Debris-clearing probe vehicle

Abstract

The present application contemplates a vapor collection system that can be used on extraterrestrial bodies for collecting target gaseous atoms and molecules (matter) that are 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 arrangement that is positioned above a granular soil, which in one embodiment is a regolith layer. Advantageously, the regolith layer beneath the cover is substantially free of loose rock that would reduce the efficiency of the mining operation and / or interfere with the sealing of the cover to the surface of the regolith layer. Accordingly, certain embodiments contemplate the use of a zero-tailings arrangement to mine the regolith layer that utilizes a front plow to clear loose rock at the location on the regolith layer where the cover is to be deposited and uses a re-deposition blade to collect and re-deposit the cleared loose rock behind the cover.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This portion of the specification continues the application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 18 / 377,275, entitled: GAS MINING COVER ARRANGEMENT, filed on October 5, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to breaking and removing a regolith layer of loose debris when mining gaseous substances in an extremely low pressure environment (below 1 x 10 -5 bar). BACKGROUND

[0004] Helium-3 (He-3) has great potential as a clean and efficient energy source, providing numerous 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 an almost limitless and environmentally friendly energy solution. When He-3 undergoes fusion with deuterium, it produces helium atoms, protons, and a tremendous amount of energy. Unlike traditional nuclear fission, fusion reactions release energy without producing harmful radioactive waste or greenhouse gas emissions. Harnessing fusion with He-3 could revolutionize the energy landscape, providing a stable and sustainable source of energy for the future.

[0005] However, despite the significant benefits of He-3 mining, there are significant limitations to mining He-3 on Earth. First, He-3 is extremely scarce on our planet. It exists in trace amounts on the surface of the Moon, known as regolith, and is sparsely present in Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, extracting helium-3, both on Earth and on the Moon, is a daunting and expensive task. Furthermore, mining on the Moon presents 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 a more readily available and cost-effective source of He-3, or to explore alternative fusion fuel options that do not rely solely on He-3.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to innovations related to collecting He-3 and other available gaseous elements on extraterrestrial bodies. SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for mining and collecting He-3 and other target gaseous elements from extraterrestrial bodies in a very low pressure environment. The extremely low pressure is defined as below 1 x 10 -5 bar.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, certain embodiments of the present application contemplate a mining device generally comprising a self-powered probe vehicle comprising a canopy having a canopy body extending from an outer rim to a canopy apex. The powered probe vehicle has a front end and a rear end with probe vehicle sides therebetween. The canopy forms a shielded environment when the outer rim is positioned over a granular soil. The shielded environment is substantially free of communication with the outside environment through the canopy body. A front plow is connected to the front end. The front plow comprises 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 direct a randomly dispersed plurality of loose rocks in a concentrated side tail along at least one side when the powered probe vehicle is moving in a forward direction. A rear re-deposition vane is connected to and extends behind the rear end of the powered probe vehicle. The phrase "connected to and extending behind the rear end" is intended to mean that the rear re-deposition vane can be more or less directly connected to the rear end of the probe vehicle, or through some intermediate element, such as a secondary gas collection device. The rear re-deposition vane comprises a vane leading edge and a vane trailing edge that is further from the rear end than the vane leading edge. The rear re-deposition vane is configured to collect and deposit at least some of the loose rocks from the concentrated side tail into a concentrated rear tail behind and in line with the powered probe vehicle when the powered probe vehicle is moving forward.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present application contemplates a zero tailings plow system generally comprising a probe vehicle defining a gas collection environment prepared and cleared by a front plow extending from a 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. Further, a rear re-deposition vane is connected to a rear end of the probe vehicle. The front plow is configured to direct plow debris to one of the sides, and the rear re-deposition vane is configured to redirect and deposit the plow debris behind the probe vehicle in line with a trajectory defined by the probe vehicle width. The gas collection environment is defined within a canopy resting on top of a surface soil layer.

[0010] Yet another embodiment of the present application contemplates a loose rock positioning system generally comprising a probe vehicle having a gas collection environment and a front plow extending from a front of the probe vehicle. The probe vehicle defines a probe vehicle width between walking treads extending from either side of the probe vehicle. A rear re-deposition vane is connected to a rear end of the probe vehicle. A plurality of loose rocks on top of a surface soil layer comprises a first arrangement of randomly dispersed loose rocks in front of the front plow, a second arrangement of loose rocks in a concentrated side tail along one side, and a third arrangement of loose rocks in a concentrated rear tail behind the probe vehicle in line within a trajectory defined by the probe vehicle width. The loose rock positioning system further comprises a canopy having a canopy body extending from an outer rim to a canopy apex. The gas collection environment is defined within the canopy body when the outer rim is positioned on top of the surface soil layer, wherein the surface soil layer is substantially free of loose rocks.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining device comprising a cover having a rigid cover body extending in a first direction from a cover outer edge to a cover top / vertex and a skirt extending in a second direction from the cover outer edge to a skirt outer edge, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. The cover and the skirt outer edge form a shielded environment when the skirt outer edge is placed on (on the surface of) a granular soil such as a regolith. The shielded environment is substantially not in communication with an external environment through the cover body and the 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 shield 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 perimeter. A skirt outer edge extends from the cover outer edge along the cover outer edge perimeter to the skirt outer edge. The cover and the skirt outer edge define a shielded environment when the skirt outer edge is on a regolith. The shielded environment is substantially not in communication with an external environment through the cover and the skirt. In use, the pressure of the shielded environment never exceeds 10 millibars because the regolith is off-planet and is inherently at a low pressure of less than 10 millibars.

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

[0014] Yet another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining device comprising a shielded environment defined within a cover that is positioned on top of a granular soil, in one embodiment, the granular soil is a regolith. The cover comprises a cover body extending from an outer edge to a cover top. The shielded environment is not in communication with an external environment through the cover body. The mining device further comprises a vane, a heat source, and a gas collection surface. The vane extends from the outer edge and is 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 regolith) on the gas collection surface.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a mining device comprising a heat source configured to maintain a temperature of greater than 100° Kelvin, wherein the heat source is disposed in a shielded environment defined within a cover that is positioned on top of a granular soil, in one embodiment, the granular soil is a regolith. The cover comprises a cover body extending from an outer edge to a cover top. The shielded environment is not in communication with an external environment through the cover body. The mining device further comprises a vane, a heat source, and a gas collection surface. The vane extends from the outer edge and is 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 regolith) on the gas collection surface. -5An internal (shielded) environment under pressure is defined within a cap positioned above a granular soil, wherein the internal environment is confined within the outer edge of the granular soil and the inner surface of the cap. The cap includes a cap body extending from the rim to the apex of the cap top. The internal environment is not in communication with the external environment through the cap body. The mining device further includes a vane, a heat source, and a gas collector. The vane extends from the outer edge, wherein the vane is partially positioned in the granular soil. The heat source is disposed in the cap, 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 method of mining system, the method comprising providing a shielded environment defined within a cap. The cap includes a cap body extending from a rim to a cap top. This defines that the shielded environment is not in communication with an external environment through the cap body. The method further contemplates the step of resting the cap on a surface soil layer. Penetrating the surface soil layer with a vane extending from the rim, heating the surface soil layer with a heat source disposed in the cap, and maintaining a temperature of a gas collection surface below 100 Kelvin. The gas collection surface is in the shielded environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0018] FIG. 1D is a line drawing of an exploded view of a vapor collection system of FIG. 1A

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

[0020] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are line drawings of an embodiment of a collection tube consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are line drawings of another embodiment of a vapor collection system in operation consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a line drawing exemplarily depicting an optional concentrated target material collector consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

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

[0024] FIG. 5C is​FIG. 5A a front view of a vapor collection system depicting a vaporized target gaseous material;

[0025] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B is a line drawing showing yet another vapor collection system embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention, this embodiment having no lid but only a sidewall shield;

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

[0027] FIG. 8 is a line drawing exemplarily depicting an optional soil layer heating embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a line drawing exemplarily depicting a carrier vehicle (e.g., a probe vehicle) supporting a vapor collection system consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 10A is another embodiment of the present invention, depicting a probe vehicle and vane system consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 10B is FIG. 10A a side view line drawing of a probe vehicle depicting a front soil layer moving vane and a rear soil layer moving vane;

[0031] FIG. 10C is a bottom view looking up into the interior of a lid consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 10D is a line drawing exemplarily depicting a probe vehicle pulling a secondary movable gas collection device through a connecting link;

[0033] FIGS. 11A-11H exemplarily depicts a vane arrangement embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention, in some embodiments configured to be mounted inside a lid of FIGS. 10A-10D ;

[0034] FIGS. 12A-12C is a line drawing of various views of a single tine plow vane arrangement consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 12D and FIG. 12E exemplarily shows a double row tine plow vane arrangement consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIGS. 13A-13C is an embodiment line drawing of another soil layer plowing embodiment, depicting a box vane consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIGS. 14A-14C is a line drawing of a single disc harrow embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0038] FIG. 14D is a line drawing of a single row disc harrow consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0039] FIG. 14E is a schematic view of a double disc harrow consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0040] FIG. 14F and FIG. 14G is a line drawing of a powered single row disc harrow consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0041] FIGS. 15A-15C depicts a shielded environment embodiment of a skirt configured to extend and retract from a cap to engage the surface of a soil layer;

[0042] FIGS. 16A-16D is a line drawing of a cap and bladed skirt embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0043] FIGS. 17A-17B is a line drawing of a cap and compliant skirt embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0044] FIGS. 18A-18B is a line drawing of an alternate cap and compliant skirt embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0045] FIGS. 19A-19D is a line drawing of a debris removal device consistent with embodiments of the present application;

[0046] FIGS. 20A-20D is a line drawing of another debris removal device having side channels according to embodiments of the present application;

[0047] FIGS. 21A-21C is a line drawing of another debris removal device having a V-shaped plow and double back re-deposition blades according to embodiments of the present application; and

[0048] FIGS. 22A-22C is a line drawing of the debris removal device of FIGS. 21A-12C but having a pair of side channels consistent with embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] First, the present disclosure is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. Thus, although the means described herein are presented for the sake of expediency in explanation, with respect to the illustrative embodiments shown and described, it is to be understood that the principles herein can be equally applied in other similar constructions involving the subject matter of the present application. The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," etc., generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present application, and can include more than one embodiment of the present application. Important to note is that the phrases "in one embodiment" or according to one embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states a component, or feature "may," "can," "could," or "might" include or have a particular feature, that particular component or feature need not necessarily include or have the referenced feature. As used herein, the terms "having," "have," "including," and "include" are to be construed as open-ended language that means that at least the stated component or feature is included, but not excluding others. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "substantially" or "essentially" are to be construed as leaving some leeway in quantifying the particular quantity, consistent with the ordinary skill in the art, but otherwise construed as close to the point that a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the quantity to be near the point. For example, substantially flat, substantially straight, substantially on time, etc. All of these indicate that the features are not perfect in their extreme sense. Thus, if "substantially" does not specify a particular + / - value, then it is to be assumed that substantially means within + / - 2.5% of the exact value. The term "connected to" is to be construed as the first element being physically connected or attached to the second element, and not as "means for attaching," i.e., "means for having a particular function." In fact, unless a term is explicitly used with "means for" followed by a gerund form of a verb, the term is not to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Hereinafter, like or similar structures can be identified using the same reference numerals.

[0050] With respect to the drawings, it is to be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and are essentially schematic, to illustrate the features with which attention is drawn. Descriptive terms, such as up / down, top / bottom, horizontal / vertical, left / right, etc., can be taken with respect to the various views provided in the drawings or conventions, as would be understood by a casual observer, and are taken to enhance the reader's understanding, and by no means to be limiting. All embodiments described herein assume proper operation 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 ultra-low pressure environment. An ultra-low pressure environment is defined herein as being below 1 x 10 -5Bar, where the pressure at sea level on Earth is approximately 1 bar. Aspects of the present invention contemplate the mining of gaseous species such as atoms and molecules on extraterrestrial bodies such as the Moon, asteroids, satellites orbiting other planets, and the like. Many of these extraterrestrial bodies have little to no ambient pressure at or beyond their surface, and depending on the size of the extraterrestrial body, the gravitational force is significantly less than that on Earth.

[0052] While embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with many different extraterrestrial bodies, one purpose of the present invention is to focus on the mining of gaseous atoms and molecules (species) from the Moon. The lunar atmosphere (exoatmosphere beyond the surface boundary) has a pressure of approximately 3 x 10 -15 Bar, with temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Kelvin to 400 degrees Kelvin. To continue to explore the Moon and to maintain long-term inhabitants on the Moon, the extraction or mining of important gaseous species such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium from the Moon reduces the dependency of transporting these gaseous species from Earth. In addition, helium-3, a light stable isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron, is a promising component of fusion reactions, and the amount of helium-3 on the Moon is far greater than that on Earth. In some estimates, the helium-3 on the Moon is more than a thousand times more abundant than that on Earth, making the Moon a better target for obtaining helium-3.

[0053] Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate the extraction of target gaseous species from the Moon by heating the lunar regolith (lunar soil / mineral) to a gas vaporization temperature defined as a temperature high enough to release / vaporize these target gaseous species from the lunar regolith or simply "regolith." The vaporized target gaseous species is then collected as a liquid from a condensing surface that is at or below the condensation temperature corresponding to each target gaseous species. When condensed, i.e., liquefied, the liquid is collected and retained in a container, which improves the transportation of these target species.

[0054] Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate a zero tailings mining device equipped with a vapor collection system that can be used on extraterrestrial bodies to collect target gaseous atoms and molecules that are floating in a shielded environment at a pressure equal to or less than 1 x 10 -5 Bar, which is consistent with the pressure on the Moon. Other embodiments contemplate the use of a zero tailings mining device on Mars consistent with a pressure of less than 1 x 10 -2Operating under pressure. Tailings are the waste material that has already been mined. The shielded environment is defined within the sidewalls and, in some cases, within the cap. The condensation surface temperature within the shielded environment is maintained between 2°K and 100°K, and optionally below 100°K, to collect the target gas floating in the surrounding area, which condenses onto the condensation surface as a liquid. A collection container at the condensation surface collects the liquid. Heating elements within the shielded environment are used to heat and release the target gas from the mineral at or beyond the outer edge. The gas is in a floating state within the shielded environment. The shielded environment may include a cap and a skirt designed to conform to the surface of the topsoil layer to better form a closed internal environment within the cap and skirt. The skirt may retract and extend to the surface of the topsoil layer, or optionally may be compliant to conform to the morphology of the topsoil layer surface.

[0055] Other embodiments envision a vapor collection system for use on extraterrestrial bodies, designed to collect 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 defined within a cap and skirt assembly located on top of granular soil (such as a topsoil layer). Advantageously, the topsoil layer beneath the cap is substantially free of loose rock that would reduce mining efficiency and / or prevent the cap from sealing the surface of the topsoil layer. Therefore, some embodiments envision using a zero-tailings device to mine the topsoil layer, which utilizes a front plow to remove loose rock from the topsoil layer at the location where the cap will rest, and uses redeposition blades to collect the removed loose rock and redeposition it behind the cap.

[0056] Referring to the attached diagram, FIGS. 1A-1C This is a line drawing of an embodiment of a steam collection system constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A This is a simplified isometric view of embodiment 100 of the steam collection system, wherein the dome cover 104 is depicted as transparent to allow observation of the components therein. In this embodiment, a cryogenic pump 424 is installed from the dome apex 103 (e.g., FIG. 1B (As shown) extends and is connected to the cryogenic tank 134 via a cryogenic transfer line 126. Pump 424 pumps cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic tank 134 to cool multiple blades 108, which receive the cryogenic fluid via the cryogenic supply line 138. The blades 108 are condensation surfaces 105 configured to collect liquid condensate. FIG. 3Avaporized target species 115 (atoms and molecules). The plurality of blades 108 are configured to rotate by a motor 130 inside the dome-shaped cover 104. Certain embodiments contemplate the blades 108 to rotate between 5 rpm - 60 rpm, but other speeds outside of this range can be considered depending on the desired accumulation of the gaseous species 115. The motor 130 is mounted inside a motor shield 132, which provides support for the motor 130 from the hemi-spherical cover 104. The rotating blades 108 serve several purposes, including A) providing a higher likelihood of collision with the vaporized target atoms or molecules 115, which will condense and liquefy on the cooled condensing surface 105 when the target atoms or molecules 115 strike the cooled blades 108, and B) migrating the liquefied target species by centripetal force to the distal end 109 of each blade 108. In this embodiment, the liquefied target species migrates (by centripetal force from the rotating blades 108) into a collection tube 140 located at the distal end 109 of each blade. Certain embodiments contemplate the blades 108 to be made of copper or silver, and in certain cases, coated with gold for its superior heat transfer capabilities. The cooled condensing blades 108 are cooled to a temperature of the condensation point of the target gaseous species 115, which causes the target gaseous species 115 to collect or otherwise stick and coalesce on the blades 108.

[0057] As FIG. 1BAs shown, the vanes 108 are positioned within the interior volume 110 of the hemispherical cap 104. The dome cap 104 extends from the dome apex 103 to the dome periphery 106. The dome periphery 106 is configured to rest on top of the topsoil layer 112. The interior volume 110 of the cap 104 is defined as the volume of space between the cap inner surface 107 and the topsoil layer 112 (shown here as speckled dirt). A heating source 160 inside the cap 104 is configured to heat the topsoil layer 112 at a temperature at which the target substance is vaporized from the topsoil layer 112, thereby expelling the vaporized target substance into the interior volume 110. In this embodiment, the heating source 160 is a laser on the drill rig that sweeps a laser beam 162 across the surface of the topsoil layer 112 to direct the laser beam 162 to heat a target area 116 on the surface of the topsoil layer 112. In other words, the laser beam 162 provides a localized or point heat that heats a small area 112 of the surface of the topsoil layer 112 at which the laser beam 162 impinges the topsoil layer 112 as the laser beam 162 is swept across the surface of the topsoil layer 112. Alternative heating source embodiments include radiant elements that heat the surface of the topsoil layer 112, heating tines that penetrate the topsoil layer 112, such as a heated rake or heated spikes, to name a few. It is contemplated that the topsoil layer 112 is heated to temperatures above 500° Kelvin, with some topsoil layers 112 being heated to temperatures in the range of 500° Kelvin - 1500° Kelvin. For example, He-3 is released from the topsoil layer at temperatures in the range of approximately 875° Kelvin - 1100° Kelvin. In some cases, the gas can be released from the heated topsoil layer 112 in combination with a chemical.

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

[0059] FIG. 1D is FIG. 1AFIG. 6 is a line drawing of an exploded view of the vapor collection system 100. As shown, the cryopump 424 includes a cryogenic transfer line 126 that extends through the containment hole / port 120 at the apex 103 of the dome 104. Below the dome 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 that is mounted on the inner surface of the dome apex 103. As shown, the motor shaft 131 extends into the blade center shaft 114 that is centered in the eight blades 108, which rotate when the motor is on. A controller can be connected to the blade rotation motor 130 to control the speed of the motor. A slip ring assembly 122 (also known as a rotary union) is attached to the cryogenic transfer line 126 to transfer cryogenic fluid to the blades 108 through a cryogenic reservoir 134 via a cryogenic feed line 138 while the blades 108 are rotating. The slip ring assembly 122 is a separate component that can prevent leaks or damage to the stationary and rotating parts, enabling continuous circulation of cryogenic fluid through the rotating blades 108. Each collection tube 140 is connected to a respective blade distal end 109 by a mechanical clamp 141.

[0060] FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view along cut line A-A from FIG. 1B FIG. 6, with the left side of the blade 108 cut away to improve resolution of the components of interest in this figure. As shown, the cryopump 424 is configured to pump cryogenic fluid (see arrows below the top of the cryopump 424) along a cryogenic feed line 126A to a cryogen tank 134 via a slip ring assembly 122. The circulating cryogenic fluid moves through a cryogen feed line 138 and into the blades 108 through blade cryogen heat exchange tubes 124, in some embodiments in conjunction with FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are described in more detail. The cryogenic fluid is configured to cool the blades 108 to a temperature below the condensation point of the target gaseous substance 115 that is floating around the interior volume 110 inside the dome 104. The cryogenic fluid then returns to the pump 424 through a cryogenic transfer return line 126B of the cryogenic fluid circulation. Not shown here but shown in FIG. 7A and described in related text is a heat exchange embodiment that includes a compressor and a heat exchanger 430 that takes heat away from the cryogenic fluid as it returns to the pump 424.

[0061] FIG. 2Ais a line drawing of a collection tube embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the collection tube embodiment 140 is essentially a closed tube with an inlet (open end) 142 that interfaces with the distal end 109 of the blade. The collection tube 140 includes a tube flared lip 144 that flares outwardly to provide a larger inlet 142 for enhanced fluid collection 150 from the blade 108. In operation, as shown, FIG. 2B the condensing liquid 150 on the condensing blade 108 migrates to the distal end 109 of the blade where the condensed droplets 150B are flung out to collect in a pool of condensed target material 150 at the distal end 148 of the tube. The spring valve 146 opens due to the centripetal force generated by the rotating blade 108 and tube 140 in combination, allowing the droplets 150B to flow to the distal end 148 of the tube, see arrows in conjunction with the droplets 150B. When the blade 108 is not rotating, the spring valve 146 closes, thereby trapping the liquid 150 within the tube 140.

[0062] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is a line drawing of another embodiment of a vapor collection system in operation consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a side view of the vapor collection system embodiment 200, FIG. 3B is a top view of the vapor collection system embodiment 200. As shown in these figures, the vapor collection system 200 includes a square-shaped cover 204 instead of a round-roof shaped cover. The square-shaped cover 204 enables more efficient extraction of the evaporated target material 115 from the regolith 112 because when mining the lunar surface, one can mine a row of regolith 112 by simply moving the cover 204 from a mined square block to an unmined square block, a process that is accomplished via the tiling of squares. As shown, FIG. 3A the laser system 160 directs a laser beam 162 through the regolith surface 112 covering the regolith 112 to ablate the regolith 112, e.g., in some embodiments, to a depth of between 2 mm and 2 cm of the regolith 112, thereby releasing the target gaseous material 115 from the regolith 112. The released target gaseous material 115 naturally disperses in the interior volume 110 defined by the cover 204. As the cooling blade 108 rotates, the target gaseous material 115 condenses onto the blade 108 and migrates to the collection tube 140 as droplets 150B. In this embodiment, there are multiple lasers 160 simultaneously ablating the regolith 112.

[0063] FIG. 4is a line drawing illustratively depicting an alternative condensed target substance collector consistent with embodiments of the present application. As shown, vapor collection system embodiment 300 is very similar to system 100 and system 200, but instead of using collection tube 140, vapor collection system embodiment 300 relies on circular slots 306 in the lid sidewall 308 that open into reservoirs 310 that contain condensed target substance 150 that drips into them. Thus, as the condensing blades 108 rotate within the interior volume 110 of the lid 304, condensed droplets 150B that form on the cold / cool condensing blades 108 migrate to the blade distal end 109 that rotates within the circular slots 306 located in the lid sidewall 308. The liquid 150 drips into one or more containers 341 that are in communication with the slots 340. Vapor collection system embodiment 300 works in the presence of gravity, which on the moon is approximately 1 / 6th of that on earth.

[0064] FIGS. 5A-5B is a line drawing of another vapor collection system consistent with embodiments of the present application. FIG. 5A is an isometric view of vapor collection system embodiment 400 that includes a plurality of stationary / fixed condensing blades 408 (serving as condensing surfaces 105) that utilize gravity to transfer condensed droplets 150B to a collection tube 440. As shown here, vapor collection system 400 includes a plurality of V-shaped condensing blades 408 that slope downward from respective proximal ends 406. Alternative embodiments contemplate that the condensing 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 a flow of cryogenic liquid (not shown) through the condensing blades 408 to cool the cryogenic liquid to a temperature that will cause the target gaseous substance 115 to condense. Under the influence of gravity, condensed droplets 150B will migrate to the distal drip edge 409 of the condensing blades 408 where they drip into the collection tube 440 via respective collection tube inlets 442. As shown, condensed target substance 150 accumulates in the collection tube 440. Of course, gravity (as indicated by arrow 136) is necessary for vapor collection system 400 to work. The plurality of condensing blades 408 are disposed in the interior volume 110 of the lid 404. The lid 404 is defined by a lid top surface 414, a lid sidewall 412, and a lid outer rim 416 that defines an open side that is placed on top of the regolith layer 112.

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

[0066] FIG. 5C is FIG. 5A is an elevation view of the vapor collection system 400 depicting the target gaseous substance 115 evaporating by the laser beam 162 (the laser beam 162 is generated by the laser 160 that is configured to sweep across the surface of the surface soil layer 112). As shown, the target gaseous substance 115 is dispersed in the interior volume 110 of the cap 404 that is placed on the surface soil layer surface 112 by the cap outer rim 460. The target gaseous substance 115 condenses into droplets 150B on the cryogenically cooled vanes 408 where the condensed droplets 150B drip into the collection tube 440. The cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 is shown here for reference.

[0067] FIG. 6A and 6B is a line drawing showing yet another vapor collection system embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention that does not have a cap but only a sidewall shield. As FIG. 6AAs shown, vapor collection system embodiment 150 includes three rows of condensing vanes 408 enclosed by a sidewall shield 460. Fewer or more rows can be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of this embodiment. Sidewall shield 460 is transparent, and the block diagram elements therein are visible. Sidewall shield 460 has no top side and no bottom side. Bottom shield outer rim 452 is configured to rest on top of the topsoil layer 112, and upper lip 453 provides an unobstructed exposure opening 458 between vanes 408 and the sky (external environment 462) to aid the cooling effect of vanes 408. Vanes 408A-408C act as a cover over at least 70% of the upper surface area 454 defined by the perimeter of top edge 453. Sidewall 460 extends from bottom shield outer rim 452 to top edge 453. Condensing rows 408A, 408B, and 408C are staggered to substantially block any line of sight of released gaseous molecules or atoms 115 from topsoil layer 112 to external environment 462. In other words, there is a high probability that released gaseous substances 115 will impact or otherwise land on the surface of condensing vanes 408, and a low probability of escaping into the sky. Condensing vanes 408 are cooled via cryogenic liquid pumped 424 through serially connected tubing lines 428 from one cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 to another. Optionally, cryogenic liquid is pumped in parallel to separate distribution conduits 410. Target gaseous substances 115 are configured to condense into droplets 150B on the cryogenically cooled vanes 408, where condensing droplets 150B drip into collection vessel 455 via vessel inlet area 456.

[0068] FIG. 6B is FIG. 6A a side line drawing of vapor collection system embodiment 450. Three condensing rows 408A, 408B, and 408C are shown collecting target gaseous substances 115 and dripping into collection vessel 455. Distal drip edges 409 are staggered in this configuration to provide an unobstructed path for condensing droplets 150B to drip and collect 150 into collection vessel 455. As shown, vapor collection system embodiment 150 includes a cryogenic reservoir 422 mounted with pump 424 on sidewall shield 460 and connected by cryogenic transfer tubing 426. Cryogenic connecting tubing 428 is also shown connecting cryogenic liquid distribution conduits 410 together. In this embodiment, the radiative cooling effect of the dark exterior space directly facing vanes 408 is enhanced because there is no cover.

[0069] Cooling the condensing surface 105 (e.g., condensing vane 108 or vane 408) to the temperature at which the nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, etc. condenses and liquefies, lunar flight is a challenging mission due to the extreme environmental conditions and lack of atmosphere. To facilitate heat transfer and energy exchange to cool the condensing surface 105, high thermal conductivity coatings and, in some cases, high emissivity coatings are believed to improve cooling efficiency. It is well known that such high conductive materials include silver, copper, gold, and aluminum, to name a few. Certain inventive aspects contemplated herein take advantage of the lack of appreciable atmosphere and extremely low temperatures in the lunar shadow regions. For example, temperatures at the lunar poles can drop below 20 degrees Kelvin, which can greatly improve the efficiency of vane 408 at lower temperatures. In addition, exposing a smooth / high emissivity surface to outer space can improve cooling through radiative heat exchange. For these reasons, certain aspects of the present invention contemplate exploiting target gaseous material 115 in these colder regions of the moon. However, inventive aspects of the present invention will work on the warm and sunny side of the moon, albeit with potentially lower efficiency.

[0070] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B is a line drawing depicting an active vane cooling embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Active cooling employs a cooling method to remove heat from condensing surface 105. The most common technique is to use a cryogenic refrigeration system based on the principle of mechanical refrigeration. This system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger, which can be an evaporator. One embodiment of the present invention depicts vane 408 from FIG. 5A which includes a plurality of cryogenic heat exchange tubes 472 that loop inside vane 408. As shown in cross-section along cut line B-B of FIG. 7B , heat exchange tubes 472 have a circular cross-sectional shape (but can alternatively be some other shape, such as rectangular or elliptical, to name a few examples), which are embedded in vane 408 between vane top surface 484 and vane bottom surface 486. In this embodiment, vane 408 is V-shaped, providing a concave "trough" at top surface 484 and a convex peak 482 at bottom surface 486 to concentrate condensing droplets 150B for more efficient transport of condensing droplets 150B to distal drip edge 409. Cryogenic fluid 475 is pumped through heat exchange tubes 472, as indicated by cryogenic fluid flow arrows 474 in FIG. 7A .

[0071] In more detail, FIG. 7AThe movement of cryogenic fluid 475 through the channels 468 in the vanes 408 is depicted. More specifically, cryogenic fluid 475 is circulated by the pump 424, through the cryogenic supply line 476, to the distribution duct channels 470 in the adiabatic cryogenic liquid distribution duct 410, and from there to the heat exchange tubes 472 in the vanes 408. The compressor and heat exchanger 430 can be configured in a variety of ways to cool the cryogenic fluid 475, including simply as a heat sink that radiates heat collected in the vanes 408 into the lunar atmosphere, or by sublimation cooling, for example, via a medium such as dry ice, for example, configured in a manner similar to cooling systems used in spacesuits and known to those skilled in the art. The cryogenic reservoir 422 is an insulated container that contains the cryogenic fluid 475 that supplies the channels 468. The fluid path is along the arrows 474. A portion of the cryogenic liquid distribution duct 410, the distribution duct channels 470, the cover 404, and the cryogenic supply line 476 are cut away by the cutout 478. The system compression cutaway 478 cuts through a portion of the cryogenic liquid distribution duct 410, and the distribution duct channels 470, the cover 404, and the cryogenic supply line 476 are cut away by the cutaway 478 to isolate individual vanes 408. The system compression cutaway 478 simplifies FIG. 7A the drawing in FIG. 4.

[0072] An alternative technical consideration for cooling the vanes 408 is to use a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), which can be embedded in the vanes 408 to actively dissipate heat by exploiting the Peltier effect. However, because TECs can have limitations in achieving very low temperatures, a TEC can be used in combination with other cooling techniques.

[0073] As discussed in connection with the embodiments of FIG. 6A Radiative cooling can further enhance the cooling of the vanes 408 by directing the vanes 408 toward the cold lunar sky, because the lunar surface experiences extremely low temperatures during lunar night.

[0074] Another embodiment of the present invention envisions the use of laser cooling to achieve temperatures below 3 degrees Kelvin by exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics. This cooling mechanism relies on the Doppler effect in the recoil of a photon upon its absorption and release in a process that involves the manipulation of atomic momentum by selective absorption and release of photons, resulting in the loss of kinetic energy by the vane surface material and thus a reduction in temperature. With careful control of laser frequency and intensity, laser cooling can be selectively used to reduce temperature to collect helium-3.

[0075] FIG. 8is a line drawing illustratively depicting an optional soil layer heating embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present application. This soil layer heating embodiment 500 is one of many possible embodiments for raising the temperature of the soil layer 112 at which the target gaseous species retained therein is released from the soil layer 112. Certain embodiments contemplate that in addition to heating the soil layer 112, a chemical such as fluorine can also be used to assist in the release of the target species from the soil layer 112. In this embodiment, a plurality of heated spikes 510 penetrate the surface of the soil layer 112 through sharp spike tips 512. The heated spikes 510 extend from the bottom of a screen / grid 508, which includes a plurality of openings 506 that provide a path for the released target gas 115 to escape from the soil layer 112 and into the interior volume 110 (shown in previous figures). A block diagram of an electrical circuit 502 with electrical connection lines 504 is shown to illustrate the power source for the heating spikes 510. This particular heating embodiment 500 incorporates the apparatus of the static condensing vanes 408 in FIG. 5A However, it can also be used with the rotating vanes 108. One advantage of the laser heating source 160 over this embodiment is the potential for reduced residual heat emanating from the surface of the soil layer 112. The residual heat from this embodiment 500 can increase the difficulty of cooling the vanes 108 to below the condensation temperature of the target gaseous species 115.

[0076] FIG. 9FIG. 1 is a line drawing schematically depicting a vehicle (e.g., a rover) supporting a vapor collection system consistent with embodiments of the present application. For example, vapor collection system 200 is used herein, but other vapor collection system embodiments can also be used. One advantageous embodiment contemplates that the rover 520 provides all of the power needed to operate the vapor collection system 200, and can further contain sufficient quantities of cryogenic fluid or support certain functions of the vapor collection system 200, such as a cooling device to maintain the cryogenic fluid. However, alternative embodiments contemplate that the vapor collection system 200 has some, if not all, of its power supply capabilities independent of the rover 520, such as a battery or solar power. As shown, the rover 520 can include a vapor collection system support 530 configured to place the vapor collection system 200 on the surface soil layer surface 113 such that the vapor collection system 100 can efficiently mine the fresh surface soil layer 112 rich in target material 115. Certain embodiments contemplate that the depth 526 of the surface soil layer mined for target material 115 is between, for example, 2 mm to 40 mm. The vapor collection system support 530 raises and lowers the vapor collection system 200 on the surface soil layer surface 113, as shown by the collection system connection arrow 532. In this embodiment, the vapor collection system 200 includes a rectangular cover 204 such that the vapor collection system 200 mines within a rectangular footprint. Thus, the rover 520 moves the vapor collection system 200 from one rectangular footprint to another, which can more efficiently mine the surface soil layer 112. Thus, the device is configured to mine multiple rows of surface soil layer 112 at a progressive depth. Thus, on a first pass along a row of surface soil layer, the plow 522 is raised to allow the vapor collection system 200 to access the un-touched surface soil layer 112. On subsequent passes, the plow 522 is lowered to a depth 526 (pre-determined or determined by sampling target material concentration) that exposes un-mined surface soil layer rich in target material 115. In other words, the plow 522 pushes away the exposed surface soil layer 111 that has been slightly depleted of target material 115 (depleted of target material 115 to a determined concentration). FIG. 9 A plow blade 524 is shown extending from the front end of the rover 520, which is lowered 528 into the surface soil layer to clear the exposed surface soil layer 111 at a specified depth 526 (shown with black and white dots of less density than the surface soil layer 112). In this way, the rover 520 can mine back and forth along a row of surface soil layer 112 until it is deemed that a new row should be mined. The plow blade 524 can be located under the rover 520, behind the rover 520, or elsewhere, as long as the plow blade 524 can clear the surface soil layer for a new round of mining by the vapor collection system 200.

[0077] FIG. 10Ais another embodiment of the present invention, a probe vehicle and blade system consistent with the embodiment of the present invention is described. As shown, this probe vehicle embodiment 520 includes a mining device, which is mostly in the cap 534. The cap 534 is configured to be placed on top of the surface soil layer 112, thereby creating the shielded environment 110 to capture the gaseous material 115 released from the surface soil layer 112. As previously described, the surface soil layer 112 is one embodiment of extraterrestrial particulate soil. The probe vehicle 520 includes six wheels 536, which are mounted on swing truck suspension 540, which is designed to traverse uneven terrain. In this embodiment, the probe vehicle 520 uses batteries 544, where the batteries 544 can be easily augmented with solar collectors (not shown). In addition to being raised, lowered, and tilted, the plow blade 524 is configured to pivot left and right, as shown. This probe vehicle 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 surface soil layer 112 (when referenced by the notation below, refer to FIG. 3A the exemplary description), and the liquefied gas storage tank 548 is configured to provide liquefied gas to the collection system 105, where some embodiments of the collection system 105 are located in the shielded environment 110.

[0078] FIG. 10B is a probe vehicle 520 supporting a mining device 562 FIG. 10A is a side line drawing of the probe vehicle 520 supporting the mining device 562, which illustrates the front surface soil layer moving blade 550 and the rear surface soil layer moving blade 552. The blade 550 and the blade 552 extend from the cap outer edge 535, which is located at the bottom of the cap 534. As shown, the front surface soil layer moving blade 550 is located above the rear surface soil layer moving blade 552. In this configuration, the front blade 550 is higher than the rear blade 552. Thus, when the probe vehicle 520 moves in the forward direction 516, the front blade 550 clears the surface soil layer 112, and the rear blade 552 clears the deeper layer of the surface soil layer 112 (below the surface soil layer 112). As the probe vehicle 520 moves in the direction of the arrow 516 (i.e., where the probe vehicle front 554 leads the probe vehicle rear 556), the large debris / rocks 518 are pushed away via the plow 522, while the surface soil layer 112 is turned over by the front surface soil layer moving blade 550 and the rear surface soil layer moving blade 552. For reference, the cap body 538 is shown extending upward from the outer edge 535 to the cap top 539.

[0079] FIG. 10C is a bottom view of the probe vehicle 520 looking upward from inside the cap 534 consistent with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the interior volume 110 inside the cap 534 includes the vapor collection system 100, which includes three vapor collection systems 100 as previously described. The probe vehicle 520 includes the mining device 562, which is supported by the probe vehicle 520. The mining device 562 includes the plow 522, which is supported by the mining device 562. The plow 522 includes the front surface soil layer moving blade 550 and the rear surface soil layer moving blade 552, which are supported by the plow 522. The probe vehicle 520 includes the probe vehicle front 554 and the probe vehicle rear 556, which are supported by the probe vehicle 520. The probe vehicle 520 includes the probe vehicle wheels 536, which are supported by the probe vehicle 520. The probe vehicle 520 includes the probe vehicle batteries 544, which are supported by the probe vehicle 520. The probe vehicle 520 includes the probe vehicle gas collection tank 546 and the probe vehicle liquefied gas storage tank 548, which are supported by the probe vehicle 520. FIG. 1AThe condenser blade assembly 108 is shown. It should be understood that other steam collection system embodiments can be placed in different locations within the internal volume 110 without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The probe vehicle embodiment 520 includes six track wheels 536 mounted on a rocker-bogie suspension 540; however, other propulsion devices, such as continuous tracks, can also be used. From this perspective, a row of laser heat sources 160A is positioned near the front 554 of the probe vehicle, which heats the topsoil layer 112 before it is disturbed by blades 550 and 552. The front row of laser heaters 160A is designed to release the target gas 115 from the top layer of the topsoil layer 112 (e.g., at a depth of up to 2 cm, although the depth may be more or less). Two additional rows of laser heat sources 160B and laser heat sources 160C are positioned near the front and rear topsoil layer moving blades 550 and 552, respectively. In this arrangement, the second row of lasers 160B is positioned directly 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 material 115 from the first topsoil layer 112, which is flipped over by the front topsoil moving blades 550. The third row of lasers 160C is positioned directly behind the rear topsoil moving blades 552 and is configured to release the gaseous material 115 from the second topsoil layer 112 through the heat generated by the laser beam 162 emitted by the third row of lasers 160C, which is flipped over by the rear topsoil moving blades 552.

[0080] FIG. 10D This is an exemplary line drawing depicting a probe 520 pulling a secondary movable gas collection device 560 via a connecting rod (tether) 558. The secondary movable gas collection device 560 includes a cover 534 similar to the probe cover 534, but is not necessarily motor-driven and self-propelled. In this embodiment, the secondary movable gas collection device 560 includes four wheels 536 simply mounted on the cover 538. As shown, a rear topsoil moving blade 552 is shown extending partially from the outer edge 535 of the secondary movable gas collection device. A battery 544 is connected to the top 539 of the secondary movable gas collection device cover. Although there is no gas storage tank integrated or directly connected to the secondary movable gas collection device 560, some embodiments envision the gas storage tank being 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 520.

[0081] FIGS. 11A-11H Exemplary blade arrangement embodiments consistent with embodiments of the present invention are depicted, in some embodiments, the blade arrangement embodiments being configured to be mounted on FIGS. 10A-10DThe interior of the cover 534. FIG. 11A This is a side view of a single plow blade assembly 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 leading edge 572 agitates the upper and lower topsoil layers 112A and 112B via the plow face 574. A laser heating source 160, powered by a power line 161 connected to a battery 544 on the probe vehicle 520, is configured to heat the topsoil layer 112 by directing a laser beam 162 toward the trailing edge 577 of the plow. This embodiment includes a pair of radiant heating elements 164 located in front of the leading edge 572 and behind the trailing edge 577. The radiant heating elements 164 are designed to release gaseous material 115 from the topsoil layers in front of and behind the plow blade 570, wherein the released gaseous material 115 is confined within a cover 534. The plow blade 570 moves forward (arrow) 516 under the power of the probe 520.

[0082] FIG. 11B yes FIG. 11A Front isometric view of a single plow blade assembly 571. FIG. 11C yes FIG. 11A A rear isometric view of the single plow blade assembly 571. These different perspectives show the geometry of the leading edge 572 of the plow blade 570 relative to heat sources 160 and 164, as well as the shapes of the plow arms 576 and trailing edge 577. A portion of the support beam 578 shown also provides a view.

[0083] FIG. 11D This is a top-view bar chart of the plow blade 570, depicting the movement of the topsoil layer 112 on 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 These are the front and rear isometric bar diagrams of the single-row plow device 571, which are consistent with the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11E The single-row plow assembly 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 into the interior space 110 of the cover 534. Each of the five plows 570 has a corresponding laser heating element 160, which is configured to cause a heated laser beam 162 to sweep across the topsoil layer 112 behind the corresponding plow 570. FIG. 11F The trailing edge 577 of five plows 570 in a single-row plow assembly 575 is depicted. As shown, each of the five plows 570 is mounted on a corresponding plow arm 576. Also shown, each laser heating element 160 is connected above the corresponding plow 570, all of which are connected to a support beam 578, which is connected to a connector bracket 579.

[0085] FIG. 11G and FIG. 11H An exemplary double-row plow device 573 consistent with embodiments of the present application is shown. FIG. 11G is a side line drawing of the double-row plow device 573, where the first plow row 570A is positioned in front of and above the second plow row 570B. Thus, as the double-row plow device 573 moves in the direction of arrow 516, the first plow row 570A turns over the upper topsoil layer 112A, where the first row of lasers 160A corresponding to the first plow row 570A heats the upper topsoil layer 112A with laser beams 162 to release the gaseous substances 115 trapped in the upper topsoil layer 112A. The second plow row 570B turns over the lower topsoil layer 112C, where the second row of lasers 160B corresponding to the second plow row 570B heats the lower topsoil layer 112C to release the gaseous substances 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, which is connected to a connector bracket 579.

[0086] FIG. 11H is an isometric line drawing of the double plow device 573, showing the relative positions of the first plow row 570A and the second plow row 570B and the corresponding lasers 160A and 160B. The support beam 578 and the connector bracket 579 are also shown for reference.

[0087] FIGS. 12A-12C is a line drawing of various views of a single tine ripper blade device 581 consistent with embodiments of the present application. The single tine ripper blade device 581 is envisioned to be mounted inside the cover 534 of FIGS. 10A-10D As shown in the side line drawing of FIG. 12A the single tine ripper blade device 581 is similar to the double-row plow device 573 of FIG. 11Aplow embodiment, but with a tine tiller blade 580 that flips the lower surface soil layer 112B onto the upper surface soil layer 112A as the surface soil layer 112 first encounters the tine tiller blade tip 582 and moves the tine tiller blade face 584 upward. As shown, during forward movement 516, the lower surface soil layer 112B and the upper surface soil layer 112A are flipped with the tine tiller blade trailing edge 587. In operation (i.e., as the probe vehicle 520 moves forward 516), the upper surface soil layer 112A is subjected to heat from the forward radiant heater 164A, which releases gaseous substances 115 trapped in the upper surface soil layer 112A. At the tine tiller blade trailing edge 587, the lower layer surface soil layer 112B is subjected to heating from the laser beam 162 emitted from the laser 160 and the rearward radiant heater 164B, both of which release gaseous substances 115 trapped in the lower layer surface soil layer 112B. The tine 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 arrangement 588, which connects the tine tiller to the interior of the canopy 534.

[0088] FIG. 12B is a front isometric view of a single tine tiller blade arrangement 581 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a front isometric view of a single tine tiller blade arrangement 581 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 12C is a rear isometric view of a single tine tiller blade arrangement 581 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. These different perspectives show the geometric relationship of the tine tiller blade leading edge 582 and trailing edge 587 with respect to the heat source 160 and heat source 164. As shown, the tine tiller blade 580 is connected to the distal end of the tiller arm 586, which is connected to the support bracket 589. Also shown is a cross section of the support beam arrangement 588. FIG. 12A

[0089] FIG. 12D and FIG. 12E illustrates an exemplary double row tine tiller blade arrangement 585 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 12D ​is a side line drawing of a two row tine tiller blade arrangement 585 with the first tine tiller blade row 580A positioned in front of and above the second tine tiller blade row 580B. Thus, as the two row tine tiller blade arrangement 585 moves in the direction of arrow 516, the first tine tiller blade row 580A tills the upper layer of topsoil 112A, with the first row of lasers 160A corresponding to the first tine tiller blade row 580A heating the middle layer of topsoil 112B with respective laser beams 162 to release the gaseous substances 115 trapped in the middle layer of topsoil 112B. The second tine tiller blade row 580B tills the lower layer of topsoil 112C, with the second row of lasers 160B corresponding to the second tine tiller blade row 580B heating the lower layer of topsoil 112C to release the gaseous substances 115 trapped therein. The first tine tiller blade row 580A and the second tine tiller blade row 580B are connected to support beams 588A and 588B, respectively, which are connected to a connector bracket 589.

[0090] FIG. 12E is an isometric line drawing of the two row tine tiller blade arrangement 585 showing the relative position of the first tine tiller blade row 580A in front of and above the second tine tiller blade row 580B and corresponding lasers 160A and 160B. The support beam 578 and the connector bracket 579 are also shown for reference.

[0091] FIGS. 13A-13C is a line drawing of an embodiment of another topsoil tillage embodiment depicting a box blade consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Reference is made to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13Bwherein a single bin vane device 595 is shown having a bin vane 590 extending between two side walls 596. The two side walls 596 are held in place by a front support beam 599 and a rear support beam 591 and the bin vane 590. The bin vane device 595 is attached to the cover 534 by a bracket 598. In this embodiment, the bin vane device 595 is moved in a forward direction 516 as shown by the arrow, for example by the probe vehicle 520. As the bin vane device 595 moves forward 516, the bin vane tip 592 penetrates the top layer of the surface layer 112, the surface layer 112 is pushed over the bin vane face 594 and falls off the bin vane trailing edge 597. In this embodiment, there is a radiant heater 164 that heats the surface layer 112 in front of the bin vane 590, the bin vane face 594 can also be heated (for example by resistors embedded in or attached to the bin vane 590). A pair of lasers 160A and 160B can further heat the surface layer 112 as it falls off the trailing edge 597, and as it falls behind the bin vane 590. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the bin vane device 595 can or can not include any of the heating methods without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. As shown, FIG. 13A is a side line drawing of the single bin vane device 595, and FIG. 13B is an isometric line drawing of the single bin vane device 595.

[0092] FIG. 13Cis a side line drawing of another box-blade embodiment 193 in which multiple box-blades 590A-590C are arranged at successive depths to penetrate the overburden 112 at those successive depths. As shown, a first box-blade 590A penetrates an upper overburden 112A, a second box-blade 590B penetrates a deeper overburden 112B, and a third box-blade 590C penetrates an even deeper overburden 112C, all for mining target gaseous material 115 in successive layers of the overburden 112 as the box-blade apparatus 193 moves in the forward direction 516. In this embodiment, each box-blade 590 has a front laser 160A, 106C, and 160E to release the overburden 112 as it falls from the respective 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 overburden 112 behind the respective box-blade trailing edge 597. More specifically, there is a first laser 160A and a second laser 160B behind the first box-blade 590A, a third laser 160C and a fourth laser 160D behind the second box-blade 590B, and a fifth laser 160E and a sixth laser 160F behind the third box-blade 590C. For reference, the main body of the box-blade apparatus 593 is shown, depicting the side wall 596, the front support beam 599, and the support brackets 598, as described in connection with FIG. 1. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are described in more detail.

[0093] FIGS. 14A-14C is a line drawing of a single-disk harrow embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present application. FIG. 14AA side view of the single disc harrow apparatus 605 is shown highlighting the disc harrow 600 embedded in the topsoil layer 112. The disc harrow 600 includes a plurality of tines 602 distributed along the outer diameter 601 of the disc. As the disc harrow apparatus 605 moves in the forward direction 516, the disc harrow tines 602 rotate or flip the bottom layer of topsoil 112B relative to the top layer of topsoil 112A. In other words, the topsoil bottom layer 112B is flipped onto the topsoil top layer 112A at the disc harrow trailing side 607. The disc harrow 600 rotates about a hub 604 connected to a support beam 608. The single disc harrow apparatus 605 is a passive apparatus that 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 harrow 600 and back radiant heating elements 164B that heat the topsoil layer 112 behind the disc harrow 600. The laser heating element 160 is arranged to sweep the laser beam 162 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 such that the target gas 115 is released from the topsoil layer 112.

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

[0095] FIG. 14C is a front isometric view of the single disc harrow apparatus 605 showing the disc 600 and disc tines 602 in relation to the front heating elements 164A and back heating elements 164B, the laser 160, and the support beam 608 and connecting arm 606.

[0096] FIG. 14Dis a line drawing of a single row harrow 600 consistent with embodiments of the present application. The single row harrow arrangement 603 is a passive arrangement, which exemplarily shows a front radiant heating element 164A in front of the single row harrow 600 and a rear radiant heating element 164B behind the single row harrow 600. In this embodiment, a plurality of lasers 160 are mounted to a support beam 608 behind the harrow 600, with there being a laser 160 corresponding to each harrow 600. It should be understood that while there are a plurality of lasers 160 in this embodiment, other embodiments can contemplate fewer lasers or even a single laser mounted behind the support beam 608 or elsewhere within the canopy 534, so long as the laser beams 162 can provide localized heat to the surface soil layer 112. The single row 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 harrow arrangement 603 is connected to the canopy 534 by a bracket 609.

[0097] FIG. 14E is a schematic view of a double harrow arrangement 612 consistent with embodiments of the present application. As shown, a first harrow row 600A is in front of and above a second harrow row 600B, with the second harrow row 600B being located in a deeper surface soil layer 112 than the first harrow row 600A. In this way, as the double harrow arrangement 612 moves through the surface soil layer 112 in the direction of arrow 516, an intermediate surface soil layer 112B is rotated at the top of the upper surface soil layer 112A behind the first harrow row 600A, and a lower surface soil layer 112C is rotated at the top of the intermediate surface soil layer 112B behind the second harrow row 600B. In addition to the laser beams 162 from the lasers 160A and 160B behind each harrow row 600A and 600B, the surface soil layers 112A, 112B, and 112C are heated by the radiant heaters 164A, 164B, and 164C in front of and behind the harrow rows 600A and 600B. A support beam 608 and a support bracket 609 are shown for reference. The double harrow arrangement 612 is a passive arrangement embodiment.

[0098] Alternative embodiments contemplate that the harrow arrangement is an actively driven harrow, as shown in FIG. 14F and FIG. 14G . FIG. 14F and FIG. 14G is a line drawing of an active single row harrow arrangement 620 consistent with embodiments of the present application. FIG. 14FAn exemplary linkage arm 622 is shown 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 center shaft 610. The laser 160 is shown positioned behind the disc harrow 600. The active single row disc harrow arrangement 620 can rotate the disc harrow 600 at a different speed than the passive arrangement described above.

[0099] FIG. 14G is an isometric view of the active single row disc harrow arrangement 620 showing the relationship of the linkage arm that rotates the drive shaft 614 that drives the single row disc harrow 600 through the chain 616 and sprockets 618 and 619.

[0100] FIGS. 15A-18B Various embodiments of shielded environments consistent with embodiments of the present invention are depicted. FIGS. 15A-15C One such shielded environment embodiment of a skirt 630 is depicted that is configured to extend and retract from the cover 538 to engage the surface of the overburden 112. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for mining an area having a footprint size of the skirt outer edge 632 in a stop and start mining method. A stop and start mining method refers to mining one footprint size area followed by mining another footprint size area (possibly a contiguous footprint). This is in contrast to continuously mining the overburden 112 under the cover as the probe vehicle 520 moves forward, herein referred to as continuous mining. With continued reference to the stop and start mining method, during active mining of the target gas 115, the skirt outer edge 632 is retracted as the probe vehicle 516 moves forward and then stopped to extend the skirt outer edge 632 to the surface of the overburden 112 to start mining the target gas 115 from the overburden 112.

[0101] FIG. 15A is a front isometric view of a cover and retractable skirt embodiment 635 (which facilitates stop and start mining) with the retractable skirt 634 in the retracted position, as FIG. 15BThe skirt 630 is retracted 637 as shown by the arrow 637 in FIG. 6. When in the retracted position 637, the skirt 634 is pulled away from the overburden 112 (and partway over the cover 538) by the linkage 636 / 634 driven by the hydraulic cylinder 638. When retracted, there is a gap between the skirt outer edge 632 and the overburden 112, which allows the wheels 536 to roll freely without the skirt 630 scraping the overburden 112. Although six batteries 544 are depicted as being disposed on the cover top 539. Other configurations envision the batteries being located elsewhere or even having different power sources, such as nuclear or solar power. The attachment arms 555 are depicted as extending from the front 554 of the retractable skirt embodiment 635 to hook onto the probe vehicle 520 or plow 522 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 10B

[0102] FIG. 15B is a side line drawing of the retractable skirt embodiment 635 with the skirt 630 retracted 637, which provides a gap for the wheels 536 to roll over the overburden 112 without the skirt outer edge 632 contacting or scraping the overburden 112. That is, the skirt outer edge 632 is moved away 631 from the surface of the overburden 112 by a distance, such as between 2-10 inches. Also, as the skirt 630 is retracted 637, the front and rear overburden moving blades 550 and 552 can plow through the overburden 112, as previously described. As further described, the skirt 630 is held in the retracted position 637 by the linkage 636, which is articulated about the linkage joints 634A and 634B via the extended hydraulic cylinder 638. The skirt linkage joint 634A is connected to the skirt upper lip 633 and the cover linkage joint 634B is connected to the cover 538. The skirt linkage joint 634A and the cover linkage joint 634B are pivot points. The hydraulic cylinder 638 is connected to the cover top 539 along with the batteries 544. It should be understood that other kinds of linkages or means to raise and lower the skirt 630 can be employed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0103] FIG. 15C is a side line drawing of the retractable skirt embodiment 635 with the skirt 630 lowered 639 or otherwise extended over the surface of the overburden 112. This creates an interior environment 110 defined by the volume within the skirt 630 and the cover 538, which is further bounded by the overburden surface 112. With the skirt outer edge 632 placed over the overburden 112, a gas collection system such as the gas collection system 100 can more effectively collect the released target gas 115, which is shielded from escaping into the outside environment 462. As shown, the skirt 630 is deployed in the extended position 639 by the linkage 636 articulated about the linkage joints 634A and 634B via the retracted hydraulic cylinder 638.

[0104] ​FIG. 16A This is a rear isometric view of embodiment 645, which features a cover and a bladed skirt consistent with embodiments of the present invention and can be used for stopping and starting mining or for continuous mining. This embodiment can be a secondary movable gas collection device pulled behind the exploration vehicle 520, such as... FIG. 10D As shown. Optionally, the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 may include wheels (where the wheel position is 648) and a drive system as part of a self-powered exploration vehicle assembly. In other words, the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 may be the body of another exploration vehicle that drags a slide rail edge 642 across the topsoil layer 112 as the wheels rotate. As shown, the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 includes a battery 544 disposed on the top of the cover 539. The bladed skirt 640 extends generally from the upper lip of the skirt 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 538, the side rail 643, the front and rear articulated baffles 646A and 646B, and the topsoil layer 112. Hinged baffles 646A and 646B are connected to the front and rear cover surfaces 554 and 556, respectively, via hinges 644A and 644B. ​​When the cover and the bladed skirt embodiment 645 traverse the topsoil layer 112, the hinged baffles 646A and 646B are envisioned to abut against the topsoil layer 112 at the front and rear, respectively. Some embodiments envision the hinged baffles 646A and 646B having springs or other biasing elements that force the distal edge 647 of the baffle against the topsoil layer 112. Some embodiments envision a seal (not shown) at the interface 649 between the side rail 643 and the baffle 646 for better sealing of the internal environment 110.

[0105] FIG. 16B This is a side view strip diagram of the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645. As shown, the rail edge 642 is slightly embedded in the surface of the topsoil 112, for example, 2 cm (from the surface of the topsoil 112). Other embodiments envision the rail edge 642 simply contacting the surface of the topsoil 112. As shown, when the cover and bladed skirt embodiment 645 moves forward in the direction of arrow 516, the leading edge ramp 641 of the rail slides on the topsoil 112 (similar to a rail), pushing the front hinge baffle 646A (which rotates about the front hinge 644A) towards the rear 556. Although not shown here, similarly, the rear hinge baffle 646B is also pushed in the opposite direction to arrow 516. As should be understood herein, the side rail 643 is secured to the cover 538 at approximately the upper lip 651, which is also substantially located at or within 3 inches of the outer edge 535 of the cover. Other embodiments envision the side rail 643 being integrated with or even integrally formed with the cover 538 (as part of it).

[0106] FIG. 16C is a top view of the lid and flapped skirt embodiment 645, showing a cut line C-C through the center of the lid top 539 bisecting the front 554 and the back 556. As further shown, the two side rails 643 are sealed against the front hinged flap 646A and the back hinged flap 646B. The battery 544 is labeled for reference.

[0107] FIG. 16D is a side cutaway view of the lid and flapped skirt embodiment 645 along the cut line C-C. This cutaway view depicts the vapor collection system embodiment 100 within the interior environment 110. As in the previous embodiments, at least one heat source 160 is disposed in the interior environment 110 to heat the regolith 112 to release the target gaseous material 115. The front regolith-moving flap 550 and the back regolith-moving flap 552 are shown along with the corresponding laser heaters 160A and 160B by way of example. As shown, the slide rail edges 642 are slightly embedded in the surface of the regolith 112, and the front edge ramp 641 extends from the regolith 112. The front hinged flap 646A and the back hinged flap 646B are angled but rest on the regolith surface 112. The front hinge 644A and the back hinge 644B are shown for reference. In this embodiment, the interior environment 110 is defined as the volume bounded between the regolith surface 112 and the inner surfaces of the front hinge 644A and the back hinge 644B, the front hinged flap 646A and the back hinged flap 646B, and the lid body 538.

[0108] FIG. 17A is a side line drawing of a lid and compliant skirt embodiment 655 consistent with embodiments of the present invention, which can be used for stop-and-go or continuous mining. As shown, the lid and compliant skirt embodiment 655 includes a compliant electroplated skirt 650, which in this description does not make contact with the surface of the regolith 112, i.e., there is a small amount of space between the skirt distal edge 652 and the regolith 112. The compliant electroplated skirt 650 includes a plurality of rotatable plates 656, each connected to a skirt bottom 658 by a corresponding plate pivot pin 654 (or some other suitable pivot mechanism). As with the lid and flapped skirt embodiment 645, FIGS. 16A-16D As with the lid and flapped skirt embodiment 645, there are front and back hinged flaps 646A and 646B connected to the front 554 and the back 556 of the lid (or optionally at the front and back of the skirt bottom), which make up the front and back sides of the compliant electroplated skirt 650. The front hinged flap 646A and the back hinged flap 646B help the compliant plate skirt 650 maintain the interior environment 110 (as shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 17BA side view line drawing of a lid and compliant skirt embodiment 655 in contact with the surface of the topsoil layer 112 is shown. As shown, the individual plates 656 and hinged flaps 646A and 646B of the compliant skirt 650 pivot to accommodate embodiments of the topsoil layer 112 moving underneath the compliant skirt 655. It should be understood that each individual plate 656 can be tilted at a different angle depending on the topography (flatness) of the topsoil layer 112. Certain other embodiments envision the skirt distal edge 652 digging into the topsoil layer 112 to better isolate the interior environment 110 from the exterior environment 462.

[0109] FIG. 17B A side view line drawing of a lid and compliant skirt embodiment 655 in contact with the surface of the topsoil layer 112 is shown. As shown, the individual plates 656 and hinged flaps 646A and 646B of the compliant skirt 650 pivot to accommodate embodiments of the topsoil layer 112 moving underneath the compliant skirt 655. It should be understood that each individual plate 656 can be tilted at a different angle depending on the topography (flatness) of the topsoil layer 112. Certain other embodiments envision the skirt distal edge 652 digging into the topsoil layer 112 to better isolate the interior environment 110 from the exterior environment 462.

[0110] FIG. 18A A side view line drawing of a lid and compliant skirt embodiment 665 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown that can be used to stop and start mining or continuous mining. As shown, the lid and compliant skirt embodiment 665 includes a compliant brush skirt 660 extending from the outer rim 535 of the lid body 538. This brush skirt embodiment 660 includes a plurality of bristles 666 attached to a cuff 664 wrapped around or extending along the inner periphery of the outer rim 535, however other embodiments contemplate the bristles 666 simply extending from the outer rim 535. One bristle 666 is depicted in the enlarged circle 667 near the back 556 of the lid and compliant skirt embodiment 665. The bristle distal end 662 (also considered a brush outer rim / skirt outer rim distal edge 662) is in contact with the surface of the topsoil layer 112 around the periphery of the cuff 664 to maintain the enclosed interior environment 110. The front topsoil moving vane 550 and the back topsoil moving vane 552 are shown for reference extending from the compliant brush skirt 660, and more specifically from the skirt distal edge 662. The arrow 516 shows the direction of travel of the lid and compliant skirt embodiment 665. As the lid and compliant skirt embodiment 665 moves in the direction of travel 516, the bristles 666 flex and conform to the surface of the topsoil layer 112 to maintain the enclosed interior environment 110.

[0111] FIG. 18Bis a close-up line drawing depicting a compressed brush skirt embodiment 660, shortened by a dashed line section 668. As shown, bristles 666 extend from a sheath 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 a 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 - 0.75 inches, however, other brush thicknesses are contemplated without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0112] The foregoing skirt embodiments are merely some of the many kinds of skirt embodiments that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, other kinds of adaptive skirts that can accommodate the surface of the overburden can be employed without departing from the concepts presented herein. For example, various interlocking panels or components and compliant substances such as fabric can be used. The goal is to provide a closed interior environment 110 that is isolated from the exterior 462.

[0113] FIGS. 19A-19D is a line drawing of a debris removal device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 19A is an isometric view of a debris removal device 700 that generally depicts a support cover 534 of a probe vehicle 520, a front plow 702, and a rear deposition blade 704. The probe vehicle 520 moves in a forward direction 516 by wheels 536 (or other locomotion devices such as tracks), equipped with a front plow 702 mounted at a front end 554 of the probe vehicle 520. The front plow 700 is configured to clear randomly dispersed loose rocks 518A from the path of the probe vehicle. The randomly dispersed loose rocks 518A are scattered on top of the overburden 112 in front of the probe vehicle 520. As the probe vehicle 520 moves forward 516, the angled front plow 702 collects the loose rocks 518 and changes their direction in a concentrated side tail 518B along the sides 707 of the probe vehicle. The loose rocks 518 are then collected by the rear deposition blade 704 at a blade leading edge 704A where the rocks move along the rear deposition blade 704 and slide off a blade trailing edge 704B to a concentrated rear tail 518C behind the probe vehicle 520.

[0114] The rear deposition blade 704 is connected to the rear side 556 of the probe vehicle 520 by first and second rear re-deposition blade support arms 708A and 708B extending from a 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 probe vehicle 520 supports a cover 534 arranged to collect and capture target gas 115 released from the surface layer 112 in the shielded environment 110, as previously described. The surface layer 112 underneath the cover 534 is largely free of loose rock 518, which has been pushed aside by the plow 702. As previously described, the cover 534 includes a cover body 538 extending from the outer rim 703 to a 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 rim 535, is placed over the surface layer 112. The shielded environment 110 is substantially not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cover 534.

[0116] FIG. 19B is an exemplary top line drawing showing the arrangement of loose rock 518 in relation to the debris removal embodiment 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, there is a first arrangement of loose rock 518A that is spread or randomly dispersed over the surface layer 112 in front of the front plow 702. When viewed from the top of the cover top 539, the front plow 702 is at an angle a to the x-axis extending along the side of the probe vehicle 707 closest to the plow back edge 702B, where the plow 702 extends from the plow back edge 702B to the plow front edge 702A. As the loose rock 518 slides off the plow back edge 702B, a concentrated side tail 518B is formed that extends slightly parallel to and along the side 707 of the probe vehicle 520. The concentrated side tail 518B is picked up by the back re-deposition blade 704, which extends away from the back end 556 at an angle β. The angle β is defined by the x-axis and the back deposition blade 704 (or line) extending from the front edge 704A of the re-deposition blade to the back edge 704B of the re-deposition blade, as shown. The rock 518 collected from the concentrated side tail 518B slides along the back re-deposition blade 704 and off the blade back edge 704B, where the rock 518 forms a concentrated back tail 518C. The concentrated back tail 518C lines up behind the probe vehicle 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 randomly dispersed loose rock 518A in front of the probe vehicle 520 and directs the rock into a concentrated side tail 518B along the probe vehicle side 707. This creates a relatively loose rock-free topsoil layer surface 112A under the canopy 534 to enhance the efficiency of target gas collection 115 and the formation of a shielded environment 110. As the probe vehicle 520 continues to move forward 516, the concentrated side tail 518B of rock is collected by the rear re-deposition blade 704 and distributed into a concentrated rear tail 518C of rock, which is formed as the rock exits the trailing edge 704B of the re-deposition blade. In this way, the topsoil layer 112A is substantially free of loose rock 518 in a manner that leaves tailings (waste from mining) 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 re-deposited behind and in line with the probe vehicle 520 in a manner that is confined to a trajectory defined within the probe vehicle width 709. The probe vehicle width 709 is defined between the wheels 536 (or some other walking tread) extending from either side 707 of the probe vehicle 520.

[0118] FIG. 19C is a side view of the debris removal embodiment 700 depicting the front plow 702 extending from the front 554 of the probe vehicle 520 and the rear re-deposition blade 704 extending from the rear 556 of the probe vehicle 520. As shown, the canopy 534 is an embodiment having a skirt 630 extending from the canopy body 538 (other skirts can be used within the scope and spirit of the invention). By way of reference, the rear re-deposition 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 probe vehicle 520 known to those skilled in the art other than the illustrated linkages.

[0119] FIG. 19D is an example line drawing showing a different debris removal device 700B consistent with embodiments of the invention. The debris removal device 700B is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10D where there is a probe vehicle 520 with a secondary mobile gas collection device 560B connected thereto. As shown, the probe vehicle 520 is similar to the probe vehicle embodiment described in FIGS. 19A-19C without a rear re-deposition blade 704 connected to the rear 556 of the probe vehicle. Instead, the rear re-deposition blade 704 is connected to and extends from the secondary mobile gas collection device 560B in the same manner as described in FIGS. 19A-19C . In this way, the debris removal device 700B can provide additional mining capacity while maintaining zero tailings functionality.

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

[0121] Continuing with the description of the debris clearing device 710 according to FIG. 19B the embodiment depicted in FIG. 19A , there is depicted an enclosed debris path 705 that begins at least between the probe vehicle 520 (i.e., the outer sidewall of the probe vehicle side 707 or wheels 536) and the side channel 712 and extends between the probe vehicle 520 and the trailing re-deposition blade 704. The enclosed debris path 705 extends at least from the plow trailing edge 702B to the blade trailing edge 704B, where there is formed a concentrated trailing tail 518C. FIG. 19B In this embodiment, the channel 712 includes a side channel leading edge ramp 714 that is angled λ toward the midline 726 of the probe vehicle 520, which in some embodiments follows the angle a, but in other embodiments does not. The side channel leading edge ramp 714 extends the enclosed debris path 705 between the side channel leading edge 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 portion of the probe vehicle 520) by side channel support arms 718A and 718B.

[0122] FIG. 20C is a top line drawing depicting an alternative side channel 712 without a side channel leading edge 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 clearing device 710 that are not 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 is a top line drawing depicting an alternative side channel 712 without a side channel leading edge 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 clearing device 710 that are not 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. FIG. 20AA side view of the debris removal device 710 depicts the post-redeposition blade support arms 708A and 708B and the side channel support arms 718A and 718B, which extend from the probe vehicle 520 to support the post-redeposition blade 704 and the side channel 712, respectively. In this embodiment, the front plow 702, the side channel 712 and the side channel guide ramp 714, and the post-redeposition blade 704 all share a common height 715. In one embodiment, the side channel 712 is between 0.5 feet and 2 feet. Other embodiments consider that the front plow 702, the side channel 712 and the post-redeposition blade 704 may not all have the same height 715. The orientation 516 of the plow is shown here for reference.

[0124] FIGS. 21A-21C This is a line drawing of another debris removal device with a V-shaped plow and double post-redeposition blades according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 21A-21C The loose rocks described in section 518 FIG. 21B The arrangement shown is around the probe vehicle 520 (or it can be moved). FIG. 21A This is an isometric view of the debris removal device 720, which includes a front V-shaped plow, or simply V-plow 722, and two re-deposition blades 724A and 724B connected to the probe 520. More specifically, the front V-shaped plow 722 is connected to the plow and blade frame 701 at the front end 554 of the probe 520. The two re-deposition blades 724A and 724B are connected to the rear end 556 of the probe 520 via re-deposition blade support arms 708A and 708B. As the debris removal device 720 moves in the forward direction 516, loose rocks 518A randomly scattered in front of the probe 520 are guided to either side 707 of the probe 520. The concentrated side tail of the loose rocks 518B is scooped up by the two re-deposition blades 724A and 724B and re-deposited behind the probe 520 through the re-deposition gap 721 between the two re-deposition blades 724A and 724B. The redeposition gap arm 729, which is connected to the two redeposition blades 724A and 724B, maintains a constant / unchanging interval in the redeposition gap 721 to provide zero tailings mining capability.

[0125] Given Figure 20, FIG. 21Bis a top line drawing of an arrangement 725 of loose rock 518 exemplary of a debris removal embodiment 720 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. As shown by the loose rock paths 725, randomly dispersed loose rock 518A in front of the V-shaped plow 722 slides off the V-shaped plow trailing edges 722A and 722B, which forms a concentrated side tail 518B on either side 707 of the scout vehicle 520. Each concentrated side tail 518B is picked up by the respective back re-deposition blades 724A and 724B and deposited in a concentrated back tail 518C behind the debris removal device 720 through the re-deposition gap 721. As previously described, the concentrated back tail 518C is in line with and behind the scout vehicle 520 within the locus defined by the scout vehicle width 709. Thus, the V-shaped plow 722 directs the randomly dispersed loose rock 518A along the plow face 722C on either side of the V-shaped plow apex 723, at which point the loose rock 518 moves off the V-shaped plow trailing edges 722A and 722B to their respective scout vehicle side 707, forming their respective loose rock paths 725. As shown, the V-shaped plow apex 723 of the V-shaped plow 722 is generally along the midline 726 of the scout vehicle. Again, in this arrangement, there is essentially no overburden 112A of loose rock 518 mined within the cap 534 in a manner that leaves tailings (waste after mining) behind the debris removal arrangement 720, i.e., zero tailings. FIG. 20B As previously described, the concentrated back tail 518C is in line with and behind the scout vehicle 520 within the locus defined by the scout vehicle width 709. Thus, the V-shaped plow 722 directs the randomly dispersed loose rock 518A along the plow face 722C on either side of the V-shaped plow apex 723, at which point the loose rock 518 moves off the V-shaped plow trailing edges 722A and 722B to their respective scout vehicle side 707, forming their respective loose rock paths 725. As shown, the V-shaped plow apex 723 of the V-shaped plow 722 is generally along the midline 726 of the scout vehicle. Again, in this arrangement, there is essentially no overburden 112A of loose rock 518 mined within the cap 534 in a manner that leaves tailings (waste after mining) behind the debris removal arrangement 720, i.e., zero tailings.

[0126] FIG. 21C is a side view of the debris removal embodiment 720 showing the moving vehicle 520 moving forward 516 and the V-shaped plow opposite the back re-deposition blade 724A. The back re-deposition blade 724A is shown connected to the scout vehicle 520 by the back re-deposition blade support arm 708B and the plow and blade frame 701. The re-deposition gap arm 729 is shown for reference.

[0127] FIGS. 22A-22C is a line drawing of the debris removal device of FIGS. 21A-12C but with a pair of side passages consistent with an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 22A is an isometric view of the debris removal device 730, which is similar to the debris removal device 720 of FIG. 21A but with two side passages 712A and 712B added, which are disposed on each side of the scout vehicle 520. Each side passage 712A and 712B is a barrier spaced 719A from the respective side 707 of the scout vehicle 520 or spaced 719B from the respective wheel 536 of the scout vehicle 520. As shown, each side passage 712A and 712B extends at least from their respective plow trailing edge 722A and 722B to their respective blade leading edge 724F and 724E.

[0128] In view of FIG. 22B , reference is continued to FIG. 22Awherein a respective closed debris path 705 is depicted extending from the side access front edge 711 to the re-deposition gap 721. Each closed debris path 705 is spaced between the scout vehicle 520 (i.e. the outer lateral wall of the scout vehicle side 707 or wheels 536) and the respective side access 712A and 712B, and extends between the scout vehicle 520 and the rear re-deposition vanes 724A and 724B. Each closed debris path 705 exits at the re-deposition gap 721, which is where the centralized rear tail 518C is formed. In this embodiment, each debris path 725 begins at the side access front edge 711. Any loose randomly dispersed rock 518A in front of the debris clearing device 710 is not pushed into the debris path 705 by the front plow 702, but rather naturally incorporates into the debris path 705 through the unobstructed path opening 705A.

[0129] FIG. 22C is FIG. 22A a side view of the debris clearing device 730, depicting the rear re-deposition vane support arm 728B (which connects the rear re-deposition vane 724 to the scout vehicle 520), the re-deposition gap arm 729 (which limits the re-deposition gap space 721), and the side access support arm 718 (which connects the side access 712B to the scout vehicle 520). In this embodiment, the V-shaped plow 722, the side access 712B, and the rear re-deposition vane 724B all have a common height 715, however different heights are optional. In addition, the other side of the scout vehicle 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 the present description, the following are some examples of certain embodiments that exemplarily supplement some of the device embodiments discussed above and presented in the drawings to assist the reader. Thus, the elements mentioned below are provided by way of example to assist in the understanding of the present invention and should not be considered limiting. The reader will understand that the following elements and configurations can be interchanged within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments can include elements from the drawings.

[0131] In view of this, certain embodiments of the present invention envision a mining device 700 (as FIGS. 19A-19C is shown, but can also be used FIGS. 20A-22CThe elements 710, 720, and 730 in FIG. 7 are replaced by a mining device 700, which generally includes a self-powered probe vehicle 520, which includes a cap 534 having a cap body 538 extending from an outer rim 535 to a cap top 539. The powered probe vehicle 520 has a front end 554 and a rear end 556 with a probe vehicle side 707 therebetween. The cap 534 has a shielded environment 110 defined when the outer rim 535 is placed on the granular soil 112. The shielded environment 110 is substantially not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cap body 538. A front plow 702 is connected to the front end 554. The front plow 702 includes a plow front edge 702A and a plow rear edge 702B, where the plow rear edge 702B is closer to the rear end 556 than the plow front edge 702A. The front plow 702 is configured to direct randomly dispersed loose rocks 518 in a concentrated side tail 518B along the at least one side 707 as the powered probe vehicle 520 moves in the forward direction 516. A rear re-deposition blade 704 is connected to and extends behind the rear end 556 of the powered probe vehicle 520. The phrase "connected to and extends behind" is taken to mean that the rear re-deposition blade 704 can be more or less directly connected to the rear end 556 of the probe vehicle 520, or through some intermediate element, such as a secondary gas collection device 560B. The rear re-deposition blade 704 includes a blade front edge 704A and a blade rear edge 704B that is further from the rear end 556 than the blade front edge 704A. The rear re-deposition blade 704 is configured to collect at least some of the loose rocks 518 from the concentrated side tail 518B and deposit them in a concentrated rear tail 518C behind and in line 709 with the powered probe vehicle 520 as the powered probe vehicle 520 moves in the forward direction 516.

[0132] Certain embodiments of the mining device 700 contemplate that the outer rim 535 is a distal end of a skirt 630 extending from the cap body 538.

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

[0134] The rear re-deposition blade 704 of the mining device 700 is also contemplated to be connected to a rear end 556B of a secondary movable gas collection device 560B, which is connected to the rear end 556 of the probe vehicle 520.

[0135] The mining device 700 is further contemplated to include a side channel 712 that substantially forms an enclosed debris path 705 between the probe vehicle 520 and the side channel 712 and the probe vehicle 520 and the rear re-deposition blade 704, the enclosed debris path 705 extending at least from the rear edge of the plow 702B to the rear edge of the blade 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 enclosed 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 can also be a V-shaped plow having a V-shaped plow vertex 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. The probe vehicle 520 is contemplated to further include a second rear re-deposition blade 724B that is a mirror image of the rear re-deposition blade 724A. In this embodiment, there is a re-deposition gap 721 between the rear re-deposition blade 724A and the second rear re-deposition blade 724B. The re-deposition gap 721 is configured to produce a concentrated rear tail 518C. This can further include a pair of side channels 712, each side channel 712 substantially forming an enclosed debris path 725 between the probe vehicle 520 and the side channel 712 and the probe vehicle 520 and the rear re-deposition blade 704. The enclosed debris path 725 can extend at least from the rear edges 722A and 722B of the plow to the rear edges 724C and 724D of the blade. In another embodiment, each side channel 712 can include a leading edge slope 722 that slopes toward the centerline 726. Each leading edge slope 722 can extend the enclosed debris path 725 between the leading edge slope 722 and a portion of the plow 722.

[0137] The mining device 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 (as shown in FIG. 1 1, but can also be used with the system 700 of FIG. 1 1 ) that includes a probe vehicle 520 having a front plow 722 and a rear re-deposition blade 724A. The front plow 722 is configured to create a concentrated front tail 518A. The rear re-deposition blade 724A is configured to create a concentrated rear tail 518C. The probe vehicle 520 is further contemplated to include a pair of side channels 712, each side channel 712 substantially forming an enclosed debris path 725 between the probe vehicle 520 and the side channel 712 and the probe vehicle 520 and the rear re-deposition blade 704. The enclosed debris path 725 can extend at least from the rear edges 722A and 722B of the plow to the rear edges 724C and 724D of the blade. In another embodiment, each side channel 712 can include a leading edge slope 722 that slopes toward the centerline 726. Each leading edge slope 722 can extend the enclosed debris path 725 between the leading edge slope 722 and a portion of the plow 722. FIGS. 19A-19C FIGS. 20A-22C ​Instead of elements 710, 720, and 730 in FIG. 7), the system generally includes a probe vehicle 520 that defines a gas collection environment 110 that is prepared and cleared by a front plow 702 that extends from a front 554 of the probe vehicle 520. The probe vehicle 520 defines a probe vehicle width 709 between walking treads (e.g., wheels 536) that extend from either side 707 of the probe vehicle 520. In addition, a rear re-deposition blade 704 is connected to a rear end 556 of the probe vehicle 520. The front plow 702 is configured to direct plow debris 518 into one of the side 707, and the rear re-deposition blade 704 is configured to re-orient and deposit the plow debris 518 in a line behind the probe vehicle 520 within a track defined by the probe vehicle width 709. The gas collection environment 110 is defined within the canopy 534 when the canopy 534 rests over the surface layer 112.

[0139] The gas collection environment 110 in the zero tailings plow system 700 is envisioned to have a pressure below 10 millibars. Some embodiments envision the pressure to be a working pressure that is maintained substantially for hours or days at a time. Given that the surface layer 112 has some porosity, such a pressure is not transiently maintained, nor can it be maintained, which would not be possible in a high pressure external environment.

[0140] The rear re-deposition blade 704 in the zero tailings plow system 700 is envisioned to be connected to a rear end 556B of a secondary mobile gas collection device 560B that is connected to a rear end 556 of the probe vehicle 520.

[0141] The zero-tailings plow system 700 may further include a side passage 712 that substantially forms a closed debris path 705 between the probe 520 and the side passage 712, and between the probe 520 and the subsequent redeposition blade 704. The closed debris path 705 is envisioned to extend from at least the trailing edge 702B of the front plow 702 to the trailing edge 704B of the subsequent redeposition blade 704. Alternatively, the side passage 712 may include a leading edge ramp 714 sloping towards the centerline 726, extending the closed debris path 705 between the leading edge ramp 714 and a portion of the plowshare 702. Optionally, the front plow 722 is a V-plow with a V-shaped plow apex 723 substantially along the centerline 726 of the probe 520. The centerline 726 divides the front end 554 and the rear end 556 equally. The probe 520 also includes a second re-deposit blade 724B, which is a mirror image of the non-re-deposit blade 724A. A redeposit gap 721 exists between the re-deposit blade 724A and the second non-re-deposit blade 724B, allowing plow debris 518 to be deposited behind and in line with the probe 520. Embodiments of the V-plow may further include a second side channel 712B, which substantially forms a second closed debris path 725 between the probe 520 and the second side channel 712B, and between the probe 520 and the second re-deposit blade 724B. The second closed debris path 725 extends from at least the trailing edge 722B of the second plow to the trailing edge 724C of the second blade.

[0142] Another embodiment of the present invention envisions a loose rock positioning system 700 (e.g., FIGS. 19A-19C As shown, but it can also be used FIGS. 20A-22C (In place of elements 710, 720, and 730), the system typically includes a probe 520 having a gas collection environment 110 and a front plow 702 extending from the front 554 of the probe 520. The probe 520 defines a probe width 709 between walking treads 536 extending from either side 707 of the probe 520. A re-deposition blade 704 is attached to the rear end 556 of the probe 520. A plurality of loose rocks 518 on top of the topsoil layer 112 include a first arrangement 518A of loose rocks randomly dispersed in front of the front plow 702, a second arrangement 518B of loose rocks located in a concentrated side tail along one of the sides 707, and a third arrangement 518C of loose rocks located in a concentrated rear tail that forms a line behind the probe 520 within a track defined by the probe width 709. The loose rock positioning system 700 also includes a cover with a cap 538 extending from an outer edge 535 to a cap apex 539. When the outer edge 535 is placed on top of the topsoil layer 112, a gas collection environment 110 is confined within the cap 538, wherein the topsoil layer 112 is substantially free of loose rock 518.

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

[0144] The rear re-deposition blade 704 of the loose rock positioning system 700 also defines a blade trailing edge 704B that is responsible for forming a third disposition 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 in a first direction from a cover outer edge 535 to a cover top / vertex 539 and a skirt 630 extending in a second direction from the cover outer edge 535 to a skirt outer edge 632, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. When the skirt outer edge 632 is placed on (at a surface of) a granular soil, such as 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 body 538 and the skirt 630. A heat source 160 is disposed in the shielded environment 100, where the heat source 160 is configured to heat the granular soil 112. A gas collection surface 105 is disposed in the shielded environment 110, where the gas collection surface 105 is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin to collect a target gas 115 that floats inside the shielded environment 110. Although the described embodiment is directed to a retractable skirt embodiment 535, this is merely exemplary and any other embodiment with protrusions 645, 655, 665 as FIGS. 16A-18B shown can be equally directed.

[0146] The mining device 635 further contemplates the shielded environment 110 being present only when the skirt 630 is in an extended orientation (as FIG. 15C shown) defined by the skirt outer edge 632 being placed on the granular soil 112. The shielded environment 110 is not present when the skirt outer edge 632 is in a retracted orientation (as FIG. 15B shown) defined by the skirt outer edge 632 being distanced from the granular soil 112. This embodiment further contemplates the skirt 630 being configured to mechanically move between the extended orientation and the retracted orientation, such as by the linkage 636.

[0147] Certain embodiments of the mining device 635 are also contemplated to have a skirt 640 comprising two side rails 643 configured to slide across the top of the granular soil 112 via respective side rail edges 642, like a snow ski gliding across the ground / snow. Such an arrangement 635 can also include a front hinged apron 646A in forward pivotal relation with a front apron hinge 644A, and a rear hinged apron 646B in rearward pivotal relation with a rear apron hinge 644B. In addition, the two side rails 634 can include a rail front edge ramp 641 that tapers toward the rail front edge, similar to a ski rail.

[0148] In another embodiment of the mining device 635, the skirt 650 can be compliant, with the skirt outer edge 652 configured to conform to the granular soil surface of the granular soil 112. The skirt 650 can include a plurality of hinged panels 656, with each panel 656 configured to be rotatable, as shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B In such a configuration, the skirt 650 can also include a front hinged apron 646A at the front end 554 of the skirt 650 and a rear hinged apron 646B at the rear end 556 of the skirt 650, with the plurality of hinged panels 656 on either side of the skirt 650 between the front end 554 and the rear end 556. Instead of the hinged aprons 646A and 646B, brushes or some other kind of shield can be used to create the internal environment 110. Optionally, the entire skirt 660 can include a plurality of bristles 666, with each bristle 666 in contact with an adjacent bristle 666. The brushes can also be a set of bristles 666 of varying thickness.

[0149] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a variation of the environment shielding device 635 comprising a cover 534 having a skirt 630, with the cover 534 terminating at a cover outer edge 535. The cover outer edge 535 defines a cover outer edge perimeter. The skirt 630 extends from the cover outer edge 535 along the cover outer edge perimeter to a skirt outer edge 632. When the skirt outer edge 632 is on (top of) the regolith 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. In use, the shielded environment 110 is never under a pressure of 10 millibars or more, as the regolith 112 is of an extraterrestrial planet and is inherently under a low pressure of 10 millibars or less.

[0150] This embodiment also contemplates the skirt 630 being configured to mechanically move between an extended orientation and a retracted orientation, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C The extended orientation is defined by the skirt outer edge 632 being in contact with the regolith 112, and the retracted orientation is defined by the skirt outer edge 632 being spaced apart from the regolith 112.

[0151] This embodiment optionally contemplates that the skirt 640 includes two side rails 643 configured to slide across the top of the granular soil 112 via respective side rail edges 642. The compliant front and rear aprons 646A and 646B can be brushes, cloth, plates, hinges, and the like. So long as the compliant aprons 646A and 646B are able to move with the surface of the topsoil layer 112 while maintaining the shielded environment 110.

[0152] The environmental shield 635 is further contemplated to be a compliant skirt 650, and the skirt outer edge 652 is configured to conform to the top surface of the topsoil layer 112.

[0153] The environmental shield 635 is further contemplated to be a compliant skirt 650, and the skirt outer edge 652 is configured to conform to the top surface of the topsoil layer 112. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B as shown.

[0154] The environmental shield 635 is further contemplated to be a compliant skirt 650, and the skirt outer edge 652 is configured to conform to the top surface of the topsoil layer 112.

[0155] This embodiment can optionally have a skirt 660 defined by a plurality of bristles 666, where each bristle 666 is in contact with an adjacent bristle 666, forming a thick brush barrier composed of many bristles 666, which can be, for example, between 0.2 inches and 0.7 inches.

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

[0157] In yet another optional embodiment of the present invention, the environmental shield 635 is contemplated to include a lid 534 that, when disposed on the topsoil layer surface 112, defines an interior environment 110 containing helium. The lid 534 is partially defined by a lid body 538 extending from a lid apex 539 to a lid outer edge 535, where the lid outer edge 535 defines a lid outer edge perimeter. A skirt 630 extends from the lid outer edge 535 along the perimeter to a skirt outer edge 632. When the skirt outer edge 632 is disposed on the topsoil layer 112, the interior environment 110 is defined within the lid 534 and the skirt 630. The shielded environment is maintained at a pressure less than 10 millibars and contains helium gas. This embodiment is further contemplated where the lid outer edge perimeter is substantially rectangular.

[0158] Certain other embodiments of the invention contemplate a mining device 562 comprising a shielded environment 110 defined within a cover 534, the cover 534 positioned above a granular soil, in one embodiment the granular soil is the topsoil layer 112. The cover 534 comprises a cover body 538 extending from an outer rim 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 further comprises a blade 550, a heat source 160, and a gas collection surface 105. The blade extends from the outer rim 106 and is 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] The mining device 562 is further contemplated to comprise an embodiment in which the shielded environment 110 is connected to the probe vehicle 520.

[0160] The mining device 562 is further contemplated to have a heat source 160 comprising 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] The mining device 562 is further contemplated to have a cover 534 defining a front portion 554 and a rear portion 556, wherein the blade 550 is configured to move in a forward direction 516 directed toward the front portion 554.

[0162] The mining device 562 is further contemplated to have a heat source 160 that is a laser 160 or a radiant heater 164.

[0163] The mining device 562 can contemplate the blade 550 to be an angled rod 590 that is part of a box blade system 595 comprising two horizontal plates 596, the angled rod 590 inserted between the two horizontal plates, the angled rod 590 comprising a bevel 594 extending from a leading edge 592 facing the front portion 554. This can also be that the heat source 164 comprises a first heating element 164 configured to direct heat onto the bevel 594 and a second heating element 160 configured to direct heat behind the angled rod 590.

[0164] It can also be contemplated that the mining device 562 has a blade 550 that is part of a tilting disc system 603 comprising a plurality of tilting discs 600 configured to mix the granular soil 112. This can also be that the heat source 164 is a first heating element 164A configured to direct heat in front of the plurality of tilting discs 600 and a second heating element 160 or 164B configured to direct heat behind the plurality of tilting discs 600.

[0165] The mining device 562 also contemplates the blade 550 turning over the granular soil 112 on a trailing edge 557 of the blade 570.

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

[0167] Certain embodiments contemplate the shielded environment 110 of the mining device 562 being at a pressure less than 1 x 10 -5 bar, which is consistent with the pressure on the moon. Still other embodiments contemplate a pressure less than 10 millibars, which is the pressure on Mars.

