US4359870A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for producing electricity from solar energy
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1982-02-24
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Granted: 1982-11-23
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Expires: 2002-02-24
Abstract
Abstract This invention is concerned with an apparatus of potentially large size for producing electrical energy from the rays of the sun. The apparatus utilizes an air housing mounted on a hillside exposed to sunlight. The air housing, having a roof of light admitting panels, causes air to be heated and transported upwardly in a convergent manner to an apex opening which communicates with a tunnel. A bladed member mounted within the tunnel and rotated by the flow of air therein activates an electrical generator. The exit extremity of the tunnel communicates with a collector chamber which in turn communicates with a vertically oriented chimney stack which intensifies the velocity of air passing through the tunnel.
Inventors
- 👤 Aldon E. Holton, Sr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 03:19
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G6/00; F03G6/02; F03G6/04; F03G6/045; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B10/00; Y02B10/20; Y02B10/30; Y02B10/70; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for producing electrical energy from sunlight comprising: (a) an upwardly convergent air housing having a floor and a roof comprised of interengaged flat panels capable of transmitting sunlight, said housing positioned on a hillside exposed to sunlight and causing air therein to be heated and directed upwardly to an apex opening, (b) at least one elongated tunnel positioned above said air housing and having opposed entrance and exit extremities, said entrance extremity being coupled in airtight manner to said apex opening, (c) a bladed structure rotatively mounted within said tunnel and mechanically coupled to an electrical generator, (d) a collector chamber coupled in airtight manner to the exit extremity of said tunnel, and p1 (e) a chimney stack communicating with said collector chamber and vertically oriented in a manner such that the longitudinal center axes of said stack and tunnel intersect at a substantially right angle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for producing electrical energy from sunlight comprising: (a) an upwardly convergent air housing having a floor and a roof comprised of interengaged flat panels capable of transmitting sunlight, said housing positioned on a hillside exposed to sunlight and causing air therein to be heated and directed upwardly to an apex opening, (b) at least one elongated tunnel positioned above said air housing and having opposed entrance and exit extremities, said entrance extremity being coupled in airtight manner to said apex opening, (c) a bladed structure rotatively mounted within said tunnel and mechanically coupled to an electrical generator, (d) a collector chamber coupled in airtight manner to the exit extremity of said tunnel, and p1 (e) a chimney stack communicating with said collector chamber and vertically oriented in a manner such that the longitudinal center axes of said stack and tunnel intersect at a substantially right angle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said air housing has a substantially triangular periphery, the base of said periphery being disposed below said apex and serving as an air inlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said chimney stack is designed to have increased diameter as it ascends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a propeller device is mounted for horizontal rotation within said stack adjacent the upper extremity thereof, said propeller being driven by means acted upon by ambient wind currents and serving to augment the upward flow of air in said stack.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said floor is provided with a black coating which efficiently converts sunlight impinging thereupon into heat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said base periphery which serves as an air inlet is provided with adjustable closure means for controlling the amount of air which enters said base periphery.
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) | 1985-11-22 | 1986-05-24 | 1986-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-11-22 | 1990-05-24 | 1990-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-11-22 | 1994-05-24 | 1994-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |