Sol Focus, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090116013 | Apparatus for alignment of optical elements in an array - Apparatus for fabricating an array of aligned optical elements. A base tool is used to receive and align a planar material such as a glass sheet. A template tool is used to deposit secondary mirrors and adhesive patches onto the glass sheet. The adhesive patches are used to receive and mount primary mirrors. The primary mirrors are selectively held by an assembly tool. The primary mirrors are brought into alignment with the glass sheet by using actuators on the base tool and by using a registration mechanism to align the assembly tool with the glass sheet. | 05-07-2009 |
20090050191 | System and Method for Solar Tracking - The present invention is a solar tracking system which utilizes three supports arranged in a generally tripod configuration. In one embodiment, two of the supports are linear actuators, and the third support is a stationary universally pivoting joint such as a ball and socket joint. The tracking system may include cross-supports for increased stability, a linear rail for additional range of motion, and a mounting base to facilitate installation. This solar tracking system offers a stable, cost-effective design which is also capable of moving the solar module into an optional stowed position. | 02-26-2009 |
20090025784 | THERMAL SPRAY FOR SOLAR CONCENTRATOR FABRICATION - A system may include an optical element, a thermal-sprayed material disposed on the optical element, and a solar cell coupled to the optical element. Some aspects provide thermal spraying of a first material onto an optical element, and coupling of a solar cell to the optical element. Thermal spraying the first material may include spraying a molten metal powder onto the optical element. | 01-29-2009 |
20080289271 | COMPLIANT MOUNTING FOR OPTICAL COMPONENT - In one embodiment, a first mount is coupled to a first panel. A first compliant member is then placed on an optical component. The optical component and first compliant member are then placed on the first mount. For example, the optical component and the first compliant member are placed on a ledge of the first mount and a cylinder of the first mount may pass through the aperture. Also, one side of the first compliant member touches the first mount. A second mount is then placed on top of the other surface of the first compliant member. The front panel and a second compliant member are then placed on a front side of the optical component to secure the optical component in the optical system. | 11-27-2008 |
20080264469 | Solar power unit with integrated primary structure - A solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly is disclosed. A primary structure for the solar power unit comprises a primary mirror and supporting walls integrally formed around the perimeter of the primary mirror. The integral construction of the primary mirror and supporting walls improves the alignment of components within the solar power unit. Solar power units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array. | 10-30-2008 |
20080264468 | Solar power unit with enclosed outer structure - The present invention is a solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly. An outer structure for the solar power unit serves as an enclosure for the solar power unit and incorporates integral features for aligning components within. The integral alignment features reduce the need for costly tooling which is typically required to align optical elements in a solar power unit. Solar energy units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array. | 10-30-2008 |