US4373308A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Housing structure utilizing solar energy
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1981-04-24
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Granted: 1983-02-15
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Expires: 2001-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A solar cell array consisting of individually rotatable elongated segments is flexibly supported beneath a translucent panel in the exterior roof of a building. A thermal solar collector is supported beneath the solar cell array for maximum utilization of the solar energy received through the roof opening.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph E. Whittaker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 08:35
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02S; H02S40/00; H02S40/40; H02S40/44; F; F24; F24S; F24S10/00; F24S10/50; F24S20/00; F24S2020/10; F24S2020/17; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B10/00; Y02B10/10; Y02B10/20; Y02B10/70; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
In a solar energy-utilizing building including: a roof and exterior walls, the improvement comprising: a. a translucent member covering an opening in said roof, b. elongated solar cell means supported within said walls, beneath said roof in spaced relation to said translucent member so as to absorb solar energy passing therethrough, said solar cell means being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and c. a flat plate thermal solar collector fixedly supported in spaced relation to said solar cell means so as to absorb heat energy passing through said translucent member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a solar energy-utilizing building including: a roof and exterior walls, the improvement comprising: a. a translucent member covering an opening in said roof, b. elongated solar cell means supported within said walls, beneath said roof in spaced relation to said translucent member so as to absorb solar energy passing therethrough, said solar cell means being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and c. a flat plate thermal solar collector fixedly supported in spaced relation to said solar cell means so as to absorb heat energy passing through said translucent member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said thermal solar collector lies beneath said solar cell means and receives thermal energy passing through said solar cell means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein both said solar cell means and said thermal solar collector are of non-rigid construction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said solar cell means comprises a series of adjacent and electrically interconnected elongated solar cell segments supported beneath said roof and extending in a plane parallel to said translucent member, the cells of each such segment being provided with collector strips on opposite surfaces thereof, and further including a pair of parallel tubular conductors between which cells of each said segment are captured, said conductors forming respectively the positive and negative leads for said segments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said tubular conductors are channelled longitudinally to receive a sufficient portion of the edge of each said cell so as to permit good electrical contact with said collector strips.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein each of said segment consists of a single integral ribbon of photovoltaic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 where said solar cell segments are simultaneously rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes.
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) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-08-16 | 1987-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-14 | 1990-08-16 | 1991-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-14 | 1994-08-16 | 1995-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |