Abstract: A wiper is provided for cleaning reactor tubes used in an ultraviolet-light reactor. The wiper has a circular opening sufficiently large to resiliently accommodate a reactor tube. A plurality of wipers can be connected to a wiper support to create a wiper assembly. A rod attached to the wiper assembly, or a wiper, can be moved from outside the reactor chamber for mechanically reciprocating the wiper assembly along the length of the reactor tube in the chamber, whereby, the wiper slides along the outer surface of the reactor tube to wipe off at least some of the fouling that may have accumulated on the outer surface of the reactor tube.

Abstract: A wiper assembly is provided for cleaning the reactor tubes of an ultraviolet-light reactor. The wiper assembly is positioned inside a reactor chamber of the ultraviolet-light reactor. The wiper assembly includes a wiper that has a circular opening sufficiently large to accommodate a reactor tube. A wiper blade is formed on the wiper circumferential of the opening and being deflected such that when the reactor tube is positioned through the opening, the blade engages the outer surface of the reactor tube. The wiper is formed of a plastic material. The wiper is connected to a platform positioned within the reactor chamber. The platform supports the wiper in the reactor chamber such that the reactor tube extends through the opening in the wiper. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one rod is connected to the platform. The rod extends out of the reactor chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing at a manufacturing plant concave metallic membrane for concave reflectors such as solar energy collectors and antennas, rolling the concave metallic membrane onto a uniquely shaped mandrel for storage and transportation, transporting the rolled metallic membrane and mandrel to a site which is remote from the manufacturing plant, erecting a reflector support structure at the remote site, and attaching the concave metallic membrane to the reflector support structure. The invention includes a method for forming the concave metallic membrane into a paraboloid-like shape using non-uniform loading.

Abstract: Highly weather and corrosion resistant flexible reflective films for solar energy applications and lighting reflectors are formed by vapor-depositing silver onto a flexible support sheet, e.g., biaxially oriented polyester film and adherently bonding a protective fluorocarbon film, e.g., poly(vinyl fluoride), poly(vinylidine fluoride), or poly(tetrafluoroethylene), to the surface of the silver distal to the flexible support sheet with a layer of adhesive. Fluorocarbon film is highly optically transmissive to visible, ultraviolet, and/or near infra-red light between about 300-2,500 nanometers, stable to ultraviolet light, impervious to moisture, non-hygroscopic, scratch resistant, and easy to keep clean. The adhesive is highly optically transmissive to light between about 300-2,500 nanometers and stable to ultraviolet light. Chemical corrosion inhibitors and UV absorbers incorporated into the flexible reflective film can increase its resistance to corrosion and degradation by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A control means for a solar energy collector-concentrator of the focusing trough reflector type with an energy receiver operatively positioned at the line of focus of said reflector comprising pivotally mounted support means for said energy receiver held in a receiver-operative position by linkage including a thermally fusible link against spring operative means biasing said support means to a receiver non-operative position out of said line of focus.

Abstract: An improved monocoque parabolic solar collector which can be machine welded or fastened with rivets, bolts or other mechanical fasteners without the need for any blind fastening systems.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: An improved monocoque parabolic solar collector which can be machine welded or fastened with rivets, bolts or other mechanical fasteners without the need for any blind fastening systems.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: A solar collector system of the type having a movable surface for receiving solar radiation having improved means for rotatably supporting the movable surface and for rotating the collector surface. A support axle for the collector includes a ball at one end which is carried within a cylindrical sleeve in the solar collector to support the weight of the collector. A torque transmitting arm comprising a flexible flat strip is connected at one end to the axle and at the other end to the collector surface. An improved rotational drive mechanism includes a first sprocket wheel carried on the axle and a second sprocket wheel supported on a support pylon with a drive chain engaging both sprockets. A double acting piston also supported by the pylon is coupled to the chain so that the chain may be driven by a hydraulic control system to rotate the collector surfaces as required.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: An improved solar collector system includes a reflective surface to reflect solar radiation onto an energy receiver. The reflective surface is disposed along the surface of a movable support panel which is a monocoque sheet metal construction. Suitable control equipment is affixed to the support structure to enable the reflective surface to be oriented toward the sun to achieve maximum solar energy recovery.

Abstract: An improved solar collector system includes a moveable surface to receive solar radiation. The moveable collector surface is supported by at least one load bearing universal joint. The movement of the collector surface is accomplished by a hydraulic actuated tracking system to enable the collector surface to be oriented toward the sun to achieve maximum solar energy recovery. The hydraulic actuated tracking system includes at least two hydraulic cylinders and pistons whereby the primary piston and cylinder control the position of the secondary piston and cylinder which, in turn, control the orientation of the collector surface.