Patent ID: 8418686
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: F24S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A tracker comprising: an outer post defining an elongated bore and including a first end and a second end, said second end being mounted on a sub-structure such that said outer post is substantially vertical in orientation, said first end providing access to said elongated bore; an inner pole defining a substantially vertical axis of rotation and including a first end and a second end, said second end of said inner pole being received in said elongated bore to define an annular region between said inner pole and said outer post; a lower bearing received in said elongated bore adjacent a lower end of said outer post and attached to said outer post so that said lower bearing is constrained from lateral movement thereby, said lower bearing being mounted on said sub-structure such that said second end of said inner pole rests upon said lower bearing and said lower bearing supports said inner pole; an upper bearing disposed near an upper end of said outer post in said annular region between said inner pole and said outer post; a circumferential drive supported on said outer post and configured to rotate said inner pole relative to said outer post; and a load connected to said first end of said inner pole such that substantially a full weight of said load is directly transmitted to said sub-structure and lateral force and torque leverage are placed on a full length of said outer post by way of said upper and said lower bearing; wherein said inner pole is rotatable relative to said outer post about said axis of rotation.