US4146011A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar energy
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-05-04
•
Granted: 1979-03-27
•
Expires: 1996-05-04
Abstract
Abstract For the simple Thomason "SOLARIS" heat collector, a simple outlet is used that requires a drop-outlet nipple with a U-slotted top end, and sealant to avoid escape of liquid or steam (vapor). In a modification, only one drop outlet is used for two "SOLARIS" panels, thus cutting the cost even further. In another modification a slotted, sloping pipe serves as an outlet and drain.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry E. Thomason
- 👤 Harry J. L. Thomason, Jr.
- 👤 Quock G. Loo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:27
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S80/00; F24S80/30; F24S10/00; F24S10/60; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44; Y10; Y10S; Y10S126/00; Y10S126/906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
For use with solar heat collector panels of the type having a top end and a bottom end with a solar heat absorber sheet having hills and valleys to channel streams of liquid flowing from the top to the bottom, a transition area or piece at the bottom end of said absorber sheet to change the absorber hills and valleys into a flattened section which is formed into a manifold to receive the streams of liquid, outlet means from said manifold for solar-warmed liquid, trough-like means to catch the liquid from a plurality of outlet means and channel the combined streams into a single for return to a point of use or storage, said trough-like means comprising an open-top member for complete draindown when the liquid ceases to flow and channeling the liquid from all outlets down to a single stream, said open-top trough-like member being supported immediately below said plurality of outlet means for downward gravity-feed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
For use with solar heat collector panels of the type having a top end and a bottom end with a solar heat absorber sheet having hills and valleys to channel streams of liquid flowing from the top to the bottom, a transition area or piece at the bottom end of said absorber sheet to change the absorber hills and valleys into a flattened section which is formed into a manifold to receive the streams of liquid, outlet means from said manifold for solar-warmed liquid, trough-like means to catch the liquid from a plurality of outlet means and channel the combined streams into a single for return to a point of use or storage, said trough-like means comprising an open-top member for complete draindown when the liquid ceases to flow and channeling the liquid from all outlets down to a single stream, said open-top trough-like member being supported immediately below said plurality of outlet means for downward gravity-feed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 and an additional collector manifold, outlets from said manifolds adjacent to each other, the edges of said conduit slot and said manifolds nesting together in close proximity to one another with the outlets from said manifolds in fluid communication with said conduit, said sealant means providing a substantially tight seal between the manifolds and outlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, said collector manifolds sloping toward said conduit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as in claim 3, said manifolds sloping in opposite directions, each sloping toward said conduit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 and a member supporting said conduit in relation to said manifold.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 and means for adjusting said supporting member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said trough comprises a slotted pipe.
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) | 1982-03-26 | 1982-09-25 | 1983-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-26 | 1986-09-25 | 1987-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-26 | 1990-09-25 | 1991-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |