Abstract: An electronic device housing comprising a device enclosure with electronic components mounted inside the enclosure is disclosed. Mounted between the electronic device housing and the device enclosure is a thermally reflective electrical insulator configured to reduce external heating of the enclosure by the electronic components contained therein. Such an arrangement reflects heat generated by internal electronic components back inside the device enclosure, thereby reducing the external temperature of the electronic device housing. The electronic device housing, for example, pertains to a portable computer. Additionally, a method for reducing the external temperature of a computer housing for a portable computer is disclosed.

Abstract: A solar power plant having a plurality of receiver panels mounted in a circular fashion about a solar receiver. Each receiver panel includes a plurality of tubes that terminate at each end at a header. To eliminate the presence of gaps between the tubes of adjacent receiver panels the headers are staggered or beveled. In the staggered configuration the headers of adjacent receiver panels are located in different elevations so that the headers of adjacent receiver panels may overlap each other, thus allowing the headers and tubes of adjacent receiver panels to be positioned closer together to eliminate gaps between the tubes of adjacent panels. In the beveled configuration the headers are angled such that the terminal ends of adjacent headers are parallel and positioned in a closely abutting relationship, resulting in the absence of gaps between adjacent headers and tubes.

Abstract: A heliostat which comprises a reflector element and a carrier that is arranged to support the reflector element above a ground plane. A drive means is arranged to impart pivotal drive to the carrier about a fixed, first axis that is, in use of the heliostat, disposed substantially parallel to the ground plane. The heliostat further comprises a means mounting the reflector element to the carrier in a manner which permits pivotal movement of the reflector element with respect to the carrier and about a second axis that is not parallel to the first axis. A drive means arranged to impart pivotal movement to the reflector element about the second axis. The reflector element, which may be flat or curved, may be constituted by a plurality of sub-reflector elements. Also, a plurality of the reflector elements may be supported by a single carrier.

Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.

Abstract: A solar radiation concentrator rotated about a straight line vertical to the reflector arrangement surfaces so that the incident solar radiation can be led onto the reflector arrangement surface along the specified direction and a method of concentrating solar radiation; the concentrator, comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) disposed on reflector arrangement surfaces, a plurality of reflector vertical bars (20) connected to the plurality of reflectors, rotating center holding members (30) for holding the center points of the rotating motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars, motion members (40) for collectively rotating the plurality of reflector vertical bars, and guide members (50) for guiding the motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars so that the plurality of reflector vertical bars can be rotated along specified reflector vertical bar routes, wherein the motion members perform motions along the specified motion member routes according to a variation in the incident angle of th

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A structure and method for providing a broken symmetry reflector structure for a solar concentrator device. The component of the optical direction vector along the symmetry axis is conserved for all rays propagated through a translationally symmetric optical device. This quantity, referred to as the translational skew invariant, is conserved in rotationally symmetric optical systems. Performance limits for translationally symmetric nonimaging optical devices are derived from the distributions of the translational skew invariant for the optical source and for the target to which flux is to be transferred. A numerically optimized non-tracking solar concentrator utilizing symmetry-breaking reflector structures can overcome the performance limits associated with translational symmetry.

Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a seconds aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.

Abstract: A non-imaging energy flux transformation system including a concentrator incorporating a set of nested, ring-like, concave reflective elements, and a receiver. The system efficiently concentrates radiant energy, such as sunlight, by means of focusing the energy striking the entrance aperture of concentrator to the receiver located on the side of concentrator's exit aperture. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual non-imaging profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The receiver can be an energy absorbing device, a secondary energy concentrating transformer, or a flux homogenizer.

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focussing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focussing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

Abstract: A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Abstract: An improved solar collector pipe that directly conveys fluid to be heated and collects and transfers solar energy efficiently and directly to the internal fluid, thereby maximizing both the amount of energy transmitted to the internal fluid and the peak temperature attainable by that fluid. The solar collector pipe includes a transparent portion for admitting solar energy into the solar collector pipe. Internal to the solar collector pipe is an absorbing portion for absorbing solar energy. A conduit portion is also included and comprises a reflecting surface thereon for reflecting solar energy received through the transparent portion onto the absorbing portion. In embodiments of the invention, the transparent portion, the conduit portion, and the absorbing portion together define at least one fluid passageway for conveying the fluid. In other embodiments of the invention, an internal conduit defines a fluid passageway for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical system for operating on light using broken symmetry reflector surfaces (30). The theoretical upper limit for concentration of direct solar radiation at low latitudes with stationary concentrators is determined from the projected solid angle sampled by the apparent motion of the sun. Based on the fact that the solar radiation is not uniformly distributed within this projected solid angle, we derive higher concentrations which apply when rejecting the lower density radiation. Trough type systems, which have translational symmetry, cannot be ideal stationary concentrators. Efficiency is improved by using broken symmetry for surfaces of the reflector (30) and the light source or concentrator. We note that what applies to concentrators applies equally to reflectors for illumination.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting and converting device having at least one array of slat-like concave reflective elements and an elongated receiver. The device efficiently concentrates and converts radiant energy, such as sunlight, to other useful types of energy, such as electricity and heat. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The mirrored surfaces are inclined towards one another at their rear ends facing the receiver and can be arranged to provide lens-like operation of the array. The receiver can be arranged in line photovoltaic cells or a tubular solar heat absorber.

Abstract: A device for directing a defined light beam onto a photosensitive area, for testing the performance of a photovoltaic module including said photosensitive area, comprising a support structure (1) which can be turned about a vertical central axis (4) in accordance with the actual azimuthal sun position. Housing (7) receives the photovoltaic module with the photosensitive area (6) of said module in a horizontal position, the housing being located in the lower portion of the support structure. A first mirror (2) which can be tilted about a horizontal axis (3) in order adapt its position continuously to the sun elevation position and to optimize the sun light impact thereon, and a second mirror (5) is fixed to the support structure (1) vertically above the photosensitive area (6) of the module and receives the light beam from the first mirror (2) for reflexion towards said area (6).

Abstract: A solar concentrator for producing usable power as heat and/or electricity uses a self-steering heliostat 1502 to concentrate solar radiation 1509 onto an absorbing surface such as, or including, a solar cell array 1511 capable of absorbing power from the radiation, meanwhile removing heat (such as from long-wave infra-red radiation or resistive losses) from the surface with fluid heat transfer means 1503, 1504, then making effective use of that low-grade heat. Thus the solar cell array is kept relatively cool and a larger proportion of the solar energy incident on the reflector unit is used. The invention uses electricity 1506 from the solar cells to move a transporting fluid through a heat exchanger 1504. Excess electricity may be available for local storage or use 1510, or feeding 1512 to the power distribution grid. Applications include warming swimming pools 1501, heating hot-water supplies using excess electricity, or warming, lighting and ventilating open spaces.

Abstract: A light refracting and collecting assembly includes a housing having a bottom surface with two diverging side walls extending therefrom, two opposing end walls and an open top. Disposed between the side walls, proximal the bottom surface, is a light absorbing means such as a heat conductive conduit or a photovoltaic cell collector plate. Angularly extending from the upper surface of the light absorbing means are a plurality of substantially triangular prisms for refracting and directing light from the open top of the housing downwardly towards the light absorbing means. The interior surface of the side walls and bottom surface are coated with a light reflecting material to further direct light toward the light refracting prisms and the light absorbing means. A transparent cover member is superimposed on the open top for protecting the interior and to bend light towards the light absorbing means.

Abstract: A solar collector comprising an evacuation envelope; an absorber housed inside the evacuated envelope and comprising plates which define an evaporation gap, the evaporation gap providing communication between a reservoir of heat transfer fluid at a first, bottom end of the absorber and a condenser at a second, top end of the absorber. The plates define the evaporation gap so that capillary action between the plates can draw heat transfer fluid from the reservoir along at least a substantial portion of the evaporation gap to the condensor. The absorber transfers heat derived from the incident solar radiation to heat transfer fluid contained in the evaporation gap.

Abstract: A concentrator for focusing solar radiation onto an elongate absorber, comprising a plurality of transverse supports arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, stabilizing the concentrator in the transverse direction and defining the shape of the concentrator profile, and a thin-walled support structure resting on said transverse supports and having a plurality of adjacent longitudinally extending ribs stabilizing the concentrator in the longitudinal direction. In the transverse direction, the support structure adapts to the curved profile of the transverse supports and forms a light-weight and strong bearing for a reflector plate.

Abstract: The energy collector has a housing with a cover which is transparent to vble and thermal radiation. One or more heat collectors are disposed in the interior of the housing. The heat collectors are carried by a pipe through which a heat-transport medium flows. Each of the collectors is assigned a reflector of concave design underneath the respective heat collector. The width of the reflector is significantly greater (e.g. a multiple) than the width of the heat collector. The incident visible and/or thermal radiation is either incident on the front side of the heat collector or it is reflected onto its rear side by the associated reflector. A large portion or all of the rear surface of the collector is covered with photovoltaic elements onto which focused light energy is aimed by the concave reflectors.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a shadowing timer comprising at least one shadowing member (i.e. vane element) secured proximal to an array of photovoltaic solar cells electrically connected in series. The shadowing members are arranged such that they shadow individual solar cells or rows of cells as the sun moves through diurnal and annual cycles. The shadows cast by two or more vanes can modulate the array output power on two independent time scales: time of day and time of year. Because the individual solar cells are connected in series, a small shadow significantly reduces the array output power, thus enabling fine-scale temporal control.

Abstract: High radiation concentration photovoltaic cell system including at least one optical structure in the form of a three-dimensional body having a first surface adapted to receive thereon photovoltaic cells and a second surface to be, at least indirectly, exposed to light radiation. The body of the optical structure has formed between its first and second surfaces a two-dimensional array of contiguous light radiation concentrators each in the form of an individual prismatic body portion. Each prismatic body portion tapers in two dimensions toward said first surface along the entire length of the concentrator. Each concentrator defines on the first surface a photovoltaic cell-attaching area to be aligned with an active portion of a single photovoltaic cell to be attached thereto.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system, in which two separated arrays of refracting elements disperse incident sunlight and concentrate the sunlight onto solar energy converters, such that each converter receives a narrow portion of the broad solar spectrum and thereby operates at higher efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for utilizing solar energy includes an outer shell body (11), an inner body (40) inside it, and a hollow body (30) provided in between which are formed in a shape of a uniform polyhedron, in particular a dodecahedron. The shell body (11) and the hollow body (30) are provided with at least one opening (12, 13, 15) for the entrance of solar rays. The shell body (11) is therein disposed above a reflector pan (20) and has a partial polyhedron form, in particular in dodecahedral form. The solar energy concentrated in the shell body (11) is converted and conducted further to a consumer. With this cost-effectively produced apparatus (10) an improved efficiency relative to know apparatus is attained.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing a solar module which has a fixed type solar concentrator of high converging magnification, a solar cell 12 is installed on the bottom face of an extension 30 which is extended further from the apex of a V shape formed by a pair of prisms having a refractive index larger than that of air, and a mirror surface 18 is formed on the back side of an incident surface 20 on which sunlight 10 falls. The mirror surface 18 and the incident surface 20 are formed in such a manner that their distance widens toward the apex of the V shape. The sunlight 10 incident on the prisms 16 performs reflection on the mirror surface 18 and total internal reflection on the incident surface 20, respectively. After repeating such reflection, the sunlight 10 reaches the bottom of the extension 30, where it emerges as outgoing light 22 to the solar cell 12.

Abstract: A nonimaging concentrator (or illuminator) of light. The concentrator (or illuminator) has a shape defined by dR/d.phi.=Rtan.alpha. where R is a radius vetor from an origin to a point of reflection of a light edge ray from a reflector surface and .phi. is an angle between the R vector and an exit aperture external point of the concentrator (illuminator) and coordinates (R, .phi.) represent a point on a reflector curve and .alpha. is an angle the light edge ray from an origin point makes with a normal to the reflector curve. The reflector surface allows the light edge ray on the reflector curve to vary as a function of position. In the concentrator an absorber has a shape variable which varies with position along the absorber surface.

Abstract: For a converging solar cell element capable of preventing excessive concentration of converged sunlight to one point without lowering the degree of light convergence, a p+ layer 14 and an n+ layer 12 are formed on the rear surface of a silicon substrate; a positive pole 16 and a negative pole 18 are formed in response to the respective layers; and, on the front surface side, a light receiving surface 24 is formed with a bank portion 28 which enhances intensity in the surrounding area. In the central portion of the light receiving surface 24, a projected portion 26 is formed, which scatters converged sunlight and prevents the concentration of converged sunlight to one point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covered canal or aqueduct having an integral solar energy concentrating system. Either photo-voltaic panels or a combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors are used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, as part of a membrane means to gather radiant solar energy from atop the surface over a canal or aqueduct. Either the photo-voltaic panels or the reflector panels are integrated into other membrane means elements which are supported by a structural means so as to prevent evaporative loss from solar heating and wind movement of waters in the canal. Thus, the present invention results in the more efficient transfer of waters through canals while simultaneously collecting radiant solar energy.

Abstract: This invention reduces a molten salt, solar central receiver's size, pressure loss and cost by using a loose-tight-loose twist, twisted-tape insert inside the receiver's tubes to enhance the tube's heat transfer coefficient. This twist staging is designed to provide a higher heat transfer coefficient in the receiver's central region where the solar flux is high and a reduced pressure loss at the low solar flux entrance and exit end regions. Because the twisted-tape enhances the tube's heat transfer ability it can be made larger in diameter than a smooth bore tube at an equivalent pressure loss. This reduces the number of tubes which results in a substantial reduction in receiver cost.

Abstract: Solar collector device constituted by a pyramid-shaped structure comprising three faces 1, 2, 3 or more and a base 4. The face 1, on which various solar energy collecting means are mounted, is the only face used as a planar solar collector, the other faces 2, 3 serving merely to protect the overall device from the wind. The solar collector device is also provided with two different tracking systems: a first system, which operates in azimuth, enabling the pyramid-shaped structure, by a rotation about a vertical axis V, to maintain face 1 in the direction of the sun, and a second system, which operates in elevation, enabling face 1, by a rotation about a horizontal axis H, to keep an inclination normal to the sun's rays.

Abstract: A solar collector exhibiting durable fluorescent properties comprising a polymeric matrix, dye, and hindered amine light stabilizer, wherein the polymeric matrix is comprised of polycarbonate and the dye is comprised of a dye selected from the group consisting essentially of thioxanthone, perylene imide and/or thioindigoid compounds. The solar collector exhibits durable fluorescence which resists degradation by ultraviolet or visible radiation. The invention is optionally combined with reflective elements so that the sunlight collected may be directed to a solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorber designed to absorb radiation and to transfer the energy of the radiation to a heat transport medium. To provide an absorber with high efficiency, the absorber according to the invention comprises a plurality of absorber components (32) attached to each other and having passages (42) formed therein for absorption of radiation and for suctional intake of a heat transport medium. Each absorber component (32) is provided with a dedicated mixing chamber (44) having said passages (42) of said absorber component (32) entering thereinto and comprising flow-restricting outlet orifices for connection to a suction means.

Abstract: A method for concentrating solar energy utilizes a pool of a homogenous fluidic substance disposed over a reflective surface. Mechanical energy is controllably imparted to the pool, for example, via synchronized electromechanical transducers, to generate a standing wave of the fluidic substance in the pool. Incoming solar radiation is differentially reflected from the pool and the reflective surface, upon generation of the standing wave in the fluidic substance, to concentrate the incoming solar radiation at a predetermined location spaced from the pool. At that predetermined location is a solar energy collector for absorbing and storing the solar radiation.

Abstract: A long-life solar reflector includes a solar collector substrate and a base layer bonded to a solar collector substrate. The first layer includes a first reflective layer and a first acrylic or transparent polymer layer covering the first reflective layer to prevent exposure of the first reflective layer. The reflector also includes at least one upper layer removably bonded to the first acrylic or transparent polymer layer of the base layer. The upper layer includes a second reflective layer and a second acrylic or transparent polymer layer covering the second reflective layer to prevent exposure of the second reflective layer. The upper layer may be removed from the base reflective layer to expose the base layer, thereby lengthening the useful life of the solar reflector.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting apparatus for collecting and concentrating solar energy having a primary parabolic reflector which focuses the sun's rays on a focal line and has a principal axis passing through the focal line and a secondary concentrating assembly located adjacent the focal line of the primary reflector. The secondary concentrating assembly, includes a pair of planar reflectors arranged on opposite sides of the principle axis of the primary reflector and a series of secondary parabolic reflectors between the planar reflectors, the secondary parabolic reflectors having focal lines which extend normal to the planar reflectors and to the principal axis of the primary reflector. The secondary reflectors are mounted for rotation about their focal lines and concentrate energy on targets extending along their focal lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof module having an integral solar energy concentrator. The present modules can be combined to form a weathertight roof with an integral solar concentrator. Radiant solar energy can be collected from this modular roof using reflected solar energy collectors, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements. The present invention results in a lower weight and easier to install system for placing solar energy concentrators atop a structure, and thus, lower the cost collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof having an integral solar energy concentrating system. A combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors is used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, to gather radiant solar energy from a roof atop a building or roofed structure. The reflectors or reflector backing panels are integrated into other roof structure elements so as to form a weathertight roof. Thus, the present invention results in a lower weight and lower cost way of collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system incorporating replaceable solar energy concentrating reflectors. Prior systems typically required a structurally stable solar energy concentrating panel. The present invention uses a combination of structurally stable backing panels and flexible solar energy concentrating reflectors to significantly reduce the ease and cost of replacing reflectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved moveable-collector, solar energy concentrating system incorporating an automatic safety means. In the present invention, if there is a failure in a solar-heated fluid transfer system, a failure in the positioning means for a reflected solar energy collector, or a failure in power to the system, then the collector is automatically moved out of an optimal position in a predetermined focal collection zone.

Abstract: A concentric receiver tube for passing water to be disinfected twice before the aperture path of a concentric solar reflector. The novel receiver tube uses the water that is heated by the reflector to additionally pre-heat fresh incoming water to maximize the heat transfer exchange rate. The novel concentric tube receiver to preheat and disinfect water when the source of heat are combustion gases or catalyst beds. The maximum disinfecting temperature needs only be 90 C in order to create an instantaneous disinfection condition.

Abstract: A method for concentrating solar energy utilizes a pool of a homogenous fluidic substance disposed over a reflective surface. Mechanical energy is controllably imparted to the pool, for example, via synchronized electromechanical transducers, to generate a standing wave of the fluidic substance in the pool. Incoming solar radiation is differentially reflected from the pool and the reflective surface, upon generation of the standing wave in the fluidic substance, to concentrate the incoming solar radiation at a predetermined location spaced from the pool. At that predetermined location is a solar energy collector for absorbing and storing the solar radiation.

Abstract: A solar panel (FIG. 7) comprises an extruded plastics matrix (20) comprising a plurality of side-by-side compartments each of which provides an actual fluid-flow channel without the need for providing separate metal pipework. Each compartment may include a filler (62) to define a fluid-flow channel between the upper surface of the filler and the lower surface of a membrane (28) of the matrix. The provision of the filler (62) is optional and the cross section of each compartment may be optimized to the fluid-flow channel size requirements. At least part of a surface of each fluid-flow channel has a covering comprising a solar radiation absorber; for example, the absorber may comprise a channel-shaped foil (72) which exhibits high absorbence of solar energy together with low emittance of infra-red radiation.

Abstract: A display device is formed of thin plastic sheet material extending about a peripheral frame. The frame is formed of a relatively stiff annular core element encapsulated within a resilient foam sheath or shell. In attaching the plastic sheet to the annular frame, edge areas of the sheet are wrapped about the surface of the rubber shell so that the shell is deformed inwardly toward the frame central axis, whereby the deformed shell exerts outward force on the plastic sheet to prevent or remove wrinkling of the sheet. The display device may be suspended, as from a cord or a button on a garment of a person.

Abstract: Nonmaterial deflector-enhanced collector (NDC) is a device in which a nonmaterial, such as electromagnetic (EM) wave, provides a medium in which an obliquely incident nonmaterial (IN) can be intercepted and deflected, so that by proper arrangement, some desired objective can be achieved, such as: deflecting, concentrating, diverging, protecting, receiving, propagating/guiding--by many (fiber-optic-like) deflections--the IN. NDC comprises: a projector of nonmaterial, PON, its projected nonmaterial deflector(s) ND, and (intended) collector or receiver, C or R. The projector projects the ND obliquely towards the incident nonmaterial to be deflected, IN (such as EM radiation) so that this IN is deflected towards an intended receiver--if any is present. It may be necessary to ensure build up of proper optical density gradient, in the vicinity of the ND, to encourage refraction and/or total internal reflection of the IN.

Abstract: A transparent glazing material with a plurality of concentrating lenses on its top surface such that incident radiation on the top surface is focused to pass through apertures in a corresponding plurality of integral reflective surfaces with a plurality of segments of thermal insulating material arranged directly beneath the reflective surfaces along the bottom of the transparent material in a pattern with apertures in the reflective and insulating materials located directly below each lens such that incident radiation on the top surface is focused by the lenses and passes through the holes in the reflectors and insulation and out the bottom. Radiation in the direction opposite to the incident radiation will strike the bottom of the reflectors and be reflected back from the bottom.

Abstract: The solar concentrator includes a carriage movable along an inclined, ground anchored ramp. A first weight at the end of a pulley carried first cable, biases the carriage upwardly of the ramp slope. A number of mirrors are pivotally carried by the carraige, and reflect sunrays toward a heat sink absorber. A second weight biases the mirrors to pivot in one direction, while a third weight biases the mirrors in an opposite direction. The operator can put into operation the second or third weight as he chooses. Gravity induced up or down carriage displacement allows sun tracking adjustments on an incremental, day to day basis. Gravity induced mirrors pivotal motion allow sun tracking adjustments on a continuous basis during each daylight period. Hence, all year long, solar rays reflected by the mirrors remain convergent toward the absorber.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and reradiation apparatus and method for use in energy production and localized climate control includes structure for storing energy; structure for concentrating solar radiation into a collection domain and structure for transferring energy from the collection domain to the storing structure. The apparatus also includes structure for radiating energy skywardly; structure for transmitting energy from the storing structure to the radiating structure; and optionally structure for extracting energy from the environment; structure for utilizing energy extracted from the storing means to elevate the temperature of the fluid carrying energy extracted from the environment, whereby environmental heat may be reradiated into space at a higher rate and at wavelengths less likely to be absorbed by the atmosphere than would naturally occur, thus permitting localized cooling and climate control.

Abstract: The present invention is a cross-sectional arrangement for solar concentrators which is comprised of a concave reflective boundary, of at least two receiver-converters residing within the concavity, and of additional reflecting means within the field-of-sight of the concave reflective boundary and, preferably, within the confine of the reflective boundary.