Soil disturbance system

Abstract

A gaseous substance collection system that can be used on extraterrestrial celestial bodies is envisaged for collecting target gaseous atoms and molecules that float in a shielded environment at a pressure equal to or less than 1 * 10-5 bar. The shielded environment is defined within a cover placed on top of the granular soil, and in one embodiment, the granular soil is a weathered layer. The cover includes a cover body extending from an edge to a top of the cover. The shielding environment is not communicated with the external environment through the cover body. The mining device further comprises a blade, a heat source and a gas collecting face. A blade extends from the edge and is configured to penetrate particulate soil. A heat source disposed in the cover is configured to heat particulate soil. The gas collection face is disposed in the shielded environment and is configured to maintain a temperature below 100 DEG Kelvin.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 368,477, filed September 14, 2023, entitled “Soil Disturbance System,” which is a continuation-in-part claim to priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 230,125, filed August 3, 2023, entitled “Gas Harvesting System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to operating in extremely low pressure environments (below 1×10⁻⁶). -5 (In Pakistan) Disturbance and clearing of the weathered layer to extract gaseous substances.

[0004] 2. Description of relevant technologies

[0005] Helium-3 (He-3) holds immense potential as a clean and efficient energy source, offering numerous benefits for a wide range of applications. He-3 has been discovered to be a highly efficient fuel for nuclear fusion, with the potential to provide a near-limitless and environmentally friendly energy solution. When He-3 fuses with deuterium, it produces helium atoms, protons, and enormous amounts of energy. Unlike traditional nuclear fission, fusion reactions release energy without producing harmful radioactive waste or greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing He-3 for fusion could revolutionize the energy landscape, providing a stable and sustainable energy source for the future.

[0006] However, despite its significant benefits, mining He-3 on Earth faces major limitations. First, He-3 is extremely scarce on Earth. It exists primarily in trace amounts in the surface layer of lunar soil (known as the regolith) and is also scarce in Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, extracting He-3, whether on Earth or the Moon, is challenging and costly. Furthermore, lunar mining presents logistical difficulties, requiring advanced technology and substantial investment. Even assuming successful lunar mining, transporting the extracted He-3 from the Moon to Earth faces significant technological challenges and high costs. These limitations underscore the need for further research and development to find more readily available and cost-effective sources of He-3, or to explore alternative fusion fuel options that do not rely entirely on He-3.

[0007] The topics disclosed in this article generally involve innovations related to the collection of He-3 and other usable gaseous elements on extraterrestrial objects. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention generally relates to a device for extracting and collecting He-3 and other target gaseous elements from extraterrestrial bodies in an extremely low-pressure environment. Extremely low pressure is defined as below 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5 bar.

[0009] One embodiment of the invention envisions a mining apparatus comprising: a shielded environment defined within a cover body situated on top of granular soil, wherein in one embodiment, the granular soil is a weathered layer. The cover body includes a cover body extending from an edge to a top of the cover body. The shielded environment is not in communication with the external environment through the cover body body. The mining apparatus further includes a blade, a heat source, and a gas collection surface. The blade extends from the edge and is configured to penetrate the granular soil. The heat source disposed within the cover body is configured to heat the granular soil. The gas collection surface is disposed within the shielded environment and is configured to maintain a temperature below 100°K.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention envisions a mining configuration that includes being configured to maintain a level less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5 The mining device provides a pressure-controlled internal (shielded) environment. This internal environment is defined within a cap placed on top of the granular soil, and is confined within the boundaries of the granular soil and the inner surface of the cap. The cap includes a cap body extending from an edge to a apex of the top cap. The internal environment is not in communication with the external environment through the cap body. The mining device also includes blades, a heat source, and a gas collector. The blades extend from the edge and are partially embedded in the granular soil. The heat source is disposed within the cap and configured to heat the granular soil. The gas collector is located within the shielded environment and configured to collect gases released from the granular soil by heat from the heat source.

[0011] Another embodiment of the invention envisions a mining system method comprising providing a shielded environment defined within a cap. The cap includes a cap body extending from an edge to a top of the cap body. The shielded environment is defined to be non-communicating with the external environment through the cap body. The method also envisions the steps of: placing the cap on top of a weathered layer; penetrating the weathered layer with a blade extending from the edge; heating the weathered layer with a heat source disposed within the cap body; and maintaining a gas collection surface at a temperature below 100°Kelvin. The gas collection surface is located within the shielded environment. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figures 1A-1C are line diagrams of embodiments of a gaseous substance collection system constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 1D is a line graph of the exploded view of the gaseous substance collection system in Figure 1A.

[0014] Figure 1E is a line view of a cross-sectional view along the cutting line AA in Figure 1B, with the left side of the blade cut off to improve the clarity of the system consistent with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figures 2A and 2B are line diagrams of a collection tube embodiment consistent with the embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figures 3A and 3B are line diagrams of another embodiment of a gaseous substance collection system in operation, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a line diagram schematically depicting an optional condensation target material collector consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figures 5A and 5B are line diagrams of yet another gaseous substance collection system consistent with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5C is a front view line drawing of the gaseous material collection system of Figure 5A, depicting the gaseous target material being vaporized.

[0020] Figures 6A and 6B show line diagrams of another embodiment of a gaseous material collection system without a cover but with only sidewall shielding, consistent with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 7A and 7B are line diagrams depicting an active blade cooling embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 is a line diagram schematically depicting an optional weathering layer heating embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 9 is a schematic line drawing depicting a carrier vehicle (such as a rover) supporting a gaseous matter collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10A is another embodiment of the present invention, depicting a rover and blade system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 10B is a side view of the rover in Figure 10A, depicting the front and rear weathering layer moving blades.

[0026] Figure 10C is a bottom view of the roaming vehicle viewed from inside the cover upwards, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10D is a schematic line drawing depicting the rover dragging the auxiliary moving gas collection device via a connecting chain.

[0028] Figures 11A-11H schematically depict embodiments of the blade device consistent with embodiments of the present invention, which in some embodiments are configured to be installed inside the cover of Figures 10A-10D;

[0029] Figures 12A-12C are line diagrams of various views of a single-barreled tillage blade device consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figures 12D and 12E schematically depict a double-row barbed tillage blade device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figures 13A-13C are line diagrams depicting another embodiment of weathering layer harvesting with a box-type blade, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 14A-14C are line diagrams of a single-disc rake embodiment consistent with the embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14D is a line diagram of a single-row disc rake consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 14E is a schematic diagram of a double-disc rake device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] Figures 14F and 14G are line diagrams of an active single-row disc rake device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] First, this disclosure is illustrative by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Therefore, while the apparatus described herein is shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments for ease of explanation, it should be understood that the principles herein can be equally applied to other similar configurations relating to the subject matter of this invention. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and similar phrases generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the invention and may be included in multiple embodiments of the invention. Importantly, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states that a component or feature “may,” “can,” “may,” or “perhaps” be included or have that characteristic, then that particular component or feature is not necessarily required to include or have that characteristic. As used herein, the terms “having,” “comprising,” “including,” and “including” are considered open-ended language and are synonymous with the term “comprising.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “substantially” is intended to emphasize that the characteristic of something should be understood within acceptable tolerances known to those skilled in the art and conforming to typical normal world tolerances, similar to “more or less.” For example, substantially flat, substantially straight, substantially punctual, etc., all indicate that these characteristics are not necessarily perfectly precise in their extreme sense. Therefore, unless a specific + / - value is specified for "substantially," it is assumed to mean within + / - 2.5% of the exact value. As used herein, the term "connected to" should be interpreted as a physical connection or attachment of the first element to the second element, rather than as "device plus function" for "device for attachment." In fact, unless the term explicitly uses "for" followed by the gerund form of a verb, it should not be interpreted according to 35 USC §112(f). In the following text, similar or identical structures may be identified using the same reference numerals.

[0037] Regarding the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that they are not necessarily drawn to scale and are schematic in nature to illustrate features of interest. Descriptive terms, such as up / down, top / bottom, horizontal / vertical, left / right, etc., may be used relative to various views or conventions provided in the drawings, as generally understood by the observer, to enhance the reader's understanding and are by no means intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise specifically stated (e.g., elements that rely on gravity for operation), all embodiments described herein are considered to be operable in any overall physical orientation.

[0038] The embodiments described herein relate to the collection of vaporized gaseous atoms and molecules in an extremely low-pressure environment. An extremely low-pressure environment is defined herein as below 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5The pressure at Earth's sea level is approximately 1 bar. An aspect of the invention considers the mining of gaseous atoms and molecules on extraterrestrial bodies (e.g., the Moon, asteroids, satellites orbiting other planets, etc.). Many of these extraterrestrial bodies experience little to no environmental pressure at or immediately beyond their surface, and, depending on their size, their gravitational forces are significantly weaker than those experienced on Earth.

[0039] While embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with many different extraterrestrial bodies, one objective of the invention is to focus on mining gaseous atoms and molecules (materials) from the Moon. The Moon's atmosphere (surface boundary exosphere) has a density of approximately 3 × 10⁻⁶. -15 The pressure and temperature of the Moon can vary between 20°C and 400°K. For the sake of continued lunar exploration and the maintenance of long-term human habitation, extracting or otherwise mining important gaseous materials (such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium) from the Moon could reduce reliance on transporting these materials from Earth. Furthermore, helium-3, a light and stable isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron, holds promise as a crucial component in fusion reactions and is more abundant on the Moon than on Earth. Some estimates suggest that helium-3 is more than a thousand times more abundant on the Moon than on Earth, making it a better target for obtaining helium-3.

[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention envision extracting target gaseous materials from the Moon by heating the lunar regolith (lunar soil / minerals) to a gas vaporization temperature, defined as a temperature high enough to release / vaporize these target gaseous materials from the lunar regolith, or simply "regolith". The vaporized target gaseous materials are then collected as liquids from condensation surfaces at or below the condensation temperature corresponding to each target gaseous material. Upon condensation, i.e., liquefaction, the liquids are collected and retained in containers, which improves the transport of these target materials.

[0041] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention envision a zero-tailings mining device equipped with a vapor collection system, which can be used on extraterrestrial bodies to collect tailings at pressures equal to or less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5 The target gaseous atoms and molecules float in a shielded environment of 1 bar (pressure consistent with that on the Moon). Other implementations consider operation at pressures consistent with Mars, i.e., pressures less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -2Tailings refer to waste materials that have already been mined. The shielded environment is defined within the sidewalls, and in some cases within the cover. A condensation surface within the shielded environment is maintained at a temperature between 2°K and 100°K, optionally below 100°K, to collect a floating target gas that condenses into a liquid on the condensation surface. A collection container at the condensation surface collects the liquid. Heating elements within the shielded environment are configured to heat minerals located at or outside the edges, thereby releasing the target gas from the minerals. The gas floats within the shielded environment.

[0042] Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1A-1C are line diagrams of embodiments of a gaseous substance collection system constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A is a simplified isometric view of embodiment 100 of the gaseous substance collection system, wherein the dome cover 104 is depicted as transparent to view the components therein. In this embodiment, a cryogenic pump 424 extends from the dome apex 103 (as shown in Figure 1B) and communicates with a cryogenic storage tank 134 via a cryogenic transmission line 126. The pump 424 pumps cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic storage tank 134 to cool a plurality of blades 108, which receive the cryogenic fluid via a cryogenic supply line 138. The blades 108 are condensation surfaces 105 configured to collect the vaporized target material 115 (atoms and molecules) of Figure 3A in liquid condensation form. The plurality of blades 108 are configured to rotate by a motor 130 located within the dome cover 104. In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the blade 108 is envisioned to be between 5 and 60 rpm; however, other speeds outside this range may be considered depending on the desired accumulation of gaseous material 115. The motor 130 is mounted within a motor shield 132, which provides support for the motor 130 from the dome-shaped cover 104. The rotating blade 108 serves several purposes, including A) increasing the probability of collisions with the gaseous target atoms or molecules 115, which, upon impact with the cooled blade 108, will condense and liquefy on the cooled condensation surface 105; and B) migrating the liquefied target material to the distal end 109 of each blade 108 by centripetal force. In this embodiment, the liquefied target material (by centripetal force from the rotating blade 108) migrates to a collection tube 140 located at the distal end 109 of each blade. In some embodiments, the blade 108 is envisioned to be made of copper or silver, and in some cases, it may be coated with gold for better heat transfer. The cooled condensing blade 108 is cooled to the condensation point temperature of the gaseous target material 115, thereby causing the gaseous target material 115 to accumulate on the blade 108 or otherwise adhere and coalesce.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1B, the blade 108 is located within the internal volume 110 of the dome-shaped cover 104. The dome-shaped cover 104 extends from the dome apex 103 to the dome edge 106. The dome edge 106 is configured to be positioned on top of the weathered layer 112. The internal volume 110 of the cover 104 is defined as the spatial volume defined between the internal cover surface 107 and the weathered layer 112 (shown here as speckled dust). A heating source 160 within the cover 104 is configured to heat the weathered layer 112 at a temperature that vaporizes the target material from the weathered layer 112, thereby discharging the vaporized target material into the internal volume 110. In this embodiment, the heating source 160 is a laser on a gimbal that scans a laser beam 162 across the surface of the weathered layer 112 to guide the laser beam 162 to heat the target area 116 on the surface of the weathered layer 112. In other words, when the laser beam 162 scans and irradiates the surface of the weathered layer 112, it provides localized or point-like heating, thereby heating a small area on the surface of the weathered layer 112. Alternative heating source implementations include: radiating elements for heating the surface of the weathered layer 112, heating teeth penetrating the weathered layer 112, such as heating rakes or heating spikes, to name just a few. It is envisioned that the weathered layer 112 is heated to temperatures above 500°K, and in some cases, the temperature range is between 500° and 1500°K. For example, He-3 is released from the weathered layer between approximately 875° and 1100°K. In some cases, gases may be released from the heated weathered layer 112 in combination with chemical substances.

[0044] Figure 1C is a top view of the gaseous material collection system 100 as seen through the dome-shaped cover 104. As shown, eight condensing blades 108 are driven by a motor 130 that rotates about a central axis 112. As they rotate, centripetal force causes the condensate (condensate) to migrate to the distal end 109 of the blades 108 and subsequently to the collection tube 140. A pump 424 circulates cryogenic fluid through the blades 108 via a hydraulic slip ring (not shown) as the blades 108 rotate, making it possible to supply cryogenic fluid to the blades 108 during continuous rotation, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Figure 1D is a line diagram of the exploded view of the gaseous substance collection system 100 of Figure 1A. As shown, the cryogenic pump 424 includes a cryogenic transfer line 126 extending through a receiving hole / port 120 at the apex 103 of the dome 104. Below the dome 104 is a blade rotation motor 130 for rotating the condensing blades 108. The blade rotation motor 130 is supported by a motor shield 132 mounted to the inner surface of the dome apex 103. As shown, a motor shaft 131 extends into a shaft 114 at the center of the blades 108, rotating the eight blades 108 when activated. A controller can be connected to the blade rotation motor 130 to control the motor speed. A slip ring device 122 (also called a rotary joint) is attached to the cryogenic transfer line 126 to transfer cryogenic fluid to the blades 108 via a cryogenic reservoir 134 and a cryogenic supply line 138 as the blades 108 rotate. The slip ring device 122 is a separate component designed to prevent leakage or damage to both stationary and rotating parts, thereby allowing the cryogenic fluid to circulate continuously through the rotating blade 108. Each collection tube 140 is attached to the corresponding blade distal end 109 via a mechanical clamp 141.

[0046] Figure 1E is a line drawing of a cross-sectional view along the cut line AA in Figure 1B, with the left side of blade 108 cut off to improve the clarity of the component of interest in the figure. As shown, cryogenic pump 424 is configured to pump cryogenic fluid (see arrow below the top of cryogenic pump 424) to cryogenic tank 134 via cryogenic transfer supply line 126A and slip ring device 122. Circulating cryogenic fluid moves to blade 108 via cryogenic supply line 138 and blade cryogenic heat exchange tube 124, which are described in more detail in some embodiments, in conjunction with Figures 7A and 7B. The cryogenic fluid is configured to cool blade 108 to a temperature below the condensation point of gaseous target material 115 floating in the internal volume 110 within cap 104. The cryogenic fluid is then returned to pump 424 via cryogenic transfer return line 126B, where it circulates. The heat exchange implementation, which is not shown here but is depicted in Figure 7A and described in the related text, includes a compressor and a heat exchanger 430 that removes heat from the cryogenic fluid upon return to the pump 424.

[0047] Figure 2A is a line diagram of a collection tube embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the collection tube embodiment 140 is essentially a closed tube having an inlet port (open end) 142 connected to the distal end 109 of the blade. The collection tube 140 includes a tube flare 144 with an outwardly flared lip to provide a larger inlet port 142 for enhanced fluid collection 150 from the blade 108. In operation, as shown in Figure 2B, as the condensing blade 108 rotates, the condensed liquid 150 on the condensing blade 108 migrates to the distal end 109 of the blade, where condensate droplets 150B are ejected and collected in a pool of condensed target material 150 located at the distal end 148 of the tube. A spring valve 146 opens due to the centripetal force of the rotating blade 108 and the tube 140, allowing droplets 150B to pass through to the distal end 148 of the tube, see the arrow associated with droplets 150B. When the blade 108 stops rotating, the spring valve 146 closes, thereby trapping the liquid 150 inside the tube 140.

[0048] Figures 3A and 3B are line diagrams of another embodiment of a gaseous material collection system in operation, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3A is a side view of embodiment 200 of the gaseous material collection system, and Figure 3B is a top view of embodiment 200 of the gaseous material collection system. As shown in these figures, the gaseous material collection system 200 includes a square cap 204 instead of a dome-shaped cap. The square cap 204 provides more efficient extraction of the gaseous target material 115 from the regolith 112 because mining on the lunar surface can be accomplished by simply moving the cap 204 from a mined square block to an unmined square block, thereby mining a row of regolith 112. As shown in Figure 3A, a laser system 160 guides a laser beam 162 through the surface 112 of the regolith and ablates the regolith 112, in some embodiments, for example, to a depth between 2 mm and 2 cm, thereby releasing the gaseous target material 115 from the regolith 112. The released gaseous target material 115 is naturally dispersed within the internal volume 110 defined by the cover 204. As the cooling blade 108 rotates, the gaseous target material 115 condenses onto the blade 108 and migrates as droplets 150B to the collection tube 140. In this embodiment, multiple lasers 160 are provided to simultaneously ablate the weathered layer 112.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic line diagram depicting an optional condensate target material collector consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the gaseous material collection system embodiment 300 is very similar to systems 100 and 200, but instead of using the collection pipe 140, it relies on an annular groove 306 in the sidewall 308 of the cover, which leads to a reservoir 310 containing the dripped condensate target material 150. Therefore, as the condensing blade 108 rotates within the internal volume 110 of the cover 304, the condensate droplets 150B formed on the cooling blade 108 migrate to the distal end 109 of the blade rotating within the annular groove 306 in the sidewall 308 of the cover. The liquid 150 drips into one or more containers 341 communicating with the groove 340. The gaseous material collection system embodiment 300 operates in the presence of gravity, which is approximately one-sixth of Earth's gravity on the Moon.

[0050] Figures 5A-5B are line diagrams of another gaseous substance collection system consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5A is an isometric view of embodiment 400 of the gaseous substance collection system, including a plurality of static / fixed condensing blades 408 (which serve as condensing surfaces 105) that use gravity to migrate condensate droplets 150B to a collection tube 440. As shown here, the gaseous substance collection system 400 includes a plurality of V-shaped condensing blades 408, which are inclined downward from their respective proximal ends 406. Alternative embodiments consider condensing blades having non-V-shaped shapes, such as flat, U-shaped, corrugated, etc. The proximal ends 406 of the blades are attached to a cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, which guides cryogenic liquid (not shown) flowing through the condensing blades 408 to cool them to a temperature that will cause the target gaseous target material 115 to condense. Under the influence of gravity, condensed droplets 150B migrate to the distal drip edge 409 of the condensing blade 408, whereby droplets 150B drip into the collection tube 440 through their respective collection tube inlet ports 442. As shown, the condensed target material 150 accumulates in the collection tube 440. Of course, the gaseous material collection system 400 requires gravity (shown by arrow 136) to operate. Multiple condensing blades 408 are disposed within the internal volume 110 of the cover 404. The cover 404 is defined by a top surface 414, side walls 412, and an edge 416 defining an open side positioned on top of the weathered layer 112.

[0051] Figure 5B is a side line view of the gaseous material collection system 400 of Figure 5A, depicting the blade cooling system 420. This blade cooling system 420 typically includes a cryogenic fluid reservoir 422 containing a cryogenic fluid drawn by a pump 424. The pump 424 circulates the cryogenic fluid through a cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 and into a tube (not shown) in the blade 408. The cryogenic fluid is used to cool the blade 408 to a temperature that would cause the gaseous target material 115 to condense on the surface of the blade 108. The cryogenic fluid may include, for example, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, and liquid helium. The condensate droplets 150B migrate along the blade 408 towards the distal dripping edge 409 under the influence of gravity. When the condensate droplets 150B reach the distal dripping edge 409, they drip into a collection tube 440, where the condensed target material 150 is retained.

[0052] Figure 5C is a front view line drawing of the gaseous material collection system 400 of Figure 5A, depicting gaseous target material 115 vaporized by a laser beam 162 (generated by a laser 160 configured to sweep across the surface of the weathered layer 112). As shown, the gaseous target material 115 is dispersed in the internal volume 110 of a cover 404, which is positioned on the weathered layer surface 112 via its edge 460. The gaseous target material 115 condenses into droplets 150B on a cryogenic cooling blade 408, with the condensed droplets 150B dripping into a collection tube 440. A cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 is shown here for reference.

[0053] Figures 6A and 6B are line diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a gaseous substance collection system without a cover, but with only sidewall shielding, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6A, the gaseous substance collection system embodiment 500 includes three rows of condensing blades 408 surrounded by sidewall shielding 460. More or fewer rows may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of this embodiment. The sidewall shielding 460 is transparent to view the block diagram elements therein. The sidewall shielding 460 has no top or bottom side. The bottom shielding edge 452 is configured to be positioned on top of the weathering layer 112, and the upper lip edge 453 provides an unobstructed exposure opening 458 for the blades 408 to the sky (external environment 462) to assist in the cooling effect of the blades 408. Blades 408A-408C act as a cover covering at least 70% of the upper surface region 454 defined by the periphery of the top edge 453. The sidewall 460 extends from the bottom shielding edge 452 to the top edge 453. The condenser blades 408A, 408B, and 408C are staggered, thereby essentially blocking the path of the target gaseous molecules or atoms 115 from the weathering layer 112 directly to the external environment 462. In other words, the probability of the released gaseous material 115 impacting or otherwise landing on the surface of the condenser blade 408 is high, and the probability of escaping into the sky is low. The condenser blade 408 is cooled by a cryogenic liquid, which is pumped in series from one cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410 to another via connecting lines 428 by a pump 424. Alternatively, the cryogenic liquid is pumped to each distribution conduit 410 in parallel. The gaseous target material 115 is configured to condense into droplets 150B on the cryogenic cooling blade 408, wherein the condensed droplets 150B drip into the collection container 455 through the container inlet region 456.

[0054] Figure 6B is a side view of embodiment 450 of the gaseous material collection system of Figure 6A. Three condenser ducts 408A, 408B, and 408C are shown collecting gaseous target material 115 and dripping it into collection container 455. In this configuration, the distal drip edges 409 are arranged in a staggered manner to provide a clear path for the condensate droplets 150B to drip and collect into collection container 455. As shown, embodiment 150 of the gaseous material collection system includes a cryogenic reservoir 422 and a pump 424, both mounted on a sidewall shielding structure 460 and interconnected via a cryogenic transfer line 426. A cryogenic connection line 428 connecting cryogenic liquid distribution conduits 410 is also shown. In this embodiment, the absence of a cover enhances the radiative cooling effect in the dark outer space directly facing the blade 408.

[0055] Cooling the condensation surface 105 (e.g., condensation blade 108 or 408) on the Moon to temperatures capable of condensing and liquefying nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, etc., is a challenging task due to the extreme environmental conditions and lack of an atmosphere. To facilitate heat transfer and energy exchange for cooling the condensation surface 105, highly conductive and, in some cases, highly emissive coatings are considered to improve cooling efficiency. These highly conductive materials are commonly known to include silver, copper, gold, and aluminum, to name a few. Some inventive aspects considered herein utilize the almost non-existent atmosphere of the Moon and the extremely low temperatures in its shadowed regions. For example, temperatures at the lunar poles can drop below 20° Kelvin, which could significantly improve the efficiency of blade 408 in reaching these lower temperatures. Furthermore, exposing a smooth / highly emissive surface to outer space can improve temperature reduction through radiative heat exchange. For these reasons, some aspects of the invention envision mining the target gaseous material 115 in these cooler regions of the Moon. However, inventive aspects of the invention will operate on the warmer, sunlit sides of the Moon, although potentially less efficiently.

[0056] Figures 7A and 7B are line diagrams depicting an active blade cooling embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Active cooling employs a cooling method that removes heat from the condensation surface 105. The most common technique is the use of a cryogenic refrigeration system based on mechanical refrigeration principles. This system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger, which may be an evaporator. One embodiment of the invention depicts a blade 408 from Figure 5A, including a plurality of cryogenic heat exchange tubes 472 arranged in a loop within the blade 408. As shown in the cross-section along cut line AA in Figure 7B, the heat exchange tubes 472 have a circular cross-sectional shape (but may optionally be some other shape, such as rectangular or elliptical, to name a few), embedded between the blade top surface 484 and the blade bottom surface 486 in the blade 408. In this embodiment, the blade 408 is V-shaped, providing a concave 'groove' on the top surface 484 and a convex peak 482 on the bottom surface 486 to concentrate the condensate droplets 150B and more effectively deliver them to the distal drip edge 409. As shown by arrow 474 in Figure 7A, the cryogenic fluid 475 is pumped and flows through heat exchange tube 472.

[0057] More specifically, Figure 7A depicts the movement of cryogenic fluid 475 through channel 468 in blade 408. More specifically, cryogenic fluid 475 is circulated by pump 424 through cryogenic supply line 476, which supplies cryogenic fluid 475 to distribution conduit channel 470 in insulated cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, which supplies cryogenic fluid 475 to heat exchange tube 472 in blade 408. Compressor and heat exchanger 430 can be configured in a variety of ways to cool cryogenic fluid 475, including simply radiating heat collected in blade 408 to the lunar atmosphere through a radiator, or by sublimation cooling, such as through a dry ice-like medium, configured in a manner similar to cooling systems used in spacesuits, and as is known to those skilled in the art. Cryogenic reservoir 422 is an insulated container that contains cryogenic fluid 475 supplied through supply channel 468. The fluid path follows arrow 474. A portion of the cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, distribution conduit channel 470, cap 404, and cryogenic supply line 476 is cut off by a cutting line 478. The system compression cutting line 478 passes through the cryogenic liquid distribution conduit 410, distribution conduit channel 470, cap 404, and a portion of the cryogenic supply line 476, and cuts off these components through the cutting line 478 to isolate a single condenser blade 408. The system compression cutting line 478 simplifies the schematic diagram in Figure 7A.

[0058] An optional technology for cooling blade 408 is the use of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), which can be embedded in blade 408 to actively remove heat by utilizing the Peltier effect. However, since TEC may have limitations in achieving extremely low temperatures, it may be used in combination with other cooling technologies.

[0059] As discussed in conjunction with the embodiment in Figure 6A, by arranging the condensing blade 408 toward the cold lunar sky, the cooling effect on the condensing blade 408 can be further enhanced by radiation cooling, since the lunar surface experiences extremely low temperatures during the lunar night.

[0060] Another embodiment of the invention considers the use of laser cooling to achieve temperatures below 3°Kelvin by utilizing quantum mechanical principles. This cooling mechanism relies on the Doppler effect in the photon absorption recoil during the manipulation of atomic momentum through selective absorption and re-emission of photons, causing the material on the blade surface to lose kinetic energy and thus lower its temperature. By carefully controlling the laser frequency and intensity, laser cooling can optionally be used to lower the temperature for helium-3 collection.

[0061] Figure 8 is a line diagram schematically depicting an alternative weathering layer heating embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. This weathering layer heating embodiment 500 is one of many possible embodiments that increase the temperature of the weathering layer 112, at which the target gaseous material retained therein is released from the weathering layer 112. Some embodiments envision using chemicals (such as fluorine) to assist in the release of the target material from the weathering layer 112 in addition to heating the weathering layer 112. In this embodiment, a plurality of heating spikes 510 penetrate the surface of the weathering layer 112 through sharp spike tips 512. The heating spikes 510 extend from the bottom of a screen / grid structure 508, which includes a plurality of openings 506 providing a path for the released target gas 115 to escape from the weathering layer 112 and enter the internal volume 110 (shown in previous figures). A block diagram of a power supply 502 with electrical connection lines 504 is shown to illustrate the power supply for the heating spikes 510. This particular heating embodiment 500 is shown in conjunction with an apparatus including the static condensing blade 408 from FIG. 5A; however, it can be used equally for the rotating blade 108. One advantage of the laser heating source 160 relative to this embodiment is the potential to reduce residual heat dissipated from the surface of the weathered layer 112. Residual heat from this embodiment 500 may increase the difficulty of cooling the blade 108 below the condensation temperature of the target gaseous material 115.

[0062] Figure 9 is a schematic line diagram depicting a carrier vehicle (such as a rover) supporting a gaseous substance collection system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Gaseous substance collection system 200 is used here as an example; however, other embodiments of gaseous substance collection systems can be used similarly. An advantageous embodiment envisions the rover 520 providing all the necessary power to operate the gaseous substance collection system 200 and may further include a sufficient quantity of cryogenic fluid or support certain functions of the gaseous substance collection system 200, such as a cooling device to maintain the cryogenic fluid. However, alternative embodiments consider the gaseous substance collection system 200 to have some (if not all) power supply capabilities independent of the rover 520, such as battery or solar power. As shown, the rover 520 may include a gaseous substance collection system support 530 configured to place the gaseous substance collection system 200 on the weathered layer surface 113, thereby enabling the gaseous substance collection system 200 to effectively mine new weathered layer 112 rich in target material 115. Some embodiments envision mining the weathered layer of target material 115 to a depth 526, for example, between 2 mm and 40 mm. A gaseous material collection system support 530 raises and lowers the gaseous material collection system 200 on the weathered layer surface 113, as indicated by the collection system hinge arrow 532. In this embodiment, the gaseous material collection system 200 includes a rectangular cap 204 that allows for mining in rectangular footprints. Therefore, the rover 520 moves the gaseous material collection system 200 from one rectangular footprint to another, which more efficiently mines the weathered layer 112. Thus, the device is configured to mine rows of weathered layers 112 at progressively deeper depths. Therefore, during the first pass along a row of weathered layers, the plow 522 is raised to allow the gaseous material collection system 200 to contact the undisturbed weathered layer 112. In subsequent operations, the plow 522 is lowered to a depth 526 (predetermined or determined by sampling the target material concentration) of the unmined weathered layer rich in the target material 115. In other words, the plow 522 pushes away the depleted weathered layer 111 (depleted to a certain concentration of the target material 115) that has been partially depleted of the target material 115. Figure 9 depicts the plow blade 524, extending at the front end of the rover 520, descending 528 into the weathered layer to clear the depleted weathered layer 111 at a designated depth 526 (depicted as black and white dots with a density lower than that of the weathered layer 112). In this way, the rover 520 can mine back and forth along a row of weathered layers 112 until it is deemed necessary to mine a new row. The plow blade 524 can be positioned below, behind, or elsewhere on the rover 520, as long as it can clear the weathered layer for a new round of operations of the gaseous material collection system 200.

[0063] Figure 10A illustrates another embodiment of the invention, depicting a rover and blade system consistent with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, this rover embodiment 520 includes a mining device, with most of the structure housed within a cover 534. The cover 534 is configured to sit atop a weathered layer 112, thereby creating a shielded environment 110 to trap gaseous material 115 released from the weathered layer 112. As previously described, the weathered layer 112 is an embodiment of extraterrestrial particulate soil. The rover 520 includes six wheels 536 mounted to a rocker-bogie suspension 540 designed for traversing uneven terrain. In this embodiment, the rover 520 utilizes a battery 544, which can be easily enhanced with a solar collector (not shown). The plow blade 524 is configured to pivot left and right as shown, in addition to being raised, lowered, and tilted. This rover embodiment 520 includes a gas collection tank 546 and a liquefied gas storage tank 548. Gas collection tank 546 is configured to collect gaseous target material 115 released from weathering layer 112 (see schematic depiction in FIG3A when referenced in the label below), and liquefied gas storage tank 548 is configured to supply liquefied gas to collection system 105, wherein some embodiments of collection system 105 reside in shielded environment 110.

[0064] Figure 10B is a side view of the rovers 520 of Figure 10A supporting the mining apparatus 562, schematically depicting the front weathering layer moving blade 550 and the rear weathering layer moving blade 552. Blades 550 and 552 extend from the edge 535 of the cover 534 located at the bottom of the cover 534. As shown, the front weathering layer moving blade 550 is above the rear weathering layer moving blade 552. In this configuration, the front blade 550 is higher than the rear blade 552. Therefore, as the rovers 520 move in the forward direction 516, the front blade 550 removes the top layer of the weathering layer 112, and the rear blade 552 removes the deeper layers of the weathering layer 112 (below the top weathering layer 112). As the rover 520 moves in the direction of arrow 516 (i.e., the front of the rover 554 guides the rear of the rover 556), large fragments / rocks 518 are pushed aside by the plow 522, while the weathered layer 112 is turned over by the front weathered layer moving blade 550 and the rear weathered layer moving blade 552. For reference, the cap body 538 is shown extending upwards from the edge 535 to the top 539 of the cap.

[0065] Figure 10C is a bottom view of the structure inside the cover 534 of the rover 520, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. As shown, the internal volume 110 inside the cover 534 includes a gaseous substance collection system 100, which includes three condensing blade devices 108 as shown in Figure 1A. It should be understood that other embodiments of the gaseous substance collection system may be placed in different locations inside the internal volume 110 without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. This rover embodiment 520 includes six tracked wheels 536 mounted to the rocker arm bogie suspension 540; however, other propulsion devices, such as continuous tracks, may also be used. From this perspective, a row of laser heat sources 160A is positioned near the front 554 of the rover to heat the weathered layer 112 before it is disturbed by the blades 550 and 552. The front row of laser heaters 160A is designed to release target gas 115 from the top layer of the weathered layer 112 (e.g., up to 2 cm deep, but may be deeper or shallower). Two additional rows of laser heat sources 160B and 160C are positioned near the front weathering layer moving blade 550 and the rear weathering layer moving blade 552, respectively. In this arrangement, the second row of lasers 160B is located directly behind the front row of weathering layer moving blades 550, but in front of the second row of weathering layer moving blades 552. The second row of lasers 160B is configured to heat and release gaseous material 115 from the first layer of weathering layer 112 turned over by the front weathering layer moving blade 550. The third row of lasers 160C is located directly behind the rear weathering layer moving blade 552 and is configured to release gaseous material 115 from the second layer of weathering layer 112 turned over by the rear weathering layer moving blade 552 using the heat generated by the laser beam 162 generated by the third row of lasers 160C.

[0066] Figure 10D is a schematic line drawing depicting a rover 520 towing an auxiliary mobile gas collection device 560 via a connecting chain (tether) 558. The auxiliary mobile gas collection device 560 includes a cover 534 similar to the rover cover 534 but not necessarily having its own driving capability. In this embodiment, the auxiliary mobile gas collection device 560 includes four wheels 536 simply mounted to the cover body 538. As shown, a rear weathering layer moving blade 552 extends partially from the edge 535 of the auxiliary mobile gas collection device. A battery 544 is attached to the top 539 of the auxiliary mobile gas collection device cover. Although the auxiliary mobile gas collection device 560 does not have a gas storage tank integrated or directly attached, some embodiments envision a gas storage tank supported by the auxiliary mobile gas device 539. Therefore, in this embodiment, any material collected in the internal volume 110 of the auxiliary mobile gas device is transferred to the gas collection tank 546 on the rover 520.

[0067] Figures 11A-11H schematically depict embodiments of the blade device consistent with embodiments of the present invention, in some embodiments where the blade device is configured to be mounted inside the cover 534 of Figures 10A-10D. Figure 11A is a side line view of a single plow blade device 571 connected to a plow arm 576 extending from a support beam 578. As shown, the plow blade 570 is penetrating the weathered layer 112, and the plow front edge 572 tumbles the upper layer of weathered layer 112A and the lower layer of weathered layer 112B through the plow face 574. A laser heating source 160, powered via a power line 161 connected to a battery 544 on the rover 520, is configured to heat the weathered layer 112 by directing a laser beam 162 toward the weathered layer 112 at the plow rear edge 577. This embodiment includes a pair of radiant heating elements 164 located in front of the plow front edge 572 and behind the plow rear edge 577. The radiant heating element 164 is designed to release gaseous material 115 from the weathered layer in front of and behind the plow blade 570, wherein the released gaseous material 115 is confined inside the cover 534. The plow blade 570 moves in the direction of travel (arrow) 516 under the power of the rover 520.

[0068] Figure 11B is a front isometric view of the single plow blade assembly 571 of Figure 11A, and Figure 11C is a rear isometric view of the single plow blade assembly 571 of Figure 11A. These different perspectives show the geometric relationship between the leading edge 572 of the plow blade of the plow 570 and the heat sources 160 and 164, as well as the shape of the plow arm 576 and the trailing edge 577. As shown, a portion of the support beam 578 is also provided in perspective.

[0069] Figure 11D is a top view line drawing of the plow blade 570, depicting the movement of the weathered layer 112 through the plow face 574. Radiant heating elements 164 are shown in front of the leading edge 572 and behind the trailing edge 577.

[0070] Figures 11E and 11F are equidistant line views of a single-row plow assembly 571 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11E depicts a single-row plow assembly 575 with five rows of plows 570 extending from a support beam 578 attached to a connector bracket 579. The connector bracket 579 is mounted to the internal volume 110 of a cover 534. Each of the five plows 570 has a corresponding laser heating element 160, configured to sweep a heated laser beam 162 across a weathered layer 112 behind the corresponding plow 570. Figure 11F depicts the trailing edge 577 of the five plows 570 in the single-row plow assembly 575. As shown, each of the five plows 570 is mounted to a corresponding plow arm 576. Also as shown, each of the laser heating elements 160 is attached above the corresponding plow 570, all of which are attached to the support beam 578, which is connected to the connector bracket 579.

[0071] Figures 11G and 11H schematically depict a double-row plow apparatus 573 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11G is a side line view of the double-row plow apparatus 573, wherein the first plow row 570A is in front of and above the second plow row 570B. Thus, when the double-row plow apparatus 573 moves in the direction of arrow 516, the first plow row 570A tumbles the upper layer of the weathered layer 112A, wherein the first row of lasers 160A corresponding to the first plow row 570A heats the upper layer of the weathered layer 112A with its laser beam 162 to release the gaseous material 115 trapped in the upper layer of the weathered layer 112A. The second plow row 570B tumbles the lower layer of the weathered layer 112C, wherein the second row of lasers 160B corresponding to the second plow row 570B heats the lower layer of the weathered layer 112C to release the gaseous material 115 trapped in the lower layer of the weathered layer 112C. The first plowshare 570A and the second plowshare 570B are connected to the support beam 578, and the support beam 578 is connected to the connector bracket 579.

[0072] Figure 11H is an isometric line view of the dual-plow assembly 573, showing the relative positions of the first plowshare 570A and the second plowshare 570B, as well as the corresponding lasers 160A and 160B. The support beam 578 and connector bracket 579 are also shown here for reference.

[0073] Figures 12A-12C are line diagrams of various views of the single-barreled tillage blade device 581 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The single-barreled tillage blade device 581 is envisioned to be installed inside the cover 534 of Figures 10A-10D. As shown in the side view line diagram of Figure 12A, the single-barreled tillage device 581 is similar to the plow embodiment of Figure 11A, but has a barbed tillage blade 580 that flips the lower weathered layer 112B over the upper weathered layer 112A when the weathered layer 112 first encounters the tip 582 of the barbed tillage blade and moves upward past the barbed tillage blade surface 584. As shown, the lower weathered layer 112B and the upper weathered layer 112A flip along with the trailing edge 587 of the barbed tillage blade during the forward movement 516. During operation (i.e., when the rover 520 moves forward 516), the upper weathered layer 112A is heated by the front radiant heater 164A, which releases the gaseous material 115 trapped within it. At the trailing edge 587 of the burrowing blade, the lower weathered layer 112B is heated by the laser beam 162 emitted from the laser 160 and the rear radiant heater 164B, both of which release the gaseous material 115 trapped within it. The burrowing blade 580 is attached to the distal end of the tilling arm 586, which is attached to a support bracket 589. The support bracket 589 is connected to a support beam assembly 588 that attaches the burrowing device to the interior of the cover 534.

[0074] Figure 12B is a front isometric view of the single-barreled tillage blade assembly 581 of Figure 12A. Figure 12C is a rear isometric view of the single-barreled tillage blade assembly 581 of Figure 12A. These different perspectives illustrate the geometric relationship between the leading edge 582 and trailing edge 587 of the barbed tillage blade and the heat sources 160 and 164. As shown, the barbed tillage blade 580 is attached to the distal end of the tillage arm 586, which is attached to the support bracket 589. Partial structure of the support beam assembly 588 is also shown.

[0075] Figures 12D and 12E schematically depict a double-row barbed tillage blade device 585 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12D is a side line view of the double-row barbed tillage blade device 585, wherein the first barbed tillage blade row 580A is in front of and above the second barbed tillage blade row 580B. Thus, when the double-row barbed tillage blade device 585 moves in the direction of arrow 516, the first barbed tillage blade row 580A agitates the upper layer of the weathered layer 112A, wherein the first row of lasers 160A corresponding to the first barbed tillage blade row 580A heats the middle layer of the weathered layer 112B with their respective laser beams 162 to release the gaseous material 115 trapped in the middle layer of the weathered layer 112B. The second row of tillage blades 580B agitates the lower layer of the weathered layer 112C, wherein the second row of lasers 160B corresponding to the second row of tillage blades 580B heats the lower layer of the weathered layer 112C to release the gaseous material 115 trapped therein. The first row of tillage blades 580A and the second row of tillage blades 580B are respectively connected to support beams 588A and 588B, which are connected to connector bracket 589.

[0076] Figure 12E is an isometric line view of the double-row barbed tillage blade assembly 585, showing the relative positions of the first barbed tillage blade row 580A in front of and above the second barbed tillage blade row 580B, and the corresponding lasers 160A and 160B. The support beam 578 and connector bracket 579 are also shown here for reference.

[0077] Figures 13A-13C are line diagrams depicting another embodiment of weathering layer harvesting consistent with an embodiment of the present invention using a box-type blade. Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, a single box-type blade assembly 595 is shown, having a box-type blade 590 extending between two sidewalls 596. The two sidewalls 596 are secured in place by a front support beam 599 and a rear support beam 591, as well as the box-type blade 590. The box-type blade assembly 595 is attached to a cover 534 via a support bracket 598. In this embodiment, for example, the box-type blade assembly 595 is moved by a rovers 520 in the forward direction 516 indicated by arrows. As the box-type blade assembly 595 moves forward 516, the box-type blade tip 592 digs into the top layer of the weathering layer 112, causing the weathering layer to be pushed along the box-type blade face 594 and overturned at the trailing edge 597 of the box-type blade. In this embodiment, a radiation heater 164 is provided for heating the weathered layer 112 in front of the box blade 590. The box blade surface 594 can also be heated (e.g., by embedding or attaching a resistor to the box blade 590). A pair of lasers 160A and 160B can further heat the weathered layer 112 that has tumbled off from the trailing edge 597 and the weathered layer 112 that has settled behind the box blade 590. It should be understood that, in alternative embodiments, any heating method may be included in or omitted from the box blade assembly 595 without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. As shown, Figure 13A is a side view line drawing of the single box blade assembly 595, and Figure 13B is an isometric line drawing of the single box blade assembly 595.

[0078] Figure 13C is a side view of another box-blade embodiment 193, featuring multiple box-blades 590A-590C arranged at continuous depths to penetrate the weathered layer 112 at these continuous depths. As shown, the first box-blade 590A penetrates the upper weathered layer 112A, the second box-blade 590B penetrates the deeper weathered layer 112B, and the third box-blade 590C penetrates even deeper weathered layers 112C. As the box-blade assembly 193 moves along the forward direction 516, all these box-blades are used to mine the target gaseous material 115 in the continuous layers of weathered layer 112. In this embodiment, each box-blade 590 has a front laser 160A, 160C, and 160E to release the weathered layer 112 as it tumbles off from the trailing edge 597 of its respective box-blade. Rear lasers 160B, 160D, and 160E are also provided, configured to release target gaseous material 115 from the settling and weathering layer 112 behind the trailing edge 597 of their respective box blades. More specifically, a first laser 160A and a second laser 160B are located behind the first box blade 590A, a third laser 160C and a fourth laser 160D are located behind the second box blade 590B, and a fifth laser 160E and a sixth laser 160F are located behind the third box blade 590C. For reference, as described in more detail in conjunction with Figures 13A and 13B, the body of the box blade assembly 593 is shown, depicting a sidewall 596, a front support beam 599, and a support bracket 598.

[0079] Figures 14A-14C are line diagrams of a single disc rake embodiment consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14A shows a side view of the single disc rake device 605, highlighting the disc rake 600 embedded in the weathered layer 112. The disc rake 600 includes a plurality of teeth 602 distributed along the outer diameter 601 of the disc. As the disc rake device 605 moves in the forward direction 516, the disc rake teeth 602 rotate or otherwise cause the bottom weathered layer 112B to flip relative to the top weathered layer 112A. In other words, the bottom weathered layer 112B flips over to the top weathered layer 112A at the rear side 607 of the disc rake. The disc rake 600 rotates about a hub 604 connected to a support beam 608. The single disc rake device 605 is a passive device that moves through the weathered layer 112 as the rover 520 moves. In other words, the disc rake 600 rotates at the speed of the rover 520. In this embodiment, a front radiant heating element 164A is provided to heat the weathered layer 112 in front of the rake disk 600, and a rear radiant heating element 164B is provided to heat the weathered layer 112 behind the rake disk 600. A laser heating element 160 is arranged to sweep a laser beam 162 across the weathered layer 112 (to heat the weathered layer 112). Heat from the heating elements 164A, 164B, and 160 heats various regions of the weathered layer 112, thereby releasing the target gas 115 from the weathered layer 112.

[0080] Figure 14B is a front view of a single-disc rake assembly 605, depicting the rake disc 600 mounted to a hub 604. The hub 604 is connected to a support beam 608 via a connecting arm 606. A front heating element 164A and a laser 160 are shown here for reference.

[0081] Figure 14C is a front isometric view of the single disc rake device 605, showing the relationship between the disc 600 and disc teeth 602 and the front heating element 164A and rear heating element 164B, the laser 160, the support beam 608, and the connecting arm 606.

[0082] Figure 14D is a line diagram of a single-row disc rake 600 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The single-row disc rake assembly 603 is a passive device, schematically depicting a front radiative heating element 164A in front of the single-row disc rake 600 and a rear radiative heating element 164B behind the single-row disc rake 600. In this embodiment, a plurality of lasers 160 are mounted on a support beam 608 behind the disc rake 600, with a laser 160 corresponding to each disc rake 600. It should be understood that although there are a plurality of lasers 160 in this embodiment, other embodiments envision fewer lasers or even a single laser mounted behind the support beam 608 or elsewhere within the cover 534, as long as the laser beam 162 can provide localized heat to the weathered layer 112. The single-row disc rake 600 is connected to and rotates around a central shaft 610, which is connected to the support beam 608 via a plurality of connecting arms 606. The single disc rake device 603 is connected to the cover 534 via a support bracket 609.

[0083] Figure 14E is a schematic diagram of a double-disc rake device 612 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the first disc rake row 600A is in front of and above the second disc rake row 600B, wherein the second disc rake row 600B is disposed deeper in the weathered layer 112 than the first disc rake row 600A. Thus, when the double-disc rake device 612 moves through the weathered layer 112 in the direction of arrow 516, the intermediate weathered layer 112B rotates behind the first rake row 600A to the top of the upper weathered layer 112A, and the lower weathered layer 112C rotates behind the second rake row 600B to the top of the intermediate weathered layer 112B. The weathered layers 112A, 112B, and 112C are heated not only by laser beams 162 from lasers 160A and 160B located behind their respective disc rake rows 600A and 600B, but also by radiation heaters 164A, 164B, and 164C located in front of and behind the disc rake rows 600A and 600B. Support beam 608 and support bracket 609 are shown here for reference. The dual disc rake device 612 is a passive implementation.

[0084] An alternative embodiment envisions the disc rake device as an actively driven disc rake, as shown in Figures 14F and 14G. Figures 14F and 14G are line diagrams of an actively driven single-row disc rake device 620 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14F schematically depicts a linkage arm 622 driven by a motor (not shown), which rotates a drive shaft 614, which in turn rotates a chain 616 that drives the disc rake 600. More specifically, the chain 616, connected to a drive shaft sprocket 619, rotates together with the drive shaft 614, driving the disc rake 600 via a disc rake sprocket 618 connected to a central shaft 610. A laser 160 is shown here located behind the disc rake 600. The actively driven single-row disc rake device 620 can rotate the disc rake 600 at a different speed than the passive device described above.

[0085] Figure 14G is an isometric view of the active single-row disc rake device 620, showing the relationship of the linkage arms of the rotary drive shaft 614, which drives the single-row disc rake 600 through the chain 616 and sprockets 618 and 619.

[0086] In light of this description, the following are some examples of certain embodiments, illustratively supplementing the foregoing discussion and some device embodiments presented in the figures to aid the reader's understanding. Therefore, the elements listed below are provided by way of example to aid understanding of the invention and should not be considered limiting. The reader will understand that the elements and configurations below can be interchanged within the scope and spirit of the invention. Illustrative embodiments may include elements from the figures.

[0087] Based on this, certain embodiments of the present invention consider a mining apparatus 562, which includes a shielded environment 110 defined within a cover 534 placed on top of granular soil, wherein in one embodiment, the granular soil is a weathered layer 112. The cover 534 includes a cover body 538 extending from an edge 535 to a top 539 of the cover. The shielded environment 110 is not in communication with the external environment 462 via the cover body 538. The mining apparatus 562 also includes a blade 550, a heat source 160, and a gas collection surface 105. The blade extends from an edge 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 within the shielded environment 110 and is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin.

[0088] The mining apparatus 562 is also envisioned to include an embodiment in which the shielded environment 110 is connected to the roaming vehicle 520.

[0089] The mining apparatus 562 also envisions 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.

[0090] The mining device 562 is also conceived to have a cover 534 defining a front portion 554 and a rear portion 556, wherein the blade 550 is configured to move along a forward direction 516 pointing toward the front portion 554.

[0091] Further consideration is that the heat source 160 of the mining device 562 is a laser 160 or a radiation heater 164.

[0092] The mining device 562 can be conceived as having a beveled bar 590, which is part of a box-type blade system 595. The box-type blade system 595 includes two horizontal plates 596, between which the beveled bar 590 is inserted. The beveled bar 590 includes a ramp surface 594 extending from a leading edge 592 facing forward 554. This can also be a heat source 164 including a first heating element 164 configured to conduct heat onto the ramp surface 594 and a second heating element 160 configured to conduct heat behind the beveled bar 590.

[0093] Further considering that the blade 550 of the mining device 562 is part of the inclined disc system 603, which includes multiple inclined discs 600 configured to mix granular soil 112. This could also be that the heat source 164 is a first heating element 164A configured to conduct heat in front of the multiple inclined discs 600 and a second heating element 160 or 164B configured to conduct heat behind the multiple inclined discs 600.

[0094] The mining device 562 also envisions the blade 550 as a plow 570, which turns the granular soil 112 over the trailing edge 557 of the plow 570.

[0095] It is also considered that the blade 550 in the mining device 562 is part of a front blade row, wherein the mining device 562 also has a second blade 552, which is part of a second blade row arranged to penetrate the granular soil 112 more deeply than the first blade row (see Figure 10C). This could also be such that at least one heating element 160 of the heating source 160 is located between the first and second blade rows. An additional embodiment envisions the blade 550 being heated.

[0096] Some embodiments envision the shielding environment 110 of the mining apparatus 562 being less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5 The pressure is 10 millibars, which is consistent with the pressure on the Moon. Other implementations envision pressures below 10 millibars, which is the pressure on Mars.

[0097] Another embodiment of the invention envisions a mining configuration 562, which includes being configured to maintain a value of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5The internal (shielded) environment 110 of the bar pressure is defined within a cap 534 placed 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 includes a cap body 538 extending from an edge 535 to a cap apex 539. The internal environment 110 is not in communication with the external environment 462 via the cap body 538. The mining device 562 also includes a blade 550, a heat source 160, and a gas collector 105. The blade 550 extends from the edge 535, wherein the blade 550 is partially within the granular soil 112. The heat source 160 is disposed within the cap 534, wherein the heat source 160 is configured to heat the granular soil 112. The gas collector 105 is within the shielded environment 110 and is configured to collect gases 115 released from the granular soil 112 by heat from the heat source 160.

[0098] Further considering the shielding environment 110 in mining configuration 562, which is less than 1×10 -5 The pressure of the bar, while alternative implementations consider less than 1×10 -2 The pressure in Ba is consistent with the pressure on Mars.

[0099] The mining configuration 562 also envisions a shielded environment 110 connected to a rover 520, with the granular soil 112 being a weathered layer. It also envisions a blade 550 as a plow 570 that disturbs the granular soil 112, meaning that the blade 550 can flip the granular soil 112, push the granular soil 112 aside, plow through the granular soil 112, or simply loosen the granular soil 112.

[0100] Further consideration is that the heat source 160 of the mining configuration 562 is either a laser 160 or a radiation heater 164.

[0101] Another embodiment of the invention envisions a mining system 562 method comprising providing a shielded environment 110 defined within a cover 534. The cover 534 includes a cover body 538 extending from an edge 535 to a top 539 of the cover. The shielded environment 110 is defined to be non-communicating with an external environment 462 via the cover body 538. The method also envisions the steps of: placing the cover 534 on top of a weathered layer 112; penetrating the weathered layer 112 with a blade 550 extending from an edge 106; heating the weathered layer 112 with a heat source 160 disposed within the cover 534; and maintaining a gas collection surface 105 at a temperature below 100° Kelvin. The gas collection surface 105 is within the shielded environment 110.

[0102] However, another embodiment of the present invention considers a gaseous substance collection system 100 (as shown in FIG. 6A), which has a concentration equal to or less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5A shielded environment 110 for bar pressure. The shielded environment includes a sidewall 460 extending from edge 106 / 452 to top edge 453, wherein the shielded environment 110 is defined within the sidewall 460. A condensing surface 105 is disposed within the internal volume 110, wherein the condensing surface 105 is maintained at a temperature below 100° Kelvin. A collection container 140 includes an orifice 142 connected to the condensing surface 105. A heating element 160 is located within the shielded environment 110, wherein the heating element 160 is configured to conduct heat to the heating area 116 at or outside edge 106. For example, the heating element 160 may 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 are contemplated without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention (such as a rake or sieve that could cause the weathered layer 112 to fall over the heater).

[0103] In another embodiment of the gaseous substance collection system 100, the condensation surface 105 is envisioned to include at least one blade 108 configured to move within the shielded environment 110, such as a rotating blade as shown in FIG1A. Some embodiments envision a motor 130 rotating at least one blade 108, although in some embodiments, gears on a carrier vehicle (such as the rover 520 shown in FIG9) can drive the rotating blade 108, for example, by wheels.

[0104] Alternatively, an embodiment 100 of a gaseous substance collection system is envisioned, wherein the condensation surface 105 is a fixed rod 408, which terminates at a downward slope 136 409, and the container 140 is located at the termination of the fixed rod 408 409, as shown in Figures 5A-6B.

[0105] Implementation 100 of the gaseous material collection system also considers that the heating zone 116 is above 600°C (873°Klv) when heated by the heating element 160, which is the temperature at which the target gaseous material 115 trapped in the weathering layer 112 vaporizes and is released from the weathering layer 112.

[0106] Embodiment 100 of the gaseous substance collection system also considers the use of a thermoelectric cooler to electrically cool the condensation surface 105 or optionally a laser system for cooling. These can be supported or replaced by a cryogenically cooled condensation surface 105 using a cryogenic fluid.

[0107] In some embodiments, the gaseous substance collection system embodiment 100 is envisioned to have a top surface 414 covering the top edge 453 to form a cover 104 / 404.

[0108] In another alternative embodiment of the gaseous substance collection system 100, the condensation surface 105 may include a plurality of retaining rods 408 that terminate at a downward slope 136 409, with the container 140 located where the retaining rods 408 terminate 409, the retaining rods obstructing at least 70% of the upper surface region 454 defined by the top edge 453. An example of this embodiment is shown in Figures 5A and 6A.

[0109] In another embodiment of the invention, the gaseous substance collector 100 may include a shielded environment 110 defined by a cover 104, wherein the shielded environment 110 is configured to be less than 1 × 10 -5 The gaseous material collector 100 also includes a condensation surface 105 disposed within a shielded environment 110. The condensation surface 105 is maintained at a temperature between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin during operation, for example, in the dark regions of the lunar surface. A collection container 140 may also be included, with an orifice 142 connected to the condensation surface 105. The gaseous material collector 100 is also envisioned to include a heating element 160 located within the shielded environment 110. The heating element 160 is configured to conduct heat to the edge 106 or to a heating region 116 outside the edge 106.

[0110] Some embodiments of the gaseous substance collector 100 envision a condensation surface 105 defined by a plate including at least one cryogenic heat exchange tube 172 inserted between a top surface 484 and a bottom surface 486, as shown, for example, in Figures 7A and 7B. The device can utilize a cryogenic fluid reservoir 422 and a pump 424 configured to circulate the cryogenic fluid through at least one cryogenic heat exchange tube 172. Furthermore, a compressor and heat exchanger 430 can be used to maintain the cryogenic fluid by thermodynamic cooling or otherwise exchanging heat from the cryogenic fluid.

[0111] Some embodiments of the gaseous material collector 100 envision the condensation surface 105 comprising a plurality of blades 108 configured to rotate within a shielded environment 110. In some cases, each of the blades 108 has a distal end 109 connected to a collection tube 140 configured to collect target material 150 condensed on the gaseous material 115 on the blades 108 by the centripetal force of the blades 108 as they rotate.

[0112] In some implementations, the shielding environment 110 of the gaseous material collector 100 is maintained at a temperature below 150° Kelvin due to the nature of its location in the dark / nighttime environment of the moon.

[0113] Other embodiments of the invention consider a gas collection device 100, which includes a gas collection device that operates at a temperature of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5A shielded environment 110 with bar pressure. A gas collection device 100 may include a condensation surface 105 within the internal volume 110, wherein a means for maintaining the condensation surface 105 at a temperature between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin may be provided. Such a means is shown in Figures 7A-7B, but may also include electrical and / or laser cooling or some combination thereof. The gas collection device 100 may also include a collection container 140 connected to the condensation surface 105. The condensation container 140 may be configured to retain liquefied gas 150 condensed on the condensation surface 105 at some point within the temperature range between 2° Kelvin and 100° Kelvin. A heating element 160 is envisioned located within the shielded environment 110, wherein the heating element 160 is configured to heat a target area 116 at or outside edge 106.

[0114] The gas collection device 100 also envisions a condensation surface 105 comprising a plurality of blades 108, as shown in FIG1A, configured to rotate within the shielded environment 110. FIG1A further illustrates that each of the blades 108 may be equipped with a collection tube 140 at its distal end 109. The collection tube 140 is configured to collect target material 150 floating in the shielded environment 110, which condenses from gaseous substance 115 on the blades 108 by the centripetal force of the blades 108 as they rotate.

[0115] These exemplary embodiments do not describe the embodiments presented throughout the description exhaustively, but are merely one example of a chain of embodiments considered consistent with the embodiments of the present invention. In other words, many other embodiments described herein are not necessarily presented in the examples of apparatus embodiments immediately presented above.

[0116] It should be understood that although numerous features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, along with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is merely illustrative. Changes may be made to details, particularly in terms of structure and component arrangement, without departing from the principles of the invention, and especially within the scope indicated by the broad general meaning of the terminology used in the appended embodiments. For example, the condensation surface 105 may include other geometries not explicitly shown in the above embodiments, while maintaining substantially the same function without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, while various blade and plow configurations are presented herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that various other blade configurations capable of agitating or turning over granular soil 112 may be present without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All components may be manufactured using printing techniques, molding techniques, machining, or a combination of several techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0117] Clearly, the present invention is well adapted to achieve the stated objects and advantages, as well as its inherent objects and advantages. Although presently preferred embodiments have been described for the purposes of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many changes can be made, all of which fall within the spirit of the disclosed invention and are defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mining apparatus comprising: The shielded environment is confined within a cover placed on top of the granular soil; The cover includes a cover body extending from the edge to the top of the cover; The shielding environment is not connected to the external environment through the cover body; A blade extending from the edge, wherein the blade is configured to penetrate the granular soil; A heat source is disposed in the cover, the heat source being configured to heat the granular soil; as well as The gas collection surface in the shielded environment is configured to maintain a temperature below 100° Kelvin.

2. The mining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding environment is connected to the roaming vehicle.

3. The mining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source comprises a first heating element configured to heat granular soil in front of the blade and a second heating element configured to heat granular soil behind the blade.

4. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover defines a front portion and a rear portion, and the blade is configured to move along a forward direction pointing towards the front portion.

5. The mining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is a laser or a radiation heater.

6. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade is an angled bar, which is part of a box-type blade system comprising two horizontal plates, wherein the angled bar is inserted therebetween, the angled bar comprising a ramp extending from a leading edge facing the front portion.

7. The mining apparatus of claim 6, wherein the heat source comprises a first heating element configured to conduct heat to the slope surface and a second heating element configured to conduct heat to the rear of the angled bar.

8. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade is part of a sloping disc system comprising a plurality of sloping discs configured to mix the particulate soil.

9. The mining apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the heat source is a first heating element configured to conduct heat in front of the plurality of inclined disks and a second heating element configured to conduct heat behind the plurality of inclined disks.

10. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade is a plow that turns the particulate soil over the trailing edge of the plow.

11. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade is part of a front blade row and the second blade is part of a second blade row arranged to penetrate the granular soil more deeply than the first blade row.

12. The mining apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one heating element of the heat source is located between the first blade row and the second blade row.

13. The mining apparatus of claim 11, wherein the blade is heated.

14. The mining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding environment is less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. -5 The pressure on Ba.

15. A mining configuration comprising: The internal environment is configured to be maintained at less than 1×10 -5 The pressure of the bar, the internal environment is confined within a cover placed on top of the granular soil; The cover includes a cover body extending from the edge to the top apex of the cover; The internal environment is not connected to the external environment through the cover body; A blade extending from the edge, wherein the blade is partially embedded in the granular soil; A heat source is disposed in the cover, the heat source being configured to heat the granular soil; as well as A gas collector in the internal environment, the gas collector being configured to collect gases released from the particulate soil by heat from the heat source.

16. The mining configuration of claim 15, wherein the cover is configured to move in the forward direction, and as the cover moves, the blade digs through the granular soil.

17. The mining configuration of claim 16, wherein the internal environment is connected to a rover configured to move the cover along the direction of travel.

18. The mining configuration of claim 17, wherein the blade is a plow that disturbs the granular soil.

19. The mining configuration according to claim 15, wherein the heat source is a laser or a radiation heater.

20. A mining system method, comprising: Provides a shielded environment confined within a cover, wherein the cover includes a cover body extending from an edge to a top of the cover, and the shielded environment is not in communication with the external environment through the cover body; Place the cover on top of the weathered layer; Penetrate the weathered layer with a blade extending from the edge; The granular soil is heated by a heat source disposed in the cover. as well as The gas collection surface is kept at a temperature below 100° Kelvin in the shielded environment.

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