US4425907A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reflector-coupled fluorescent solar collector
Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
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Filing: 1981-11-27
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Granted: 1984-01-17
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Expires: 2001-11-27
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a system for the collection of electromagnetic radiation and the transmission of that radiation to a point of use. In its simplest sense, an apparatus for the collection and transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprises a cylindrical fluorescent fiber, at least one end of which is optically coupled to an optical wave guide, and means for reflecting solar radiation impinging over a relatively wide area onto said cylindrical fluorescent fiber. Preferably, a compound parabolic mirror is employed for reflecting incident solar radiation onto the optical fluorescent fiber.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence B. Younghouse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:57
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; F24S23/11; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for the collection and transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising: a cylindrical fluorescent fiber formed from a light transparent fiber material on which has been applied at least one fluorescent sheet, said fluorescent sheet being formed from a fluorescent dye incorporated in a polymeric binder; reflector means for reflecting radiation impinging over a relatively wide area so as to impinge on the circumference of said fluorescent fiber; at least one optical wave guide optically coupled to one end of said fluorescent fiber whereby light impinging on said fluorescent fiber is internally reflected and transmitted by said optical wave guide to a point of use.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for the collection and transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising: a cylindrical fluorescent fiber formed from a light transparent fiber material on which has been applied at least one fluorescent sheet, said fluorescent sheet being formed from a fluorescent dye incorporated in a polymeric binder; reflector means for reflecting radiation impinging over a relatively wide area so as to impinge on the circumference of said fluorescent fiber; at least one optical wave guide optically coupled to one end of said fluorescent fiber whereby light impinging on said fluorescent fiber is internally reflected and transmitted by said optical wave guide to a point of use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said reflector means is a parabolic reflector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said reflector means is a compound parabolic reflector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 2 or 3 wherein at least one optical wave guide is optically coupled at one end to each end of the fluorescent fiber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
100 words
A solar energy collection and transmission device comprising: a cylindrical fluorescent fiber formed from a light transparent fiber material on which has been applied at least one fluorescent sheet, said fluorescent sheet being formed from a fluorescent dye incorporated in a polymeric binder; a compound parabolic reflector for focusing solar radiation incident on the circumference of said reflector onto said fluorescent fiber; at least one optical wave guide optically coupled to said fluorescent fiber whereby solar radiation impinging on said fluorescent fiber is internally reflected and directed toward said optical wave guide for transmission therethrough to a point of use.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
100 words
A solar energy collection and transmission device comprising: a cylindrical fluorescent fiber formed from a light transparent fiber material on which has been applied at least one fluorescent sheet, said fluorescent sheet being formed from a fluorescent dye incorporated in a polymeric binder; a compound parabolic reflector for focusing solar radiation incident on the circumference of said reflector onto said fluorescent fiber; at least one optical wave guide optically coupled to said fluorescent fiber whereby solar radiation impinging on said fluorescent fiber is internally reflected and directed toward said optical wave guide for transmission therethrough to a point of use.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the compound reflector has a cusp and said fluorescent fiber is positioned adjacent said cusp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said device has an angle of acceptance of about 60°.
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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) | 1987-01-16 | 1987-07-18 | 1988-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-16 | 1991-07-18 | 1992-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-16 | 1995-07-18 | 1996-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |