Patents by Inventor C. Leland Sampson

C. Leland Sampson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7878190
    Abstract: A solar collection apparatus includes a housing with a first opening, a second opening, and a partially-mirrored floor. The device includes fins with first and second end segments and curved bodies. Both sides of the fin bodies have the same curvature, and both sides are mirrored. The curved bodies of the fins all have the same curvature. The floor and the second end segments of the fins together define a light pipe. Light impinging on the first opening of the housing is directed into the light pipe by reflection between adjacent faces of adjacent fins. The second end segments of the fins prevent the light within the light pipe from exiting the light pipe in the first direction. Light within the light pipe exits the light pipe at the second opening, where it may be stored, or may be directed to a solar energy device such as a solar cell, turbine, or vehicle heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Walter T Charlton, C. Leland Sampson
  • Publication number: 20090133686
    Abstract: A solar collection apparatus includes a housing with a first opening, a second opening, and a partially-mirrored floor. The device includes fins with first and second end segments and curved bodies. Both sides of the fin bodies have the same curvature, and both sides are mirrored. The curved bodies of the fins all have the same curvature. The floor and the second end segments of the fins together define a light pipe. Light impinging on the first opening of the housing is directed into the light pipe by reflection between adjacent faces of adjacent fins. The second end segments of the fins prevent the light within the light pipe from exiting the light pipe in the first direction. Light within the light pipe exits the light pipe at the second opening, where it may be stored, or may be directed to a solar energy device such as a solar cell, turbine, or vehicle heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Walter T. Charlton, C. Leland Sampson