Systems and methods for harnessing resources
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and
(b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector,wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to, among other items, a concentrating reflector comprising: a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing or food-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone, for example, a beverage-brewing device such as for brewing coffee or tea; a kernel-popping device such as for popping popcorn, among others.
The present invention further discloses collapsible, nesting reflector apparatus, whereby a plurality of the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, are compactly stackable to facilitate portage and storage.
The present invention also discloses improved methods for enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible materials for human consumption.
54 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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(a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus, comprising:
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(a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector; and (c) a support structure for supporting and orienting the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as being collapsible, and wherein the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, is stackable to facilitate portage and storage. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A method of enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible material for human consumption, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing or deploying, or providing and deploying, a container of pre-packaged edible material, the container having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface, wherein, when the container is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface to radiant solar energy, the edible material is prepared for consumption via heating as radiant solar energy striking the radiant-energy-absorbing surface warms the container and the edible material contained therein. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification