Abstract: A collector for concentrating light rays including a first conical segment having an inner reflective surface joined to or nested within a second conical segment having an inner reflective surface. A first embodiment consists of stacked reflective segments, where the upper conical segment is slightly diverging and the lower conical segment is converging in the direction of an input light ray. A second embodiment comprises an outer conical segment that converges in the direction of an input light ray and a nested inner conical segment that also converges in the direction of a light ray. In either embodiment, the present invention is capable of concentrating more energy when not aimed directly at an energy source than single cone collectors and thus simplifies the source tracking strategy.

Abstract: A system utilizing a series of three mirrors for purposes of collecting, concentrating, collimating and distributing radiant flux, such as sunlight or moonlight. The system generally includes a first parabolic reflector having a hole formed centrally therethrough, a second parabolic reflector slightly smaller in diameter than the hole formed through the first reflector and attached in spaced relation thereto, such that the two reflectors share a common optical axis, and a third, planar reflector. A structural framework supports the three reflectors and includes a light pipe, or other light distributing channel, through which the collected light is sent. First and second motors actuate gear assemblies attached to the framework to cause the reflectors to track both the elevation and azimuth angles, respectively, of the sun and/or moon.

Abstract: A comprehensive method, and apparatus implementing the method, for providing beam daylighting to a room by one or more reflectors positioned in a window wall of the room. The method involves a mathematical analysis of solar and reflected beam vectors and in determining the optimum orientation of a vector normal to the reflecting surface to provide the best combination of depth of penetration of light into the room while keeping glare to an acceptable level. Arrays of both stationary and moveable reflectors implementing the method are disclosed. In the case of stationary arrays, preferably two are provided in each installation which respectively optimize performance of reflections during periods when the solar beam vector is on the easterly ana westerly sides of a line perpendicular to the window wall.