Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 24th Feb., 1894
My invention consists in the novel combination and arrangement or parts
hereinafter fully described and claimed.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is an outside end view of the mirror-frame, showing the heat-receiver
in front of the same.
Figure 2 is a side view of the mirror-axis, showing two of the studs on which
are pivoted two of the devices which support the individual mirrors and serve as
means for the vertical adjustments of the individual mirrors and of the group of
mirrors.
Figure 3 is a side view of a part of a mirror-axis, showing the device by means
of which the vertical adjustments of the mirrors and of the group of mirrors are
effected.
Figure 4 is a side view of a mirror-supporting disc, with a mirror-holder bolted
thereto.
Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 are detailed views of the several parts of the device by
which the vertical inclinations of the individual mirrors and of the group of mirrors
are adjusted.
Figure 9, is a top view of the device by which the vertical inclinations of the
individual mirrors and of the group of mirrors are adjusted, all its parts being
assembled together, and the device, as a whole, being bolted to a section of the
hollow axis.
Figure 10 is a top view of the mirror-frame.
Figure 11 is a side view of the mirror-frame, showing mechanism for regulating
the vertical adjustment of the group of mirrors.
Figure 12 is a rear view of the mirror-frame.
Figure 13 represents the fire-box.
Figure 14 is a diagram, showing the relation of the horizontal angular movement
of the sun to that of the mirrors.
Figure 15 is a side view of a part of a mirror-axis, showing the means for
adjusting the vertical inclinations of the individual mirrors and of the group of
mirrors.
Figure 1 represents an end view of the mirror-frame. In the northern
hemisphere this is the west; in the southern, the east end. The mirror-frame
fronts the sun at mid-day. The dotted line B, C, is a plane parallel to the
approximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth, and A,
is the end of the mirror-frame perpendicular to that plane; D, is the heat-receiver;
O, N, P, are supports of the mirror-frame; E is the gear-wheel on the end of the
screw-threaded shaft; F¹ are the gear-wheels, on the upper ends of the axes;
H, K, L, and M are the escapement, balance-wheel, crutch and pendulum,
respectively, of the clock-work; G is the weight suspended on the drum Q; vis a
crank to wind up the weight-cord; N₁ is a sliding shelf for the temporary support
of the weight. The barrel Q has a pawl and ratchet connection with its shaft...
CD 37

page_text: -
In Figure 2, R is one of the axes which are perpendicular to the proximate
plane of the sun's apparent diurnal movement around the earth. To this axis any
suitable number of mirrors may be attached, by means of studs T and pivots, or
horizontal axes, c. Only two studs are shown in this figure. The axial line of R
passes through the centres of its two extremities and through the pivots e³.
In Figure 3, R is a part of the bent axis-rod shown in Figure 2. T is the stud
which supports the individual mirror. Both axes of the mirror pass through c³.
The plate to which the mirror w is bolted, is pivoted at c³, but it is not shown,
being covered by. S, to which it is clamped by screws b, entering through the slots v.
The stud T is to be bolted to R. The nut is omitted in the figure. S' is an arm,
by which the vertical inclination of the mirror is changed, as the sun passes to and
fro between the tropics.
In Figure 4, w, are two arms of the cross which constitutes the holder of the
mirror-case. In the extremities of these arms are screws c, by which slight
adjustments are made, to compensate for imperfections of workmanship. in the
holder or stud. The disc is the plate to which the holder is made fast, by the
This plate is pivoted on the stud shown in Figure 3 at c. Outside of this
plate a second plate S with an arm, shown on different scales in Figures 5 and 8, is
also pivoted at c. The two plates are clamped together, by screws b which pass
through the slots v. Fig. 3 & 5 and enter the screw-holes a, Figure 4, 5.
nut u.
In Figure 5, S represents the circular plate which is clamped to the plate a,
shown in Figures 4 and 7, and S' represents the arm which changes the inclination
of the mirror, as the sun moves to and fro between the tropics.
In Figure 6, T is a side view of the stud bolted to the hollow axis R, Fig. 3 and
bearing the mirror-holder w pivoted thereto at c...
In Figure 7, a¹ is a side view of the disc which carries the mirror-holder 1.
This disc is as aforesaid pivoted to the stud T at c. The holes, a, receive the set
screws, which pass through the slots, v, shown in Figure 8, and clamp the disc S to
the disc T.
In Figure 8, S is the disc which is clamped to the disc ', (Figure 7) by screws
passing through the slots v. It has an arm S', which elevates and depresses the
rods h, Figure 11.
In Figure 9, R is the axis perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's
apparent diurnal revolution around the earth; T is the stud bolted to this axis;
is the disc which carries the mirror-holders w and is clamped to the disc S, by
the set-screws b, both discs being pivoted on the stud T at c8 vide Fig..3.
In Figure 10, E is the screw-threaded-shaft which actuates the gear-wheels F'.
These wheels are attached, by set-screws, to the mirror-axes which are perpen-
dicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the
earth. Through these wheels the clock-work shown in Figure 1, effects and
regulates the daily movement of the mirrors, to correspond with the movement of
the sun from sun-rise to sun-set.
In Figure 11, A is the end of the mirror-frame; w, represents the mirror-holders;
S¹, are arms passing through openings made in cross pieces t attached to / Fig. 12;
9 is a crank actuating the gear-wheels f and d; e is a crank-lever rigidly attached
to the wheel d, which elevates and depresses the rod and with it, the cross-pieces
which engage the arms S¹. The gear-wheels d, f, the crank-lever e, and the rod h,
The shafts 0¹, x,
all have counterparts on the opposite end of the mirror-frame.
on which d and ƒ revolve, extend to the opposite end of the mirror-frame, and
rotate the counterparts of these two wheels. The shaft z, which constitutes the
axle of the arm i, also extends to the opposite end of the mirror-frame, and there
rotates a corresponding arm. The rods h, are connected by pieces t, shown in
Figure 12, bearing plates with slots through which the arms S¹ of the mirrors
pass. The crank-lever e, rigidly attached to the wheel d, elevates and depresses
the rods h, and, with them, the cross-pieces t, and so makes changes in the vertical
inclination of the mirrors, corresponding with the changes in the altitude of the
sun as it passes to and fro between the tropics.

page_text: In Figure 12, which exhibits the rear of the mirror-frame, f, are the gear-
wheels, rotated, on their axis or shaft x, by the crank g, (Fig. 11.) which actuates
the larger gear-wheels d, revolving on their axis w. The crank-levers e, are
rigidly attached to the wheels d, and are pivoted to the rods /, which rods are
As the rods h, are elevated
pivoted to the cranks i, which revolve on the axis z.
or depressed, by the crank-levers e, they elevate or depress the cross-pieces, t, and
thereby elevate or depress the rear ends 8, of the arms of the mirror-holders,
which pass through slots a³, in, or attached to, the cross-pieces. The larger gear-
wheels d, have ratchet connections with their shafts not shown in the drawing.
E is the screw-threaded shaft which actuates the gear-wheels F¹.
Figure 13, represents the fire-box. Its exterior C is constructed of suitable
material, and lined with a non-conductor of heat B2. A' is the boiler, or other
heat-receiver, to which the heat, when not thrown directly upon the heat-receiver,
E is the space
may be communicated through the mass of refractory material F³.
above the refractory material. D² is the steam-pipe. The front of the fire-box
and its lining of non-conducting material are removed in the drawing. It has
several openings, at different elevations, closed respectively by non-conducting
doors, when not in use.
Figure 14, illustrates the obvious principle that the horizontal angular movement
of the mirrors, during a given period of time, must be half that of the sun, D being
the heat-receiver and a', a, b, 6, different positions of the sun.
In Figure 15, R is a part of the mirror-axis; w the mirror frame; u the bolt by
which the mirror-frame is attached to a projection fº on the pivoted disc carried by
the dise S; S¹ the curved arm of S, which passes around the axis R and through
the slot or opening a. The nuts b, clamp the disc S to the mirror-bearing disc,
through the slots v. T is the rear extremity of a third disc, to which the other two
are pivoted. This part T passes through the axis R, and is made fast thereto by a
nut g in the rear. The slot or opening between the cross-bars t, is marked a³.
In the practice of my invention I use az immovable reflector-supporting frame A,
having its plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
revolution around the earth, and bisected, at right angles, by a vertical plane
passing through the sun at mid-day. The frame, as a whole, may include several
smaller frames, separate from each other, or all connected together, all being in the
same plane.
B, C Figure 1, indicates by dotted lines, a plane parallel to the approximate
plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth.
D is the heat-receiver, below the plane B, C.
O, N, P, refer to suitable supports for the clockwork, the weight G of which,
through the barrel Q and the train of gearing, actuates the screw-threaded shaft E,
which engages each of the gear-wheels F¹, carried at the upper ends of their
shafts R, and rotates the shafts to meet, or conform to, the apparent diurnal
movement of the sun, from sun-rise to sun-set.
The barrel Q has a pawl and ratchet connection with its shaft, which is provided
with a crank, or handle v', for re-winding the weight-suspending cord, a support N¹,
secured to the upright P, being used to support the weight temporarily when
desired.
The manner of supporting the mirror-frame A and the position of the heat-
receiver D will be determined by the character of the surface of the ground, upon
which is located the smelter, mill, factory or other establishment in which the solar
heat is to be utilized. If this location is in the northern hemisphere, and upon the
northern slope of a hill or mountain, the reflector-supporting frame may be
constructed without excavating or filling the surface. On the southern slope or a
level surface, the frame may be supported upon timbers, masonry, or otherwise;
and it may be necessary to place the heat-receiver either above or below the
natural surface of the ground. In the drawings the location is on a level surface.
In the frame A, are suitably supported bent axes R, carrying the mirrors w, cach
mirror being held in a holder by adjusting screws c, counteracting each other, to

page_text: compensate for any inaccuracies in the construction of the holder or stud. The
axial line of R, passes through the extremities thereof and through the pivots c.
The holder is centrally held by a bolt. u upon the periphery of a disc or plate,
itself centrally or axially pivotted, at c, upon a stud T suitably shouldered and
bolted directly to said axis R.
b
The same pivot c³, carries a second disc or plate S, arranged parallel with the
disc ¹, and adjustably connected therewith, by set-screws or clamp-screws 6 passing
through segmental slots v. This pivot is the horizontal axis of the mirror. The
disc S has, projecting from its periphery, at the rear, an arm S¹, by means of
which the position of the reflectors is changed, to correspond with the slight daily
changes occurring in the position of the sun, as the latter passes to and fro between
the tropics.
The arms S of the series of discs S are passed, at their rear ends, through
horizontal slots in the cross-bars t, or in plates secured to the latter, said cross-bars
being carried by vertical rods or bars pivoted to crank-arms e, i, the crank-arm e
being rigidly connected with gear-wheels or pinions d.
The gear-wheel d, having in practice a pawl and ratchet connection with its
shaft, is geared with a smaller wheel or pinion f, fixed to a shaft a, journalled upon
the frame A, and having rigidly connected therewith a screw-threaded shaft and a
crank g, for imparting motion to said wheels or gearing and simultaneously
operating or moving, through the aforesaid appliances, all the reflectors in the
frame for the purpose before stated.
Upon the upper ends of the reflector-axes are secured gear-wheels F', driven by
a screw-threaded shaft E geared to the clock-work. Through this mechanism the
clock-work effects and regulates the daily movement of the reflectors, to correspond
with the movements of the sun from sun-rise to sun-set. To accomplish this, the
clock-work is so arranged that, while the sun makes an apparent revolution
through an arc of a given number of degrees, ininutes, and seconds, each mirror
revolves through an arc of half the given number of degrees, minutes and seconds.
Any other suitable device may be substituted for the screw-threaded shaft and
gear-wheels.
The adjustment of the vertical inclination of the reflectors, on their horizontal
axes, is effected as follows:-
The reflectors all being in position, a fixed point is ascertained for the location of
the heat-receiver, and a straight rod, passing through this point, is set up parallel
to the line of intersection of the plane of the mirror-frame by the vertical plane
passing through the sun, at mid-day, and cutting the mirror frame at right angles
through the middle. The point fixed for the heat-receiver is marked upon this
rod; the screw-threaded shaft is made temporarily immovable; and each one of
the reflector-axes, which are perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's
apparent diurnal movement around the earth, is released from the set-screw of its
gear-wheel F, and is then revolved until its mirrors all reflect the images of the
sun upon the rod, whereupon the set-screw of its gear-wheel is tightened. The
set-screws b, are then loosened and the reflectors are rotated, upon their horizontal
axes, until all the mirrors reflect images of the sun upon the point fixed for the
heat-receiver; and these set-screws are then tightened.
If several days are consumed in this adjustment, it is necessary each day, to
elevate or lower the inark, a slight distance, to be determined by observation, or by
trigonometrical calculation for the latitude of the place and for the distance between
the mirror-frame and the heat-receiver, in order to compensate for the changes
which occur in the sun's apparent altitude, as it passes annually to and fro between
the tropics.
If this adjustment is accurately made, no further vertical adjustment of the
reflectors, without accidental derangement, is necessary, except a slight daily change
of their vertical inclination corresponding with the slow apparent movement of the
sun between the tropics.
The adjustment in the plane parallel to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent
-

page_text: | diurnal revolution around the earth is made as follows: The screw-threaded shaft
remains immovable. The wheels F', are thrown out of operation, by loosening
their respective set-screws. Within a short time before and after mid-day, the
reflector-axes, perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
revolution, are rotated until their mirrors reflect images of the sun upon the heat-
receiver D, whereupon the set-screws of the respective wheels F', are tightened;
and the screw-threaded shaft restored to its operative condition. These dispositions,
when made for all these axes, conclude the adjustment.
A slight variation from the hour of noon, in the adjustinent, will not unduly
enlarge the field; for assuming the distance of the heat-receiver from the mirrors
to be 50 feet the lateral movement of the centre of the sun's image on the heat-
receiver will be, for each minute, only 2.6179 inches.
This last adjustment is continued from day to day until completed.
At the commencement of work, in the morning, the clock-work and screw-threaded
shaft having been disconnected, the weight, G, is raised to its highest position by
turning the crank v', actuating the shaft on which the barrel revolves, the weight
being there supported upon the shelf N. The clock-work is then connected with
the screw-threaded shaft, the pawl of the barrel is disengaged from the ratchet of
its shaft, the set-screw of the balance-wheel K loosened, and, by means of the
crank v', the wheels F', are rotated until the mirrors reflect images of the sun upon
the heat-receiver. At the same time, the bars or rods h are slightly elevated or
depressed, by means of the gear-wheels f, d, changing the vertical angles of the
reflectors to correspond with the changed altitude of the sun passing to and fro
between the tropics. The pawl and ratchet connection between the barrel and its
shaft is then restored, the set-screw of the wheel K, tightened, and the shelf N'
removed. Thenceforward, the mechanism operates automatically until the end of
the day's work.
The heat-receiver may be a steam boiler A³, a charge of ore, or anything else
to which heat is to be applied, either directly, or through the heated mass of
refractory material contained in a fire-box C2, whose lining B² is of asbestos, or
other suitable non-conductor of heat. D2 is the steam-pipe of the boiler; and Fis
fire-clay, or other suitable refractory material, properly disposed, in the fire-box,
to receive the solar heat, through orifices, in front of the fire-box. E' is a space
surrounding, as far as practicable, the steam boiler, ore charge, or other heat-
receiver.
When the degree of heat, received by the boiler, or other heat-receiver, through
the fire-box, is excessive, it may be reduced by placing in the space E', between the
heat-receiver and the heated mass of refractory material, a thick slab of some
non-conductor of heat, not shown in the drawings.
The openings or orifices, in the front of the fire-box C2, have different vertical
elevations. The highest is used when the heat of the fire-box is low, in order to
supply heat to the heat-receiver without delay; the others are used afterwards to
heat the whole mass of refractory material. The changing of the direction of the
concentrated rays, from one of these orifices to another, is effected by elevating, or
depressing, the rods h, by means of the crank or handle g. The size and form of
the orifices will be determined by the nature of the work to be performed, in the mill
or other industrial establishment.
When the number of reflectors is large, it may be necessary, or convenient, to
construct the frame in subdivisions, and to use more than one of the devices for
elevating or depressing the reflectors, to meet the changes of altitude of the sun in
its apparent movement between the tropics, and also to use more than one of the
devices for effecting and regulating the movement of the reflectors in a plane
parallel to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the
The course to be adopted in each case will be obvious to the judgment of
those skilled in this art.
earth.
I claim the utilizing of solar heat by means of a group of plane reflectors attached
to rotary axes supported in a stationary frame, said frame being permanently fixed

page_text: in a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal move-
ment around the earth, and bisected, at right angles, by a vertical plane passing
through the sun at mid-day, said axis being also perpendicular to the proximate
plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth, the movement of
the reflectors being so regulated that they all constantly reflect the sun's rays upon
the same heat-receiver, whether the movement is effected or regulated automatically,
by clock-work or by other devices, or is effected or regulated by hand.
Nor do I restrict my claim to the specific device described for giving to the
reflectors, when attached to such axes and supported by such stationary frames,
slight changes in vertical inclination, corresponding with the apparent daily changes,
in altitude, made by the sun in its passage to and fro between the tropics.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combina-
tion of a group of reflectors; a stationary frame or support therefor permanently
fixed in a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
motion around the earth, and cut, at right angles, by a vertical plane passing
through the sun at mid-day, with or without additional frames in the same plane;
and means to effect the adjustment and regulate the movement of the reflectors,
so that they shall all constantly reflect images of the sun upon a common heat-
receiver, or upon refractory material in a fire-box, substantially as set forth.
2. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combina-
tion of a group of reflectors; a stationary support or frame therefor arranged in
a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal motion
around the earth, and bisected, at right angles, by a vertical plaue passing through
the sun at mid-day, with or without additional frames in the same plane; and
means to effect and regulate the rotary movement of the reflectors on their axes
in said stationary frame or support, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
3. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a group of reflectors; a stationary frame or support therefor permanently
fixed in a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent
diurnal revolution around the earth; and means for effecting a simultaneous
rotary movement of all the individual mirrors in vertical planes, such movement
corresponding with the apparent change in altitude of the sun as it passes to and
fro between the tropics, substantially as specified.
4. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a stationary mirror-frame fixed in a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane
of the sun's apparent diurnal motion around the earth; a reflector; an axis for
such reflector, perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
revolution around the earth, supported by such stationary frame; and a disc
adapted to carry the reflector, and being in vertically adjustable connection with a
stud held in said axis, substantially as specified.
5. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a reflector; a stationary frame or support therefor, fixed in a plane perpendicular
to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth;
an axis therefor; a disc adapted to carry the reflector; a second disc having a
segmental slot and set-screw connection with the aforesaid disc; and a stud held
in said axis and having pivoted thereon said disc, substantially as specified.
6. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a reflector; a stationary frame or support therefor, fixed in a plane perpendicular
to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal movement around the earth;
an axis therefor supported in said frame and perpendicular to the proximate
plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth; a disc adapted
to carry said reflector; a second disc having a segmental slot and set-screw counec-
tion with the aforesaid disc, and provided with an arm for the adjustment of the

page_text: vertical inclination of the reflectors; and a stud connected with said axis, and
having pivoted thereon both of said discs, as specified.
7. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a reflector; a shaft or axis perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's
apparent diurnal revolution around the earth; a stationary frame or support fixed
in a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
movement around the earth; a stud secured to said shaft or axis, and bearing two
discs or plates pivoted to said stud and adjustably connected together, one having
a holder for said reflector, and the other having an arm for the adjustment of the
reflector in a vertical plane, substantially as described.
8. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a clock-work movement; a group of reflectors and their support; a series of
gear-wheels, geared to said clock-work, and carried on the reflector axes which
are perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution
around the earth; and a screw-threaded shaft engaging said wheels, substantially
as specified.
9. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a reflector-holder; a plate or disc carrying said holder; a second plate or disc
connected with the aforesaid disc or plates; a stud bearing both of said discs or
plates; and a support for said stud, substantially as specified.
10. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a group of reflectors; a support therefor; plates or discs connected with means
for carrying the mirrors, and having arms projecting to the rear; and a vertically
movable or adjustable device for actuating said arms, substantially as specified.
11. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a group of reflectors; arms connected with the supports for said reflectors;
bars or rods carrying cross-pieces to receive the rear ends of said arms; and
crank-arms connected with said bars and geared to a crank, for actuating said
crank-arms and bars, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 28th day of November 1893.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.