Manufacture of transparent mirrored micro-balls for solar energy concentration and optical functions
US7597826B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/54
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus are presented for mass production manufacturing of micro-mirrored balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches, etc. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. The mass production process utilizes laminate sheets containing reflective material, assembly rollers, and extrusion and die rollers. The micro-mirrored balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10−6 m) to 1 mm (10−3 m), and in one form are transparent in at least one hemisphere with a reflecting mid-plane mirror. In other forms the micro-balls vary in geometry from cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface. These elements can track the light source, and aim and focus the reflected light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.