US4027651A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar-energy-powered sun tracker
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-17
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Granted: 1977-06-07
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Expires: 1996-02-17
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for causing a solar energy collector to constantly follow the sun using the sun's radiant energy reflected from an arrangement of mirrors to differentially heat fluid-containing reservoirs to create a differential pressure which is utilized to rotate the apparatus and the collector.
Inventors
- 👤 Roland W. Robbins, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:19
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/77; F24S50/00; F24S50/20; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
Apparatus for aiming a rotable solar energy collector constantly towards the sun comprising: a housing open on one side; a central divider mounted inside said housing so as to divide said housing into two compartments each open on said side; a first mirror, in the first of said two compartments, mounted on said housing so as to face said divider; a second mirror, in the second of said two compartments mounted on said housing so as to face said divider; a first fluid containing reservoir mounted on one side of said divider and facing said first mirror; a second fluid-containing reservoir mounted on the second side of said divider and facing said second mirror; means for translating vapor pressure of said first and second reservoirs into movement of said apparatus and said collector whereby the vapor pressure provides the motive force for the movement; and means for shading one of said two compartments from the sun when said central divider is not bore-sighted towards the sun.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
Apparatus for aiming a rotable solar energy collector constantly towards the sun comprising: a housing open on one side; a central divider mounted inside said housing so as to divide said housing into two compartments each open on said side; a first mirror, in the first of said two compartments, mounted on said housing so as to face said divider; a second mirror, in the second of said two compartments mounted on said housing so as to face said divider; a first fluid containing reservoir mounted on one side of said divider and facing said first mirror; a second fluid-containing reservoir mounted on the second side of said divider and facing said second mirror; means for translating vapor pressure of said first and second reservoirs into movement of said apparatus and said collector whereby the vapor pressure provides the motive force for the movement; and means for shading one of said two compartments from the sun when said central divider is not bore-sighted towards the sun.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for shading comprises a double-sided reflector extending from and coplanar with said divider.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each fluid-containing reservoir is a flat, spiralled coil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said translating means comprises a piston driven by differential pressure from each of said fluids.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of said fluids is ammonia.
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) | 1980-06-06 | 1980-12-06 | 1981-06-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-06 | 1984-12-06 | 1985-06-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-06 | 1988-12-06 | 1989-06-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |