Patent US4173397A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4173397A
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Solar concentrator
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1977-11-30
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Granted: 1979-11-06
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Expires: 1997-11-30
Abstract
Abstract An improved solar concentrator characterized by a plurality of elongated supporting members arranged in substantial horizontal parallelism with the axis thereof intersecting a common curve and a tensioned sheet of flexible reflective material disposed in engaging relation with the supporting members for imparting to the tensioned sheet a catenary configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Simpson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:36
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S20/00; F24S20/20; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/74; F24S23/745; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
In a solar concentrator, the improvement comprising: A. a plurality of tensioned wires extended between a pair of arcuate base members for forming a frame of an elongated concave configuration, said wires being arranged in parallel with the axes thereof extended into intersecting relation with a common curve defined by said base members; and B. a thin film of aluminized Mylar drawn taut over the frame with a reflective surface thereof assuming an elongated catenary configuration consistent with the configuration of the frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
In a solar concentrator, the improvement comprising: A. a plurality of tensioned wires extended between a pair of arcuate base members for forming a frame of an elongated concave configuration, said wires being arranged in parallel with the axes thereof extended into intersecting relation with a common curve defined by said base members; and B. a thin film of aluminized Mylar drawn taut over the frame with a reflective surface thereof assuming an elongated catenary configuration consistent with the configuration of the frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement of claim 1 further comprises means for varying the configuration of the sheet including a plurality of turnbuckles anchored to the base members and connected with said wires for varying the tension thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The improvement of claim 2 further comprising means for varying the tension of the sheet including a rotatable support bar connected to the sheet along one edge thereof and a tension spring connected to the bar for establishing a moment about the axis thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 3 further comprising an arm projected radially from said support bar interconnecting said spring and the bar.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-11-05 | 1983-05-07 | 1983-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-05 | 1987-05-07 | 1987-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-05 | 1991-05-07 | 1991-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |