Sundials (normal Dials Subclass 147) [g04b 49/02] Patents (Class 968/415)
  • Patent number: 6301793
    Abstract: An equatorial sundial apparatus with an adjustable base assembly utilizing one or more concave cylindrical focusing mirrors. One of the benefits that is derived from this apparatus is the use of one or more concave cylindrical mirrors to project a focused beam of light onto a calibrated surface from which the time can be read. This sundial has the additional benefit of not suffering from blurring of the time indicator in a shadow or non-focused beam of light typical of other sundials. This sundial's focused light forms a sharply demarcated indicator from which time can be read to the minute. A further benefit of this apparatus is the ability to incorporate multiple concave cylindrical focusing mirrors to reduce the size of the visual field or screen where the time is read and to incorporate various shapes and designs for ornamental purposes without significant compromise of the sundials accuracy for telling time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: William Gottesman, Karsten H. Weiss, Jerrold C. Manock