Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control is achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication from the mini- to the microtechnology realm.

Abstract: This invention provides a manner to achieve affordable solar energy, as well as other technologies. It does so by improving control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators and optical equipment in general. Thus troublesome and expensive grid material like Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) can be replaced by more manageable, hardier, and more cost effective nanotubes; or a carbon grid simply laid down by ordinary photocopy (Xerographic) reduction techniques. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators; and similar equipment such as Optical Switches; and Display devices such as Dynamic Reflection, Illumination, and Projection equipment; as well as display equipment in general. The control grid acts to address and align active optical elements such as mirrored balls, multipainted balls, electrophoretic, and magnetophoretic cells in solar concentrators; and in other equipment. Fabrication of the grids is also described.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (lenses) of a Fresnel lens solar concentrator tracking array by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control can be achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical likages, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication from the mini- to the micro-technology realm. Furthermore it provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture from the mini-to the micro-realm.

Abstract: A novel latch for pivoted optical elements of a solar concentrator and other equipment latches them in position between orientation operations. The mirrors may be on a universal pivot that can rotate or tilt in any direction; or on gimbal pivots. The orientation power can be turned off between alignments with the mirrors remaining in alignment orientation during this off-power period. Turning off the alignment power between alignments, saves on both energy resources and on expensive apparatus. It permits a great reduction in power supply as the optical elements can be aligned sequentially. This not only reduces operating costs, but also capital investment because smaller power supplies can suffice. A preferred embodiment utilizes the freezing of a liquid material. Since this involves no moving parts for latching, the instant invention is ideally adapted for fabrication from the nano- to the mini-realm.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the optical elements (mirrors and lenses) of a Fresnel solar concentrator tracking array which approximately eliminates gravitational torque by use of a central universal pivot or gimbals. Linkage torque is produced by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion that is enhanced by the presence of highly polarizable material. This system is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical linkages, the instant invention is applicable for fabrication from the mini- to the nano-technology realm. The elimination of gravitational torque by balancing the optical elements on a universal pivot or gimbals greatly reduces the power required for the optical elements to track the sun and focus sunlight onto a receiver.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control is achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication from the mini- to the microtechnology realm.

Abstract: It is becoming increasingly imperative to harness solar energy due to the ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources. The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for the stable alignment of mirrors inside transparent micro balls with the plane of the mirror perpendicular to the aligning electric field for solar energy concentration and related applications such as optical switches, etc. Coupling of an applied perpendicular electric field with the induced dipole in a mirrored ball results in an unstable orientation. The instant invention circumvents this problem so that a stable orientation is accomplished, resulting in an increase in the percentage of incident light that is reflected to the receiver. Broadly, this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focusing of light wherever mirrors are used for focusing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides a better means to achieve affordable solar energy. It does so by increasing the efficiency and capacity of control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators, and similar equipment. Method and apparatus are described for going from a 25% grid efficiency and capacity to a more than 90% grid efficiency and capacity. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators, and similar equipment. The control grid acts to address and align active optical elements such as mirrored balls, electrophoretic, and magnetophoretic cells in solar concentrators [e.g. cf. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,133,183 and 6,843,573 by M. Rabinowitz]. This invention also reduces the cost of transistor grids by greatly reducing the number of grid junctions and hence the number and cost of transistors.

Abstract: A highly polarizable high dielectric constant positioning and motion control of the elements (approximately planar mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass above the swivel point, below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. The force interaction is greatly enhanced by securing a high dielectric material adjacent to each mirror. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of motors. This allows maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from nanometers to decimeters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for mass production manufacturing of micro-mirrored balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches, etc. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. The mass production process utilizes laminate sheets containing reflective material, assembly rollers, and extrusion and die rollers. The micro-mirrored balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 1 mm (10?3 m), and in one form are transparent in at least one hemisphere with a reflecting mid-plane mirror. In other forms the micro-balls vary in geometry from cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface. These elements can track the light source, and aim and focus the reflected light.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided separately by an electric wind force due to electrons, ions, and/or neutrals; or in combination with an induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts such as in motors. The instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (lenses) of a Fresnel lens solar concentrator tracking array by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control can be achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical likages, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication from the mini- to the micro-technology realm. Furthermore it provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture from the mini-to the micro-realm.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for highly polarizable high dielectric constant positioning and motion control of the elements (approximately planar mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass above the swivel point, below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. The force interaction is greatly enhanced by securing a high dielectric material adjacent to each mirror. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of motors. The instant invention is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no motors or mechanical linkages, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided separately by an electric wind force due to electrons, ions, and/or neutrals; or in combination with an induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts such as in motors. The instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A novel latch for pivoted optical elements of a solar concentrator and other equipment latches them in position between orientation operations. The mirrors may be on a universal pivot that can rotate or tilt in any direction; or on gimbal pivots. The orientation power can be turned off between alignments with the mirrors remaining in alignment orientation during this off-power period. Turning off the alignment power between alignments, saves on both energy resources and on expensive apparatus. It permits a great reduction in power supply as the optical elements can be aligned sequentially. This not only reduces operating costs, but also capital investment because smaller power supplies can suffice. A preferred embodiment utilizes the freezing of a liquid material. Since this involves no moving parts for latching, the instant invention is ideally adapted for fabrication from the nano- to the mini-realm.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array by rapid-response motorless linear motion, angular deflection, and rotational motion utilizing electric wind force due to electrons, ions, and/or neutrals. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control is achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control over a wide range of dimensions and signal bandwidth with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication at the micro and nanotechnology realms.

Abstract: This invention provides a better means to achieve affordable solar energy. It does so by increasing the efficiency and capacity of control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators, and similar equipment. Method and apparatus are described for going from a 25% grid efficiency and capacity to a more than 90% grid efficiency and capacity. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators, and similar equipment. The control grid acts to address and align active optical elements such as mirrored balls, electrophoretic, and magnetophoretic cells in solar concentrators [e.g. cf. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,133,183 and 6,843,573 by M. Rabinowitz]. This invention also reduces the cost of transistor grids by greatly reducing the number of grid junctions and hence the number and cost of transistors.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of a solar cell system that tracks the sun or other light source. This achieves an advantageous increase in output power. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided separately by an induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts such as in motors. The instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It is suited for maximization of solar energy with an ideally low-profile tracking solar cell array. Since there are no motors or other heavy and expensive equipment, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture, transportation, and installation. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from micrometers to decimeters.

Abstract: This invention provides a better means to achieve affordable solar energy, as well as other technologies. It does so by improving control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators and optical equipment in general. Thus troublesome and expensive grid material like Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) can be replaced by more manageable, hardier, and in the long run relatively less expensive nanotubes; or a carbon grid simply laid down by ordinary photocopy (Xerographic) reduction techniques. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators; and similar equipment such as Optical Switches [e.g. cf. M. Rabinowitz U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,445]; and Display devices such as Dynamic Reflection, Illumination, and Projection equipment [e.g. cf. M. Rabinowitz U.S. Pat. No. 7,130,102]; as well as display equipment in general.

Abstract: This invention increases the longevity and performance of solar concentrators, optical switches; and reflection, illumination, and projection equipment in general. To achieve long lifetimes this equipment is sealed to prevent egress of internal lubricant or ingress of undesirable fluids. The rotational elements are sealed to increase their abrasion resistance. Many plastic materials if not sealed as taught in the instant invention are vulnerable to UV degradation, static dust attraction, poor weatherability, and ineffective abrasion resistance resulting in damage in the field and during cleaning. This invention improves the above optical equipment by sealing them with a tough, thin, transparent film. Even in equipment with no internal lubricant, tailored sealants as described in the instant invention can improve the performance of the mirrored elements, Fresnel lenses, and parabolic reflectors.