US3708667A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrument for measuring the solar energy absorbed by the earth and the plants
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1971-09-07
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Granted: 1973-01-02
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Expires: 1991-09-07
Abstract
Abstract An instrument for measuring the solar energy absorbed by the earth includes a flat conductive element defining opposed faces each provided with a layer capable of absorbing solar radiation. The conductive element includes a central layer capable of being maintained at a constant temperature close to ambient temperature. In use the instrument is positioned with one absorbent layer receiving solar radiation and the other radiation reflected from the surface, the difference in thermal fluxes from the two layers being measured using a thermocouple circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 P Denis
- 👤 R Guicherd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/10; G01J5/12; G01K; G01K17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
An instrument for measuring the solar energy absorbed by a surface, the instrument including a flat thermally conductive element defining a pair of opposed faces, a first layer capable of absorbing solar radiation applied to one face of the element and a second layer capable of absorbing radiation reflected off the surface applied to the other face of the element, the element including a central thermally conductive layer, capable of being maintained at a temperature close to ambient temperature by means of a flow of fluid, and insulating layers separating the central layer from the absorbent layers whose thermal decrements are such that the temperatures of the absorbent layers can be maintained close to ambient temperature, and wherein the instrument includes thermocouples circuit means adapted to measure the difference between the thermal fluxes from each of the absorbent layers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
An instrument for measuring the solar energy absorbed by a surface, the instrument including a flat thermally conductive element defining a pair of opposed faces, a first layer capable of absorbing solar radiation applied to one face of the element and a second layer capable of absorbing radiation reflected off the surface applied to the other face of the element, the element including a central thermally conductive layer, capable of being maintained at a temperature close to ambient temperature by means of a flow of fluid, and insulating layers separating the central layer from the absorbent layers whose thermal decrements are such that the temperatures of the absorbent layers can be maintained close to ambient temperature, and wherein the instrument includes thermocouples circuit means adapted to measure the difference between the thermal fluxes from each of the absorbent layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central conductive layer is formed by a copper disc surrounded by a tube coil through which the temperature-regulating water flows.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
An instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein each absorbent layer is formed of blackened silvered copper elements, the elements of each layer being juxtaposed in a single plane with slight clearance and providing an equal number of measuring points in the thermocouple circuit means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An instrument as claimed in claim 3, wheRein the blackened silvered copper elements of each layer are angular sectors of equal angles, juxtaposed radially with clearance to form a circular layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An instrument as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angular sectors in one absorbent layer are angularly offset relative to those in the other absorbent layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein a conductive guard ring surrounds each absorbent layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An instrument as claimed in claim 1, including hemispheres transparent to radiation for protecting the absorbent layers.
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) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |