Device driven by heat energy
US4307571A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1979 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/46
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rotatable device having outwardly extending weighted arms of thermally expandable material is supported for rotation about an axis arranged at an angle to the vertical. The device is exposed to the sun or other source of radiant energy, causing the arms to expand lengthwise. A sun shield is provided over a portion of the area of movement of the arms so that when they move out of the shade of the shield, they expand lengthwise and whey they move into such shade, they contract. The resultant differential lengthening of the arms establishes an unbalance of moments of gravitational force in the arms to thereby apply a continuous torque to the assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.