[0168] Another embodiment of the invention contemplates a mining device 562 comprising an internal (shielded) environment 110 configured to be maintained at a pressure less than 1 x 10 -5 bar. The internal environment 110 is defined within a cap 534 located on top of the granular soil 112, wherein the internal environment 110 is confined within the boundaries of the granular soil 112 and the inner surface 107 of the cap 534. The cap 534 comprises a cap body 538 extending from an outer edge 535 to a top cap vertex 539. The internal environment 110 is not in communication with the external environment 462 through the cap body 538. The mining device 562 also 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 cap 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 gases 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 at a pressure less than 1 x 10 -5 bar, while alternative embodiments contemplate a pressure less than 1 x 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 probe vehicle 520, and that the granular soil 112 is a surface 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 over the granular soil 112, push the granular soil 112 aside, 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 mining system 562, the method comprising providing a shielded environment 110 defined within a cap 534. The cap 534 includes a cap body 538 extending from an outer rim 535 to a cap top 539. This defines that the shielded environment 110 does not communicate with the external environment 462 via the cap body 538. The method further contemplates a step for placing the cap 534 over a surface layer 112, penetrating the surface layer 112 with a blade 550 extending from the outer rim 106, heating the surface layer 112 with a heat source 160 disposed in the cap 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 (as shown in FIG. 6A ) having a shielded environment 110 with a pressure equal to or less than 1 x 10 -5 bar. The shielded environment includes a sidewall 460 extending from an outer rim 106 / 452 to a top edge 453, where the shielded environment 110 is defined inside the sidewall 460. A condensation surface 105 is disposed in the interior volume 110, where the condensation surface 105 is maintained at a temperature below 100° Kelvin. A collection vessel 140 including an aperture 142 is interfaced with the condensation surface 105. A heating element 160 is in the shielded environment 110, where the heating element 160 is configured to direct heat to a heated region 116 at or beyond the outer rim 106. For example, the heating element 160 can be a laser 160 as shown in FIG. 3B , or a grid of heating spikes 510 as shown in FIG. 8 , but other heating elements can be contemplated, such as a rake or sieve that can cascade the surface layer 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 condensation surface 105 is contemplated to include at least one blade 108 configured to move inside the shielded environment 110, such as shown in FIG. 1Arotating the at least one vane 108. In some embodiments, however, a gear on a carrier vehicle, such as rover 520, can drive the rotating vane 108, for example, from a wheel. FIG. 9

[0175] Optionally, vapor collection system embodiments 100 are contemplated in which the condensing surface 105 is a fixed rod 408 that terminates 409 at a downward slope 136, with a container 140 located at the termination 409 of the fixed rod 408, as shown. FIGS. 5A-6B

[0176] Vapor collection system embodiments 100 also contemplate that the hot zone 116 is above 600 °C (873 °K) when heated by the heating element 160, which is the temperature at which the target gaseous species 115 trapped in the regolith layer 112 is vaporized and released from the regolith layer 112.

[0177] Vapor collection system embodiments 100 also contemplate electrically cooling the condensing surface 105 using a thermoelectric cooler, or alternatively, using a laser system to cool the condensing surface 105. These can be supported by or replaced with cryogenically cooling the condensing surface 105 using a cryogen.

[0178] In certain embodiments, vapor collection system embodiments 100 are contemplated with a top surface 414 that covers the top edge 453 to form a lid 104 / 404.

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

[0180] In another embodiment of the invention, a vapor collector 100 can include a shielded environment 110 defined by a lid 104, where the shielded environment 110 is configured to operate at a pressure less than 1 x 10 -5 bar. The vapor collector 100 also includes a condensing surface 105 disposed in the shielded environment 110. The condensing surface 105 is maintained to operate at a temperature between 2 °K and 100 °K, which can be, for example, in the dark portion of the lunar surface. There can also be a collection container 140 that includes an aperture 142 that interfaces with the condensing surface 105. The vapor collector 100 is contemplated to further include a heating element 160 located in the shielded environment 110. The heating element 160 is configured to direct heat to a heated region 116 at or beyond the outer rim 106.​​​

[0181] Some embodiments of the vapor collector 100 envision the condensing surface 105 being defined by a plate comprising at least one cryogenic heat exchange tube 172 interposed between a top surface 484 and a bottom surface 486. The condensing surface 105 comprises the top surface 484 and the bottom surface 486, for example as shown in FIG. 7A and 7B Such an arrangement can balance the use of a cryogenic fluid reservoir 422 and a pump 424 configured to circulate a cryogenic fluid through the at least one cryogenic heat exchange tube 172. Additionally, 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 the vapor collector 100 envision the condensing surface 105 comprising a plurality of vanes 108 configured to rotate within the shielded environment 110. In some cases, each vane 108 has a distal end 109 connected to a collection tube 140 configured to collect a target substance 150 that is condensed from the vapor 115 on the vane 108 by centripetal force from the vane 108 when rotating.

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

[0184] Other embodiments of the invention envision a gas collection device 100 that includes a shielded environment 110 when in operation at a pressure less than 1 x 10 -5 bar. The gas collection device 100 can include a condensing surface 105 in an internal volume 110, where there can be a device for maintaining the condensing surface 105 at a temperature between 2 degrees Kelvin and 100 degrees Kelvin. Such a device is shown in FIGS. 7A-7B but can also include electrical cooling and / or laser cooling or some combination thereof. The gas collection device 100 can also include a collection container 140 connected to the condensing surface 105. The condensing container 140 can be configured to hold a liquefied gas 150 that condenses on the condensing surface 105 when the temperature range is between 2 degrees Kelvin and 100 degrees Kelvin. A heating element 160 is envisioned to be located in the shielded environment 110, where the heating element 160 is configured to heat a target area 116 at or beyond the outer rim 106.

[0185] The gas collection device 100 also envisions the condensing surface 105 comprising a plurality of vanes 108 configured to rotate inside the shielded environment 110, as shown in FIG. 1A As shown in FIG. 1AFurther shown, each vane 108 can be equipped with a collection tube 140 at each vane distal end 109. The collection tube 140 is configured to collect target material 150 floating around the shielded environment 110, which is condensed from the vapor 115 on the vane 108 by centripetal force from the vane 108 when rotating.

[0186] These example embodiments are not exhaustive of the embodiments presented throughout this specification, but are merely one example of a chain of contemplated embodiments consistent with embodiments of the present invention. In other words, many other embodiments are described herein that do not necessarily appear in the device embodiments given above.

[0187] It should be understood that although various features and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, and various embodiments of the invention have been described as being comprised of certain features and advantages, it is to be understood that many substitutions, changes, and alterations can be made by one possessing ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, particularly in light of the detailed description of the best mode set forth herein. For example, the condensing surface 105 can include other geometries not explicitly shown in the above embodiments while maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Likewise, the condensing surface 105 is depicted as being cooled by a tube that passes through the plate, but a cryogenic conduit can just as easily extend above or below the plate, partially embedded in the plate, be a hollow plate with a large bore cavity therein, or somewhere in between without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. All components can be manufactured by printing techniques, molding techniques, machining, or a combination of several techniques known to those skilled in the manufacturing arts. Furthermore, although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and the known examples, various changes and modifications can be made which are within the scope of applicants' prior art knowledge and / or the scope of the various claims. It is therefore FIGS. 1A-1E Pumps distal from the vanes requiring a slip ring arrangement are depicted, but other embodiments contemplate pumps on the vanes to avoid any type of stationary-to-rotating part combination. It should also be recognized that the skirt outer rim can have a number of different components and can be above or below the cover, or even integrated or partially integrated with the cover as a single element without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Also, although certain embodiments present different tailings devices, other arrangements can be readily contemplated with the help of the teachings presented herein, such as different plow configurations, or vane / rear hopper configurations that clear loose debris 528A from the front of the scout vehicle 520 and re-deposit at the rear of the scout vehicle 520.

[0188] It is clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While the presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, many modifications can be made of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, which are to be limited only as by the appended claims, presently set forth.

Claims

1. A mining device comprising: a self-powered probe vehicle, the self-powered probe vehicle including a canopy, the canopy including a canopy body extending from an outer rim to a canopy apex, the powered probe vehicle defining a front end and a rear end and a probe vehicle side between the front end and the rear end, the canopy defining a shielded environment when the outer rim is resting on top of a granular soil, the shielded environment being in substantial non-communication with an external environment through the canopy body; a front plow connected to the front end, the front plow including a plow front edge and a plow rear edge closer to the rear end than the plow front edge, the front plow configured to direct randomly dispersed loose rock pieces in a concentrated side tail along at least one of the sides when the powered probe vehicle is moving in a forward direction; and a rear re-deposition blade connected to and extending behind the rear end of the powered probe vehicle, the rear re-deposition blade including a blade front edge and a blade rear edge further from the rear end than the blade front edge, the rear re-deposition blade configured to collect and deposit at least some of the loose rock pieces from the concentrated side tail in a concentrated rear tail behind and in line with the powered probe vehicle when the powered probe vehicle is moving in the forward direction.

2. The mining device of claim 1, wherein the outer rim is a distal end of a skirt extending from the canopy body.

3. The mining device of claim 1, wherein the front plow includes an angle a between 60 degrees and 80 degrees, the angle a defined by an x-axis line extending along a side closest to the plow rear edge and the front plow extending from the plow rear edge to the plow front edge as viewed from the canopy top.

4. The mining device of claim 1, wherein the rear re-deposition blade is connected to a rear end of a secondary movable gas collection device, the secondary movable gas collection device connected to the rear end of the probe vehicle.

5. The mining device of claim 1, further comprising a side channel, the side channel substantially forming an enclosed debris path between the probe vehicle and the side channel and between the probe vehicle and the rear re-deposition blade, the enclosed debris path extending at least from the plow rear edge to the blade rear edge.

6. The mining device of claim 5, wherein the side channel includes a front edge ramp sloping toward the plow front edge of the front plow, the front edge ramp extending the enclosed debris path between the front edge ramp and a portion of the front plow.

7. The mining device 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 probe vehicle, the centerline bisecting the front end and the rear end, the V-shaped plow including a pair of V-shaped plow trailing edges, the trailing re-deposition blade extending from a blade leading edge to a blade trailing edge, the blade leading edge displaced from a first side of the probe vehicle side, wherein the trailing re-deposition blade extends toward the centerline, the probe vehicle further including a second trailing re-deposition blade extending from a second blade leading edge to a second blade trailing edge, the second blade leading edge displaced from a second side of the probe vehicle side, wherein the second trailing re-deposition blade extends toward the centerline, a re-deposition gap existing between the trailing re-deposition blade and the second trailing re-deposition blade, the re-deposition gap configured to form the concentrated rear tail.

8. The mining device of claim 7, further comprising a pair of side channels, each side channel substantially forming an enclosed debris path between the probe vehicle and each side channel, the side channel extending between the V-shaped plow trailing edge and the trailing re-deposition blade, the enclosed debris path extending at least from the plow trailing edge to the blade trailing edge.

9. The mining device of claim 8, wherein each side channel includes a leading edge ramp sloped toward the centerline, each leading edge ramp extending the enclosed debris path between the leading edge ramp and a portion of the front plow.

10. The mining device 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 trailing re-deposition blade connected to a rear end of the probe vehicle, the front plow configured to direct plow debris to one of the sides, the trailing re-deposition blade configured to redirect and deposit the plow debris in a line behind the probe vehicle within a track defined within the probe vehicle width, the gas collection environment defined within a canopy resting over a surface soil layer.

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

13. The zero tailings plow system of claim 11, wherein the trailing re-deposition blade is connected to a rear end of a secondary mobile gas collection device, the secondary mobile gas collection device connected to the rear end of the probe vehicle.

14. The zero tailings plow system of claim 11, further comprising a side channel, the side channel substantially forming an enclosed debris path between the probe vehicle and the side channel and between the probe vehicle and the trailing re-deposition blade, the enclosed debris path extending at least from a plow trailing edge of the front plow to a blade trailing edge of the trailing re-deposition blade.

15. The zero tailings plow system of claim 14, wherein the side channel includes a leading edge ramp sloped toward a leading edge of the front plow, the leading edge ramp extending the enclosed debris path between the leading edge ramp and a portion of the front plow.

16. The zero tailings plow system of claim 14, wherein the front plow is a V-shaped plow having a V-shaped plow apex substantially along a centerline of the probe vehicle, the centerline bisecting a front end and a rear end, the V-shaped plow including a pair of V-shaped plow trailing edges, the rear re-deposition blade extending from a blade leading edge to a blade trailing edge, the blade leading edge displaced from a first side of the probe vehicle side, wherein the rear re-deposition blade extends toward the centerline, the probe vehicle further including a second rear re-deposition blade extending from a second blade leading edge to a second blade trailing edge, the second blade leading edge displaced from a second side of the probe vehicle side, wherein the second rear re-deposition blade extends toward the centerline, a re-deposition gap existing between the rear re-deposition blade and the second rear re-deposition blade, the plowed debris capable of being deposited behind and in line with the probe vehicle at the re-deposition gap.

17. The zero tailings plow system of claim 16, further comprising a second side channel, the second side channel substantially forming a second enclosed debris path, the second enclosed debris path existing between the probe vehicle and the second side channel and between the probe vehicle and the second rear re-deposition blade, the second enclosed 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; a rear re-deposition blade connected to a rear end of the probe vehicle; a plurality of loose rocks positioned above a surface layer; a first arrangement of the loose rocks randomly dispersed in front of the front plow; a second arrangement of the loose rocks positioned in a concentrated side tail along one of the sides; a third arrangement of the loose rocks positioned in a concentrated rear tail behind the probe vehicle in a track defined within the probe vehicle width; a cap including a cap body extending from an outer rim to a cap apex, the gas collection environment defined within the cap body when the outer rim rests on the surface layer, wherein the surface layer is substantially free of loose rocks.

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

20. The loose rock positioning system of claim 18, wherein the rear re-deposition blade includes a blade trailing edge, the blade trailing edge defining the third arrangement of the loose rocks.

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