Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A solar energy collector comprising: base means; solar energy absorbing means positioned in a plane spaced from said base means, said solar energy absorbing means having an accordian-like shape comprising a plurality of alternating angularly disposed lower valleys and upper ridges interconnected by generally planar surfaces, said lower valleys being positioned spaced from but immediately adjacent to said base; fluid supply means positioned between said solar energy absorbing means and said base means immediately adjacent said upper ridges and being adapted for supplying a fluid adjacent said upper ridges; and trough means adapted for receiving a flow of fluid collected on said base; whereby fluid supplied adjacent said upper ridges will then flow down said planar surfaces thereby transferring heat absorbed by said solar energy absorbing element to the fluid, until dropping off said lower valleys onto said base, the close positioning of said lower valleys to said base providing means for maintaining fluid contact between said lower valleys and the fluid flowing on said base thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A solar energy collector comprising: base means; solar energy absorbing means positioned in a plane spaced from said base means, said solar energy absorbing means having an accordian-like shape comprising a plurality of alternating angularly disposed lower valleys and upper ridges interconnected by generally planar surfaces, said lower valleys being positioned spaced from but immediately adjacent to said base; fluid supply means positioned between said solar energy absorbing means and said base means immediately adjacent said upper ridges and being adapted for supplying a fluid adjacent said upper ridges; and trough means adapted for receiving a flow of fluid collected on said base; whereby fluid supplied adjacent said upper ridges will then flow down said planar surfaces thereby transferring heat absorbed by said solar energy absorbing element to the fluid, until dropping off said lower valleys onto said base, the close positioning of said lower valleys to said base providing means for maintaining fluid contact between said lower valleys and the fluid flowing on said base thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid supply means comprises a common supply conduit and a plurality of branch conduits in fluid communication with said common supply conduit, each said branch conduit being positioned within, and generally coextensive in length to, a respective said upper ridge, said branch conduits being provided with apertures adapted for releasing fluid adjacent said upper ridges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
84 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 2, wherein said common supply conduit has an inlet end and each successive branch conduit has an internal diameter larger than the preceding branch conduits in a direction away from said trough for providing a flow of fluid from each said branch conduit which is incrementally larger than the preceding branch conduits, whereby fluid traveling a further distance to said trough will be supplied in greater volume thereby further maximizing efficiency of said solar energy collector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 3, wherein said apertures are in the form of a plurality of annular openings spaced along and on opposite sides of each said branch conduit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 3, wherein said apertures are in the form of a plurality of axially elongated slots spaced along and on opposite sides of each said branch conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 3, wherein said base means is formed of a planar material having non-heat conductive characteristics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 6 further comprising spaced inner and outer clear material covering means lying in planes generally parallel to and spaced from said solar energy absorbing means on a side of said solar energy absorbing means opposite from said base means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a plurality of support means extending from said base means for rigidly supporting each of said branch conduits.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A solar energy collector as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a heat insulative housing means cooperating with said inner and outer clear material covering means for enclosing said base means and said solar energy absorbing means.