Abstract: An optical device and systems using an optical device are provided, where the optical device may be configured for collimating incoming light rays. The optical device may include a host medium substantially comprised of a transparent material and an array of substantially transparent structures embedded within the host medium. The structures of the array each include a convex side presented to the incoming light rays and a concave side that passes light rays through toward the output face of the host medium, collimating the rays. Multiple stages of arrays may be provided in the optical device, typically with lengthening aspect ratios and increasing indexes of refraction in a direction from the input face toward the output face. The systems may use the optical device for using an exterior light to illuminate an interior space in a building or to generate power.

Abstract: A hybrid receiver for a concentrator photovoltaic-thermal power system combines a concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) module and a thermal module that converts concentrated sunlight into electrical energy and thermal heat. Heat transfer fluid flowing through a cooling block removes waste heat generated by photovoltaic cells in the CPV module. The heat transfer fluid then flows through a helical tube illuminated by sunlight that misses the CPV module. Only one fluid system is used to both remove the photovoltaic-cell waste heat and capture high-temperature thermal energy from sunlight. Fluid leaving the hybrid receiver can have a temperature greater than 200° C., and therefore may be used as a source of process heat for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. The hybrid receiver can maintain the photovoltaic cells at temperatures below 110° C. while achieving overall energy conversion efficiencies exceeding 80%.

Abstract: A lens and a flash are disclosed. In an embodiment a lens includes a light entrance side having a plurality of Fresnel elements, a light exit side having a plurality of exit lenses having a second focal length and an optical axis, wherein the Fresnel elements and the exit lenses are optically associated with one another in a one-to-one manner, wherein each Fresnel element has an entrance surface which is convex in shape and which forms an entrance lens having a first focal length, wherein each Fresnel element has a deflection surface arranged directly downstream of the entrance surface, wherein the deflection surface is configured to deflect the light which entered the lens through the entrance surface by total internal reflection towards an associated exit lens, and wherein, with a tolerance, each entrance surface and the associated exit lens are located in the interrelated focal points.

Abstract: A solar collector positioning apparatus including a base structure and an intermediate frame connected to the base structure by at least two base support legs. The base support legs have a hinged connection to the base structure and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the intermediate frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the base structure. A solar collector support frame is connected to the intermediate frame by at least two intermediate support legs. The intermediate support legs have a hinged connection to the solar collector support frame and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the solar collector support frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the intermediate frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to concentrate sunlight with inflatable enclosures to heat substances, including fluids and for cooking, and to provide concentrated sunlight for other uses. The system includes an inflatable sunlight concentrator (upper balloon), an inflatable cooking housing (bottom balloon), and a cooking container. When inflated, the upper balloon has a substantially cone-shape and concentrates sunlight towards the bottom balloon. The bottom balloon may be of various shapes and may concentrate sunlight towards the cooking space. Each balloon is less than two ounces and can be folded into a small pocket-sized package when it is deflated. The cooking space may be a thermal bag, a box, or an insulated space.

Abstract: A device with a collector for collecting light energy from a light source includes a transparent plate between the light source and the collector, whereof a first face is structured by an array of lenses separated by slots, while the second face contains areas of pixels, and transparent areas. An observer can view an image on the surface of the screen, even though the screen is transparent to solar radiation. This solar radiation reaches a solar collector behind the plate. The slots are provided in the thickness of the plate and have the effect of making the screen flexible and rollable about an axis. These slots also have the optical property of increasing the angles of view of the image. This invention is particularly suitable for the visual integration of solar collectors into the environment, generally on any imaged media, including electronic images, and on any planar or non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: Solar concentrating wedge can potentially deliver twice the output of a CPC trough. The wedge uses a new optic that turns light sharply allowing the collector to have a very compact profile. In this way, the focal zone is made shorter and hotter for solar thermal applications and the maximum flux density is doubled for photovoltaics. The collection optics are self-cooling. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber.

Abstract: A solar collection device includes a solar energy collector assembly being received and supported by a base. The solar energy collector assembly includes: a plurality of lenses secured within an elongated holder. Positioned concentric to the axis of the holder is a cylindrical glass shroud through which a tube passes. A first end of the tube, which is preferably formed of a high thermally transmissive metal, receives a supply of water, which is heated within the evacuated glass shroud by sunlight passing through the lenses and being focused onto the tube. The solar collector assembly is rotatably mounted to the base and may be caused to rotate at a slow speed by a drive means, or may be rocked at a slow speed. The elongated holder may be cylindrical, or may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, with lenses staggered along each side of the holder to increase collection capability.

Abstract: The solar-based power generator is a system for producing usable electricity from water, which is heated through concentration of ambient, environmental light. The generator includes a reservoir having an open upper end. The reservoir receives a volume of water therein. A convex lens is mounted on an upper edge of the reservoir. The convex lens covers the open upper end. A steam output port is in fluid communication with a steam-based electrical generator. The convex lens concentrates ambient light on the water stored within the reservoir, thus heating the water and to converting the liquid water to steam. Additionally, a methane-burning electrical generator is in communication with the reservoir. Pollutants in the water produce methane during heating and decomposition, which is burned by the methane-burning electrical generator.

Abstract: An improved solar concentrator, where because sunlight is focused into parallel or collimated beams the light can be reflected and controlled by a series of mirrors and collected to form increasingly powerful collimated beams targeted onto a reactor; where each array tracks the sun with a dual-axis solar tracker, an array has multiple units that have a collecting fresnel lens, a collimating lens and a mirror, an array has a centralizing mirror which gathers the fresnel unit light in middle of each array, the array beams are then reflected off of a series of mirrors that bounce the light beams form mirror to mirror and collect the beam energy from multiple arrays into one or more high power beams, which are bounced off mirrors until they hit the reactor.

Abstract: Polymeric sheets suitable for use as solar concentrators in solar thermal devices are provided. Also provided are solar thermal devices incorporating the polymeric sheets. The polymeric sheets have two oppositely facing surfaces. A first pattern is defined in the first surface and a second pattern is defined in the second surface. The first pattern is designed to reduce the reflectance of light incident upon the first surface relative to the first surface in the absence of the first pattern and to channel incident light through the sheet onto the second surface. It does so by redirecting photons incident upon the first surface over a broad range of incident angles into transmittance angles that are more closely aligned with the surface normal of the polymeric sheet. The second pattern is designed to focus the photons transmitted to the second surface of the sheet onto a focal surface, such as a receptacle containing a heat-transfer medium.

Abstract: A solar trough system of the invention comprises at least one trough-shaped reflector surface (1) directing beams coming from the sun to the focal axis (F); at least one thermal receiver (2) disposed at the focal axis (F) and extending along the reflector (1). Furthermore, the system comprises at least one first arm (L1) and a second arm (L2), one end of each of which are connected to two fixed points (P1, P2) with swivel joint; at least one third arm (L3) which is connected to the other ends of these two arms (L, L2) from two points (P3, P4) with swivel joint wherein the thermal receiver (2) is connected with swivel joint to a linear movement point (E1) on the third arm (L3) which moves with rotation of the first and second arms (L1, L2).

Abstract: A solar collection device includes a solar energy collector assembly being received and supported by a base. The solar energy collector assembly includes: a plurality of lenses secured within an elongated holder. Positioned concentric to the axis of the holder is a cylindrical glass shroud through which a tube passes. A first end of the tube, which is preferably formed of a high thermally transmissive metal, receives a supply of water, which is heated within the evacuated glass shroud by sunlight passing through the lenses and being focused onto the tube. The solar collector assembly is rotatably mounted to the base and may be caused to rotate at a slow speed by a drive means, or may be rocked at a slow speed. The elongated holder may be cylindrical, or may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, with lenses staggered along each side of the holder to increase collection capability.

Abstract: Solar energy concentrating apparatus having an array of lenses to receive and concentrate the solar radiation towards a plurality of stationary targets. The lenses are supported on a moveable structure to enable the lenses to move laterally in the east-west and north-south directions. Each lens of the array is also configured to rotate about an axis extending in the north-south direction. Drive means is coupled to a plurality of lateral and rotational movements mechanisms to orientate the lenses towards the target as the sun moves throughout the day and year.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: An apparatus with a foldable lens assembly includes a base having a receiving space for receive a solar powered charger. At least one lifting device is movably disposed on the base. A lens assembly is connected to the at least one lifting device so as to be driven upwardly/downwardly relative to the base by the at least one lifting device. The lens assembly comprises a main condensing lens and two auxiliary condensing lenses respectively connected to two sides of the main condensing lens. When the lens assembly is driven upwardly by the at least one lifting device and the two auxiliary condensing lenses are pivotally rotated to be co-planar with the main condensing lens, the main condensing lens and the two auxiliary condensing lenses are configured in an unfolding position for converging incident solar radiation to the solar powered charger.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar furnace. In particular, this invention relates to a solar furnace which is capable of raising the temperature of transfer medium. In use, the heated transfer medium can be used to generate electricity or put to other work, such as, for example, air conditioning, pasteurisation or desalination. In fact, for any situation that requires a source to generate work or power. The present invention describes a solar furnace for raising the temperature of a heat transfer medium, comprising a lens array for admitting incident thermal and solar energy onto a reflector portion and a pressure vessel. The reflector portion being generally shaped so as to concentrate said solar energy onto said pressure vessel. The pressure vessel having an inlet through which said heat transfer medium is injected and a central core which defines a continuous heat transfer path for said heat transfer medium to contact the surface of said pressure vessel and exit said pressure vessel at an outlet.

Abstract: A tower type heat dissipating structure is applied to dissipate the heat of a solar power system. The solar power system is provided with a reflector having a hemispheric surface for reflecting the sunlight to a solar cell. The heat dissipating structure comprises a heat-conducting plate, a plate type heat pipe and a plurality of heat dissipating fins. One side of the heat-conducting plate is connected with the solar cell, and the other side is provided with a groove for being embedded an end of the plate type heat pipe. The heat dissipating fins is arranged with an inclination angle against the plate type heat pipe that can promote the heated air within the gaps to rise. The heat is rapidly conduced to prevent the solar cell from being destroyed by overheating for reducing the repairing costs.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: Solar energy is concentrated on a target by at least one group of Fresnel light-shifting devices.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly includes a first solar cell panel, a second solar cell panel, and at least one light guide assembly. The first solar cell panel has at least one first through hole defined therein. The second solar cell panel faces and is spaced from the first solar cell panel. The at least one light guide assembly comprises a light diverging lens engaged in the first through hole of the first solar cell panel, and a light guide body aligned with the light diverging lens and located between the first and second solar cell panels. The light diverging lens is configured for diverging sunlight incident thereupon and forming diverged light. The light guide body has an incident surface for receiving the diverged light, and emitting surfaces for emitting light to the second solar cell panel.

Abstract: Solar concentrators are arranged in an array to define an input aperture such that the solar collector is positionable to face the input aperture of the concentrators skyward. An input axis of rotation extends through the aperture in the skyward direction, and a focus region is smaller than the aperture. Each concentrator includes at least one optical arrangement that is supported for rotation about the input axis for tracking the sun within a predetermined range of positions of the sun using no more than the rotation of the optical arrangement around the input axis. An optical concentrator is described in which a receiving direction extends at an acute angle from an optical axis and in one azimuthal direction outward from the optical axis such that a component of the concentrator is rotatable about the optical axis for alignment to receive input light. A previously unknown inverted off-axis lens is described.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting structure includes a focusing element that is axially aligned with and fixed in spaced relationship to an associated concave collector. Each concave collector is fixed at a distance equal to the focal length of the associated focusing element, for enabling focused solar energy to be received and collected over an entire temporal interval—without any need for tracking mechanisms. A solar energy collecting apparatus may be structured by employing a plurality of the solar energy collecting structures, in a tightly packed, juxtaposed (adjacent) relationship, with the focusing elements forming, at least in significant part, a curved surface of the apparatus for enabling solar energy to be collected over an expanded temporal interval. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector comprises concentrating solar collector modules mounted on a frame. Each concentrating solar collector module comprises a trough with a lens sheet over its open face. The troughs each have a cross section that is substantially V shaped with a truncated (or flattened) base. The lens sheet incorporates a linear array of ten lenses in a row along its length. Each lens of the lens sheet is a circularly symmetric Fresnel lens. The concentrating solar collector modules can each rotate about a rocking axis parallel to their length. The concentrating solar collector modules can also rotate about a pitch axis substantially at their midpoints. This allows the lenses to track the position of the sun in the sky.

Abstract: A light element with a translucent surface includes an energy converter, wherein the translucent surface is so formed as to direct only that portion of the radiation onto the energy converter that impinges on the translucent surface. The energy converter may be a solar cell, a fluid line or a light guide. The light element is particularly suited for illuminating interior spaces with diffuse light.

Abstract: A solar installation is described. It has a solar element and a diffractively and/or refractively operating optical apparatus by way of which the incident sunlight is passed directedly perpendicularly on to the solar element. The optical apparatus is caused to track the position of the sun by way of a tracking device. The optical apparatus uses a light-deflecting foil having portions of different natures with a structure having a different optical action. By virtue of the action of the tracking device the holographic foil is moved relative to the solar element so that different portions of the foil move into an operative position above the solar element in succession during the tracking procedure.

Abstract: A solar concentrator system includes a collector lens for collecting and at least partially focusing incident solar rays, a solar cell and a lens array positioned generally between the collector lens and the solar cell, the lens array directing the partially focused rays emerging from the collector lens onto the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar powered pipe for use in igniting pipe tobacco. The solar pipe has a light concentrating lens to direct the sun's rays onto the tobacco in a pipe and a retractable arm to regulate the intensity of the heat over the tobacco from the light concentrating lens. Both the lens and the retractable arm are connected to a mounting plate by pivotal joints. When the solar pipe lighter is not in use, it may be folded to fit inside a pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting solar energy to thermal and electrical energy including a photovoltaic grid for converting the concentrated solar energy into electrical energy mounted on a copper plate that provides even temperature dispersion across the plate and acts as a thermal radiator when the apparatus is used in the radiant cooling mode; and a plurality of interconnected heat transfer tubes located within the enclosure and disposed on the plane below the copper plate but conductively coupled to the copper plate for converting the solar energy to thermal energy in a fluid disposed within the heat transfer tubes. Fresnel lenses are affixed to the apparatus on mountings for concentrating the solar energy on to the photovoltiac grid and functioning as a passive solar tracker.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a volatile medium is provided. The apparatus of the invention includes a base and a rotatable lens positioned above the base. The rotatable lens rotates independently of the base in the direction of a light source. The lens is positioned such that a focal point of a lens is focused on the volatile medium. The heat generated by focusing the light in this manner vaporizes the volatile medium and releases the medium into the surrounding atmosphere in a continuous manner.

Abstract: An athermalization compensation device (26, 126, 226) includes a frustoconical outer ring (51, 251), with opposite edge portions (53, 54, 253) offset radially and axially, and with a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion. An inner ring (52, 252) has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. In response to a temperature change, the inner ring exerts on the radially inner edge of the outer ring a force which flexes the outer ring so that the inner edge moves radially and axially in relation to the outer edge, in a manner which changes an axial dimension of the device. In an alternative embodiment, the outer ring has circumferentially spaced slots (264) extending into it from its radially inner edge, and the inner ring has a respective portion (281) disposed in each slot.

Abstract: Several embodiment of an athermalizing apparatus is described. In one embodiment, the athermalizing apparatus includes a lens element and a support member coupled to the lens element. The support member has a sloped outer surface and a first coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”). The athermalizing apparatus further includes a rib member having a substantially complementary sloped surface that bears on the sloped outer surface of the support member. The rib member has a second CTE. The sloped outer surface of the support member forms a ramp angle with respect to an optical axis of the lens element. A radial expansion of the support and/or rib member causes an axial displacement of the support member as a function of the ramp angle.

Abstract: A solar collector tracking system that has a solar collection device having multiple lens assemblies mounted on its front surface. An exoskeleton structure is secured to the rear surface of the solar collection device and it is pivotally secured about a horizontal axis to the front end of an azimuth platform assembly. A hydraulic elevation actuator is pivotally mounted in the azimuth platform assembly about a horizontal axis and the front end of its piston rod is pivotally connected to the rear surface of the solar collection device and this allows it to be pivoted approximately 90 degrees between a vertical operating position and a horizontal storage position. The azimuth platform assembly is journaled on the top end of a tower extending up from the ground. A tubular post is rigidly secured to the top end of the post. A drive head extends horizontally from the tubular post and it has a pivot pin that extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A novel, high-efficiency, extremely light-weight, inflatable refractive solar concentrator for space power is described. It consists of a flexible Fresnel lens, flexible sides, and a back surface, together enclosing a volume of space which can be filled with low pressure gas to deploy the concentrator on orbit. The back surface supports the energy receiver/converter located in the focal region of the Fresnel lens. The back surface can also serve as the waste heat radiator. Prior to deployment, the deflated flexible lens and sides are folded against the back surface to form a flat, low-volume package for efficient launch into space. The inflatable concentrator can be configured to provide either a line focus or a point focus of sunlight. The new inflatable concentrator approach will provide significant advantages over the prior art in two different space power areas: photovoltaic concentrator arrays and high-temperature solar thermal conversion systems.

Abstract: A plurality of sun-ray collecting units connected to one another by parallel links and arranged in rows on first turning axes are supported on a pair of turning frames that can be turned about the first turning axes. Each of a pair of push-pull cables 54 is connected at one end thereof to a cable driving device and at the other end to one of the sun-ray collecting units which are supported in plurality on each of the turning frames. Thus, a space for placement of a sun-ray tracking system can be relatively reduced in size and the turning angle of each of the sun-ray collecting units about the first turning axis can be relatively increased. The sun-ray collecting units can be turned about the second turning axes in a simple structure using a single drive source.

Abstract: Several embodiment of an athermalizing apparatus is described. In one embodiment, the athermalizing apparatus includes a lens element and a support member coupled to the lens element. The support member has a sloped outer surface and a first coefficient of thermal expansion ("CTE"). The athermalizing apparatus further includes a rib member having a substantially complementary sloped surface that bears on the sloped outer surface of the support member. The rib member has a second CTE. The sloped outer surface of the support member forms a ramp angle with respect to an optical axis of the lens element. A radial expansion of the support and/or rib member causes an axial displacement of the support member as a function of the ramp angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sunlight collection apparatus with increased sunlight gathering and receiving capabilities, which is cheap to produce and allows reliable collection of sunlight without having to track the sun. This sunlight collection apparatus has a light collection portion, facing toward the sun, for collecting sunlight; a light conducting portion, having optical fiber cables, for conducting sunlight collected by said light collection portion indoors; and a light scattering portion, provided at a tip of said light conducting portion, for lighting a room with sunlight conducted by said light conducting portion. The light collection portion has a plurality of lens elements arranged facing in the direction of the sun, with the front surface of each lens element which faces toward the sun having a curved surface. The lens elements have a tapered shape in a rearward direction from the front surface.

Abstract: A color-mixing lens for use in a concentrator system and methods of manufacture and operation thereof. The color-mixing lens includes: (1) a light-transmissive substrate that receives broad spectrum light from a source, (2) a first plurality of prisms, located on the substrate, that refract and chromatically disperse the light received therein toward a first plurality of locations on an active region of a target cell, and (3) a second plurality of prisms located on the substrate that refract and chromatically disperse the light received therein toward a second plurality of locations on the active region. Relative dimensions of the first and second pluralities of prisms are preselected to cause the chromatically-dispersed light to mix and thereby increase a power output of the target cell by reducing inter-junction currents therein.

Abstract: A multiple lens solar heating unit consisting of a piping component, a housing component with a transparent housing cap, holes within the housing component for entry and exit of the piping component, multiple lens mounting braces affixed parallel wise to inner walling of the housing component, a plurality of external lens holders mounted to the braces by mounting pins and rotatably pivotable in an XY plane, an equivalent plurality of internal lens holders mounted one each to each external lens holder by mounting pins and rotatably pivotable in an XZ plane and an equivalent plurality of magnifying lens mounted one each within each internal lens holder.

Abstract: A solar powered cigarette lighter comprising a hollow tube fitted at one end with a light gathering lens and near the other end of the tube with a rod, the tip of which rod holds a light reflective substance positioned at the focal point of the lens to indicate where the end of a cigarette inserted transversely through a port the side of the tube should be positioned so as to ignite the cigarette.

Abstract: A solar cooker which has at least one biconvex lens which can concentrate solar rays onto an item to be cooked. In addition, the solar cooker utilizes a series of pulleys to rotate the lens from an angle of 45.degree. on each side of the sun's zenith in order to effectively collect the sun's rays at different times of the day.

Abstract: A transparent windows (4) for a solar radiation receiver assembly and a solar receiver assembly using the same, which assembly comprising a housing (2) having an aperture (3) and holding a volumetric solar absorber (5), the transparent window (4) mounted in the aperture (3) for the admission of incident concentrated solar radiation, shielding the volumetric solar absorber so as to form a sealed absorber chamber capable of holding a fluid medium, and means for the ingress and egress of the fluid medium. The transparent window (4) consists of a plurality of discrete transparent window segments (11,12) set in a common matrix (10) and is capable of withstanding high temperature.

Abstract: The invention comprises a solar assembly for heating a stove with solar energy. The assembly includes a foundation pipe having an opening. A substantially vertical pipe is positioned in the opening and the vertical pipe is capable of rotation relative to the foundation pipe. A stove is releasably attached to the vertical pole. A downward sloping arm is fixed to the top end of the vertical pole. A vertical adjustment member is slidably positionable on the downward sloping arm. The vertical adjustment member is capable of adjustment in height. A frame supporting a solar lens is pivotally attached to the vertical adjustment member. The vertical adjustment member is used to adjust the frame, and the solar lens, so that the solar lens directs solar energy to the stove. It is also contemplated that a solar panel or solar collector be positioned in place of the solar lens.

Abstract: A solar skylight is provided for collecting sunlight and dispersing the light within a building without the necessity for any roof penetrations of the building. The solar collector includes a base having a fixed portion and a rotatable portion and having a movable housing mounted to the rotatable portion of the base so that the solar collector housing can be rotated and moved up and down to aim the collector face towards the sun. A transparent cover that absorbs ultraviolet light and reflects infrared light is mounted over the front of the housing. A plurality of solar collectors are supported in a frame within the housing and aimed at the transparent cover for collecting solar energy passing therethrough. Each solar collector has a fresnel lens mounted on a mirrored, funnel shaped collector coupled to fiber optic cables for receiving the light collected by the solar collector.

Abstract: A TIR lens having a central axis, and toward which light from a light source is to be directed, and a light ray deviator positioned along the path of light travel between the source and the TIR lens, for deviating light rays toward portions of the lens spaced from the axis, thereby to more evenly distribute light flux at the output of the TIR lens.

Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.

Abstract: A fiber optical solar power generating system provides a tower outside a structure to be supplied with solar energy and on which a multiplicity of collectors are provided. An optical fiber trunk carries the collected optical energy to the structure in which a photovoltaic and/or a light/heat transducing stack can be provided and to which light is distributed from the optical fiber trunk so that the transducers need not occupy large areas of the property.

Abstract: A solar energy collection panel assembly particularly adapted for use in a sun tracking system, The assembly is made up of several elongated components that have uniform cross sections and are preferably formed by extrusion. Interlocking base members have upwardly directed channels which hold tubes partially surrounded by thermal insulation material. Lens support assemblies having a generally isosceles triangular cross section with the triangle bases secured to the base members with the triangle sides oriented to direct light entering between apexes toward the tubes. Grooves at each pair or apexes receive the edges of an elongated, uniform cross section, compound, concentrating, cylindrical lens to attach the lens to the assembly. The lenses focus incident light on the tubes. Right triangular edge lens support members provide square edges to the assembly. A structural strong and rigid housing is preferably used to receive, support and strengthen the assembly.

Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.