Improvements in Means for Utilizing the Heat of the Sun for Industrial Purposes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 17th Feb., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Utilizing the Heat of the Sun for
Industrial Purposes.
I, HALBERT ELEAZER PAINE of No. 1335 Connecticut Avenue, City of
Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America, Lawyer, do
hereby declare the nature of my invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
For the production of a high degree of solar heat groups of small plane mirrors,
all so adjusted as to reflect images of the sun upon the same place or field, for
short periods of time, have heretofore been used. There is a tradition that such
an assemblage of mirrors was used by Archimedes, to burn the Roman fleet, at.
Syracuse, in the year 212 B.C., and afterwards by Proclus, to burn the Gothic
fleet, at Constantinople, A.D. 51+; and in modern times experiments have been
tried looking to the practical utilization of solar heat, and Letters Patent have
been granted for various improvements in the art. But in all cases mentioned in
history, whether ancient or modern, or in descriptions of experiments, or in Letters
Patent, wherever groups of mirrors have been used to concentrate solar heat, by a
number of superimposed reflections, the mirrors have been either separate, or
supported in stationary frames without means for effecting their simultaneous
change of inclination or arranged to move around the heat-receiver in a horizontal,
or proximately horizontal, plane.
Solar heaters of these classes are to be distinguished from those in which are
employed stationary parabolic or conical reflecting surfaces, casting single con-
densed reflections, or concave reflecting surfaces revolving about heat-receivers
and casting single condensed reflections thereon. Solar heaters of the three first
mentioned classes operate by the superposition of several uncondensed reflections,
from separate plane mirrors, upon a common field or surface, the separate mirrors
not being necessarily grouped or arranged in any prescribed form; while in the
case of solar heaters of the latter class the reflecting surface, as a whole, casts a
single condensed reflection on the heat-receiver.
In solar heaters of the first three classes, it has been difficult to secure regular
and continuous action because of the complex motions or adjustments required for
each reflector, in order to maintain its proper position with respect to the sun, and
the heat-receiver. One great. difficulty, encountered in the case of groups of
mirrors moving around the heat-receiver, has resulted from the fact that they have
revolved in a horizontal or proximately horizontal plane; and the object of the
present invention is to overcome this difficulty and simplify the working of solar
heaters consisting of groups of plane mirrors. This is accomplished by mounting
the frame of the mirrors in a plane perpendicular to the proximate plane of the
sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth, and also perpendicular to the
vertical plane passing through the sub and bisecting the frame, the reflectors having
a rotary movement in a plane parallel with the proximate plane of the sun's
apparent diurnal motion around the earth, the heat-receiver being placed at or near
a point in a line passing through the centre of the circle in which the reflectors
travel, and perpendicular to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
motion around the earth. Under this arrangeinent, when the several reflectors are
once so adjusted as to cast all their reflections, at a given instant of time, upon the
same spot or field, no subsequent adjustment of the reflectors is required, without
accidental disarrangement, except a slight movement each day on their horizontal

page_text: axes, to adjust them to the slight daily changes occurring in the altitude of the
sun, as it moves to and fro between the tropics.
It will be observed that, as the circular movement of the group of reflectors
about the heat-receiver is made practically, in a plane parallel to that of the
equator and inclined to that of the horizon, with the middle of the curved track at
the lowest point, the reflectors have a descending movement during the forenoon,
and an ascending movement, during the afternoon. The invention includes means
for counterbalancing the weight of the car of reflectors, during the descending
movement, and raising it, during its upward course; with mechanism for controlling
the motion of the car, together with several subordinate and auxiliary devices, all
of which will be fully described, in the Specification, and pointed out in the claims.
In the drawings,
Figure 1 represents the track, located in the proximate plane of the sun's
apparent diurnal revolution around the earth, showing the mirror-car at the middle
of the arc of rotation, and due north or south from the heat-receiver, which is
located at or near the centre of the arc of revolution.
Figure 2 represents the mirror-car, seen from the rear in the northern hemisphere,
and from the front in the southern hemisphere, in position on the track at the
middle of the arc of revolution, one part of the track being in the proximate plane
of the sun's apparent diurnal motion around the earth, and the other part perpen-
dicular thereto, the horizon being shown by the line K' L, and the heat-receiver
located at O.
Figure 3 represents an enlarged view of the mirror-frame, seen from the front
in the northern hemisphere and from the rear in the southern hemisphere, the car
being in position on the track at the middle of the arc of revolution.
Figure 4 represents one of the two counterpoise-cars.
Figure 5 represents the mirror-car, with the adjusting device which changes the
vertical inclination of the mirrors.
Figure 6 represents the clock-work.
Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the relation between the horizontal angular
movement of the sun and that of the mirrors.
Figure 8 represents a top view of one of the studs, with the mirror pivoted
thereto.
Figure 9 represents a mirror-holder.
In Figure 1 of the drawings, D is the track; E the graded slope, from the track
to the heat-receiver; G the car bearing the mirrors: H the mirror-frame, straight
or broken; J the windlass, or drum, which drives the cable; K the cable, which
moves the car; O the heat-receiver; m, n, o, drums, around which the cable K
moves.
In Figure 2, A A¹ is the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal motion
around the earth; O the heat-receiver near the centre of the circle of rotation;
CO a line perpendicular to the proximate plane.of the sun's apparent motion
around the earth; E the graded coutour of the ground on the line from the car to
the heat-receiver; G parts of the car, rigidly connected together at right angles,
the wheels moving on the track D; H the mirror-frame at right angles with A A';
J the windlass, or drum, driving the cable; Z, Y the graded plane of the track,
and K, L, the horizon.
In Figure 3, which represents the car seen from the front, D is the track in
section; G the platform of the car; and H the mirror-frame. The axle b, on
which the wheel a revolves, as it moves on the rail v, is rigidly joined, at right
angles, to the axle c, on which the wheel d revolves. This wheel d moves on the
inuer edge of the rail e, to prevent a lateral movement of the car. The axle c is
rigidly connected, at right angles, with the axle e, on which the wheel revolves.
The wheel moves on the lower side of the projecting rail v, so as to keep the
wheel a in its proper position on the upper side of the projecting rail. The axle p
on which the wheel y revolves, as it moves on the projecting rail l, is rigidly con-
nected, at right angles, with the axle r, on which the wheel s revolves. The wheel

page_text: moves on the edge of the projecting rail l. The axle ris rigidly connected, at right
angles, with the axle t, on which the wheel u revolves. The wheels i and k move
on the rails g and h respectively.
In Figure 4, D is the track; F' are wheels one being cut away, to show other
parts; B is the platform parallel with the track D; C₁ the platform at right
angles with the track D; K the cable; Z' the spring pressing against the lock-
bar; the lock-bar in the position which it takes when the shoulder w¹ is
locked with the detent R; R the detent on the track, to hold the car stationary ;
w a shoulder or projection on the lock-bar x to engage the detent R; L' a ball on
the cable, to open the passage between P and ¹; Ma forked hook, engaging the
ball L. The counterpoise-car which starts from the most northerly point of the
track is not provided with the hook M'. The lock-bar x is tripped, at the terminus
of its arc of rotation, by a tripping bar of any convenient form, and this car is
released from the cable; and immediately thereafter the spring Z' locks the
lock-bar with a detent corresponding to R, the projection or shoulder of the
lock-bar being in front of the detent, so as to prevent a backward movement of
the car.
In Figure 5 the position of the sun being in the prolongation of G' R', its rays
fall upon the centre of the central mirror at g°. The arms a, e, f, &c. are rigidly
attached to the axes a³, c³, ƒº, &c. and pivoted at a, b, c, &c. to the rod W. The
heat-receiver is on the prolongation of n O. The lines as a³, c c &c. represent
the sun's rays reflected upon the heat-receiver. The wheel y' is a gear wheel
actuated by a pinion r¹ and crank v¹. The crank lever no, rigidly connected with
the wheel y', raises and lowers the rod W anl changes uniformly the inclination of
the mirrors. The rays of the sun, falling on the several mirrors at the same instant,
are all parallel. In this figure D represents the track and G the car.
In Figure 6, A', A', A³, A', represent the barrels or drums, all rigidly attached,
by ratchet connections, to a common axis a³. Upon these barrels are wound the
cords c, c, c, c, by which are suspended the weights B', B2, B3, B'. D', D, D³, are
movable supports of the weights, hinged at K₁, K, K³, and supported at the
opposite extremities, by the horizontal sliding detents F1, F2, F³, which detents are
attached to the cords G1, G2, G³.
In Figure 7, O represents the heat-receiver. For convenience the horizontal
tier of mirrors is represented as containing only three mirrors, A6, B5, Co. O D³ is
in the vertical plane passing through the sun, and cutting the central mirror at
right angles, through the middle. O D' also represents the vertical plane of
incidence of the sun's rays upon the central mirror, and the vertical plane of
The lines E' F'
reflection from the central mirror, upon the heat-receiver.
and G H represent the rays of the sun, parallel to O D³, falling upon the other
mirrors at E and G. OE' and OG' represent the vertical planes which must
be made the planes of reflection from the mirrors A' and C³, respectively, upon
the heat-receiver O. The planes represented by E' K' and G' N° bisect the
angles OE F and O GH', respectively. The mirrors A and C are made
perpendicular to the bisecting lines. The mirrors are then in such positions that
the angles made by the vertical plane of incidence with each mirror is equal to the
angle made by the vertical plane of reflection.
Figure 8, is an enlarged representation of one of the studs to which the mirror-
holders are pivoted. The main part of the stud, marked a', is held fast against the
bent rod, marked c', in Figure 7 by a nut on the extremity of f'. The parts
marked M², represent two of the four arms of the cross or holder which supports
the mirror with or without the mirror-case. The mirror-case may be an envelope
made of tin, brass, or other suitable material, hermetically sealed, covering the.
back and a narrow margin of the front of the mirror. The cross has, at the
extremities of three of its arms, hooks or clasps, k³, which embrace the mirror or
mirror-case. The hook or clasp on the extremity of the upper one of the four
arms is movable. It is removed to admit the mirror or mirror-case to its place,

page_text: and is then made fast to its arm by a screw. The arc is the front edge of the
.stud. The dotted arc o' is the rear edge of the tongue.
In Figure 9, M' represents the four arms of the cross which constitutes the
. mirror-holder. All the clasps at the extremities of these arins, except K' are
immovably attached to the arm. The clasp K is made removable, so as to admit
. the mirror to its plane in the holder. It is then fastened to the arm by the
screws Thumb screws are inserted in the screw-holes o³, and also counter-acting
screws in the back of the arms which latter screws are not shown in the drawing.
These screws and counter-acting screws are used to correct inaccuracies of work-
manship, in the manufacture of the holder, and of the stud shown in Figure 8.
At the holder is bolted to the part n' shown in Figure 8. :
The mirror holder, represented in Figure 9 of the drawings, is also represented
in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings accompanying the Specification of another
application for Letters Patent filed by nie on even date herewith, No. 22837 of 1893.
But in that application it is only claimed as an element of the combinations.
described as including said mirror-holder; nor is it claimed, although partially
described, in the Specification of still another application for Letters Patent filed
by me on even date herewith, No. 22836 of 1893.
The adjusting device, shown in Figure of the drawings, is also shown in
Figure 7 of the drawings of my said application for Letters Patent, No. 22837 of
1893. It is not claimed in this application, or in that, as a distinct invention, but
only as an element of the combinations described as including such adjusting device.
In the present case the track, for the car bearing the group of mirrors, is
represented as constructed on a hillside; and, when the mill, smelter, factory or
other seat of operations is located north of the equator, it will be desirable, if
convenient, to select a site on the north slope of a hill having an inclination to the
horizon about equal to the angle which the proximate plane of the sun's apparent
diurnal motion around the earth makes, at that point, with the plane of the horizon.
For example, the latitude of Washington being 38° 53' 39", this angle at this plane
is 51° 6' 21", being equal to ninety degrees less the latitude of the plane. On the
hill-side a bed is graded for the track D, in the are of a circle and on a plane
parallel with the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal movement around
the earth, the radius of the track being equal to the predetermined distance of the
central reflector from the heat-receiver.
If, however, the character of the surface is such that it cannot be conveniently
graded for the track, the track may be placed upon timbers, or stone, or be other-
wise supported in the proper plane and arc. If the seat of operations is. on ground
nearly level, it will be necessary either to excavate a foundation for the track, or
to construct it wholly above ground on a suitable foundation, or to construct it
partly upon an excavated foundation and partly upon a foundation elevated above,
the surface.
At all points north of the equator the plane of the track slopes towards the north,
and at all points south of the equator it slopes to the south. At points on the
equator the car and mirrors may be north and the heat-receiver south of the plane
of rotation or vice versa.
In the practice of my invention, I provide a track D resting upon a graded
plane Z. Y.; and at or near the centre of the circle, of which the track is a segment
or arc, is located the heat-receiver O. The number of degrees, in the arc of the
track, is equal to the number of degrees, in the are of horizon included between the
points where the sun rises and sets, at the seat of operations, at the summer
solstice.
Gis a car travelling on the track D'and bearing the reflectors suitably arranged
in frames H, the car being moved by a cable K, encompassing pulleys m, n, 0,
supported on the track D, and driven by a windlass, or drum J, suitably disposed
for that purpose.
The line A A' indicates the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal
(

page_text: t
movement around the earth, C being the centre of the circle of rotation, and C, O a
line perpendicular to its plane.
The car G is suitably mounted and held in position on the track by sixteen or
more wheels, eight at each end. One series, comprising three wheels a, d, f, is
arranged at one end of the horizontal axle b, and a fourth wheel i, with two flanges,
is attached to the opposite extremity of the horizontal axle, its flanges enclosing
the rail on which it moves. These four wheels are arranged upon a common
shaft, b, secured to the underside of the platform or part of the car which is parallel
to the plane of the track; another series of three wheels q, s, u, is arranged at the
upper end of the axle p, and another wheel k. like the wheel i, is attached to the
lower end of the axle p, these last four wheels being also carried upon a common
shaft p, secured to the platform or part of the car which is perpendicular to the
plane of the track.
The wheels a and f travel upon the upper and lower sides, respectively, of a
projecting rail of the car, while the wheel d travels upon the outer edge of said
rail.
U
The wheel i runs upon a rail g, its flanges enclosing the rail which is secured to
that part of the track D which is in the plane parallel to the proximate plane of
the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth. The series of wheels 9, 4, 8,
travel upon the projecting rail, of the other part of the car, having the same
relation thereto which the wheels a, d, f have to the rail ; and the wheel k, like
the wheel i, runs upon a rail h, similar to g, secured near the lower edge of this part
of the car.
In like manner eight wheels are attached to the two axes at the other
end of the car. Other similar series of wheels may be used, at intermediate points,
if required. Any other equivalent means may be used to hold the car to the
track.
Figure 4, is a counterpoise car upon the under side of which is a lock-bar x¹,
having a lateral shoulder w' adapted to engage a detent or stop R on the front or
forward side of the detent, to prevent backward movements of the car.
The lock-
bar is held in engagement with the detent, by the action of a spring Z¹ secured
to the underside of the car, and pressing, at its free extremity, upon the rear part
of the lock-bar.
The cable K carries a ball L' to act upon and trip the lock-bar, when the latter
is to be disengaged from the detent, the ball, after tripping the lock-bar, being
engaged by a bifurcated hook M' depending from the under side of the car.
The counterpoise car, which, in the northern hemisphere, starts from the most
northerly point of the track, is not provided with a duplicate of the hook M'.
The lock-bar x, on this car, is tripped, at the terminus of the arc of rotation, by
a suitable tripping bar, releasing the car from the cable; and immediately
thereafter the spring Z', automatically engages the lock-bar with a detent
corresponding to the detent R.
The reflectors may be mounted as follows:
The rod c', shown in Figure 7, is a cranked or bent shaft or axis, suitably
supported in the frame H shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5.
The reflectors are held in holders M Fig. 8, composed of crossed arms, the
ends, o, of three of which are bent inward, to receive and hold the reflector, while
the remaining arm has, removably connected with its outer end, an angular plate or
clasp K, Fig. 9, for the same purpose, said in-bent portions o¹ and said angular
plate or clamp having apertures o², to receive set-screws, to properly secure the
reflectors therein.
The angular plate or clamp K' is removable, on the withdrawal of its screws f¹,
to permit the placing of the reflector under the in-bent portion of the arm of the
holder M², as well as under the in-turned portion of the angular plate or
clamp K'.
Counteracting screws (not shown) are also applied to the arms of the reflector-
holder M³, to correct any inaccuracies in the construction of the holder or of the
stud: ..

page_text: The holder is fastened, at its centre, to a shouldered projection or stud a, fitting
into and pivoted to the bifurcated end of the screw-ended rod or bolt a', bolted to
the cranked shaft or axis c', the parts being so fitted together as to permit the
holder to be adjusted laterally at the required angle.
As shown in Figure 5, a series of shafts or axes is employed, arranged in a
horizontal position, each shaft or axis carrying a tier of reflectors, and from the
shafts or axes extend links or arms a³, c, 9, rigidly connected therewith and pivoted
to the bars W. Upon one of said axes is secured a gear-wheel y', geared to a
small pinion, to whose shaft is applied a handle v₁ by which the whole series of
shafts and their several tiers of reflectors, are simultaneously actuated.
A', A2, A3, A', Fig. 6, represent the barrels or drums, having pawl and ratchet
connections with a common shaft or axis a; and upon them are wound
cords c¹, c, c,, carrying weights B1, B2, B3, B4, respectively.
The shaft or axis a is connected by a train of gear-wheels (not shown) with the
windlass J, which drives the cable K. D', D2, D3, are movable shelves, for the
temporary support of the weights B2, B3, B4, hinged, at K', K, K³, upon the uprights
of a suitable frame-work.
The unhinged or free ends of the shelves are supported, upon slides, F1, F2, F³,
respectively, movable in ways or passages in said uprights, and connected to
cords G1, G2, G3, fastened, respectively, at their lower ends, to levers, H', H³, H³,
suitably pivoted to such uprights, said levers being in alignment with, and
adapted to be acted upon by, the weights as the latter reach their points of
maximum descent.
As the weights successively reach their lowest point of descent, the levers with-
draw the slides and permit the other weights successively to descend and unwind
their cords from their respective drums, causing each drum, in its turn, to rotate
the common shaft a and thereby the windlass J.
The first adjustment of the horizontal inclination of the reflectors is to be
affected as follows:
The track having been accurately laid, with the required radius (say 50 feet),
and the position of the centre fixed, so adjust the central reflector that a vertical
plane passing through the sun at midday shall bisect this reflector, at right angles,
the planes of all the reflectors of that tier being in, or parallel to, the plane of the
central reflector. Then rotate the common axis of this tier of reflectors until the
central mirror reflects the rays of the sun upon a rod erected at the centre of
the circle of which the track is an arc, perpendicular to the plane of the track.
Prepare a large scale drawing, exhibiting all the reflectors in the middle tier, and
also the rod at the centre of the circle, as represented in Figure 7, wherein, for
convenience, is shown only a single tier of three reflectors. The vertical planes of
incidence and reflection of the sun's rays will then both coincide, on the drawing,
with the vertical plane O D³.
The sun's rays being, at a given instant of time, all parallel, draw E, F³,
and G, H, Figure 7 from the middle of each reflector in the horizontal tier
containing the central reflector, parallel with O D. Draw lines E³, K' and G* N*,
bisecting the angles O E' F', and O G' H³, and draw the middle horizontal lines
of the respective reflectors perpendicular to these bisecting lines. The drawing
will then represent all the reflectors of the middle tier, in such positions as to
reflect the sun's rays, in a sufficiently limited field, upon the rod at the centre of
the circle. The reflectors of that tier are then to be rigidly fixed to their
common axis, or shaft, in the respective angular positions shown on the scale-
drawing.
.
All the reflectors of the several tiers, in each frame, are, in like manner, so
adjusted as to reflect the sun's rays upon the rod at the centre of the circle,
simultaneously with the central reflector of the middle tier.
The adjustment of the horizontal inclination of all the reflectors to the rod at
the centre is then complete. If the work has been accurately done, no further
adjustment of this inclination will be necessary.

page_text: The adjustment of the vertical inclination of the reflectors to the heat-receiver
is made as follows:
The arms or links a³, co, go, &c, which are rigidly attached to the common axes
of the several tiers of reflectors, are all to be pivoted, as shown in Figure 5, to the
rod W. The link or crank-arm no, rigidly connected with the gear-wheel y', is
also to be pivoted to the rod W, so that, when the crank is suitably operated
uniform changes in the inclination of the several mirrors may be effected. This is
accomplished as follows:
The car being on the track, in such a position that a vertical plane passing
through the sun bisects the central reflector at right angles, rotate the axis of the
tier of reflectors to which the central reflector is attached, until this reflector,
reflects the sun's rays upon the heat-receiver. All the reflectors of the same tier
will then reflect the sun's rays upon the heat-receiver, in a sufficiently limited field,
if their connection with the common axis has been accurately made.
Moving the car along the track, so as to keep the image of the sun, which is
reflected by the central reflector, constantly on the heat-receiver, where it must
remain until the adjustment is consummated, correct any inaccuracies in the attach-
ment of the reflectors of this tier to their common axis. The rod W, being made
temporarily immovable, pivot upon it the arm of this common axis, without
removing the reflectors. Then move the arms of the other axes in the same
mirror-frame, in succession, until all the reflectors in the frame reflect the sun's
rays upon the heat-receiver, and pivot their respective arms upon the har W,
correcting any inaccuracies in the angles at which the individual reflectors may
have been fastened to the axis, and keeping the reflection of the central reflector
meantime constantly upon the heat-receiver. Then pivot the crank arm or link n³
to the rod W, and the adjustment for this frame of reflectors is completed.
For the other frames of reflectors, if more than one be used, the adjustment will
be made in a similar manner, so that, when the central reflector of the middle
frame reflects the sun's rays upon the heat-receiver, all the reflectors of all the
frames will reflect the sun's rays, in a sufficiently limited field, upon the heat-
receiver.
But, inasmuch as the sun has an apparent motion to and fro between the tropics
each year, through an arc amounting, in 1893, to 46° 54' 23", its apparent altitude
changes slightly each day, and it becomes necessary, before commencing the day's
work, slightly to elevate or depress the rod W and the arms which it moves. The
extent of this elevation or depression be determined, in each case, by observation
or trigonometrical calculation, for the distance between the mirrors and the heat-
receiver.
Instead of operating the reflector-car by hand, it may be desirable to effect its
rotary movement by means of a weight, or of several weights, arranged like
clock-weights, in order to secure a constant force and a uniform movement of the
reflectors. To effect this, the reflector-car should be balanced, as nearly as
possible, on the track, by a counterpoise car loaded or ballasted with iron, stones,
earth, or other heavy material. This may be done as follows: When the reflector
car starts downwards from the initial point of the arc of revolution, a counter-
poise car, attached to the cable, starts upward from the middle of the arc of
revolution. When the reflector-car reaches the middle of the arc, the counter-
poise-car is disengaged from the cable, by the means hereinbefore described, or by
some other equivalent device. At the same instant, a second counterpoise-car,
previously stationed, and held by a detent, at the initial point of the arc of rotation,
is automatically released and attached to the cable and started downwards toward
the middle of the arc, where it arrives at the instant when the reflector car arrives
at the end of the arc. One of the means, by which this latter counterpoise-car
may be automatically connected with the cable, at the commencement of the arc
of rotation, and the lock-bar simultaneously released, so as to start the car, is
shown in Figure 4. .

page_text: To move the car, a single weight, attached to a cord passing around a revolving
barrel with pendulum regulation, as in clock-work, may suffice, or several weights
may be required according to circumstances. Suppose the radius of the track to
be large (say 100 feet) and the several cars to be of great weight. It may not be
practicable to suspend, for their movement, a single sufficient weight, at a sufficient
elevation. In that case, several weights may be employed, suspended from several
barrels, having pawl and ratchet connections with a common shaft, as hereinbefore
explained, each weight, just as its own work ends, automatically bringing into
operation a succeeding weight. To regulate the movement a pendulum of any of
the most approved forms may be employed.
1 do not confine myself, however, to the use of the weights for the movement of
the cars, or to the use of a pendulum for regulating the movement. Steam, water,
electric, or other power may be employed; or the movement may be effected and
regulated by hand, by means of a train of gear-wheels, or if not effected by hand,
may be regulated by hand, by means of conical pulleys, or otherwise.
Prior to the commencement of work in the morning the second counterpoise-car
and the reflector-car are moved back to the initial point of the arc of rotation, and
the other counterpoise-car is moved back to the middle point of the arc.
Another mode of moving the reflector-car on the track is this:
A train of gear-wheels is connected with the windlass, greatly multiplying the
power and giving a slow motion to the reflector-car. An operator actuates the
gear-wheels by a crank, and, with his eye on the heat-receiver, easily keeps
the focused rays in the proper place during the day. In this way, a single
operator, with the aid of the counterpoise-cars easily moves a car bearing a great
number of reflectors.
may be
I do not restrict my claims to any of these modes of operation, but claim the
mode herein described for utilizing solar heat, whether the reflector-car is rotated
in one or another of the modes herein disclosed, or in any other equivalent mode.
When the reflector-car and its counterpoise-car are of great weight,
convenient to resist the downward stress of the cars by brakes applied at the
commencement of the are of rotation, and automatically removed at the middle
thereof, or by brakes so adjusted as to alternately increase and diminish the
friction, at different stages of the movement of the reflectors, thus counteracting
the effects of the changes of direction on the downward stress of the car.
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 combination
of a group of reflectors supported in a frame having its plane perpendicular to.
the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal revolution around the earth;
a car supporting said reflectors and travelling through an arc of a circle, in a
plane parallel to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal movement
around the earth; a heat-receiver located in a line passing through the centre
of a circle of which the track of the reflector-car is an arc, and being perpen-
dicular to the plane of rotation; and means to effect the rotary movement of
the reflectors and their adjustment, so as to cause the reflectors constantly to
reflect the sun's rays upon the heat-receiver, substantially as set forth.
2. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a group of plane reflectors; their car travelling upon a circular track in a
plane parallel to the proximate plane of the sun's apparent diurnal movement
around the earth; and means for moving the car, with its reflectors, comprising
a weight or series of weights, suspended from one or more barrels or drums
adapted to connect with a windlass driving the cable operating the car, sub-
stantially as set forth.
3. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a group of reflectors; their car, having a rotary movement; a weight actuating

page_text: a drum or barrel driving the windlass which operates the cable of the car; and
a pendulum for regulating said movement, substantially as set forth.
4. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a tier of reflectors; and their shaft or axis, said reflectors having tongued
projections, at the rear, pivoted and fitting in bifurcated studs secured in said
shaft or axis, substantially as specified.
5. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of several tiers of reflectors; a series of shafts or axes carrying said reflectors;
rods having a link or arm connection with said series of shafts or axes; and a
handle carried by a pinion geared to one of said shafts, substantially as specified.
6. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a reflector-car, adapted to travel upon a circular sloping track; and a counter-
poise-car, adapted to co-act with said reflector-car, substantially as specified.
7. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a reflector car travelling upon a sloping circular track; means for operating
said car, comprising a weight with or without clock-work regulation; and a
counterpoise-car adapted to co-act with said reflector-car, substantially as set
forth.
8. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a car carrying reflectors for reflecting the sun's rays; and a track, in the
form of an arc of a circle, laid in a plane parallel to the proximate plane of the
sun's apparent diurnal movement around the earth, substantially as set forth.
9. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the reflector-car
having two surfaces or platforms at right angles with each other; and the means
for its retention upon the track, substantially as set forth.
10. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the reflector-
car, having two surfaces or platforms at right angles with each other, and having
axles attached to each platform, each axle carrying a series of wheels, travelling
upon their respective rails in different angular positions, substantially as set forth.
11. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of a counterpoise-car and its track; a lock-bar hung upon the car, and having a
lateral projection to engage a detent or stop on the track; and means to effect the
locking and unlocking of said lock-bar, substantially as set forth.
12. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the counter-
poise-car having attached thereto, the lock-bar adapted to engage a detent or stop
on the track, and pressed by a spring, and acted upon by a ball or shoulder upon
the cable, substantially as specified.
13. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of the mirror-car; the cable; the track having drums; and the windlass driving
said cable, the cable moving the car and encompassing the drums, substantially as
described.
14. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of the cable for actuating the car; the series of weights adapted automatically to
make each other succesively operative; and the windlass geared to and actuated
by the common shaft driven by said weights, substantially as set forth.
15. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of the shaft, geared to transmit motion to the windlass actuating the cable; the
drums or barrels having pawl and ratchet connections with said shaft; the
suspended weights; the hinged or pivoted shelves or supports for said weights;
and the slides supporting said shelves, at their free ends, and connected with
levers arranged in alignment with, and adapted to be acted upon, by said weights,
at or near their lowest point of descent, substantially as specified.
16. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the reflector
holders having several arms provided, respectively, at their extremities, with
clasps furnished with set-screws, one of said clasps being removable, substantially
as set forth.

page_text: 17. In mechanism for utilizing solar heat for industrial purposes, the combination
of the reflector-holder, whose several arms are provided with clasps, at the outer
ends; and the reflector, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 28th day of November 1893.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.