Abstract: A solar collector having a central radiation receiver and a plurality of mirrors mounted on articulated mounting structures arranged over a surface in an array pattern comprised of discrete paths, with the path shapes having certain prescribed symmetry properties. Using mathematical properties of tilt angle components expressed relative to fixed orthogonal axes of resolution for mirrors oriented to reflect solar radiation onto the radiation receiver, mirror control is accomplished by the use of coupling devices which extend along the discrete mirror containing paths. Each coupling device comprises a passive linear series system having an appropriate gradient of component values. The types of linear series coupling devices specifically considered in the disclosure are tensile elastic coupling devices and electrically resistive coupling devices for mirror control in large scale collectors, and torsional elastic coupling devices for mirror control in small scale collectors.

Abstract: A solar collector having a central radiation receiver and a field of mirrors which are mechanically linked to track the sun and reflect solar radiation onto the radiation receiver. A rigid mechanical controlling element is carried by a plurality of parallel arms which are continuously aligned in the direction of the sun. Each mirror is coupled at normal incidence to a linear guide member which engages one of a plurality of positional guides mounted on the rigid controlling element to keep the mirrors in proper alignment.

Abstract: A mechanical stirring device for agitating and mixing fluids in a container, such as a cooking pot or pan, includes a self-contained drive mechanism which is releasably attachable to a stirrer element projecting into and resting on the bottom of the container. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable drive element which seats on the edge of the container rim to impart motion to the entire stirring device about a vertical axis through the midpoint of the container. The stirrer element includes a main frame member having a pair of spaced, generally parallel uprights and a mixing frame region. A pair of lateral stabilizer legs is attached to the stirrer frame and rests on the bottom of the container to laterally stabilize the stirring device as it rotates about the container axis. A wiper element in the shape of an inverted-V is also attached to the stirrer frame and rests on the container bottom to agitate and skim fluid from the container bottom to prevent scorching.

Abstract: A solar collector having a central radiation receiver and a field of mirrors which are mechanically linked to track the sun and reflect solar radiation onto the radiation receiver. A rigid mechanical controlling element is carried by a plurality of parallel arms which are continuously aligned in the direction of the sun. Each mirror is coupled at normal incidence to a linear guide member which engages one of a plurality of positional guides mounted on the rigid controlling element to keep the mirrors in proper alignment.