US4047385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar to electrical energy converting system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-09-21
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Granted: 1977-09-13
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Expires: 1996-09-21
Abstract
Abstract This energy system comprises a metal sphere equipped on the outside thereof with two centrally located arc-shaped and pivoted arms which meet on the top of the sphere and are joined by means of a spring loaded connection. Each of said arms consists of a bank of spaced convex lenses which focus the rays of the sun into intensely hot focal points on the surface of the sphere. Inside, the sphere are coils of pipe containing water which is converted to steam by means of a heating liquid in which these pipes are immersed, so that the heating liquid which is heated by the surface of the sphere, in turn heats the coiled pipe changing the contained water to steam. The steam is fed to an engine or turbine which in turn powers a dynamo which supplies electrical power. The heating fluid inside the sphere also circulates through a furnace which takes over the heating of the liquid during the absence of the sun's rays. Heat sensing devices spread the arms from the sphere when it becomes overheated beyond a predetermined temperature. In addition the system is provided with the usual control valves, thermostats, and a heat exchanger.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz J. Brinjevec
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 14:06
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G6/00; F03G6/06; F03G6/065; F03G6/067; F24; F24S; F24S23/00; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44; Y02E10/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
Apparatus and method for converting solar energy to electricity through the medium of heat comprising in combination a heating unit which collects the rays of the sun by means of convex lenses, which converge these rays into heat producing focal points which come in contact with a metal container, said container having a heating liquid whose boiling point is considerably higher than that of water, therein; and a steam producing pipe coil immersed in said heating liquid; means for breaking contact between said focal points and said container for the purpose of controlling the heat in said container; a steam turbine which is powered by said steam producing coil; a dynamo for producing electrical power which is operated by said steam turbine, a source of water which feeds said steam coil; a heat exchanger which preheats the water entering said steam coil, said heat exchanger utilizing the spent steam from said turbine for preheating the water; a furnace for heating said heating fluid to a steam producing temperature when the rays of the sun are not available; a storage tank, which communicates with said heating container, which contains a supply of heating fluid for the purpose of replenshing said fluid as required; and standard temperature and liquid flow controls for proper operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
Apparatus and method for converting solar energy to electricity through the medium of heat comprising in combination a heating unit which collects the rays of the sun by means of convex lenses, which converge these rays into heat producing focal points which come in contact with a metal container, said container having a heating liquid whose boiling point is considerably higher than that of water, therein; and a steam producing pipe coil immersed in said heating liquid; means for breaking contact between said focal points and said container for the purpose of controlling the heat in said container; a steam turbine which is powered by said steam producing coil; a dynamo for producing electrical power which is operated by said steam turbine, a source of water which feeds said steam coil; a heat exchanger which preheats the water entering said steam coil, said heat exchanger utilizing the spent steam from said turbine for preheating the water; a furnace for heating said heating fluid to a steam producing temperature when the rays of the sun are not available; a storage tank, which communicates with said heating container, which contains a supply of heating fluid for the purpose of replenshing said fluid as required; and standard temperature and liquid flow controls for proper operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
194 words
A heating unit such as described in claim 1 comprising a totally enclosed spherical container which is equipped with two arc-shaped, opposite and centrally located pivotted arms on the outside thereof; the upper ends of said arms touching each other above the top of said sphere; a spring loaded connection which holds said arms together; a plurality of spaced convex lenses located within said arms, said arms being spaced from the surface of said sphere so that the focal points of said lenses come in precise contact with the surface of said sphere; and ametal sensing rod immersed in said heating fluid, extending to the outside of said sphere, and in contact with the underside of each of said arms so that when said heating fluid reaches a temperature above its predetermined maximum allowable temperature, the thermal expansion of said rods causes the said arms to spread thus removing the focal points of the lenses from the surface of the sphere; when the temperature of the heating fluid drops to the required level, the sensing rods contract as they cool, the spring loaded connection brings the arms together, and the heating process is resumed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A heating unit such as described in claim 2 in which the said sphere is insulated on the outer surface thereof, except in the areas where the said focal points come in contact with the surface of the sphere.
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) | 1980-09-12 | 1981-03-14 | 1981-09-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-12 | 1985-03-14 | 1985-09-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-12 | 1989-03-14 | 1989-09-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |