US4038964A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Parabolic solar concentrator employing flat plate collector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-07-25
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Granted: 1977-08-02
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Expires: 1995-07-25
Abstract
Abstract A combined solar energy collector includes a trough having a generally parabolic cross section, the trough having a reflective inner surface adapted to receive and reflect direct and indirect solar radiation. A flat plate solar collector extends along the apex line of the parabolic cross section, the flat plate collector having means therein defining a circuitous path for a fluid passing therethrough. Means, such as a glass enclosure surrounding the flat plate collector, admits shortwave solar radiation into the flat plate collector and reduces longwave heat reradiation therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 George F. Drew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:35
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S80/00; F24S80/50; F24S80/54; F24S10/00; F24S10/70; F24S10/75; F24S10/755; F24S20/00; F24S20/20; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/74; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A solar energy and concentrator collector comprising: a trough having a generally parabolic cross section, said trough having a reflective inner surface adapted to receive and reflect direct and indirect solar radiation; a flat plate solar collector extending along the apex line of said parabolic cross section, said flat plate collector having means therein defining a circuitous path for a fluid passing therethrough; selective means for admitting shortwave solar radiation into said flat plate collector and reducing longwave heat radiation from said flat plate collector; and wherein the ratio of the dimensions from the apex to the focal line of said trough to the dimension between the extremities of said trough is approximately in a range between 1:5 to 1:9.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A solar energy and concentrator collector comprising: a trough having a generally parabolic cross section, said trough having a reflective inner surface adapted to receive and reflect direct and indirect solar radiation; a flat plate solar collector extending along the apex line of said parabolic cross section, said flat plate collector having means therein defining a circuitous path for a fluid passing therethrough; selective means for admitting shortwave solar radiation into said flat plate collector and reducing longwave heat radiation from said flat plate collector; and wherein the ratio of the dimensions from the apex to the focal line of said trough to the dimension between the extremities of said trough is approximately in a range between 1:5 to 1:9.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The solar energy collector and concentrator recited in claim 1 further comprising a cover transparent to solar radiation positioned between the extremities of said reflective surface so as to create a "greenhouse" effect between said cover and said reflective surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The solar energy collector and concentrator recited in claim 2 wherein said circuitous path means comprises a circuitous tubing having portions serially joined together, said portions extending in the plane of said apex line along said trough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The solar energy collector and concentrator recited in claim 2 wherein said selective means comprises a glass enclosure surrounding said flat plate collector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The solar energy collector and concentrator recited in claim 4 further comprising means for defining at least a partial vacuum between said enclosure and said flat plate collector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The solar energy collector and concentrator recited in claim 1, wherein said ratio is 1:6.5.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The solar energy collector and concentrator recited in claim 1 wherein the ratio of the length of the focal plane to the dimension between the extremities of said trough is about 1:2.75.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-01 | 1981-01-31 | 1981-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-01 | 1985-01-31 | 1985-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-01 | 1989-01-31 | 1989-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |