Patent US4251135A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4251135A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Solar reflector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-05-07
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Granted: 1981-02-17
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Expires: 1999-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A solar reflector having a flexible triangular reflective sheet or membrane for receiving and reflecting solar energy therefrom. The reflector is characterized by the triangular reflective sheet which is placed under tension thereby defining a smooth planar surface eliminating surface deflection which heretofore has reduced the efficiency of reflectors or heliostats used in combination for receiving and transmitting solar energy to an absorber tower.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas C. Stone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:45
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/81; F24S30/00; F24S30/40; F24S30/48; F24S2030/10; F24S2030/13; F24S2030/133; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
A solar reflector for receiving and reflecting solar energy therefrom, the reflector comprising: a flexible triangular reflective sheet; tension means connected to the three corners of the reflective sheet for placing the sheet under tension and forming a smooth planar surface; and support means attached to the tension means for supporting the tension means and reflective sheet thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
58 words
A solar reflector for receiving and reflecting solar energy therefrom, the reflector comprising: a flexible triangular reflective sheet; tension means connected to the three corners of the reflective sheet for placing the sheet under tension and forming a smooth planar surface; and support means attached to the tension means for supporting the tension means and reflective sheet thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The reflector as described in claim 1 further including steering means attached to the support means for rotating the reflective sheet as the sun travels from east to west and pivoting the reflective sheet upwardly and downwardly for changes in the sun's elevation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The reflector as described in claim 1 wherein the support means is an upstanding support column having a ball joint mounted on the top thereof and connected to three radial support arms extending outwardly therefrom, the ends of the support arms attached to the tension means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reflector as described in claim 3 wherein the tension means is a tension cable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The reflector as described in claim 4 wherein the edges of the three sides of the reflective sheet are concave in shape, the cable secured to the sides of the reflector sheet and extending along the length of the sides of the reflective sheet and secured to the ends of the radial support arms.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
128 words
A solar reflector for receiving and reflecting solar energy therefrom, the reflector comprising: a flexible triangular reflective sheet, the three sides of the sheet concave in shape; a tension cable secured to and disposed along the length of the concaved shaped sides of the triangular sheet, the cable held in tension for placing the sheet under tension and forming a smooth planar surface; a support column extending upwardly from the ground surface or the like and having a ball joint mounted on the top thereof; and three radial support arms connected at one end to the ball joint, the opposite ends of the support arms attached to the cable at the three corners of the triangular sheet, the support arms supporting the cable and the reflective sheet thereon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
128 words
A solar reflector for receiving and reflecting solar energy therefrom, the reflector comprising: a flexible triangular reflective sheet, the three sides of the sheet concave in shape; a tension cable secured to and disposed along the length of the concaved shaped sides of the triangular sheet, the cable held in tension for placing the sheet under tension and forming a smooth planar surface; a support column extending upwardly from the ground surface or the like and having a ball joint mounted on the top thereof; and three radial support arms connected at one end to the ball joint, the opposite ends of the support arms attached to the cable at the three corners of the triangular sheet, the support arms supporting the cable and the reflective sheet thereon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
66 words
The reflector as described in claim 6 further including a plurality of steering cables attached to the radial support arms, the steering cables being adjustable in length so that when the cables are lengthened and shortened the reflective sheet can be rotated as the sun travels from east to west and the reflective sheet can be pivoted upwardly and downwardly for changes in the sun's elevation.
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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) | 1984-02-17 | 1984-08-18 | 1985-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-17 | 1988-08-18 | 1989-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-17 | 1992-08-18 | 1993-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |