US4245619A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar energy collection panel
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-12-13
•
Granted: 1981-01-20
•
Expires: 1998-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A solar energy collection panel is described for collecting solar energy to heat water. The panel is a simple, two component arrangement. That is, a cast, one piece construction provides a combined base and frame for the panel and defines the bottom and side walls of a plurality of separate channels for the flow of water to be heated directly by solar radiation. A double paned transparent sheet overlies the combined base and frame, forming the top wall of the channels to enclose the same for water flow while permitting direct impingement on the water of solar radiation passing therethrough. The transparent sheet is rigid to impart structural rigidity to the panel.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael B. Ogilvie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 22:23
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S10/00; F24S10/50; F24S10/503; F24S80/00; F24S80/40; F24S80/45; F24S80/457; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A relatively inexpensive yet effective solar panel to collect thermal energy from solar radiation comprising: a cast, one piece body of a lightweight, non-metallic material providing a combined base and frame having an upper surface defining the bottom and side walls of a plurality of separated channels for the flow of fluid to be heated directly by solar radiation; and a structurally rigid transparent sheet means secured to said body overlying said separated channels and forming the top walls thereof to enclose the same for fluid flow while permitting direct impingement on said fluid of solar radiation passing through said transparent sheet means, said transparent sheet means being secured to said body at spaced locations thereon to impart its structural rigidity thereto and, hence, to said panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A relatively inexpensive yet effective solar panel to collect thermal energy from solar radiation comprising: a cast, one piece body of a lightweight, non-metallic material providing a combined base and frame having an upper surface defining the bottom and side walls of a plurality of separated channels for the flow of fluid to be heated directly by solar radiation; and a structurally rigid transparent sheet means secured to said body overlying said separated channels and forming the top walls thereof to enclose the same for fluid flow while permitting direct impingement on said fluid of solar radiation passing through said transparent sheet means, said transparent sheet means being secured to said body at spaced locations thereon to impart its structural rigidity thereto and, hence, to said panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A solar panel according to claim 1 wherein said light weight, non-metallic material is a thermosetting polyester resin having an inorganic filler.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
A solar panel according to claim 1 further including a material providing thermal insulation applied to the bottom surface of said combined base and frame opposite said plurality of separated channels, and said transparent sheet means comprises a pair of spaced apart, generally parallel transparent plates forming a dead air space therebetween providing thermal insulation at the top wall of each of said separated channels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
A solar panel according to claim 1 wherein said fluid for which said panel is designed is water, and said separated channels have significant depth to provide for the flow of a significant depth of water therethrough to convert solar radiation into thermal energy and absorb same.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A solar panel according to claim 1 further including a coating on the surfaces of said bottom and side walls of said channels, which coating is of a material which converts solar radiation impinging thereon to thermal energy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A solar energy panel according to claim 5 wherein the surfaces of said channel side walls having said coating form an acute angle with said transparent sheet means to face the latter obliquely for interception of solar radiation transmitted therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A solar energy panel according to claim 1 wherein said transparent sheet means is bonded to said body at the peripheral edges of said sheet means and intermediate of said edges at locations where said sheet means contacts said body to enclose said separated channels.
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) | 1984-01-20 | 1984-07-21 | 1985-01-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-20 | 1988-07-21 | 1989-01-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-20 | 1992-07-21 | 1993-01-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |