THERMAL-MECHANICAL POSITIONING FOR RADIATION TRACKING
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.
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Citations
76 Claims
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1-27. -27. (canceled)
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28. A system for controlling the angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source comprising:
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a frame; a platform pivotably coupled to the frame; and a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame and adapted to pivot the platform to substantially track a movement of the radiation source, wherein the pivotable platform is adapted to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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32. (canceled)
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34. (canceled)
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36-38. -38. (canceled)
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42-43. -43. (canceled)
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48. (canceled)
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54. A method of tracking a radiation source comprising the steps of:
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providing a pivotable platform; positioning a thermal actuation element below the pivotable platform so that the pivotable platform at least partially blocks energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element; and coupling the thermal actuation element to the pivotable platform, thereby allowing the pivotable platform to pivot in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.
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55-74. -74. (canceled)
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75. A system for controlling the angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source comprising:
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a frame; a first platform pivotably coupled to the frame; a elongate thermal actuation element coupled to the frame; and a shading platform positioned at least partially between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element, the shading platform comprising a plurality of shading elements adapted to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, the thermal actuation element adapted to pivot the first platform in response to impingement of energy from the radiation source thereon to substantially track a movement of the radiation source.
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76-84. -84. (canceled)
Specification