The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 09, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1997
Kenneth W Stone, Huntington Beach, CA (US);
James B Blackmon, Brownsboro, AL (US);
McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Long Beach, CA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for precisely aligning individual facets on a dish concentrator located at most any location. The basic components of the present alignment system includes a camera and light assembly, an alignment device, an operator controller, and a support member for supporting the camera and light assembly. The camera and light assembly illuminate each facet individually and identifies the reflections using the camera in conjunction with a processor to compile a register of light reflection data. The operator controller processes this light data and calculates the normal vector for each facet. Once the facet normal vector is determined, the difference between the actual angular position of the facet and the optimum alignment position is determined. The facet may then be adjusted or aligned to a desired aimpoint on the concentrator. After each facet is aligned, the process may be repeated for increased accuracy. The quantitative data obtained and used to align each facet may also be used to analyze the dish collectors performance which may also be archived to assist in determining and identifying future problems. Portability of the apparatus is enhanced by the present apparatus's light weight and small size.