US4131336A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Primary reflector for solar energy collection systems
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1978-05-15
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Granted: 1978-12-26
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Expires: 1998-05-15
Abstract
Abstract A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved sawtooth-contoured surface covered with a metalized polymeric reflecting material, reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery.
Inventors
- 👤 with respect to an invention of Frosch Robert A. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- 👤 Charles G. Miller
- 👤 James B. Stephens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:59
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/80; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A large primary solar reflector for use with a solar energy collection system, comprising: a porous supporting structure having a linear sawtooth-like profile; pipes having small orifices therein embedded in said supporting structure; and a reflective material overlaying said supporting structure and being held to the surface thereof by a negative pressure at the surface created by drawing a vacuum on said pipes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A large primary solar reflector for use with a solar energy collection system, comprising: a porous supporting structure having a linear sawtooth-like profile; pipes having small orifices therein embedded in said supporting structure; and a reflective material overlaying said supporting structure and being held to the surface thereof by a negative pressure at the surface created by drawing a vacuum on said pipes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The primary reflector of claim 1 wherein said porous supporting structure comprises a long ribbon of concrete formed to the desired profile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The primary reflector of claim 1 wherein said porous supporting structure comprises a long ribbon of sifted and binder-stabilized soil formed to the desired profile.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The primary reflector of claim 1 wherein said reflective material comprises a flexible sheet of reflective material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The primary reflector of claim 1 wherein said reflective material comprises a sheet of aluminized Mylar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The primary reflector of claim 1 wherein said linear sawtooth-like profile comprises a plurality of cylindrical segments taken lengthwise from a cylinder having a diameter that is equal to the width of the primary reflector, said cylindrical segments being located side by side on a common plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The primary reflector of claim 6 wherein said linear sawtooth-like profile is located at ground level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The primary reflector of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of linear sawtooth-like supporting structures located side by side on a common plane with a flat surface connecting each supporting structure to its adjacent supporting structure.
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) | 1981-12-25 | 1982-06-26 | 1982-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-12-25 | 1986-06-26 | 1986-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-12-25 | 1990-06-26 | 1990-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |