Patent · US Expired

Lightweight attachment for solar cell array next to a fluorescent tube

US4374406A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
3References
7Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 10, 1981
Grant dateFeb 15, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 10, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S136/291
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A lightweight attachment for a solar cell array in combination with spacing means for spacing the array consisting of a plurality of solar cells on a support next to a fluorescent tube to provide thereby a power package which is fitted with conductors to connect the solar cells in series to a remote motor adapted for the rotation of a remote display. A holding means is provided for the support to hold it close to the tube, which holding means may be a magnetic tape. The holding means may be a flexible strap having a tooth portion at the sides of the strap, the tooth sides being adapted to holding the support in closely spaced relation with the plurality of solar cells directly below the fluorescent tube. Spacing means is provided to fix the spacing between the surface of the cells on the support and the tube. Since there is no tension from the conductors and no substantial weight to dislodge the fluorescent tube due to the cells or support, the power package overcomes the safety hazards of the prior art.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.