Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: An instrument for a solar energy system including a receiver and a heliostat to reflect solar energy on to the receiver. The instrument includes a first element adapted to form an image of the sun, a second element adapted to form an image of the receiver, and a detector. The detector is positioned to receive each of the images and a comparator is adapted to detect a distance between the images. The comparator generates an error correction signal based on the distance between the images. The error correction signal is received by a controller that controls the operation of a postioner that adjusts the position of the heliostat accordingly.

Abstract: A solar-powered power generation system and an associated method are provided. The system includes at least one trough solar absorption device for heating a heat transfer fluid to a first temperature, and at least one tower solar absorption device for further heating the transfer fluid to a second temperature. Thus, the generation system can efficiently heat the transfer fluid to high temperatures. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used, e.g., to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: An advertising system and method for providing rebates to individuals who affix advertisement displays, such as bumper stickers, on their vehicles and other objects. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an advertisement display having an advertisement portion is affixed to the rear portion of a vehicle. The advertisement portion displays advertisements or other images. An identification portion is connected to the advertisement display and provides identification to at least one predetermined individual or entity. Such identification could include the owner of vehicle, for example, as well as the advertiser or any other needed information. A commercial entity, such as a gas station or any other participating retail or service establishment, is configured with a detector means for detecting and or communicating with the advertisement display and is in turn connected to a commercial entity computer via a connection means in order to connect to the database computer system of this invention.

Abstract: An advertising system and method for providing rebates to individuals who affix advertisement displays, such as bumper stickers, on their vehicles and other objects. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an advertisement display is affixed to the rear portion of a vehicle. The advertisement display comprises an advertisement portion for displaying advertisements or other images and an identification portion for providing identification to at least one predetermined individual or entity. Such identification could include the owner of vehicle, for example, as well as the advertiser or any other needed information. A commercial entity, such as a gas station or any other participating retail or service establishment, is configured with a detector means for detecting and or communicating with the advertisement display and is in turn connected to a commercial entity computer via a connection means in order to connect to the database computer system of this invention.