US4121567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar energy collecting pond and covering therefor
Assignee: Honeywell UOP LLC
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Filing: 1977-04-04
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Granted: 1978-10-24
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Expires: 1997-04-04
Abstract
Abstract A buoyant, solar radiation-transparent covering for a water-containing, solar energy collecting pond. The pond is intended for utilization in the generation of power and/or the recovery of potable water from salinous, or otherwise brackish water. An enclosed, unitary chamber, containing a fibrous, solar radiation-transparent substance constitutes the pond covering.
Inventors
- 👤 Don B. Carson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:52
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S10/00; F24S10/10; F24S80/00; F24S80/50; F24S80/56; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A solar energy collecting pond which comprises, in cooperative relationship: (a) an insulated water-containing reservoir having at least one water-inlet conduit and at least one water-outlet conduit; (b) a buoyant solar radiation-transparent covering having vertically spaced upper and lower horizontal surfaces and vertical side walls forming an enclosed chamber floating on the surface of the water in said reservoir and substantially coextensive in area with the water surface in the reservoir, the upper surface of said chamber being formed of a continuous sheet of radiation-transparent material; and (c) a fibrous, solar radiation-transparent substance disposed between said horizontal surfaces and substantially filling said enclosed chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A solar energy collecting pond which comprises, in cooperative relationship: (a) an insulated water-containing reservoir having at least one water-inlet conduit and at least one water-outlet conduit; (b) a buoyant solar radiation-transparent covering having vertically spaced upper and lower horizontal surfaces and vertical side walls forming an enclosed chamber floating on the surface of the water in said reservoir and substantially coextensive in area with the water surface in the reservoir, the upper surface of said chamber being formed of a continuous sheet of radiation-transparent material; and (c) a fibrous, solar radiation-transparent substance disposed between said horizontal surfaces and substantially filling said enclosed chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The solar pond of claim 1 further characterized in that said lower horizontal surface of said chamber is transparent to solar radiation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The solar pond of claim 1 further characterized in that said lower horizontal surface of said chamber is a black-body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The solar pond of claim 1 further characterized in that said fibrous substance has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to about 4.0 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The solar pond of claim 1 further characterized in that said fibrous substance is glass-like.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar pond of claim 1 further characterized in that said fibrous substance is silica fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar pond of claim 1 further characterized in that said fibrous substance is alumina fibers.
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) | 1981-10-23 | 1982-04-24 | 1982-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-23 | 1986-04-24 | 1986-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-23 | 1990-04-24 | 1990-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |