Lightweight reflective panels for solar-thermal power plants and methods of forming such panels
Patent 3959056 Issued on May 25, 1976. Estimated Expiration Date: 
May 25, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
May 25, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 1946184 2731379 2742387 2988809 3136674 3286270 3385726 3595216 3616140 3700522 InventorApplicationNo. 484662 filed on 07/01/1974US Classes:156/197, By separating laminae between spaced secured areas (e.g., honeycomb expanding)126/690, Parabolic126/696, Reflector support156/201, Prior to or during assembly with additional lamina156/214, With preshaping of lamina156/280, Subsequent to bonding156/324, Running or continuous webs of indefinite length156/495, By driven web feeding means29/469, Assembling a subassembly, then assembling with a second subassembly29/890.033, Solar energy device making428/116, Honeycomb-like493/379, Comprising bringing two members together493/966HONEYCOMB STRUCTUREExaminersPrimary: Powell, William A.Assistant: Gallagher, John J. Attorney, Agent or FirmAbstractAn inexpensive, lightweight reflective panel for solar-thermal collector modules of the type including a parabolic reflector for reflecting incident solar radiation onto a fluid carrying conduit positioned along the focal axis of the reflector. A rigid, waterproof, honeycomb panel formed from paper and having a uniform thickness of parabolic shape supports a reflective material. Glass fiber cloth adhered to the outer panel surfaces adds to the panel's strength and rigidity. An adjustable support system suspends the reflective panel from the fluid carrying conduit and provides a means of adjusting panel curvature to precisely obtain the required parabolic shape.Methods of forming the panels are described which permit the panels to be formed at or near the site of their installation to obviate shipping problems and expense. The methods include the steps of forming an expanded honeycomb core, conforming the core to the required parabolic shape, adhering sheets of skin material to top and bottom surfaces of the core, and adhering a reflective material to the top panel surface.Field of SearchBy separating laminae between spaced secured areas (e.g., honeycomb expanding)With preshaping of lamina Longitudinal bending To form dished or receptacle-like product Prior to or during assembly with additional lamina By bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith Of continuous or running length bonded web Subsequent to bonding With coating of nonadherent face of lamina Running or continuous webs of indefinite length Longitudinal bending | |
