, defines an internal environment containing helium. The cover is defined in part by a cover body extending from a cover apex to a cover periphery, wherein the cover periphery defines a cover periphery perimeter. A skirt extends from the cover periphery to the skirt periphery along the perimeter. When the skirt periphery is disposed on the regolith layer, the internal environment is defined within the cover and the skirt. The shielding environment is maintained at a pressure of less than 10 millibars and contains helium. This embodiment is further contemplated, wherein the cover periphery perimeter is substantially rectangular.

[0014] Yet another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining apparatus comprising: a shielded environment defined within a cover, the cover being located on top of a granular soil, in one embodiment, the granular soil being a topsoil layer. The cover includes a cover body extending from an outer edge to a top of the cover. The shielded environment is not in communication with an external environment through the cover body. The mining apparatus also includes blades, a heat source, and a gas collection surface. The blades extend from the outer edge and are configured to penetrate the granular soil. The heat source disposed in the cover is configured to heat the granular soil. The gas collection surface is disposed in the shielded environment and is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin to condense a target gas (released from the topsoil layer) on the gas collection surface.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining device comprising a device configured to maintain a -5The mining apparatus further comprises a cover that is provided with a cover having an internal (shielded) environment at a pressure of 100 bar. The internal environment is defined within a cover located above the granular soil, wherein the internal environment is confined within an outer edge of the granular soil and an inner surface of the cover. The cover includes a cover body extending from the edge to a top vertex of the cover. The internal environment is not in communication with the external environment through the cover body. The mining apparatus also includes blades, a heat source, and a gas collector. The blades extend from the outer edge, wherein the blades are partially located in the granular soil. The heat source is disposed in the cover, wherein the heat source is configured to heat the granular soil. The gas collector is in the shielded environment and is configured to collect gas released from the granular soil by heat from the heat source.

[0016] Yet another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining system method, the method comprising providing a shielded environment defined within a cover. The cover includes a cover body extending from an outer edge to a top of the cover. This provides that the shielded environment is not in communication with the external environment through the cover body. The method further contemplates the step of resting the cover on top of a topsoil layer. The topsoil layer is penetrated by blades extending from the outer edge, the topsoil layer is heated by a heat source disposed in the cover, and the temperature of a gas collection surface is maintained below 100° Kelvin. The gas collection surface is in the shielded environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A-Figure 1C is a line drawing of an embodiment of a vapor collection system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A line drawing of an exploded view of a steam collection system;

[0019] Figure 1E It is along the Figure 1B A line drawing of a cross-sectional view taken along section line AA of FIG. 1 , wherein the left side of the blade is cut away to improve the resolution of a system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a line drawing of an embodiment of a collection tube consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a line drawing of another embodiment of a vapor collection system in operation consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is a line drawing that exemplarily depicts an optional concentrated target material collector consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5A-Figure 5B is a line diagram of yet another vapor collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A front view of a vapor collection system depicting a target gaseous substance being evaporated;

[0025] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a line drawing showing yet another embodiment of a vapor collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, which embodiment has no cover but only side wall shields;

[0026] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a line drawing depicting an active blade cooling embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 is a line drawing that exemplarily depicts an alternative topsoil heating embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 9 is a line drawing that exemplarily depicts a carrier vehicle (e.g., a rover) supporting a vapor collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 10A is another embodiment of the present invention, describing a rover and blade system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A Side view bar diagram of the rover, depicting the front and rear regolith moving blades;

[0031] Fig. 10C is a bottom view of the probe vehicle looking upward into the cover consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 10D is a line drawing illustratively depicting a rover pulling a secondary movable gas collection device via a connecting rod;

[0033] Figures 11A-11H The blade arrangement embodiments consistent with the present invention are exemplarily described. In some embodiments, the blade arrangement embodiments are configured to be installed in Figures 10A-10D the inside of the cover;

[0034] Figure 12A-12C are line drawings of various views of single spike tiller blade arrangements consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.12D and Fig.12E A double-row spike tiller blade device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0036] Figure 13A-13C is a line drawing of another embodiment of topsoil tillage, depicting a box blade consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 14A-Figure 14C is a line drawing of an embodiment of a single disc harrow consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig.14D is a line drawing of a single-row disc harrow consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.14E is a schematic diagram of a double disc harrow device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.14F and Figure 14G is a line drawing of an active single-row disc harrow device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15A-Figure 15C depicts a shielded environment embodiment of a skirt configured to extend and retract from a cover to engage a surface of a regolith layer;

[0042] Figures 16A-16D is a line drawing of a cap and bladed skirt embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17A-17B is a line drawing of a cap and compliant skirt embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18A-18B is a line drawing of an alternative cover and compliant skirt embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figures 19A-19D is a line drawing of a debris removal device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figures 20A-20D is a line drawing of another debris removal device having a side channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 21A-Figure 21C is a line drawing of another debris removal device having a V-shaped plow and dual rear redeposition blades according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0048] Figure 22A-22C yes Figure 21A-Figure 12C A line drawing of a debris removal device of the type shown in FIG. 1 but having a pair of side channels consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] First, the present disclosure is provided by way of example only, not limitation. Therefore, although the means described herein are shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments for ease of explanation, it should be understood that the principles herein can be equally applied to other similar configurations of the subject matter of the field of the present invention. The phrases "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc. generally mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics following the phrase are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. Importantly, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states that a component or feature "may", "can", "could" or "might" include or have a feature, the specific component or feature does not necessarily include or have the feature. As used herein, the terms "having", "have", "including" and "include" are considered to be open language and are synonymous with the term "comprising". In addition, as used herein, the terms "substantially" or "substantially" refer to the characteristics of something that will be interpreted within an acceptable tolerance range known to those skilled in the art, consistent with conventional normal world tolerances, which is similar to "more or less". For example, substantially flat, substantially straight, substantially on time, etc. All of these indicate that these features cannot be perfect in their limiting sense. Therefore, if "substantially" does not specify a specific + / - value, it is assumed that substantially means within + / - 2.5% of the exact value. The term "connected to" in this article should be interpreted as a first element being physically connected or attached to a second element, rather than as a "device for attachment," i.e., a "device having a specific function." In fact, unless a term explicitly uses "device for" followed by the gerund form of a verb, the term should not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. §112(f). In the following, similar or identical structures may be identified using the same markings.

[0050] With respect to the drawings, it should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are schematic in nature to illustrate features of interest. Descriptive terms, such as up / down, top / bottom, horizontal / vertical, left / right, etc., may be employed with respect to the various views or conventions provided in the drawings, and are generally understood by the observer to enhance the reader's understanding and are in no way limiting. All embodiments described herein are assumed to operate normally in any overall physical orientation, unless otherwise specifically described, such as elements that rely on gravity for operation.

[0051] Described herein are embodiments directed to collecting vaporized gaseous atoms and molecules in an extremely low pressure environment. An extremely low pressure environment is defined herein as less than 1×10 -5Bar, where the pressure at sea level on Earth is about 1 bar. Aspects of the present invention contemplate mining for gases, such as atoms and molecules, on extraterrestrial bodies such as the moon, asteroids, satellites orbiting other planets, etc. Many of these extraterrestrial bodies have little ambient pressure on or beyond their surfaces, and, depending on the size of the extraterrestrial body, have gravity that is significantly lower than gravity on Earth.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with many different extraterrestrial bodies, one purpose of the present invention is to focus on mining gaseous atoms and molecules (matter) from the Moon. The pressure of the Moon's atmosphere (surface boundary exosphere) is approximately 3×10 -15 bar, with temperatures ranging from 20° Kelvin to 400° Kelvin. To continue exploring the Moon and to sustain long-term lunar inhabitants, extracting or mining important gaseous substances such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium from the Moon reduces the reliance on transporting these gaseous substances from Earth. In addition, helium-3, a light stable isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron, is much more abundant on the Moon than on Earth. In some estimates, helium-3 on the Moon is more than a thousand times more abundant than helium-3 on Earth, making the Moon a better target for obtaining helium-3.

[0053] Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate extracting target gaseous substances from the Moon by heating the lunar regolith (lunar soil / minerals) to a gas evaporation temperature, which is defined as a temperature high enough to release / evaporate these target gaseous substances from the lunar regolith, or simply "regolith". The evaporated target gaseous substances are then collected as liquids from a condensation surface that is at or below the condensation temperature corresponding to each target gaseous substance. When condensed, i.e., liquefied, the liquids are collected and retained in containers, which improves the transportation of these target substances.

[0054] Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate a zero tailings mining apparatus equipped with a vapor collection system that can be used on an extraterrestrial body to collect vapor at a pressure equal to or less than 1×10 -5 bar, which is consistent with the pressure on the Moon. Other embodiments consider less than 1×10 -2bar. Tailings are waste materials that have been mined. The shielding environment is defined within the side walls and, in some cases, within the cover. The condensation surface temperature in the shielding environment is maintained between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin, and optionally below 100° Kelvin, to collect the target gas floating around, which condenses on the condensation surface to become a liquid. A collection container at the condensation surface collects the liquid. The heating element in the shielding environment is used to heat and release the target gas from the mineral at or outside the outer edge. The gas is in a floating state in the shielding environment. The shielding environment may include a cover and a skirt, the purpose of which is to conform to the surface of the topsoil layer to better form a closed internal environment within the cover and skirt. The skirt may be retracted and extended to the surface of the topsoil layer, or may optionally be compliant to conform to the topography of the topsoil surface.

[0055] Other embodiments contemplate a vapor collection system that can be used on an extraterrestrial body, which is contemplated for collecting target gaseous atoms and molecules (matter) floating in a shielded environment at a pressure equal to or less than 1 bar. The shielded environment is confined within a cover and skirt assembly located on top of a granular soil (such as a topsoil layer). Advantageously, the topsoil layer under the cover is substantially free of loose rock that would reduce mining efficiency and / or the cover does not seal the surface of the topsoil layer. Therefore, certain embodiments contemplate mining the topsoil layer using a zero tailings assembly that uses a front plow to clear loose rock from the topsoil layer where the cover is to be placed, and uses a redeposition blade to collect and redeposit the cleared loose rock behind the cover.

[0056] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1A-1C is a line drawing of an embodiment of a vapor collection system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A 1 is a simplified isometric view of a vapor collection system embodiment 100, wherein the dome cover 104 is depicted as transparent to facilitate viewing of the components therein. In this embodiment, the cryopump 424 is located at the dome apex 103 (eg, Figure 1B The cryogenic fluid is pumped from the cryogenic tank 134 by the pump 424 to cool the plurality of blades 108, and the blades 108 receive the cryogenic fluid via the cryogenic supply line 138. The blades 108 are condensation surfaces 105, which are configured to collect liquid condensate in the form of liquid condensate. Figure 3AThe plurality of blades 108 are configured to be rotated by a motor 130 inside the dome cover 104. Certain embodiments contemplate that the blades 108 rotate between 5 rpm and 60 rpm, but other speeds outside of this range may be considered depending on the desired accumulation of the gaseous material 115. The motor 130 is mounted inside a motor shield 132, which provides support for the motor 130 from the hemispherical cover 104. The rotating blades 108 serve several purposes, including A) providing a higher probability of collision with the evaporated target atoms or molecules 115, which will condense and liquefy on the cooled condensation surface 105 when the target atoms or molecules 115 hit the cooled blades 108, and B) migrating the liquefied target material to the distal end 109 of each blade 108 by centripetal force. In this embodiment, the liquefied target material migrates (by the centripetal force from the rotating blades 108) into a collection tube 140 located at the distal end 109 of each blade. Certain embodiments contemplate that the blade 108 is made of copper or silver, and in some cases is coated with gold for its excellent heat transfer capabilities. The cooled condensing blade 108 is cooled to a temperature of the condensation point of the target gaseous substance 115, which causes the target gaseous substance 115 to gather or otherwise adhere and agglomerate on the blade 108.

[0057] like Figure 1BAs shown, blades 108 are located within an interior volume 110 of hemispherical cover 104. Dome cover 104 extends from dome apex 103 to dome outer edge 106. Dome outer edge 106 is configured to be placed on top of a topsoil layer 112. The interior volume 110 of cover 104 is defined as the volume of space between cover inner surface 107 and topsoil layer 112 (shown here as speckled dust). A heating source 160 within cover 104 is configured to heat topsoil layer 112 at a temperature that evaporates a target substance from topsoil layer 112, thereby expelling the evaporated target substance into interior volume 110. In this embodiment, heating source 160 is a laser on a drilling rig that sweeps a laser beam 162 across the surface of topsoil layer 112 to direct laser beam 162 to heat a target area 116 on the surface of topsoil layer 112. In other words, the laser beam 162 provides localized or spot heat that heats a small area 112 on the surface of the regolith 112 where the laser beam 162 strikes the regolith 112 as the laser beam 162 sweeps across the surface of the regolith 112. Optional heating source embodiments include radiant elements that heat the surface of the regolith 112, heating teeth that penetrate the regolith 112, such as heating rakes or heating spikes, to name a few. It is contemplated that the regolith 112 is heated to a temperature above 500° Kelvin, with some regolith 112 being heated to a temperature ranging between 500° Kelvin and 1500° Kelvin. For example, He-3 is released from a regolith having a temperature between approximately 875° Kelvin and 1100° Kelvin. In some cases, gases may be released from the heated regolith 112 along with a combination of chemicals.

[0058] Figure 1C 1 is a top view of the vapor collection system 100 as seen through the hemispherical cover 104. As shown, the eight condensing blades 108 are driven by a motor 130 that rotates about a central axis 112, and when rotating, the motor 130 causes the condensed material (condensate) to migrate to the distal end 109 of the blade 108 by centripetal force, and then migrate to the collection tube 140. As the blades 108 rotate through hydraulic slip rings (not shown), the pump 424 circulates a cryogenic fluid through the blades 108, which makes it possible to supply the cryogenic fluid to the blades 108 while continuously rotating, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0059] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A1. A line drawing of an exploded view of a vapor collection system 100. As shown, the cryogenic pump 424 includes a cryogenic transmission line 126 that extends through a receiving hole / port 120 at the vertex 103 of the cover 104. Below the dome cover 104 is a blade rotation motor 130 that rotates the condensing blades 108. The blade rotation motor 130 is supported by a motor shield 132 mounted on the inner surface of the dome vertex 103. As shown, the motor shaft 131 extends into the blade center shaft 114 at the center of the eight blades 108, which rotates the eight blades 108 when the motor is turned on. A controller can be connected to the blade rotation motor 130 to control the speed of the motor. A slip ring device 122 (also called a rotary joint) is attached to the cryogenic transmission line 126 to transmit the cryogenic fluid to the blades 108 via a cryogenic supply line 138 through a cryogenic reservoir 134 when the blades 108 rotate. The slip ring device 122 is an independent component that can prevent leakage or damage to the stationary part and the rotating part, so that the cryogenic fluid can be continuously circulated through the rotating blades 108. Each collecting tube 140 is connected to the corresponding blade distal end 109 by a mechanical clamp 141.

[0060] Figure 1E It is along the Figure 1B 1 is a line drawing of a cross-sectional view of the blade 108 taken along the section line AA, wherein the left side of the blade 108 is cut away to improve the resolution of the components of interest in the figure. As shown, the cryogen pump 424 is configured to pump a cryogenic fluid (see the arrow below the top of the cryogen pump 424) along the cryogenic delivery feed line 126A to the cryogen tank 134 via the slip ring device 122. The circulating cryogenic fluid moves through the cryogen supply line 138 and enters the blade 108 through the blade cryogen heat exchange tube 124. In some embodiments, the blade 108 is connected to the blade 108. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The blade refrigerant heat exchange tube 124 is described in more detail. The cryogenic fluid is configured to cool the blade 108 to a temperature below the condensation point of the target gaseous substance 115 floating around the interior volume 110 inside the cover 104. The cryogenic fluid is then returned to the pump 424 through the cryogenic transfer return line 126B where the cryogenic fluid is circulated. This is not shown here but is shown in FIG. Fig. 7A Shown in FIG. 4 and described in the associated text is a heat exchange embodiment that includes a compressor and a heat exchanger 430 that removes heat from the cryogenic fluid as it returns to the pump 424 .

[0061] Figure 2A1 is a line drawing of a collection tube embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the collection tube embodiment 140 is a substantially closed tube having an inlet (open end) 142 connected to the blade distal end 109. The collection tube 140 includes a tube flare 144 having an outwardly flared lip to provide a larger inlet 142 for enhanced fluid collection 150 from the blade 108. In operation, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown, when the condensation blade 108 rotates, the condensed liquid 150 on the condensation blade 108 migrates to the blade distal end 109, where the condensed droplets 150B are thrown out to collect in a pool of condensed target material 150 at the tube distal end 148. The spring valve 146 opens due to the centripetal force generated by the rotating blade 108 and the tube 140, so that the droplets 150B flow to the tube distal end 148, see the arrow together with the droplets 150B. When the blade 108 does not rotate, the spring valve 146 is closed, thereby capturing the liquid 150 in the tube 140.

[0062] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a line diagram of another embodiment of a vapor collection system in operation consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A is a side view of a vapor collection system embodiment 200, Figure 3B 2 is a top view of a vapor collection system embodiment 200. As shown in these figures, the vapor collection system 200 includes a square cover 204 instead of a dome-shaped cover. The square cover 204 enables more efficient extraction of vaporized target material 115 from the regolith 112 because mining the lunar surface can be accomplished by simply moving the cover 204 from a mined square block to an unmined square block to mine a row of regolith 112, which is accomplished by the patchwork of squares. Figure 3A As shown, the laser system 160 directs a laser beam 162 through the surface 112 of the regolith layer covering the regolith layer 112 to ablate the regolith layer 112, for example, in some embodiments, the depth of the regolith layer 112 is between 2 mm and 2 cm, thereby releasing the target gaseous substance 115 from the regolith layer 112. The released target gaseous substance 115 is naturally dispersed in the internal volume 110 defined by the cover 204. When the cooling blades 108 rotate, the target gaseous substance 115 condenses on the blades 108 and migrates to the collection tube 140 as droplets 150B. In this embodiment, multiple lasers 160 ablate the regolith layer 112 simultaneously.

[0063] Figure 4304 is a line drawing that exemplarily depicts an optional concentrated target material collector consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the vapor collection system embodiment 300 is very similar to the systems 100 and 200, but instead of using the collection tube 140, the vapor collection system embodiment 300 relies on a circular slot 306 in the cover side wall 308 that leads to a reservoir 310 that contains the condensed target material 150 that drips into it. Thus, as the condensation blade 108 rotates within the interior volume 110 of the cover 304, the condensation droplets 150B formed on the cold / cooled condensation blade 108 migrate to the blade distal end 109, which rotates within the circular slot 306 located in the cover side wall 308. The liquid 150 drips into one or more containers 341 that are connected to the slot 340. The vapor collection system embodiment 300 operates in the presence of gravity, and the gravity on the moon is about 1 / 6 of that on Earth.

[0064] Figure 5A-5B is a line diagram of another vapor collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A 4 is an isometric view of a vapor collection system embodiment 400 that includes a plurality of stationary / fixed condensation blades 408 (serving as condensation surfaces 105) that utilize gravity to transfer condensate droplets 150B to a collection tube 440. As shown here, the vapor collection system 400 includes a plurality of V-shaped condensation blades 408 that slope downward from respective proximal ends 406. Alternative embodiments contemplate that the condensation blades have non-V-shaped shapes, such as flat, U-shaped, corrugated, etc. The blade proximal ends 106 are attached to a cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 that directs cryogenic liquid (not shown) to flow through the condensation blades 408 to cool the cryogenic liquid to a temperature that will cause the target gaseous material 115 to condense. Under the influence of gravity, the condensate droplets 150B will migrate to the distal dripping edges 409 of the condensation blades 408, where they drip into the collection tube 440 via respective collection tube inlets 442. As shown, the condensed target material 150 accumulates in the collection tube 440. Of course, gravity (as shown by arrow 136) is necessary for the vapor collection system 400 to work. A plurality of condensing vanes 408 are disposed within the interior volume 110 of the cover 404. The cover 404 is defined by a cover top surface 414, a cover sidewall 412, and a cover outer edge 416, which defines an open side that is placed atop the topsoil layer 112.

[0065] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A4 is a side view bar diagram of a vapor collection system 400, depicting a blade cooling system 420. The blade cooling system 420 generally includes a cryogenic fluid reservoir 422 that holds a cryogenic fluid, which is obtained by a pump 424. The pump 424 circulates the cryogenic fluid through the cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 and into a tube (not shown) in the blade 408. The cryogenic fluid is used to cool the blade 408 to a temperature that will cause the target gaseous substance 115 to condense onto the surface of the blade 108. For example, the cryogenic fluid may include liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, and liquid helium. The condensed droplets 150B move along the blade 408 toward the distal dripping edge 409 under the influence of gravity. When the condensed droplets 150B reach the distal dripping edge 409, the condensed droplets 150B drip into the collection tube 440, and the condensed target substance 150 is retained in the collection tube 440.

[0066] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A 4 is a front view of a vapor collection system 400 depicting a target gaseous substance 115 being vaporized by a laser beam 162 (laser beam 162 is generated by a laser 160 configured to sweep across the surface of a regolith 112). As shown, the target gaseous substance 115 is dispersed within the interior volume 110 of a cover 404, which is placed on the regolith surface 112 by a cover outer edge 460. The target gaseous substance 115 condenses into droplets 150B on cryogenically cooled blades 408, wherein the condensed droplets 150B drip into a collection tube 440. A cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 is shown here for reference.

[0067] Fig. 6A and 6B FIG. 1 is a line drawing showing another embodiment of a vapor collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, which embodiment has no cover but only side wall shields. Fig. 6AAs shown, the vapor collection system embodiment 150 includes three rows of condensing blades 408 surrounded by a side wall shield 460. Fewer or more rows may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present embodiment. The side wall shield 460 is transparent and the block diagram elements therein can be seen. The side wall shield 460 has no top side and bottom side. The bottom shield outer edge 452 is configured to be placed on top of the topsoil layer 112, and the upper lip 453 provides an unobstructed exposed opening 458 between the blades 408 and the sky (external environment 462) to assist in the cooling effect of the blades 408. The blades 408A-408C act as a cover covering at least 70% of the upper surface area 454 defined by the perimeter of the top edge 453. The side wall 460 extends from the bottom shield outer edge 452 to the top edge 453. The condensation rows 408A, 408B, and 408C are staggered to substantially block any line of sight of the released gaseous molecules or atoms 115 from the regolith 112 to the external environment 462. In other words, the released gaseous material 115 has a high probability of impacting or otherwise falling on the surface of the condensation blades 408, and a low probability of escaping into the sky. The condensation blades 408 are cooled via a cryogenic liquid that is pumped 424 from one cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 to another cryogenic liquid distribution conduit via a series connection line 428. Optionally, the cryogenic liquid is pumped in parallel to separate distribution conduits 410. The target gaseous material 115 is configured to condense into droplets 150B on the cryogenically cooled blades 408, wherein the condensed droplets 150B drip into a collection container 455 via a container inlet area 456.

[0068] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A 4. A side view bar diagram of a vapor collection system embodiment 450 of FIG. 4. Three condensation rows 408A, 408B, and 408C are shown collecting the target gaseous material 115 and dripping into a collection container 455. The distal dripping edges 409 are staggered in this configuration to provide a clear path for the condensate droplets 150B to drip and collect 150 into the collection container 455. As shown, the vapor collection system embodiment 150 includes a cryogenic reservoir 422, which is mounted on a side wall shield 460 along with a pump 424 and connected by a cryogenic transfer line 426. A cryogenic connecting line 428 connecting the cryogenic liquid distribution conduits 410 together is also shown. In this embodiment, the radiation cooling effect of the dark exterior space directly facing the blades 408 is enhanced because there is no cover.

[0069] Cooling the condensing surface 105 (e.g., condensing blades 108 or blades 408) to a temperature that condenses and liquefies nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, etc., is a challenging task to fly on the moon due to the extreme environmental conditions and lack of atmosphere. In order to promote heat transfer and energy exchange to cool the condensing surface 105, high thermal conductivity coatings and, in some cases, high emissivity coatings are considered to improve cooling efficiency. As is well known, such highly conductive materials include silver, copper, gold, and aluminum, to name a few. Certain aspects of the invention contemplated herein take advantage of the lack of a perceptible atmosphere and extremely low temperatures in the shadowed regions of the moon. For example, temperatures at the poles of the moon can drop below 20° Kelvin, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the blades 408 at lower temperatures. In addition, exposing the smooth / high emissivity surface to outer space can improve cooling through radiative heat exchange. For these reasons, certain aspects of the present invention contemplate mining target gaseous materials 115 in these colder regions of the moon. However, the inventive aspects of the present invention will work on the warm and sunny side of the moon, although the efficiency may be lower.

[0070] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a line drawing depicting an embodiment of active blade cooling consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Active cooling uses a cooling method to remove heat from the condensing surface 105. The most common technology uses a cryogenic refrigeration system based on the principles of mechanical refrigeration. The system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger, which may be an evaporator. One embodiment of the present invention depicts a heat exchanger from a Figure 5A The blade 408 includes a plurality of low-temperature heat exchange tubes 472 formed in a ring inside the blade 408. Figure 7B As shown in the cross section of the section line BB of FIG. 4 , the heat exchange tube 472 has a circular cross-sectional shape (but can alternatively be some other shape, such as rectangular or elliptical, as an example), which is embedded in the blade 408 and is located between the blade top surface 484 and the blade bottom surface 486. In this embodiment, the blade 408 is V-shaped, providing a concave "groove" at the top surface 484 and a convex peak 482 at the bottom surface 486 to concentrate the condensate droplets 150B, thereby more effectively transporting the condensate droplets 150B to the distal dripping edge 409. The cryogenic fluid 475 is pumped through the heat exchange tube 472, as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A As shown by the low temperature fluid flow arrow 474.

[0071] In more detail, Fig. 7AThe movement of cryogenic fluid 475 through passage 468 in blade 408 is depicted. More specifically, cryogenic fluid 475 is circulated by pump 424, through cryogenic supply line 476, which delivers cryogenic fluid 475 to distribution conduit passages 470 in insulated cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, which in turn deliver the cryogenic fluid to heat exchange tubes 472 in blade 408. Compressor and heat exchanger 430 can be configured to cool cryogenic fluid 475 in a variety of ways, including simply radiating the heat accumulated in blade 408 to a heat sink in the lunar atmosphere, or by sublimation cooling, such as via a medium such as dry ice, for example, in a manner similar to the cooling system used in space suits and known to those skilled in the art. Cryogenic reservoir 422 is an insulated container that contains cryogenic fluid 475 that supplies passage 468. The fluid path is along arrow 474. Portions of cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, distribution conduit passage 470, cover 404, and cryogenic supply line 476 are cut away by cutout 478. System compression cut line 478 cuts through a portion of cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, with distribution conduit passage 470, cover 404, and cryogenic supply line 476 cut away through cut line 478 to isolate individual blades 408. System compression cut line 478 simplifies Fig. 7A Drawing in .

[0072] An alternative technique for cooling blade 408 considers the use of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), which can be embedded in blade 408 to actively dissipate heat by utilizing the Peltier effect. However, because TEC may have limitations in achieving very low temperatures, TEC may be used in combination with other cooling techniques.

[0073] As combined Fig. 6A As discussed in the embodiments of FIG. 4 , radiative cooling can further enhance cooling of blades 408 by directing blades 408 toward the cold lunar sky, as the lunar surface experiences extremely low temperatures during the lunar night.

[0074] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of laser cooling to achieve temperatures below 3° Kelvin by exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics. In a process involving the manipulation of atomic momentum through the selective absorption and release of photons, this cooling mechanism relies on the Doppler effect in the recoil of photon absorption, causing the material on the blade surface to lose kinetic energy, thereby reducing the temperature. With careful control of the laser frequency and intensity, laser cooling can be selectively used to reduce the temperature to collect helium-3.

[0075] Figure 8is a line drawing that illustratively depicts an optional regolith heating embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. This regolith heating embodiment 500 is one of many possible embodiments for increasing the temperature of the regolith 112 at which target gaseous material retained therein is released from the regolith 112. Certain embodiments contemplate that, in addition to heating the regolith 112, chemicals such as fluorine may also be used to assist in releasing the target material from the regolith 112. In this embodiment, a plurality of heated spikes 510 penetrate the surface of the regolith 112 via sharp spike tips 512. The heated spikes 510 extend from the bottom of a screen / grid 508, wherein the screen / grid 508 includes a plurality of openings 506 that provide a path for the released target gas 115 to escape from the regolith 112 and enter the interior volume 110 (shown in the previous figure). A block diagram of an electrical circuit 502 with electrical connections 504 is shown to illustrate the power supply for the heated spikes 510. This particular heating embodiment 500 is combined with a circuit 502 including Figure 5A 108, however, it can also be used with rotating blades 108. One advantage of the laser heating source 160 over this embodiment is that it is possible to reduce the residual heat radiated from the surface of the regolith 112. The residual heat from this embodiment 500 can increase the difficulty of cooling the blades 108 to below the condensation temperature of the target gaseous material 115.

[0076] Fig. 9is a line drawing that exemplarily depicts a vehicle (e.g., a probe car) that supports a vapor collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the vapor collection system 200 is used here, but other vapor collection system embodiments may also be used. An advantageous embodiment envisions that the probe car 520 provides all the power required to operate the vapor collection system 200, and may further include a sufficient amount of cryogenic fluid or support certain functions of the vapor collection system 200, such as a cooling device to maintain the cryogenic fluid. However, an optional embodiment envisions that the vapor collection system 200 has some (if not all) power supply capabilities independent of the probe car 520, such as batteries or solar energy. As shown, the probe car 520 may include a vapor collection system support 530, which is configured to place the vapor collection system 200 on the surface 113 of the topsoil layer so that the vapor collection system 100 can effectively mine a new topsoil layer 112 rich in target material 115. Certain embodiments envision that the depth 526 of the topsoil layer of the target material 115 is between, for example, 2 mm and 40 mm. The vapor collection system support 530 raises and lowers the vapor collection system 200 on the surface 113 of the regolith, as shown by the collection system connection arrow 532. In this embodiment, the vapor collection system 200 includes a rectangular cover 204, which enables the vapor collection system 200 to be mined within a rectangular footprint. Thus, the probe vehicle 520 moves the vapor collection system 200 from one rectangular footprint to another, which enables more efficient mining of the regolith 112. Thus, the device is configured to mine multiple rows of regolith 112 at progressive depths. Thus, on the first pass along the regolith row, the plow 522 is raised to allow the vapor collection system 200 to approach the untouched regolith 112. In subsequent passes, the plow 522 is lowered to a depth 526 (predetermined or determined by sampling the target material concentration), which exposes the unmined regolith rich in the target material 115. In other words, the plow 522 pushes away the exposed topsoil layer 111 that has been slightly depleted of the target substance 115 (depleted of the target substance 115 to a determined concentration). Fig. 9 A plow blade 524 is shown extending from the front end of the probe vehicle 520, lowered 528 into the topsoil to remove exposed topsoil 111 (shown as black and white dots having a density less than topsoil 112) at a designated depth 526. In this way, the probe vehicle 520 can mine back and forth along a row of topsoil 112 until it is deemed appropriate to mine a new row. The plow blade 524 can be located below the probe vehicle 520, behind the probe vehicle 520, or elsewhere, as long as the plow blade 524 is able to remove topsoil for a new round of mining by the steam collection system 200.

[0077] Fig. 10A530 is another embodiment of the present invention, describing a probe car and blade system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the probe car embodiment 520 includes a mining device, most of which is in a cover 534. The cover 534 is configured to be placed on top of the topsoil layer 112, thereby creating a shielding environment 110 to capture gaseous substances 115 released from the topsoil layer 112. As previously described, the topsoil layer 112 is an embodiment of extraterrestrial granular soil. The probe car 520 includes six wheels 536, which are mounted on a rocker-bogie suspension 540, which is designed to traverse uneven terrain. In this embodiment, the probe car 520 uses a battery 544, which can easily increase a solar collector (not shown). In addition to being lifted, lowered and tilted, the plow blade 524 is configured to pivot left and right, as shown. The probe car embodiment 520 includes a gas collection tank 546 and a liquefied gas storage tank 548. The gas collection tank 546 is configured to collect the target gaseous material 115 released from the topsoil layer 112 (when referenced by the following annotation, refer to Figure 3A illustratively described), and the liquefied gas storage tank 548 is configured to provide liquefied gas to the collection system 105, wherein some embodiments of the collection system 105 are located in the shielded environment 110.

[0078] Fig. 10B It is used to support the mining device 562 Fig. 10A 5 is a side view bar diagram of a probe vehicle 520, which exemplarily shows a front regolith moving blade 550 and a rear regolith moving blade 552. The blade 550 and the blade 552 extend from the cover outer edge 535 located at the bottom of the cover 534. As shown, the front regolith moving blade 550 is located above the rear regolith moving blade 552. In this configuration, the front blade 550 is higher than the rear blade 552. Therefore, when the probe vehicle 520 moves in the forward direction 516, the front blade 550 clears the surface regolith 112, and the rear blade 552 clears the deeper regolith 112 (below the surface regolith 112). As the rover 520 moves in the direction of arrow 516 (i.e., where the rover front 554 leads the rover rear 556), large debris / rocks 518 are pushed aside via the plow 522 while the topsoil 112 is turned over by the front topsoil moving blades 550 and rear topsoil moving blades 552. For reference, a cover 538 is shown extending upward from an outer edge 535 to a cover top 539.

[0079] Fig. 10C 534 is a bottom view of the probe vehicle 520 looking upward from the inside of the cover 534 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the internal volume 110 inside the cover 534 includes a vapor collection system 100, which includes three vapor collection systems such as Figure 1AThe condensing vane device 108 is shown. It should be understood that other vapor collection system embodiments may be placed at different locations within the interior volume 110 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The probe vehicle embodiment 520 includes six track wheels 536 mounted on a rocker-bogie suspension device 540, however, other propulsion devices, such as continuous tracks, may also be used. From this perspective, a row of laser heat sources 160A are arranged near the front 554 of the probe vehicle, which heats the topsoil layer 112 before the topsoil layer 112 is disturbed by the blades 550 and blades 552. The front row of laser heaters 160A is intended to release the target gas 115 from the top layer of the topsoil layer 112 (for example, at a depth of up to 2 cm, although the depth can be more or less). There are also two rows of laser heat sources 160B and laser heat 160C arranged near the front topsoil moving blades 550 and the rear topsoil moving blades 552, respectively. In this arrangement, the second row of lasers 160B is just behind the first row of topsoil moving blades 550, but in front of the second row of topsoil moving blades 552. The second row of lasers 160B is configured to heat and release gaseous substances 115 from the first topsoil layer 112 turned over by the front topsoil moving blades 550. The third row of lasers 160C is just behind the rear topsoil moving blades 552, and is configured to release gaseous substances 115 from the second topsoil layer 112, which is turned over by the rear topsoil moving blades 552, by the heat generated by the laser beams 162 emitted by the third row of lasers 160C.

[0080] Fig. 10D 5 is a line drawing that exemplarily depicts a probe vehicle 520 pulling a secondary movable gas collection device 560 via a connecting link (tether) 558. The secondary movable gas collection device 560 includes a cover 534 similar to the probe vehicle cover 534, but is not necessarily self-propelled by a motor drive. In this embodiment, the secondary movable gas collection device 560 includes four wheels 536 that are simply mounted on a cover body 538. As shown, the rear topsoil layer moving blade 552 is shown as extending partially from the outer edge 535 of the secondary movable gas collection device. The battery 544 is connected to the top 539 of the secondary movable gas collection device cover. Although there is no gas storage tank integrated with or directly connected to the secondary movable gas collection device 560, some embodiments contemplate that the gas storage tank is supported by the top 539 of the secondary movable gas collection device cover. Therefore, in this embodiment, any material collected in the internal volume 110 of the secondary movable gas collection device can be transferred to the gas collection tank 146 on the probe vehicle 520.

[0081] Figures 11A-11H The blade arrangement embodiments consistent with the embodiments of the present invention are exemplarily depicted. In some embodiments, the blade arrangement embodiments are configured to be installed in Figures 10A-10Dinside of cover 534. Fig.11A 57 is a side view bar diagram of a single plow blade device 571 connected to a plow arm 576 extending from a support beam 578. As shown, the plow blade 570 penetrates the topsoil layer 112, and the plow leading edge 572 stirs the upper topsoil layer 112A and the lower topsoil layer 112B through the plow face 574. The laser heating source 160 can be powered by a power line 161 connected to the battery 544 on the probe vehicle 520, and the laser heating source 160 is configured to heat the topsoil layer 112 by directing a laser beam 162 at the topsoil layer 112 at the plow trailing edge 577. This embodiment includes a pair of radiant heating elements 164 located in front of the plow leading edge 572 and behind the plow trailing edge 577. The radiant heating elements 164 are intended to release gaseous matter 115 from the topsoil layer in front of and behind the plow blade 570, wherein the released gaseous matter 115 is confined inside the cover 534. The plow blade 570 moves in a forward direction (arrow) 516 under the power of the probe vehicle 520 .

[0082] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A A front isometric view of a single plow blade device 571, Fig. 11C yes Fig.11A 571. These different perspectives show the geometric relationship of the leading edge 572 of the plow blade of the plow 570 to the heat sources 160 and 164 and the shape of the plow arm 576 and the trailing edge 577. A portion of the support beam 578 is also shown to provide perspective.

[0083] Fig.11D is a top view bar graph of a plow blade 570 depicting the movement of the topsoil layer 112 across the plow face 574. The radiant heating element 164 is shown in front of the leading edge 572 and behind the trailing edge 577.

[0084] Fig.11E and Fig.11F 1 is a front isometric line diagram and a rear isometric line diagram of a single-row plow device 571 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11E The single row plow device 575 depicts a row of five plows 570 extending from a support beam 578 connected to a connector bracket 579. The connector bracket 579 is mounted to the interior space 110 of the cover 534. Each of the five plows 570 has a corresponding laser heating element 160 configured to sweep a heating laser beam 162 across the topsoil layer 112 behind the corresponding plow 570. Fig.11F Depicted are the trailing edges 577 of five plows 570 in a single row plow arrangement 575. As shown, each of the five plows 570 is mounted on a respective plow arm 576. Also shown, each laser heating element 160 is attached above a respective plow 570, all of which are attached to a support beam 578, which is attached to a connector bracket 579.

[0085] Fig.11G and Fig.11H A double-row plough device 573 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown by way of example. Fig.11G 570A is a side view bar diagram of a double row plow device 573, wherein a first plow row 570A is located in front of and above a second plow row 570B. Thus, when the double row plow device 573 moves in the direction of arrow 516, the first plow row 570A turns over an upper topsoil layer 112A, wherein a first row of lasers 160A corresponding to the first plow row 570A heats the upper topsoil layer 112A via laser beams 162 to release gaseous matter 115 trapped in the upper topsoil layer 112A. The second plow row 570B turns over a lower topsoil layer 112C, wherein a second row of lasers 160B corresponding to the second plow row 570B heats the lower topsoil layer 112C to release gaseous matter 115 trapped in the lower topsoil layer 112C. The first plow row 570A and the second plow row 570B are connected to a support beam 578, and the support beam 578 is connected to a connector bracket 579.

[0086] Fig.11H is an isometric view of a dual plow assembly 573 showing the relative positions of the first and second plow rows 570A, 570B and the corresponding lasers 160A and 160B. A support beam 578 and a connector bracket 579 are also shown here for reference.

[0087] Figure 12A-12C is a line drawing of various views of a single spike tiller blade assembly 581 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The single spike tiller blade assembly 581 is contemplated to be mounted on Figures 10A-10D The inside of the cover 534. Fig. 12A As shown in the side view bar diagram, the single spike tiller device 581 is similar to Fig.11AThe plow embodiment of the present invention is a plow embodiment of the present invention, but with a spike tiller blade 580, which turns the lower topsoil layer 112B onto the upper topsoil layer 112A when the topsoil layer 112 first encounters the spike tiller blade tip 582 and moves upwardly to the spike tiller blade face 584. As shown, during the forward movement 516, the lower topsoil layer 112B and the upper topsoil layer 112A turn with the spike tiller blade trailing edge 587. In operation (i.e., when the probe vehicle 520 moves forward 516), the upper topsoil layer 112A is subjected to heat from the front radiant heater 164A, which releases the gaseous matter 115 trapped in the upper topsoil layer 112A. At the trailing edge 587 of the spike tiller blade, the lower topsoil layer 112B is heated by the laser beam 162 emitted from the laser 160 and the rear radiant heater 164B, both of which release the gaseous matter 115 trapped in the lower topsoil layer 112B. The spike tiller blade 580 is attached to the distal end of the tiller arm 586, which is attached to the support bracket 589. The support bracket 589 is connected to the support beam assembly 588, which connects the spike tiller to the interior of the cover 534.

[0088] Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A A front isometric view of a single spike tiller blade assembly 581. Fig. 12C yes Fig. 12A 1 and 16. Rear isometric views of a single spike tiller blade assembly 581 are shown. These different views show the geometric relationship of the spike tiller blade leading edge 582 and trailing edge 587 relative to heat sources 160 and 164. As shown, spike tiller blade 580 is connected to the distal end of tiller arm 586, which is connected to support bracket 589. A cross section of support beam assembly 588 is also shown.

[0089] Fig.12D and Fig.12E A double row spike tiller blade arrangement 585 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Fig.12D5 is a side view bar diagram of the double-row spike tiller blade assembly 585, wherein the first spike tiller blade row 580A is located in front of and above the second spike tiller blade row 580B. Therefore, when the double-row spike tiller blade assembly 585 moves in the direction of arrow 516, the first spike tiller blade row 580A turns over the upper topsoil layer 112A, wherein the first row of lasers 160A corresponding to the first spike tiller blade row 580A heats the middle topsoil layer 112B through their respective laser beams 162 to release the gaseous substances 115 trapped in the middle topsoil layer 112B. The second spike tiller blade row 580B turns over the lower topsoil layer 112C, wherein the second row of lasers 160B corresponding to the second spike tiller blade row 580B heats the lower topsoil layer 112C to release the gaseous substances 115 trapped therein. The first spike tiller blade row 580A and the second spike tiller blade row 580B are connected to support beam 588A and support beam 588B respectively, and support beams 588A and 588B are connected to connector bracket 589.

[0090] Fig.12E 5 is an isometric view of a double row spike tiller blade arrangement 585 showing the relative position of a first spike tiller blade row 580A in front of and above a second spike tiller blade row 580B and corresponding lasers 160A and 160B. Support beams 578 and connector brackets 579 are also shown here for reference.

[0091] Figure 13A-13C is a line drawing of another embodiment of a topsoil tillage embodiment depicting a box blade consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B, which shows a single box blade assembly 595 having a box blade 590 extending between two side walls 596. The two side walls 596 are restrained in place by front and rear support beams 599, 591 and the box blade 590. The box blade assembly 595 is connected to the cover 534 by brackets 598. In this embodiment, the box blade assembly 595 is moved in a forward direction 516, as indicated by the arrow, such as by a probe vehicle 520. As the box blade assembly 595 moves forward 516, the box blade tip 592 digs into the top layer of the regolith 112, which pushes through the box blade face 594 and falls on the box blade trailing edge 597. In this embodiment, there is a radiant heater 164 that heats the regolith 112 in front of the box blade 590, and the box blade face 594 may also be heated (e.g., by a resistor embedded in or attached to the box blade 590). As the topsoil layer 112 falls from the trailing edge 597, and as the topsoil layer 112 falls behind the box blade 590, a pair of lasers 160A and 160B can further heat the topsoil layer 112. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the box blade assembly 595 may or may not include any heating method without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. As shown in the figure, Fig.13A is a side view bar diagram of a single box blade device 595, and Fig. 13B is an isometric bar diagram of a single box blade arrangement 595 .

[0092] Fig. 13C5 is a side view bar diagram of another box blade embodiment 193 in which a plurality of box blades 590A-590C are arranged at successive depths to penetrate the regolith 112 at these successive depths. As shown, a first box blade 590A penetrates an upper regolith 112A, a second box blade 590B penetrates a deeper regolith 112B, and a third box blade 590C penetrates a deeper regolith 112C, all of which are used to mine target gaseous material 115 in successive layers of regolith 112 as the box blade assembly 193 moves in a forward direction 516. In this embodiment, each box blade 590 has a front laser 160A, 106C, and 160E to release the regolith 112 as it falls from the corresponding box blade trailing edge 597. There are also rear lasers 160B, 160D and 160E configured to release the target gaseous material 115 from the settled topsoil layer 112 behind each respective box blade trailing edge 597. More specifically, there are first laser 160A and second laser 160B behind first box blade 590A, third laser 160C and fourth laser 160D behind second box blade 590B, and fifth laser 160E and sixth laser 160F behind third box blade 590C. For reference, the body of box blade assembly 593 is shown, depicting sidewalls 596, front support beam 599 and support bracket 598, as shown in conjunction with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Described in more detail.

[0093] Figure 14A-Figure 14C is a line drawing of an embodiment of a single disc harrow consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14AA side view of a single disc harrow assembly 605 is shown, highlighting the disc harrow 600 embedded in the topsoil layer 112. The disc harrow 600 includes a plurality of teeth 602 distributed along the outer diameter 601 of the disc. As the disc harrow assembly 605 moves in the forward direction 516, the disc harrow teeth 602 rotate or flip the bottom topsoil layer 112B relative to the topsoil layer 112A. In other words, the bottom topsoil layer 112B flips over the topsoil layer 112A at the disc harrow tail side 607. The disc harrow 600 rotates about a hub 604 connected to a support beam 608. The single disc harrow assembly 605 is a passive device, and the single disc harrow assembly 605 moves through the topsoil layer 112 as the probe vehicle 520 moves. In other words, the disc harrow 600 rotates at the speed of the probe vehicle 520. In this embodiment, there are front radiant heating elements 164A that heat the topsoil layer 112 in front of the disc 600 and rear radiant heating elements 164B that heat the topsoil layer 112 behind the disc 600. The laser heating elements 160 are arranged so that the laser beam 162 is swept across the topsoil layer 112 (to heat the topsoil layer 112). The heat from the heating elements 164A, 164B, and 160 heats different areas of the topsoil layer 112, causing the target gas 115 to be released from the topsoil layer 112.

[0094] Fig. 14B is a front view of a single disk harrow assembly 605 showing the disk harrow 600 mounted on a hub 604. The hub 604 is connected to a support beam 608 via a connecting arm 606. The front heating element 164A and the laser 160 are shown here for reference.

[0095] Fig. 14C is a front isometric view of a single disk rake assembly 605 showing the relationship of the disk 600 and disk teeth 602 relative to the front and rear heating elements 164A, 164B, the laser 160 and the support beam 608 and connecting arm 606.

[0096] Fig.14D603 is a line drawing of a single row disc harrow 600 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The single row disc harrow device 603 is a passive device that exemplarily shows a front radiant heating element 164A in front of the single row disc harrow 600 and a rear radiant heating element 164B behind the single row disc harrow 600. In this embodiment, a plurality of lasers 160 are mounted to a support beam 608 behind the disc harrow 600, wherein there is a laser 160 corresponding to each disc harrow 600. It should be understood that while there are a plurality of lasers 160 in this embodiment, other embodiments may contemplate fewer lasers or even a single laser mounted behind the support beam 608 or elsewhere within the cover 534, so long as the laser beam 162 can provide localized heat to the topsoil layer 112. The single row disc harrow 600 is connected to and rotates about a central shaft 610, which is connected to the support beam 608 by a plurality of connecting arms 606. The single-row disc harrow device 603 is connected to the cover 534 via a bracket 609 .

[0097] Fig.14E 5 is a schematic diagram of a dual disc harrow assembly 612 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a first disc harrow row 600A is in front of and above a second disc harrow row 600B, wherein the second disc harrow row 600B is located deeper in the topsoil layer 112 than the first disc harrow row 600A. Thus, as the dual disc harrow assembly 612 moves through the topsoil layer 112 in the direction of arrow 516, an intermediate topsoil layer 112B rotates on top of the upper topsoil layer 112A behind the first disc harrow row 600A, and a lower topsoil layer 112C rotates on top of the intermediate topsoil layer 112B behind the second disc harrow row 600B. In addition to the laser beams 162 from the lasers 160A and 160B behind the respective disk rows 600A and 600B, the topsoil layers 112A, 112B and 112C are heated by radiant heaters 164A, 164B and 164C in front of and behind the disk rows 600A and 600B. The support beams 608 and support brackets 609 are shown here for reference. The dual disk device 612 is a passive device embodiment.

[0098] An alternative embodiment contemplates that the disc harrow device is an actively driven disc harrow, such as Fig.14F and Figure 14G shown. Fig.14F and Figure 14G is a line drawing of an active single row disc harrow assembly 620 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14FThe exemplary embodiment shows a linkage arm 622 driven by a motor (not shown) that rotates a drive shaft 614 that rotates a chain 616 that drives the disc harrow 600. More specifically, the chain 616 connected to a drive shaft sprocket 619 that rotates with the drive shaft 614 drives the disc harrow 600 through a disc harrow sprocket 618 connected to the central shaft 610. The laser 160 shown here is located behind the disc harrow 600. The active single row disc harrow device 620 can rotate the disc harrow 600 at a different speed than the passive device described above.

[0099] Figure 14G is an isometric view of an active single row disc harrow assembly 620 showing the relationship of the linkage arms rotating the drive shaft 614 which drives the single row disc harrow 600 via a chain 616 and sprockets 618 and 619 .

[0100] Figures 15A-18B Various embodiments of shielded environments consistent with embodiments of the present invention are depicted. Figure 15A-Figure 15C One such shielded environment embodiment of a skirt 630 is depicted, which is configured to extend and retract from the cover 538 to engage the surface of the regolith 112. This embodiment is particularly good for mining an area having a footprint size of the perimeter of the skirt outer edge 632 in a manner using a stop and start mining method. The stop and start mining method refers to mining an area of ​​one footprint size after mining another footprint size (possibly a continuous footprint). This is in contrast to continuously mining the regolith 112 under the cover as the probe vehicle 520 moves forward, which is referred to herein as continuous mining. Continuing with reference to the stop and start mining method, during active mining of the target gas 115, the skirt outer edge 632 retracts while moving forward 516 on the regolith surface 112, and then stops to extend the skirt outer edge 632 to the regolith surface to begin mining the target gas 115 from the regolith 112.

[0101] Fig.15A is a front isometric view of a cap and retractable skirt embodiment 635 (which facilitates stopping and starting production) with the retractable skirt 634 in a retracted orientation, as shown in FIG. Fig. 15B637. When in the retracted orientation 637, the skirt 634 is pulled away from the topsoil 112 (and midway above the cover 538) by the connecting rods 636 / 634 driven by the hydraulic cylinders 638. When retracted, there is a gap between the skirt outer edge 632 and the topsoil 112, which allows the wheels 536 to roll freely without the skirt 630 scraping the topsoil 112. Although six batteries 544 are described as being disposed on the top 539 of the cover. Other configurations envision the batteries being located elsewhere or even having a different power source, such as nuclear or solar. The attachment arm 555 is depicted as extending from the front 554 of the retractable skirt embodiment 635 to hook onto a rover 520 or plow 522 (e.g., as Fig. 10B shown).

[0102] Fig. 15B 637 is a side view bar diagram of a retractable skirt embodiment 635 in which the skirt 630 is retracted 637, which provides clearance for the wheels 536 to roll over the topsoil 112 without the skirt outer edge 632 contacting or scraping the topsoil 112. That is, the skirt outer edge 632 is moved 631 a distance from the surface of the topsoil 112, such as a distance between 2-10 inches. Similarly, as the skirt 630 is retracted 637, the front and rear topsoil moving blades 550 and blades 552 can plow through the topsoil 112 as previously described. As further described, the skirt 630 is maintained in the retracted position 637 by a link 636, which is articulated about link joints 634A and 634B via an extended hydraulic cylinder 638. The skirt link joint 634A is connected to the skirt upper lip 633, and the cover link joint 634B is connected to the cover 538. The skirt link joint 634A and the cover link joint 634B are pivot points. The hydraulic cylinder 638 is connected to the cover top 539 together with the battery 544. It should be understood that other types of links or ways to raise and lower the skirt 630 may be used by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0103] Fig. 15C 630 is a side view bar diagram of a retractable skirt embodiment 635, wherein the skirt 630 is lowered 639 or otherwise extended above the surface of the regolith 112. This creates an internal environment 110 defined by the volume within the skirt 630 and the cover 538, which is further defined by the regolith surface 112. With the skirt outer edge 632 placed above the regolith 112, a gas collection system, such as the gas collection system 100, can more effectively collect released target gases 115, which are shielded from escaping into the external environment 462. As shown, the skirt 630 is deployed in an extended position 639 by a link 636 articulated about link joints 634A and 634B via a retracted hydraulic cylinder 638.

[0104] Fig.16A is a rear isometric view of a cap and bladed skirt embodiment 645 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention that can be used to stop and start production or continue production. This embodiment can be a secondary mobile gas collection device pulled behind the exploration vehicle 520, such as Fig. 10D As shown. Optionally, the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 can include wheels (where the wheel position is 648) and a drive system as part of a self-powered exploration vehicle device. In other words, the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 can be the body of another exploration vehicle, and when the wheels rotate, the exploration vehicle drags the slide rail edge 642 on the topsoil layer 112. As shown, the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 includes a battery 544 disposed on the top 539 of the cover. The bladed skirt 640 extends generally from the skirt upper lip 633 (e.g., within a few inches) to the slide rail edge 642 and the distal edge 647 of the baffle. The slide rail edge 642 is the distal edge of the side rail 643, which is configured to dig into the surface of the topsoil layer 112. The internal environment 110 is defined by the cover body 538, the side rails 643, the front and rear hinged baffles 646A and 646B, and the topsoil layer 112. The hinged baffles 646A and 646B are connected to the front and rear cover surfaces 554 and 556 by hinges 644A and 644B, respectively. The hinged baffles 646A and 646B are contemplated to abut the regolith 112 at the front and rear as the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 traverse the regolith 112. Certain embodiments contemplate the hinged baffles 646A and 646B having springs or other biasing elements that urge the baffle distal edges 647 against the regolith 112. Some embodiments contemplate a seal (not shown) at the interface 649 between the side rails 643 and the baffles 646 to better seal against the interior environment 110.

[0105] Fig. 16B 516 is a side view bar diagram of the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645. As shown, the slide rail edge 642 is slightly embedded in the surface of the topsoil layer 112, for example 2 cm (from the surface of the topsoil layer 112). Other embodiments contemplate that the slide rail edge 642 simply contacts the surface of the topsoil layer 112. As shown, when the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 moves forward in the direction of arrow 516, the track leading edge ramp 641 slides on the topsoil layer 112 (similar to the slide rail), pushing the front hinged guard 646A (which rotates about the front hinge 644A) toward the rear 556. Although not shown here, the rear hinged guard 646B is also pushed in the opposite direction of arrow 516. As should be understood herein, the side rails 643 are secured to the cover 538 approximately at the rail upper lip 651, which is also substantially located at or within 3 inches of the cover outer edge 535. Other embodiments contemplate that the side rails 643 are integral or even unitary with (part of) the cover 538.

[0106] Fig. 16C 645, showing a cut line CC through the center of the cover top 539 bisecting the front 554 and rear 556. As further shown, the two side rails 643 seal against the front hinged flap 646A and the rear hinged flap 646B. The battery 544 is labeled for reference.

[0107] Fig.16D 64A and 64B are side elevation views of a cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 along section line CC. The section view depicts a vapor collection system embodiment 100 within an interior environment 110. As described in previous embodiments, at least one heat source 160 is disposed within the interior environment 110 to heat the regolith 112 to release the target gaseous material 115. The front regolith moving blade 550 and the rear regolith moving blade 552 are shown by way of example along with respective laser heaters 160A and 160B. As shown, the slide rail edge 642 is slightly recessed into the surface of the regolith 112, and the leading edge ramp 641 extends from the regolith 112. The front hinged baffle 646A and the rear hinged baffle 646B are angled, but placed on the regolith surface 112. The front hinge 644A and the rear hinge 644B are shown here for reference. In this embodiment, the internal environment 110 is defined as the volume bounded between the regolith surface 112 and the interior surface of the front and rear hinges 644A, 644B, the front and rear hinge guards 646A, 646B, and the cover 538.

[0108] Fig.17A 6 is a side view bar diagram of a cover and compliant skirt embodiment 655 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention that can be used to stop and start mining or continue mining. As shown, the cover and compliant skirt embodiment 655 includes a compliant electroplated skirt 650 that, in this depiction, does not contact the surface of the topsoil layer 112, i.e., there is a small amount of space between the distal edge 652 of the skirt and the topsoil layer 112. The compliant electroplated skirt 650 includes a plurality of rotatable plates 656, each of which is connected to the skirt bottom 658 by a corresponding plate pivot pin 654 (or some other suitable pivot mechanism). As shown in FIG. Figures 16A-16D The cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 has front and rear hinged baffles 646A and 646B connected to the cover front 554 and cover rear 556 respectively (or optionally at the front and rear of the skirt bottom), which constitute the front and rear sides of the compliant electroplated skirt 650. The front hinged baffles 646A and rear hinged baffles 646B help the compliant plate skirt 650 maintain the internal environment 110 (such as Fig. 17B646A and 646B rotate about the flap hinges 644A and 644B. ​​The front and rear topsoil moving blades 550 and 552 are shown for reference, extending from the compliant electroplated skirt 650, and more specifically from the skirt distal edge 652. Arrow 516 shows the direction of travel of the cover and compliant skirt embodiment 655.

[0109] Fig. 17B 6 is a side view bar diagram of a cover and compliant skirt embodiment 655 in contact with the surface of the regolith 112. As shown, the individual panels 656 and hinged baffles 646A and 646B of the compliant skirt 650 pivot to accommodate the embodiment of the regolith 112 moving beneath the compliant skirt 655. It should be understood that each individual panel 656 can be tilted at different angles depending on the topography (flatness) of the regolith 112. Certain other embodiments contemplate that the skirt distal edge 652 digs into the regolith 112 to better isolate the internal environment 110 from the external environment 462.

[0110] Fig.18A 6 is a side view bar diagram of another cover and compliant skirt embodiment 665 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, which can be used to stop and start mining or continue mining. As shown, the cover and compliant skirt embodiment 665 includes a compliant brush skirt 660 extending from the outer edge 535 of the cover body 538. The brush skirt embodiment 660 includes a plurality of bristles 666 connected to a sleeve 664, which wraps around the inner side of the periphery of the outer edge 535 or extends along the inner side of the periphery of the edge 535, but other embodiments contemplate that the bristles 666 simply extend from the outer edge 535. One bristle 666 is depicted in an enlarged circle 667 near the rear 556 of the cover and compliant skirt embodiment 665. The distal end 662 of the bristles (also referred to as the brush outer edge / skirt outer edge distal end edge 662) contacts the surface of the topsoil layer 112 around the periphery of the sleeve 664 to maintain the closed internal environment 110. Front and rear regolith moving blades 550, 552 are shown for reference extending from compliant brush skirt 660, and more specifically from skirt distal edge 662. Arrow 516 shows the direction of travel of cover and compliant skirt embodiment 665. As cover and compliant skirt embodiment 665 moves in direction of travel 516, bristles 666 bend and conform to the surface of regolith 112 to maintain closed interior environment 110.

[0111] Fig.18B660 is a close-up line drawing depicting a compressed brush skirt embodiment 660, which is shortened by a dashed section 668. As shown, bristles 666 extend from an envelope 664 to a bristle distal end 662. Although individual bristles 666 are depicted in this figure, it is contemplated that the bristles 666 overlap to better form a closed interior environment 110. Some embodiments contemplate a brush thickness defined by the depth of the brush 660 extending from the exterior environment 462 to the interior environment 110. Some embodiments contemplate a brush thickness between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches, however, other brush thicknesses are contemplated without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0112] The aforementioned skirt embodiments are only some of the types of skirt embodiments that will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, other types of adaptive skirts that can adapt to the surface of the topsoil layer may be used without departing from the concepts presented herein. For example, various interlocking panels or components and compliant materials, such as fabrics, may be used. The purpose is to provide a closed internal environment 110 that is isolated from the exterior 462.

[0113] Figures 19A-19D is a line drawing of a debris removal device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.19A 7 is an isometric view of a debris removal device 700, which generally depicts a support cover 534, a front plow 702, and a rear deposition blade 704 of a rover 520. The rover 520 moves in a forward 516 direction via wheels 536 (or other walking devices, such as tracks), and is equipped with a front plow 702 mounted at the front end 554 of the rover 520. The front plow 700 is configured to remove randomly dispersed loose rocks 518A from the path of the rover. The randomly dispersed loose rocks 518A are scattered on top of the topsoil layer 112 in front of the rover 520. As the rover 520 moves forward 516, the angled front plow 702 collects the loose rocks 518 and redirects them along the side 707 of the rover with a concentrated side tail 518B. The loose rocks 518 are then collected by the rear deposition blade 704 at the blade leading edge 704A, where the rocks move along the rear deposition blade 704 and slide off the blade trailing edge 704B to the centralized rear tail 518C behind the probe vehicle 520.

[0114] The rear depositing blade 704 is connected to the rear side 556 of the probe vehicle 520 by first and second rear depositing blade support arms 708A and 708B extending from the plow blade frame 701. Likewise, the front plow 702 is connected to the probe vehicle 520 by the plow blade frame 701. In this embodiment, the front plow 702 is connected to the plow blade frame 701 by a shaft / pin connection 706B and a front plow support arm 706A.

[0115] The rover 520 supports a cover 534 that is arranged to collect and capture target gases 115 released from the regolith 112 in the shielded environment 110, as previously described. The regolith 112 beneath the cover 534 is largely free of loose rocks 518 that have been pushed aside by the plow 702. As previously described, the cover 534 includes a cover body 538 that extends from the outer edge 703 to the cover apex 539. The shielded environment 110 is defined as the environment within the cover 534 when the cover 534, or more specifically the outer edge 535, is placed above the regolith 112. The shielded environment 110 is substantially not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cover 534.

[0116] Fig.19B is a top view bar graph illustratively showing the arrangement of loose rocks 518 associated with a debris removal embodiment 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, there is a first arrangement of loose rocks 518A that are scattered or randomly dispersed on the topsoil layer 112 in front of the front plow 702. When looking down at the top of the cover 539, the front plow 702 is at an angle α with the x-axis extending along the side 707 of the probe vehicle closest to the plow trailing edge 702B, where the plow 702 extends from the plow trailing edge 702B to the plow leading edge 702A. As the loose rocks 518 slide off the plow trailing edge 702B, a concentrated side tail 518B is formed, which is slightly parallel to and extends along the side 707 of the probe vehicle 520. The concentrated side tail 518B is picked up by the rear redeposition blade 704, which extends away from the rear end 556 at an angle β. Angle β is defined by the x-axis and the rear deposition blade 704 (or line) extending from the leading edge 704A of the redeposition blade and the trailing edge 704B of the redeposition blade, as shown. Rocks 518 collected from the centralized side tail 518B slide along the rear redeposition blade 704 and off the blade trailing edge 704B, where the rocks 518 form a centralized rear tail 518C. The centralized rear tail 518C is in a line behind the rover 520.

[0117] Thus, as depicted, the debris removal embodiment 700 directs loose rock 518 along a debris path 705 in a zero tailings configuration. First, the front plow 702 clears the randomly dispersed loose rock 518A in front of the rover 520 and directs the rock into the centralized side tail 518B along the side 707 of the rover. This creates a relatively loose rock-free topsoil surface 112A under the cover 534 to enhance the efficiency of target gas collection 115 and forming a shielding environment 110. As the rover 520 continues to move forward 516, the centralized side tail 518B of rock is collected by the rear redeposition blade 704 and distributed into the centralized rear tail 518C of rock, which is formed when the rock leaves the trailing edge 704B of the redeposition blade. In this way, the topsoil 112A substantially free of loose rock 518 is mined in a manner that leaves tailings (post-mining waste) behind the debris removal device 700. Thus, the debris removal device 700 is a zero tailings device. The concentrated rear tail 518C of rock is redeposited behind and in line with the rover 520 in a manner confined to a track defined within the rover width 709. The rover width 709 is defined between the wheels 536 (or some other walking treads) extending from either side 707 of the rover 520.

[0118] Fig.19C 700, depicting a front plow 702 extending from the front 554 of the rover 520 and a rear redeposition blade 704 extending from the rear 556 of the rover 520. As shown, the cover 534 is an embodiment having a skirt 630 extending from the cover body 538 (other skirts may be used within the scope and spirit of the invention). For reference, rear redeposition blade support arms 708A and 708B are shown extending from the plow blade frame 701. It should be understood that there are many ways to connect the front plow 702 and the deposition blade 704B to the rover 520 known to those skilled in the art in addition to the linkage shown.

[0119] Fig.19D is a line drawing illustrating a different debris removal device 700B consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The debris removal device 700B is similar to Fig. 10D The embodiment shown in the figure has a probe vehicle 520, to which a secondary movable gas collection device 560B is connected. As shown in the figure, the probe vehicle 520 is similar to Figure 19A-Figure 19C The probe vehicle embodiment described in the foregoing does not have a rear redeposition blade 704 connected to the rear portion 556 of the probe vehicle. Instead, the rear redeposition blade 704 is connected to the rear portion 556 of the probe vehicle. Figure 19A-Figure 19C The same means are connected to and extend from the secondary mobile gas collection device 560B. In this way, the debris removal device 700B can provide additional mining capacity while maintaining zero tailings functionality.

[0120] Figures 20A-20D is a line drawing of another debris removal device having side channels according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20A is an isometric view of a debris removal device 710, which is very similar to Fig.19A The debris removal device 700 is similar to the above, but with the addition of a side channel 712. Fig. 20B As shown, the side channel 712 is a barrier spaced 719A from the side 707, for example, 2 feet to 5 feet from the side 707. Optionally, the side channel 712 is spaced 719B from the wheel 536 by 0.5 feet to 4 feet. As shown, the side channel 712 extends from at least the plow trailing edge 702B to the blade leading edge 704A.

[0121] Continue to refer to Fig.19B Description Fig.19A , which depicts a closed debris path 705 that begins at least between the rover 520 (i.e., the outer sidewall of the rover side 707 or wheel 536) and the side channel 712, and extends between the rover 520 and the post-redeposition blade 704. The closed debris path 705 extends at least from the plow trailing edge 702B to the blade trailing edge 704B, where a closed debris path 705 is formed. Fig.19B 718C. In this embodiment, channel 712 includes a side channel nose ramp 714 that is inclined toward the centerline 726 of the probe vehicle 520 at an angle λ, which follows angle α in some embodiments but does not follow angle α in other embodiments. Side channel nose ramp 714 extends the closed debris path 705 between the side channel nose ramp 714 and a portion of the front plow 702. In this configuration, any debris 518A in front of the probe vehicle 520 that is not collected by the front plow 702 is deflected along the outside of the side channel 712. The side channel 712 is connected to the plow and blade frame 701 (or some other part of the probe vehicle 520) by side channel support arms 718A and 718B.

[0122] Fig. 20C 705 is a top view line drawing depicting an alternative side channel 712 without the side channel guide ramp 714. Instead, in this embodiment, the side channel 712 begins along a linear (debris) path 705 at the side channel leading edge 711. In this configuration, any loose, randomly dispersed rocks 518A in front of the debris removal device 710 that have not been pushed into the debris path 705 by the front plow 702 are naturally included in the debris path 705 through the unobstructed path opening 705A.

[0123] Fig.20D yes Fig. 20A5 , depicting a side view of a debris removal device 710, depicting rear redeposition blade support arms 708A and 708B and side channel support arms 718A and 718B extending from the rover 520 to support the rear redeposition blade 704 and the side channel 712, respectively. In this embodiment, the front plow 702, the side channel 712, the side channel guide ramp 714, and the rear redeposition blade 704 all have a common height 715. In one embodiment, the side channel 712 is between 0.5 feet and 2 feet. Other embodiments contemplate that the front plow 702, the side channel 712, and the rear redeposition blade 704 do not all have the same height 715. The direction 516 of the plow is shown here for reference.

[0124] Figure 21A-Figure 21C is a line drawing of another debris removal device having a V-shaped plow and dual rear redeposition blades according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21A-Figure 21C The loose rock described in 518 Fig.21B The illustrated approach is arranged (or moved) around a probe vehicle 520 . Fig.21A 7 is an isometric view of a debris removal device 720 including a front V-shaped plow or simply V-shaped plow 722 and two rear redeposition blades 724A and 724B connected to the rover 520. More specifically, the front V-shaped plow 722 is connected to the plow and blade frame 701 at the rover front end 554. The two rear redeposition blades 724A and 724B are connected to the rover rear end 556 by rear redeposition blade support arms 708A and 708B. As the debris removal device 720 moves in the forward direction 516, loose rocks 518A randomly dispersed in front of the rover 520 are directed to either side 707 of the rover 520. The concentrated side tail of the loose rocks 518B are scooped up by the two rear redeposition blades 724A and 724B and redeposited behind the rover 520 through the redeposition gap 721 between the two rear redeposition blades 724A and 724B. The redeposition gap arms 729 connected to the two rear redeposition blades 724A and 724B maintain a constant / unchanged spacing in the redeposition gap 721 to provide zero tailings mining capability.

[0125] In view of Figure 20, Fig.21B7 is a top view line diagram illustrating an arrangement 725 of loose rocks 518 associated with a debris removal embodiment 720 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown by the loose rock path 725, loose rocks 518A randomly dispersed in front of the V-shaped plow 722 slide off the V-shaped plow trailing edges 722A and 722B, which form concentrated side tails 518B on either side 707 of the rover 520. Each concentrated side tail 518B is picked up by a corresponding rear redeposition blade 724A and 724B and deposited in a concentrated rear tail 518C behind the debris removal device 720 through the redeposition gap 721. As previously described, the concentrated rear tail 518C is in line with and behind the rover 520 within the track defined by the rover width 709. Thus, the V-shaped plow 722 guides the randomly dispersed loose rocks 518A along the plow face 722C on either side of the V-shaped plow apex 723, where the loose rocks 518 leave the V-shaped plow trailing edges 722A and 722B and move to their respective rover sides 707, forming respective loose rock paths 725. Fig. 20B As shown, the V-shaped plow apex 723 of the V-shaped plow 722 is generally along the centerline 726 of the exploration vehicle. Again, in this arrangement, the topsoil layer 112A, which is substantially free of loose rock 518, is mined within the cover 534 in a manner that leaves tailings (mined waste) behind the debris removal arrangement 720, i.e., zero tailings.

[0126] Fig. 21C 7 is a side view of a debris removal embodiment 720 showing the mobile vehicle 520 moving toward the front 516 and the V-shaped plow opposite the rear redeposition blade 724A. The rear redeposition blade 724A is shown connected to the probe vehicle 520 via the rear redeposition blade support arm 708B and the plow and blade frame 701. The redeposition gap arm 729 is shown for reference.

[0127] Figure 22A-22C yes Figure 21A-Figure 12C A line drawing of a debris removal device of the type shown in FIG. 1 , but having a pair of side channels consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.22A is an isometric view of a debris removal device 730, which is similar to Fig.21A The debris removal device 720 of the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 , but with the addition of two side channels 712A and 712B, which are provided on each side of the probe vehicle 520. Each side channel 712A and 712B is a barrier spaced 719A from the corresponding side 707 of the probe vehicle 520 or spaced 719B from the corresponding wheel 536 of the probe vehicle 520. As shown, each side channel 712A and 712B extends at least from their respective plow trailing edge 722A and 722B to the respective blade leading edge 724F and 724E.

[0128] Given that Fig. 22B , continue to refer to Fig.22A, which depicts a corresponding closed debris path 705 extending from the side channel leading edge 711 to the redeposition gap 721. Each closed debris path 705 is separated between the rover 520 (i.e., the outer side wall of the rover side 707 or wheel 536) and the corresponding side channel 712A and 712B, and extends between the rover 520 and the rear redeposition blades 724A and 724B. Each closed debris path 705 exits at the redeposition gap 721, which is where the centralized rear tail 518C is formed. In this embodiment, each debris path 725 starts at the side channel leading edge 711. Any loose randomly scattered rocks 518A in front of the debris removal device 710 are not pushed into the debris path 705 by the front plow 702, but are naturally incorporated into the debris path 705 through the unobstructed path opening 705A.

[0129] Fig. 22C yes Fig.22A 5 , depicting a rear redeposition blade support arm 728B connecting the rear redeposition blade 724 to the rover 520, a redeposition gap arm 729 limiting the redeposition gap space 721, and a side channel support arm 718 connecting the side channel 712B to the rover 520. In this embodiment, the V-shaped plow 722, the side channel 712B, and the rear redeposition blade 724B all have a common height 715, however different heights are optional. In addition, the other side of the rover 520 is envisioned as a mirror image of the side shown. The direction of the plow 516 is shown here for reference.

[0130] In view of this specification, the following are some examples of certain embodiments, which exemplarily supplement some of the device embodiments discussed above and presented in the accompanying drawings to assist the reader. Therefore, the elements mentioned below are provided by way of example to assist in understanding the present invention and should not be considered limiting. The reader will understand that the following elements and configurations may be interchangeable within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments may include elements from the accompanying drawings.

[0131] In view of this, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate a mining device 700 (such as Figure 19A-Figure 19C shown, but can also be used Figures 20A-22C710, 720 and 730 in the embodiment of the present invention are replaced), which generally includes a self-sufficient powered rover 520, which includes a cover 534 having a cover body 538 extending from an outer edge 735 to a cover vertex 539. The powered rover 520 has a front end 554 and a rear end 556 with a rover side 707 therebetween. The cover 534 has a shielded environment 110, which is defined when the outer edge 535 is placed on the granular soil 112. The shielded environment 110 is not substantially connected to the external environment 462 through the cover body 538. The front plow 702 is connected to the front end 554. The front plow 702 includes a plow leading edge 702A and a plow trailing edge 702B, wherein the plow trailing edge 702B is closer to the rear end 556 than the plow leading edge 702A. The front plow 702 is configured to guide a randomly dispersed plurality of loose rocks 518 in a centralized side tail 518B along at least one side 707 as the powered rover 520 moves in a forward direction 516. The rear redeposition blade 704 is connected to and extends behind the rear end 556 of the powered rover 520. The phrase "connected to and extending behind" is taken to mean that the rear redeposition blade 704 can be connected more or less directly to the rear end 556 of the rover 520, or through some intermediate element, such as a secondary gas collection device 560B. The rear redeposition blade 704 includes a blade leading edge 704A and a blade trailing edge 704B that is further away from the rear end 556 than the blade leading edge 704A. The rear redeposition blade 704 is configured to collect at least some loose rocks 518 from the centralized side tail 518B and deposit them in the centralized rear tail 518C, which is behind the power exploration vehicle 520 and in a line 709 with the power exploration vehicle 520 when the power exploration vehicle 520 moves in the forward direction 516.

[0132] Certain embodiments of mining device 700 contemplate rim 535 being the distal end of skirt 630 extending from cover 538 .

[0133] The front plow 702 of the mining device 700 is also contemplated to include an angle α between 60 and 80 degrees. The angle α is defined by the x-axis extending along the side 707 closest to the plow trailing edge 702B when viewed from the cover top 539, and the plow 702 extends from the plow trailing edge 702B to the plow leading edge 702A. Some embodiments contemplate an angle α between 30 and 80 degrees, with a potential optimum at 45 degrees.

[0134] The post-redeposition blade 704 of the mining device 700 is also envisioned to be connected to the rear end 556B of a secondary movable gas collection device 560B, which is connected to the rear end 556 of the rover 520 .

[0135] The mining apparatus 700 is further contemplated to include a side channel 712 that substantially forms a closed debris path 705 between the probe vehicle 520 and the side channel 712 and between the probe vehicle 520 and the rear redeposition blade 704, the closed debris path 705 extending at least from the plow trailing edge 702B to the blade trailing edge 704B. The side channel 712 is further contemplated to have a leading edge slope 714 that slopes toward the centerline 726. The leading edge slope 712 extends the closed debris path 705 between the leading edge slope 714 and a portion of the front plow 702.

[0136] The front plow 722 of the mining device 700 may also be a V-shaped plow having a V-shaped plow apex 723 that is substantially along the centerline 726 of the probe vehicle 520. The centerline 726 bisects the front end 554 and the rear end 556. It is contemplated that the probe vehicle 520 further includes a second rear redeposition blade 724B that is a mirror image of the rear redeposition blade 724A. In this embodiment, there is a redeposition gap 721 between the rear redeposition blade 724A and the second rear redeposition blade 724B. The redeposition gap 721 is configured to produce a centralized rear tail 518C. This may further include a pair of side channels 712, each side channel 712 substantially forming a closed debris path 725 between the probe vehicle 520 and the side channel 712 and between the probe vehicle 520 and the rear redeposition blade 704. The closed debris path 725 may extend from at least the plow trailing edges 722A and 722B to the blade trailing edges 724C and 724D. In another embodiment, each side channel 712 can include a leading edge ramp 722 that slopes toward a centerline 726. Each leading edge ramp 722 can extend a closed debris path 725 between the leading edge ramp 722 and a portion of the plow 722.

[0137] The mining apparatus 700 is contemplated to further include a heat source 160 disposed in the shielded environment 110. The heat source 160 is configured to heat the granular soil 112 and release the target gas 115.

[0138] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a zero tailings plow system 700 (e.g. Figure 19A-Figure 19C shown, but can also be used Figures 20A-22C707 ), the system generally includes a rover 520 defining a gas collection environment 110 that is prepared and cleared by a front plow 702 extending from a front portion 554 of the rover 520. The rover 520 defines a rover width 709 between walking treads (e.g., wheels 536) extending from either side 707 of the rover 520. In addition, a rear redeposition blade 704 is connected to a rear end 556 of the rover 520. The front plow 702 is configured to direct plow debris 518 to one of the sides 707, and the rear redeposition blade 704 is configured to redirect and deposit plow debris 518 in a line behind the rover 520 within a track defined by the rover width 709. When the cover 534 rests on top of the topsoil layer 112, the gas collection environment 110 is defined within the cover 534.

[0139] It is contemplated that the gas collection environment 110 in the zero tailings plow system 700 has a pressure of less than 10 millibars. Some embodiments contemplate that the pressure is substantially maintained at the operating pressure for hours or days at a time. Given that the topsoil layer 112 has some porosity, this pressure is not temporarily maintained and cannot be maintained, which is impossible to maintain in a high pressure external environment.

[0140] The post redeposition blade 704 in the zero tailings plow system 700 is envisioned to be connected to the rear end 556B of a secondary removable gas collection device 560B that is connected to the rear end 556 of the rover 520 .

