SOLAR GENERATOR
First Claim
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1. A solar generator, comprising:
- a base;
a turntable provided to the base such that the turntable can rotate with respect to the base; and
a plurality of solar cell segments arranged in a plurality of rows, and at least one of the rows comprising at least two solar cell segments,wherein the plurality of solar cell segments are disposed atop the turntable, andwherein each of the plurality of rows of solar cell segments are mechanically linked to one another such that changing an elevational aim of the solar cell segments in one row simultaneously changes an elevational aim of the solar cell segments in each of the other rows of solar cell segments.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solar generator includes a base, a turntable provided to the base, a solar array disposed atop the turntable and a cover or dome that is disposed atop the base to define an enclosure surrounding the solar array and turntable. The solar array can include separate solar cell segments arranged side-by-side in a row. Multiple rows can be provided. The rows are spaced-apart such that each row can be oriented towards the sun with less potential for shading the other solar panel arrays in adjacent rows. A motor control unit operates motors to adjust the azimuth and elevation angle of the solar elements in the array so that the sun'"'"'s position in the sky can be tracked.
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21 Claims
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1. A solar generator, comprising:
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a base; a turntable provided to the base such that the turntable can rotate with respect to the base; and a plurality of solar cell segments arranged in a plurality of rows, and at least one of the rows comprising at least two solar cell segments, wherein the plurality of solar cell segments are disposed atop the turntable, and wherein each of the plurality of rows of solar cell segments are mechanically linked to one another such that changing an elevational aim of the solar cell segments in one row simultaneously changes an elevational aim of the solar cell segments in each of the other rows of solar cell segments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 21)
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14. The solar generator of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of solar cell segments comprises a solar cell surface, and wherein the solar cell surface is planar.
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14-1. (canceled)
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16. A solar generator, comprising:
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a base; a dome disposed atop the base that together with the base defines an enclosure; a turntable disposed entirely within the enclosure, the turntable rotatable with respect to the base; a plurality of solar cell segments arranged in a plurality of rows, and at least one of the rows comprising at least two solar cell segments, the plurality of solar cell segments disposed entirely inside of the enclosure and atop the turntable; wherein each of the plurality of rows of solar cell segments are mechanically linked to one another such that changing an elevational aim of the solar cell segments in one row simultaneously changes an elevational aim of the solar cell segments in each of the other rows of solar cell segments. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method of tracking the sun with a solar cell array;
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disposing a plurality of solar cell segments atop a turntable; arranging the plurality of solar cell segments in a plurality of spaced-apart rows; pivotably mounting each of the rows atop the base such that an elevation angle of each of the rows can be pivoted; linking each of the plurality of rows together mechanically such that changing an elevation of one of the rows causes an elevation of each of the other rows to simultaneously adjust by pivoting about a respective pivot point or each row; and rotating the turntable to change an azimuth orientation of the plurality of solar segments without rotating each of the plurality of solar cell segments individually and without rotating each of the plurality of rows individually. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification