Patent ID: 7692091
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: F24S,G01S,H01L,H02S,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A solar tracking device comprising: A stationary base; A rotatable output shaft mounted on said stationary base, said shaft having a first end suitable for affixation of a solar receptor panel and a second end terminating in a worm gear; A photovoltaic panel attached to said first end of said output shaft; A drive platform having a locking arm assembly pivotably connected at a first end of said drive platform and a drive assembly secured at a second end; said drive assembly having a worm drive in mesh with said worm gear on said output shaft; said drive platform being further pivotably connected by a platform pivot to said stationary base; said drive assembly being disengageable from said worm gear through release of said locking arm; An engagement mounting plate secured to said drive platform at a point proximate to the second end of said drive platform, the engagement mounting plate having a terminal suitable for the application of electric current; A forward mounting plate secured to said drive platform at a point proximate to said first end of said drive platform, the forward mounting plate having a terminal suitable for the application of electric current; A return spring secured to said stationary base at a first end and further attached to said output shaft at a second end; A means to drive the drive assembly; A means to pivotably disengage said drive assembly from said worm gear; and A means to coordinate said means to drive the drive assembly and said means to pivotably disengage the worm gear as a function of the position of the sun; Whereby the drive mechanism axially rotates said shaft around the long axis of said shaft based upon the position of the sun.