Multi-function field-deployable resource harnessing apparatus and methods of manufacture
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 the concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point defined by the reflector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-function, field-deployable resource harnessing apparatus having, in its embodiments, an inflatable reflector apparatus comprising at least one manufactured parabolic mirror made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet (UV) radiation including solar energy. A first main embodiment of the inflatable reflector apparatus generally utilizes two pressure-deformable membranes, at least one of which is reflective. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. In addition to the reflector apparatus, the modular apparatus typically further includes modular assemblies to increase versatility facilitate use, and/or enhance safety such as, for example, a modular support and orienting assembly, a separate support ring, a safety shield or cage, a focal point support assembly, a safety cover, a safety net or mesh, and a stabilizing assembly. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.
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Citations
76 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 the concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point defined by the reflector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A field-deployable reflector apparatus comprising:
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(a) a ring support element comprising at least one ring, and the ring support element includes a vacant center; (b) at least two mechanically-deployable membranes extending across the vacant center of the support element, and at least one of the membranes is reflective to electromagnetic radiation; and (c) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding the concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point defined by the reflector. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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45. A field-deployable apparatus for collecting, storing, or processing one or more materials, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) a ring support element including at least one substantially tubular ring, and the ring support element includes a vacant center; (b) one or more membranes extending across the vacant center of the support element, wherein a first membrane is disposed at an upper surface of the ring support element so as to form a floor of a collection basin for a material; and (c) a collecting, storing, or processing device disposed to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of collecting, storing and processing a material, wherein the collecting, storing, or processing device is connected to one or more of the ring support element and the first membrane. - View Dependent Claims (46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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56. A field-deployable inflatable apparatus for harnessing energy from waves, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a first ring support element comprising at least one substantially tubular inflatable ring, and the first ring support element includes a vacant center, wherein a first membrane extends across the vacant center of the first ring support element and a first inflatable cover is attached to the first ring support element;
(b) a mechanical energy harnessing assembly attached to the first ring support element; and
(c) a second ring support element comprising at least one substantially tubular inflatable ring, the second ring support element includes a vacant center, and a second membrane extends across the vacant center of the second ring support element and a second cover is attached to the second ring support element, and the energy harnessing assembly is also attached to the second ring support element so the energy harnessing assembly is disposed between the covers of the first ring support element and the second ring support element. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58)
- (a) a first ring support element comprising at least one substantially tubular inflatable ring, and the first ring support element includes a vacant center, wherein a first membrane extends across the vacant center of the first ring support element and a first inflatable cover is attached to the first ring support element;
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59. A field-deployable inflatable apparatus for harnessing energy from fluid streams, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a first ring support element comprising at least one substantially tubular inflatable ring, and the first ring support element includes a vacant center; and
(b) an energy harnessing assembly attached to the first ring support element, wherein the energy harnessing assembly includes a turbine device. - View Dependent Claims (60, 61, 62, 63)
- (a) a first ring support element comprising at least one substantially tubular inflatable ring, and the first ring support element includes a vacant center; and
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64. An apparatus comprising:
- (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 the concentration of electromagnetic energy; and
(c) a support element, wherein the safety member, the support element, and optionally the reflector, each comprise a portion of a globe-shaped structure of the apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (65, 66, 67, 68, 69)
- (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy;
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70. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) a low-inflation-volume spherical support having an approximately parabolic inner surface; and (b) a reflective membrane attached to the approximately parabolic inner surface of the low-inflation-volume spherical support. - View Dependent Claims (71, 72, 73, 74, 75)
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76. A multifunction 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 the concentration of electromagnetic energy, wherein the reflector comprises i. a support element including at least one ring or frame, and the support element includes a vacant center; and
ii. at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending at least partially across the vacant center of the support element, wherein the membranes and the support element define at least one reflector chamber, and at least one of the membranes is reflective to electromagnetic radiation.
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Specification