Patent EP0373665A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4759735A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Solar cell powered beacon
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1986-09-29
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Granted: 1988-07-26
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Expires: 2006-09-29
Abstract
Abstract A solar-powered beacon comprises a water-tight caisson housing a battery for storing electricity produced by solar cells atop the beacon. An electronic circuit within the caisson controls operation of the beacon. The caisson material acts as a heat sink for the solar cells, and insulation is provided below the cells to further protect the electronic components.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederic Pagnol
- 👤 Claude Ratti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:54
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S9/00; F21S9/02; F21S9/03; F21S9/037; B; B63; B63B; B63B22/00; B63B22/16; G; G12; G12B; G12B9/00; G12B9/08; G12B9/10; H; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; B63B2209/00; B63B2209/18; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/04; F21W2111/047; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S136/293
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A solar cell powered signal beacon, comprising a water-tight caisson having an upper wall, battery means within the caisson for storing electrical energy produced by the solar cells, electronic means within the caisson for operating the beacon, a plurality of solar cells incorporated in heat dissipating fashion on the outer surface the upper wall of said caisson, electrical conductors connected to said solar cells, said electrical conductors traversing the thickness of the upper wall of the caisson to the interior thereof, and means for electrically connecting said conductors to said battery and said electronic means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A solar cell powered signal beacon, comprising a water-tight caisson having an upper wall, battery means within the caisson for storing electrical energy produced by the solar cells, electronic means within the caisson for operating the beacon, a plurality of solar cells incorporated in heat dissipating fashion on the outer surface the upper wall of said caisson, electrical conductors connected to said solar cells, said electrical conductors traversing the thickness of the upper wall of the caisson to the interior thereof, and means for electrically connecting said conductors to said battery and said electronic means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 1, in which at least one of the solar cells is incorporated in a small plate removably secured on said outer surface of said upper wall of the beacon, and an annular seal around the conductors and between said small plate and the upper wall of the beacon for providing a water-tight seal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 2, in which the upper wall of the caisson in which the solar cells are incorporated comprises, a wall of essentially truncated cone shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 1, having in the center of an upper portion thereof, a transmitter for transmitting a beacon signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 1, wherein the interior of said caisson contains an intermediate wall dividing the interior into an upper space and a lower space and wherein, said battery and said electronic means are located in said lower space, and said upper space is contains a heat-insulating material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 5 in which the heat-insulating material comprises a foam of synthetic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 1 wherein at least said upper wall of the caisson is comprised of a material which is a good heat conductor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 7 wherein said upper wall of the caisson is comprised of aluminum.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
78 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim 1 wherein the solar cells comprise groups of solar cells with the cells of each group electrically connected in series and having an output, a plurality of voltage converter means, one connected to the output of each group of solar cells, said plurality of voltage converter means comprising means for producing a voltage subtantially equal to the nominal voltage of the battery, and being connected in parallel to said battery.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A solar cell powered beacon according to claim in which each group is comprised of 4 to 8 solar cells interconnected in series.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-01-25 | 1992-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-07-26 | 1996-01-25 | 1996-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-07-26 | 2000-01-25 | 2000-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |