Abstract: A system which automatically aligns itself, and any attached hardware such as a solar energy collection device, in response to changes in the solar position. The alignment system comprises a directional sunlight-admission element which is adapted to be focused over a relatively wide azimuth angle in advance of the direction of change of the solar elevation relative to the location of the device on earth, an infrared radiation-absorbing member having a fixed position relative to the sunlight admission element and aligned to receive and absorb sunlight passing through said admission element over said azimuth angle and to generate heat in response thereto, and a heat-responsive adjustment means in heat-conductive association with said radiation-absorbing member and adapted to move both said sunlight-admission element and said radiation-absorbing member in response to periodic substantial changes in temperature conducted thereto.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to an inexpensive watt hour meter apparatus comprising a line cord supplying household energy to an inexpensive energy consuming measuring apparatus employing a coulombmeter in series with a conventional utility outlet socket. A bridge rectifier circuit converts the alternating current to direct current to operate the coulombmeter. One embodiment permits the coulombmeter, having ferrule-like ends, to be reversed mechanically upon completing a measurement so that the interstitial electrolyte solution will, upon a new measurement, move in the opposite direction. Two scales are provided reading in opposite directions to facilitate simple readout of the consumed energy. A second embodiment provides a reversing switch, eliminating the need to physically interchange ends of the coulombmeter.