US3656844A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sun following device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-06-26
•
Granted: 1972-04-18
•
Expires: 1989-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A heliostat has an axle parallel to the earth''s axis which is driven to revolve once each 48 hours, the axle having two oppositely disposed mirrors mounted thereon to each reflect the sun''s light on alternate days, the mirrors being automatically adjusted to compensate for the declination of the sun by means of gears and a cam driven by the rotation of the axle.
Inventors
- 👤 Ivan Botskor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:43
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D3/00; F; F21; F21S; F21S11/00; F21S11/002; F21S11/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A heliostat comprising, in combination, an axle aligned with the earth''s axis, means rotating said axle axle in 48 hours, means mounting two mirrors on opposite sides of said axle, each mirror reflecting the light of the sun on alternate days, each mirror moving with said axle at one-half the apparent speed of rotation of the sun, and means axially aiming said mirrors on said axle compensating for declination.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A heliostat comprising, in combination, an axle aligned with the earth''s axis, means rotating said axle axle in 48 hours, means mounting two mirrors on opposite sides of said axle, each mirror reflecting the light of the sun on alternate days, each mirror moving with said axle at one-half the apparent speed of rotation of the sun, and means axially aiming said mirrors on said axle compensating for declination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination according to claim 1 with the addition of first arms fixed to extend from opposite sides of said axle, said mirrors being pivotally mounted on said first arms, said means axially aiming said mirrors pivoting said mirrors on said first arms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination according to claim 2 wherein said means axially aiming said mirrors comprises a sleeve rotatably mounted on said axle, a first gear mounted on said sleeve, rack gear sections engaging opposite sides of said first gear, second arms connecting said rack gear sections to said mirrors, and means rotating said sleeve relative to said axle to axially aim said mirrors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination according to claim 3 wherein said means rotating said axle comprises a drum disposed about said axle rotating said axle, a synchronous motor, and a first reduction gear transmission driven by said motor rotating said drum once in 48 hours.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The combination according to claim 4 wherein said means rotating said sleeve relative to said axle comprises a second reduction gear transmission mounted in said drum, means driving said second transmission on rotation of said drum, a cam driven by said second transmission, a cam follower engaging said cam, and means responsive to motion of said cam follower rotating said sleeve relative to said axle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination according to claim 5 wherein said means driving said second transmission on rotation of said drum comprises an internal gear disposed about said drum and a second gear mounted on said second transmission, said second gear engaging said internal gear driving said second transmission.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
The combination according to claim 6 wherein said means responsive to said cam follower rotating said sleeve comprises a rack fixed to said cam follower, means slidably mounting said rack, means urging said rack and said cam follower toward said cam, and a pinion on said sleeve meshing with said rack, said cam sliding said rack rotating said pinion and thereby said sleeve relative to said axle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination according to claim 1 with the addition of fixed mirrors reflecting light from said heliostat to light dwellings.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination according to claim 1 wherein said heliostat has parabolic mirrors and with the addition of light conducting means conducting light from said heliostat to light dwellings.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-18 | 1975-10-18 | 1976-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-18 | 1979-10-18 | 1980-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-18 | 1983-10-18 | 1984-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |