New Focus, Inc.

Skyline Solar, Inc.

Khiem Ba Do

David F Arnone

Sherwin D Cabatic

Michael Brownell

Gianfranco Gabbianelli

Marc A Finot

Dominico P Julian

Jan-Willem J Pieterse

Kevin Richard Langworthy

Eric C Johnson

Carter F Hand

Mark Wippich

Cameron G Wylie

Bruce Jenket

In one aspect of the present invention, a solar energy collection system that includes multiple longitudinally adjacent collectors is described. The collectors are coupled end to end to form a collector row. The collector row extends along a longitudinal axis and is arranged to rotate about a pivot axis to track the sun in at least one dimension. Each collector includes a reflector, one or more solar receivers and a support structure. The support structure includes a tube assembly that underlies the reflector. The tube assemblies of the collector row are arranged end to end along the longitudinal axis. There is a space between the tube assemblies of adjacent collectors in the collector row, where the reflectors of the adjacent collectors extend beyond the underlying tube assemblies to form a substantially continuous reflective surface over the space. A coupling device is positioned in the space between the tube assemblies. The coupling device connects and helps to rotate the tube assemblies of the adjacent collectors. Some embodiments relate to various types of coupling devices and collector arrangements.

Solar energy collection system

Apparatus and methods that provide a tunable laser output wavelength which varies linearly or with high predictability over time, and which can provide tuning speeds of greater than 100 nanometers per second. The apparatus includes a laser resonator cavity having first and second reflective elements, at least one of which is movable to provide a constant change in output wavelength with respect to time. A tuning assembly associated with the movable reflective element is structured, configured, and positioned to adjust the movable reflective elements such that constant changes in output wavelength and high tuning speeds are provided.

External cavity laser apparatus

A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is disclosed which allows a single positioning element to be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. The motion module includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface on which a first interconnector is located. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is rotary or linearly positionable with respect to the base The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage, The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable With second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.

Modular motion stages utilizing interconnecting elements

A multi-position optic mount is disclosed which provides for automatic movement of an optic element between an engaged position, in which the optic element intersects an optical path, and a disengaged position, in which the optic element avoids an optical path. The optic mount may be used for a broad range of optical elements including: lenses, filters, etalons, gratings, retroreflectors, wave guides, fiber optics, lasers, photo-detectors, etc. A unique activation capability is provided in which an active actuator and passive actuator are utilized to move the mount between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Multi-position optic mount

An improved optical mounting apparatus permits a single kinematically adjustable surface to be presented in either a horizontal or vertical orientation with respect to a support. A three point fastening system allows cylindrical optical elements of various sizes to be fastened to the kinematically adjustable surface in a horizontal orientation. The three point fastening system is removable so that when the kinematically adjustable surface is placed in a horizontal orientation transparent optical elements such as prisms can be fastened to the surface with an unobstructed optical path for a full 360.degree. around the mounting surface. The apparatus for mounting optical elements comprises a support, base plate, a pivot member, two adjustable projections, a stage plate, and at least three removable fasteners. The base plate includes first and third opposing faces and a second face at right angles to the first and third faces. The base plate has on its first and second faces, respectively, a first and a second fastening member, for fastening the first and third opposing faces in a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation with respect to the support. The pivot member extends from the third face of the base plate. The two adjustable projections extend from the third face of the base plate. The two adjustable projections are arcuately separated by an angle of approximately 90.degree. with respect to the pivot member. The stage plate includes first and second opposing faces. The first face of the stage plate is spaced apart from the base plate by the pivot member and is arcuately disposed with respect to the base plate by the two adjustable projections. To lock the cylindrical optical elements of different diameters to the second face of the stage plate, at least three removable fasteners are provided.

Wide range cylindrical mirror mount with radial clamp

An optic mount for holding an optic element in a light path is provided. The optic mount includes a base and a holder. A base and a holder are pivotally connected. The holder includes an optic bore. The optic bore is dimensioned to contain an optical element. Arcuate movement of the holder with respect to the base allows an optic element to be moved from a first position, in which the light path passes through the optic bore to a second position in which the optic bore avoids the light path. In another embodiment of the invention, a modular configuration of optic mounts for holding a plurality of optic elements in a light path is provided. The modular configuration includes at least two base and holder pairs. Each base and holder are pivotally connected. Each holder includes an optic bore. The optic bores of both holders are dimensioned to hold an optical element. The first and second bases are aligned by complementary interlocking elements on the opposing faces of each of the base units. Arcuate movement of each holder with respect to its base allows optic elements to be moved individually from a first position in which the light path passes through the optic bore to a second position in which the optic bore avoids the light path. The optic bores can clamp thin optic elements axially and thick optic elements radially.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Khiem Ba Do