Abstract: A collapsible light collection and/or transmission device having an axis of symmetry. The device includes opposing first and second body portions each having a curved inner reflective surface and an outer surface. The first body portion is pivotally coupled to the second body portion along the axis of symmetry. The present invention further includes a collapsible solar collector for collecting solar rays. The collector includes first and second body portions each having an inner reflective surface, an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The collector is positionable between at least a first operative position, wherein the distal ends of the first and second body portions are separated, and a second substantially closed position, wherein the distal ends of the first and second body portions are positioned substantially adjacent to one another and the first and second body portions substantially face one another.

Abstract: A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Abstract: A passive solar collector has a reflector or a plurality of reflectors in a tube that is in a partial vacuum and is entirely or partly transparent. An absorber collects light reflected by the reflector or plurality of reflectors and delivers energy from the collected light to a central tube where it heats a substance such as water or other fluid. The absorber is disposed at an angle to the axis of the passive solar collector. The passive solar collector is protected against overheating by one or more devices such as a getter that releases a gas to reduce the vacuum or an opaque shield that is placed so as to cover the reflector in response to an indication of overheating. Reflecting surfaces of the solar collector may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and they may be smooth or they may have dents, protrusions, or both. The surfaces of the solar collector may be smooth, ridged with smooth curves, or ridged with sharp curves.

Abstract: A gap between absorber and reflector of a solar concentrator. A gap is required in a solar concentrator for thermal isolation reasons and the position of the receiver relative to reflector and a notch are optimized for best solar collection efficiency.

Abstract: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element positioned asymmetrically within the outer housing, an absorber disposed within the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber. The heat conductor fin can be positioned at a variety of angular positions.

Abstract: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element positioned asymmetrically within the outer housing, an absorber disposed within the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber. The heat conductor fin can be positioned at a variety of angular positions.

Abstract: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element positioned within the outer housing, an absorber concentrically disposed relative to the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber.