US4134387A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar energy concentrator
Assignee: Schott Solar CSP Inc
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Filing: 1977-03-28
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Granted: 1979-01-16
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Expires: 1997-03-28
Abstract
Abstract Low cost solar collectors are constructed by stretching a thin elongate, flexible reflective sheet (such as metallized polyethylene terephthalate film) over a frame so as to provide a ridged surface of desired geometric shape. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the frame comprises a plurality of rod-like members, with a supply reel on one end and a take-up reel on the other end. Extra reflective sheet material is stored on the supply reel so that when the sheet material in the concentrator degrades (after prolonged exposure to sun light), the degraded material can be rolled onto the take-up reel and fresh sheet material disposed in its place on the frame.
Inventors
- 👤 Eric Tornstrom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:31
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/81; F24S23/82; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A solar energy concentrator comprising: (A) a rigid frame comprising a plurality of spaced upper and lower guide members, and (B) a flexible sheet material which is reflective to light supported by said frame, said flexible sheet material being threaded alternately over said upper guide members and under said lower guide members in repeating fashion so as to form a reflective ridged surface which defines a plurality of troughs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A solar energy concentrator comprising: (A) a rigid frame comprising a plurality of spaced upper and lower guide members, and (B) a flexible sheet material which is reflective to light supported by said frame, said flexible sheet material being threaded alternately over said upper guide members and under said lower guide members in repeating fashion so as to form a reflective ridged surface which defines a plurality of troughs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A solar energy concentration according to claim 1, wherein each of said upper and lower guide members are generally parallel to one another.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 1 further including a supply reel on one end of said frame for holding a supply of flexible sheet material, and a take-up reel on the other end of said frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 3 including means for maintaining said film under tension between said supply reel and said take-up reel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 1 wherein said flexible sheet material comprises a polymeric film having a metallic film bonded thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 5 and including at least one transparent sheet covering said metallic film
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 5 wherein said polymeric film comprises polyethylene terephtalate film.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 1, further including at least one solar energy converter means disposed in at least one of said troughs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 8 wherein said solar energy converter means comprises a solar cell.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 8 wherein said solar energy converter means is a conduit capable of absorbing solar energy and converting the same to thermal energy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
116 words
A solar energy concentrator comprising: (A) An elongate flexible sheet material which is reflective to light, and (B) a rigid frame supporting said flexible sheet material so as to form a reflective ridged surface, said rigid frame comprising (i) a first plurality of elongate members which are (i) spaced from one another and (ii) generally parallel to one another; a second plurality of elongate members which are (a) spaced from one another, and (b) generally parallel to one another, and (c) spaced from and generally parallel to members of said first plurality; (ii) a supply reel for holding a supply of said flexible sheet material; and (iii) a take-up reel for collecting said flexible sheet material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
116 words
A solar energy concentrator comprising: (A) An elongate flexible sheet material which is reflective to light, and (B) a rigid frame supporting said flexible sheet material so as to form a reflective ridged surface, said rigid frame comprising (i) a first plurality of elongate members which are (i) spaced from one another and (ii) generally parallel to one another; a second plurality of elongate members which are (a) spaced from one another, and (b) generally parallel to one another, and (c) spaced from and generally parallel to members of said first plurality; (ii) a supply reel for holding a supply of said flexible sheet material; and (iii) a take-up reel for collecting said flexible sheet material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A solar energy concentrator according to claim 11 wherein said flexible sheet material is threaded alternatively over members of said first plurality, and under members of said second plurality, between said supply reel and said take-up reel.
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) | 1982-01-15 | 1982-07-17 | 1983-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-01-15 | 1986-07-17 | 1987-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-01-15 | 1990-07-17 | 1991-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |