US4098264A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar liquid heating apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-06-16
•
Granted: 1978-07-04
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Expires: 1996-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A solar apparatus is provided for heating liquids such as water, to a high temperature by utilizing a movable parabolic heat collector to concentrate the sun's rays associated with a special piping arrangement to obtain progressive liquid pre-heating; a collector tracking device including photocells and a collimating system for controlling the movement of the collector to maintain alignment with the sun; a device for modulating the flow of the heat transfer liquid between the collector and the storage to maintain optimum heat replenishment therebetween; and also a vacuum insulated heat exchanger to isolate the heat transfer liquid from the water being heated.
Inventors
- 👤 Hal R. Brokaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 03:36
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/785; G01S3/786; G01S3/7861; F; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/74; F24S30/00; F24S30/40; F24S30/42; F24S30/425; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
Solar heating and tracking apparatus comprising: a solar concentrator having a parabolic reflecting surface; a main heater pipe supported along the focal axis of said parabolic surface and being directly in the path of the reflected rays; said pipe having an inlet and an outlet for the passage of a liquid heat absorbing medium; a plurality of preheater pipes connected to the main heater pipe and disposed between the main heater pipe and the reflecting surface; means for supporting said solar concentrator for pivotal movement about at least one axis for tracking the movement of the sun; means for driving said concentrator around said axis responsive to a given signal; tracking control means for following the path of the sun and for generating the signal to control said driving means; whereby the concentrator will be guided to track the sun's path to maximize the heat transfer throughout the daylight hours.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
Solar heating and tracking apparatus comprising: a solar concentrator having a parabolic reflecting surface; a main heater pipe supported along the focal axis of said parabolic surface and being directly in the path of the reflected rays; said pipe having an inlet and an outlet for the passage of a liquid heat absorbing medium; a plurality of preheater pipes connected to the main heater pipe and disposed between the main heater pipe and the reflecting surface; means for supporting said solar concentrator for pivotal movement about at least one axis for tracking the movement of the sun; means for driving said concentrator around said axis responsive to a given signal; tracking control means for following the path of the sun and for generating the signal to control said driving means; whereby the concentrator will be guided to track the sun's path to maximize the heat transfer throughout the daylight hours.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tracking means comprises a collimator system housing at least two photocells separated by a light barrier oriented normal to the direction of apparatus travel, one photocell located on each side of the respective axis, said photocells being electrically connected to a tracking control circuit with said driving means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said control circuit includes two identical portions, one connected to each photocell, and said driving means includes a reversible motor capable of being driven in opposite directions by respective circuit portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
94 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the outlet of said main heater pipe is connected to a heat exchanger comprising concentrically nested pipes spaced apart to form an outer passage therebetween, the inner pipe forming an inner passage; one of said passages connected to a liquid storage tank, and the other passage connected to the inlet and outlet of said solar concentrator; baffle means fixedly mounted in the entrance of each passage in the heat exchanger for causing the liquid medium to have a spiral flow therethrough and by centrifugal action enhance heat transfer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein an outer evacuated concentric chamber is provided around the outer nested pipe, said evacuated chamber having a concentrically spaced radiation barrier.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said reflecting surface can be driven independently of the main pipe and preheater pipe.
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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) | 1981-07-03 | 1982-01-02 | 1982-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-03 | 1986-01-02 | 1986-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-03 | 1990-01-02 | 1990-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |