Cover Patents (Class 126/705)
  • Patent number: 9185274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable waterproof pack, and more particularly, to a portable waterproof pack with an air bladder pack, which includes an air bladder pack, into which an air is injected, formed in a rear surface of a pack main body, and thus, can float on the water to reduce a risk of losing a portable terminal, such as a smart phone, without a buoyancy means when the portable terminal falls into water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Youngsu Jeon
  • Patent number: 9010316
    Abstract: A housing has a bottom, side panels, end panels, and a top, forming a chamber. The side and end panels have interior sections and slidable exterior sections. A solar energy collector, tubing or solar panels, is within the chamber. A cover plate is fabricated of a transparent material and is secured to the exterior section adjacent to the top. Lenses are coupled to the exterior section, and focus sunlight on the solar energy collector. Lift drivers vary the elevation of the lenses with respect to the solar energy collector. A gimbal assembly with a tilt driver operatively couples the housing to the roof to vary the angular tilt of the housing. A light sensor, a temperature sensor, and an associated controller adjust the elevation of the lenses and the tilt of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne Douglas Corbell, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140305425
    Abstract: A solar collector has an opaque cover heated by solar energy. Heat flows from the opaque cover by conduction, convection, and infrared emittance across a gap within an at least substantially airtight enclosure to an absorber containing a working fluid. The exterior surface of the opaque cover has high solar energy absorptance and the interior surface has high infrared emittance. The exterior surface preferably has low infrared emittance. In one embodiment, fully wetted surface geometry permits direct and reflected infrared absorption by the absorber. The opaque cover eliminates the weight, cost and other shortcomings of glass. A hollow continuous side wall with rounded corners provides an embodiment that is robust yet economical, that is easy to manufacture and seal, that permits a reduced thickness of the opaque cover and mitigates the destructive potential of severe winds, and that can withstand the compressive forces experienced by an evacuated solar collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: JEFFREY D. PRUTSMAN, JOHN D. PRUTSMAN
  • Patent number: 8746237
    Abstract: This invention relates to solar engineering. The solar collector, which comprises a closed enclosure and an absorber 5 with channels for a liquid heat carrier, is designed in the form of a cylindrical portion having radius R1 and an axis coinciding with the axis of the central cylindrical portion 1 of the enclosure. The absorber 5 consists of thin-walled, interconnected modules. The modules are provided with bulges on the rear side thereof, in which channels with slots are made for arranging pipes forming heat-carrier flowing channels. In addition, the absorber can be designed in the form of a storage tank. The shape of the collector is optimized in such a way that the axes of the two lateral cylindrical portions 2 thereof are remote at distance L and the central cylindrical portion 1 is as remote as possible from a plane 3 tangential to the lateral cylindrical portions 2 at a distance H having the defined ratio of geometric parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Boris Ivanovich Kazandzhan
  • Patent number: 8707948
    Abstract: Non-tracking solar collector device (1) comprising at least an absorber element (2), at least a couple of reflector elements (3) disposed on opposite sides of the absorber element (2) for conveying the solar radiation onto the absorber element itself and said reflector elements (3) comprising at least one fixed portion (8a,8b) and at least one rotating portion (9); the rotating portions (9) being movable between at least a first extreme position (10), in which the rotating portions are moved away from each other and the entire surface of said reflector elements (3) is substantially continuous, and a second extreme position (11), in which the rotating portions are moved close to each other in order to substantially obscure said absorber element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kloben S.A.S. di Turco Adelino EC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Lester Harding
  • Patent number: 8627814
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar water heating apparatus which includes concentric inner and outer vessels defining an annular cavity therebetween, within which cavity a phase change material is located, and which is vaporised when solar radiation is incident on the outer vessel, in order to transfer heat to a water store contained in the inner vessel, this water store being fed fresh unheated water while the heated water is extracted therefrom for domestic or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: University of Ulster
    Inventor: Mervyn Smyth
  • Patent number: 8613204
    Abstract: A solar-powered adsorption-desorption refrigeration and air conditioning system uses nanostructural materials made of high specific surface area adsorption aerogel as the adsorptive media. Refrigerant molecules are adsorbed on the high surface area of the nanostructural material. A circulation system circulates refrigerant from the nanostructural material to a cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph C. Farmer
  • Patent number: 8555872
    Abstract: A solar heater for space heating is formed by a frame that provides structural support for a plate that absorbs sunlight. In one aspect, the plate is directly molded into the frame. In another aspect, the plate is incorporated into an assembly which is then sealed to the frame. The solar heater is configured such that multiple similarly configured solar heaters may be coupled together in a series and/or parallel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: John Allan Dolphin, Allan Gary Finney
  • Patent number: 8459251
    Abstract: A solar thermal unit adapted for fitting into one or more connectors designed for receiving one or more panes of glass (2), wherein said thermal solar unit includes a fluid circuit, a light-absorbing surface (3), and a housing for the light-absorbing surface (3) and fluid circuit, which housing extends to the rear and sides of the light-absorbing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Viridian Concepts Limited, Lonsdale Metal Company
    Inventors: Stuart Anthony Elmes, Kok Thong Tan, Richard Burgess
  • Patent number: 8316842
    Abstract: A solar heat collector for using solar energy to heat a fluid flowing therethrough includes a housing having a portion facing the sun. A predetermined plurality of tubular members are disposed within the housing with each tubular member connected to a fluid input and a fluid output for carrying a fluid through the housing. An absorption film is attached to the sun facing portion of the housing. A filler member engages the absorption film and a predetermined portion of each tubular member for improving heat transfer efficiency of the absorbed solar energy from the absorption film to each tubular member. A material of the filler member has thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of air at zero degrees Celsius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Natan Guryevskiy, Boris Guryevskiy
  • Patent number: 8316841
    Abstract: An energy transmitting solar panel (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) intended for invisible incorporation into a building, a part or component thereof, behind and in thermal contact with a climate shield (12, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) on said building, a part or component thereof, is made of a heat-conducting material and has a substantial heat transmitting surface area and at least one through-going fluid impervious channel or duct (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) embedded in or integrally connected with said panel for the flow of an energy carrying-capable fluid therein. The solar panel is mounted below and close up to a climate shield of a building so that good thermal contact is established there between providing excellent transmission of converted sun radiation to an energy carrying-capable fluid in the fluid impervious channel or duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Cupa Innovacion, S.L.U.
    Inventor: Per Stobbe
  • Patent number: 8286627
    Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber. The frame is provided with an inwardly and/or outwardly directed attachment ledge (1a) to which the glazing(4) is attached. A protective Stripping (9) covers the edges of the cover pane(4) and is provided with a ledge (9b) that rests on the attachment ledge (1a). The side- and end panels(1) of the frame include an inwardly projecting bottom ledge (1b) to which a backsheet(5) may be attached by means of welding or TOXing(22). The bottom ledge (Ib) also includes an outwardly projecting ledge that is provided with spaced through going bores along the length of the side- and end panels for i-eceiving fasteners (20) therein that allow the collector to be fastened to a roof structure (19) or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Brent Møller
  • Patent number: 8234825
    Abstract: A solar installation includes at least one solar module. The at least one solar module includes a cover plate and a housing box. The housing box includes housing walls, a frame construction including a substantially L-shaped support profile, the support profile including a transverse leg disposed edge-parallel on a bottom side of the cover plate with a seal interposed therebetween and a longitudinal leg connected to the housing wall. A detent device has at least one upper detent element and one lower detent element for fixing the cover plate on the housing box. A spring-loaded mounting includes at least two spring elements for mounting the cover plate on the housing walls, via the at least two spring elements. The at least two spring elements have a predetermined vertical stroke and are configured to generate a restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Solon SE
    Inventors: Sascha Oliver Schwarze, Maik Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20120186575
    Abstract: A solar collector is provided that concentrates solar energy for heating a medium such as air. The solar collector includes a housing with a first end wall, a second end wall and a cavity therebetween. A receiver tube is extended through the first end wall on a first end and extending longitudinally within the cavity. A receiver core member made from a metal foam material is disposed within the receiver tube. At least one mirror is arranged within the cavity opposite the receiver tube, the at least one mirror being arranged to reflect light onto the receiver tube. In one embodiment, an automated cleaning system is arranged to clean the collector cover. In another embodiment, the mirror is made from a dielectric mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ORRIN SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Ricardo Conde
  • Patent number: 8127758
    Abstract: An aerospace platform includes a structure having a cavity and a light-transmissive portion that exposes the cavity to sunlight. The aerospace platform further includes a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system includes a fluid-carrying, thermally absorptive structure within the cavity, and a solar collector for collecting light transmitted through the light-transmissive portion and focusing the collected light onto the absorptive structure. The thermally absorptive structure has a high surface absorptivity that retains thermal energy when exposed to solar irradiance and heats fluid contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Shailesh Atreya, Michael F. Stoia, Tina R. Stoia, Russell K. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120024283
    Abstract: A single air or liquid type flat-plate solar collector assembly with a variable area proportion of the hybrid and solar thermal functions, having: a channel having a front, a back, opposite sides, a bottom inlet opening and a top outlet opening; a photovoltaic collector cover disposed across a hybrid portion of the front of the channel; and a transparent glazing covering disposed across a solar thermal portion of the front of the channel. Preferably, the body of the collector utilizes a standard standing seam metal panel with associated mounting expansion clips, and the photovoltaic collector cover and transparent glazing are both held onto the panel by a glazing mounting channel affixed to the standing seam of the metal panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Dale N. Skillman
  • Publication number: 20120017590
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solar furnace. In particular, this invention relates to a solar furnace which is capable of raising the temperature of transfer medium. In use, the heated transfer medium can be used to generate electricity or put to other work, such as, for example, air conditioning, pasteurisation or desalination. In fact, for any situation that requires a source to generate work or power. The present invention describes a solar furnace for raising the temperature of a heat transfer medium, comprising a lens array for admitting incident thermal and solar energy onto a reflector portion and a pressure vessel. The reflector portion being generally shaped so as to concentrate said solar energy onto said pressure vessel. The pressure vessel having an inlet through which said heat transfer medium is injected and a central core which defines a continuous heat transfer path for said heat transfer medium to contact the surface of said pressure vessel and exit said pressure vessel at an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Howard
  • Patent number: 8096294
    Abstract: An integrated spa water heating assembly comprising a solar water heater panel, having a water inlet and outlet, an electrical motor/pump unit attached to the panel and having ducting for drawing water from the spa interior for passage to the panel inlet, the panel operating to discharge heated water flowing from the panel back into the spa water, and a solar power panel operatively attached to the heater panel, and electrically connected with the motor to power motor operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Richard D. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20110290237
    Abstract: The curvilinear heater disclosed contemplates an air based solar radiant heating system that utilizes a heat collector having a cover creating an area within which an absorber plate allows for the transformation of solar energy into heat energy. The absorber plate is constructed to maximize surface area by utilizing a curvilinear design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: B. W. Dykes, Jack Devore
  • Publication number: 20110277746
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar water heating apparatus which includes concentric inner and outer vessels defining an annular cavity therebetween, within which cavity a phase change material is located, and which is vaporised when solar radiation is incident on the outer vessel, in order to transfer heat to a water store contained in the inner vessel, this water store being fed fresh unheated water while the heated water is extracted therefrom for domestic or other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: University of Ulster
    Inventor: Mervyn Smyth
  • Publication number: 20110271999
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Cogenra Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilad ALMOGY, Ratson Morad, Radu Constantin Raduta, Brian Edward Atchley, Joseph Isaac Lichy, Amir Arie Weiss
  • Patent number: 7905092
    Abstract: Solar-powered shielding mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a shield, a pair of tracks, an energy collecting device for collecting solar energy, storage for storing liquid being heated in the energy collecting device, and a motor powered by electricity generated by a power generator converting heat from the liquid being heated by the energy collecting device. The motor is operated to retract or extend the shield along the pair of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventors: Sean Hackner, Patrick Zuili
  • Publication number: 20100212658
    Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber (3a), an insulating layer (2) disposed beneath the absorber (3a) and a cover pane (4) spaced above the absorber (3a). Absorber tubing (3b) is connected to an supply header (15) and to an return header (16). The axis (X) of the supply/return header (15,16) is arranged at an angle to a plane (Z) coinciding with the cover pane (4) with the distance between the axis (X) and the plane (2) increasing along the axis (X) in a direction leading away from the collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Brent Møller
  • Publication number: 20100212657
    Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber. The frame is provided with an inwardly and/or outwardly directed attachment ledge (1a) to which the glazing(4) is attached. A protective Stripping (9) covers the edges of the cover pane(4) and is provided with a ledge (9b) that rests on the attachment ledge (1a). The side- and end panels(1) of the frame include an inwardly projecting bottom ledge (1b) to which a backsheet(5) may be attached by means of welding or TOXing(22). The bottom ledge (Ib) also includes an outwardly projecting ledge that is provided with spaced through going bores along the length of the side- and end panels for i-eceiving fasteners (20) therein that allow the collector to be fastened to a roof structure (19) or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Brent Møller
  • Publication number: 20100212661
    Abstract: A solar installation includes at least one solar module. The at least one solar module includes a cover plate and a housing box. The housing box includes housing walls, a frame construction including a substantially L-shaped support profile, the support profile including a transverse leg disposed edge-parallel on a bottom side of the cover plate with a seal interposed therebetween and a longitudinal leg connected to the housing wall. A detent device has at least one upper detent element and one lower detent element for fixing the cover plate on the housing box. A spring-loaded mounting includes at least two spring elements for mounting the cover plate on the housing walls, via the at least two spring elements. The at least two spring elements have a predetermined vertical stroke and are configured to generate a restoring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SOLON SE
    Inventors: Sascha Oliver Schwarze, Maik Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7757687
    Abstract: A solar air conditioning apparatus includes an inlet assembly (20), an outlet assembly (30), a solar collector assembly (10), connecting assemblies (50) and joining members (40). The solar collector assembly includes a plurality of parallel connected solar collectors (11) disposed between inlet units (22) of the inlet assembly and outlet units (32) of the outlet assembly. The solar collector includes a plurality of series connected solar collecting units (12). The solar collecting unit has a bottom plate (12d), a heat-absorbing plate (12f), a brace plate (12g) and a transparent panel (12a). The bottom plate and the heat-absorbing plate respectively have first and second fastening structures (123, 124) and first and second clasping structures (121, 122) for joining the solar collecting units together. The connecting assemblies series connecting the solar collecting units, the inlet and the outlet assemblies. The joining members parallel connecting the inlet units and the outlet units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Xin-Jian Xiao
  • Patent number: 7753048
    Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) comprises a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Xin-Jian Xiao
  • Publication number: 20100154787
    Abstract: A solar thermal unit adapted for fitting into one or more connectors designed for receiving one or more panes of glass (2), wherein said thermal solar unit includes a fluid circuit, a light-absorbing surface (3), and a housing for the light-absorbing surface (3) and fluid circuit, which housing extends to the. rear and sides of the light-absorbing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Stuart Anthony Elmes, Kok Thong Tan, Richard Burgess
  • Publication number: 20100147288
    Abstract: An energy transmitting solar panel (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) intended for invisible incorporation into a building, a part or component thereof, behind and in thermal contact with a climate shield (12, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) on said building, a part or component thereof, is made of a heat-conducting material and has a substantial heat transmitting surface area and at least one through-going fluid impervious channel or duct (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) embedded in or integrally connected with said panel for the flow of an energy carrying-capable fluid therein. The solar panel is mounted below and close up to a climate shield of a building so that good thermal contact is established there between providing excellent transmission of converted sun radiation to an energy carrying-capable fluid in the fluid impervious channel or duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: CUP INNOVACION S.L.U.
    Inventor: Per Stobbe
  • Publication number: 20090266356
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the periphery of the top surface of the substrate. The transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are joined end-to-end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicants: Tsinghua University, HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Pi-Jin Chen, Liang Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20090266355
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the periphery of the top surface of the substrate. Thea transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber with the substrate together. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are aligned along a same direction or along different directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicants: Tsinghua University, HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Pi-Jin Chen, Liang Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20090013992
    Abstract: A cover for an object using solar radiation includes a cover sheet made of a material transparent to solar radiation, wherein, viewed in cross-sectional view with respect to the sheet, the sheet has a zigzag profiled surface structure on either side. A combination of two covers has cover plates of each of the covers above one another, in particular running parallel to one another. Moreover, a combination of a cover and an object has the cover covering the object and the object uses, absorbs, and converts solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Pieter Jan Sonneveld
  • Publication number: 20080308092
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector having an integrated heat storage. Such a solar collector comprises a housing which comprises a bottom plate and a transparent cap, wherein between an involute mirror and the transparent cap a storage tank for the storage of water is provided. The solar collector according to the invention is characterized in that a shielding is provided between the transparent cap and the storage tank, which leaves the part of the storage tank that is situated lower uncovered. By using the solar collector according to the invention a higher thermal yield can be achieved while using less materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: ECONCERN B.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Bernardus Schaap, Iwan Jules Van Bochove
  • Patent number: 6994082
    Abstract: A lightweight solar concentrator of the reflecting parabolic or trough type is realized via a thin reflecting film, an inflatable structural housing and tensioned fibers. The reflector element itself is a thin, flexible, specularly-reflecting sheet or film. The film is maintained in the parabolic trough shape by means of a plurality of identical tensioned fibers arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the parabola. Fiber ends are terminated in two identical spaced anchorplates, each containing a plurality of holes which lie on the desired parabolic contour. In a preferred embodiment, these fibers are arrayed in pairs with one fiber contacting the front side of the reflecting film and the other contacting the back side of the reflecting film. The reflective surface is thereby slidably captured between arrays of fibers which control the shape and position of the reflective film. Gas pressure in the inflatable housing generates fiber tension to achieve a truer parabolic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Eric B. Hochberg, Michael K. Costen
  • Patent number: 6880553
    Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Chien-Hsiung Lee
  • Publication number: 20040237960
    Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Chien-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 6700055
    Abstract: A solar concentrator system includes a collector lens for collecting and at least partially focusing incident solar rays, a solar cell and a lens array positioned generally between the collector lens and the solar cell, the lens array directing the partially focused rays emerging from the collector lens onto the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: BD Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Barone
  • Patent number: 6516794
    Abstract: A central solar receiver comprises an axisymmetric housing having front and rear ends and having an aperture at the front end, an elongated tubular window mounted in the aperture co-axially with the housing, a volumetric solar absorber disposed within the housing and extending around and along the elongated window for absorbing solar radiation that has passed therethrough; and working fluid ingress and egress formed in the housing so as to, respectively, inject thereto, and withdraw therefrom, a pressurized working fluid in a manner enabling the working fluid interaction with the volumetric absorber. The window has an open front end which is secured to the housing at the front end thereof, and a closed rear end which is disposed adjacent the rear end of the housing and is free of any securing thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignees: Yeda Research and Development Co., Ltd., E.D.I.G. Industries and Assemblies Ltd., Rotem Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob Karni, Pinchas Doron, Moshe Danino
  • Patent number: 6066797
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a solar cell module having a terminal extracting structure for it, with high adhesion workability, high productivity, and high reliability. The solution to this object is a solar cell module wherein a box member having therein an electrical connecting portion between a solar cell element and an outer lead wire is adhered to the solar cell module with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a lid member is adhered to the solar cell module with an adhesive so as to cover the box member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumitaka Toyomura, Makoto Sasaoka
  • Patent number: 6047697
    Abstract: A solar collector comprising an evacuation envelope; an absorber housed inside the evacuated envelope and comprising plates which define an evaporation gap, the evaporation gap providing communication between a reservoir of heat transfer fluid at a first, bottom end of the absorber and a condenser at a second, top end of the absorber. The plates define the evaporation gap so that capillary action between the plates can draw heat transfer fluid from the reservoir along at least a substantial portion of the evaporation gap to the condensor. The absorber transfers heat derived from the incident solar radiation to heat transfer fluid contained in the evaporation gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Energy International Systems Limited
    Inventor: Frederick George Best
  • Patent number: 6015951
    Abstract: This invention relates to a photoelectric transfer device which comprises a photoelectric transfer element, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and an ultraviolet cut-off layer, said cholesteric liquid crystal layer being arranged between said photoelectric transfer element and said ultraviolet cut-off layer and said ultraviolet cut-off layer being arranged at the side for the incidence of light. According to this invention, there is provided a colorful photoelectric transfer device which is prepared at an inexpensive cost without a marked decrease in the generation efficiency of the photoelectric transfer element and is fit to be used over a prolonged period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company, Limited
    Inventors: Keizo Ikai, Mitsuo Matsuno
  • Patent number: 5816238
    Abstract: A solar collector exhibiting durable fluorescent properties comprising a polymeric matrix, dye, and hindered amine light stabilizer, wherein the polymeric matrix is comprised of polycarbonate and the dye is comprised of a dye selected from the group consisting essentially of thioxanthone, perylene imide and/or thioindigoid compounds. The solar collector exhibits durable fluorescence which resists degradation by ultraviolet or visible radiation. The invention is optionally combined with reflective elements so that the sunlight collected may be directed to a solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David M. Burns, Lee A. Pavelka
  • Patent number: 5794611
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a copper plate and copper tubes for the collection and harnessing of solar energy. The copper tubes are thermally coupled to the copper plate by a copper alloy fillet. The copper tubes, the copper plate and the copper alloy fillet preferably are brazed in a controlled atmospheric furnace at a temperature in the range from approximately 1700 to about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The solar collector includes a housing for the plate and the tubes having two side walls, two end walls, a rear wall and a removable cover closing an open front side of the housing. One of the end walls and each of the side walls have a slot defined therein generally parallel to a plane of the rear wall for releasably receiving the cover which is formed of a glazing material. A solar collector according to this invention provides enhanced thermal conductivities, increased durability and the concomitant advantages associated with improved manufacturing economies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Refrigeration Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Bottum, Jr., Edward W. Bottum, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5509246
    Abstract: A roof shingle for solar heat collection comprises an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment of the roof shingle has a greater thickness than the lower segment. The upper segment has a transverse opening extending therethrough for receiving hollow tubing inserted therein. The opening is adapted to be aligned with openings in adjacent roof shingles on either side of the roof shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Mark E. Roddy
  • Patent number: 5404867
    Abstract: A solar collector venting system comprising a lower frame member with vents which allow the entrance of cooling air when high collector stagnation temperatures occur communicating with the natural downward thermal bowing of a two walled plastic glazing caused by differences in coefficients of expansion between the cooler upper layer and the hotter inner layer of plastic glazing communicating with an upper frame member with stationary fulcrum points communicating with vents in between the fulcrums points which, upon bowing of the glazing cause the upper end of the glazing sheet to lift up off the top frame member allowing an open path for the flow of cooling air to pass up thru the collector between the absorber and the plastic glazing whose path may be kept clear by communicating with flow path spacers on the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Albert C. Rich
  • Patent number: 5373839
    Abstract: A solar collector assembly includes a base frame having a half-round channel body and two side wings, a collector unit supported on two supports within the half-round channel body, two vertically spaced transparent top covers covered over the collector unit, and two end covers sealed at two opposite ends of the half-round channel body and the transparent top covers, wherein the supports can be adjusted to change the elevation and the angle of inclination in the X-axis or Y-axis direction; the base frame has inside space stuffed with a heat insulative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Shao-Kuang Hoang