US3902474A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar heat converter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-03-25
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Granted: 1975-09-02
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Expires: 1994-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A solar heat converter comprises a box of any convenient size with a maze of air passageways within the box. The passageways are partially filled with shredded heat conductive material, preferably having a black color. The heated air is forced through the passageways by means of fans or pumps, and the interior of the box is exposed to sunlight by a covering of thermal glass. In operation, the solar heat converter collects heat which is measured by an internal thermostat. The fans are operated to force heated air through an area to be heated in response to temperatures set on this and another thermostat in the area.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald L Pyle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:25
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S10/00; F24S10/20; F24S20/00; F24S20/60; F24S20/67; F24S50/00; F24S50/40; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B10/00; Y02B10/20; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A solar heat converter comprising a box having therein a plurality of baffle means made of a material having a good heat conductive characteristic, said baffle means being positioned to form a folded passageway extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, bulk heat conductive means in said folded passageway in an amount which facilitates heat exchange without unduly blocking the flow of air in said passageway, thermal glass panel means at least partially covering said box and exposing the interior of said passageway to the sun''s rays, said box also containing a piping system following a serpentine path through said box, and said piping system containing a fluid which is heated within said box by the air going through the passageway as well as by the radiant energy passing through said thermal glass panel means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A solar heat converter comprising a box having therein a plurality of baffle means made of a material having a good heat conductive characteristic, said baffle means being positioned to form a folded passageway extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, bulk heat conductive means in said folded passageway in an amount which facilitates heat exchange without unduly blocking the flow of air in said passageway, thermal glass panel means at least partially covering said box and exposing the interior of said passageway to the sun''s rays, said box also containing a piping system following a serpentine path through said box, and said piping system containing a fluid which is heated within said box by the air going through the passageway as well as by the radiant energy passing through said thermal glass panel means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The solar heat converter of claim 1 wherein said box is an airtight container except for said inlet and outlet ports, and means for insulating said box on the outside surface to preclude loss of heat to surrounding air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The solar heat converter of claim 1 wherein said passageway is in the form of a maze folded back upon itself, said maze being formed by a plurality of said baffle means arranged in a spaced parallel relationship within said box, said baffle means being insulating panels covered by heat conductive foil material colored black.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The solar heat converter of claim 3 wherein said maze is partially filled with black colored shredded aluminum foil material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
93 words
The solar heat converter of claim 1 and heat control means comprising a first thermostat means within said box and second thermostat means in the area being heated, said first thermostat means being adjusted to open and close a heating control circuit at predetermined temperatures within siad box, said second thermostat means being set to command heat when the heated area is cooled to a predetermined temperature, and fan means operated jointly by said two thermostat means to force air through said passageway when box temperatures are high and area temperatures are low.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The solar heat converter of claim 5 wherein said first and second thermostat means control relay means, and means responsive to the operated or released condition of said relay means for either operating said fan means or starting a furnace.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The solar heat converter of claim 6 and means whereby said relay means operates when the temperature within said solar energy converter is above a required minimum and the temperature in said area is below a certain minimum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The solar heat converter of claim 1 and means for connecting the outlet of said passageway to an appliance.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
90 words
A solar heat converter comprising an enclosure containing a plurality of baffle means which define an air passageway and a piping system following a serpentine path with thermal glass on one side of said enclosure facing toward the sun, said thermal glass exposing both said passageWays and said piping system to the sun''s rays, said baffle means directing the air in said passageway repeatedly over said piping system to aid in warming the contents of said piping system, and thermostat means for controlling the accumulation of heat in said enclosure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
90 words
A solar heat converter comprising an enclosure containing a plurality of baffle means which define an air passageway and a piping system following a serpentine path with thermal glass on one side of said enclosure facing toward the sun, said thermal glass exposing both said passageWays and said piping system to the sun''s rays, said baffle means directing the air in said passageway repeatedly over said piping system to aid in warming the contents of said piping system, and thermostat means for controlling the accumulation of heat in said enclosure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The solar heat converter of claim 9 and means for covering said thermal glass in summer months, said covering means comprising a reflective awning.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The solar heat converter of claim 10 wherein said enclosure is a home attic.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
The solar heat converter of claim 11 wherein said enclosure is an outdoor box attached to an appliance, said outdoor box having a fresh air inlet, and means for controlling said inlet for regulating air temperatures within said appliance.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-01 | 1979-03-03 | 1979-09-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-01 | 1983-03-03 | 1983-09-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-01 | 1987-03-03 | 1987-09-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |