US3847136A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar water-heating systems
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-07-27
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Granted: 1974-11-12
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Expires: 1993-07-27
Abstract
Abstract This invention deals with improvements in the fabrication and operation of a solar water-heating system utilizing semicylindrical reflecting surfaces. The semicylindrical reflecting surfaces are formed from foamed or expanded plastics with a combination bearing and seal at each end, through which the longitudinal, heat collecting tubes pass. A center, fixed support bearing that maintains the sealed enclosure is provided for longer heat collecting tubes. A linear actuating linkage is provided for rotation to follow the sun'' s motion daily and seasonally. The measurement of differential temperatures within the enclosure of the reflecting surface, controls operation of the circulation pump that circulates the heated liquid to a heat exchanger.
Inventors
- 👤 N Salvail
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 04:37
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S30/00; F24S30/40; F24S30/42; F24S30/425; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/74; F24S2030/10; F24S2030/13; F24S2030/131; F24S2030/136; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
In a solar heat collector, a frame comprised of a plurality of fluid transfer tubes in perpendicularity to end support structures; a fluid transfer tube having a stiff self-supportive semicylindrical member mounted thereon; said fluid transfer tube having a bearing supporting the semicylindrical member and allowing rotation of the member about the fluid transfer tube; said bearing also sealing the hollow semicylindrical member; said bearing comprising a first bearing piece rigidly attached to the end of a semicylindrical member and extending outwardly therefrom; said first bearing piece being concentrically and rotatably disposed about said tube; and a second bearing piece rigidly attached to said support structure also concentrically disposed about said tube; said second bearing piece having an annular recess into which said first bearing piece extends for support thereby, while providing a sealed, low friction bearing surface between said first and second bearing pieces, said first bearing piece being in abutting relationship with the bottom of said annular recess.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a solar heat collector, a frame comprised of a plurality of fluid transfer tubes in perpendicularity to end support structures; a fluid transfer tube having a stiff self-supportive semicylindrical member mounted thereon; said fluid transfer tube having a bearing supporting the semicylindrical member and allowing rotation of the member about the fluid transfer tube; said bearing also sealing the hollow semicylindrical member; said bearing comprising a first bearing piece rigidly attached to the end of a semicylindrical member and extending outwardly therefrom; said first bearing piece being concentrically and rotatably disposed about said tube; and a second bearing piece rigidly attached to said support structure also concentrically disposed about said tube; said second bearing piece having an annular recess into which said first bearing piece extends for support thereby, while providing a sealed, low friction bearing surface between said first and second bearing pieces, said first bearing piece being in abutting relationship with the bottom of said annular recess.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A solar energy collector as defined in claim 1, in that said first and second bearing pieces are fabricated of self-lubricating plastic.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of operating a solar heat collector, which collector comprises a stiff self-supportive semicylindrical member having a reflective surface thereon and covered with a transparent covering; said member configured to concentrate solar energy on an elongated restricted area within the confined space of the member and having a fluid transfer tube extending through the entire length of the restricted area; said fluid transfer tube containing a heat transfer fluid; a first temperature measurement device placed within said restricted area; and a second temperature measurement device placed within the confined space of said member, being outside said restricted area; said method comprising the step of activating a heat-transfer-fluid circulation pump when the difference in the temperature measurement of said first temperature measurement device and said second temperature measurement device reaches a predetermined value, indicating the availability of sensible heat to be collected.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of operating a solar heat collector, which collector comprises a stiff self-supportive semicylindrical member having a reflective surface thereon and covered with a transparent covering; said member configured to concentrate solar energy on an elongated restricted area within the confined space of the member and having a fluid transfer tube extending through the entire length of the restricted area; said fluid transfer tube containing a heat transfer fluid; a first temperature measurement device placed within said restricted area; and a second temperature measurement device placed within the confined space of said member, being outside said restricted area; said method comprising the step of activating a heat-transfer-fluid circulation pump when the difference in the temperature measurement of said first temperature measurement device and said second temperature measurement device reaches a predetermined value, indicating the availability of sensible heat to be collected.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |