Patents by Inventor Lloyd V. Butler

Lloyd V. Butler 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).

  • Protective telescoping shield for solar concentrator
    Patent number: 4586487
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a solar concentrator such as a parabolic dish (12, FIG. 2) which concentrates sunlight onto the small opening (18) of a solar receiver (16), for protecting the receiver in the event of a system failure that could cause concentrated sunlight to damage the receiver. The protective apparatus includes a structure which can be moved from a stowed position (30) where it does not block sunlight, to a deployed position (30A) wherein it forms a tube which substantially completely surrounds an axis (26) connecting the receiver opening to the center of the concentrator at locations between the receiver and the concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Maurice J. Argoud, Walter L. Walker, Lloyd V. Butler