Patents by Inventor Steven Polk

Steven Polk 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: 10171024
    Abstract: A solar collector may include a frame for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The frame may be adapted to removably attach to a base. The solar collector may include a first panel assembly, including at least one of the plurality of PV panels, pivotally attached to the frame about a first axis. The solar collector may also include a second panel assembly, including at least one of the plurality of PV panels, pivotally attached to the first panel assembly. The second panel assembly may collectively move with the first panel assembly about the first axis and to pivot relative to the frame, and to pivot about a second axis that is substantially parallel to and radially offset from the first axis, to move between a deployed position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: DIVERSIFIED SOLAR SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Polk
  • Publication number: 20160380577
    Abstract: A solar collector may include a frame for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The frame may be adapted to removably attach to a base. The solar collector may include a first panel assembly, including at least one of the plurality of PV panels, pivotally attached to the frame about a first axis. The solar collector may also include a second panel assembly, including at least one of the plurality of PV panels, pivotally attached to the first panel assembly. The second panel assembly may collectively move with the first panel assembly about the first axis and to pivot relative to the frame, and to pivot about a second axis that is substantially parallel to and radially offset from the first axis, to move between a deployed position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Polk
  • Patent number: 9443999
    Abstract: A solar collector is provided with a frame that is coupled to a based and configured to rotate about a vertical axis. A main panel assembly is attached to the frame and pivotal about a horizontal axis relative to the frame. The main panel assembly receives sunlight and converts the sunlight into electrical energy. The main panel assembly includes a central panel, and a pair of pivotal inner side panels, where each inner side panel is attached to the central panel. A pair of outer side panels attached to the inner side panels is also provided. Each outer side panel includes photo-voltaic (PV) panels, and a panel surround frame for retaining the PV panels. Each panel surround frame has a horizontal channel member, a pair of upright channel members, and a channel bracket, defining a perimeter. A peripheral edge of each PV panel is captured within the channel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Polk
  • Publication number: 20140014159
    Abstract: A solar collector is provided with a frame that is coupled to a based and configured to rotate about a vertical axis. A main panel assembly is attached to the frame and pivotal about a horizontal axis relative to the frame. The main panel assembly receives sunlight and converts the sunlight into electrical energy. The main panel assembly includes a central panel, and a pair of pivotal inner side panels, where each inner side panel is attached to the central panel. A pair of outer side panels attached to the inner side panels is also provided. Each outer side panel includes photo-voltaic (PV) panels, and a panel surround frame for retaining the PV panels. Each panel surround frame has a horizontal channel member, a pair of upright channel members, and a channel bracket, defining a perimeter. A peripheral edge of each PV panel is captured within the channel members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Polk
  • Patent number: 7669592
    Abstract: A collector for solar energy is disclosed having a closed hollow partially spherical container with a window for permitting solar energy to enter the container. The container has a reflective inner surface for retaining the energy. The collecting lens focuses the solar energy. Central tubing is provided and a pump circulates fluid through the tubing to a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the fluid in the tubing to a utilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Polk
  • Publication number: 20070221210
    Abstract: A collector for solar energy is disclosed having a closed hollow partially spherical container with a window for permitting solar energy to enter the container. The container has a reflective inner surface for retaining the energy. The collecting lens focuses the solar energy. Central tubing is provided and a pump circulates fluid through the tubing to a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the fluid in the tubing to a utilization device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Polk