Patents by Inventor Floyd A. Blake

Floyd A. Blake has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4276872
    Abstract: This specification discloses an improvement in a solar system having one or more collectors for receiving and using radiant energy from the sun and at least one and preferably a plurality of respective reflector means for reflecting the radiant energy onto the collectors. The improvement is characterized by having towerless collectors and towerless reflectors that are disposed at ground level or substantially the same level, to eliminate the major expense of a collector tower, which is inefficient and nonfunctional in a solar system.Also disclosed is a complete system, or combination, for generating power employing solar energy and the improvement delineated above; as well as structural details of preferred arrangements and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Floyd A. Blake, Lynn L. Northrup, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4227513
    Abstract: This specification discloses an improvement in a solar system having one or more collectors for receiving and using radiant energy from the sun and at least one and preferably a plurality of respective reflector means for reflecting the radiant energy onto the collectors. The improvement is characterized by having each reflector in the form of a heliostat that can be moved to maximize the radiant energy reflected onto its collector, driving motor for so moving each heliostat; firmly anchored support structure carrying each heliostat; and sensor connected by suitable controls with each drive motor for so moving each heliostat; the respective sensor being mounted on the same support structure as the heliostat and aligned in a straight line from the heliostat to its collector. With this construction, the sensor does not require an expensive and firmly anchored separate support structure to prevent receiving small surface movements different from those received by the heliostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Floyd A. Blake, Lynn L. Northrup, Jr.