[0141] The zero tailings plow system 700 can further include a side channel 712 that substantially forms a closed debris path 705 between the probe vehicle 520 and the side channel 712 and between the probe vehicle 520 and the rear redeposition blade 704. It is contemplated that the closed debris path 705 extends from at least the plow trailing edge 702B of the front plow 702 to the blade trailing edge 704B of the rear redeposition blade 704. It can also be that the side channel 712 includes a leading edge slope 714 that slopes toward the centerline 726, and the leading edge slope 712 extends the closed debris path 705 between the leading edge slope 714 and a portion of the plow 702. Optionally, the front plow 722 is a V-shaped plow having a V-shaped plow apex 723 that is substantially along the centerline 726 of the probe vehicle 520. The centerline 726 bisects the front end 554 and the rear end 556, wherein the probe vehicle 520 also includes a second rear redeposition blade 724B, which is a mirror image of the rear non-deposition blade 724A. There is a redeposition gap 721 between the rear redeposition blade 724A and the second rear non-deposition blade 724B, and the plow debris 518 can be deposited behind the probe vehicle 520 and in line with it. The embodiment of the V-shaped plow can also include a second side channel 712B, which substantially forms a second closed debris path 725 between the probe vehicle 520 and the second side channel 712B and between the probe vehicle 520 and the second rear redeposition blade 724B. The second closed debris path 725 extends from at least the second plow trailing edge 722B to the second blade trailing edge 724C.

[0142] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a loose rock positioning system 700 (eg, Figure 19A-Figure 19C shown, but can also be used Figures 20A-22C 707 ), the system generally includes a rover 520 having a gas collection environment 110 and a front plow 702 extending from a front portion 554 of the rover 520. The rover 520 defines a rover width 709 between walking treads 536 extending from either side 707 of the rover 520. A rear redeposition blade 704 is connected to a rear end 556 of the rover 520. A plurality of loose rocks 518 on top of the regolith 112 include a first array 518A of loose rocks randomly dispersed in front of the front plow 702, a second array 518B of loose rocks located in a concentrated side tail along one of the sides 707, and a third array 518C of loose rocks located in a concentrated rear tail that is in a line behind the rover 520 within a track defined by the rover width 709. The loose rock locating system 700 also includes a cover having a cover body 538 extending from the outer edge 535 to a cover apex 539. When the outer edge 535 is placed on top of the regolith 112, the gas collection environment 110 is defined within the cover body 538, wherein the regolith 112 is substantially free of loose rock 518.

[0143] The front plow 702 of the loose rock locating system 700 has a front plow blade trailing edge 702B that defines a second array of loose rocks 518B.

[0144] The post-redeposition blade 704 of the loose rock locating system 700 also defines a blade trailing edge 704B that is responsible for forming the third arrangement of loose rock 518C.

[0145] Other embodiments of the present invention contemplate a mining device 635 that includes a cover 534 having a rigid cover body 538 extending from a cover outer edge 535 to a cover top / apex 539 in a first direction and a skirt 630 extending from the cover outer edge 535 to a skirt outer edge 632 in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. When the skirt outer edge 632 is placed on (on the surface of) granular soil, such as a topsoil layer 112, the cover 534 and the skirt 630 define a shielded environment 110. The shielded environment 110 is substantially not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cover body 538 and the skirt 630. A heat source 160 is disposed in the shielded environment 100, wherein the heat source 160 is configured to heat the granular soil 112. A gas collection surface 105 is disposed in the shielded environment 110, wherein the gas collection surface 105 is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin to collect target gas 115 floating inside the shielded environment 110. Although the described embodiment is directed to a retractable skirt embodiment 535, this is exemplary only and may also be directed to a retractable skirt embodiment 535. Figures 16A-18B Any other embodiments of the protrusions 645, 655, 665 shown.

[0146] The mining device 635 also contemplates that the mining device 635 can be used only when the skirt 630 is in the extended position (eg, Fig. 15C The shielded environment 110 exists when the skirt outer edge 632 is in the extended position (as shown) and is defined by the skirt outer edge 632 placed above the granular soil 112. When the skirt outer edge 632 is in the retracted position (as shown) defined by the skirt outer edge 632 away from the granular soil 112 Fig. 15B ), the shielding environment 110 does not exist. This embodiment further contemplates that the skirt 630 is configured to be mechanically moved between the extended orientation and the retracted orientation, such as by moving the linkage 636.

[0147] Certain embodiments of the mining device 635 are also contemplated as having a skirt 640 including two side rails 643, a front hinged fender 646A, and a rear hinged fender 646B, wherein the two side rails 643 are configured to slide on top of the granular soil 112 via respective side rail edges 642, like a sled sliding on the ground / snow. Such an arrangement 635 may also include a front hinged fender 646A cooperating with a front fender hinge 644A in a forward pivoting relationship, and a rear hinged fender 646B cooperating with a rear fender hinge 644B in a rearward pivoting relationship. In addition, the two side rails 634 may include a rail leading edge slope 641 that tapers toward the rail leading edge, similar to a sled rail.

[0148] In another embodiment of the mining device 635, the skirt 650 can be compliant and the skirt outer edge 652 can be configured to conform to the granular soil surface of the granular soil 112. The skirt 650 can include a plurality of hinged plates 656, wherein each plate 656 is configured to rotate, such as Fig.17A and Fig. 17B As shown. In this configuration, the skirt 650 may also include a front hinged baffle 646A located at the front end 554 of the skirt 650 and a rear hinged baffle 646B located at the rear end 556 of the skirt 650, wherein a plurality of hinged plates 656 are located on either side of the skirt 650 between the front end 554 and the rear end 556. Instead of the hinged baffles 646A and 646B, a brush or some other kind of shielding cover may be used to create the interior environment 110. Optionally, the entire skirt 660 may include a plurality of bristles 666, wherein each bristle 666 contacts adjacent bristles 666. The brush may also be a set of coarse and fine bristles 666.

[0149] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a variation of an environmental shield 635 that includes a cover 534 having a skirt 630, wherein the cover 534 terminates at a cover rim 535. The cover rim 535 defines a cover rim perimeter. The skirt 630 extends from the cover rim 535 along the cover rim perimeter to the skirt rim 632. When the skirt rim 632 is on (on top of) the topsoil layer 112, the cover 534 and the skirt 630 define a shielded environment 110. The shielded environment 110 is substantially not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cover 534 and the skirt 630. When in use, the shielded environment 110 is never at a pressure above 10 millibars because the topsoil layer 112 is extraterrestrial and is inherently at a low pressure below 10 millibars.

[0150] This embodiment also contemplates that the skirt 630 is configured to mechanically move between an extended orientation and a retracted orientation (eg, Figure 15A-Figure 15C As shown), the extended position is defined by the skirt outer edge 632 in contact with the topsoil layer 112, and the retracted position is defined by the skirt outer edge 632 spaced apart from the topsoil layer 112.

[0151] This embodiment optionally contemplates that the skirt 640 includes two side rails 643, a compliant front baffle 646A, and a compliant rear baffle 646B, and the two side rails 643 are configured to slide on top of the granular soil 112 via corresponding side rail edges 642. The compliant baffles 646A and 646B can be brushes, cloths, plates, hinges, etc. As long as the compliant baffles 646A and 646B can move with the surface of the topsoil layer 112 while maintaining the shielding environment 110.

[0152] The environmental shield 635 is further envisioned as a compliant skirt 650 , with the skirt outer edge 652 configured to conform to the top surface of the regolith 112 .

[0153] Further contemplated is an environmental shield 635 in which the skirt 650 includes a plurality of hinge plates 656, each hinge plate 656 being configured to rotate about a pivot point 654, such as Fig.17A and Fig. 17B shown.

[0154] The environmental shielding device 635 further contemplates that the skirt 650 optionally includes a compliant front baffle 646A at the front end 554 of the skirt 650 and a compliant rear baffle 646B at the rear end 556 of the skirt 650, wherein a plurality of hinged plates 656 are on either side of the skirt 650 between the front end 554 and the rear end 556 (i.e., simply on the sides).

[0155] This embodiment may optionally have a skirt 660 defined by a plurality of bristles 666, wherein each bristle 666 contacts adjacent bristles 666 to form a thick brush barrier of bristles 666, which may be, for example, between 0.2 inches and 0.7 inches.

[0156] In certain embodiments of environmental shield 635, the cover outer edge perimeter is substantially rectangular.

[0157] In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that the environmental shielding device 635 includes a cover 534 that, when disposed on the surface 112 of the regolith, defines an internal environment 110 containing helium. The cover 534 is defined in part by a cover body 538 extending from a cover vertex 539 to a cover edge 535, wherein the cover edge 535 defines a cover edge perimeter. A skirt 630 extends from the cover edge 535 along the perimeter to a skirt edge 632. When the skirt edge 632 is disposed on the regolith 112, the internal environment 110 is defined within the cover 534 and the skirt 630. The shielding environment is maintained at a pressure of less than 10 millibars and contains helium. This embodiment is further contemplated in which the cover edge perimeter is substantially rectangular.

[0158] Certain other embodiments of the present invention contemplate a mining device 562 comprising: a shielded environment 110 defined within a cover 534, the cover 534 being located above a granular soil, which in one embodiment is a topsoil layer 112. The cover 534 includes a cover body 538 extending from an outer edge 535 to a cover top 539. The shielded environment 110 is not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cover body 538. The mining device 562 also includes blades 550, a heat source 160, and a gas collection surface 105. The blades extend from the outer edge 106 and are configured to penetrate the granular soil 112. The heat source 160 disposed in the cover 534 is configured to heat the granular soil 112. The gas collection surface 105 is disposed in the shielded environment 110 and is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin.

[0159] Mining device 562 is also contemplated to include embodiments in which shielded environment 110 is connected to probe vehicle 520 .

[0160] The mining device 562 is also contemplated as having a heat source 160 that includes a first heating element 164A configured to heat the granular soil 112 in front of the blade 550 and a second heating element 164B configured to heat the granular soil 112 behind the blade 550 .

[0161] Mining device 562 is further envisioned as having a cover 534 defining a front portion 554 and a rear portion 556 , wherein blade 550 is configured to move in a forward direction 516 directed toward the front portion 554 .

[0162] It is also contemplated that the mining device 562 has a heat source 160 , which is a laser 160 or a radiant heater 164 .

[0163] The mining device 562 may envision that the blade 550 is an angled bar 590 that is part of a box blade system 595 that includes two horizontal plates 596 between which the angled bar 590 is inserted, the angled bar 590 including an inclined surface 594 extending from a leading edge 592 facing the front portion 554. It may also be that the heat source 164 includes a first heating element 164 configured to direct heat onto the inclined surface 594 and a second heating element 160 configured to direct heat behind the inclined bar 590.

[0164] It is also contemplated that the mining device 562 has the blade 550 as part of a tilted disk system 603 that includes a plurality of tilted disks 600 configured to mix the granular soil 112. It is also possible that the heat source 164 is a first heating element 164A configured to direct heat in front of the plurality of tilted disks 600, and a second heating element 160 or 164B configured to direct heat behind the plurality of tilted disks 600.

[0165] Mining device 562 also contemplates blade 550 being a plow 570 that turns over granular soil 112 at a trailing edge 557 of plow 570 .

[0166] It is also contemplated that the blade 550 in the mining device 562 is part of a front blade row, and that the mining device 562 also has a second blade 552 that is part of a second blade row that is arranged to penetrate the granular soil 112 more deeply than the first blade row (see Fig. 10C ). It may also be that at least one heating element 160 of the heating source 160 is located between the first blade row and the second blade row. Another embodiment envisages heating blades 550.

[0167] Certain embodiments contemplate that the shielded environment 110 of the mining device 562 is less than 1×10 -5 bar, which is consistent with the pressure on the Moon. Still other embodiments envision pressures below 10 millibars, which is the pressure on Mars.

[0168] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining device 562 comprising a device configured to hold a -5 The mining device 562 further comprises a blade 550, a heat source 160, and a gas collector 105. The blade 550 extends from the outer edge 535, wherein the blade 550 is partially located in the granular soil 112. The heat source 160 is disposed in the cover 534, wherein the heat source 160 is configured to heat the granular soil 112. The gas collector 105 is located in the shielded environment 110 and is configured to collect gas 115 released from the granular soil 112 by heat from the heat source 160.

[0169] It is also contemplated that the shielded environment 110 in the mining device 562 is less than 1×10 -5 bar, while alternative embodiments envision less than 1×10 -2 bar, which is consistent with the pressure on Mars.

[0170] The mining device 562 further contemplates that the shielded environment 110 is connected to the exploration vehicle 520, and the granular soil 112 is the topsoil layer. It is also contemplated that the blade 550 is a plow 570 that disturbs the granular soil 112, meaning that the blade 550 can turn the granular soil 112, push the granular soil 112, plow through the granular soil 112, or simply loosen the granular soil 112.

[0171] It is also contemplated that the heat source 160 of the mining device 562 is a laser 160 or a radiant heater 164 .

[0172] Yet another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a method of a mining system 562, the method comprising providing a shielded environment 110 defined within a cover 534. The cover 534 includes a cover body 538 extending from an outer edge 535 to a cover top 539. This provides that the shielded environment 110 is not in communication with the external environment 462 via the cover body 538. The method further contemplates a step for placing the cover 534 on top of a regolith layer 112, penetrating the regolith layer 112 with blades 550 extending from the outer edge 106, heating the regolith layer 112 with a heat source 160 disposed in the cover 534, and maintaining a gas collection surface 105 at a temperature below 100° Kelvin. The gas collection surface 105 is in the shielded environment 110.

[0173] However, another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a vapor collection system 100 (e.g. Fig. 6A ), which has a pressure equal to or less than 1×10 -5 The shielded environment 110 is a shielded environment 110 having a temperature of less than 100° Kelvin. The shielded environment includes a side wall 460 extending from the outer edge 106 / 452 to the top edge 453, wherein the shielded environment 110 is defined within the interior of the side wall 460. A condensation surface 105 is disposed within the interior volume 110, wherein the condensation surface 105 is maintained at a temperature of less than 100° Kelvin. A collection container 140 including an orifice 142 is connected to the condensation surface 105. A heating element 160 is within the shielded environment 110, wherein the heating element 160 is configured to direct heat to a heating region 116 at or outside the outer edge 106. For example, the heating element 160 may be a heating element such as Figure 3B The laser 160 shown, or Figure 8 A grid of heating spikes 510 is shown, but other heating elements are contemplated, such as a rake or screen that would cascade the topsoil 112 over the heater without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0174] In another embodiment of the vapor collection system 100, the condensing surface 105 is envisioned to include at least one blade 108 configured to move within the shielded environment 110, such as Figure 1ACertain embodiments contemplate that electric motor 130 rotates at least one blade 108, although in some embodiments, gears on a vehicle such as rover 520 may drive the rotating blade 108, such as from a wheel, as shown. Fig. 9 shown.

[0175] Alternatively, a vapor collection system embodiment 100 is contemplated wherein the condensing surface 105 is a fixed rod 408 that terminates 409 at a downwardly inclined surface 136, and the container 140 is located at the fixed rod 408 where it terminates 409, such as Figures 5A-6B shown.

[0176] The vapor collection system embodiment 100 also contemplates that when heated by the heating element 160 , the hot zone 116 is above 600° C. (873° Kelvin), which is the temperature at which the target gaseous material 115 trapped in the regolith 112 is vaporized and released from the regolith 112 .

[0177] The vapor collection system embodiment 100 also contemplates electrically cooling the condensing surface 105 using a thermoelectric cooler, or alternatively using a laser system to cool the condensing surface 105. These may be supported or replaced by cryogenically cooling the condensing surface 105 using a cryogenic fluid.

[0178] In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the vapor collection system embodiment 100 has a top surface 414 covering a top edge 453 to form a cover 104 / 404.

[0179] In another alternative embodiment of the vapor collection system 100, the condensing surface 105 may include a plurality of fixing rods 408 that terminate 409 at the downward slope 136, and the container 140 is located where the fixing rods 408 terminate 409, and the fixing rods block at least 70% of the upper surface area 454 defined by the top edge 453. An example of this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 6A Shown in.

[0180] In another embodiment of the present invention, the vapor collector 100 may include a shielded environment 110 defined by the cover 104, wherein the shielded environment 110 is configured to be less than 1×10 -5 The vapor collector 100 also includes a condensation surface 105 disposed in the shielded environment 110. The condensation surface 105 is maintained at a temperature between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin, which temperature may be, for example, in a dark portion of the lunar surface. There may also be a collection container 140, which includes an orifice 142 connected to the condensation surface 105. It is contemplated that the vapor collector 100 further includes a heating element 160 located in the shielded environment 110. The heating element 160 is configured to direct heat to a heating area 116 at or outside the outer edge 106.

[0181] Some embodiments of the steam collector 100 contemplate that the condensing surface 105 is defined by a plate including at least one low temperature heat exchange tube 172, the low temperature heat exchange tube 172 being interposed between a top surface 484 and a bottom surface 486. The condensing surface 105 includes the top surface 484 and the bottom surface 486, for example Fig. 7A and 7B This arrangement can balance the use of a cryogenic fluid reservoir 422 and a pump 424 configured to circulate the cryogenic fluid through at least one cryogenic heat exchange tube 172. In addition, a compressor and heat exchanger 430 can be used to maintain the cryogenic fluid by thermodynamic cooling or exchanging heat from the cryogenic fluid.

[0182] Some embodiments of vapor collector 100 contemplate that condensation surface 105 includes a plurality of blades 108 configured to rotate within shielded environment 110. In some cases, each blade 108 has a distal end 109 connected to a collection tube 140 configured to collect target material 150 that condenses from vapor 115 on blade 108 by centripetal force from blade 108 as it rotates.

[0183] In some embodiments, due to the nature of being in the dark / night position of the moon, the vapor collector 100 has a shielded environment 110 maintained at a temperature below 150° Kelvin.

[0184] Other embodiments of the present invention contemplate a gas collection device 100 that, when in operation, is at a pressure less than 1×10 -5 When the pressure is at 100 bar, it includes a shielded environment 110. The gas collection device 100 may include a condensation surface 105 in the internal volume 110, wherein there may be means for maintaining the condensation surface 105 at a temperature between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin. Such a device is Figure 7A-7B 105, but may also include electrical cooling and / or laser cooling or some combination thereof. The gas collection device 100 may also include a collection container 140 connected to the condensation surface 105. The condensation container 140 may be configured to hold a liquefied gas 150, which condenses on the condensation surface 105 when the temperature ranges between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin. A heating element 160 is contemplated to be located in the shielded environment 110, wherein the heating element 160 is configured to heat a target area 116 at or outside the outer edge 106.

[0185] The gas collection device 100 further contemplates that the condensing surface 105 includes a plurality of blades 108, and the blades 108 are configured to rotate within the shielded environment 110, such as Figure 1A As shown. Figure 1AAs further shown, each blade 108 may be equipped with a collection tube 140 at each blade distal end 109. The collection tube 140 is configured to collect target material 150 floating around the shielding environment 110 that is condensed from the vapor 115 on the blade 108 by the centripetal force from the blade 108 while rotating.

[0186] These exemplary embodiments are not exhaustive of the embodiments presented in the entire specification, but are merely one example of a chain of envisaged embodiments consistent with embodiments of the invention. In other words, many other embodiments are described herein that are not necessarily present in the apparatus embodiments given above.

[0187] It should be understood that although many features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the present invention, have been set forth in the foregoing description, this disclosure is exemplary only and may be varied in detail to the greatest extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms expressing the appended embodiments, particularly in the structure and arrangement of components within the principles of the present invention. For example, the condensing surface 105 may include other geometries not explicitly shown in the above-described embodiments while maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, the condensing surface 105 is depicted as being cooled by a tube passing through a plate, but the cryogenic conduit may just as easily extend over or under the plate, be partially embedded in the plate, be a hollow plate with a large cavity therein, or be somewhere in between without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. All components may be manufactured by printing techniques, molding techniques, machining, or a combination of several techniques known to those skilled in the art of manufacturing. In addition, although Figure 1A-1E A pump away from the blades is depicted requiring a slip ring arrangement, but other embodiments contemplate pumps on the blades to avoid any type of stationary part to rotating part combination. It should also be appreciated that the skirt outer edge can have multiple different components without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, and can be above or below the cover, or even integrated or partially integrated with the cover as a single element. And, while certain embodiments present different zero tailings devices, other arrangements can be easily envisioned with the help of the teachings presented herein, such as different plow configurations, or blade / rear funnel configurations that clear loose debris 528A from the front of the probe car 520 and redeposit it at the rear of the probe car 520.

[0188] It will be apparent that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Although presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will be apparent to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mining device, comprising: A self-powered exploration vehicle, the self-powered exploration vehicle including a cover, the cover including a cover body extending from an outer edge to a cover vertex, the powered exploration vehicle defining a front end and a rear end and a exploration vehicle side located between the front end and the rear end, when the outer edge rests on granular soil, the cover defines a shielded environment, the shielded environment is not substantially connected to an external environment through the cover body; a front plow connected to the front end, the front plow comprising a plow leading edge and a plow trailing edge closer to the rear end than the plow leading edge, the front plow being configured to direct a plurality of randomly dispersed loose rocks into a centralized side tail along at least one of the sides when the powered exploration vehicle moves in a forward direction; and A rear redeposition blade is connected to the rear end of the powered exploration vehicle and extends behind the rear end, the rear redeposition blade includes a blade leading edge and a blade trailing edge farther from the rear end than the blade leading edge, and the rear redeposition blade is configured to collect and deposit at least some of the loose rocks from the centralized side tail section in a centralized rear tail section, which is located behind the powered exploration vehicle and in line with the powered exploration vehicle, when the powered exploration vehicle moves in the forward direction.

2. The mining device of claim 1, wherein the outer edge is a distal end of a skirt extending from the cover.

3. The mining apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the front plough includes an angle α between 60 and 80 degrees, the angle α being defined by an x-axis extending along a side closest to the plough trailing edge as viewed from the top of the cover, and the plough extending from the plough trailing edge to the plough leading edge.

4. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post-redeposition blade is connected to a rear end of a secondary movable gas collection device, the secondary movable gas collection device being connected to the rear end of the rover.

5. The mining apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a side channel, the side channel forming a substantially closed debris path between the probe vehicle and the side channel and between the probe vehicle and the post-redeposition blade, the closed debris path extending at least from the trailing edge of the plow to the trailing edge of the blade.

6. The mining apparatus of claim 5, wherein the side channel includes a leading edge ramp that slopes toward the plough leading edge of the front plough, the leading edge ramp extending the closed debris path between the leading edge ramp and a portion of the front plough.

7. The mining apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the front plow is a V-shaped plow having a V-shaped plow apex positioned substantially along a centerline of the rover, the centerline bisecting the front end and the rear end, the V-shaped plow comprising a pair of V-shaped plow trailing edges, the rear redeposition blade extending from the blade leading edge to the blade trailing edge, the blade leading edge being displaced from a first side of the rover side, wherein the rear redeposition blade extends toward the centerline, the rover further comprising a second rear redeposition blade extending from a second blade leading edge to a second blade trailing edge, the second blade leading edge being displaced from a second side of the rover side, wherein the second rear redeposition blade extends toward the centerline, a redeposition gap being between the rear redeposition blade and the second rear redeposition blade, the redeposition gap being configured to form the centralized rear tail.

8. The mining apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a pair of side channels, each side channel forming a substantially closed debris path between the rover and each side channel, the side channels extending between the V-shaped plough trailing edge and the rear redeposition blade, the closed debris path extending at least from the plough trailing edge to the blade trailing edge.

9. The mining apparatus of claim 8, wherein each side channel includes a leading edge ramp inclined toward the centerline, each leading edge ramp extending the closed debris path between the leading edge ramp and a portion of the plough.

10. The mining apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heat source disposed in the shielded environment, the heat source configured to heat the granular soil and release a target gas.

11. A zero tailings plow system, comprising: a probe vehicle including a gas collection environment and a front plow extending from a front of the probe vehicle, the probe vehicle defining a probe vehicle width between walking treads extending from either side of the probe vehicle; a rear redeposition blade connected to the rear end of the rover, the front plow being configured to direct plow debris to one of the sides, the rear redeposition blade being configured to redirect and deposit the plow debris in a line behind the rover within a track defined within the width of the rover, the gas collection environment being defined within a cover resting on top of the topsoil layer.

12. The zero tailings plough system of claim 11, wherein the gas collection environment has a pressure of less than 10 millibars.

13. The zero tailings plough system of claim 11, wherein the post redeposition blade is connected to a rear end of a secondary movable gas collection device connected to the rear end of the exploration vehicle.

14. The zero tailings plow system of claim 11 further comprising a side channel that substantially forms a closed debris path between the probe vehicle and the side channel and between the probe vehicle and the rear redeposition blade, the closed debris path extending at least from the plow trailing edge of the front plow to the blade trailing edge of the rear redeposition blade.

15. The zero tailings plough system of claim 14, wherein the side channel includes a leading edge ramp that slopes toward a leading edge of the front plough, the leading edge ramp extending the closed debris path between the leading edge ramp and a portion of the plough.

16. A zero tailings plow system according to claim 14, wherein the front plow is a V-shaped plow, the V-shaped plow has a V-shaped plow apex substantially along the centerline of the probe vehicle, the centerline bisects the front and rear ends, the V-shaped plow includes a pair of V-shaped plow trailing edges, the rear redeposition blade extends from a blade leading edge to a blade trailing edge, the blade leading edge is displaced from a first side of the side of the probe vehicle, wherein the rear redeposition blade extends toward the centerline, the probe vehicle also includes a second rear redeposition blade, the second rear redeposition blade extends from a second blade leading edge to a second blade trailing edge, the second blade leading edge is displaced from a second side of the side of the probe vehicle, wherein the second rear redeposition blade extends toward the centerline, there is a redeposition gap between the rear redeposition blade and the second rear redeposition blade, the plow debris can be deposited behind the probe vehicle and in line with the probe vehicle at the redeposition gap.

17. The zero tailings plow system of claim 16 further comprising a second side channel, the second side channel substantially forming a second closed debris path, the second closed debris path being located between the probe vehicle and the second side channel and between the probe vehicle and the second post-redeposition blade, the second closed debris path extending from one of the V-shaped plow trailing edges to the second blade trailing edge.

18. A loose rock positioning system comprising: a probe vehicle including a gas collection environment and a front plow extending from a front of the probe vehicle, the probe vehicle defining a probe vehicle width between walking treads extending from either side of the probe vehicle; and then depositing a blade, which is connected to the rear end of the rover; Loose rocks above the topsoil; a first arrangement of said loose rocks randomly dispersed in front of said front plow; a second arrangement of said loose rock in a concentrated side tail along one of said sides; a third array of loose rock located in a centralized rear tail section that is in a line behind the rover within a track defined within the width of the rover; A cover includes a cover body extending from an outer edge to a cover apex, the gas collection environment being confined within the cover body when the outer edge rests on a topsoil layer, wherein the topsoil layer is substantially free of loose rock.

19. The loose rock locating system of claim 18, wherein the front plough includes a front plough blade trailing edge, the front plough blade trailing edge defining the second arrangement of loose rock.

20. The loose rock locating system of claim 18, wherein said post redeposition blade includes a blade trailing edge, said blade trailing edge defining said third arrangement of said loose rock.

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