Abstract: The present invention is in the field of solar energy collectors. In particular, the invention is directed to solar energy collectors that operate by concentrating solar radiation onto an absorber using a reflector. The invention may be embodied in the form of a unitary planar solar radiation reflector array having a plurality of upwardly facing reflective surfaces each of which is configured to reflect incident solar radiation, wherein each upwardly facing reflective surface is formed by coating a substrate with a coating material. The coating material may be a metallic coating of substantially even thickness formed by a metal deposition method such as a vapour deposition method or a thermal spray method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector assembly for a solar collector, the reflector assembly comprising: a sheet-like reflector, and a bracket configured to (i) maintain the reflector in a predetermined curvature, and (ii) attach the reflector to a mount. The reflector may be used in the manufacture of light weight and low cost parabolic solar collectors of the type used to concentrate solar radiation on an absorber.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

Abstract: A kite is provided with a streamer in the form of an elongated, inflatable, flexible tube of, for example, polyethylene. The streamer is attached to the main spar of the kite and has an open mouth positioned beneath the kite sheeting so that, in flight, the streamer is filled with air.

Abstract: A kite comprises sheeting spread by a longitudinal spar and a lateral spar disposed one on each side of the sheeting. The lateral spar is formed in two spaced parts which are connected by a spring wire attached to the longitudinal spar. The outer ends of the lateral spar are attached to bracing members extending along the leading edges of the kite and the spring wire acts to control the relative inclination of what amounts to two wings of the kite.